Most bacterial cell surface glycans are structurally unique, and have been considered as ideal target molecules for the developments of detection and diagnosis techniques, as well as vaccines. Chemical synthesis has been a promising approach to prepare well-defined oligosaccharides, facilitating the structure-activity relationship exploration and biomedical applications of bacterial glycans. L-Galactosaminuronic acid is a rare sugar that has been only found in cell surface glycans of gram-negative bacteria. Here, an orthogonally protected L-galactosaminuronic acid building block was designed and chemically synthesized. A synthetic strategy based on glycal addition and TEMPO/BAIB-mediated C6 oxidation served well for the transformation of commercial L-galactose to the corresponding L-galactosaminuronic acid. Notably, the C6 oxidation of the allyl glycoside was more efficient than that of the selenoglycoside. In addition, a balance between the formation of allyl glycoside and the recovery of selenoglycoside was essential to improve efficiency of the NIS/TfOH-catalyzed allylation. This synthetically useful L-galactosaminuronic acid building block will provide a basis for the syntheses of complex bacterial glycans.
Carbohydrates ; Glycosides ; Oligosaccharides ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Polysaccharides/chemistry*

Residue of Mori Cortex was studied to optimize its enzymatic hydrolysis process, and explore its potential as a carbon source for biochemistry and biofuel production. The cellulose content of diluted acid pretreated (DAP) and non-pretreated from Mori Cortex were measured in this study, and the results showed that the cellulose content of DAP and non-pretreated from Mori Cortex were 52.5% and 47%, respectively. This higher cellulose content indicated that residue of Mori Cortex had the potential to act as a carbon source for biochemistry and biofuel production. Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated and non-pretreated from Mori Cortex was conducted under different enzyme loading amount. 40 FPU·(g DW）⁻¹ enzyme loading was determined as the optimal amount by comparing the yield of sugar and the rate of enzymolysis. Under this condition, the concentrations of glucose, xylose, arabinose sugar were 23.82, 4.84, 3.6 g·L⁻¹, and the corresponding enzymatic hydrolysis rate was 45.33% which was 2.3 times higher than that of non-pretreated from Morus alba residues. Fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted finally to get higher sugar yield, and the final glucose concentration reached up to 38 g·L⁻¹ with the enzymatic hydrolysis rate of 36.19%. The results indicated that Mori Cortex residue had higher cellulose and hemicellulose contents, so it had the potential to become a carbon source to produce the bio-chemicals and biofuels. Through enzymatic hydrolysis, it can be converted into microbial available monosaccharides; and through fermentation, it can be converted into high value-added chemicals, biofuels, etc., to solve the problem of residue pollution, and achieve the sustainable development and greening of Chinese pharmaceutical production process.
Carbohydrates ; Cellulose ; chemistry ; Enzymes ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Hydrolysis ; Morus ; chemistry

This study aimed to compare the effects of activity-based personalized nutrition education (APNE) with a general instruction for diabetes (control, CTRL) in middle-aged and older Korean outpatients with type 2 diabetes. After an initial screening, 70 subjects were randomly assigned to APNE (n = 37) or CTRL (n = 33) group. APNE considered each patient’s anthropometry, blood chemistry data, and dietary habits in addition to planning meal choices with the aid of registered dietitians. After 3 months, dietary behavior, food intake, and anthropometric and blood measurement results were evaluated. Fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels decreased in the APNE group (n = 33) but not in the CTRL group (n = 23). In the APNE group, the meal intervals and number of days of consuming high-fat food were decreased, while the number of days following a meal plan and balanced diet that entailed consuming fruits, vegetables, and healthy food was increased. A lower consumption of carbohydrates, saccharides, grains, and tuber crops and a higher protein, pulses, and fat-derived calorie intake compared with the initial values were observed in the APNE group. In contrast, only the number of days following the meal plan and balanced diet was increased in the CRTL group, without significantly changing the individual macronutrient-derived calorie intake. The APNE approach appeared to effectively educate outpatients with type 2 diabetes about changing their dietary behavior and food intake and improving the clinical parameters related to diabetic conditions.
Anthropometry ; Blood Glucose ; Carbohydrates ; Chemistry ; Diet ; Eating ; Education* ; Fasting ; Food Habits ; Fruit ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Meals ; Nutritionists ; Outpatients* ; Vegetables

For understanding the effect of MDG-1, a water-soluble β-D-fructan polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicas, on intestinal microecological balance, especially on the changes of lactobacillus, sixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were given a high-fat diet for six weeks and were also gavaged with saline once a day simultaneously. Then the mice which is below 30 grams or dropped more than 10% through lavage were eliminated and the rest were randomly divided into four groups: diet-induced obese (DIO) model group (n = 12, gavaged with saline), low-dose MDG-1 group (n = 12, gavaged with MDG-1, 75 mg · kg(-1)) , medial-dose MDG- 1 group (n = 12, gavaged with 150 mg · kg(-1)), and high-dose MDG-1 group (n = 12, gavaged with 300 mg · kg(-1)) according to the weight and blood glucose; the model group and MDG-1 group were placed on a high-fat diet while the normal control group (n = 12, gavaged with saline) were kept on a low-fat diet through the experiment. After 12-weeks of treatment, feces samples were collected and cultured for intestinal microecological balance analysis. Then the intestinal probiotics were cultured through traditional methods combined with modified gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method. The changes of lactobacillus in each treatment group were also detected by a statistical analysis of the total number of the intestinal flora. We have established the phylogenetic tree by 16S rDNA sequencing and use some molecular identification methods such as PCR-DGGE to analyse the changes of the dominant bacteria floras, and also get the pure culture. In conclusion, different concentrations of MDG-1 can increase the number of the intestinal probiotics, especially Taiwan lactobacillus and Lactobacillus murinus, and improve their diversity and promote proliferation in a dose-dependent way.
Animals ; Biodiversity ; Diet, High-Fat ; adverse effects ; Dietary Carbohydrates ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Humans ; Intestines ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Lactobacillus ; classification ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Obese ; Molecular Structure ; Obesity ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Ophiopogon ; chemistry ; Phylogeny ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; chemistry

The expensive production of bioethanol is because it has not yet reached the 'THREE-HIGH' (High-titer, high-conversion and high-productivity) technical levels of starchy ethanol production. To cope with it, it is necessary to implement a high-gravity mash bioethanol production (HMBP), in which sugar hydrolysates are thick and fermentation-inhibitive compounds are negligible. In this work, HMBP from an atmospheric glycerol autocatalytic organosolv pretreated wheat straw was carried out with different fermentation strategies. Under an optimized condition (15% substrate concentration, 10 g/L (NH4)2SO4, 30 FPU/g dry matter, 10% (V/V) inoculum ratio), HMBP was at 31.2 g/L with a shaking simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at 37 degrees C for 72 h, and achieved with a conversion of 73% and a productivity of 0.43 g/(L x h). Further by a semi-SFF with pre-hydrolysis time of 24 h, HMBP reached 33.7 g/L, the conversion and productivity of which was 79% and 0.47 g/(L x h), respectively. During the SSF and semi-SSF, more than 90% of the cellulose in both substrates were hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars. Finally, a fed-batch semi-SFF was developed with an initial substrate concentration of 15%, in which dried substrate (= the weight of the initial substrate) was divided into three portions and added into the conical flask once each 8 h during the first 24 h. HMBP achieved at 51.2 g/L for 72 h with a high productivity of 0.71 g/(L x h) while a low cellulose conversion of 62%. Interestingly, the fermentation inhibitive compound was mainly acetic acid, less than 3.0 g/L, and there were no other inhibitors detected, commonly furfural and hydroxymethyl furfural existing in the slurry. The data indicate that the lignocellulosic substrate subjected to the atmospheric glycerol autocatalytic organosolv pretreatment is very applicable for HMBP. The fed-batch semi-SFF is effective and desirable to realize an HMBP.
Biofuels ; Carbohydrates ; chemistry ; Cellulose ; chemistry ; Ethanol ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Furaldehyde ; chemistry ; Glycerol ; chemistry ; Hydrolysis ; Triticum

In the storage of Radix Ophiopogonis, browning often happens to cause potential risk with regard to safety. Previously few reports investigate the browning of Radix Ophiopogonis. In this research, the causes and mechanisms of the browning of Radix Ophiopogonis were preliminarily elucidated. Content determination by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry, enzyme activity determination by colorimetry, and morphological observation by electron microscopy were performed in the present study. Uniform design and three-dimensional response surfaces were applied to investigate the relationship between browning and storage factors. The cortex cell wall of browned Radix Ophiopogonis was ruptured. Compared with the normal Radix Ophiopogonis, cellulase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes were activated, the levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), total sugars, and reducing sugars were increased, while the levels of polysaccharides and methylophiopogonanone A were decreased in browned Radix Ophiopogonis. The relationship between the storage factors and degree of browning (Y) could be described by following correlation equation: Y = - 0.625 4 + 0.020 84 × X3 + 0.001 514 × X1 × X2 - 0.000 964 4 × X2 × X3. Accompanied with browning under storage conditions, the chemical composition of Radix Ophiopogonis was altered. Following the activation of cellulase, the rupture of the cortex cell wall and the outflow of cell substances flowed out, which caused the Radix Ophiopogonis tissue to become soft and sticky. The main causes of the browning were the production of 5-HMF, the activation of polyphenol oxidase, Maillard reactions and enzymatic browning. Browning could be effectively prevented when the air relative humidity (HR), temperature, and moisture content were under 25% RH, 12 °C and 18%, respectively.
Carbohydrates ; biosynthesis ; Catechol Oxidase ; Cell Wall ; enzymology ; Cellulase ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Food Storage ; methods ; Furaldehyde ; analogs & derivatives ; chemical synthesis ; Humidity ; Maillard Reaction ; Ophiopogon ; chemistry ; enzymology ; Temperature

Deconstruction of lignocellulosic plant cell walls to fermentable sugars by biochemical means is impeded by several poorly understood ultrastructural and chemical barriers. Pretreatment is an essential step by altering the morphological and compositional characteristics of biomass to enhance the sugar release during enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, getting insight into this field is necessary to improve the conversion of biomass into biofuels. In this review, we highlight our recent understanding on the impact of various promising pretreatments on biomass, with emphasis on the topochemical and ultrastructural changes of plant cell walls that are related to the reduction of recalcitrance and the consequence of saccharification. It will lend support to the scientific research and development with respect to biomass conversion.
Biofuels ; Biomass ; Carbohydrates ; chemistry ; Cell Wall ; ultrastructure ; Fermentation ; Hydrolysis ; Lignin ; chemistry ; Plant Cells ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo study the dynamic changes in macronutrients and energy in human milk from mothers of premature infants.

METHODSA total of 339 human milk samples were collected from 170 women who delivered preterm or full-term infants in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2012 and January 2014. Macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates and energy were measured using a MIRIS human milk analyzer and compared between groups.

RESULTSIn milk samples from premature infants' mothers, the protein levels were the highest in colostrum (2.22±0.49 g/dL), less in transitional milk (1.83±0.39 g/dL), and the least in mature milk (1.40±0.28 g/dL) (P<0.01), and the levels of fats (2.4±1.3 g/dL vs 3.1±1.1 g/dL; P<0.01), carbohydrates (6.4±0.9 g/dL vs 6.6±0.4 g/dL; P<0.05) and energy (55±9 kcal/dL vs 62±8 kcal/dL; P<0.01) were significantly lower in colostrum than in transitional milk. The protein levels in colostrum from premature infants' mothers were significantly higher than those in colostrum from term infants' mothers (2.22±0.49 g/dL vs 2.07±0.34 g/dL; P<0.05). The colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks had significantly higher protein levels than those from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks and ≥34 weeks (2.48±0.68 g/dL vs 2.11±0.25 g/dL and 2.22±0.39 g/dL respectively, P<0.05); the energy levels in colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks group (51±6 kcal/dL) were significantly lower than those in colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks (58±8 kcal/d; P<0.05). The carbohydrate levels in transitional milk from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks were significantly higher than those in transitional milk from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks and ≥34 weeks (P<0.05). The protein levels in mature milk from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks were significantly higher than those in mature milk from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of ≤30 weeks and ≥34 weeks (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe levels of macronutrients and energy in milk from mothers of premature infants vary significantly between colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Protein levels are significantly higher in colostrum from premature infants' mothers than in colostrum from term infants' mothers, but the significant difference is not seen for mature milk. Macronutrient and energy levels show significant differences between milk samples from mothers of premature infants with different gestational ages, so as to meet different needs of premature infants.

Adult ; Carbohydrates ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Lipids ; analysis ; Middle Aged ; Milk Proteins ; analysis ; Milk, Human ; chemistry ; Pregnancy

The intestinal absorption of berberine (Ber) and its structural modified compound 8-hydroxy dihydroberberine (Hdber) was compared, and their effects on the intestinal absorption of sugar by perfusion experiment were investigated in order to reveal the mechanism of low dose and high activity of Hdber in the treatment of hyperglycemia. The absorption of Hdber and Ber in rat small intestine was measured by in situ perfusion. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the concentrations of Hdber and Ber. In situ perfusion method was also used to study the effects of Hdber and Ber on sugar intestinal absorption. Glucose oxidase method and UV spectrophotometry were applied to examine the concentrations of glucose and sucrose in the perfusion fluid. The results showed that the absorption rate of Ber in the small intestine was lower than 10%, but that of Hdber was larger than 70%. Both Hdber and Ber inhibited the absorption of glucose and sucrose at the doses of 10 and 20 μg/mL. However, Hdber presented stronger activity than Ber (P<0.01). It is suggested that Hdber is absorbed easily in rat small intestine and that its inhibitory effect on the absorption of sugar is better than Ber.
Absorption ; Animals ; Berberine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Carbohydrate Metabolism ; drug effects ; Carbohydrates ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Intestinal Absorption ; drug effects ; Rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The serum cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) has been suggested to be a surrogate marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between CK-18 and metabolic parameter in NAFLD patients. Correlation between CK-18 and macronutrient composition was also assessed. METHODS: A total of 212 subjects were recruited. Blood chemistry including fasting glucose, cholesterol level, AST, ALT, and CK-18 were compared. Data on calorie intake and carbohydrate consumption were acquired by five-day-diet diary using 24 hour recall method. RESULTS: Plasma CK-18 were markedly increased in patient with NAFLD compared with control group (420.4+/-282.3 vs. 313.6+/-179, p<0.001). Plasma CK-18 were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=0.130), ALT (r=0.503) and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol (r=-0.246). NAFLD patients with metabolic syndrome had higher CK-18 level than those without metabolic syndrome (484.0 vs. 372.1 U/L, p=0.021). When NAFLD patients were subdivided into two groups with CK-18 cut-off value of 400 U/L, patients with CK-18 level over 400 U/L showed higher body mass index (28.0+/-4.5 vs. 25.5+/-4.3), subcutaneous abdominal fat (283.5+/-172.2 vs. 195.7+/-147.8), AST (52.7+/-26.3 vs. 40.7+/-23.5) and ALT (102.0+/-52.6 vs. 61.2+/-32.2). Calorie intake (r=0.301) and carbohydrate intake (r=0.305) also showed positive correlation with CK-18. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma CK-18 showed positive correlation with metabolic parameters as well as calorie and carbohydrate intake when its cut-off value of greater than 400 U/L was used.
Abdominal Fat ; Biological Markers ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Carbohydrates ; Chemistry ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Fasting ; Fatty Liver* ; Glucose ; Humans ; Keratin-18* ; Plasma ; Ultrasonography*