Anti-Disuse Osteoporosis Activity of a Complex of Calcium-Binding Peptide from Auricularia auricula Protein Hydrolysates

Multiscale simulation of the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on the mechanical properties distribution of osteocytes

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a potential effective means for the prevention and treatment of disuse osteoporosis. In this paper, the effect of LIPUS exposure on the mechanical properties distribution of the osteocyte system (osteocyte body contains nucleus, osteocyte process, and primary cilia) is simulated. The results demonstrate that the mechanical micro-environment of the osteocyte is significantly improved by ultrasound exposure, and the mean von Mises stress of the osteocyte system increases linearly with the excitation sound pressure amplitude. The mechanical effect of LIPUS on osteocytes is enhanced by the stress amplification mechanism of the primary cilia and osteocyte processes.

Active pullulan-based coatings incorporated with Auricularia auricular extracts for preserving potato fresh-cuts

In the present study, Auricularia auricular polysaccharides (AAP) and Auricularia auricular proteins (AAPR) obtained from the waste products of Auricularia auricular were incorporated into pullulan (PUL) to obtain active packaging films/coatings. Results showed that incorporating AAP/AAPR into PUL-based films decreased their transparency, but increased the compactness, thermal stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Adding 2% PUL films with 10%:10% of AAP/AAPR exhibiting good mechanical properties were applied to fresh-cut potatoes to avoid spoilage during eight days of storage, with significantly decreased in browning index, weight loss, microbial growth prevention and the total soluble solids was maintained. These results substantiated that pullulan containing AAP/AAPR as an active film/coating with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties has significant potential for maintaining safety and quality of fresh-cut potatoes and extending their shelf life.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Capsule-Producing Black Yeasts Exophiala dermatitidis and Exophiala spinifera, Potential Agents of Disseminated Mycoses

The two black yeasts Exophiala dermatitidis and Exophiala spinifera that are clinically considered as the most virulent species potentially causing disseminated infections are both producing extracellular capsule-like material, are compared. In this study, 10 genomes of E. spinifera and E. dermatitidis strains, including both clinical and environmental isolates, were selected based on phylogenetic analysis, physiology tests and virulence tests, sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq sequencer and annotated. Comparison of genome data were performed between intraspecific and interspecific strains. We found capsule-associated genes were however not consistently present in both species by the comparative genomics. The prevalent clinical species, E. dermatitidis, has small genomes containing significantly less virulence-associated genes than E. spinifera, and also than saprobic relatives. Gene OG0012246 and Myb-like DNA-binding domain and SANT/Myb domain, restricted to two strains from human brain, was shared with the neurotropic species Rhinocladiella mackenziei. This study indicated that different virulence profiles existed in the two capsule-producing black yeasts, and the absence of consistent virulence-associated profiles supports the hypothesis that black yeasts are opportunists rather than primary pathogens. The results also provide the key virulence genes and drive the continuing research forward pathogen–host interactions to explore the pathogenesis.