Abstract Background: CTHRC1 is highly expressed in various cancers. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the role of CTHRC1 played in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development and its underlying biological functions. Methods: Enriched pathways and upstream transcription factors of CTHRC1 were explored by bioinformatics analysis. Dual-luciferase assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to verify the binding relationship between CTHRC1 and HOXB9. CCK-8 was utilized to detect cell viability. Expression levels of CTHRC1, HOXB9, and angiogenesis-related genes were assessed by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Angiogenesis assay was used to detect angiogenesis ability. Quantitative analysis of metabolites were used to detect the accumulation of neutral lipids, the levels of free fatty acids (FAs), and glycerol. Western blot was conducted to measure expression of metabolic enzymes of FA. Results: CTHRC1 was enriched in FA metabolic pathway, which was positively correlated and bound with HOXB9. CTHRC1 and HOXB9 expression was remarkably up-regulated in LUAD cells. Overexpression of CTHRC1 promoted FA metabolic pathway and angiogenesis, and FA inhibitor Orlistat restored it to NC group level. Meanwhile, CTHRC1 affected LUAD angiogenesis by activating HOXB9 to regulate FA metabolism. Conclusions: This study found that activation of CTHRC1 by HOXB9 induces angiogenesis by mediating FA metabolism. CTHRC1 may be a potential target for LUAD diagnosis.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the possible impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Patients with AF who underwent coronary computed tomography and catheter ablation were enrolled. The presence of stenotic severity and plaque, characteristics of coronary arteries, clinical data, and adverse outcomes of catheter ablation were analysed. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled, 100 (41%) patients with CAD. The CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, and sex category) score of AF patients with CAD was significantly (P<0.001) higher than of those without CAD. Presence of stenotic artery and plaques increased significantly with increase of CHA2DS2-VASc score (P<0.05). There was no significant (P=0.342) difference in AF recurrence between patients with and without CAD (30% versus 24%). Age, AF type, duration of AF, heart failure, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with AF recurrence in univariant analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that duration of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.769), heart failure (HR 1.821), and left atrial diameter (HR 1.487, P=0.022) remained significant independent predictors of AF recurrence. Patients with AF and concomitant CAD were significantly (P=0.030) associated with a worse outcome. Conclusion: CAD concomitant with AF may be associated with a worse clinical outcome even though CAD does not significantly affect the risk of AF recurrence after ablation therapy.

Abstract To study the stability of meat color in the post-slaughter storage process of Qinchuan cattle, three different bovine muscles, including longissimus dorsi (LD), knee round (KR) and psoas major (PM) muscles of Qinchuan cattle, were selected as research objects to determine the changes in meat color, myoglobin (Mb) relative content, pH, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), total iron, heme iron (HI) and other contents during storage. With the prolongation of the storage time, the relative content of oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) decreased, the relative content of metmyoglobin (MetMb) gradually increased, and muscle browning was due to the increase of a* value and hue value; Among them, HI and non-heme iron (NHI) reduced the stability of meat color by accelerating lipid oxidation, which was consistent with the results of Mb content and meat color index determining meat color stability. Therefore, the total iron content in muscles can also be used as an indicator of meat color stability.

Abstract Heigen is the root and rhizomes of Duhaldea Nervosa Anderberg., a traditional medicine food homology herb used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in China,but the potential active components and the underlying mechanism have not been clarified. In this study, the chemical compounds and the components absorbed into the blood from Heigen were assessed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. 72 chemical constituents were identified in Heigen, 13 blood prototypical constituents, and 9 metabolites were found in serum samples after intragastric administration of Heigen extracts to rats. Then, using network pharmacology and molecule docking, 10 compounds were assumed to be potentially key active compounds against RA, which may be via the multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway interaction mechanism of Heigen in the treatment of RA, and also provides a pharmacological basis for the treatment of RA.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the possible impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Patients with AF who underwent coronary computed tomography and catheter ablation were enrolled. The presence of stenotic severity and plaque, characteristics of coronary arteries, clinical data, and adverse outcomes of catheter ablation were analysed. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled, 100 (41%) patients with CAD. The CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, and sex category) score of AF patients with CAD was significantly (P<0.001) higher than of those without CAD. Presence of stenotic artery and plaques increased significantly with increase of CHA2DS2-VASc score (P<0.05). There was no significant (P=0.342) difference in AF recurrence between patients with and without CAD (30% versus 24%). Age, AF type, duration of AF, heart failure, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial diameter were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with AF recurrence in univariant analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that duration of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.769), heart failure (HR 1.821), and left atrial diameter (HR 1.487, P=0.022) remained significant independent predictors of AF recurrence. Patients with AF and concomitant CAD were significantly (P=0.030) associated with a worse outcome. Conclusion: CAD concomitant with AF may be associated with a worse clinical outcome even though CAD does not significantly affect the risk of AF recurrence after ablation therapy.

Abstract: Elucidating the physiological and ecological mechanisms of seed dormancy and germination is of great significance for species conservation and the application of plant resources. Based on Baskin and Baskin’s classification system for seed dormancy, the cause of dormancy in Tarenaya hassleriana (Cleomaceae) seeds was studied using alternating temperature, cold moist stratification, dry storage, and GA3 soaking treatment. The results indicated that fresh mature T. hassleriana seeds had a combinational dormancy, including a physical dormancy and a type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy, and were photoblastic, with an optimal germination temperature of 35°C. In addition, fresh mature T. hassleriana seeds may be efficiently released from dormancy and promoted to germinate by an alternating temperature of 20 °C/30 °C, cold moist stratification, and cold moist stratification following dry storage. Furthermore, GA3 soaking treatment could also promote dormancy release and subsequent germination at 35 °C, and dry storage treatment could promote dormancy release and subsequent germination at 5-15 °C. These results also suggested that there were complex cross-talks among phytohormone, osmotic potential, and the temperature signaling regulatory pathways during dormancy release and germination of T. hassleriana seeds, which deserve further study.

Resumo: Elucidar os mecanismos fisiológicos e ecológicos de dormência e germinação de sementes é de grande importância para a conservação e uso de espécies vegetais. Baseando-se no sistema de classificação de Baskin e Baskin para dormência de sementes, neste trabalho foram estudadas as causas da dormência em sementes de Tarenaya hassleriana (Cleomaceae), utilizando-se temperaturas alternadas, estratificação úmida fria, armazenamento seco e tratamento de imersão em GA3. Os resultados indicaram que as sementes maduras frescas de T. hassleriana tinham dormência combinada, incluindo dormência física e dormência fisiológica não profunda tipo 2, e eram fotoblásticas, com temperatura ótima de germinação de 35 °C. Além disso, sementes maduras frescas de T. hassleriana podem ter a dormência eficientemente quebrada e germinar por temperatura alternada de 20 °C/30 °C, estratificação úmida fria e estratificação úmida fria após armazenamento seco. Além disso, o tratamento de imersão com GA3 também pode quebrar a dormência e subsequente germinação a 35 °C, e o tratamento de armazenamento a seco pode quebrar a dormência e subsequente germinação a 5-15 °C. Esses resultados também sugerem que houve interações complexas entre o fitohormônio, o potencial osmótico e as vias regulatórias de sinalização de temperatura durante a liberação de dormência e germinação de sementes de T. hassleriana, que merecem um estudo mais aprofundado.

Abstract In order to study the tenderness mechanism of difference in different parts of Yak meat, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and its correlation with quality of Yak meat were studied by TMT (Tandem Mass Tags, TMT) quantitative proteomic method. The results showed that 25, 40 and 34 DEPs were identified in JR/HGT, WJR/HGT and WJR/JR groups, respectively. Correlation analysis between DEPs and quality traits of yak meat showed that there were 12 DEPs with significant correlation were correlated closely with quality traits.The relative contents of the 11 DEPs were significantly different in different parts (p < 0.05).There are 8, 9 and 6 key DEPs in JR/HGT, WJR/HGT and WJR/JR groups, respectively.The expression of these DEPs were down-regulated and up-regulated in different parts, and was closely related to the cell growth and death, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, protein binding, motility activity and unfolded protein binding.The significant difference of the expression of these key proteins in different parts is the internal reason of the difference of quality traits among WJR, JR and HGT.This provide a reference for the study on the mechanism of difference in Yak meat.

Abstract The aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Sichuan pickle and to assess their probiotic potential. Total of 66 LAB were isolated from 2 types of Sichuan pickle based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genotypic characteristics. Then, 6 strains (BH6, BH9, BH18, BH46, BH48, BH59) were selected as candidates for further studies. The in vitro experiment showed that the cholesterol degradation rate of 4 strains BH6, BH9, BH59 exceeded 60%. And the triglyceride degradation rate of 3 strains BH6, BH9, BH18 was more than 17%. Out of 6 tested LAB strains, most of them (BH6, BH9, BH18, BH48, BH59) exhibited moderate to high survivability (59%-90%) under high concentration of bile salt (3%) and their survival rate was 72%-95% (BH6,BH18,BH46,BH48,BH59) at low pH conditions. The in vitro experiment showed that all LAB strains inhibited the growth of tested pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the results of presently in vitro experiments, it was concluded that the BH6 isolate had better cholesterol lowering ability (65.36%), triglyceride degradation ability (18.97%), bile salt tolerance and bacteriostatic ability. The potential LAB strain, BH6 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum by 16S rRNA sequencing. In conclusion, the strain BH6 screened from Sichuan pickle had good ability to degrade cholesterol and triglyceride; and it had better tolerance to acid and bile salt; which also had good bacteriostatic ability. Therefor the strain BH6 has the potential to be used as edible probiotics.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of lycopene from tomato pomace on renal injury in diabetic rats. Lycopene was extracted from tomato pomace. The rats were divided into control, model and 10, 20 and mg/kg lycopene groups. The diabetic nephropathy model was constructed in the latter four groups. Then, the latter three groups were treated with 10, 20 and mg/kg lycopene, respectively. After four weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, in 20 and 40 mg/kg lycopene groups the serum fasting plasma glucose level was decreased (P < 0.05), the fasting insulin level was increased (P < 0.05), the renal index and 24-h urinary protein level were decreased (P < 0.05), the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were decreased (P < 0.05), the renal tissue superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were increased (P < 0.05), the renal tissue malondialdehyde level was decreased (P < 0.05), and the serum tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lycopene from tomato pomace can alleviate renal injury in diabetic rats. The mechanism may be related to the resistance of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to detect the volatile components in co-fermented fruit wines made by Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) and wine grapes using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 52 kinds of volatile components were detected in the co-fermented fruit wines, more than those detected in commercially available Changyu dry red wine (30 kinds) and 0# wine (26 kinds) made by wine grapes in the laboratory. Esters (22 kinds) and alcohols (17 kinds) constituted a major proportion of co-fermented fruit wines, then followed by volatile acids, phenols, aldehydes and ketones. The relative intensity of aroma in the co-fermented fruit wines was greater than that of the Changyu wine and 0# wine, exhibiting a comprehensive fruit and floral aroma profile. Additionally, grape wines (containing Changyu wine and 0# wine) were distinguished from the co-fermented fruit wines (1#–9#), 1# wines distinguished from the other co-fermented fruit wines (2#–8#) in second layer of clustering, indicating that the composition of raw material and fermentation conditions were the main influencing factor in the attributes of volatile components. Overall, co-fermented fruit wines possess more advantages in composition of volatile components and aromas, which showed a richer volatile and aroma structures.

Abstract Proteomics is a powerful tool to understand molecular connections between meat proteins and quality traits. In order to research the total proteome difference and molecular mechanisms related to quality traits in different parts of yak meat. This study was designed to investigate the differences in the proteomes of yak different muscles. In this paper, Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) coupled Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to study the variations of proteome in different parts of yak after it is slaughtered. In total, 88 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified among striplon (WJR), slivsid (HGT) and chuck (JR). The quality analysis of DEPs showed heat shock proteins (HSPs) and structural proteins could be used as tenderness marker proteins for different parts of yak meat. Myosin and troponin-T may be flavour marker protein in yak meat. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that DEPs are involved in glycolysis, protein structure and phosphorylation. PPI analysis revealed thatmyosin, HSPs and metabolic enzymes may have the potential to be biological markers. This study highlights that the DEPs were responsible for meat quality different.

Abstract Fast food is becoming increasing popular as a social phenomenon, and it usually contains high fat contents. Matcha is one versatile tea, and its application in food brings lots of new consumers. Herein, a high-fat diet containing matcha was prepared, and in this study we investigated the effects of such a diet on lipid metabolism and intestinal flora of normal and diabetic mice. Results showed that diabetes had significant weight loss, hyperphagia, hyperlipidemia and intestinal flora disturbance, with particularly significantly increased Alistipes, Prevotella, Helicobacter, Acetatifactor and Bacteroides, and decreased Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, Allobaculum and Akkermansia. In diabetes, matcha decreased serum triglyceride and LDL-C, increased HDL-C, reversed those bacteria trends besides Alistipes, Prevotella and Akkermansia. In normal mice, matcha decreased serum LDL-C, increased Parabacteroides, Bacteroidales_unclassified, Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified and Barnesiella, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, and decreased Helicobacter and Clostridium XlVa. Most importantly, matcha increased Porphyromonadaceae_unclassified, Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Prevotella and Allobaculum; and decreased Bacteroides and Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified in diabetes, however these changed bacteria in normal mice showed an opposite trend from diabetes. Intestinal flora balance is vital important to host, matcha helps to improve the balance of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora according to different character of host, and is a valuable addition to develop functional food.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of medical nutritional therapy (MNT) combined with low glycaemic index (LGI) formula at breakfast for 4 weeks on the glycaemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-six participants were recruited and randomly equally divided into two groups. The intervention group was offered with 40g LGI formula at breakfast adjusted according to MNT, and the control group with regular MNT. After 4 weeks, fasting blood glucose, glycated albumin (GA), insulin, C-peptide levels and metabolic index were compared between the two groups. Compared to the intervention group, the total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the change of FBG (–0.64 ± 1.4 vs. 0.3 ± 2.2; p < 0.05) and 2h-PBG (–1.8 ± 3.6 vs.0.8 ± 3.2; p < 0.01) in the control group were significantly decreased. The LGI formulations, having a significant effect on controlling glucose and lipid metabolism, could be used as a non-pharmacological intervention for T2DM self-management.

Abstract Simazine was one of the most commonly used herbicides and was widely used to control broadleaf weeds in agriculture and forestry. Its widespread use had caused wide public concern for its high ecological toxicity. In order to remove simazine residues, 2 strains capable of effectively degrading simazine were isolated from the soil and named SIMA-N5 and SIMA-N9. SIMA-N5 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16SrRNA sequence analysis, and SIMA-N9 was Bacillus altitudinis. According to the degradation ratio of simazine in a certain period of time, the degradation ability of different strains was evaluated. The degradation efficiency of simazine (5 mg/L) by SIMA-N9 could reach about 98% in 5d, and the strain SIMA-N5 could reach 94% under the same conditions. In addition, the addition of Pennisetum rhizosphere soil during the process of degrading simazine by strain SIMA-N9 could effectively improve the degradation efficiency. The strain SIMA-N9 has been developed as a microbial agent for the bioremediation of simazine contamination in soil. The new microbial agent developed by using SIMA-N9 has achieved satisfactory application effects. Based on the research results already obtained in this study, it was considered that strain SIMA-N9 and its live bacterial agent could play an important role in bioremediation of simazine pollution. This study could not only provide a set of solutions to the simazine pollution, but also provide a reference for the treatment of other pesticide pollution.

RESUMO Introdução: A acupuntura tem sido amplamente utilizada para alívio de dor. No entanto, seus mecanismos são muito pouco conhecidos. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre o efeito analgésico da eletroacupuntura e a regulação da expressão de adenosina e de substância P. Métodos: Utilizou-se um modelo de dor inflamatória crônica em ratos por injeção única do Adjuvante Completo de Freund e, em seguida, os animais foram tratados com eletroacupuntura diariamente. Foram aplicadas sete sessões bilaterais de eletroacupuntura (ST36 e BL60, 0,5 a 1,5 mA, força inicial de 0,5 mA, aumentada em 0,5 mA a cada 10 minutos, 30 minutos por sessão, uma sessão por dia) em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund, por sete dias. O efeito analgésico da eletroacupuntura foi avaliado pela medida do limiar de retirada da pata em ratos que receberam estimulações mecânica e térmica. Resultados: A estimulação diária com eletroacupuntura aumentou efetivamente o limiar de retirada da pata em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund. A eletroacupuntura aumentou o nível de adenosina na região zusanli. Estudos posteriores mostraram que a eletroacupuntura poderia diminuir os níveis de substância P, receptor de neurocinina-1, fator de necrose tumoral-alpha, interleucina-1β, interleucina-6 e CD68 nos gânglios da raiz dorsal. Curiosamente, a injeção direta de antagonistas do receptor de adenosina A1 ou de substância P, ou a transecção da raiz do nervo dorsal, podem prejudicar significativamente as ações analgésicas induzidas pela eletroacupuntura em ratos com Adjuvante Completo de Freund e reduzir os níveis de substância P, receptor de neurocinina-1, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa, interleucina-1β, interleucina-6 e CD68. Por fim, confirmamos que a injeção direta de um agonista do receptor da adenosina A1 reproduziu os efeitos analgésicos da eletroacupuntura. Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam a regulação da secreção da substância P mediada pela adenosina. A via mediada pela substância P pode estar envolvida no processo de analgesia por eletroacupuntura em ratos.

ABSTRACT Background: Acupuncture has been widely used for alleviating pain. However, its mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. Objective: In the present study, we focused on whether the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture is related to its regulation on adenosine and substance P expression. Methods: We established chronic inflammatory pain model in rats through a single injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant, and then we treated animals using daily electroacupuncture. We applied seven bilateral sessions of electroacupuncture (ST36 and BL60, 0.5 to 1.5 mA, initial strength of 0.5 mA, increased by 0.5 mA every 10 minutes, for 30 minutes per session, one section per day) to Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats for seven days. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture was evaluated by measuring paw withdrawal threshold in rats that received mechanical and thermal stimulation. Results: Daily electroacupuncture stimulation effectively increased paw withdrawal threshold in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats. Electroacupuncture increased the adenosine level in zusanli. A further study showed that electroacupuncture could decrease substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68 levels in dorsal root ganglion. Interestingly, direct injection of adenosine A1 or substance P receptor antagonists, or dorsal nerve root transection could significantly impair electroacupuncture induced analgesic actions in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant rats could and reduce the levels of substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and CD68. Finally, we confirmed that direct injection of adenosine A1 receptor agonist replicated the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture. Conclusion: Our results indicate regulation of adenosine-mediated substance P secretion. Substance P-mediated pathway may be involved in the analgesia process by electroacupuncture in rats.