Abstract Dried radish is a kind of pickled vegetable product with a unique taste made from radish via traditional solid-state spontaneous fermentation. In this study, the effects of variety on physicochemical indexes, texture properties, and taste substances of spontaneous fermented dried radish were investigated. As a result, processing and fermentation had similar trends for all radish varieties. The pH value decreased slightly, soluble solid increased with the decrease of moisture content, the hardness and chewiness decreased, while the content of organic acids and free amino acids increased. Furthermore, the variety of raw material is the key to affecting product quality and taste. The dried radish processed by the variety P21-25 presents the best texture, the highest content of sweet amino acids, the most abundant component of organic acids, while having the lowest salinity. These results indicated that radish varieties could significantly influence the quality and taste of dried radishes under the same processing and fermentation conditions. These findings reveal the importance of variety selection for the quality and taste of spontaneous fermented dried radish, and provide theoretical support for the processing and application of green radish varieties.

Abstract Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NOD-like receptors, NLRs) have critical effects on interfaces of the immune and reproductive systems, and the spleen plays a key role in both innate and adaptive immune functions. It is hypothesized that NLR family participates in maternal splenic immune regulation during early pregnancy in sheep. In this study, maternal spleens were collected on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group) in ewes. Expression of NLR family, including NOD1, NOD2, class II transactivator (CIITA), NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich repeat and Pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3 and NLRP7, was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results revealed that expression levels of NOD1, NOD2, CIITA and NLRP3 were downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy, but expression of NLRP3 was increased at day 25 of pregnancy. In addition, expression values of NAIP and NLRP7 mRNA and proteins were improved at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and NLRP1 was peaked at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy in the maternal spleen. Furthermore, NOD2 and NLRP7 proteins were limited to the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords. In summary, early pregnancy changes expression of NLR family in the maternal spleen, which may be related with the maternal splenic immunomodulation during early pregnancy in sheep.

Abstract Lactoferrin (LF) is a non-heme protein binding Fe3+ tightly and plays a role in regulating the absorption and metabolism of iron under physiological condition. The absorption of non-heme iron occurs in the duodenum. LF is incorporated as a functional factor of food products during food processing. In this review, we describe the structural and functional changes of LF due to thermal processing of food, as well as the metabolic processes of LF iron binding and release in vivo, which characterizes the value of LF as a food matrix from nutrition and biochemistry and provides a basis for the comprehensive utilization of LF in food. (LF nonheme non heme Fe3 Fe condition duodenum review vivo

SUMMARY: This study aimed to compare the clinical value of carotid ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for carotid artery stenosis in patients with cerebral infarction. Sixty patients with cerebral infarction underwent carotid ultrasound and DSA. Carotid artery stenosis, degree of stenosis (mild, moderate, severe, and occlusion), and carotid artery plaques were recorded and compared. Carotid stenosis rate was 96.67 % (58/60) and 91.67 % (55/60) on DSA and carotid ultrasound, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant. Mild, moderate, and severe carotid artery stenosis and occlusion were diagnosed in 35, 28, 20, and 17 arteries, respectively, with DSA, and in 39, 25, 10, and 9 arteries, respectively, with carotid ultrasound. There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of carotid stenosis between the two methods (p<0.05). The kappa value of carotid plaques detected by carotid ultrasound and DSA was 0.776, indicating good consistency. Both carotid ultrasound and DSA are effective for screening carotid artery stenosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. While carotid ultrasound is faster and more convenient, DSA can more accurately detect the degree of stenosis and presence of occlusion. Thus, our recommendation is a combination of carotid ultrasound and DSA in clinical settings to improve the convenience and accuracy of diagnosis.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el valor clínico de la ecografía carotídea y la angiografía por sustracción digital (DSA) para la estenosis de la arteria carótida en pacientes con infarto cerebral. Sesenta pacientes con infarto cerebral fueron sometidos a ecografía carotídea y DSA. Se registraron y compararon la estenosis de la arteria carótida, el grado de estenosis (leve, moderada, grave y oclusión) y las placas de la arteria carótida. La tasa de estenosis carotídea fue del 96,67 % (58/60) y del 91,67 % (55/60) en DSA y ecografía carotídea, respectivamente, y la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Se diagnosticaron estenosis y oclusión de la arteria carótida leve, moderada y grave en 35, 28, 20 y 17 arterias, respectivamente, con DSA, y en 39, 25, 10 y 9 arterias, respectivamente, con ecografía carotídea. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grado de estenosis carotídea entre los dos métodos (p<0,05). El valor kappa de las placas carotídeas detectadas por ecografía carotídea y DSA fue de 0,776, lo que indica una buena consistencia. Tanto la ecografía carotídea como la DSA son eficaces para detectar la estenosis de la arteria carótida y las placas ateroscleróticas carotídeas. Si bien la ecografía carotídea es más rápida y conveniente, la DSA puede detectar con mayor precisión el grado de estenosis y la presencia de oclusión. Por lo tanto, nuestra recomendación es una combinación de ecografía carotídea y DSA en entornos clínicos para mejorar la conveniencia y precisión del diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Background: While sarcopenia is an important clinical finding in individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure (CHF), efforts to identify a reliable biomarker capable of predicting the overall muscular and functional decline in CHF patients have been unsuccessful to date. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study the diagnostic utility of MicroRNA (miRNA)-1-3p as a predictor of sarcopenia status in individuals diagnosed with CHF. Methods: In total, 80 individuals with heart failure exhibiting a left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% were enrolled in this study. All patients were analyzed to assess miR-1-3p expression levels, with body composition being evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and sarcopenia being defined based on the sum of appendicular lean muscle mass (ALM) divided by height in meters squared and handgrip strength (HGS). In addition, the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated in these individuals. Results: In total, 40 of the enrolled patients (50%) exhibited sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients presented with increased miR-1-3p expression levels as compared to non-sarcopenic individuals (1.69 ± 0.132 vs. 1.22 ± 0.106; p < 0.05). With respect to sarcopenic indices, appendicular skeletal mass index was most strongly correlated with miR-1-3p expression, which was also strongly correlated with HGS. High levels of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway components were expressed in sarcopenic individuals, highlighting a significant relationship between miR-1-3p activity and signaling through this pathway. Moreover, miR-1-3p was identified as a specific marker for sarcopenia in individuals with CHF. Conclusion: These results suggest that circulating miR-1-3p levels are related to Akt/mTOR pathway activation and can offer valuable insight into the overall physical capacity and muscular integrity of CHF patients as a predictor of sarcopenia.

Abstract Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate safety and value of radical resection for unresectable pancreatic cancer (UPC). Materials and methods: Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. In unresectable group, 360° resection of the involved artery sheath, resection and reconstruction of the involved artery, resection and reconstruction of the involved vein as well as resection and reconstruction of combined organs were, respectively, performed. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intensive care unit (ICU) transitional treatment, pancreatic fistula, bleeding, reoperation, and survival time were analyzed for two groups. Results: Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were greatly increased in the unresectable group. The incidence of intractable diarrhea and abdominal hemorrhage in the unresectable group was higher. However, the rate of ICU transitional therapy, delayed gastric emptying, and reoperation was lower. Grade C pancreatic fistula occurred in neither group. Conclusions: Surgical treatment through strict selection for patient with UPC is safe and their median survival time is similar to patient with resectable pancreatic cancer.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar la seguridad y el valor de la resección radical para el cáncer de páncreas irresecable (CPU). Material y métodos: Los datos clínicos se analizaron de forma retrospectiva. En el grupo irresecable, se realizó resección de 360° de la vaina de la arteria afectada, resección y reconstrucción de la arteria afectada, resección y reconstrucción de la vena afectada, así como resección y reconstrucción de órganos combinados, respectivamente. Se analizaron el tiempo operatorio, la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria, el tratamiento transitorio en la UCI, la fístula pancreática, el sangrado, la reintervención y el tiempo de supervivencia para dos grupos. Resultados: El tiempo de operación y la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria aumentaron considerablemente en el grupo irresecable. La incidencia de diarrea intratable y hemorragia abdominal en el grupo irresecable fue mayor. Sin embargo, la tasa de terapia de transición en la UCI, el retraso del vaciamiento gástrico y la reintervención fueron menores. La fístula pancreática de grado C ocurrió en ninguno de los grupos. Conclusiones: el tratamiento quirúrgico mediante selección estricta del paciente con CP irresecable es seguro y su mediana de supervivencia es similar a la del paciente con CPR.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TiO2/N-succinyl-chitosan composite (TiO2/ NSCS) photodynamic therapy (PDT), while considering the effects of various light sources on the activation of photosensitizer. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to examine the cell survival rate of the cells. The results showed that glioma cell strain (U251) was the most sensitive cancer cell strain to TiO2/NSCS. When the concentration of TiO2/NSCS was between 0 and 800 μg·mL-1, there was no obvious cytotoxicity to normal liver cells (HL-7702) and U251 cells. During the PDT process, the photokilling effect of TiO2/NSCS on U251 cells under ultraviolet-A (UVA) light irradiation was stronger than that of pure TiO2, and its killing effects were positively correlated with concentration and irradiation time. In addition, both UVA and visible light could excite TiO2/ NSCS, which had significant killing effect on U251 cells. The results of acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescent double staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining indicated that TiO2/NSCS under UVA and visible light irradiation could kill U251 cells by inducing apoptosis, and the apoptosis rate of TiO2/NSCS treatment groups was higher than that of TiO2 treatment groups. Therefore, TiO2/NSCS might be used as a potential photosensitizer in PDT.

Abstract The present study is to explore the interventional effects and potential mechanisms of Maslinic acid on heart damage in obesity hypertension. The rats were given SHR high-fat diet for 16 weeks. WGA staining and Masson staining were applied to detect heart structure and heart fibrosis degree. WB method was used to detect the expressions of ANP, BNP, P-MHC, TGF-β1, CTGF, Collagen I, Collagen III, Fibronectin and other proteins in SHR heart tissue. ELISA method was used to detect serum TNF-α, IL-6, and PAI-1 content. IF method was employed to detect the expression of Nrf2 in heart tissue. Maslinic acid can significantly improve the morphology of the heart tissue, reduce the hypertrophy and swelling of cardiomyocytes, inhibit the deposition of collagen fibers, and significantly inhibit the expressions of ANP, BNP, MYH7, CTGF, TGFpl, Fibronectin, CollagenI and CollagenIII proteins in the heart tissue. Maslinic acid can effectively inhibit TNF-a, IL-6 and PAI-1 expression, reduce heart inflammation, and significantly elevate Nrf2 level in heart tissue. Maslinic acid can significantly improve the heart structure of obese SHR, inhibit myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac inflammation. The underlying mechanism may be related to elevating the expression of Nrf2 protein in the cytoplasm of heart tissue, promoting Nrf2 to enter the nucleus, thereby promoting the expression and activity of mitochondria-function-related proteins. The capabilities to inhibit the expression of hypertrophy-related proteins are also related.

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic mycotoxin present in many foods, posing a serious human health problem. Oriental high-salt fermented foods are highly susceptible to AFB1 contamination due to their production process and condition. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate microbial resources that can remove AFB1 in a high-salt condition. In the current study, forty-nine salt-tolerant microorganisms with the ability to remove AFB1 were isolated from Doubanjiang, a Chinese typical high-salt red pepper paste. Among them, Bacillus velezensis AD8 had the highest removal rate of AFB1. The AFB1 removal activity of B. velezensis AD8 was mainly attributed to culture supernatant, and it was sensitive to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or/and proteinase-K treatment, which indicated that extracellular enzyme contributed to the degradation of AFB1. The optimal incubation time, pH value and NaCl concentration of the initial medium for degradation of AFB1 by the B. velezensis AD8 were investigated. In addition, the AFB1 concentration had no significant effect on degradation activity. The addition of nitrogen source, Mg2+ and Mn2+ stimulated degradation rate, whereas addition of carbon source, Zn2+ and Fe2+ inhibited degradation. Thus, B. velezensis AD8 might be a potential candidate to degrade AFB1 in high-salt food matrices.

Abstract Thoracolumbar tuberculosis is a common clinical disease. In this study, a 63 years old female patient had back pain after physical work. X-ray examination showed that the 8th thoracic vertebra was compressed. MR showed that the signal of the 8th thoracic vertebra was abnormal, and T2 showed an obviously high signal. Then, she was misdiagnosed as compression fracture of the thoracic spine at first diagnosis and treated with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) and the pain was gradually aggravated 3 months after the operation; then, lower extremity neurological symptoms began to appear. After that, she was finally diagnosed with tuberculosis of the thoracic spine and received surgery again and then the symptoms were ameliorated significantly, and the muscle strength of both lower limbs recovered. For patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures, we should fully understand the disease history of the disease and perform a detailed examination. The tuberculosis and even tumors should be considered to avoid misdiagnosis.

Abstract Bacteria play the most important role in the fermentation process of Dongcai. At present, the flora in the fermentation process of Dazu Dongcai have not been detected. The physicochemical indexes association with microbiota changes during fermentation have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, it is necessary to explored the correlations between microbial communities and physicochemical indexes during Dazu Dongcai fermentation. Dazu Dongcai samples including five time points were prepared for four year during the spontaneous fermentation process. Microbial community dynamics and associated biochemical changes were characterized using metagenomics sequencing technology and physiochemical properties determination to identify associations between microorganisms and fermentation characteristics. These results indicated that Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Terrisporobacter, Blautia, Romboutsia, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus dominated the whole fermentation process, which were strongly correlated with the physical and chemical indexes. These flora have promoting function during fermentation and may affect the quality of Dongcai. This study provides new detailed insights into the succession of microbial communities and their potential roles in Dazu Dongcai fermentation, so as to establish a correlation analysis model of key factors in the pickling process of Dazu Dongcai, which can lay a foundation for the standardized production of Dazu Dongcai.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the involvement of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway activation in macrophage polarization and bone destruction related to apical periodontitis (AP) stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methodology: Macrophage polarization, IL-6/STAT3 expression, and the presence of P. gingivalis were detected in human AP tissues via RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry staining. Murine bone marrow derived macrophages were isolated and cultured with P. gingivalis W83 in vitro, and levels of macrophage IL-6 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation, and macrophage polarization with or without the selective STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Stattic (5 μM) were detected via ELISA, western blotting, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry, respectively. P. gingivalis-induced murine AP models were constructed, and bone destruction and macrophage polarization in the apical region were evaluated. Transwell co-culture systems were used to investigate the effects of macrophages infected with P. gingivalis on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Results: P. gingivalis was detected in human AP tissues that highly expressed IL-6/STAT3, and the M1 subtype of macrophages was more abundant in these tissues. P. gingivalis infection induced IL-6 expression, STAT3 phosphorylation, and M1 polarization of macrophages, while 5 μM of Stattic partially abolished these activation effects. Systemic STAT3 blockade via oral administration of Stattic at a dose of 25 mg kg-1 alleviated murine periapical bone resorption and apical infiltration of M1 macrophages induced by P. gingivalis infection in vivo. Furthermore, macrophages infected with P. gingivalis promoted bone destruction via secretion of IL-6, TNF-α, and RANKL, which hinder pre-osteoblast expression of Runx2 and accelerate pre-osteoclast expression of NFAT2. Conclusions: The activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway is involved in mediating macrophages M1 polarization in the P. gingivalis induced apical inflammatory context and may also be intimately involved in the bone loss caused by P. gingivalis infection, directing the M1 macrophage infiltration during the progression of AP.

Abstract Hordeum californicum (H. californicum, 2n=2X=14, HcHc), one of the wild relatives of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), harbors many desirable genes and is a potential genetic resource for wheat improvement. In this study, an elite line ND646 was selected from a BC4F5 population, which was developed using 60Co-γ irradiated wheat-H. californicum disomic addition line WJ28-1 (DA6Hc) as the donor parent and Ningchun 4 as the recurrent parent. ND646 was identified as a novel wheat-H. californicum 6HcS/6BL translocation line using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and H. californicum-specific expressed sequence tag (EST) markers. Further evaluation revealed that ND646 had excellent performance in several traits, such as a higher sedimentation value (SV), higher water absorption rate (WAR), and higher hardness index (HI). More importantly, it had more kernels per spike (KPS), a higher grain yields (GY), and good resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust, and 2,4-D butylate (2,4-D). Its excellent phenotypic performance laid the foundation for further investigation of its genetic architecture and makes ND646 a useful germplasm resource for wheat breeding.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of polysaccharides from aloe vera (PAV), a main active ingredient of Aloe vera, treatment in pulpitis rats. Methods: Pulpitis were modeled by drilling the occlusal central fossa with Sprague Dawley rats. Next, the rats were treated with 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg PAV for three weeks, respectively. Computed tomography scanning assay, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining were used to detect the pathology change. Then, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, and ciclooxigenase 2 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 human (BMP-2), osteocalcin, osterix, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting (WB). Finally, Wnt3a expression, p-GSK3β/GSK3β and p-β-catenin/β-catenin ratio were analyzed by WB. Results: PAV up regulated the bone mineral density, and reduced the breakage of the crown and cervical structures, and the necrosis of the crown and root pulp of pulpitis rats. In addition, results indicated that PAV could inhibit osteoblast formation. While osteoblasts’ number was decreased, proteins of BMP-2, osteocalcin, osterix, and Runx2 were up-regulated by PAV. Furthermore, PAV increased the Wnt3a expression and the p-β-catenin/β-catenin ratio, and decreased p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio. Interestingly, these effects were all in dose dependence. Conclusions: PAV could inhibit pulp inflammation and promote osteoblasts differentiation via suppressing the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, enhancing the dental bone density.