Abstract Background and objectives: to investigate the association between the dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: sixty CD patients who had been diagnosed but had not begun treatment were enrolled. The dietary nutrient intake was recorded after three days of 24-hour recall and was calculated using NCCW2006 software. The nutrition levels were assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Indicators included body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference, the circumference of the upper-arm muscle, triceps skinfold thickness, handgrip strength, and the circumference of both calves. Results: eighty-five per cent of CD patients did not meet the necessary energy requirements. Of these, the protein and dietary fiber intake in 63.33 % and 100 %, respectively, were below the standard of the Chinese dietary reference. Many patients had insufficient intake of vitamins, as well as other macro- and micronutrients. An inverse association was observed between the risk of malnutrition and higher levels of energy (1,590.0-2,070.6 kcal/d, OR = 0.050, 95 % CI: 0.009-0.279) and protein (55.6-70.5 g/d, OR = 0.150, 95 % CI: 0.029-0.773). Appropriate supplementation of vitamin E, calcium, and other dietary nutrients helped to reduce the risk of malnutrition. Conclusions: significant deficiencies in dietary nutrient intake were found in CD patients, and dietary intake was associated with the nutritional status of the patient. Appropriate adjustment and supplementation of nutrient intake may reduce malnutrition risk in CD patients. The gap between actual consumption and recommendation indicates a need for improved nutritional counseling and monitoring. Early relevant advice for the dietary guidance of CD patients may be beneficial for long-term effects associated with nutritional status.

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivos: investigar la asociación entre la ingesta de nutrientes y el estado nutricional de los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Métodos: se reclutaron 60 pacientes de EC que habían sido diagnosticados, pero no habían iniciado ningún tratamiento. La ingesta de nutrientes se registró tras 3 días de recordatorio de 24 horas y se calculó utilizando el software NCCW2006. El estado nutricional se evaluó mediante la valoración global subjetiva generada por el paciente (PG-SGA). Los indicadores incluyeron el índice de masa corporal, la circunferencia media del brazo, la circunferencia del músculo de la parte superior del brazo, el grosor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps, la fuerza de agarre y la circunferencia de la pantorrilla. Resultados: el 85 % de los pacientes de EC no cubrieron las necesidades energéticas necesarias. De estos, las ingestas de proteína y fibra dietética en el 63,33 % y el 100 %, respectivamente, era más baja que lo que recominenda la norma de referencia dietética china. Muchos pacientes tuvieron una ingesta insuficiente de vitaminas, así como de otros macronutrientes y micronutrientes. Se observó una asociación inversa entre el riesgo de desnutrición y niveles más altos de energía (1590,0-2070,6 kcal/d, OR = 0,050, IC 95 % = 0,009-0,279) y proteínas (55,6-70,5 g/d, OR = 0,150, IC 95 % = 0,029-0,773). La suplementación adecuada de vitamina E, calcio y otros nutrientes dietéticos ayudó a reducir el riesgo de desnutrición. Conclusiones: se observaron deficiencias significativas en la ingesta de nutrientes en los pacientes con EC, y la ingesta dietética se asoció con el estado nutricional del paciente. El ajuste y la suplementación adecuados de la ingesta de nutrientes pueden reducir el riesgo de malnutrición de los pacientes con EC. La diferencia entre el consumo real y la recomendación indica la necesidad de mejorar el asesoramiento y el seguimiento nutricional. El consejo temprano pertinente para la orientación dietética de los pacientes con EC puede ser beneficioso para los efectos a largo plazo asociados al estado nutricional.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the optimal timing of initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Methods: KD patients were classified as the early group (day 1-4), conventional group (day 5-7), conventional group (day 8-10), and late group (after day 10). Differences among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square analysis. Predictors of IVIG resistance and the optimal cut-off value were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in IVIG resistance among the 4 groups (p = 0.335). The sensitivity analysis also confirmed no difference in the IVIG resistance between those who started the initial IVIG ≤ day 7 of illness and those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness (p = 0.761). In addition, patients who received IVIG administration more than 7 days from the onset had a higher proportion of coronary artery abnormalities (p = 0.034) and longer length of hospitalization (p = 0.033) than those who started IVIG administration less than 7 days. The optimal cut-off value of initial IVIG administration time for predicting IVIG resistance was >7 days, with a sensitivity of 75.25% and specificity of 82.41%. Conclusions: IVIG therapy within 7 days of illness is found to be more effective for reducing the risk of coronary artery abnormalities than those who received IVIG >day 7 of illness. IVIG treatment within the 7 days of illness seems to be the optimal therapeutic window of IVIG. However, further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Abstract Background Significant association between bullous pemphigoid (BP) and stroke has been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the level of anti-BP180 antibody in stroke patients to explore the relationship between BP and stroke in their pathogenesis. Methods We collected serum samples from stroke patients and matched controls between February 2019 and June 2020. The anti-BP180 antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results A total of 1183 stroke patients including 970 with cerebral infarction (CI), 192 with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 21 with CI and ICH, and 855 controls were enrolled in this study. Anti-BP180 autoantibody values were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Anti-BP180 autoantibody-positive rates were 12.51% (148) in stroke patients and 4.68% (40) in controls (p < 0.001, OR = 2.65). In anti-BP180 autoantibody-positive subjects, the values were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls (p < 0.001). However, only 10 (6.76%) stroke patients and 3 (7.5%) controls had high values (> 100 RU/mL) (p = 0.87). Stratified analysis showed that anti-BP180 antibody positive rates were independent of age, sex, and stroke subtypes in the stroke group. Positive rates in patients with both CI and ICH were nearly two times higher than those in patients with either CI or ICH alone (p = 0.11, OR = 1.94). Study limitations This study had a limited sample size and lacked quantitative criteria for stroke severity. Conclusions Anti-BP180 antibody values and positive rates were higher in stroke patients than in controls, suggesting that stroke patients may have higher of developing BP.

Abstract Aiming to provide a new way that preserves more active components in Eucommia ulmoides (EU) leaves, this paper utilizes 4 methods, i.e., microwave, steam, air heating, and frying, to process EU leaves before drying, and their respective effects on the leaves were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of EU leaves in vitro was measured by the DPPH free radical method; the contents of total flavonoids (TFC) and total phenols (TPC) were analyzed by spectrophotometry; and the contents of main active components were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed the pre-process improved the quality of the EU leaves. As a simple and fast process, the microwave process is the most effective technique in the retention of flavonoids and four active ingredients except aucubin. High power (800 W) and short time (2.5 min) are more conducive to the retention of active ingredients, with high antioxidant activity. Appropriate steam and frying processes also exhibited benefits for the active components. In particular, the samples treated with steam for 10 minutes showed great potential for industrial application with the highest antioxidant activity and polyphenol content. Therefore, proper pre-processing before drying should be conducted to effectively protect the active components of EU leaves.

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Results In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/ LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKA and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage. Conclusions Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.

ABSTRACT Introduction Knee joint injury is a common sports injury and how to speed up the recovery process is a concern for all athletes. Objective Determine whether aquatic sports rehabilitation nursing can accelerate the rehabilitation process of knee joint injuries. Methods Thirty patients with knee ligament or meniscal injury were divided into an aquatic sports group and a control group. The control group assumed general recovery measures, while the aquatic exercise group was added another 8 weeks of rehabilitation nursing with aquatic exercises. The evolution of the degree of knee joint pain, knee joint range of motion, knee joint muscle strength and other indicators before and after the experiment were compared. Results After 8 weeks of intervention, pain and activities of daily living in the aquatic exercise group improved significantly compared with those before the experiment; the degree of recovery from knee joint injury in the aquatic exercise group was significantly better than that in the control group, and knee joint flexion range of motion, flexor and extensor muscle strength, and other indicators in the aquatic exercise group were significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusion Aquatic rehabilitation exercise can accelerate the recovery process of patients with knee joint injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción La lesión de la articulación de la rodilla es una lesión deportiva común y acelerar el proceso de recuperación es una preocupación para todos los atletas. Objetivo Determinar si la enfermería de rehabilitación deportiva acuática puede acelerar el proceso de rehabilitación de las lesiones articulares de rodilla. Métodos Treinta pacientes con lesiones de ligamentos o meniscos de rodilla se dividieron en un grupo de deportes acuáticos y un grupo de control. El grupo de control asumió medidas generales de recuperación, mientras que al grupo de ejercicios acuáticos se le añadieron 8 semanas adicionales de enfermería de rehabilitación con ejercicios acuáticos. Se comparó la evolución del grado de dolor de la articulación de la rodilla, la amplitud de movimiento de la articulación de la rodilla, la fuerza muscular de la articulación de la rodilla y otros indicadores antes y después del experimento. Resultados Tras 8 semanas de intervención, el dolor y las actividades de la vida diaria en el grupo de ejercicio acuático mejoraron significativamente en comparación con los anteriores al experimento; el grado de recuperación de la lesión de la articulación de la rodilla en el grupo de ejercicio acuático fue significativamente mejor que el del grupo de control, y la amplitud de la flexión de la articulación de la rodilla, la fuerza muscular flexora y extensora y otros indicadores en el grupo de ejercicio acuático fueron significativamente mejores que los del grupo de control. Conclusión El ejercicio de rehabilitación acuática puede acelerar el proceso de recuperación de los pacientes con lesiones articulares de rodilla. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução A lesão articular do joelho é uma lesão esportiva corriqueira e a maneira de acelerar o processo de recuperação é uma preocupação para todos os atletas. Objetivo Determinar se a enfermagem de reabilitação esportiva aquática pode acelerar o processo de reabilitação das lesões nas articulações do joelho. Métodos Trinta pacientes com lesão ligamentar ou meniscal do joelho foram divididos em grupo de esportes aquáticos e grupo de controle. O grupo de controle assumiu medidas gerais de recuperação, enquanto ao grupo de exercícios aquáticos acrescentou-se mais 8 semanas de enfermagem de reabilitação com exercícios aquáticos. Comparou-se a evolução do grau de dor na articulação do joelho, a amplitude de movimento da articulação do joelho, a força muscular da articulação do joelho e outros indicadores antes e depois da experiência. Resultados Após 8 semanas de intervenção, a dor e as atividades das atividades de vida diária no grupo de exercícios aquáticos melhoraram significativamente em comparação com aquelas antes do experimento; o grau de recuperação da lesão da articulação do joelho no grupo de exercícios aquáticos foi significativamente melhor do que o do grupo controle, e a amplitude de flexão da articulação do joelho, a força muscular flexora e extensora e outros indicadores no grupo de exercícios aquáticos foram significativamente melhores do que os do grupo controle. Conclusão O exercício de reabilitação aquática pode acelerar o processo de recuperação de pacientes com lesões articulares no joelho. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract Background It has been reported that solute carrier family 26 members 4 antisense RNA 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) is highly related to cardiac hypertrophy. Objective This research aims to investigate the role and specific mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 in cardiac hypertrophy, providing a novel marker for cardiac hypertrophy treatment. Methods Angiotensin II (AngII) was infused into neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein levels were evaluated via western blot. Functional assays analyzed the role of SLC26A4-AS1. The mechanism of SLC26A4-AS1 was assessed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. The P value <0.05 was identified as statistical significance. Student’s t-test evaluated the two-group comparison. The difference between different groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results SLC26A4-AS1 is upregulated in AngII-treated NMVCs and promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy. SLC26A4-AS1 regulates its nearby gene solute carrier family 26 members 4 (SLC26A4) via functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to modulate the microRNA (miR)-301a-3p and miR-301b-3p in NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promotes AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via upregulating SLC26A4 or sponging miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. Conclusion SLC26A4-AS1 aggravates AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via sponging miR-301a-3p or miR-301b-3p to enhance SLC26A4 expression.

Resumo Fundamento Foi relatado que o RNA 1 antisenso 1 (SLC26A4-AS1) do membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 está altamente relacionado à hipertrofia cardíaca. Objetivo Esta pesquisa visa investigar o papel e o mecanismo específicos de SLC26A4-AS1 na hipertrofia cardíaca, fornecendo um novo marcador para o tratamento da hipertrofia cardíaca. Métodos Angiotensina II (AngII) foi infundida em cardiomiócitos ventriculares (NMVCs) de camundongos neonatos para induzir hipertrofia cardíaca. A expressão gênica foi detectada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real (RT-qPCR). Os níveis de proteína foram avaliados por western blot. Ensaios funcionais analisaram o papel de SLC26A4-AS1. O mecanismo de SLC26A4-AS1 foi avaliado por imunoprecipitação de proteína de ligação a RNA (RIP), pull-down de RNA e ensaios de luciferase repórter. O valor de p < 0,05 foi identificado como significância estatística. O teste t de Student avaliou a comparação dos dois grupos. A diferença entre os diferentes grupos foi analisada por análise de variância (ANOVA) de uma via. Resultados SLC26A4-AS1 é regulado para cima em NMVCs tratados com AngII e promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII. SLC26A4-AS1 regula o membro 4 da família de transportadores de soluto 26 (SLC26A4) por meio do funcionamento como um RNA endógeno competitivo (ceRNA) para modular o microRNA (miR)-301a-3p e o miR-301b-3p em NMVCs. SLC26A4-AS1 promove hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via regulação para cima de SLC26A4 ou absorção de miR-301a-3p/miR-301b-3p. Conclusão SLC26A4-AS1 agrava a hipertrofia cardíaca induzida por AngII via absorção de miR-301a-3p ou miR-301b-3p para aumentar a expressão de SLC26A4.

Abstract The study aimed to improve polysaccharide-based packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh produce; a composite film with antimicrobial function was developed and tested. The packaging film is a blend of agar, a film-forming substrate; carrageenan, as a reinforcing agent; glycerol, as a plasticizer; and Nisin, an antimicrobial agent. The film was evaluated for its antibacterial, mechanical, and barrier properties at different humidity levels, using fresh-cut watermelon as the test food material. The film effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Under relative humidity of 20%, 50%, and 90%, the tensile strength of the antibacterial film containing 0.28% Nisin was 23.08 ± 0.65, 16.09 ± 1.73, and 6.52 ± 0.56 MPa, respectively, and the film also had excellent barrier and heat-sealing properties. The packaging test using fresh-cut watermelon sealed in the antibacterial film containing 0.28% Nisin, under controlled atmosphere storage at either 4 °C or 20 °C, effectively inhibited microbial colonization in the melon and slowed the deterioration of the fruit, as indicated by measures of hardness, weight loss, and soluble solids. This method can extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and provide a reference for further research on polysaccharide-based protective film for fresh produce.

ABSTRACT Due to its high nutritional value, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide. This study assessed 36 phenotypic characteristics of 111 broccoli varieties to understand the phenotypic diversity of new broccoli varieties and improve their breeding speed with advantages and characteristics in China, including 108 new varieties and three varieties of common knowledge. The genetic diversity, the principal component, and the cluster of phenotypic characteristics of broccoli varieties were further investigated. The results showed that the coefficients of variation of 36 characteristics ranged between 11.18 % and 94.99 %, with their diversity index between 0.26 and 1.82. The 111 broccoli varieties were further classified into eight groups, primarily attributed to the differences in phenotypic characteristics, including curd weight, main stem thickness, plant development degree, plant height, and anthocyanin coloration. The cumulative contribution rate of the first five principal components reached 81.186 %, corresponding to 12 representative phenotypic traits. The analysis indicated that the phenotypic characteristics of broccoli were rich in diversity, especially for several characteristics appreciated by the market, such as weight, curd firmness, and anthocyanin coloration. This study revealed the basic information on the genetic diversity of new broccoli varieties in China from 2017 to 2019 and provided potential breeding strategies for broccoli to meet diverse market demands.

Abstract Objectives: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental risk factors. This study aimed to examine the potential association of the +276G/T and −420C>G polymorphisms in the resistin gene with AAA susceptibility and progression. Method: We performed a retrospective study involving AAA patients and healthy controls, assessing the distribution of the +276G/T and −420C>G genotypes in both groups. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed for both polymorphisms. Logistic regression was used to explore the influence of these genotypes on AAA occurrence and progression, adjusting for relevant confounders. Results: The distribution of +276G/T polymorphism did not significantly differ between AAA patients and controls. Conversely, a significant difference was observed in the genotype distribution of −420C>G polymorphism between the two groups. The CC genotype and CC/CG genotypes of −420C>G polymorphism were found to be associated with an increased risk and progression of AAA. Conclusions: The −420C>G polymorphism, particularly the CC genotype and CC/CG genotypes, might play a substantial role in AAA susceptibility and progression. The present findings underscore the need for further investigations to confirm these associations and fully elucidate the role of the resistin gene in AAA. Objectives (AAA factors 276GT GT 276G T G 420CG CG 420C C Method controls groups HardyWeinberg Hardy Weinberg confounders Results Conversely CCCG Conclusions

ABSTRACT Drought stress and nutrient deficiency are two main factors that restrict the growth and yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the effects of N fertilizer on root growth and pod yield of peanut under different water conditions are unclear. The growth, root morphology, and pod yield of peanut were studied under different water and N combinations. Two soil water treatments were tested: Well-watered (WW, 80%-85% field capacity) and drought stress conditions (DS, 55%-60% field capacity). Three N treatments were tested: no N application (NN), moderate N (MN, 90 kg ha-1), and high N (HN, 180 kg ha-1). Results showed that pod yield of peanut was limited by drought and N deficiency. Compared with NN, peanut shoot DM and pod yield were improved by MN under DS, with an average increase range of pod yield of 16.2% in the 2 yr. The annual average root length density (RLD) in the deeper soil layer (40-100 cm) was 5.5% higher under DS-MN than DS-NN treatment. The N use efficiency (NUE) was 12.3% higher under WW than DS treatment, and the NUE of MN was significantly higher than that of HN under different water treatments. Root lengths in 40-60 and 60-80 cm soil layers were also positively correlated with pod yield (r = 0.66** and 0.47**, respectively) and NUE (r = 0.60* and 0.85**, respectively). In this study, root growth in deeper soil was improved by MN application under DS, thus increasing yield and NUE of DS conditions.

SUMMARY: To investigate the correlation between the anatomical morphology of palatal rugae and sex. The study sample consisted of 120 students studying from Shanxi Medical University, of which 60 were females and 60 were males. The digital model of the palatal rugae was obtained by the 3 Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner. And the shapes of palatal rugae were recorded. Association between palatal rugae shape and sex were tested using Chi-square analysis. And logistic regression analysis (LRA) was carried out to calculate the accuracy of gender prediction using rugae shapes. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of the distribution of wavy and circular palate rugae. The use of logistic regression analysis obtained a sex predictive value of 65 % when all the rugae shapes were analyzed. Digital images of the palatal rugae morphology contribute to more accurate and convenient for data collection and transformation. It was found that rugae patterns can moderately identify the sex of the specific population when multivariate statistics such as LRA is applied. The palatal rugae morphology can be utilized as an assistant measure for sex identification.

RESUMEN: Investigar la correlación entre la morfología anatómica de las rugas palatinas y el sexo. En la muestra de este estudio se incluyeron 120 estudiantes de la Universidad Médica de Shanxi, (60 mujeres y 60 hombres). El modelo digital de las rugas palatinas se obtuvo mediante escáner intraoral 3 Shape TRIOS, y se registraron las formas de las rugas palatinas. La asociación entre la forma de las rugas palatinas y el sexo se evaluó mediante un análisis de Chi-cuadrado; para calcular la precisión de la predicción de sexo se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística (ARL) Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres en términos de la distribución de las rugas palatinas onduladas y circulares. El uso de análisis de regresión logística obtuvo un valor predictivo de sexo del 65 % cuando se analizaron todas las formas de las rugas. Las imágenes digitales de la morfología de las rugas palatinas contribuyen a una recopilación de datos más precisa. En este análisis se determinó que los patrones de rugas pueden identificar relativamente el sexo de una población específica, cuando se aplican estadísticas multivariadas como ARL. La morfología de las rugas palatinas se puede utilizar como medida de ayuda para la identificación de sexo.

Abstract Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has been shown to possess cardioprotective effect. However, the specific mechanism of AS-IV in myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. Our results showed that AS-IV intervention observably enhanced cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis, oxidative stress levels and inflammatory factor secretion. Expression of MIRT1 was significantly up-regulated in hypoxia-treated cells. In addition, ALCAM overexpression reversed the effects of AS-IV intervention on hypoxia-treated cell functions. MIRT1 facilitated Runx3 promoter methylation and its downregulated expression by recruiting DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) to the Runx3 promoter region through binding with suppressor of Zeste 12 protein homolog (Suz12). Runx3 silencing reversed the effects of MIRT1 inhibition on hypoxia-treated cell functions. Betulinic acid suppressed the effects of AS-IV intervention on the behaviors of hypoxia-treated cells. AS-IV treatment improved the cardiac functions of mice with MI. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that AS-IV treatment inhibits DNMT3B-mediated Runx3 promoter methylation by restraining Suz12 expression and further blocks the NF-κB signaling pathway, and in turn improves the cardiac functions of mice with MI.

Abstract Green bactericides are excellent strategies for reducing food spoilage. Phloretin was regarded as efficient, broad-spectrum and safe preservative, which showed enormous potential in food industry. Inhibitory mechanism of phloretin on Listeria monocytogenes was systematically elucidated through integrity of cell membrane, intracellular protein content, energy level, and nucleic acid morphological character. SEM and TEM results showed minimal injury of cell membrane, which was further proved by a leakage of potassium ions, ATP and little protein and nucleic acid. There were drastic reduction of intracellular or total protein and ATP compared to cell without phloretin treatment. However, the specific activity of hexokinase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were unaffected after phloretin treatment. From these results, we concluded that phloretin’s bacteriostatic mechanism is decreasing the intracellular protein content and energy level resulting from DNA aggregation. This finding was prospective to fully illustrate the phloretin’s mechanism and develop it into a natural preservative in food industry.