Study on the Correlations between Quality Indicators of Dry-Aged Beef and Microbial Succession during Fermentation

Dry-aged beef has been long favored by people due to its unique flavor and taste. However, the inner relationship between its overall quality formation and microbial changes during dry aging has not yet received much attention and research. To deeply reveal the forming mechanism of the unique flavor and taste of dry-aged beef, correlations between its three main quality indicators, i.e., texture, free amino acids (FAAs), volatile flavor compounds (VFCs), and microbial succession were analyzed in this study. The results showed that Staphylococcus spp. and Macrococcus spp. were key strains that influenced the total quality of dry-aged beef and strongly correlated with chewiness, hardness, and sweet FAAs (Ala), providing beef with unique palatability and taste. Additionally, among VFCs, Staphylococcus spp. and Macrococcus spp. showed a strong correlation with octanal and heptanal, and meanwhile, those highly correlated with nonanal, pentanol, and oct-1-en-3-ol were Debaryomyces spp., Psychrobacter spp., and Brochothrix spp., respectively, providing beef with a unique flavor. Staphylococcus spp. was proposed to be the dominant genus for dry-aged beef. This study provides valuable reference for the understanding of the role of microorganisms involved in dry aging.

The adsorption-desorption behavior of chlorothalonil in the cuticles of apple and red jujube

The distribution fate of chlorothalonil (CHT) in the environment (soil and water) and fruits is controlled by the capacity of cuticles to adsorb and desorb CHT, which directly affects the safety of both the environment and fruits. Batch experiments were conducted to reveal the adsorption-desorption behaviors of CHT in the cuticles of apple and red jujube. The adsorption kinetics showed that both physisorption and chemisorption occurred during the adsorption process. Furthermore, the isothermal adsorption of CHT in the fruit cuticles followed the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG ≤ -26.16 kJ/mol, ΔH ≥ 31.05 kJ/mol, ΔS ≥ 0.20 kJ/(mol K) showed that the whole CHT adsorption process was spontaneous, and the hydrophobic interaction was predominant. The CHT adsorption capacity of the apple cuticle was higher than that of the red jujube cuticle, potentially due to the significantly higher alkanes content of apples than that of red jujubes. An appropriate ionic strength (0.01 moL/L) could induce a higher adsorption capacity. In addition, the desorption kinetics were shown to conform to a Quasi-first-order model, meaning that not all the adsorbed CHT could be easily desorbed. The desorption ratios in apple and red jujube cuticles were 41.38% and 35.64%, respectively. The results of Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed that CHT could be adsorbed and retained in the fruit cuticles. Investigating the adsorption-desorption behavior of CHT in the apple and red jujube cuticles allowed to determine the ratio of its final distribution in the fruits and environment, providing a theoretical basis to evaluate the risk of residue pesticide.

Identification and Visualization of Polystyrene Microplastics/Nanoplastics in Flavored Yogurt by Raman Imaging

The contamination of food by microplastics has garnered widespread attention, particularly concerning the health risks associated with small-sized microplastics. However, detecting these smaller microplastics in food poses challenges attributed to the complexity of food matrices and instrumental and method limitations. Here, we employed Raman imaging for visualization and identification of polystyrene particles synthesized in polymerization reactions, ranging from 400 to 2600 nm. We successfully developed a quantitative model of particle size and concentration for polystyrene, exhibiting excellent fit (R2 of 0.9946). We established procedures for spiked flavored yogurt using synthesized polystyrene, providing fresh insights into microplastic extraction efficiency. Recovery rates calculated from models validated the method's feasibility. In practical applications, the assessment of the size, type, shape, and quantity of microplastics in unspiked flavored yogurt was conducted. The most common polymers found were polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with the smallest polystyrene sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm. Additionally, we conducted exposure assessments of microplastics in branded flavored yogurt. This study established a foundation for developing a universal method to quantify microplastics in food, covering synthesis of standards, method development, validation, and application.

Urolithin A Ameliorates Athletic Ability and Intestinal Microbiota in Sleep Deprivation from the Perspective of the Gut-Muscle Axis

SCOPE

Urolithin A (UA), a gut-microbiota-derived metabolite of ellagic acid, presents various benefits to intestinal microecology. The presence of "gut-muscle axis" regulating the onset and progression of exercise-related physical frailty and sarcopenia has been recently hypothesized. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of gut-muscle axis by which UA enhances muscle strength and fatigue resistance of sleep-deprived (SD) mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

UA is gavaged to C57BL/6 mice (50 mg kg-1 bw) before 48-h SD. The results indicate that pretreatment of UA significantly enhances motor ability and energy metabolism. The inflammation is suppressed, and intestinal permeability is improved after prophylactic treatment with UA. The decreased level of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is concomitant with augmentation of the intestinal tight junction proteins. 16s rRNA analysis of colonic contents reveals that UA significantly reduces the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014 and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and upregulates Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae. UA probably influences on gut microbial functions via several energy metabolism pathways, such as carbon metabolism, phosphotransferase system (PTS), and ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary intervention of UA helps to create a systemic protection, a bidirectional communication connecting the gut microbiota with muscle system, able to alleviate SD-induced mobility impairment and gut dysbiosis.

A ratiometric fluorescent "off-on" sensor for acrylamide detection in toast based on red-emitting copper nanoclusters stabilized by bovine serum albumin

Acrylamide, as a Class 2A carcinogen, poses serious threats to human health. To achieve rapid and accurate determination of acrylamide in food, a ratiometric fluorescent "off-on" sensor was designed by incorporating red-emitting copper nanoclusters and glutathione. Copper nanoclusters with bimodal emission at 395 nm and 650 nm (excited at 310 nm) were synthesized by using bovine serum albumin as the ligand and ascorbic acid as the reductant. With glutathione addition, the fluorescence intensity at 650 nm gradually decreased, while the case at 395 nm slightly increased. The quenched fluorescence at 650 nm was subsequently restored by acrylamide through thiol-ene Michael addition reaction between acrylamide and glutathione. The constructed sensor showed excellent performance towards acrylamide detection in the range of 5-300 μM with a detection limit of 1.48 μM, and was further applied to real-sample detection of acrylamide in toast and exhibited good recoveries (90.29-101.30 %), indicating potential applications of this sensor.

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide intervene in hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of gut microbiota to inhibit TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) exhibit various pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanism of EPP intervention in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results demonstrated that EPP effectively mitigated liver injury caused by HCC, inhibited the proliferation of HCC, and induced apoptosis. Following EPP intervention, there was a significant increase in propionic acid and butyric acid-producing gut microbiota such as Coprococcus, Clostridium and Roseburia, leading to enhanced expression of intestinal tight junction proteins and the repair of the intestinal barrier. This controls lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage, which in turn inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and reduces the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, as well as migration factors like MMP-2. Metabolomics revealed the downregulation of pyrimidine metabolism and nucleotide metabolism, along with the upregulation of butyrate metabolism in tumor cells. This study demonstrated that EPP effectively regulated LPS leakage by modulating gut microbes, and this modulation influenced the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, ultimately disrupting tumor cell survival induced by HCC in mice.

Extracellular polysaccharides from Sporidiobolus pararoseus alleviates rheumatoid through ameliorating gut barrier function and gut microbiota

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is becoming a prevalent autoimmune disease affecting people worldwide, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches due to the associated adverse effects of conventional therapeutic drugs. Sporidiobolus pararoseus polysaccharide (SPP) has been shown to exhibit significant immune stimulation and antioxidant activities. In this study, we constructed a mouse model of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of SPP intervention on RA. Results showed that SPP intervention alleviated the degree of ankle swelling, joint histopathologic changes, joint pathological score and the expression of serum-associated inflammatory mediators (such as IL-1β and IL-6). 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that SPP intervention significantly remodeled the intestinal microbiota composition. In particular, SPP intervention significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Parabacteroides, Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group) with the potential to degrade fungal polysaccharides or produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The production of SCFAs (especially acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) indeed increased significantly. These SCFAs played an important role in maintaining intestinal barrier function and regulating immune homeostasis, which helped reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate the symptoms of RA.

Effects of different extraction methods on the physico-chemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from Clitocybe squamulosa

This study comparatively evaluated the effects of the commonly used six extraction methods (acidic, alkaline, enzymatic, ultrasonic, high-pressure, and microwave) on the physico-chemical properties, processing characteristics, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Clitocybe squamulosa (CSFPs). The results show that polysaccharides extracted using an enzyme-assisted extraction method has a relatively high extraction yield (4.46 ± 1.62 %) and carbohydrate content (70.79 ± 6.25 %) compared with others. Furthermore, CSFPs were all composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Only ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides (CSFP-U) has a triple helix chain conformation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant differences in the microstructure of polysaccharides prepared using different methods. Besides that, the polysaccharides prepared by alkali extraction (CSFP-B) and high-pressure assisted extraction (CSFP-H) have good water (2.86 ± 0.29 g/g and 3.15 ± 0.29 g/g) and oil (8.13 ± 0.32 g/g and 7.97 ± 0.04 g/g) holding properties. The rheological behavior demonstrated that CSFPs solutions were typical non-Newtonian fluid. Apart from this, the antioxidant capacity (clearing DPPH (IC50 = 0.29) and ABTS free radicals (IC50 = 0.19), total reduction ability (IC50 = 3.02)) of polysaccharides prepared by the microwave-assisted extraction (CSFP-M) method was significantly higher than that of other extraction methods. By contrast, the polysaccharide prepared by acid extraction (CSFP-A) has the optimum binding capacity (bile acid salt (71.30 ± 6.78 %) and cholesterol (57.07 ± 3.26 mg/g)). The antibacterial activity of CSFPs was positively correlated with their concentration. Thus, the research results can provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of polysaccharides from C. squamulosa.

Molecular insights on the binding of chlortetracycline to bovine casein and its effect on the thermostability of chlortetracycline

Bovine casein was selected as a model protein to evaluate the impact of food matrix on the thermal degradation of antibiotics. Fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments revealed that chlortetracycline (CTC) could spontaneously bind to casein via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The amino acid residues forming the binding pocket were further identified using molecular docking, while saturation transfer difference NMR deciphered that the binding of CTC engages its -N(CH3)2 group. Moreover, the degradation behavior of free CTC versus that bound in casein-CTC complex was compared during thermal treatment. Compared with free CTC, a lower first-order rate constant was observed in the presence of casein. Removal of casein shortened the half-life of CTC by at least 48.1% at low concentrations. Elucidating that the formation of protein-antibiotic complexes alters the amenability of antibiotics to degradative reactions, which could help eliminate residual antibiotics and guarantee the safety of dairy products.

A combined effect of fish-originated collagen peptides and caffeine on the cognitive function of sleep-deprived mice

Refreshing beverages, consumed worldwide, commonly take advantage of caffeine's impacts on attention and motor performance. However, excessive long-term caffeine intake might disturb sleep/wake rhythms and exacerbate daily anxiety. Fish-originated collagen peptides (FCP) are of high nutrient value with stimulating, calming or relaxing effects, which could reduce the excitotoxicity of caffeine. This study aims to investigate two facets: (1) the combined effect of caffeine and FCP (namely C&F) on the cognitive function of sleep-deprived mice by different administration strategies with dose dependence (low and high dose) or time dependence (intervention in a day and prevention for a week); (2) the potential "microbiota-gut-brain" mechanism by which C&F improves sleep deprivation (SD)-induced cognitive impairments. Here, C57BL/6 mice were administered caffeine (10 or 20 mg per kg per bw) combined with FCP (100 or 200 mg per kg per bw) and were then subjected to 48 h SD. The open-field and Morris water maze tests were performed to evaluate the cognitive function and spatial learning capacities of mice. Our results indicated that the cognitive impairments of SD mice were significantly relieved to a different degree by treating C&F in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pathological observation of the hippocampus indicated both intervention (time of a day) and prevention (time of a week) of the C&F protected brain tissue from SD-induced injuries. The accumulated pro-inflammatory neurometabolites and factors were significantly inhibited by C&F via the hypothalamus-hippocampal circuit. Furthermore, 16S rDNA analysis of colonic contents showed that the level of Lactobacillus murinus was significantly upregulated and that of Clostridia_UCG-014 was suppressed in the C&F group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of Lactobacillus murinus indicated a certain diagnostic utility to distinguish C&F intervention (AUC = 0.52) or prevention (AUC = 0.68). Pathways of ko04622 (immune system) and ko00472 (metabolism processes) were significantly regulated by C&F in a time-dependent manner. Based on PICRUSt2 algorithm analysis, C&F might potentially regulate gut microbial functions through several metabolic pathways, including the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway and limonene and pinene degradation. In conclusion, C&F plays a key role in brain function and behavior, which could synergistically relieve cognitive impairments via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Interaction and mechanistic studies of thiram and common microplastics in food and associated changes in hazard

Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant in the environment and food, may adsorb other contaminants such as pesticide due to particles' properties. The adsorption behavior and their hazardous changes of four common types of MPs to thiram was investigated. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were fitted well using the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model respectively, indicating forces such as van der Waals forces dominate, and the maximum adsorption capacity at pH values of 6-7 also indicates that electrostatic forces play a smaller role. The adsorption thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The decrease in the adsorption capacity as the concentration of MPs increases and more adsorption by aged MPs demonstrate that the adsorption process is related to the sites on the surface of MPs. Due to the influence of ionic strength, the adsorption capacity of MPs for thiram increases significantly when the adsorption process takes place in solutions with salinity or in orange and apple juices. The bioavailability of thiram adsorbed by PVC and PET increased significantly. This study highlights the strong role of MPs in food as carriers of pesticide residues in food systems and that the combined hazard should also be of concern.

Chlorogenic acid improves the cognitive deficits of sleep-deprived mice via regulation of immunity function and intestinal flora

BACKGROUND

Sleep deprivation (SD) has become a global health concern with serious consequences containing memory deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The gut-brain axis serves as a crucial link between the brain and gut, and the utilization of chlorogenic acid (CGA) presents a compelling strategy for mitigating or potentially resolving various neuroinflammation-associated disorders. However, it is still unknown how CGA may interact with the gut, microbiota and the brain during SD.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of microbiota-gut-brain axis by which CGA prevents SD-induced cognitive deficits.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

CGA (30, 60 mg/kg.bw.) was gavaged to C57BL/6 mice, and then they were submitted to 48-h SD. The cognitive and spatial learning abilities were investigated through behavioral tests. Furthermore, we explored the action mechanism of this compound with haematological analysis, histopathological examination, Western blot, ELISA and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing from colonic contents.

RESULTS

The cognitive deficits induced by SD were significantly relieved by administration of CGA in a dose-dependent manner. The hematoxylin and eosin staining of hippocampus and colon tissues indicated that pretreatment of CGA not only protected brain tissue from SD, but also maintained intestinal integrity. In the hippocampus, the increased pro-inflammatory neurometabolites were significantly prevented by CGA, and an immune profile capable of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory was improved via Nrf2/PPAR signaling pathways. The observed immunomodulatory effect was concomitant with augmentation of the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by the heightened expressions of tight junction proteins. 16S rRNA analysis of colonic contents revealed that levels of Clostridia_UCG-014 and lipopolysaccharide were significantly inhibited, and those of Lactobacillus and intestinal tight junction proteins were upregulated in the CGA group. Pathways of ko05322 (immune disease) and ko04610 (immune system) were significantly regulated by CGA. Based on PICRUSt2 algorithm, CGA probably influenced gut microbial functions via several metabolism pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism.

CONCLUSION

The present study first proved the efficacy and mechanism of CGA in alleviating SD-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation via creating a systemic protection, a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut with the brain. The intestinal barrier improvement and the reshaped "SD microbiota" profiles restored immunity functions, which were probably the main contributors to Nrf2/PPAR activation and the neuroprotective effect of CGA. Overall, this work provided novel insights of CGA, which might guide the more reasonable clinical use of CGA in the pathogenesis of sleep-related disorders.

Immunosenescence and macrophages: From basics to therapeutics

Ageing decreases the function of the immune system and increases susceptibility to some chronic, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Senescence cells, which produce senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), can activate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Macrophages are among the most abundant innate immune cell types in senescent microenvironments. Senescence-associated macrophages, recruited by SASPs, play a vital role in establishing the essential microenvironments for maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, it's important to note that these senescence-associated macrophages can also influence senescent processes, either by enhancing or impeding the functions of tissue-resident senescent cells. In this discussion, we describe the potential targets of immunosenescence and shed light on the probable mechanisms by which macrophages influence cellular senescence. Furthermore, we analyze their dual function in both clearing senescent cells and modulating age-related diseases. This multifaceted influence operates through processes including heightened inflammation, phagocytosis, efferocytosis, and autophagy. Given the potential off-target effects and immune evasion mechanisms associated with traditional anti-ageing strategies (senolytics and senomorphics), 'resetting' immune system tolerance or targeting senescence-related macrophage functions (i.e., phagocytotic capacity and immunosurveillance) will inform treatment of age-related diseases. Therefore, we review recent advances in the use of macrophage therapeutics to treat ageing and age-associated disorders, and outline the key gaps in this field.

Aqueous Extract of Brassica rapa L.'s Impact on Modulating Exercise-Induced Fatigue via Gut-Muscle Axis

Exercise-induced fatigue is a common physiological response to prolonged physical activity, often associated with changes in gut microbiota and metabolic responses. This study investigates the potential role of Brassica rapa L. in modulating these responses. Using an animal model subjected to chronic exercise-induced stress, we explored the effects of Brassica rapa L. on fatigue-related biomarkers, energy metabolism genes, inflammatory responses, intestinal integrity, and gut microbiota composition. Our findings revealed that Brassica rapa L. exhibits significant antioxidant activity and effectively modulates physiological responses to fatigue. It influences gene expression related to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in muscle tissue through the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway. Furthermore, Brassica rapa L. has been found to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. It also maintains intestinal integrity and controls Gram-negative bacterial growth. A correlation analysis identified several pathogenic bacteria linked with inflammation and energy metabolism, as well as beneficial probiotic bacteria associated with improved energy metabolism and reduced inflammation. These findings underscore Brassica rapa L.'s potential for managing prolonged exercise-induced fatigue, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. The results highlight its impact on gut microbiota modulation and its role in nutrition science and sports medicine.

Monolithic three-dimensional integration of RRAM-based hybrid memory architecture for one-shot learning

In this work, we report the monolithic three-dimensional integration (M3D) of hybrid memory architecture based on resistive random-access memory (RRAM), named M3D-LIME. The chip featured three key functional layers: the first was Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) for control logic; the second was computing-in-memory (CIM) layer with HfAlOx-based analog RRAM array to implement neural networks for feature extractions; the third was on-chip buffer and ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) array for template storing and matching, based on Ta2O5-based binary RRAM and carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET). Extensive structural analysis along with array-level electrical measurements and functional demonstrations on the CIM and TCAM arrays was performed. The M3D-LIME chip was further used to implement one-shot learning, where ~96% accuracy was achieved on the Omniglot dataset while exhibiting 18.3× higher energy efficiency than graphics processing unit (GPU). This work demonstrates the tremendous potential of M3D-LIME with RRAM-based hybrid memory architecture for future data-centric applications.

Rapid magnetization and removal of microplastics from environment and food based on magnetic metal-organic framework Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al)

Microplastics (MPs) are now not only emerging as pollutants in the environment, but their current state of contamination in food is also a cause for concern. It is necessary to focus how to control, reduce, and even remove MPs. In this study, a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) material, Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al), was synthesized and applied to simulate the magnetization and removal of four types of MPs. Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al) was characterized by various means to demonstrate its successful synthesis as a core-shell nanomaterial. The conditions of the method were optimized by examining the effect of time, the mass ratio of material to MPs, temperature, and pH on the removal effect. The removal rates of four MPs were 54.10-94.17%, and the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al) that can be adsorbed were 10511.45-44390.24 mg g-1. Notably, the material can effectively magnetize and remove MPs from liquid food containing alcohol with highest efficiency of 97.10 ± 1.21%. Potential adsorption mechanisms were analyzed using kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic models, and electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding were found to play a dominant role in the adsorption process. In addition, not only can Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al) be reused up to five times to maintain high removal rates, but it can also be used in food systems. Therefore, Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53(Al) not only has the advantages of ease of use and stability, but also can efficiently and quickly magnetize and remove many common MPs in more complex matrices such as food.

Pharmacological Effects of Urolithin A and Its Role in Muscle Health and Performance: Current Knowledge and Prospects

Urolithin A (UA) is a naturally occurring compound derived from the metabolism of gut microbiota, which has attracted considerable research attention due to its pharmacological effects and potential implications in muscle health and performance. Recent studies have demonstrated that Urolithin A exhibits diverse biological activities, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-aging properties. In terms of muscle health, accumulating evidence suggests that Urolithin A may promote muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth through various pathways, offering promise in mitigating muscle atrophy. Moreover, Urolithin A exhibits the potential to enhance muscle health and performance by improving mitochondrial function and regulating autophagy. Nonetheless, further comprehensive investigations are still warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Urolithin A and to assess its feasibility and safety in human subjects, thereby advancing its potential applications in the realms of muscle health and performance.

Edge learning using a fully integrated neuro-inspired memristor chip

Learning is highly important for edge intelligence devices to adapt to different application scenes and owners. Current technologies for training neural networks require moving massive amounts of data between computing and memory units, which hinders the implementation of learning on edge devices. We developed a fully integrated memristor chip with the improvement learning ability and low energy cost. The schemes in the STELLAR architecture, including its learning algorithm, hardware realization, and parallel conductance tuning scheme, are general approaches that facilitate on-chip learning by using a memristor crossbar array, regardless of the type of memristor device. Tasks executed in this study included motion control, image classification, and speech recognition.

A Memristors-Based Dendritic Neuron for High-Efficiency Spatial-Temporal Information Processing

Diverse microscopic ionic dynamics help mediate the ability of a biological neural network to handle complex tasks with low energy consumption. Thus, rich internal ionic dynamics in memristors based on transition metal oxide are expected to provide a unique and useful platform for implementing energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. To this end, a titanium oxide (TiOx )-based interface-type dynamic memristor and an niobium oxide (NbOx )-based Mott memristor are integrated as an artificial dendrite and spike-firing soma, respectively, to construct a dendritic neuron unit for realizing high-efficiency spatial-temporal information processing. Further, a dendritic neural network is hardware-implemented for spatial-temporal information processing to highlight the computational advantages achieved by incorporating dendritic functions in the network. Human motion recognition is demonstrated using the Nanyang Technological University-Red Green Blue (NTU-RGB) dataset as a benchmark spatial-temporal task; it shows a nearly 20% improvement in accuracy for the memristors-based hardware incorporating dendrites and a 1000× advantage in power efficiency compared to that of the graphics processing unit (GPU). The dendritic neuron developed in this study can be considered a critical building block for implementing more bio-plausible neural networks that can manage complex spatial-temporal tasks with high efficiency.

Monolithic 3D Integration of Analog RRAM-Based Computing-in-Memory and Sensor for Energy-Efficient Near-Sensor Computing

In the era of the Internet of Things, vast amounts of data generated at sensory nodes impose critical challenges on the data-transfer bandwidth and energy efficiency of computing hardware. A near-sensor computing (NSC) architecture places the processing units closer to the sensors such that the generated data can be processed almost in situ with high efficiency. This study demonstrates the monolithic three-dimensional (M3D) integration of a photosensor array, analog computing-in-memory (CIM), and Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic circuits, named M3D-SAIL. This approach exploits the high-bandwidth on-chip data transfer and massively parallel CIM cores to realize an energy-efficient NSC architecture. The 1st layer of the Si CMOS circuits serves as the control logic and peripheral circuits. The 2nd layer comprises a 1 k-bit one-transistor-one-resistor (1T1R) array with InGaZnOx field-effect transistor (IGZO-FET) and resistive random-access memory (RRAM) for analog CIM. The 3rd layer comprises multiple IGZO-FET-based photosensor arrays for wavelength-dependent optical sensing. The structural integrity and function of each layer are comprehensively verified. Furthermore, NSC is implemented using the M3D-SAIL architecture for a typical video keyframe-extraction task, achieving a high classification accuracy of 96.7% as well as a 31.5× lower energy consumption and 1.91× faster computing speed compared to its 2D counterpart.

Recent advance in probiotics for the elimination of pesticide residues in food and feed: mechanisms, product toxicity, and reinforcement strategies

The extensive utilization of pesticides in agriculture has resulted in the presence of pesticide residues in food and feed, which poses a significant threat to human health. Various physical and chemical methods have been proposed to remove pesticides, but most of these methods are either costly or susceptible to secondary contamination. Consequently, the utilization of microorganisms, such as probiotics, for eliminating pesticides, has emerged as a promising alternative. Probiotics, including lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, have demonstrated remarkable efficiency and convenience in eliminating pesticide residues from food or feed. To promote the application of probiotic decontamination, this review examines the current research status on the utilization of probiotics for pesticide reduction. The mechanisms involved in microbial decontamination are discussed, along with the toxicity and potential health risks of degradation products. Furthermore, the review explores strategies to enhance probiotic detoxification and outlines prospects for future development.

Healthy regulation of Tibetan Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides on alleviating hyperlipidemia: A rodent study

Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder, which can lead to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis and other diseases. Studies have shown that polysaccharides absorbed by the intestinal tract can regulate blood lipids and facilitate the growth of intestinal flora. This article aims to investigate whether Tibetan turnip polysaccharide (TTP) plays a protective role in blood lipid and intestinal health via hepatic and intestinal axes. Here we show that TTP helps to reduce the size of adipocytes and the accumulation of liver fat, playing a dose-dependent effect on ADPN levels, suggesting an effect on lipid metabolism regulation. Meantime, TTP intervention results in the downregulation of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), implying that TTP suppresses the progression of inflammation in the body. The expression of key enzymes associated with cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis, such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and sterol-regulatory element binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c), can be modulated by TTP. Furthermore, TTP also alleviates the damage to intestinal tissues caused by high-fat diet, restores the integrity of the intestinal barrier, improves the composition and abundance of the intestinal flora and increases the levels of SCFAs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the regulation of body rhythm by functional foods and potential intervention in patients with hyperlipidemia.

[Knockdown of ACC1 promotes migration of esophageal cancer cell]

Objective: To investigate the effect of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) knockdown on the migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) KYSE-450 cell and underlying mechanism. Methods: Lentiviral transfection was conducted to establish sh-NC control cell and ACC1 knocking down cell (sh-ACC1). Human siRNA HSP27 and control were transfected by Lipo2000 to get si-HSP27 and si-NC. The selective acetyltransferase P300/CBP inhibitor C646 was used to inhibit histone acetylation and DMSO was used as vehicle control. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration. The expression of HSP27 mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the expressions of ACC1, H3K9ac, HSP27 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blot. Results: The expression level of ACC1 in sh-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The number of cell migration in sh-NC group was (159.00±24.38), lower than (361.80±26.81) in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC group were statistically significant compared with sh-AAC1 group (P<0.05). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was (189.20±16.02), lower than (371.60±38.40) in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-NC+ si-HSP27 group (152.40±24.30, P<0.01), and the migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-NC and sh-NC+ si-HSP27 groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). After 24 h treatment with C646 at 20 μmmo/L, the migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was (190.80±11.95), lower than (395.80±17.10) in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was lower than that in sh-NC+ C646 group (256.20±23.32, P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (87.80±11.23, P<0.01). The protein expressions of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group and sh-NC+ C646 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Knockdown of ACC1 promotes the migration of KYSE-450 cell by up-regulating HSP27 and increasing histone acetylation.

The impact of modified polystyrene on lysozyme fibrillation studied by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)

Nanoplastics could modulate the fibrillation of amyloid proteins. However, many chemical functional groups are adsorbed to change the interfacial chemistry of nanoplastics in the real world. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the effects of polystyrene (PS), carboxyl modified PS (PS-COOH), and amino modified PS (PS-NH₂) on the fibrillation of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL). Due to the differences in the interfacial chemistry, concentration was considered an essential factor. PS-NH₂ (10 μg/mL) could promote the fibrillation of HEWL similar to PS (50 μg/mL) and PS-COOH (50 μg/mL). Moreover, promoting the primary nucleation step of amyloid fibril formation was the primary reason. The differences in spatial conformation of HEWL were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Strikingly, a particular signal of SERS of HEWL incubated with PS-NH₂ at 1610 cm^-1 was found due to the interaction between amino group of PS-NH₂ and tryptophan (or tyrosine) of HEWL. Therefore, a new perspective was provided to understand the regulation of interfacial chemistry of nanoplastics on the fibrillation of amyloid proteins. Additionally, this study suggested that SERS could be a powerful method to investigate the interactions between proteins and nanoparticles.

Carbon dots in breadcrumbs: Effect of frying on them and interaction with human serum albumin

This research confirmed the existence of carbon dots (CDs) in breadcrumbs before frying, and CDs could be significantly affected by frying. The content of CDs increased from 0.013 ± 0.002% to 1.029 ± 0.002%, and the fluorescence quantum yield increased from 1.82 ± 0.01% to 3.16 ± 0.002% after frying at 180℃ for 5 min. The size reduced from 3.32 ± 0.71 nm to 2.67 ± 0.48 nm, and the content of N increased from 1.58% to 2.53%. In addition, the interaction of the CDs and human serum albumin (HSA) through electrostatic and hydrophobic induces the increase of α-helix structure and the change of the amino acid microenvironment of HSA. CDs corona, which may have physiological significance, was found through the transmission electron microscope.

Ultrasound-Assisted Fermentation to Remove Cadmium from Rice and Its Application

Rice, which is a major part of the daily diet, is becoming more and more contaminated by cadmium (Cd). This study combined low-intensity ultrasonic waves with the Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation method and optimized this technique by a single-factor and response surface experiment, aiming to solve the practical problems that the current Cd removal methods for rice cannot address, due to the fact that they require a long time (nearly 24 h), which prevents meeting the rice production demands. The described technique required a short time (10 h), and the highest Cd removal reached 67.05 ± 1.38%. Further analysis revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Lactobacillus plantarum for Cd increased by nearly 75%, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity increased by almost 30% after the ultrasonic intervention. Additionally, a sensory evaluation and other experiments proved that the properties of the rice noodles prepared from Cd-reduced rice obtained by ultrasound-assisted fermentation were comparable to those of traditional rice noodles, indicating that this method can be used in actual rice production.

RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the ultrasensitive detection of chloramphenicol in milk

In this presented work, an artificial deoxyribozyme was employed as the substitute for horseradish peroxidase (or alkaline phosphatase) in ELISA for generating amplified signals. The feasibility of the proposed deoxyribozyme-based ELISA (DLISA) was demonstrated in the detection of a forbidden veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. And its efficiency was praised since that ultrahigh sensitivity was accomplished with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/L. The wide linear range from 0.000001 μg/mL to 1.0 μg/mL, as well as good recoveries from 86 % to 104 % in whole milk samples showed its excellent practical performances. Besides, the DLISA was worth popularizing due to the easy connection of antibody and DNAzyme through a facile functionalization process of gold nanoparticles. These advantages showed the possibility of DLISA for developing commercial kits, and the utilization of flexible DNA fluorescent probes in DLISA would inspire more work on innovations.

Interaction between Six Waxy Components in Summer Black Grapes (Vitis vinifera) and Mancozeb and Its Effect on the Residue of Mancozeb

Mancozeb, an antifungal typically used for the growth of fruits, has the characteristic of non-internal absorption, and has a risk of binding to the waxy components of fruits. This work investigated the interaction of pesticide molecules with the waxy layer on the grape surface and their effects on pesticide residues in grapes. The study observed significant changes in the compositions of the waxy layer on the grape surface after soaking in a mancozeb standard solution. The six substances-oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lupeol, octacosanol, hexacosanal, and γ-sitosterol-with discernible content differences were chosen for molecular docking. Docking results were further visualized by an independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH). Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were found between mancozeb and the six waxy components. Moreover, the negative matrix effects caused by the presence or absence of wax for the determination of mancozeb were different through the QuEChERS-HPLC-MS method. Compared with the residue of mancozeb in grapes (5.97 mg/kg), the deposition of mancozeb in grapes after dewaxing was significantly lower (1.12 mg/kg), which further supports that mancozeb may interact with the wax layer compositions. This work not only provides insights into the study of the interaction between pesticides and small molecules but also provides theoretical guidelines for the investigation of the removal of pesticide residues on the surface of fruits.

Reshaped Gut Microbial Composition and Functions Associated with the Anti-Fatigue Effect of Salidroside in Exercise Mice

SCOPE

Salidroside (SA) is an active compound derived from Rhodiola rosea and is widely used in healthcare foods. However, the underlying mechanism and its specific role in regulating the gut microbial community during exercise remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice were subjected to a weight-loaded swimming test exercise (Ex) to determine how gut microbiota affects the anti-fatigue activity of SA. The SA-treated group mice (100 mg/kg.bw.) displayed a significant increase in swimming time compared to the Control group (26.2 min versus 10.5 min, p < 0.01), as well as an increase in respiratory enzymatic activities after swimming. The respiratory enzymatic activities were significantly higher in the SA-treated group than in the RS (regular rest) group after swimming. The bacteria profiles in the Ex+SA group changed significantly with higher species diversity and abundance. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves of Alistipes, Rikenellaceae, Parabacteroides, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Lactobacillus indicated a high diagnostic utility to distinguish SA treatment. Microbial function analysis showed that SA might improve exercise-induced fatigue by modulating energy metabolism-related processes.

CONCLUSIONS

SA demonstrates anti-fatigue effects on various levels of regulating energy metabolism and microbial composition, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of SA as a natural prebiotic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Energy-efficient high-fidelity image reconstruction with memristor arrays for medical diagnosis

Medical imaging is an important tool for accurate medical diagnosis, while state-of-the-art image reconstruction algorithms raise critical challenges in massive data processing for high-speed and high-quality imaging. Here, we present a memristive image reconstructor (MIR) to greatly accelerate image reconstruction with discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) by computing-in-memory (CIM) with memristor arrays. A high-accuracy quasi-analogue mapping (QAM) method and generic complex matrix transfer (CMT) scheme was proposed to improve the mapping precision and transfer efficiency, respectively. High-fidelity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) image reconstructions were demonstrated, achieving software-equivalent qualities and DICE scores after segmentation with nnU-Net algorithm. Remarkably, our MIR exhibited 153× and 79× improvements in energy efficiency and normalized image reconstruction speed, respectively, compared to graphics processing unit (GPU). This work demonstrates MIR as a promising high-fidelity image reconstruction platform for future medical diagnosis, and also largely extends the application of memristor-based CIM beyond artificial neural networks.

Applicable Strains, Processing Techniques and Health Benefits of Fermented Oat Beverages: A Review

Based on the high nutrients of oat and the demand of health-conscious consumers for value-added and functional foods, fermented oat beverages have great market prospects. This review summarizes the applicable strains, processing techniques and health benefits of fermented oat beverages. Firstly, the fermentation characteristics and conditions of the applicable strains are systematically described. Secondly, the advantages of pre-treatment processes such as enzymatic hydrolysis, germination, milling and drying are summarized. Furthermore, fermented oat beverages can increase the nutrient content and reduce the content of anti-nutritional factors, thereby reducing some risk factors related to many diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This paper discusses the current research status of fermented oat beverages, which has academic significance for researchers interested in the application potential of oat. Future studies on fermenting oat beverages can focus on the development of special compound fermentation agents and the richness of their taste.

A122 MINIMALLY INVASIVE ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION TECHNIQUES FOR ANORECTAL JUNCTION NEOPLASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

The management of neoplastic lesions at the anorectal junction remains debated. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) have emerged as the primary endoscopic modalities of choice.

Purpose

We sought to compare the performance of ESD and EMR in resection of anorectal neoplasia.

Method

Two authors independently searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Libraries (Jan 2000 – Aug 2021) for citations evaluating the performance of endoscopic resection techniques (ESD, EMR) for lesions involving the anorectal junction (defined as within 20mm of the dentate line). The frequencies and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of technical success (complete removal of all neoplastic tissue at index procedure), clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding (CSPEB), delayed perforation, recurrence and referral to surgery were assessed using random-effects modelling.

Result(s)

We included 11 studies (total 563 patients: 414 ESD, 149 EMR) of which nine were ESD and two were EMR studies. Technical success was achieved in 97.2% overall (95% CI 94.8%-98.5%, ESD 97.5% and EMR range 93.9%-98.0%). Clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding occurred in 4.3% (95% CI 1.6%-11.1%, ESD 3.0% and EMR range 8.2%-11.0%). Delayed perforation was not identified. Recurrence at first screening colonoscopy occurred in 4.8% (95% CI 1.9%-11.7%, ESD 3.0% and EMR range 15.4%-18.4%). Referral to surgery for any reason occurred in 5.9% (95% CI 4.3%-8.0%, ESD 6.9%, EMR range 2.0%-3.0%).

Conclusion(s)

ESD and EMR demonstrate high frequencies of technical success but may have different rates of adverse events and recurrence. More studies investigating lesions at the anorectal junction should be conducted including head-to-head analyses between ESD and EMR for low-risk anorectal junction neoplasia.

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Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Conductive Filaments in HfOx -Based Memristor

HfO_x -based memristor has been studied extensively as one of the most promising memories for the excellent nonvolatile data storage and computing-in-memory capabilities. However, the resistive switching mechanism, relying on the formation and rupture of conductive filaments (CFs) during device operations, is still under debate. In this work, the CFs with different morphologies after different operations-forming, set, and reset-are clearly revealed for the first time by 3D reconstruction of conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) images. Intriguingly, multiple CFs are successfully observed in HfO_x -based memristor devices with three different resistive states. CFs after forming, set, and reset exhibit the typical morphologies of hourglass, inverted-cone, and short-cone, respectively. The rupture location of CFs after the reset operation is also observed clearly. These findings reveal the microscopic behaviors underlying the resistive switching, which could pave the road to design and optimize oxide-based memristors for both memory and computing applications.

Study on the Cellular Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Torularhodin Produced by Sporidiobolus pararoseus ZQHL Isolated from Vinegar Fungus

The red stretcher bacterium Sporidiobolus pararoseus is a high producer of carotenoids such as torularhodin, but its presence in vinegar has not been detected. Moreover, torularhodin has several biological activities, but its effect on the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 inflammatory cell model has also yet to be elucidated. In this study, S. pararoseus was identified in different vinegar samples from China by ITS sequencing. Meanwhile, one of the strains was deeply resolved by whole genome sequencing and functional annotation and named S. pararoseus ZQHL. Subsequently, the antioxidant effect of the fungal carotenoid torularhodin was investigated using in vitro DPPH, ABTS, and cellular models. Finally, LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells were used as an inflammation model to assess torularhodin's protective effect on inflammatory cells and to determine whether the TLR4 pathway is associated with this process. The results indicate that torularhodin has good free radical scavenging ability in vitro and can contribute to cell viability. More importantly, torularhodin alleviated LPS-induced cellular inflammatory damage and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors such as TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-a. The mechanism may attenuate the cellular inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4 inflammatory pathway. In conclusion, torularhodin produced by S. pararoseus fungi in vinegar samples significantly scavenged free radicals in vitro and alleviated RAW 264.7 cellular inflammation by modulating the TLR4 pathway.

Torularhodin-Loaded Bilosomes Ameliorate Lipid Accumulation and Amino Acid Metabolism in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

SCOPE

Hypercholesterolemia is a cause of cardiovascular disease. Torularhodin is a carotenoid, and its entrapment in bilosomes helps to improve its bioavailability.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effects of torularhodin-loaded bilosomes on lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, and serum metabolic profiles in hypercholesterolemic ApoE-/- C57BL/6J mice were investigated by feeding a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD) for 20 weeks. At the same time, mice were gavaged with torularhodin-loaded bilosomes for 10 weeks. The results showed that torularhodin successfully alleviated weight gain and insulin resistance in mice and could also lower blood lipids. Meanwhile, torularhodin improved liver lipid accumulation in mice and modulated inflammatory factors in the "blood-liver-ileum." Nontargeted metabolomics revealed that torularhodin significantly increased the concentrations of l-tryptophan, glyceraldehyde, hypotaurine, pyrophosphate, and niacinamide in serum (p < 0.01). In addition, targeted amino acid metabolomics verification found that torularhodin promoted the metabolism of serum amino acids in mice, particularly for branched-chain amino acids, thereby helping to improve hypercholesterolemia in mice. Finally, interaction network bioinformatics was used to demonstrate that amino acid metabolism represented an important mechanism by which torularhodin improves lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Torularhodin can improve hypercholesterolemia in HFHCD-fed mice, thereby supporting the feasibility of its usage in food applications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Neuroprotective effects of polysaccharide from Sparassis crispa on Alzheimer's disease-like mice: Involvement of microbiota-gut-brain axis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that may cause neurotoxicity and imbalance in gut microbiota. A polysaccharide derived from Sparassis crispa-1 (SCP-1) acts as a neuroprotective agent in vitro. There is, however, no clarity on the mechanism responsible for SCP-1's neuroprotective effects against AD. In this study, C57BL/6J male mice were treated with D-galactose and AlCl₃ to establish an animal model of AD, followed by treatment with SCP-1. As evidenced by behavioral tests and brain pathology, SCP-1 treatment ameliorated learning deficits and defective spatial recognition, reduced amyloidogenesis, and modulated the neurotransmitter levels (γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and acetylcholine) in the brain of AD mice. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that SCP-1 reshaped the gut microbiota composition, especially by promoting the proliferation of butyrate-producing genera, such as Intestinaimonas, [Eubacterium] ventriosum group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_010, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001, and suppressing the growth of inflammation-related bacteria (i.e., Escherichia/Shigella). Furthermore, SCP-1 significantly attenuated inflammation by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines, maintaining intestinal barrier function, inhibiting glial activation, and decreasing the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Collectively, our findings suggest that SCP-1 may prevent the development of AD via modulation of gut microbiota and suppression of inflammation, for a potential application in preventing or managing AD.

[Effects of propranolol on biological function of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of propranolol on the subcutaneous tumorigenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the proliferation, migration, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy of ESCC cells and its possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: The cell proliferation was detected by MTT (methyl thiazol tetrazolium) assay: ESCC Eca109, KYSE-450 and TE-1 cells were routinely cultured. PBS (Phosphate buffer saline) group (without propranolol) and treated groups (40, 60, 80, 100 μmol/L propranolol) were set up with 5 wells in each group. After treatment for 0, 24, 48, 72 h, 10 μl (5 mg/ml) of MTT was added to each well, and the absorbance was measured at 490 nm. The cell migration was tested by Transwell assay: ESCC Eca109, KYSE-450 and TE-1 cells were routinely cultured, and PBS group (without propranolol) and treated groups (40, 60 μmol/L) were set up with 2 wells in each group. Photos were taken 40 h later, and the experiment was repeated for three times before statistical analysis. The cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry assay: ESCC Eca109, KYSE-450 and TE-1 cells were routinely cultured. PBS group (without propranolol) and treated group (80 μmol/L) were set up, fixed, stained, and fluorescence at 488 nm was detected. The protein levels were detected by Western blot: ESCC Eca109 and KYSE-450 cells were routinely cultured. PBS group (without propranolol) and treated groups (60, 80 μmol/L) were set up followed by gel electrophoresis, wet membrane transfer, and ECL imaging. The experiment was repeated for three times and then analyzed statistically. Subcutaneous tumor formation experiment in nude mice: 10 nude mice were assigned PBS group (without propranolol) and treated group (with propranolol). Five mice in each group were inoculated with 5×10⁶ cells/100 μl (Eca109) into the right underarm. The treated group was given a gavage of 0.4 ml/kg (6 mg/kg) every other day, and the tumor size was measured every other day for 3 weeks. After 20 days, the nude mice were dislocated and sacrificed to take tumor tissue. Result: The results showed that propranolol inhibited the proliferation of Eca109, KYSE-450 and TE-1 cells with IC₅₀ of around 70 μmol/L for 48 h. Eca109, KYSE-450 and TE-1 cell migration was inhibited by propranolol in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.05); Propranolol blocked the cell cycle of Eca109 in G2/M phase, blocked the cell cycle of KYSE-450 and TE-1 in G0/G1 phase, and promoted apoptosis of three kinds of cells (P＜0.05). The results of cell fluorescence showed that LC3 fluorescence intensity of TE-1 was increased after 12 h, 24 h and 36 h treatment with propranolol (P＜0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with PBS group, the protein expressions of p-mTOR, p-Akt and cyclin D1 were down-regulated, while cleaved caspase 9 level was up-regulated (P＜0.05). The results of subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice showed that the tumor weight of PBS group was (0.91±0.05)g, and that of the experimental group was(0.65±0.12)g, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Propranolol inhibits the proliferation, migration and cell cycle,promotes apoptosis and autophagy of ESCC cells, and inhibits subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice. The mechanism might be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Effects of knockdown ACC1 on glioma U251 cell migration and its mechanisms]

Objective: To investigate the effects of ACC1 knockdown on human glioma U251 cell migration and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Human glioma U251 cell line was used. The experiment was carried out in three steps. Experiment 1: knockdown of ACC1 in U251 cells (shACC1) and its control (NC) U251 cells were established by transfection of shACC1 lentivirus and negative control virus. The cell migration was detected by Transwell migration assay and scratch test. Western blot (WB) was performed to detect the levels of ACC1, Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Slug proteins. Experiment 2: RT-qPCR and WB were performed to verify the RNA-seq result, upregulation effect of ACC1 knockdown on PAI-1 in U251 cells. The cells then were treated with PAI-1 inhibitor PAI-039, and the cell migration was detected by Transwell migration assay and scratch assay. The protein levels of ACC1, PAI-1, Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Slug were examined by WB. Experiment 3: the molecular mechanisms of knocking down ACC1 to increase PAI-1 were explored. The cells were treated with acetyltransferase inhibitor C646, and cell migration was examined by Transwell migration assay and scratch assay. WB was conducted to test the levels of ACC1, H3K9ac, PAI-1, Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin and Slug proteins. Each experiment was repeated three times. Results: Experiment 1: lentivirus transfection was performed on glioma U251 cells. Compared with NC group, the expression level of ACC1 in shACC1 group was decreased significantly, indicating that lentivirus transfection was successful (P＜0.01), and the number of migrated cells in shACC1 group was increased significantly (P＜0.01). Migration-related proteins Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin and Slug were up-regulated, while E-cadherin was down-regulated (P＜0.01). Experiment 2: Compared with NC group, PAI-1 mRNA level in shACC1 group was up-regulated. Compared with control group, cell migration in shACC1+PAI-039 group was decreased (P＜0.01), and migration-related proteins Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, and Slug were up-regulated. E-cadherin expression was down-regulated (P＜0.01). Experiment 3: Compared with NC group, the concentration of acetyl-coA and the expression level of H3K9ac in shACC1 group were increased significantly (P＜0.01); After further treatment with histone acetyl transferase inhibitor C646, PAI-1 mRNA level was decreased, cell migration number and H3K9ac expression level were decreased in shACC1+C646 group compared with control group (P＜0.01). Migration-related proteins Vimentin, Fibronectin, N-cadherin and Slug were up-regulated, while E-cadherin was down-regulated (P＜0.01). Conclusion: Knockdown of ACC1 promotes the migration of human glioma U251 cells by increasing histone acetylation which elevates the level of PAI-1.

Large-Scale Integrated Flexible Tactile Sensor Array for Sensitive Smart Robotic Touch

In the long pursuit of smart robotics, it has been envisioned to empower robots with human-like senses, especially vision and touch. While tremendous progress has been made in image sensors and computer vision over the past decades, tactile sense abilities are lagging behind due to the lack of large-scale flexible tactile sensor array with high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and fast response. In this work, we have demonstrated a 64 × 64 flexible tactile sensor array with a record-high spatial resolution of 0.9 mm (equivalently 28.2 pixels per inch) by integrating a high-performance piezoresistive film (PRF) with a large-area active matrix of carbon nanotube thin-film transistors. PRF with self-formed microstructures exhibited high pressure-sensitivity of ∼385 kPa^-1 for multi-walled carbon nanotubes concentration of 6%, while the 14% one exhibited fast response time of ∼3 ms, good linearity, broad detection range beyond 1400 kPa, and excellent cyclability over 3000 cycles. Using this fully integrated tactile sensor array, the footprint maps of an artificial honeybee were clearly identified. Furthermore, we hardware-implemented a smart tactile system by integrating the PRF-based sensor array with a memristor-based computing-in-memory chip to record and recognize handwritten digits and Chinese calligraphy, achieving high classification accuracies of 98.8% and 97.3% in hardware, respectively. The integration of sensor networks with deep learning hardware may enable edge or near-sensor computing with significantly reduced power consumption and latency. Our work could empower the building of large-scale intelligent sensor networks for next-generation smart robotics.

Deciphering the potential role of Maca compounds prescription influencing gut microbiota in the management of exercise-induced fatigue by integrative genomic analysis

A growing number of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals have been utilized for millennia as anti-fatigue supplements in folk medicine. However, the anti-fatigue mechanism underlying is still far from being clearly explained. The aim of the study is to explore the underlying mechanism of the Maca compound preparation (MCP), a prescription for management of exercise-induced fatigue. In this study, mice weight-loaded swimming test was used to evaluate the anti-fatigue effect of MCP. MCP significantly improved the forelimb grip strength and Rota-rod test in behavioral tests via regulating energy metabolism. 16S rDNA sequencing results showed MCP can regulate the intestinal flora at the genus level by increasing several beneficial bacteria (i.e., Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and etc.), and decreasing the harmful bacteria (i.e., Candidatus_Planktophila and Candidatus_Arthromitus), where notable high relevance was observed between the fatigue-related biomarkers and fecal microbiota. The results of microbial function analysis suggested that MCP might improve exercise-induced fatigue by enhancing energy metabolism, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides and breakdown of amino acid metabolism. In addition, and H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress model on C2C12 cells was employed to further validate the regulation of MCP on energy metabolisms. MCP pre-treatment significantly reduced intracellular ROS accumulation, and increased glycogen content, ATP generation capacity and mitochondrial membrane potential of skeletal muscle cells, as well as conferred anti-cell necrosis ability. In conclusion, MCP plays a key role in regulating fatigue occurrence in exercising and gut microbiota balance, which may be of particular importance in the case of manual workers or sub-healthy populations.

Simultaneous Determination of Antibiotics, Mycotoxins, and Hormones in Milk by an 8-17 DNAzyme-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

The simultaneous detection of three kinds of small-molecule contaminants (antibiotics, mycotoxins, and hormones) in milk was realized by using an 8-17 DNAzyme-based fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in which 8-17 DNAzyme was utilized as the catalytic enzyme for amplifying the signal. Compared with the conventional ELISA in which horseradish peroxidase is used as the catalyzing factor, this 8-17 DNAzyme-based ELISA could achieve multicolor signal output with lower detection limits. The linearities for chloramphenicol, 17β-estradiol, and aflatoxin M₁ were in the range of 0.3 ng/mL-3 μg/mL, 3 ng/mL-3 μg/mL, and 3 pg/mL-3 ng/mL with quantitation limits of 0.3, 3, and 0.003 ng/mL, respectively. This proposed scheme demonstrated that the 8-17 DNAzyme might be an effective substitute for horseradish peroxidase in ELISA for the development of ultrasensitive and multicolor fluorescence immunoassay, which would stimulate the development of ELISA in a new orientation.

Comparison of two probiotics in follow-on formula: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 reduced upper respiratory tract infections in Chinese infants

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the health benefits of probiotic bacteria in infants when delivered in a follow-on infant formula. The study was conducted in Fuyang (Anhui Province, China) during winter and enrolled 192 healthy infants aged six to 12 months. Infants received one of three follow-on formulae daily for 12 weeks: supplemented with 106 cfu/g Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (n=64); 106 cfu/g Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (n=64); or without added probiotics (n=64). The primary endpoint was physician-confirmed bacterial or viral infections during the treatment period. Secondary endpoints included parentally reported (confirmed and unconfirmed) infections; antiviral or antibiotic treatments, and hospitalisation; stool frequency and consistency; infant growth; infant temperament; and adverse events. There were 8 cases of confirmed infection, all upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Confirmed URTIs were observed in 9.4% of the control group, compared to 3.1% in the HN001 group (P=0.273), and 0.0% in the HN019 group (P=0.028). A similar trend was observed for parentally reported URTIs, with 25.0% in the control group, compared with 14.1% in the HN001 group (P=0.119) and 9.4% in the HN019 group (P=0.019). No infants in the HN019 group were prescribed antibiotics or antivirals, compared with 3 (4.7%) in the HN001 group and 7 (10.9%) in the control group. No infants required hospitalisation. The probiotic-containing formulae were well-tolerated: there were no cases of diarrhoea or differences in stool frequency or characteristics, no differences in infant growth or temperament, and no treatment-related adverse events. This study directly compared the benefits of two different probiotics when added to follow-on infant formula at 106 cfu/g and consumed over a 12-week period. While HN001 showed trends toward reduced infections, HN019 showed better performance in terms of significantly reduced incidence of both physician-confirmed and parentally reported URTIs, and antibiotic/antiviral use compared to a control in Chinese infants. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01724203).

Lycopene-Loaded Bilosomes Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Chronic Nephritis in Mice through the TLR4/MyD88 Inflammatory Pathway

Chronic kidney disease caused by a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome has received widespread attention. Lycopene has a wide range of biological activities and can improve a variety of chronic diseases through anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, HFD-fed mice were used as a metabolic syndrome model to evaluate the protective effect of lycopene in a sustained-release vehicle (bilosomes) in the small intestine against renal injury and to determine whether the TLR4/MyD88 pathway and related metabolic pathways are involved in this process. The results showed that lycopene bilosomes alleviated HFD-induced kidney damage, as evidenced by lower serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels. Histopathology studies showed that lycopene bilosomes attenuated HFD-induced tubular cell and glomerular injury. In addition, Elisa, RT-PCR, and Western blotting results showed that lycopene bilosomes also reduced the expression of inflammatory factors such as TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB, TNF-a, and IL-6 in mouse kidneys. The mechanism was to attenuate renal inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 inflammatory pathway. These findings suggested that lycopene can alleviate nephritis and metabolic disorders caused by HFD, inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 inflammatory pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines and further regulating the vitamin K metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism pathways to relieve chronic nephritis.

Brassica rapa L. (Tibetan turnip) prevents sleep-deprivation induced cognitive deficits via the inhibition of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial depolarization

Brassica rapa L., an edible, feeding and medicinal plant cultivated on the Tibetan plateau with altitudes above 3800 m, has several pharmacological effects. However, its therapeutic effects against memory impairment and central fatigue have yet to be conclusively established. In this study, the Y-maze and Morris water maze tasks revealed that Brassica rapa L. aqueous extract (BE) significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits of sleep deprivation (SD)-treated mice. Moreover, BE treatment partially alleviated SD-induced reductions in the levels of peripheral energy metabolism, and significantly decreased inflammatory factor levels in serum and hippocampus. In addition, BE treatment significantly relieved central fatigue and stabilized the excitability as well as activities of neurons by regulating the levels of hypothalamus tryptophan metabolites and striatum neurotransmitters. The neuroprotective effects of BE were also confirmed using glutamate-treated HT22 cells, whereby BE pretreatment significantly attenuated intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial depolarization via adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (AMPK/PPAR-γ) signaling pathways. Thus, BE might probably prevent SD-induced learning and memory deficits by inhibiting neuroinflammation and restoring mitochondrial energy metabolism in the hippocampus. These findings imply that BE is a potential complementary therapy for those suffering from deficient sleep or neurometabolic disorders, although this needs verification by prospective clinical studies.