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Ferulic acid (FA), predominantly existing in most cereals, can modulate the gut microbiome, but the influences of its metabolites on the microbial population and FA-transforming microorganisms are still unclear. In this study, FA and its potential phenolic metabolites were fermented in vitrofor 24 h with the human fecal inoculum. A comparable short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production trend was observed in the presence and absence of substrates, suggesting limited contribution of FA mechanism to SCFA formation. Dihydroferulic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid were ascertained to be successive metabolites of FA, by tracking the intermediate variation. FA remarkably promoted the absolute abundances of total bacteria, while different metabolites affected bacterial growth of selective genera. Specific genera were identified as quantitatively correlating to the content of FA and its metabolites. Ultimately, FA-mediated gut microbiota modulation involves both the action of metabolizing microbes and the regulation effects of metabolites on bacterial growth.

Introduction: Early onset sepsis (EOS) remains a potentially fatal newborn condition, especially in very preterm infants. Data on the pathogen distribution and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of EOS among very preterm infants are scarce but essential for the choice of empirical antibiotic administration. We sought to assess the epidemiologic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogens causing EOS among a cohort of very preterm infants in China. Methods: This prospective, observational study included a cohort of infants born at a gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks of 32 newborn intensive care units (NICUs) in China between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. EOS was defined by isolation of pathogenic species from blood culture within 72 h of birth. Results: A total of 108 EOS cases (18.4 per 1000 admissions) were identified among 5865 very preterm infants. Incidence of EOS increased with the decrease of GA and birthweight. Escherichia coli(n= 44, 40.7%) was the most common pathogen, followed by Klebsiellaspp. (n= 10, 9.3%). The distribution and proportion of pathogenic bacteria varied significantly by GA. E. coliand Klebsiellaspp. showed high resistance to ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins, while they showed good susceptibility to carbapenem antibiotics and piperacillin–tazobactam. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that pathogens causing neonatal EOS showed high rates of resistance to ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins. This raised questions about the best empirical antibiotic choice for preterm infants suspected of having EOS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Oats are among the most commonly consumed whole grains and are widely grown worldwide, and they contain numerous nutrients, including proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, β-glucan, and unique phytochemical polyphenol avenanthramides (Avns). Recent studies have indicated that Avns play essential roles in mediating the health benefits of oats. This review systemically summarized the nomenclature and structures of Avns, effect of germination on promoting Avns production, and in vivometabolites produced after Avns consumption. The classical functions and novel potential bioactivities of Avns were further elucidated. The classical functions of Avns in cancer prevention, antioxidative response, anti-inflammatory reaction, and maintaining muscle health were expounded, and the internal mechanisms of these functions were analyzed. The potential novel bioactivities of Avns in modulating gut microbiota, alleviating obesity, and preventing chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, were further revealed. This review may provide new prospects and directions for the development and utilization of oat Avns.

ABSTRACTHome advantage in sport is a widely analyzed phenomenon with an unclear impact on volleyball. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of match location on the set outcome and technical performance indicators in the Chinese Women’;s Volleyball Association League. A total of 656 sets (181 matches) were observed during two consecutive seasons (2016-2018). The point and error performances in actions when teams played at home and away in terms of each set were analyzed. Comparisons were made using T test or Mann Whitney-U test, with the SMD at 95% of interval confidence. Also, a discriminant analysis was applied (p < .05). The results showed that the highest winning probability was in the fourth (59.5%), fifth (58.6%), and first (55.2%) set by home teams. Significant differences between teams were only found in spike error and block point (first set), spike point and serve error (second set), and serve-reception error (third set). Finally, only the points in terminal actions (serve, spike and block), as well as the serve error, lead to a discriminant function in the second set. These findings address coaches to develop proper strategies when they compete at home or away in a regular league.

Sarcopenia commonly occurs in the elderly and patients with wasting diseases. The main reason is an imbalance in protein metabolism (protein degradation exceeding protein synthesis). It causes a serious decline in muscle strength and motion ability, even leading to long-term bed rest. Recent studies indicate that nutritional support is beneficial for ameliorating sarcopenia and restoring muscle function. This review will summarize the classical mechanisms of protein nutritional support for alleviating sarcopenia, such as modulating the ubiquitin–proteasome system, oxidative response, and cell autophagy, as well as the potential new mechanisms, including altering miRNA profiles and gut microbiota. In addition, the clinical application and outcome of protein nutritional support in the elderly and patients with wasting diseases are also introduced. Protein nutritional support is expected to provide new approaches for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of sarcopenia.

To observe the clinical effects of the Lixujieyu recipe combined with Five Elements music therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) identified as the symptom patterns of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

ABSTRACTHome advantage in sports is a widely analysed phenomenon. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of home advantage and quality of opposition on different technical-tactical performance indicators in the Chinese Women’s Volleyball Association League. A total of 181 matches was observed during two consecutive seasons (2016 to 2018), and the score/excellent and error performances in actions when teams played at home or away in terms of the quality of opposition (higher or lower level teams) were analysed. Comparisons were made using the T test or Mann Whitney-U test, with the standardised difference in means at 95% of interval confidence, and discriminant analysis. The results showed a home advantage effect in matches between teams with the same level. When facing teams with different levels, the stronger team has a higher probability to win regardless of the match location. The technical performance indicators were affected by both contextual variables, especially the scoring indicators (points in serve, spike or block), in favour of teams with higher level and when playing at home. These findings offer usefulness information in order to prepare a competition and evaluate a team’s performance in terms of contextual variables.

Ionospheric observations associated with the 2011 Tohoku tsunami have revealed gravity waves having spectral characteristics that depend on their proximity to the epicenter. There is a preponderance of medium‐scale waves in the vicinity of the epicenter, a significant bifurcation into short‐ and long‐period waves over the Hawaiian archipelago, and a narrow and rich spectrum of waves over the West Coast and inland of the United States (U.S.). Guided by these previous observations, we consider wave sources as triads of nonlinearly interacting oceanic gravity waves, whose wave parameters satisfy resonant conditions. These waves are simulated using a 2‐D nonlinear model describing gravity wave propagation in order to explain the observations of tsunamigenic traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) associated with the Tohoku event. Ionospheric gravity waves are modeled as manifestations of a resonant interacting triad of primary, secondary, and tertiary oceanic wavesThe short‐ and long‐period waves observed in the 630 nm airglow layer over Hawaii were likely due to the tertiary and secondary oceanic wavesOver the U.S. West Coast TIDs due to the tertiary wave may have been observed at first and then further over the U.S. inland the secondary wave

Ionospheric fluctuations inferred from observations of total electron content have previously been attributed to tsunamis and have confirmed the strong coupling between Earth's ocean and ionosphere via atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs). To further advance our understanding of this wave coupling process we employ a linear full‐wave model and a nonlinear time‐dependent model to examine the ionospheric response to the AGW perturbations induced by the 2004 Sumatra and the 2011 Tohoku tsunamis. In the 2004 case, our modeling analyses reveal that one component of the propagating AGWs becomes dynamically unstable in the E‐region ionosphere at a range exceeding 2000 km in a direction 340° clockwise from north. Another component becomes convectively unstable in the E‐region ionosphere at a range exceeding 700 km in a direction 250° clockwise from north. In the 2011 case, a significant enhancement in the ionospheric disturbance occurs in a direction northwest from the epicenter about 1 h following the tsunami onset, in general agreement with observations. Our simulations also indicate that the AGW propagating toward the southeast is responsible for a traveling ionospheric disturbance that remains of an observable amplitude for over 4 h during which time it propagates horizontally almost 4000 km. A 2‐D nonlinear time‐dependent model displays azimuthally anisotropic gravity waves driven by tsunamis shown in TEC at ionospheric heightsIncomplete ducting conditions may cast doubt upon a long‐range propagating gravity wave afar off the epicenter in the 2004 Sumatra eventLong‐range gravity wave propagation may have been overlooked in the 2011 Tohoku event owning to sparse GPS receivers in the deep Pacific

The geographical origin and radiation of holarctica-type tularemia, which has spread across the northern hemisphere, is open to scientific debate. Here, through phylogenetics, we show that five Tibetan Francisella tularensisisolates subsp. holarcticacluster between basal-positioned Japanese isolates and all other subspecies strains in the world, providing evidence for a previously unknown intermediate lineage next to the Japanese isolates. Importantly, identification of this new intermediate lineage complements current knowledge of tularemia epidemiology, supporting a geographical origin and radiation of the subsp. holarcticain Asia. In addition, thirteen Tibetan isolates belonging to a clade previously found only in North America and Scandinavia, further increases the diversity of holarcticastrains in Asia. In summary, this study provides evidence for an Asian origin and radiation of holarctica-type tularemia.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Previous GPS observations have revealed that while ionospheric TIDs were seen propagating in all directions away from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake epicenter, the total electron content (TEC) fluctuations associated with the subsequent tsunami were largest for waves propagating toward the northwest of the epicenter. Ionospheric motions observed approximately 10 min after the earthquake were attributed to fast acoustic waves directly produced by the earthquake. Waves that first appeared about 40 min after the tsunami onset in TEC measurements were attributed to atmospheric gravity waves. In this paper, we conjecture that the remarkably different responses observed for the eastward and westward propagating waves noted in previous observations can be explained by the different ocean depths associated with the two directions of travel and by the effects of the mean winds. The former has consequences for the generated gravity waves (wave spectrum), while their combination has consequences for the ability of the waves to propagate to higher altitudes. Because the ocean depth to the east of the epicenter is greater than that to the west, the eastward propagating tsunami travels faster than the westward propagating tsunami; and hence, the eastward propagating gravity waves that are generated will be faster than the westward waves. We demonstrate that the faster eastward waves encounter regions of evanescence that inhibits their upward propagation, with the result that the westward propagating waves reach the lower thermosphere sooner and with much larger amplitudes than those of the eastward propagating waves. However, at much higher altitudes the slower westward propagating waves are severely damped by viscosity, with the result that only the eastward propagating waves survive to Fregion altitudes. These results are clearly seen in our full‐wave model simulations and also in the evolution of the wave momentum flux calculated using our 2‐D, time‐dependent model. Travel speeds of tsunami outward from epicenter are azimuthally anisotropicTsunamigenic atmospheric gravity waves have anisotropic distribution of phase speedsAtmospheric mean winds can amplify wave upward propagation characteristics

Hyperglycemia is one of the most important clinical features of burn patients. Previous reports had demonstrated that miRNA was involved in regulating glucose metabolism in various diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Our current study discovered the relationship between miR-194 and hyperglycemia in burn rats via suppressing insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR). We found that the fasting blood glucose was significantly increased in rats of the burn group, and protein expression of IGF-IR was attenuated in response to burn injury. Similar to the results of animal experiments, miR-194 expression was significantly elevated and IGF-IR protein level was suppressed in L6 cells treated with serum from burn rats compared with those treated by serum from sham rats. However, IGF-IR mRNA level was comparable between burn and sham rats, suggesting that IGF-IR may be downregulated at the translation level. Further experiments revealed that miR-194 was significantly increased in burn rats compared with sham rats using miRNA array and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. And IGF-IR protein expression was reduced in L6 cells transfected with miR-194 plasmid. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor expression was also repressed and fasting blood glucose was increased in rats injected with miR-194 plasmid. In general, we have identified a novel function of miR-194 in modulating burn-induced hyperglycemia via suppressing the expression of IGF-IR.

AbstractIndirect electrochemical oxidation (EO) of pentachlorophenol (PCP) wastewater was carried out in the presence of different halides through the electrogeneration of active halide (AH). The EO effect and electrochemical behaviors of PCP under different conditions are present in this paper. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves indicated higher electrogeneration efficiency of active halogen in NaBr solution. Chronoamperometric response proved the formation of passivating polymer on anode surface. The conversion rate of PCP was distinctly different for different halides following the order Br− > Cl− > F− > I−. The proper oxidation potential of Br−to active bromine led to the optimal electrooxidation effect of Br−. With the rise of temperature the reaction rate decreased at first from 30 to 45 °C and then increased from 45 to 60 °C. The complicated variation of PCP conversion on rising temperature was depicted by the electrochemical measurements and a mathematic model.

Indirect electrochemical oxidation (EO) of pentachlorophenol (PCP) wastewater was carried out in the presence of different halides through the electrogeneration of active halide (AH). The EO effect and electrochemical behaviors of PCP under different conditions are present in this paper. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves indicated higher electrogeneration efficiency of active halogen in NaBr solution. Chronoamperometric response proved the formation of passivating polymer on anode surface. The conversion rate of PCP was distinctly different for different halides following the order Br− ##xgt; Cl− ##xgt; F− ##xgt; I−. The proper oxidation potential of Br−to active bromine led to the optimal electrooxidation effect of Br−. With the rise of temperature the reaction rate decreased at first from 30 to 45°C and then increased from 45 to 60 °C. The complicated variation of PCP conversion on rising temperature was depicted by the electrochemical measurements and a mathematic model.

This study reports a novel function of p50 in its regulation of SOD2 transcription via an NFκB-independent pathway. p50-regulated FoxO3a phosphorylation and transactivation contributes to SOD2 transcription, and p50–down-regulated PHLPP1 translation via miR190 is responsible for activation of Akt and FoxO3a.

Oat is classified as a whole grain and contains high contents of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins). In recent years, studies have focused on the effects of oat consumption on reducing the risk of a variety of diseases. Reports have indicated that an oat diet exerts certain biological functions, such as preventing cardiovascular diseases, reducing blood glucose, and promoting intestinal health, along with antiallergy, antioxidation, and cancer preventive effects. At present, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The natural products of oat are an important breakthrough for developing new strategies of cancer prevention, and their ability to interact with multiple cellular targets helps to combat the complexity of cancer pathogenesis. In addition, the comprehensive study of the cancer prevention activity and potential mechanism of oat nutrients and phytochemicals has become a research hotspot. In this Review, we focused on the potential functions of peptides, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals in oats on cancer prevention and further revealed novel mechanisms and prospects for clinical application. These findings might provide a novel approach to deeply understand the functions and mechanisms for cancer prevention of oat consumption.

Nuclear factor-B (NF-B) is a key transcriptional factor family that consists of five members in mammalian cells, including NF-B1 (p50), NF-B2 (p52), RelA (p65), RelB and c-Rel. NF-B is implicated in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory and immune response, cell survival and apoptosis, cellular stress reactions and tumorigenesis. Recent studies by our group and others have highlighted the novel functions of the p50protein. In this review, we will focus on the regulation and functions of NF-B p50.

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a key transcriptional factor family that consists of five members in mammalian cells, including NF-κB1 (p ), NF-κB2 (p ), RelA (p ), RelB and c-Rel. NF-κB is implicated in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory and immune response, cell survival and apoptosis, cellular stress reactions and tumorigenesis. Recent studies by our group and others have highlighted the novel functions of the p protein. In this review, we will focus on the regulation and functions of NF-κB p .