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In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of chicken meat fermented with Penicillium nalgiovense and Penicillium chrysogenum. Hardness and springiness gradually decreased, while gumminess gradually increased during fermentation. Fermentation with P. chrysogenum led to higher hardness and lower gumminess than fermentation with P. nalgiovense. Fermentation with two molds resulted in similar microstructure, such as granule formation and fractured myofibril. The highest percentage of secondary structure was ɑ-helix, and tyrosine residues were buried after fermentation. P. nalgiovense-fermented samples contained more bound water, lower relative content of alkanes, and higher relative content of aldehydes than P. chrysogenum-fermented samples.

Phase diagram is a powerful tool to guide the exploitation of thermal energy materials. Heat storage technology of phase-change material (PCM) was widely used to solve major energy utilization problems on large energy consumption and low utilization efficiency. In this work, a novel solid-liquid phase diagram of the binary system octadecanoic acid (C18-acid) + octadecanol (C18-OH) was investigated using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The phase-change temperature and phase-change enthalpies against the composition of C18-acid and C18-OH were determined experimentally, and then the binary phase diagram of T–X (X expresses the mass fraction of C18-OH in the two components of C18-acid and C18-OH) was established for the first time. The phase diagram belongs to a binary simple system with one eutectic point, and the content of C18-OH at eutectic point is 0.4 in mass fraction. Neither solid solution nor copolymer was formed. The thermal chemical properties on the phase-change latent heat (Q), phase-change temperature (Tp), and the thermal conductivity (λ) for the composition at the eutectic point of the binary system are 198.7 J·g−1, 44.2°C, and 0.2352 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. This result indicates that the material at eutectic point has a great potential to be used as energy storage material for supply of heat and scouring bath.

Vitamin D has been discovered centuries ago, and current studies have focused on the biological effects of vitamin D on adipogenesis. Besides its role in calcium homeostasis and energy metabolism, vitamin D is also involved in the regulation of development and process of metabolic disorders. Adipose tissue is a major storage depot of vitamin D. This review summarized studies on the relationship between vitamin D and adipogenesis and furthermore focuses on adipose metabolic disorders. We reviewed the biological roles and functionalities of vitamin D, the correlation between vitamin D and adipose tissue, the effect of vitamin D on adipogenesis, and adipose metabolic diseases. Vitamin D is associated with adipogenesis, and vitamin D supplements can reduce the burden caused by metabolic diseases. The review provides new insights and basis for medical therapy on adipose metabolic diseases.

BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most common and specific symptoms among menopausal women, leading to significant personal, family, and economic burdens. Some studies have shown that phytoestrogens can help relieve symptoms of depression. OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy and safety of phytoestrogens in treating depression among menopausal women. METHODS A comprehensive search for relevant studies published until November 25, 2020, was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Statistical analyses were performed with R 4.0.3.and Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS 2183 studies were identified and 10 studies with 15 independent reports were included, involving 1248 participants. The quality of the four studies was assessed as high risk, six studies were assessed as unclear. The analyses conducted according random effects model indicated the significant positive effect on depressive symptoms for postmenopausal women compared with the placebo (SMD = -0.62; 95% CI = -1.13 to -0.12; Q = 45.62, df = 14, P 100 mg/d) and ultralow dose (0

To investigate the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the wire-ring net, this paper presents a new numerical model that can collectively consider equivalence between numerical and actual wire rings. Quasi-static tests, including tensile tests on steel wires and one-ring specimens, and puncturing tests on net specimens were conducted. Based on the test results, the axial constitutive curves of steel wires were obtained. The linear correlation equations for the breaking loads of the one-ring specimens and the puncturing strength of wire-ring nets were established, both of which were related to the number of windings. The wire rings were modeled via an equivalent structure with a single winding and a circular cross section. Equivalence between the numerical and actual wire rings in terms of bending and tensile strength, total mass, contact with sliding friction, and rupture behavior were also derived and presented. In particular, the emphasis was on simulating the flattening effect, a phenomenon rarely accounted for in conventional numerical models. All dominant factors were reflected in a model with the material law by the input of material parameters. The proposed mechanical model was calibrated and verified by the data from the tests of the wire-ring net. The calibrated mechanical model is also shown to successfully simulate a full-scale test of a flexible rockfall protection barrier according to the ETAG027 standard.

BACKGROUND Disease awareness is an important aspect of psychological adjustment in cancer patients; however, there is limited evidence that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is recommended for the treatment of mental illness in cancer patients. PURPOSE To assess the effectiveness of ACT for cancer patients with mental illness. METHODS Ten databases were searched for publications up to July 25, 2020, using combinations of search terms related to mental health, cancer, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the study. RESULTS Seventeen RCTs (877 cancer patients) were mainly of low quality, compared with control group, ACT was associated with improved outcomes after treatment completion and at 1-3 months and at 3-6 months of follow-up for depression (Standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.93, 95% CI, -1.36 to -0.51, P

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) often coexist with other extrahepatic autoimmune diseases (EHAIDs). The spectrum of EHAIDs in patients with AILDs is similar, whereas the incidence is different. Notably, autoimmune thyroid disease and Sjogren’s syndrome are the most common EHAIDs. Associated extrahepatic diseases may predate the appearance of AILDs or coincide with their onset. More frequently, they may appear during the course and even occur years after the diagnosis of AILDs. Importantly, associated EHAIDs may influence the natural course and prognosis of AILDs. To date, a definite pathophysiological pathway which contributes to the coexistence of AILDs and EHAIDs is still lacking. The current view of autoimmunity clustering involves a common susceptibility genetic background which applies to related pathologies. Herein, we review the current published researches regarding EHAIDs in patients with AILDs, particularly in relation to their clinical impact and pathophysiology. In managing patients with AILDs, gastroenterologists should be aware of the possibly associated EHAIDs to ensure a prompt diagnosis and better outcome.

Spalling resistance properties and their damage mechanisms under high temperatures are studied in hollow cellulose fiber-reinforced concrete (CFRC) used in tunnel structures. Measurements of mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of CFRC held under high temperatures (300, 600, 800, and 1050°C) for periods of 2.5, 4, and 5.5 h were carried out. The damage mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction phase analysis. The results demonstrate that cellulose fiber can reduce the performance loss of concrete at high temperatures; the effect of holding time on the performance is more noticeable below 600°C. After exposure to high temperatures, the performance of ordinary concrete deteriorates faster and spalls at 700–800°C; in contrast, cellulose fiber melts at a higher temperature, leaving a series of channels in the matrix that facilitate the release of the steam pressure inside the CFRC. Hollow cellulose fibers can thereby slow the damage caused by internal stress and improve the spalling resistance of concrete under high temperatures.

This work aims to investigate the damage in ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) caused by freezing-thawing action. Freezing-thawing tests were carried out on UHPCs with and without steel fibers. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) were applied to detect the microstructure of the UHPC matrix before and after the freezing-thawing tests. The results showed that UHPC possessed very excellent freezing-thawing resistance due to its dense microstructure. After the freezing-thawing action, cracks occurred and were prone to initiate at the sand-paste interface in the UHPC matrix. MIP results also indicated that cracks appeared in the UHPC matrix after the freezing-thawing action. The number of defects that can be seen by X-ray CT increased in UHPC after the freezing-thawing action as well. The mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients of the aggregate and the paste is considered to be the reason for the cracking at the sand-paste interface. The steel fibers in UHPC inhibited the propagation of cracks in the matrix and improved the freezing-thawing performance of UHPC.

To improve quality and safety of fermented sausages, Lactobacillus pentosus isolated from kimchi was first used to partial replacement of sodium nitrite in sausages preparation. The study illustrated that the strain exhibited the ability of synthesis of nitrosylmyoglobin (Mb‐NO) due to the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and metmyoglobin (MetMb) reductase and possible generation mechanism of Mb‐NO was proposed. More importantly, the strain could prevent sausages from corruption due to its antibacterial ability. Furthermore, the strain could degrade nitrite and resist against lipid oxidation and protein decomposition. Texture and color of the sausages were superior to the controls. Hence, L. pentosus has great potential to partially substitute nitrite in sausages for its unique ability of producing NO‐Mb and antibacterial activity. The combination of L. pentosus and low levels of sodium nitrite addition would be a new significant strategy to improve the quality and safety of the fermented sausages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Results support the possibility of reducing sodium nitrite concentration in fermented sausages by inoculation with Lactobacillus pentosus in which provided superior color‐cured, microbial stability, and oxidation stability. The combination of L. pentosus and low levels of sodium nitrite addition can be applied by a simple process during processing which facilitates their use in meat industry.

We investigated the effects of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill (QSYQ) on platelets aggregation and its possible mechanisms. Hyperlipidemic model in rabbits was produced by a high fat/cholesterol diet for 6 weeks, the therapeutic effect of QSYQ with 2.0 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 0.5 g/kg was observed. Fourteen days after drug treatment, platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen (COLL) was significantly reduced in rabbits of model group. Moreover,β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) level decreased obviously but no significant change in P-selectin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) level, while QSYQ significantly decreased the ratio of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) to 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-Keto-PGF1α) and increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in rabbits. In summary, QSYQ can improve platelets aggregation and inhibit the over-release ofβ-TG in hyperlipidemic rabbits; and the increased cAMP level may be involved in this process. These results suggest that the antiplatelet aggregation effect of QSYQ may be due to its ability to increase cAMP level for improving cAMP metabolism.

For improving bending toughness and fatigue performance of brittle cement-based composites, two types of water-soluble polymers (such as dispersible latex powder and polyvinyl alcohol powder) and waste tire-rubber powders are added to concrete as admixtures. Multiscale toughening mechanisms of these additions in concretes were comprehensively investigated. Four-point bending fatigue performance of four series concretes is conducted under a stress level of 0.70. The results show that the effects of dispersible latex powder on bending toughness and fatigue life of concrete are better than those of polyvinyl alcohol powder. Furthermore, the bending fatigue lives of concrete simultaneously containing polymers and waste rubber powders are larger than those of concrete with only one type of admixtures. The multiscale physics-chemical mechanisms show that high bonding effect and high elastic modulus of polymer films as well as good elastic property and crack-resistance of waste tire-rubber powders are beneficial for improving bending toughness and fatigue life of cementitious composites.

In this study, isothiocyanate formation and antioxidant capacity of cabbage sprouts under heat shock at 40, 50 and 60C were investigated. Results showed that cabbage sprouts under 60C of heat shock had the highest isothiocyanate formation and antioxidant capacity. Heat shock increased glucosinolate biosynthesis and isothiocyanate formation as well as myrosinase activity, but decreased ESP activity. Except CYP79F1, AOP2 and ESP (epithiospecifier protein), expressions of other genes related to glucosinolate biosynthesis and isothiocyanate formation were upregulated by heat shock. In addition, heat shock created an adverse environment and had a negative effect on cabbage sprouts growth, but increased ascorbic acid, total phenolics content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Hence, heat shock enhanced antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, heat shock enhanced the isothiocyanate formation via increasing glucosinolates biosynthesis and their degradation efficiency, increased ascorbic acid, total phenolics content and antioxidant enzyme activity so that enhanced the antioxidant capacity of cabbage sprouts. Practical Applications Cabbage sprouts have been becoming a potential kind of functional foods to provide certain beneficial function for their abundant functional substrates including glucosinolate and its hydrolysate isothiocyanate, etc. In this study, after heat shock at 60C, isothiocyanate, ascorbic acid and total phenolics content effectively enhanced to increase antioxidant capacity. This study is to develop a method for producing cabbage sprouts rich in health-promoting components.

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is bacterial protein injection machinery with roles in virulence, symbiosis, interbacterial interaction, antipathogenesis, and environmental stress responses. There are two T6SS loci, T6SS1 and T6SS2, in the two chromosomes ofVibrio parahaemolyticus, respectively. This work disclosed that the master quorum sensing (QS) regulator OpaR repressed the transcription ofhcp1encoding the structural component Hcp1 of T6SS1 inV. parahaemolyticus, indicating that QS had a negative regulatory action on T6SS1. A singleσ54-dependent promoter was transcribed forhcp1inV. parahaemolyticus, and its activity was repressed by the OpaR regulator. Since the OpaR protein could not bind to the upstream region ofhcp1, OpaR would repress the transcription ofhcp1in an indirect manner.