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Abstract An important concern for tea consumers is whether appropriate storage can effectively improve the ability of oolong tea to alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, the antidiabetic effects of three aged oolong tea (2001, 2011, and 2020) extracts (aged TEs) in db/db T2DM mice were investigated and compared for the first time. The results showed that aged oolong tea extracts (aged TEs) alleviated the abnormal fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and reduced ectopic fat deposition in liver. Moreover, aged TEs alleviated T2DM‐related tissue damage and activated insulin receptor (INSR)/insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β)/glycogen synthase (GYS)‐mediated hepatic glycogen synthesis signaling pathway. In addition, aged TEs altered gut microbiota composition and gut metabolite profiles associated with T2DM. Together, all three aged TEs (400 mg/kg/day in mice, a human equivalent dose of 7 g/60 kg/day), especially 2011, can effectively alleviate T2DM, and proper storage can effectively improve the ability of oolong tea to alleviate T2DM.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the utilization of household water treatment devices (UHWTD) and both overall and cause-specific mortality, addressing the lack of comprehensive prospective research in this area. The study was a population-based prospective cohort study using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2010). Among the 30,322 participants included in the study, the group without UHWTD (No UHWTD) was younger but reported worse baseline health compared to the UHWTD group. During an average follow-up period of 14.3 years, 6811 participants died. After adjusting for age, sex, and other covariates, No UHWTD was significantly associated with a higher risk of overall (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.221, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.147–1.300), heart (aHR: 1.405, 95% CI: 1.241–1.589), cancer (aHR: 1.176, 95% CI: 1.003–1.379), Alzheimer’s disease (aHR: 1.404, 95% CI: 1.027–1.919), and nephrosis (aHR: 1.613, 95% CI: 1.026–2.537) mortality compared to UHWTD. Moreover, those main association almost remained after further adjustment for water source. Additionally, we observed a lower detection rate of bromoform, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane in tap water when household water treatment devices was used compared to No UHWTD. The utilization of household water treatment devices in this prospective cohort was associated with modest reductions in the risk of overall, heart, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and nephrosis mortality. These findings suggest that the use of household water treatment devices may have the potential to influence health outcomes and extend life expectancy.

Aimed at the new application scenario of laser, a test platform was established to study the coating material da-mage features induced by the interaction of the Ma=6 tangential air flow and the continuous laser irradiation. The laser-damaged characteristics of the coating materials in still air and Ma=6 ground-simulated airflows, as well as the corresponding interference flow structures, were presented. Compared with the laser-irradiation ablation phenomenon of the coating materials in still air, the laser-induced damage characteristics of coating materials are significantly different in hypersonic tangential airflows. Under the interaction of hypersonic airflows, the coating materials show a larger damage area when the laser power is low, while the coating materials form deeper ablation pits when the laser power is high. Due to the disturbance from the material ablation, flow patterns similar to those produced by a thermal jet or small protrusion are formed around the ablative structure of coating materials. This phenomenon, in turn, affects the ablation of coating materials, producing a strong coupling phenomenon between hypersonic flow and laser ablation. The results can provide important guidance for engineering applications.

Yellow tea (YT) has an additional process of yellowing before or after rolling than green tea (GT), making YT sweeter. We analyzed the variations of composition and taste throughout the withering, fixing and rolling steps using UPLC-MS/MS and sensory evaluation, and investigated the influence of various yellowing times on flavor profile of YT. 532 non-volatile metabolites were identified. Withering and fixing were the important processes to form the taste quality of GT. Withering, fixing and yellowing were important processes to form flavor profile of YT. Withering mainly regulated bitterness and astringency, and fixing mainly regulated bitterness, astringency and sweetness of YT and GT. Yellowing mainly regulated sweetness of YT. Trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline and glutathione reduced form as the key characteristic components of YT, increased significantly during yellowing mainly through Arginine and proline metabolism and ABC transporters. The paper offers a systematic insight into intrinsic mechanisms of flavor formation in YT and GT.

The sensory quality of black tea (BT) influenced by various factors, among which tree age is particularly significant. People prefer BT produced by fresh leaves from old tea trees, yet the correlation between tree age and tea quality has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyzed the quality of BT from young trees (H-JYH) and old trees (H-OJYH) using e-tongue technology and sensory evaluation. Our findings revealed that H-OJYH had stronger sweetness and sourness, richer flavor, and diminished bitter-astringency compared to H-JYH. 1231 non-volatile metabolites and 504 volatile metabolites were discovered by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). L-tartaric acid and trans-citridic acid were found to contribute to increase acidity, and 7,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin and d-fructose 6-phosphate were associated with enhanced sweetness in H-OJYH. Additionally, lower levels of octyl gallate and vanillic acid in H-OJYH contributed to the diminished bitter-astringency. β-ionone, 2-phenylethanol and phenylacetaldehyde merged as characteristic compounds of older tree BT with stronger floral and sweet aroma. Our study serves as a guideline to explore the relationship between tree age and tea quality.

‘Baimmaocha’ is a distinctive resource for production of high-quality black tea, and its processed black tea has unique aroma characteristics. 190 volatile compounds were identified by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–olfactometry-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC × GC-O-Q-TOMS), and among them 23 compounds were recognized as key odorants contributing to forming different aroma characteristics in ‘Baimaocha’ black teas of Rucheng, Renhua, and Lingyun (RCBT, RHBT, LYBT). The odor activity value coupled with GC-O showed that methyl salicylate (RCBT), geraniol (RHBT), trans-β-ionone and benzeneacetaldehyde (LYBT) might be the most definitive aroma compounds identified from their respective regions. Furthermore, PLS analysis revealed three odorants as significant contributors to floral characteristic, four odorants related to fruity attribute, four odorants linked to fresh attribute, and three odorants associated with roasted attribute. These results provide novel insights into sensory evaluation and chemical substances of ‘Baimaocha’ black tea and provide a theoretical basis for controlling and enhancement tea aroma quality.

Lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) are used in broadband photodetectors due to their excellent size tunability, photosensitivity, and solution processability. However, due to the risk of Ostwald ripening, synthesizing high-quality PbS QDs with absorption peaks over 2000 nm with high monodispersity is a challenge. In this study, by controlling the molar ratio of Pb to S and the number of injections of S precursor, we successfully prepared large PbS QDs with an absorption peak at 2122 nm, corresponding to an average diameter of 11.42 nm, with a super-mono-dispersity of 5.50%. Broadband photodetectors ranging from visible light to short-wave infrared are prepared using the large PbS QDs, corresponding to a response rate of 5.98 mA/W at 1940 nm.

Abstract In existing online multiple object tracking algorithms, schemes that combine object detection and re‐identification (ReID) tasks in a single model for simultaneous learning have drawn great attention due to their balanced speed and accuracy. However, different tasks require to focus different features. Learning two different tasks in the same model extracted features can lead to competition between the two tasks, making it difficult to achieve optimal performance. To reduce this competition, a task‐related attention network, which uses a self‐attention mechanism to allow each branch to learn on feature maps related to its task is proposed. Besides, a smooth gradient‐boosting loss function, which improves the quality of the extracted ReID features by gradually shifting the focus to the hard negative samples of each object during training is introduced. Extensive experiments on MOT16, MOT17, and MOT20 datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is also competitive in current mainstream algorithm.

Abstract Background The determination of nutrient content in the petiole is one of the important methods for achieving cotton fertilization management. The establishment of a monitoring system for the nutrient content of cotton petioles during important growth periods under drip irrigation is of great significance for achieving precise fertilization and environmental protection. Methods A total of 100 cotton fields with an annual yield of 4500–7500 kg/ha were selected among the main cotton-growing areas of Northern Xinjiang. The nitrate nitrogen (NO3 −–N), inorganic phosphorus (PO4 3−–P) and inorganic potassium (K+–K) content and yield of cotton petioles were recorded. Based on a yield of 6000 kg/ha as the dividing line, a two-level and yield-graded monitoring system for NO3 −–N, PO4 3−–P and K+–K in cotton petioles during important growth periods was established, and predictive yield models for NO3 −–N, PO4 3−–P and K+–K in petioles during important growth periods were established. Results The results showed found that the yields of the 100 cotton fields surveyed were normally distributed. Therefore, two yield grades were classified using 6000 kg/ha as a criterion. Under different yield-graded, the NO3 −–N, PO4 3−–P and K+–K content of petiole at important growth stages was significantly positively correlated with yield. Further, the variation range of NO3 −–N, PO4 3−–P and K+–K content in petioles could be used as a standard for yield-graded. In addition, a yield prediction model for the NO3 −–N, PO4 3−–P and K+–K content of petioles was developed. The SSO-BP validation model performed the best (R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 0.06 t/ha, MAE = 0.05 t/ha) in the full bud stage, which was 12.9% higher than the BP validation model. However, the RMSE and MAE were decreased by 86.7% and 88.1%, respectively. Conclusion The establishment of NPK nutrition monitor system of cotton petioles under drip irrigation based on yield-graded provides an important basis for nutrition monitor of cotton petiole under drip irrigation in Xinjiang. It also provides a new method for cotton yield prediction.

Abstract In order to elucidate the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization timing sequences management on nutrient absorption and utilization in drip irrigation cotton, field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2021. There are six timing sequences management methods for NPK fertilization (S1–S6: 1/3Time N–1/3Time PK–1/3Time W, 1/3Time PK–1/3Time N–1/3Time W, 1/2Time NPK–1/2Time W, 1/4Time W–1/4Time N–1/4Time PK–1/4Time W, 1/3Time W–1/3Time NPK–1/3Time W), among which S6 is the current management method for field fertilization timing sequences, and S7 is the non N. The results showed that during the main growth stage, S5 accumulated more nitrate nitrogen (NO3 –-N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N) content in soil between 20 and 40 cm, and accumulated more available phosphorus content in soil between 5–15 cm and 15–25 cm, S5 reducing N leaching and increasing P mobility. It is recommended to change the timing sequences management method of NPK fertilization for drip irrigation cotton to 1/4Time W–1/4Time PK–1/4Time N–1/4Time W, which is beneficial for plant nutrient absorption and utilization while reducing environmental pollution.

The reasons for the change in volatile metabolites and aroma of black tea during storage remain unclear. Therefore, we used HS-SPME and GC–MS methods to analyze the aroma compounds of new tea (2021) versus aged tea groups (2015, 2017, and 2019). A total of 109 volatile components were identified. During storage, 36 metabolites mainly with floral and fruity aromas decreased significantly, while 18 volatile components with spicy, sour, and woody aromas increased significantly. Linalool and beta-ionone mainly contributed to sweet and floral aromas of freshly-processed and aged black tea, respectively. Isovaleric acid and hexanoic acid mainly caused sour odor of aged black tea. The monoterpene biosynthesis and secondary metabolic biosynthesis pathways might be key metabolic pathways leading to changes in the relative content of metabolites during storage of black tea. Our study provides theoretical support for fully understanding the changes in the aroma quality of black tea during storage.

Abstract Introduction Surveillance programs after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss are not yet well established, and the role of hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for increased mortality and the association between anti-HBs and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a representative US (United States) population of patients with resolved HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infections. Methods Data were taken from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. A total of 3455 US adults with resolved HBV infection [defined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative/anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) positive] were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome measures were all-cause and cause-specific mortality from baseline until 31 December 2019. Results During a mean follow-up of 10.3 years, 741 deaths occurred. Age, race, marital status, smoking status, physical activity level, and presence of cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, cancer, and anti-HBs were significant factors for increased mortality, and a nomogram tool was developed and validated for the risk stratification of mortality. Compared with participants who were anti-HBs positive, those who were anti-HBs negative had a 23% (hazard ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.46) higher risk of all-cause mortality in NHANES 1999–2018. For cause-specific mortality, the fully adjusted hazard ratios of participants who were anti-HBs negative were 0.71 (95% CI 0.48–1.06) for heart disease, 1.44 (95% CI 1.01–2.05) for cancer, and 1.44 (95% CI 1.13–1.83) for other conditions, compared to those of participants who were anti-HBs positive. Conclusions Among US adults with resolved HBV infections, anti-HBs-negative status was associated with an increased risk of death from all causes and cancer, implying that the role of anti-HBs in resolved HBV infection should not be ignored. On the public health level, more rigorous surveillance was needed for populations of individuals who were isolated anti-HBc positive.

Black tea (BT), the most consumed tea worldwide, can alleviate hyperlipidemia which is a serious threat to human health. However, the quality of summer BT is poor. It was improved by microbial fermentation in a previous study, but whether it affects hypolipidemic activity is unknown. Therefore, we compared the hypolipidemic activity of BT and microbially fermented black tea (EFT). The results demonstrated that BT inhibited weight gain and improved lipid and total bile acid (TBA) levels, and microbial fermentation reinforced this activity. Mechanistically, both BT and EFT mediate bile acid circulation to relieve hyperlipidemia. In addition, BT and EFT improve dyslipidemia by modifying the gut microbiota. Specifically, the increase in Lactobacillus johnsonii by BT, and the increase in Mucispirillum and Colidextribacter by EFT may also be potential causes for alleviation of hyperlipidemia. In summary, we demonstrated that microbial fermentation strengthened the hypolipidemic activity of BT and increased the added value of BT.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by hyperglycemia, an imbalance in the intestinal flora and disruption of the endocrine system. At present, it is primarily controlled through drug treatment and an improved diet. Mulberry leaf and fu brick tea were considered to have excellent hypoglycemic effects. This study used mulberry leaves and fu brick tea as raw materials to develop a dietary regulator that can assist in the prevention and alleviation of diabetes. The experiment used the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of mulberry leaf fu tea (MFT) and its influence on the intestinal flora of diabetic rats through methods including ELISA, tissue section observation and 16S RNA microbial sequencing. The results showed that, compared with the GK group, the intervention of mulberry leaf fu tea significantly reduced the activities of α-glucosidase (p < 0.05) and α-amylase (p < 0.05) in the duodenum of GK diabetic rats. The height of the duodenal villi was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), leading to decreased intestinal sugar absorption. At the same time, MFT alleviates the imbalance of intestinal flora caused by high blood sugar, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, etc.), and inhibits the reproduction of harmful bacteria (Blautia, Klebsiella, Helicobacter, Alistipes, etc.). MFT helps reduce the secretion of toxic substances (lipopolysaccharide, p < 0.001), decreases oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigates organ damage, and improves symptoms of diabetes. Finally, the random blood glucose value of GK rats dropped from 22.79 mmol/L to 14.06 mmol/L. In summary, mulberry leaf fu tea can lower sugar absorption in diabetic rats, reduce the body’s oxidative stress and inflammatory response, regulate intestinal flora, and reduce blood sugar levels in GK rats. It is hinted that mulberry leaf fu tea could be used as a functional drink to help prevent the occurrence of diabetes.

The Neural Calcium Sensor1 (NCS1) is a crucial protein that binds to Ca2+ and is believed to play a role in regulating tumor invasion and cell proliferation. However, the role of NCS1 in immune infiltration and cancer prognosis is still unknown. Our study aimed to explore the expression profile, immune infiltration pattern, prognostic value, biological function, and potential compounds targeting NCS1 using public databases. High expression of NCS1 was detected by immune histochemical staining in LIHC (Liver hepatocellular carcinoma), BRCA (Breast invasive carcinoma), KIRC (Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma), and SKCM (Skin Cutaneous Melanoma). The expression of NCS1 in cancer was determined by TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas Program), GTEx (The Genotype-Tissue Expression), the Kaplan–Meier plotter, GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), GEPIA2.0 (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2.0), HPA (The Human Protein Atlas), UALCAN, TIMER2.0, TISIDB, Metascape, Drugbank, chEMBL, and ICSDB databases. NCS1 has genomic mutations as well as aberrant DNA methylation in multiple cancers compared to normal tissues. Also, NCS1 was significantly different in the immune microenvironment, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune infiltrate-associated cells in different cancers, which could be used for the typing of immune and molecular subtypes of cancer and the presence of immune checkpoint resistance in several cancers. Univariate regression analysis, multivariate regression analysis, and gene enrichment analysis to construct prognostic models revealed that NCS1 is involved in immune regulation and can be used as a prognostic biomarker for SKCM, LIHC, BRCA, COAD, and KIRC. These results provide clues from a bioinformatic perspective and highlight the importance of NCS1 in a variety of cancers.

Background: The health benefits of tea are as diverse including the reduction of uric acid levels. Xanthine oxidase is the most directly mediated enzyme in the production of uric acid. Objective: To explore the inhibitory effects of different teas and its main bioactive components on the production of uric acid. Design: Experimental study. The experiments were conducted in vitro using human immortalized normal liver cell line HL-7702 (L-02). Results: The inhibition of the xanthine oxidase activities and the expression level of xanthine dehydrogenase mRNA stimulated in the hyperuric hepatocyte cell model showed that the unfermented green tea and th1e lightly fermented yellow tea, white tea, and oolong tea significantly stronger than the highly fermented black tea and dark tea. The main bioactive compound, gallic acid, showed the strongest inhibitory effect on uric acid production, followed by tea polyphenols and theaflavins. Discussion: All teas exhibited significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase activities, and the degree of fermentation of tea may be inversely proportional to its ability to inhibit the production of uric acid. Compared with tea polyphenols rich in tea, gallic acid may be a more potential uric acid-lowering component. Conclusion: In this article, we first compared the effects of six traditional Chinese tea made from a single variety in stabilizing the synthesis of uric acid and found that the lighter the fermentation, the greater the potential for inhibiting the production of uric acid. Furthermore, we analyzed the inhibitory effects of its main biochemical active ingredients and found that the inhibitory effects of polyphenols rich in lightly fermented tea were significantly stronger than caffeine rich in highly fermented tea. Our findings will be helpful for people to choose a proper tea for alleviating hyperuricemia and provide a scientific basis for uric acid-lowering tea processing.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disease that easily induces hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The long-term use of NAFLD therapeutic drugs produces toxicity and drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop high efficiency and low-toxicity active ingredients to alleviate NAFLD. Objective: This study aimed to reveal the role and mechanism of a new functional food CMT in alleviating NAFLD. Results: In the ob/ob fatty liver mice models, the CMT extracts significantly inhibited the weight gain of the mice and reduced the accumulation of white fat. The anatomical and pathological results showed that CMT relieved fatty liver in mice and reduced excessive lipid deposition and inflammatory infiltration. Serological and liver biochemical indicators suggest that CMT reduced dyslipidemia and liver damage caused by fatty liver. CMT obviously activated the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC) and AMPK/fatty acid synthase (FAS) signaling pathways, promoted fat oxidation, and inhibited synthesis. Moreover, CMT regulated the expression of inflammatory factors to relieve hepatitis caused by NAFLD. Conclusion: The study explained the role and mechanism of CMT in alleviating NAFLD and suggested that the active ingredients of CMT might be beneficial in NAFLD therapy.

The gut-liver axis is a bidirectional relationship between the gut with its microbiota and the hepatic. Ulcerative colitis (UC) disrupts the intestinal barrier and influx of intestinal microorganisms and their products into the liver, which trigger liver injury. Tea consumption is associated with a low incidence of UC in Asian countries. In this study, we revealed the mechanisms of six types of tea water extracts (TWEs) obtained from the leaves of Camellia sinensis on the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and liver injury in mice. The TWEs significantly restored mucin production and increased the expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occluding, and claudin-1. In addition, TWEs also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon and liver tissue by inactivating the NF-κB/NLRP3. Moreover, TEWs treatment promoted the integrity of the intestinal barrier to reduce serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, thereby reducing liver injury caused by intestinal microbial translocation and LPS induction. Analysis of 16 S rRNA microbial sequencing revealed that tea water extracts (TWEs) restored the DSS-induced gut dysbiosis. Interestingly, our results showed that the degree of fermentation of tea leaves was negatively associated with the alleviation of DSS-induced colitis effects, and there was also an overall negative trend with colitis-induced liver injury, except for black tea. Taken together, tea consumption mitigated DSS-induced colitis and liver injury in mice via inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Background: Obesity is a global public health concern and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and other diseases. The anti-obesity effects of various plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as tea extracts, are well-established. The mechanisms underlying the anti-obesity activity of Jinxuan green tea (JXGT) from different storage years are still unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of JXGTs from three different years on the high fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model. Design: The mice were divided into six groups, the control group received normal diet and the obese model group received HFD. We analyzed the effects of JXGTs from 2005, 2008, and 2016 on HFD-fed obese mice over a period of 7 weeks. Results: The JXGTs reduced the body weight of the obese mice, and also alleviated fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, JXGTs increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) ratio, up-regulated carnitine acyl transferase 1A (CPT-1A), and down-regulated fatty acid synthase (FAS), Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha (PGC-1α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Thus, JXGTs can alleviate HFD-induced obesity by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis and inflammation, thereby promoting fatty acid oxidation via the AMPK pathway. Discussion: The anti-obesity effect of three aged JXGTs were similar. However, JXGT2016 exhibited a more potent activation of AMPK, and JXGT2005 and JXGT2008 exhibited a more potent inhibiting glycogen synthase and inflammation effect. Furthermore, the polyphenol (–)-epicatechin (EC) showed the strongest positive correlation with the anti-obesity effect of JXGT. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that JXGT treatment has a potential protection on HFD-induced obesity mice via activating the AMPK/CPT-1A and down-regulating FAS/GSK-3β/PGC-1α and IL-6/TNFα. Our study results also revealed that different storage time would not affect the anti-obesity and anti-inflammation effect of JXGT. Graphical abstract: