Effect of Purple Yam(Dioscorea alata L.) on Nutritional and Physiological Functions of Growing Rats

[Objective] This study was to explore the effect of purple yam on the nutritional and physiological functions of rats.[Method] Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups with ten rats in each group which were reared with artificial semisynthetic feed added with 10% steamed yam powder.The four groups,the casein（CK） group which was used as the control,the purple yam（PY） group,the Tiegun yam（TY） group and common Huai yam（HY） group,were supplied with feed of equal content of energy,protein and fat.The rats were pair-fed for 56 days to observe changes of relevant nutritional and physiological indices.[Result] There were no significant differences of body weight,food conversion rate and organ indices between rats in PY group and CK group.Mean corpuscular hemoglobin in PY group was significantly lower than that in CK group;hemoglobin showed no significant difference with that in CK group;eosnophils was lower than that in CK group.Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,total cholesterol and atherogenic index in PY group were lower than that in the other three groups;anti-atherogenic index was the highest among the four groups,while showing no significant difference;triglyceride content was lower than that in CK group.Among the antioxidant indices,the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase were higher than that in CK group,while malondialdehyde content was lower than that in CK group.[Conclusion] Purple yam showed the trend of reducing the content of blood glucose,total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,triglyceride,malondialdehyde,and raising the activity of glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase and catalase,thus having certain antioxidative function.

Research Advances on Nutritional Physiological Functions and Application of Lysozyme

Lysozyme is an important immune factor of animals and a hydrolase specifically acting on microbial cell wall, which exhibits various functions, such as anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, antivirus, enhancing immunity of animals and improving gastrointestinal mieroflora. Lysozyme is non-toxic to livestock and poultry without drug residue or side effects, which is a novel green health-care feed additive. In this paper, the types, function mechanisms and physiological functions of lysozyme and its application in livestock industry were summarized, aiming at providing a scientific basis for the application of lysozyme in animal feeds.

Cardiac resident macrophages: Spatiotemporal distribution, development, physiological functions, and their translational potential on cardiac diseases

Cardiac resident macrophages (CRMs) are the main population of cardiac immune cells. The role of these cells in regeneration, functional remodeling, and repair after cardiac injury is always the focus of research. However, in recent years, their dynamic changes and contributions in physiological states have a significant attention. CRMs have specific phenotypes and functions in different cardiac chambers or locations of the heart and at different stages. They further show specific differentiation and development processes. The present review will summarize the new progress about the spatiotemporal distribution, potential developmental regulation, and their roles in cardiac development and aging as well as the translational potential of CRMs on cardiac diseases. Of course, the research tools for CRMs, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and key issues on CRMs will further be discussed.

Factors affecting selenium-enrichment efficiency,metabolic mechanisms and physiological functions of selenium-enriched lactic acid bacteria

Selenium(Se)-enriched lactic acid bacteria(LAB)are live bacteria preparations that accumulate and bio-transform inorganic Se into organic Se forms including Se-nanoparticles(SeNPs),Se-amino acids and selenoproteins.Se-enriched LAB can play the dual role of organic Se supplement and probiotic effects,and have great applications in the food and biomedical fields.Therefore,more and more attentions have been paid on the Se-enriched LAB.This paper firstly summarized the factors affecting the Se-enrichment efficiency of Se-enriched LAB,then discussed the metabolic mechanisms and physiological functions of Se-enriched LAB,and finally reviewed their applications in food production,in order to provide a guidance for the theoretical and practical implementation of Se-enriched LAB.We concluded that 1)both biomass and the amount of Se enrichment should be used as dual indicators to screen Se-enriched LAB and comprehensively optimize the influencing factors including initial Se concentration,pH,inoculation amount,species of LAB to ensure the Se enrichment efficiency.2)The metabolic mechanism underlining Se-enriched LAB needs to be further revealed,which will facilitate the production of higher value Se compounds by LAB.3)The proven physiological functions of Se-enriched LAB include 5 categories:antioxidant activity,antibacterial activity,improving the physical function of animals,detoxification and disease prevention.However,the application of Se-enriched LAB in medical field currently still lacks clinical research,and convincing clinical evidence of effectiveness for Se-enriched LAB on human being must be established.4)The application in the food field will benefit from the stable existence in the food system of Se-enriched LAB and public acceptance,which come before the various health benefits.In any case,the great potential value of Se-enriched LAB formulations deserves further comprehensive exploration and development.

Plant aquaporins:Their roles beyond water transport

Compared to other organisms,plants have evolved a greater number of aquaporins with diverse substrates and functions to adapt to ever-changing environmental and internal stimuli for growth and development.Although aquaporins were initially identified as channels that allow water molecules to cross biological membranes,progress has been made in identifying various novel permeable substrates.Many studies have characterized the versatile physiological and biophysical functions of plant aquaporins.Here,we review the recent reports that highlight aquaporin-facilitated regulation of major physiological processes and stress tolerance throughout plant life cycles as well as the potential prospects and possibilities of applying aquaporins to improve agricultural productivity,food quality,environmental protection,and ecological conservation.

Function and Application Progress of Probiotics in Food

Probiotics have a long history of use in human production and life.With the gradual deepening of the research on the functions of probiotics,their various nutritional and health benefits for the human body have also become increasingly clear.Existing research shows that probiotics can regulate intestinal flora,and improve immunity and even the symptoms of some diseases.Therefore,in the food industry,the application of probiotics from traditional fermented foods to functional foods has become more and more extensive.In this paper,the research progress of nutritional function and application of probiotics in food at home and abroad was reviewed,in order to provide some reference for the safe application of probiotics in food.

Progress in the extraction and application of collagen peptides

Collagen peptide is the product of complete hydrolysis of collagen,which has a relatively small molecular weight and is more easily absorbed than proteins and amino acids.Collagen peptide not only has unique nutritional value,but also has certain physiological functions,which makes it has great potential value in various fields,so it has set off a wave of research on collagen peptide in the biological world.This paper describes the sources and extraction methods of collagen peptides,and describes the research progress and application of collagen peptides in the medical,food,material and skin care industries according to their physiological functions,which will provide new ideas for the future research of collagen peptides.

Structure, function, action mechanism and application prospect of black garlic peptide

Black garlic is a processed product derived from fresh garlic,retaining the original nutritional components of garlic while enhancing many of its biological activities.Black garlic peptides are a class of bioactive peptides extracted from fermented black garlic,which have gained considerable attention due to their unique health benefits.This article comprehensively discusses the extraction technologies,structural composition,biological functions,and application potential of black garlic peptides in agriculture,medicine,and the food industry.Extraction methods for black garlic peptides include ammonium sulfate precipitation,alkali-soluble acid-precipitation,enhanced hybrid supercritical fluid-assisted atomization(SAA-HCM),and others,which can efficiently separate bioactive peptides from black garlic.Structural and compositional analysis reveals the characteristics of black garlic peptides as small molecule peptides and the mechanisms of action of these peptides within the body.Black garlic peptides demonstrate health benefits such as antioxidation,anti-inflammatory effects,lipid-lowering properties,and immunomodulatory effects,providing scientific support for their applications in the medical field.In terms of application potential,black garlic peptides can be used as natural plant growth regulators and disease control agents in agriculture;in the medical field,their health benefits make them an important resource for developing new health supplements and drugs;in the food industry,black garlic peptides can serve as functional food additives to enhance the nutritional value and health benefits of foods.As a multifunctional bioactive substance,the optimization of extraction methods,in-depth studies of structure and function,and the development of applications in various fields will bring new opportunities for human health and industrial development.Future research should further explore the detailed mechanisms of action of black garlic peptides and their specific effects in different application domains to promote their wider use.

Physiological Function of Phytosterol and Its Application

As a bioactive substance, phytosterol reduces blood cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also has such physiological functions as growth regulation, promotion of protein synthesis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immune regulation and hormone-like effects. Phytosterol does not show any toxicity to human and animals, and it is a new functional feed additive approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of China. This article generally reviewed the physiological function of phytosterol like regulation of cholesterol metabolism, antioxidation, hormone-like effects, and its application on animal, production like hypolipidemic and improving dairy animals＇ milk composition. The paper provides a reference for wide application of phytosterol in animal feed.

Advances in the Clinical Application of Trendelenburg Position

The Trendelenburg position and reverse Trendelenburg position are frequently employed during lower abdominal surgery to achieve optimal surgical field visualization and complete exposure of the operative site, particularly under pneumoperitoneum conditions. However, these positions can have significant impacts on the patient’s physiological functions. This article overviews the historical background of Trendelenburg position and reverse Trendelenbury position, their effects on various physiological functions, recent advancements in their clinical applications, and strategies for preventing and managing associated complications.

Development and Ultrastructure of the Phloem Ganglion in Bamboo Node

The development, cytological characters and ultrastructure of phloem ganglion in the nodal region of Phyllostachys edulis (Carr.) H. de Lehaie, a most economically important bamboo, were investigated and the possible physiological function of this special structure was proposed. The phloem ganglion derived directly from procambium is situated at the sites where the vascular bundle forks and is present in pairs. The phloem ganglion is spindle_like in appearance and usually consists of 4 to 6 layers. Two kinds of cells in the ganglion could be distinguished. In the middle, there are two layers of filiform cells with pointed ends so that there are no normal sieve plates. Nevertheless, there are many pits on the lateral wall of the filiform cells. The other type of cells located at both ends of the spindle which possess an intermediate form between the filiform cell and the normal sieve tube. The walls of these cells towards the filiform cells are strongly convex forming a special sieve plate. Ultrastructure study showed that cells in the ganglion are connected by enriched plasmodesma. During early differentiation, the paramural body and the ingrowth of cell wall could be observed. It indicates that the cells of phloem ganglion have the character of transfer cells. The organelles in the mature cells are mainly plastids with abundant accumulation of proteins of crystalline structure. The above_mentioned results suggest that the physiological function of the phloem ganglion is closely related with substance transport.

Establishing a protein expression profile database for the normal human pituitary gland using two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography combined with LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

In this study, we selected adult normal pituitary gland tissues from six patients during operations for pituitary microadenomas via the transsphenoidal approach for extended normal pituitary tissue resection around the tumor, and analyzed the protein expression of human normal pituitary using two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography combined with LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry proteomics technology. The ten most highly expressed proteins in normal human pituitary were： alpha 3 type VI collagen isoform 5 precursor （abundance among tall pituitary proteins 1.30%）, fibrinogen beta chain preproprotein （0.99%）, vimentin （0.73%）, prolactin （0.69%）, ATP synthase, H~ transporting and mitochondrial F1 complex beta subunit precursor （0.52%）, keratin I （0.49%）, growth hormone （0.45%）, carbonic anhydrase I （0.40%）, heat shock protein 90 kDa I （0.31%）, and annexin V （0.30%）. Based on the biological function classifications of these proteins, the top three categories by content were neuroendocrine proteins （abundance among all pituitary proteins, 40.1%）, catalytic and metabolic proteins （28.3%）, and cell signal transduction proteins （9.8%）. Based on cell positioning classification, the top three categories were cell organelle （24.5%） membrane （20.8%）, and cytoplasm （13.0%）. Based on biological process classification, the top three categories of proteins are involved in physiological processes （42.9%）, cellular processes （40.4%）, and regulation of biological processes （9.1%）. Our experimental findings indicate that a protein expression profile database of normal human pituitary can be precisely and efficiently established by proteomics technology.

The sex peptide receptor in the Asian gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar,is involved in development and stress resistance

The G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)regulates downstream genes by binding to a heterotrimeric G protein.However,the function of sex peptide receptor(SPR)in lepidopteran species is mostly unknown.Understanding the physiological functions of SPR in insects is essential for exploring new insecticidal targets.In the present study,the functions of an SPR in Lymantria dispar(Asian gypsy moth;LdSPR)were investigated.The expression of LdSPR was the highest in the 6 th instar larval stage,and there was a large difference in expression between male and female adults.After LdSPR gene silencing,L.dispar larvae showed increased sensitivity to high temperature,starvation,and oxidative stress,indicating that LdSPR enhances stress resistance.These results enrich our knowledge of the function of the insect SPRs,which will lead to a better understanding of other insect GPCR family members and the identification of new targets for the development of environmentally friendly pesticides.

Clinical manifestations and gene analysis of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND This case report describes a child with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome(HGPS,OMIM:176670)caused by LMNA(OMIM:150330)gene mutation,and we have previously analyzed the clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of this case.After 1-year treatment and follow-up,we focus on analyzing the changes in the clinical manifestations and genetic diagnosis of the patient.CASE SUMMARY In April 2020,a 2-year-old boy with HGPS was found to have an abnormal appearance,and growth and development lagged behind those of children of the same age.The child’s weight did not increase normally,the veins of the head were clearly visible,and he had shallow skin color and sparse yellow hair.Peripheral blood DNA samples obtained from the patient and his parents were sequenced using high-throughput whole-exosome sequencing,which was verified by Sanger sequencing.The results showed that there was a synonymous heterozygous mutation of C.1824 C>T(P.G608G)in the LMNA gene.CONCLUSION Mutation of the LMNA gene provides a molecular basis for diagnosis of HGPS and genetic counseling of the family.

Research Status of Alpha Linolenic Acid(ALA) and Its Application Advances in Livestock and Poultry Production

Alpha linolenic acid （ ALA）, a kind of polyunsaturated fatty acid extracted from plants and fruits, has a variety of biological functions. In recent years, ALA has attracted much attention as a natural green feed additive. The physical and chemical properties, metabolic process, physiological function of ALA as well as its application and mechanisms in livestock and poultry production are summarized in the paper.

Physiological function and application of dietary fiber in pig nutrition:A review

Dietary fiber(DF),divided into soluble dietary fiber(SDF)and insoluble dietary fiber(IDF),has attracted increasing attention in the field of pig nutrition.Although DF reduces nutrient digestibility and inhibits energy deposition in most cases,fiber-rich feeds have been widely used in pig diets.This is not only because of lower feed costs,but also from the continuous discovery about the nutritional value of DF,mainly including the improvement of piglet intestinal health and sow reproductive performance.The addition timing has also been further considered,which potentially enables the nutritional value of DF to be accurately used in applicable pig models.Furthermore,fiber degrading enzymes have been shown to alleviate the anti-nutritional effects of DF and have ensured the improvement effect of fiber on intestinal health in young piglet models.However,the regulatory effect of fiber on pork quality is still unclear,which requires consideration of the wide range of fiber sources and the complexity of the basic diet composition,as well as the impact of pig breeds.Taken together,future research needs to gain more insight into the combined effects of SDF and IDF,processing methods,and addition timing to improve the nutritional value of DF,and further explore the physiological functions and regulatory mechanisms of DF fermentation products short-chain fatty acids in pigs.

Changes of the colonic physiologic functions after colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent in a porcine model

Background A new procedure of colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent has already been proven to be simple, feasible, and safe in our porcine model. In this study, we evaluated its impact on the colonic physiologic functions. Methods A total of 20 pigs were assigned randomly to either a stent anastomosis group （SA, n=10） or a conventional anastomosis group （CA, n=10）. Colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent was performed in the SA group, and conventional hand-sewn anastomosis was performed in the CA group. Body weight, fecal weight, total colonic transit time, immunohistochemistry staining of interstitial cells of Cajal （ICC）, plasma diamine oxidases （DAO） levels, and Western blotting analysis of occludin were evaluated before and after anastomosis. Results No obvious diarrhea or constipation was observed in all pigs. No significant difference in body weight between the groups was detected at any time. Yet, the fecal weight was less in the CA group compared with the SA group on postoperative day （POD） 7. No observable colonic paralysis or retention occurred. For total colonic transit time, there was no significant difference between the two groups at any time or among different time points in the same group. The integrated optical density of ICC showed no significant difference on either POD 14 or 30. The plasma DAO levels were remarkably elevated after surgery, and began to decrease since POD 3. However, there was no significant difference between both two groups in plasma DAO levels at any time either. For both groups, the expression of occludin was not significantly different from their pre-surgery level on either POD 14 or 30. Conclusions According to these results, this procedure with a degradable stent was supposed to be the same as the conventional hand-sewn procedure in their impact on the colonic physiologic functions.

DSEMR: A database for special environment microorganisms resource and associating them with synthetic biological parts

Special environmental microorganisms are considered to be of great industrial application value because of their special genotypes,physiological functions and metabolites.The research and development of special environmental microorganisms will certainly bring about some innovations in biotechnology processes and change the face of bioengineering.The Special Environmental Microbial Database(DSEMR)is a comprehensive database that provides information on special environmental microbial resources and correlates them with synthetic biological parts.DSEMR aggregates information on specific environmental microbial genomes,physiological properties,culture media,biological parts,and metabolic pathways,and provides online tool analysis data,including 5268 strains from 620 genera,31 media,and 42,126 biological parts.In short,DSEMR will become an important resource for the study of microorganisms in special environments and actively promote the development of synthetic biology.

A self-fused hydrogel for the treatment of glottic insufficiency through outstanding durability,extracellular matrix-inducing bioactivity and function preservation

Injection laryngoplasty with biomaterials is an effective technique to treat glottic insufficiency.However,the inadequate durability,deficient pro-secretion of extracellular matrix(ECM)and poor functional preservation of current biomaterials have yielded an unsatisfactory therapeutic effect.Herein,a self-fusing bioactive hydrogel comprising modified carboxymethyl chitosan and sodium alginate is developed through a dual-crosslinking mechanism(photo-triggered and dynamic covalent bonds).Owing to its characteristic networks,the synergistic effect of the hydrogel for vocal folds(VFs)vibration and phonation is adequately demonstrated.Notably,owing to its inherent bioactivity of polysaccharides,the hydrogel could significantly enhance the secretion of major components(type I/III collagen and elastin)in the lamina propria of the VFs both in vivo and in vitro.In a rabbit model for glottic insufficiency,the optimized hydrogel(C1A1)has demonstrated a durability far superior to that of the commercially made hyaluronic acid(HA)Gel.More importantly,owing to the ECM-inducing bioactivity,the physiological functions of the VFs treated with the C1A1 hydrogel also outperformed that of the HA Gel,and were similar to those of the normal VFs.Taken together,through a simple-yet-effective strategy,the novel hydrogel has demonstrated outstanding durability,ECM-inducing bioactivity and physiological function preservation,therefore has an appealing clinical value for treating glottic insufficiency.

Membrane nanotubes:Novel communication between distant cells

The many kinds of cell structures involved in cell-cell communication include tight junction,adherens junction and gap junction,but almost all are between adjacent cells.Recently,a general and dynamic membrane tether,termed tunneling nanotubes or membrane nanotubes(MNTs),was discovered to be involved in communication between distant cells.By facilitating intercellular communication,MNTs contribute to many biological functions and pathologic changes in cells.Many works have revealed the structure,formation and functional properties of MNTs.However,as novel structures,further research is needed.