Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.

Frontogenesis and Frontolysis of a Cold Filament Driven by the Cross-Filament Wind and Wave Fields Simulated by a Large Eddy Simulation

The variations of the frontogenetic trend of a cold filament induced by the cross-filament wind and wave fields are studied by a non-hydrostatic large eddy simulation. Five cases with different strengths of wind and wave fields are studied.The results show that the intense wind and wave fields further break the symmetries of submesoscale flow fields and suppress the levels of filament frontogenesis. The changes of secondary circulation directions—that is, the conversion between the convergence and divergence of the surface cross-filament currents with the downwelling and upwelling jets in the filament center—are associated with the inertial oscillation. The filament frontogenesis and frontolysis caused by the changes of secondary circulation directions may periodically sharpen and smooth the gradient of submesoscale flow fields.The lifecycle of the cold filament may include multiple stages of filament frontogenesis and frontolysis.

The UDP-glycosyltransferase OsUGT706D2 positively regulates cold and submergence stress tolerance in rice

In a genome-wide association study,we identified a rice UDP-glycosyltransferase gene,OsUGT706D2,whose transcription was activated in response to cold and submergence stress and to exogenous abscisic acid(ABA).OsUGT706D2 positively regulated the biosynthesis of tricin-4’-O-(syringyl alcohol)ether-7-O-glucoside at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels.OsUGT706D2 mediated cold and submergence tolerance by modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes as well as the abscisic acid(ABA)signaling pathway.Gain of function of OsUGT706D2 increased cold and submergence tolerance and loss of function of OsUGT706D2 reduced cold tolerance.ABA positively regulated OsUGT706D2-mediated cold tolerance but reduced submergence tolerance.These findings suggest the potential use of OsUGT706D2 for improving abiotic stress tolerance in rice.

Transcription factor CabHLH035 promotes cold resistance and homeostasis of reactive oxygen species in pepper

Plant basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH)transcription factors(TFs)play central roles in various abiotic stresses.However,its role in plant cold resistance is largely unknown.Previously,we characterised CaNAC035 in pepper,which positively regulates tolerance to cold,salt and drought stresses tolerance.Here,we identified CabHLH035,a CaNAC035-interacting protein in pepper.To explore its functions in cold stress tolerance,we silenced the gene in pepper via virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)and overexpressed the gene in Arabidopsis.The results showed that CabHLH035 expression was induced by cold treatment,and silencing of CabHLH035 decreased cold stress tolerance.Conversely,overexpression of CabHLH035 in Arabidopsis increased cold stress tolerance.To investigate homologs genes of C-repeat binding factor(CBF)pathway proteins and reactive oxygen species(ROS)marker gene expression blocking by CabHLH035,we performed yeast one-hybrid(Y1H),dual luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments.The results showed that CabHLH035 bound to the region upstream of the CaCBF1A and CaAPX promoters.Additionally,CaCBF1A bound to the CaDHN4 promoter.Taken together,our results showed that CabHLH035 plays a crucial role in cold stress tolerance and its potential as a target for breeding cold-resistant crops.The findings provide a basis for studying the functions and regulatory network of cold stress tolerance in pepper.

MIR1868 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance at both the seedling and booting stages

Low temperature causes rice yield losses of up to 30%–40%,therefore increasing its cold tolerance is a breeding target.Few genes in rice are reported to confer cold tolerance at both the vegetative and reproductive stages.This study revealed a rice-specific 24-nt miRNA,miR1868,whose accumulation was suppressed by cold stress.Knockdown of MIR1868 increased seedling survival,pollen fertility,seed setting,and grain yield under cold stress,whereas its overexpression conferred the opposite phenotype.Knockdown of MIR1868 increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging and soluble sugar content under cold stress by increasing the expression of peroxidase genes and sugar metabolism genes,and its overexpression produced the opposite effect.Thus,MIR1868 negatively regulated rice cold tolerance via ROS scavenging and sugar accumulation.

Melatonin mitigates cold-induced damage to pepper seedlings by promoting redox homeostasis and regulating antioxidant profiling

This study assessed the influence of exogenous ME in the mitigation of cold damage in pepper seedlings. Melatonin(ME) is a dynamic molecule that helps plants cope with stress in several ways. Cold stress(CS) is one of the most important environmental factors that restrict plant growth and yield. Pepper(Capsicum annuum L.) is a valuable commercial crop, highly sensitive to CS. Thus, identifying an efficient strategy to mitigate cold damage is critical for long-term pepper production. For this purpose, the roots of pepper seedlings were pretreated with ME(5 μmol · L^(-1)) and exposed to CS for 7 d. The results indicated that CS suppressed pepper growth, hampered photosynthetic capacity, and damaged root architecture in pepper plants. In contrast, the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS), malondialdehyde(MDA), electrolyte leakage(EL), proline, and soluble sugars were enhanced in plants under CS. ME(5 μmol · L^(-1)) pretreatment reduced the negative effects of CS by recovering plant growth, root traits, gas exchange elements, and pigment molecules compared to CS control treatment. Furthermore, ME application efficiently reduced oxidative stress markers [hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)), superoxide ion(O_(2)^(·-)), EL, and MDA] while increasing proline and soluble sugar content in pepper leaves. ME application combined with CS further increased antioxidant enzymes and related gene expression. Collectively, our results confirmed the mitigating potential of ME supplementation for CS by maintaining pepper seedling growth,improving the photosynthesis apparatus, regulating pigments, and osmolyte content.

Heterogeneous expression of stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase genes SAD1 and SAD2 from Linum usitatissimum enhances seed oleic acid accumulation and seedling cold and drought tolerance in Brassica napus

Flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)is a versatile crop and its seeds are a major source of unsaturated fatty acids.Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase(SAD)is a dehydrogenase enzyme that plays a key role in oleic acid biosynthesis as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.However,the function of SAD orthologs from L.usitatissimum has not been assessed.Here,we found that two LuSAD genes,LuSAD1 and LuSAD2,are present in the genome of L.usitatissimum cultivar‘Longya 10’.Heterogeneous expression of either LuSAD1 or LuSAD2 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in higher contents of total fatty acids and oleic acid in the seeds.Interestingly,ectopic expression of LuSAD2 in A.thaliana caused altered plant architecture.Similarly,the overexpression of either LuSAD1 or LuSAD2 in Brassica napus also resulted in increased contents of total fatty acids and oleic acid in the seeds.Furthermore,we demonstrated that either LuSAD1 or LuSAD2 enhances seedling resistance to cold and drought stresses by improving antioxidant enzyme activity and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels,as well as reducing membrane damage.These findings not only broaden our knowledge of the LuSAD functions in plants,but also offer promising targets for improving the quantity and quality of oil,and the abiotic stress tolerance of oil-producing crops,through molecular manipulation.

Design and implementation of the monochromator shielding for the cold neutron spectrometers XINGZHI and BOYA

An innovative monochromator shielding is designed and implemented for the cold neutron spectrometers XINGZHI and BOYA operated by Renmin University of China at China Advanced Research Reactor.Via Monte Carlo simulations and careful mechanical designs,a shielding configuration has been successfully developed to satisfy safety requirements of below 3μSv/h dose rate at its exterior,meanwhile fulfilling space,floor load and nonmagnetic requirements.Composite materials are utilized to form the sandwich-type shielding walls:the inner layer of boron carbide rubber,the middle layer of steel-encased lead and the outer layer of borated polyethylene.Special-shaped liftable shielding blocks are incorporated to facilitate a continuous adjustment of the neutron energy while preventing radiation leakage.Our work has demonstrated that by utilizing composite shielding materials,along with the sandwich structure and liftable shielding blocks,a compact and lightweight shielding solution can be achieved.This enables the realization of advanced neutron scattering instruments that provide expanded space of measurement,larger energy and momentum coverage,and higher flux on the sample.This shielding represents the first of its kind in neutron scattering instruments in China.Following its successful operation,it has been subsequently employed by other neutron instruments across the country.

Artificial ground freezing of underground mines in cold regions using thermosyphons with air insulation

Current practice of underground artificial ground freezing(AGF)typically involves huge refrigeration systems of large economic and environmental costs.In this study,a novel AGF technique is proposed deploying available cold wind in cold regions.This is achieved by a static heat transfer device called thermosyphon equipped with an air insulation layer.A refrigeration unit can be optionally integrated to meet additional cooling requirements.The introduction of air insulation isolates the thermosyphon from ground zones where freezing is not needed,resulting in:(1)steering the cooling resources(cold wind or refrigeration)towards zones of interest;and(2)minimizing refrigeration load.This design is demonstrated using well-validated mathematical models from our previous work based on two-phase enthalpy method of the ground coupled with a thermal resistance network for the thermosyphon.Two Canadian mines are considered:the Cigar Lake Mine and the Giant Mine.The results show that our proposed design can speed the freezing time by 30%at the Giant Mine and by two months at the Cigar Lake Mine.Further,a cooling load of 2.4 GWh can be saved at the Cigar Lake Mine.Overall,this study provides mining practitioners with sustainable solutions of underground AGF.

Characteristics and Mechanisms of Persistent Wet–Cold Events with Different Cold-air Paths in South China

We investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of persistent wet–cold events(PWCEs)with different types of coldair paths.Results show that the cumulative single-station frequency of the PWCEs in the western part of South China is higher than that in the eastern part.The pattern of single-station frequency of the PWCEs are“Yangtze River(YR)uniform”and“east–west inverse”.The YR uniform pattern is the dominant mode,so we focus on this pattern.The cold-air paths for PWCEs of the YR uniform pattern are divided into three types—namely,the west,northwest and north types—among which the west type accounts for the largest proportion.The differences in atmospheric circulation of the PWCEs under the three types of paths are obvious.The thermal inversion layer in the lower troposphere is favorable for precipitation during the PWCEs.The positive water vapor budget for the three types of PWCEs mainly appears at the southern boundary.

Acute paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria upon dengue fever:A case report

Rationale:Dengue fever is capable of inciting the formation of transient polyclonal antibodies directed at red blood cell antigens,resulting in complement-mediated hemolysis,leading to intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria.Patient’s concern:A 12-year-old male patient who recovered from dengue fever a week ago had red blood cell agglutination,spherocytes,and engulfment of red blood cells(erythrophagocytosis)by monocytes and neutrophils on routine hematological peripheral blood smear.The unexpected blood smear results prompted the lab physicians to investigate autoimmune hemolytic anemia,which revealed a monospecific positive direct antiglobulin test for complement(C3d,C3b)and the presence of Donath-Landsteiner antibody.Diagnosis:Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria(PCH),secondary to dengue fever.Interventions:Oxygen supplements,antibiotics,intravenous immunoglobulins,steroid therapy,and packed cell transfusions were administered.Outcomes:The patient’s condition was improved following the therapy.Lessons:Post-dengue PCH is a rare complication that requires a thorough peripheral smear examination for erythrophagocytosis,as advanced hematology analyzers fail to detect such findings.

The link between dietary nutrients intake and cardiovascular diseases in cold regions

Background:The cold winter weather in northern China influences the dietary habits of its residents,contributing to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disorders,such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.Key factors include low vegetable consumption and high salt and fat intakes.This study aims to investigate the relationships between northern dietary nutrient intake in northern China and cardiovascular disorders during the winter season.Methods:A food frequency questionnaire tailored to the actual eating habits in northern China was designed.Retrospective data from 955 Chinese adults were collected from November to March between 2014 to 2023.Logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between dietary nutrients and cardiovascular diseases,with model performance assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results:Adjusted for gender,age,and body mass index(BMI),an inverse association was observed between vitamin A(OR=0.706,95%CI:0.550,0.907),nicotinic acid(OR=0.584,95%CI:0.447,0.762),phosphorus(OR=0.777,95%CI:0.608,0.994),selenium(OR=0.719,95%CI:0.560,0.923),zinc(OR=0.683,95%CI:0.531,0.880),methionine(OR=0.730,95%CI:0.569,0.936),arginine(OR=0.753,95%CI:0.588,0.964),lysine(OR=0.706,95%CI:0.550,0.907),aspartic acid(OR=0.730,95%CI:0.569,0.936)and hypertension.Additionally,a negative association was found between niacin(OR=0.752,95%CI:0.597,0.946)and coronary heart disease.Conversely,a positive association was identified between iodine and hypertension(OR=1.305,95%CI:1.020,1.669)and coronary heart disease(OR=1.301,95%CI:1.037,1.634).Conclusion:Our study suggests that maintaining a balanced dietary intake of vitamin A,niacin,phosphorus,selenium,zinc,methionine,arginine,lysine,and aspartic acid can be beneficial in preventing hypertension.Adequate niacin intake is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease.However,excessive iodine intake may contribute to hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Effects of Silicon Formulations on Cold Tolerance of Rice Seedlings

To investigate the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings,Song Japonica 16(not cold tolerant)and Dongnong 427(cold tolerant)rice varieties were used as test materials and four different types of silicon formulations,Si-50-G,Si-60-G,Si-T-G,and Si-E-G,were applied as foliar sprays at the seedling stage,and a control group CK(equal amount of distilled water)was set up.One week after the first silicon spray,two types of rice were subjected to low-temperature stress treatments at day/night temperatures of 12℃/10℃for 2,4,6,and 8 days.The effects of different silicon formulations on the chlorophyll,proline(Pro)and soluble sugar contents as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT)activities of rice seedlings under low-temperature stress were compared to find out the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings.The results showed that silicon formulations could significantly increase the chlorophyll content of rice seedling leaves,with Si-50-G being the most effective,with a significant increment of 40.17%compared to the CK at 2 days of low temperature.Four silicon formulations significantly increased the proline content and soluble sugar content of rice leaves at low temperature for 4-8 days.For Song Japonica 16,the most significant increment in leaf POD activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment at 2,4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with 73.58%,20.95%and 217.24%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For 4 and 6 days of temperature stress,the most significant increase in CAT activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment,with 25.70%and 75.78%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For Dongnong 427,the Si-60-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf SOD activity for 4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 58.15%and 82.76%compared to the CK,respectively,and the Si-E-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf POD activity for 2 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 97.75%and 245.10%compared to the CK,respectively.It showed that the spraying of silicon formulations could significantly enhance the cold tolerance of rice.This study provided a scientific basis for the rational use of silicon formulations to enhance cold tolerance in rice and had important theoretical and practical significance for ensuring sustainable high and stable rice yields in Heilongjiang Province,as well as for the development of silicon fertilizers.

Recent Situation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Stomach Pain with Deficiency and Cold of Spleen and Stomach

Stomachache is one of the most common diseases of digestive system, among which stomach pain of deficiency cold of spleen and stomach is the most common. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as an external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for relieving stomach pain due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, has the advantages of convenient operation, small adverse reactions and remarkable curative effect, which is easy for patients to accept. In this paper, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy such as moxibustion and warm acupuncture therapy for stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type is summarized to provide evidence-based basis for clinical treatment of stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type.

Strategies and Economic Benefit Analysis for Productive Landscape of Rape Flower Sea in Cold Regions

The cold regions are located in high latitudes and cold climates.The local excellent ornamental plant resources are relatively scarce.The plant species that are suitable for both ornamental and productive benefits of landscape of flower sea construction are also even fewer.Therefore,it is imperative to introduce and screen the plant resources suitable for cold regions to create the landscape of flower sea.The rape,an oilseed crop,was used as a research object in order to create a productive flower landscape with both ornamental and economic values in cold regions.Four rape flower varieties,Qingza No.5,7,9,and 11,were introduced from Qinghai Hufeng Agricultural Science and Technology Group Co.,Ltd.They were planted in the experimental practice base of Northeast Agricultural University in three batches.Development characteristics and seed yield of rape flowers on different sowing dates were studied.The fuzzy probability method was used to comprehensively evaluate the varieties.The results showed that the rape flowers grew well in Harbin City during the experimental sowing period,which could form a good landscape of flower sea and had a considerable rapeseed yield.It could be widely used in cold urban and rural areas,such as Harbin City.In view of the experimental results,the strategies of creating a productive landscape of rape flower sea were proposed and the economic benefits were analyzed.It could change the status quo of a uniform landscape of flower sea in cold regions,help the development of rural tourism,and promote local economic income.

Cold environments and human metabolism: A traditional chinese medicine perspective

The concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)emphasizes the intrinsic connection between human beings and nature,positing that the human body undergoes distinct physiological changes in response to various natural environments.Cold,as a primary external factor in cold areas,necessitates the body's autonomous adaptation to uphold optimal living conditions.The repercussions of cold on the body are both far-reaching and profound,with metabolic equilibrium adjustments playing a pivotal role.This article,rooted in the TCM principle of Yin-Yang balance,delves into the metabolic intricacies and adaptive responses to the human body in cold environments.The effects manifest in heat-producing tissues,systemic substance consumption,the blood substance concentrations,liver function,and metabolic rhythms.The article subsequently presents TCM recommendations for maintaining health in cold climates.It concludes by advocating the exploration of metabolic homeostasis changes as a key avenue for investigating the metabolic traits s of populations in cold regions.We posit that such insights will enhance comprehension of the metabolic shifts in cold region populations and advance the evolution of regional medicine.

Evaluation of Cold Resistance and Semi-lethal Low Temperature(LT_(50))of Nine Pear Cultivars

[Objectives]To evaluate the cold resistance and semi-lethal temperature of pear cultivars,and provide a theoretical basis for the regional extension and breeding of cold-resistant pear cultivars.[Methods]Nine pear cultivars were used to study the changes in relative conductivity and cell injury rate of pear branches under low temperature stress,and the semi-lethal temperature(LT_(50))of pear branches was analyzed by fitting Logistic equation.[Results]The relative conductivity and cell injury rate of pear branches took on the trend of slow increase,rapid increase,and slow increase the decrease of treatment temperature.The LC_(50) of the nine pear cultivars were as follows:Nanguo pear-33.9℃,Wanyu-32.3℃,Red D Anjou-31.8℃,Jinfeng-31.3℃,Wujiuxiang-29.2℃,20 th Century Pear-29.1℃,Hanxiang-35.1℃,Yuluxiang-27.9℃ and Korla Fragrant Pear-29.2℃.[Conclusions]The semi-lethal temperature could reflect the cold resistance of pear trees,and Wanxiang had better cold resistance.The evaluation of cold resistance and semi-lethal temperature of pear cultivars can provide theoretical basis for regional extension and breeding of cold-resistant pear cultivars.

Analysis of Summer Cold Vortex Activity Anomalies in Northeastern China and Their Relationship with Regional Precipitation and Temperature

The Northeastern China cold vortex(NCCV)is one type of strong cyclonic vortex that occurs near Northeastern China(NEC),and NCCV activities are typically accompanied by a series of hazardous weather.This paper employed an automatic algorithm to identify the NCCVs from 1979 to 2018 and analyzed their circulation patterns and climatic impacts by using the defined NCCV intensity index(NCCVI).The analysis revealed that the NCCV activities in summer exhibited a strong inter-annual variability,with an obvious periodicity of 3-4 years and 6-7 years,but without significant trends.In years when the NCCVI was high,NEC experienced negative geopotential height anomalies,cyclonic circulation,and cooler temperature anomalies,which were conducive to the maintenance and development of NCCV activities.Furthermore,large amounts of water vapor converged in NEC through two transportation routes as the NCCVs intensified,leading to a significant positive(negative)correlation with the summer precipitation(surface temperature)in NEC.The Atlantic sea surface temperature(SST)anomalies were closely related to summer NCCV activities.As the Atlantic SST rose,large amounts of surface sensible and latent heat flux were transported into the lower troposphere,inducing a positive geopotential height anomaly that occurred on the east side of the heat source.As a result,an eastward diverging flow was formed in the upper troposphere and propagated downstream,i.e.,the eastward propagating Rossby wave train,which eventually led to a coupled circulation in the Ural Mountains and NEC,as well as more intensive NCCV activities in summer.

Cold ischemia time in liver transplantation:An overview

The standard approach to organ preservation in liver transplantation is by static cold storage and the time between the cross-clamping of a graft in a donor and its reperfusion in the recipient is defined as cold ischemia time(CIT).This simple definition reveals a multifactorial time frame that depends on donor hepatectomy time,transit time,and recipient surgery time,and is one of the most important donor-related risk factors which may influence the graft and recipient’s survival.Recently,the growing demand for the use of marginal liver grafts has prompted scientific exploration to analyze ischemia time factors and develop different organ preservation strategies.This review details the CIT definition and analyzes its different factors.It also explores the most recent strategies developed to implement each timestamp of CIT and to protect the graft from ischemic injury.

Impacts of cold exposure on energy metabolism

Cold stimulation has been shown to regulate glucose,lipid,and amino acid metabolism,while also increasing heat production and energy expenditure in the body.Disordered energy metabolism is a key factor in the onset and progression of chronic metabolic conditiones such as diabetes,obesity,and cardiovascular disease.Recent research has unveiled the myriad pathways through which cold stimulation affects human energy metabolism.This article provides an overview of how cold stimulation affects energy metabolism across the three major metabolic pathways.Furthermore,it explores the implications and potential therapeutic applications of cold stimulation in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases.