Effects of cofermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and different lactic acid bacteria on the organic acid content, soluble sugar content, biogenic amines, phenol content, antioxidant activity and aroma of prune wine.

To determine the effect of cofermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and different LABs on prune wine quality, this study compared phenolic compounds, organic acids, soluble sugars, biogenic amines and volatile flavor compounds among different treatments. The results showed that inoculation of LAB increased DPPH and total flavonoid content. Malic acid content was reduced in HS, HB and HF. Histamine content in S, F and B was lower than the limits in French and Australian wines. 15 phenolic compounds were identified. Yangmeilin and chlorogenic acid were detected only in HS, HF and HB. 51 volatile flavor compounds were identified, esters being the most diverse and abundant. 14 volatile flavor compounds with OAV > 1 contributed highly to the aroma of prune wine. 9 chemical markers including resveratrol, rutin, and catechin were screened to explain intergroup differences by OPLS-DA. This study provides new insights into the processing and quality analysis of prunes.

Effect of postharvest grape dehydration on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sensory characeteristics of Marselan wines.

To explore the effect of postharvest dehydration on grape berries and wine quality, we determined physicochemical properties, polyphenols, antioxidant activities, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics for wines brewed by 'Marselan' (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of water loss. The result showed that postharvest dehydration improved the alcohol content, residual sugar and titratable acidity of Marselan wine. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in wines with a dehydration of 20% have significantly increased. Postharvest dehydration increased the contents of isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl butyrate in Marselan wines, and enhanced the floral, fruity and sweet taste of wines. Marselan wine had the lowest acceptability score under the condition of severe dehydration (25% dehydration), which was related to the significant increase of tannins content. In summary, postharvest dehydration was beneficial in improving the quality of Marselan wine.

Recent advances in battery characterization using in situ XAFS, SAXS, XRD, and their combining techniques: From single scale to multiscale structure detection.

Revealing and clarifying the chemical reaction processes and mechanisms inside the batteries will bring a great help to the controllable preparation and performance modulation of batteries. Advanced characterization techniques based on synchrotron radiation (SR) have accelerated the development of various batteries over the past decade. In situ SR techniques have been widely used in the study of electrochemical reactions and mechanisms due to their excellent characteristics. Herein, the three most wide and important synchrotron radiation techniques used in battery research were systematically reviewed, namely X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Special attention is paid to how these characterization techniques are used to understand the reaction mechanism of batteries and improve the practical characteristics of batteries. Moreover, the in situ combining techniques advance the acquisition of single scale structure information to the simultaneous characterization of multiscale structures, which will bring a new perspective to the research of batteries. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities of SR techniques for battery research are featured based on their current development.

Recent advances in small-angle scattering techniques for MOF colloidal materials.

This paper reviews the recent progress of small angle scattering (SAS) techniques, mainly including X-ray small angle scattering technique (SAXS) and neutron small angle scattering (SANS) technique, in the study of metal-organic framework (MOF) colloidal materials (CMOFs). First, we introduce the application research of SAXS technique in pristine MOFs materials, and review the studies on synthesis mechanism of MOF materials, the pore structures and fractal characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution and morphological evolution of foreign molecules in MOF composites and MOF-derived materials. Then, the applications of SANS technique in MOFs are summarized, with emphasis on SANS data processing method, structure modeling and quantitative structural information extraction. Finally, the characteristics and developments of SAS techniques are commented and prospected. It can be found that most studies on MOF materials with SAS techniques focus mainly on nanoporous structure characterization and the evolution of pore structures, or the spatial distribution of other foreign molecules loaded in MOFs. Indeed, SAS techniques take an irreplaceable role in revealing the structure and evolution of nanopores in CMOFs. We expect that this paper will help to understand the research status of SAS techniques on MOF materials and better to apply SAS techniques to conduct further research on MOF and related materials.

Characterization of differences in physicochemical properties, volatile organic compounds and non-volatile metabolites of prune wine by inoculation of different lactic acid bacteria during malolactic fermentation.

To investigate the effects of inoculating with three strains of lactic acid bacteria on prune wine quality during malolactic fermentation, this study determined its antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and volatile/non-volatile metabolites. The results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus paracasei SMN-LBK improved the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of prune wine. 73 VOCs were detected in prune wine by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and VOC content increased by 4.3% and 9.1% in MLFS and MLFB, respectively. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus showed better potential for winemaking, and citral and 5-nonanol, were detected in the MLF samples. 39 shared differential metabolites were screened and their metabolic pathways were investigated based on nontargeted metabolomics. Differences in amino acid and flavonoid content between strains reflected their specificity in flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis. These findings will provide useful information for the biochemical study and processing of prune wine.

A Study on the Nanostructural Evolution of Bi/C Anode Materials during Their First Charge/Discharge Processes.

As a candidate anode material for Li-ion batteries, Bi-based materials have attracted extensive attention from researchers due to their high specific capacity, environmental friendliness, and simple synthesis methods. However, Bi-based anode materials are prone to causing large volume changes during charging and discharging processes, and the effect of these changes on lithium storage performance is still unclear. This work introduces that Bi/C nanocomposites are prepared by the Bi-based MOF precursor calcination method, and that the Bi/C nanocomposite maintains a high specific capacity (931.6 mAh g-1) with good multiplicative performance after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g-1. The structural evolution of Bi/C anode material during the first cycle of charging and discharging is investigated using in situ synchrotron radiation SAXS. The SAXS results indicate that the multistage scatterers of Bi/C composite, used as an anode material during the first lithiation, can be classified into mesopores, interspaces, and Bi nanoparticles. The different nanostructure evolutions of three types of Bi nanoparticles were observed. It is believed that this result will help to further understand the complex reaction mechanism of Bi-based anode materials in Li-ion batteries.

Estradiol is a key candidate for treating Ankylosing Spondylolisthesis with Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) treatment. Wan Bikang (WBK) and Wan Biqing (WBQ) are two traditional empirical formulas for AS. However, the mechanism of their effects on AS is largely unknown. This study deciphered the underlying common molecular mechanisms of these TCM treatments for AS. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) assays were employed to detect herbal ingredients. Target proteins of herbal ingredients were identified by ChEMBL Database. To infer the relationships between ingredients and AS-related proteins, network pharmacology was employed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core target analyses were carried out with tools Cytoscape and STRING. To find out the molecular basis and target of AS, molecular docking and an in vitro experiment were also conducted. It is found that estradiol may participate in the treatment of AS via the inhibition of inflammatory factors, and Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) appears to be a key target. This research offers insight into the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas for AS and furthers our understanding of TCM pharmacology.

Impact of de-branched starch molecules and fatty acid complexes on the attenuation of ageing-induced cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Ageing and associated cognitive impairments are becoming serious issues around the world. In this study, the physiological properties of three kinds of complexes of fatty acid (capric, stearic and oleic acid, respectively) and de-branched starch molecules were investigated via a d-galactose-induced ageing model. This study revealed differences in the regulation of cognitive impairment and brain damage following intervention of different complexes, which might highlight a potent approach for the prevention of this chronic disease. RESULTS: Data indicated that three complexes improved response time and cognitive function and the bio-parameter markers associated with oxidative stress in ageing rats. Among them, the complexes prepared from de-branched starch-oleic acid showed a greater improvement compared to others. In addition, de-branched starch-capric acid complex showed a higher improvement in the morphology of colon cells and hippocampal neuronal cells. The consumption of de-branched starch-capric acid and -oleic acid complexes generated more short-chain fatty acids in the gut. More importantly, the complexation of de-branched starch with either caprate or stearate enhanced gut Akkermansia. Therefore, it was proposed that the richness in Akkermansia and gut metabolites might be associated with reduced damage of the hippocampal neuronal cells induced by the ageing progress. Moreover, the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway was activated in liver in de-branched starch-capric acid complex diet. In summary, de-branched starch-capric acid complex exhibited a greater effect on the attenuation of ageing-induced cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: This study might highlight a new approach for intervening in the cognitive impairment during the ageing progress via a food supply. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Adjustment of impact phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and aroma profile in Cabernet Sauvignon wine by mixed fermentation of Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mixed fermentation using saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-saccharomyces cerevisiae has become one of the main research strategies to improve wine aroma. Hence, this study applied the mixed fermentation technique using Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to brew Cabernet Sauvignon wine and to investigate the effects of inoculation timing and inoculation ratio on the polyphenolics, antioxidant activity and aroma of the resulting wine. The results showed that mixed fermentation significantly improved the amounts of flavan-3-ols. In particular, S1:5 had the highest amounts of (-)-catechin and procyanidin B1 (73.23 mg/L and 46.59 mg/L), while S1:10 had the highest (-)-epicatechin content (57.95 mg/L). Meanwhile, S1:10 showed the strongest FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS + activities (31.46 %, 25.38 % and 13.87 % higher than that of CK, respectively). In addition, mixed fermentation also increased the amounts of phenylethanol, isoamyl alcohol and ethyl esters, which enhanced the rose-like and fruity flavor of wine. This work used a friendly non-saccharomyces cerevisiae alongside appropriate inoculation strategies to provide an alternative approach for improved wine aroma and phenolic profile.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics strategies to reveal the mechanism of diversity of maize kernel color and quality.

BACKGROUND: Maize has many kernel colors, from white to dark black. However, research on the color and nutritional quality of the different varieties is limited. The color of the maize grain is an important characteristic. Colored maize is rich in nutrients, which have received attention for their role in diet-related chronic diseases and have different degrees of anti-stress protection for animal and human health. METHODS: A comprehensive metabolome (LC-MS/MS) and transcriptome analysis was performed in this study to compare different colored maize varieties from the perspective of multiple recombination in order to study the nutritional value of maize with different colors and the molecular mechanism of color formation. RESULTS: Maize kernels with diverse colors contain different types of health-promoting compounds, highlighting that different maize varieties can be used as functional foods according to human needs. Among them, red-purple and purple-black maize contain more flavonoids than white and yellow kernels. Purple-black kernels have a high content of amino acids and nucleotides, while red-purple kernels significantly accumulate sugar alcohols and lipids. CONCLUSION: Our study can provide insights for improving people's diets and provide a theoretical basis for the study of food structure for chronic diseases.

Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment by inhibiting ferroptosis via activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 axis in SAMP8 mice.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease and remains no effective method for stopping its progress. Ferroptosis and adaptive immunity have been proven to contribute to AD pathogenesis. Salidroside exhibits neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms linking salidroside, ferroptosis, and adaptive immunity in AD remain uncertain. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effects and the potential molecular mechanisms of salidroside against neuronal ferroptosis and CD8+ T cell infiltration in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: SAMP8 mice were employed as an AD model and were treated with salidroside for 12 weeks. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, HE and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, flow cytometry, iron staining, western blotting, and molecular docking were performed. RESULTS: Treatment with salidroside dose-dependently attenuated cognitive impairment, reduced the accumulation of Aß plaques and restored neuronal damage. Salidroside also suppressed the infiltration of CD8+T cells, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox in the SAMP8 mice brain. The administration of salidroside decreased iron deposition, reduced TFR1, and ACSL4 protein expression, upregulated SLC7A11, and GPX4 protein expression, and promoted the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, neuronal ferroptosis and CD8+T cells are involved in the process of cognitive impairment in SAMP8 mice. Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment and inhibits neuronal ferroptosis. The underlying mechanisms may involve the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation and reduction in CD8+T cells infiltration. This study provides some evidence for the roles of salidroside in adaptive immunity and neuronal ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice.

Bearing multi-fault diagnosis with iterative generalized demodulation guided by enhanced rotational frequency matching under time-varying speed conditions.

The rotational frequency (RF) is an important information for multi-fault features detection of rolling bearing under varying speed conditions. In the traditional methods, such as the computed order analysis (COA) and the time-frequency analysis (TFA), the RF should be measured using an encoder or extracted by a complex algorithm, which bring challenge to bearing fault diagnosis. In order to address this issue, a novel iterative generalized demodulation (IGD) based method guided by the instantaneous fault characteristic frequency (IFCF) extraction and enhanced instantaneous rotational frequency (IRF) matching is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the resonance frequency band excited by bearing fault is first obtained by the band-pass filter, and its envelope time-frequency​ representation (TFR) is calculated using the Hilbert transform and the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Second, the IFCF is extracted using the harmonic summation-based peak search algorithm from the envelope TFR. Third, the time-varying RF ridge is transformed into a line paralleling to the time axis using the IGD with the phase function (PF). The PF is calculated by the IFCF function and fault characteristic coefficient (FCC). Lastly, the iterative generalized demodulation spectrum (IGDS) is obtained using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for identifying fault type corresponding to the extracted IFCF. Based on obtained fault type and FCC ratios, new PFs and frequency points (FPs) are calculated for detecting other faults. Both simulated and experimental results validate that multi-fault features of rolling bearing under time-varying rotational speeds can be effectively identified without RF measurement and extraction.

Salidroside Alleviates Renal Fibrosis in SAMP8 Mice by Inhibiting Ferroptosis.

Renal fibrosis progression is closely associated with aging, which ultimately leads to renal dysfunction. Salidroside (SAL) is considered to have broad anti-aging effects. However, the roles and mechanisms of SAL in aging-related renal fibrosis remain unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of SAL in SAMP8 mice. SAMP8 mice were administered with SAL and Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) for 12 weeks. Renal function, renal fibrosis, and ferroptosis in renal tissue were detected. The results showed that elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels significantly decreased, serum albumin (ALB) levels increased, and mesangial hyperplasia significantly reduced in the SAL group. SAL significantly reduced transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-sma) levels in SAMP8 mice. SAL treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in the kidneys, and regulated iron transport-related proteins and ferroptosis-related proteins. These results suggested that SAL delays renal aging and inhibits aging-related glomerular fibrosis by inhibiting ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice.

Identification of JUN as determinant of osteoarthritis and its inhibition by the Chinese herbal formulae Zhuanggu Huoxue Tang.

Synovitis is an essential feature of Osteoarthritis (OA). Increasing evidence demonstrates that synovitis plays a critical role in OA's symptoms and structural progression. However, there is no effective drug for preventing and treating synovitis. Some Chinese herbal formulae have been found to treat clinical OA effectively, however, their mode of action is still unclear. This study investigated the Chinese herbal formulae Zhuanggu Huoxue Tang (ZHT) underlying mechanisms for treating osteoarthritis. Transcriptome data and a network pharmacology analysis were used to investigate the biochemical pathways affected by ZHT during OA treatment with in vitro verification. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were undertaken. The interaction network of the ZHT active constituent targets was determined using Cytoscape 3.7.1 software. Molecular docking of key pathogenic proteins and components of ZHT was performed in silico to confirm the compounds' pharmaceutical activities. The results establish that JUN is a target pathway in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Miltirone, one of the active ingredients of ZHT, demonstrated a suitable binding activity with JUN. Miltirone alleviates the catabolic gene expression induced by IL-1ß and IL-6 in synovial fibroblasts (FLS), validating the use of Miltirone as a therapeutic drug for osteoarthritis.

Volatile Compounds Analysis and Biomarkers Identification of Four Native Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Cultivars Grown in Xinjiang Region of China.

Flavor (odor and taste) have a significant role in the consumer's acceptance, and volatile compounds are responsible for the odor of apricots. In the present work, headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) together with multivariate analysis, i.e., partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), were applied to construct the volatile fingerprints and biomarkers of apricots in Xinjiang, China. As a result, a total of 63 volatile substances were identified in the fruits of four apricot cultivars, seven of which were considered to serve as volatile biomarkers, which are damascenone for Dabaiyou apricots; acetophenone, myrcenol and 7-hexadecenal for Luopuhongdaike apricots; 2,4-dimethyl-cyclohexanol for You apricots; eucalyptol and salicylaldehyde for Xiaobai apricots. Moreover, Xiaobai apricots were richer in soluble sugars, organic acids and total phenolic and total flavonoid content than the other three apricot varieties. This work helps to characterize the volatile profiles and biomarkers of different apricot cultivars while providing theoretical guidance for developing apricot-flavored foods in practical production.

The Combination of Salidroside and Hedysari Radix Polysaccharide Inhibits Mitochondrial Damage and Apoptosis via the PKC/ERK Pathway.

Background: Beta-amyloid (Aß) peptide is a widely recognized pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Salidroside and Hedysari Radix polysaccharide (HRP) were extracted from Chinese herb medicine Rhodiola rosea L and Hedysarum polybotrys Hand-Mazz, respectively. The neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of the combination of salidroside and Hedysari Radix polysaccharide (CSH) against Aß 25-35 induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of CSH on Aß 25-35-induced HT22 cells. Materials and Methods: HT22 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of salidroside or HRP for 24 h, followed by exposed to 20 µm Aß 25-35 in the presence of salidroside or RHP for another 24 h. In a CSH protective assay, HT22 cells were pretreated with 40 µm salidroside and 20 µg/mL HRP for 24 h. The cell viability assay, cell morphology observation, determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell apoptosis rate were performed. The mRNA expression of protein kinase C-beta (PKCß), Bax, and Bcl-2 were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Cyt-C, PKCß, phospho-ERK1/2, Bax, and Bcl-2 were measured by Western blot. Results: CSH treatment increased cell viability, MMP, and decreased ROS generation in Aß 25-35-induced HT22 cells. PKCß and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were elevated by CSH while Bax was decreased. CSH increased the protein expression levels of PKCß, Bcl-2, and phospho-ERK1/2, and decreased those of Bax, Cyt-C, and cleaved caspase-3. Conclusions: CSH treatment have protective effects against Aß 25-35-induced cytotoxicity through decreasing ROS levels, increasing MMP, inhibiting early apoptosis, and regulating PKC/ERK pathway in HT22 cells. CSH may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Salidroside attenuates neuronal ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway in Aß1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease mice and glutamate-injured HT22 cells.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Ferroptosis plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered an important factor in ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that salidroside has a potential therapeutic effect on AD. The intrinsic effect of salidroside on ferroptosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of salidroside on alleviating neuronal ferroptosis in Aß1-42-induced AD mice and glutamate-injured HT22 cells. METHODS: HT22 cells were injured by glutamate (Glu), HT22 cells transfected with siRNA Nrf2, and Aß1-42-induced WT and Nrf2-/-AD mice were treated with salidroside. The mitochondria ultrastructure, intracellular Fe2+, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation of HT22 cells were detected. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione disulfide, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The novel object recognition test, Y-maze, and open field test were used to investigate the protective effects of salidroside on Aß1-42-induced WT and Nrf2-/-AD mice. The protein expressions of PTGS2, GPX4, Nrf2, and HO1 in the hippocampus were investigated by Western blot. RESULTS: Salidroside increased the cell viability and the level of MMP of Glu-injured HT22 cells, reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and ROS, and increased GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expressions. These changes were not observed in siRNA Nrf2 transfected HT22 cells. Salidroside improved the ultrastructural changes in mitochondria of HT22 cells and Aß1-42-induced AD mice, but not in Aß1-42-induced Nrf2-/-AD mice. Salidroside increased protein expression levels of GPX4, HO1, and NQO1 and decreased protein expression of PTGS2 in Aß1-42-induced AD mice but not in Aß1-42-induced Nrf2-/-AD mice. CONCLUSIONS: Salidroside plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis in Aß1-42-induced AD mice and Glu-injured HT22 cells, and its mechanism is related to activation of the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway.

Deep Learning-Based CT Image Characteristics and Postoperative Anal Function Restoration for Patients with Complex Anal Fistula.

Objective: This study aimed to optimize the CT images of anal fistula patients using a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to investigate the anal function recovery. Methods: 57 patients with complex anal fistulas admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were selected as research subjects. Of them, CT images of 34 cases were processed using the deep learning neural network, defined as the experimental group, and the remaining unprocessed 23 cases were in the control group. Whether to process CT images depended on the patient's own wish. The imaging results were compared with the results observed during the surgery. Results: It was found that, in the experimental group, the images were clearer, with DSC = 0.89, precision = 0.98, and recall = 0.87, indicating that the processing effects were good; that the CT imaging results in the experimental group were more consistent with those observed during the surgery, and the difference was notable (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the experimental group had lower RP (mmHg), AMCP (mmHg) scores, and postoperative recurrence rate, with notable differences noted (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CT images processed by deep learning are clearer, leading to higher accuracy of preoperative diagnosis, which is suggested in clinics.

Depth profiles of geochemical features, geochemical activities and biodiversity of microbial communities in marine sediments from the Shenhu area, the northern South China Sea.

The biogeochemical processes, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methanogenesis, control methane emission and create distinct geochemical profiles with depth in marine sediments. Correlating the capacities and biodiversity of the microbial communities in marine sediments remains challenging. We therefore investigated the geochemical constituents and the capabilities and diversity of microbial communities in sediments at different depths in two cores from the Shenhu area in the northern South China Sea, which is characterized by underlying gas hydrates. The geochemical features, sulfate concentration decreased linearly and the acid volatile sulfur accumulated from 4 m below the seafloor (mbsf) to the bottom, indicating significant sulfate reduction. However, the methane concentration was relatively low and showed irregular trends, indicating that our study cores did not reach the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). Nevertheless, incubation experiments showed that the microbial groups in sediments performed AOM and methanogenesis in the region where sulfate decreased linearly above the SMTZ. We mapped the diversity and abundance of microbial communities in sediments with depth using high-throughput sequencing. A small proportion of known methanogens (<0.3%) may have been responsible for the methanogenesis during incubation. No classical archaeal anaerobic methanotroph (ANME) sequences were detected across all samples; only a small amount of SEEP-SRB1 were detected, and their abundance did not increase with increasing depth. Thus, unknown or unconventional phylotypes may have participated in AOM during the incubation, and the dominant phylum Bathyarchaeota or the small number of detected methanogens are the most likely performers of AOM.

Salidroside Attenuates Cognitive Dysfunction in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice and Modulates Inflammation of the Gut-Brain Axis.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. However, several therapeutic approaches have shown unsatisfactory outcomes in the clinical setting. Thus, developing alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of AD is critical. Salidroside (SAL) is critical, an herb-derived phenylpropanoid glycoside compound, has been shown to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment. However, the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects remains unclear. Here, we show that SAL has a therapeutic effect in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain, a reliable and stable mouse model of AD. Methods: SAMP8 mice were treated with SAL, donepezil (DNP) or saline, and cognitive behavioral impairments were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM), Y maze, and open field test (OFT). Fecal samples were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq system. Brain samples were analyzed to detect beta-amyloid (Aß) 1-42 (Aß1-42) deposition by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. The activation of microglia and neuroinflammatory cytokines was detected by immunofluorescence (IF), western blotting and qPCR. Serum was analyzed by a Mouse High Sensitivity T Cell Magnetic Bead Panel on a Luminex-MAGPIX multiplex immunoassay system. Results: Our results suggest that SAL effectively alleviated hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in the SAMP8 mice. SAL significantly 1) reduced toxic Aß1-42 deposition; 2) reduced microglial activation and attenuated the levels of the proinflammatory factors IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the brain; 3) improved the gut barrier integrity and modified the gut microbiota (reversed the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and eliminated Clostridiales and Streptococcaceae, which may be associated with cognitive deficits); and 4) decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1α, IL-6, IL-17A and IL-12, in the peripheral circulation, as determined by a multiplex immunoassay. Conclusion: In summary, SAL reversed AD-related changes in SAMP8 mice, potentially by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis and modulating inflammation in both the peripheral circulation and central nervous system. Our results strongly suggest that SAL has a preventive effect on cognition-related changes in SAMP8 mice and highlight its value as a potential agent for drug development.