The regulation of key flavor of traditional fermented food by microbial metabolism: A review.

The beneficial microorganisms in food are diverse and complex in structure. These beneficial microorganisms can produce different and unique flavors in the process of food fermentation. The unique flavor of these fermented foods is mainly produced by different raw and auxiliary materials, fermentation technology, and the accumulation of flavor substances by dominant microorganisms during fermentation. The succession and metabolic accumulation of microbial flora significantly impacts the distinctive flavor of fermented foods. The investigation of the role of microbial flora changes in the production of flavor substances during fermentation can reveal the potential connection between microbial flora succession and the formation of key flavor compounds. This paper reviewed the evolution of microbial flora structure as food fermented and the key volatile compounds that contribute to flavor in the food system and their potential relationship. Further, it was a certain guiding significance for food industrial production.

Effect of Yttrium on Ce/Ni-Metakaolin Catalysts for CO2 Methanation.

In recent years, major economies have implemented carbon reduction and carbon neutrality policies. Furthermore, with advancements in science and technology, carbon dioxide (CO2) is now considered a valuable raw material for producing carbon-based fuels through hydrogenation. Various concentrations of yttrium (referred to as Y hereafter) were introduced to assess their influence on the catalytic performance of CO2 methanation. At a temperature of 300 °C, the catalyst exhibited an impressive CO2 conversion rate of 78.4% and maintained remarkable stability throughout a rigorous 100 h stability assessment. The findings suggest that the inclusion of yttrium (Y) promotes the formation of oxygen vacancies and alkaline sites on the catalyst. This, in turn, enhances the reducibility of nickel species, improves the dispersion of nickel particles, and plays a pivotal role in enhancing thermal stability. Furthermore, it offers an innovative design approach for creating highly efficient composite CO2 methanation catalysts by controlling particle size and harnessing synergistic catalytic effects at the metal/support interface.

In-Situ Transformation of Li-ABW Zeolites Based on Li-Geopolymer.

Lithium batteries, as energy storage devices, are playing an increasingly important role in human society. As a result of the low safety of the liquid electrolyte in batteries, more attention has been paid to solid electrolytes. Based on the application of lithium zeolite in a Li-air battery, a non-hydrothermal conversed lithium molecular sieve was prepared. In this paper, in-situ infrared spectroscopy, together with other methods, was used to characterize the transformation process of geopolymer-based zeolite. The results showed that Li/Al = 1.1 and 60 °C were the best transformation conditions for the Li-ABW zeolite. On this basis, the geopolymer was crystallized after 50 min of reaction. This study proves that the formation of geopolymer-based zeolite occurs earlier than the solidification of the geopolymer and shows that the geopolymer is a good precursor for zeolite conversion. At the same time, it comes to the conclusion that the formation of zeolite will have an impact on the geopolymer gel. This article provides a simple preparation process for lithium zeolite, explores the preparation process and mechanism, and provides a theoretical basis for future applications.

Vital node identification based on cycle structure in a multiplex network.

Abstract: Multiplex networks frame the heterogeneous nature of real systems, where the multiple roles of nodes, both functionally and structurally, are well represented. We identify these vital nodes in a multiplex network so that we can control a pandemic outbreak like COVID-19, eliminate damage from a network attack, maintain traffic, and so on. Vital node identification has attracted scientists in various fields for decades. In this paper, we propose a hybrid supra-cycle number and hybrid supra-cycle ratio based on the cycle structure, and present an extensive experimental analysis by comparing our indexes and several different indexes in four real multiplex networks on layer nodes and multiplex nodes. The experimental results show that these proposed indexes have good robustness, synchronization, and transmission dynamics. Finally, we provide an in-depth understanding of multiplex networks and cycle structure, and we sincerely hope more valuable academic achievements are proposed in the future.

Characterization of Gut Microbiome in the Mud Snail Cipangopaludina cathayensis in Response to High-Temperature Stress.

The mud snail Cipangopaludina cathayensis is a widely distributed species in China. Particularly in Guangxi province, mud snail farming contributes significantly to the economic development. However, global warming in recent decades poses a serious threat to global aquaculture production. The rising water temperature is harmful to aquatic animals. The present study explored the effects of high temperature on the intestinal microbiota of C. cathayensis. Snail intestinal samples were collected from the control and high-temperature groups on days 3 and 7 to determine the gut microbiota composition and diversity. Gut bacterial community composition was investigated using high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Our results suggested that thermal stress altered the gut microbiome structure of C. cathayensis. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were dominant in C. cathayensis gut microbiota. The T2 treatment (32 ± 1 °C, day 7) significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus. In T2, the abundance of several genera of putatively beneficial bacteria (Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Rhodobacter, and Bacteroides) decreased, whereas the abundance of Halomonas-a pathogenic bacterial genus-increased. The functional prediction results indicated that T2 treatment inhibited some carbohydrate metabolism pathways and induced certain disease-related pathways (e.g., those related to systemic lupus erythematosus, Vibrio cholerae infection, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and shigellosis). Thus, high temperature profoundly affected the community structure and function of C. cathayensis gut microbiota. The results provide insights into the mechanisms associated with response of C. cathayensis intestinal microbiota to global warming.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Flavonoid Compounds from Spent Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Leaves: Optimization and Antioxidant and Bacteriostatic Activity.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) coupled with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were applied to extract total flavonoid compounds from spent sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves. In this study, ten different NADESs were successfully synthesized for the MAE. Based on single-factor experiments, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied, and the microwave power, extraction temperature, extraction time, and solid−liquid ratio were further evaluated in order to optimize the yields of total flavonoid compounds. Besides, the extracts were recovered by macroporous resin for the biological activity detection of flavonoid compounds. As a result, NADES-2, synthesized by choline chloride and malic acid (molar ratio 1:2), exhibited the highest extraction yield. After that, the NADES-2-based MAE process was optimized and the optimal conditions were as follows: microwave power of 470 W, extraction temperature of 54 °C, extraction time of 21 min, and solid−liquid ratio of 70 mg/mL. The extraction yield (40.21 ± 0.23 mg rutin equivalents/g sweet potato leaves) of the model validation experiment was demonstrated to be in accordance with the predicted value (40.49 mg rutin equivalents/g sweet potato leaves). In addition, flavonoid compounds were efficiently recovered from NADES-extracts with a high recovery yield (>85%) using AB-8 macroporous resin. The bioactivity experiments in vitro confirmed that total flavonoid compounds had good DPPH and O2−· radical-scavenging activity, as well as inhibitory effects on E. coli, S. aureus, E. carotovora, and B. subtilis. In conclusion, this study provides a green and efficient method to extract flavonoid compounds from spent sweet potato leaves, providing technical support for the development and utilization of sweet potato leaves' waste.

Effects of cadmium exposure on intestinal microflora of Cipangopaludina cathayensis.

As one of the most environmentally toxic heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) has attracted the attention of researchers globally. In particular, Guangxi, a province in southwestern China, has been subjected to severe Cd pollution due to geogenic processes and anthropogenic activities. Cd can be accumulated in aquatic animals and transferred to the human body through the food chain, with potential health risks. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of waterborne Cd exposure (0.5 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L) on the intestinal microbiota of mudsnail, Cipangopaludina cathayensis, which is favored by farmers and consumers in Guangxi. Gut bacterial community composition was investigated using high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 segment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Our results indicated that C. cathayensis could tolerate low Cd (0.5 mg/L) stress, while Cd exposure at high doses (1.5 mg/L) exerted considerable effects on microbiota composition. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the mudsnail gut microbiota. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes increased significantly under high Cd exposure (H14) (p < 0.01), with no significant change in the low Cd exposure (L14) treatment. The dominant genera with significant differences in relative abundance were Pseudomonas, Cloacibacterium, Acinetobacter, Dechloromonas, and Rhodobacter. In addition, Cd exposure could significantly alter the pathways associated with metabolism, cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, human diseases, and organismal systems. Notably, compared to the L14 treatment, some disease-related pathways were enriched, while some xenobiotic and organic compound biodegradation and metabolism pathways were significantly inhibited in the H14 group. Overall, Cd exposure profoundly influenced community structure and function of gut microbiota, which may in turn influence C. cathayensis gut homeostasis and health.

Lake reclamation alters molecular-level characteristics of lacustrine dissolved organic matter - A study of nine lakes in the Yangtze Plain, China.

In recent decades, the reclamation of lakes has captured 42% of the total lake area of the Yangtze Plain in China and introduced additional pressure on lacustrine water quality. While lacustrine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is critical in regulating biogeochemical processing and aquatic biodiversity, the impact of reclamation on the molecular-level characteristics of lacustrine DOM remains unexplored. Here, the DOM characteristics altered by reclamation practices in the Yangtze Plain lakes were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Results demonstrated that reclamation not only elevated the quantity (on average +32%) but also altered the characteristics and composition of lacustrine DOM. Compared to the natural water sites close by, reclamation sites did not significantly alter the DOM aromaticity but significantly lowered the average molecular weight and increased the biolability of DOM. The chromophoric DOM and humic-like fluorescent components were remarkably elevated, but not the protein-like fluorescent components. More lipid-like and condensed aromatic-like components were detected in the lacustrine DOM as compared to the lignin-like, carbohydrate-like, and protein-like components, which may be driven by the increased microbial processing. Overall, the significant alteration in characteristics and composition of lacustrine DOM highlights the potential impact of reclamation on the DOM biogeochemical cycle and the environmental quality in aquatic ecosystems.

China experts' consensus on preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatments of malocclusions of children.

Malocclusion is one of the three most common oral diseases reported by World Health Organization(WHO). In China, its incidence rate is rising. Malocclusion seriously affects the dental and maxillofacial function, facial appearance and growth development of nearly 260 million children in China, and what is more, it affects their physical and mental health development. Malocclusion occurrence is related to genetic and environmental factors. Early treatment of malocclusion can create a good dental and maxillofacial development environment, correct abnormal growth and control the adverse effects of abnormal genetic factors. It can effectively reduce the prevalence of children's malocclusion and enhance their physical and mental health. This is an urgent need from the economic perspective of our society, so it has great practical and social significance. Experts from the project group "standard diagnose and treatment protocols for early orthodontic intervention of malocclusions of children" which initiated by China National Health Institute of Hospital Administration wrote the "China Experts' Consensus on Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Treatments of Malocclusions of Children", which aims to guide and popularize the clinical practice, improve the clinical theory and practice level, and accelerate the disciplinary development of early treatment of children's malocclusion in China. The consensus elaborates the harmfulness of malocclusion and the necessity of early treatment, and brings up the principles and fundamental contents. Based on the law of dental and maxillofacial development, this paper puts forward the guiding suggestions of preventive and interceptive treatments in different stages of dental development ranging from fetus to early permanent dentition. It is a systematic project to promote and standardize the early treatment of malocclusion. Through scientific and comprehensive stratified clinical practice and professional training, the clinical system of early treatment of malocclusion in China will eventually be perfected, so as to comprehensively care for children's dental and maxillofacial health, and improve their oral and physical health in China.

KOH-Activated Geopolymer Microspheres Recycle Co(II) with Higher Adsorption Capacity than NaOH-Activated Ones.

A new type of absorbent with high efficiency was synthesized by KOH-activated slag-based geopolymer microspheres (K-SGM), which exhibited higher adsorption capacities for recycling Co(II) (Q e,K-SGM = 192.31 mg/g, Q e,Na-SGM = 91.21 mg/g) than NaOH-activated ones (Na-SGM). During the Co(II) adsorption process, these two kinds of geopolymeric adsorbents could be combined with heavy metal ions to optimize each other and form heavy metal-grown aid adsorbents. The morphology of Na-SGM and K-SGM was different which varied from coarse pores to nanonetwork or nanosheets after Co(II) adsorption, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas of Na-SGM (10.46 m2/g) and K-SGM (22.96 m2/g) increased to 117.38 and 228.73 m2/g after Co(II) adsorption, respectively. The BET surface area of K-SGM is twice that of Na-SGM whether before or after Co(II) ion adsorption. The hydrated ionic radius of K and Na, the alkalinity degree of K+ and Na+, the electronegativity of Na-SGM and K-SGM surface, the BET surface area and Fourier transform infrared changes of CO3 2- and OH before and after Co(II) adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis like the relative content of geopolymer gel and bridging oxygen bonds in the Na-SGM and K-SGM are the fundamental reasons for the obvious differences in Co(II) adsorption between Na-SGM and K-SGM.

Population Genetic Structure and Phylogeography of Camellia flavida (Theaceae) Based on Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Sequences.

Camellia flavida is an endangered species of yellow camellia growing in limestone mountains in southwest China. The current classification of C. flavida into two varieties, var. flavida and var. patens, is controversial. We conducted a genetic analysis of C. flavida to determine its taxonomic structure. A total of 188 individual plants from 20 populations across the entire distribution range in southwest China were analyzed using two DNA fragments: a chloroplast DNA fragment from the small single copy region and a single-copy nuclear gene called phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Sequences from both chloroplast and nuclear DNA were highly diverse; with high levels of genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow. This result can be attributed to the high habitat heterogeneity in limestone karst, which isolates C. flavida populations from each other. Our nuclear DNA results demonstrate that there are three differentiated groups within C. flavida: var. flavida 1, var. flavida 2, and var. patens. These genetic groupings are consistent with the morphological characteristics of the plants. We suggest that the samples included in this study constitute three taxa and the var. flavida 2 group is the genuine C. flavida. The three groups should be recognized as three management units for conservation concerns.

[Effects of thinning intensities on reproductive modules of Quercus liaotungensis in Huanglong and Qiaoshan Mountains, Northwest China]. / é—´ä¼å¼ºåº¦å¯¹é»„æ¡¥æž—åŒºè¾½ä¸œæ Žç”Ÿæ®–æž„ä»¶çš„å½±å“.

Taking the Quercus liaotungensis middle-aged forests in Huanglong and Qiaoshan Mountains as study objects, the average size of individual trees of Q. liaotungensis, yield and rate of its reproductive modules, as well as their spatial distribution characteristics were investigated in five years after thinning at different intensities (CK, 10%, 20% and 30%), in order to demonstrate the impact of thinning intensity on reproductive modules of Q. liaotungensis. Thinning intensity had no significant effect on average height and average DBH, while it had significant positive correlation with crown area and crown volume. The yield of generative shoots, young fruits and mature fruits increased with thinning intensity, but vegetative shoots, staminate inflorescence, staminate flowers and pistillate flowers of Q. liaotungensis had little change. The yield of generative shoots, young fruits and mature fruits had raised significantly under 20% thinning, and reached the maximum under 30% thinning intensity. The rate of generative shoots and fruit setting rate increased with thinning intensity, and reached significant level under 20% or 30% thinning compared with the control. About three-quarters of the generative shoots, female and male flowers centered in the upper canopy, and the rest were in the lower part. Numbers of reproductive modules at sunny side accounted for about 65% of the total. The lower crown, shaded generative shoots, pistillate flowers and staminate inflorescence increased with the increasing thinning intensity, and the upper crown, sunny generative shoots, pistillate flowers and staminate inflorescence showed a decreasing trend with the increasing thinning intensity. Thinning at the intensity of 30% (canopy density 0.6) was the best, which could greatly improve the fruit set percentage of Q. liaotungensis and its mature rate, so as to improve the seed yield and quality, providing the guarantee for the seed collection and natural regeneration of Q. liaotungensis forests.

Tunable formation of ordered wrinkles in metal films with controlled thickness gradients deposited on soft elastic substrates.

Controlled wrinkled surface is useful for a wide range of applications, including flexible electronics, smart adhesion, wettability, stamping, sensoring, coating, and measuring. In this work, thickness-gradient-guided spontaneous formation of ordered wrinkling patterns in metal films deposited on soft elastic substrates is revealed by atomic force microscopy, theoretic analysis, and simulation. It is observed that in the thicker film region, broad cracks form, and the film surface remains flat. In the thinner film region, the cracks attenuate along the direction of the thickness decrease, and various wrinkle patterns including branched stripes, herringbones, and labyrinths can coexist. The interplay between the residual compression and the thickness gradient leading to the formation of such wrinkling patterns is discussed based on a nonlinear wrinkling model. The simulated wrinkling patterns as well as the variation trends of the wrinkle wavelength and amplitude along the gradient direction are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The report in this work could promote better understanding and fabrication of such ordered wrinkling patterns by tunable thickness gradient.

Enhanced crystallization rate of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) by polyoxymethylene (POM) fragment crystals in the PLLA/POM blends with a small amount of POM.

Phase diagrams and glass transition behaviors of poly(L-lactic acid)/polyoxymethylene (PLLA/POM) blends have been investigated in our previous work (Macromolecules 2013, 46, 5806-5814). In this work, the crystallization behaviors and physical properties of the PLLA/POM blends with the PLLA as the major component have been systematically studied. POM was crystallized into the fragment crystals that were finely dispersed in the PLLA matrix when cooling down from the melt of the blends. It was found that the POM fragment crystals accelerated the crystallization process of PLLA matrix and increased the final crystallinity of PLLA significantly in the blends. At the same time, the PLLA spherulites nucleated by POM fragment crystals were much smaller than those obtained from neat PLLA. It was further found that the crystallization rate of PLLA was quite dependent upon the POM loadings and the highest crystallization rate was observed at POM loadings of 7 wt %. It is considered that the POM fragment crystals take the nuclei role to initiate the crystallization of PLLA at low POM loadings, while a high content of POM in the blends leads to the large POM spherulites that cannot nucleate PLLA crystallization effectively. The obtained PLLA/POM blends at low POM loadings with small PLLA spherulites exhibited excellent optical transmittance and good mechanical performance.

Manipulating the charge transfer at CuPc/graphene interface by O2 plasma treatments.

The manipulation of charge transfer at CuPc/graphene interface has been demonstrated by treating pristine graphene with O2 plasma. As revealed by in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, a much stronger interfacial charge transfer occurs when the pristine graphene is exposed to O2 plasma prior to the growth of CuPc films, which is attributed to the increased work function of graphene after O2 plasma treatment. Moreover, the highest occupied molecular orbital leading edge of CuPc locates at ∼0.80 eV below substrate Fermi level on O2 plasma treated graphene, whereas it locates at ∼1.10 eV on pristine graphene. Our findings provide detailed information regarding the electronic structure at CuPc/graphene and CuPc/O2 plasma treated graphene interfaces. The increased work function in combination with the relatively smaller energy offset between the highest occupied molecular orbital of CuPc and Fermi level of O2 plasma treated graphene facilitates the extraction of holes at the interface, and hence paves the way for improving the performance of graphene-based organic photovoltaic cells.

Magnetic bead-based separation of sperm from buccal epithelial cells using a monoclonal antibody against MOSPD3.

Forensic DNA analysis of sexual assault evidence requires unambiguous differentiation of DNA profiles in mixed samples. To investigate the feasibility of magnetic bead-based separation of sperm from cell mixtures using a monoclonal antibody against MOSPD3 (motile sperm domain-containing protein 3), 30 cell samples were prepared by mixing 10(4) female buccal epithelial cells with sperm cells of varying densities (10(3), 10(4), or 10(5) cells/mL). Western blot and immunofluorescence assays showed that MOSPD3 was detectable on the membrane of sperm cells, but not in buccal epithelial cells. After biotinylated MOSPD3 antibody was incubated successively with the prepared cell mixtures and avidin-coated magnetic beads, microscopic observation revealed that each sperm cell was bound by two or more magnetic beads, in the head, neck, mid-piece, or flagellum. A full single-source short tandem repeat profile could be obtained in 80% of mixed samples containing 10(3) sperm cells/mL and in all samples containing ≥10(4) sperm cells/mL. For dried vaginal swab specimens, the rate of successful detection was 100% in both flocked and cotton swabs preserved for 1 day, 87.5% in flocked swabs and 40% in cotton swabs preserved for 3 days, and 40% in flocked swabs and 16.67% in cotton swabs preserved for 10 days. Our findings suggest that immunomagnetic bead-based separation is potentially a promising alternative to conventional methods for isolating sperm cells from mixed forensic samples.

Umbilical cord blood cells regulate endogenous neural stem cell proliferation via hedgehog signaling in hypoxic ischemic neonatal rats.

Umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMC) transplantation may improve hypoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal rats, but the mechanism is unclear. This study examines whether UCBMC promote neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation via the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway. The rats underwent left carotid ligation followed by hypoxic stress. UCBMC were transplanted 24h after hypoxia ischemia (HI), and immunohistochemistry, immmunoblotting, and morphology analyses were performed at different time points after transplantation. Increased numbers of NSCs were observed in the subventrical zone (SVZ) of the HI+UCBMC group, but these increases were attenuated by cyclopamine treatment. There were significant increases in Shh and Gli1 protein levels after transplantation in the HI group treated with UCBMC compared to HI rats treated with phosphate-buffered solution (PBS). Significantly more Gli1(+)DAPI(+) cells were observed in the SVZ of the HI+UCBMC group compared to the HI+PBS and N+UCBMC groups, but few Gli1(+)DAPI(+) cells were found in the SVZ of the HI+cyclopamine+UCBMC group. The HI+UCBMC group had significantly less neuronal loss in the cortex and CA1 sector of the hippocampus compared to the HI+PBS group, but more neuron loss was observed in the HI+cyclopamine+UCBMC group compared to HI+UCBMC. These results indicate that UCBMC may promote NSC proliferation and alleviate brain injury in HI neonatal rats via Shh signaling.

Exciton localization and optical properties improvement in nanocrystal-embedded ZnO core-shell nanowires.

We present a comparative investigation of the morphological, structural, and optical properties of vertically aligned ZnO nanowires (NWs) before and after high energy argon ion (Ar(+)) milling. It is found that the outer regions of the as-grown sample change from crystalline to amorphous, and ZnO core-shell NWs with ZnO nanocrystals embedded are formed after Ar(+) milling. Optical properties of the ZnO NWs have been investigated systematically through power and temperature dependent photoluminescence measurements, and the phenomenon of exciton localization as well as the relevant favorable photoluminescence characteristics is elucidated. Interestingly, under high density optical pumping at room temperature, coherent random lasing action is observed, which is ascribed to exciton localization and strong scattering. Our results on the unique optical properties of localized exciton in ZnO core-shell nanostructures shed light on developing stable and high-efficiency excitonic optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and lasers.

Tuberculous abscess in hepatoduodenal ligament: evaluation with contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Two patients with tuberculous abscess in the hepatoduodenal ligament were studied. Both patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan. The abscess showed a low density with an irregular thick wall in the hepatoduodenal ligament on CT images, the margin was poorly defined. Contrast-enhanced CT images showed the contrast-enhanced thick wall, homogeneous and peripheral-enhanced lymph nodes. Although features of the tuberculous abscess in the hepatoduodenal ligament could be conspicuously shown with contrast-enhanced CT, further experience is needed to evaluate the potential value of CT in detecting early tuberculous abscess in relation to other entities in the hepatoduodenal ligament.