Antimicrobial Activity and Mechanisms of Walnut Green Husk Extract.

Walnut green husks (WGHs), by-products of walnut production, are believed to possess antimicrobial properties, making them a potential alternative to antibiotics. In this study, the antibacterial activities of three extracts, derived from WGH, against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli were investigated, and the antibacterial mechanisms of an anhydrous ethanol extract of WGH (WGHa) were examined. The results showed that WGHa exhibited inhibitory effects on all tested bacteria. The ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the major active compounds present in WGHa were terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids. Treatment with WGHa resulted in the leakage of intracellular ions and alkaline phosphatase; a reduction in intracellular ATP content, ATPase activity, and nucleic acid content; as well as cellular metabolic viability. The transmission electron microscopy images showed varying degrees of cell deformation and membrane damage following WGHa treatment. The transcriptome sequencing and differentially expressed gene enrichment analyses revealed an up-regulation in pathways associated with RNA degradation, translation, protein export, and oxidative phosphorylation. Conversely, pathways involved in cell movement and localization, as well as cell wall organization and carbohydrate transport, were found to be down-regulated. These findings suggest that WGHa alters cell membrane permeability and causes damage to the cell wall. Additionally, WGHa interferes with cellular energy metabolism, compromises RNA integrity, and induces DNA replication stress, consequently inhibiting the normal growth and proliferation of bacteria. These findings unveiled the antimicrobial mechanisms of WGHa, highlighting its potential application as an antibiotic alternative.

A review of novel research technology to explore the mystery of traditional Chinese medicine: Terahertz.

During the 2022 Annual National Terahertz Biophysics Conference, the hypothesis was proposed that bio frequency electromagnetic fields sensitive points, akin to acupuncture points, exist in the human body. This development has prompted numerous researchers to apply terahertz technology to the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, terahertz technology has achieved notable progress in the field of TCM, particularly concerning the meridian-collateral system. This review systematically presents the advancements in terahertz technology and its implications on TCM theory from a biophysical perspective. Additionally, it summarizes the utilization of terahertz waves in elucidating aspects of TCM, particularly focusing on the scientific connotation of Qi, the theoretical foundation of the meridian-collateral system, and moxibustion in diagnosing and treating diseases. We aimed to explore the innovative applications and distinct advantages of terahertz technology in TCM and its feasibility as a pioneering technological tool for the modernization of TCM.

Effects of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed meal solid-state fermentation on the growth, metabolism, and immunity of yellow-feathered broilers.

This study investigated the effects of bioactive peptides derived from solid-state fermentation of cottonseed meal on the growth performance, apparent dietary digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, protein metabolism, antioxidant activity, and immunity in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of two hundred forty 21-days-old male broilers were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group. The control group received a basal diet and three experimental groups were fed diets with 1%, 2%, and 3% cottonseed meal bioactive peptides (CSBP) replacing equivalent protein of cottonseed meal in basic diet. Dietary supplementation of 2% and 3% CSBP increased the average daily weight gain, crude protein digestibility, total serum protein, and immunoglobulin (Ig) G contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 3% CSBP increased albumin, total antioxidant capacity, spleen weight/bodyweight, interleukin-6, and IgM, while reducing the feed to gain ratio, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 2% CSBP diet increased PepT1 expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). The 1%, 2%, and 3% CSBP diets increased S6kinase-polypeptide-1 and inositol-3-hydroxylase expression in chest and leg muscles (P < 0.05). The CSBP addition in diets can improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, protein metabolism, antioxidant, and immune capabilities of yellow-feathered broilers.

The effect of Iridoids effective fraction of Valeriana jatamansi Jones on movement function in rats after acute cord injury and the related mechanism.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disastrous central nervous system (CNS) disorder, which was intimately associated with oxidative stress. Studies have confirmed that Iridoids Effective Fraction of Valeriana jatamansi Jones (IEFV) can scavenge reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to confirm the efficacy of IEFV in ameliorating SCI. METHODS: For establish the SCI model, the Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a T10 laminectomy with transient violent oppression by aneurysm clip. Then, the rats received IEFV intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks to evaluate the protective effect of IEFV on motor function, oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophic factors in SCI rats. RESULTS: Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy experiments found IEFV protected motor function and alleviated neuron damage. Meanwhile, IEFV treatment decreased the release of malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, IEFV treatment elevated the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor of SCI rats. Finally, administration of IEFV significantly inhibited the expression of p-p65 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IEFV could attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammatory response of the spinal cord after SCI, which was associated with inhibition of the TLR4/nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway.

Scalp acupuncture for patients with vascular dementia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails.

BACKGROUND: Vascular dementia (VD) is a kind of acquired intelligence impairment syndrome caused by a series of cerebrovascular factors leading to brain tissue damage. Scalp acupuncture is widely used to treating VD. However, there is no a systematic review has been used to assess the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture therapy for VD. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to systematically evaluate the effects of scalp acupuncture on VD. METHODS: We will search the following databases from their inception to July 2020: PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, Embase, Medline, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), EBSCO, Web of Science, Technology Periodical Database (VIP), the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Cochrane Library. At the same time, we will retrieve other resources including conference articles, and gray literature. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English or Chinese associated with scalp acupuncture for VD will be included. Our study data collection and analysis will be conducted independently by 2 reviewers, and Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software will be used to performing meta-analysis. RESULTS: This review research will provide a high-quality synthesis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture for patients with VD. CONCLUSION: This study will provide available evidence to judge whether scalp acupuncture is an effective and safe intervention for patients with VD. It also will provide reliable evidence for its widespread application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will provide convincing evidence for both patients and clinicians. It does not require ethical approval and the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/7CYZR.

Acupoint catgut embedding for patients with migraine: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, acupoint catgut embedding is being used widely in the treatment of migraine. So far, there is no a systematic review has been conducted. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding on migraine. METHODS: We will search the following databases from their inception to May 2020: PubMed, Embase, Medline, EBSCO, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wan Fang Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Cochrane Library. In addition, we will manually retrieve other resources including conference articles, and gray literature. The randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese associated with acupoint catgut embedding for migraines will be included. The data collection and analysis will be conducted independently by 2 reviewers. Meta-analysis will be performed using Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for patients with migraine. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether acupoint catgut embedding is an effective and safe intervention for patients with migraines. It will provide reliable evidence for its extensive application. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RP9NW.

Impacts of Dietary Protein from Fermented Cottonseed Meal on Lipid Metabolism and Metabolomic Profiling in the Serum of Broilers.

Dietary protein from fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM), widely used in poultry diets in China, had regulating effects on lipid metabolism. To understand the effects of FCSM on lipid metabolism in broilers, we analyzed the biochemical indexes, enzyme activity, hormone level and metabolites in serum responses to FCSM intake. One hundred and eighty 21-d-old Chinese yellow feathered broilers (536.07±4.43 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates and 3 diets with 6 % supplementation of unfermented CSM (control group), FCSM by C. Tropicalis (Ct CSM) or C. tropicalis plus S. Cerevisae (Ct-Sc CSM). Result showed that: (1) FCSM intake decreased significantly the content of triglyceride (TAG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.05) in serum; (2) FCSM intake could significantly increase enzyme activity of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) (P<0.05); (3) Ct-Sc CSM intake increased significantly the levels of adiponectin (ADP) (P<0.05); (4) FCSM intake caused significant metabolic changes involving glycolysis, TCA cycle, synthesis of fatty acid and glycogen, and metabolism of glycerolipid, vitamins B group and amino acids. Our results strongly suggested that FCSM intake could significantly affect lipid metabolism via multiple pathways. These findings provided new essential information about the effect of FCSM on broilers and demonstrated the great potential of nutrimetabolomics, through which the research complex nutrients are included in animal diet.

Tissue lipid metabolism and hepatic metabolomic profiling in response to supplementation of fermented cottonseed meal in the diets of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on lipid metabolites, lipid metabolism-related gene expression in liver tissues and abdominal adipose tissues, and hepatic metabolomic profiling in broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty 21-d-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into three diet groups with six replicates of 10 birds in each group. The three diets consisted of a control diet supplemented with unfermented cottonseed meal, an experimental diet of cottonseed meal fermented by Candida tropicalis, and a second experimental diet of cottonseed meal fermented by C. tropicalis plus Saccharomyces cerevisae. The results showed that FCSM intake significantly decreased the levels of abdominal fat and hepatic triglycerides (P<0.05 for both). Dietary FCSM supplementation down-regulated the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase in liver tissues and the lipoprotein lipase expression in abdominal fat tissues (P<0.05 for both). FCSM intake resulted in significant metabolic changes of multiple pathways in the liver involving the tricarboxylic acid cycle, synthesis of fatty acids, and the metabolism of glycerolipid and amino acids. These findings indicated that FCSM regulated lipid metabolism by increasing or decreasing the expression of the lipid-related gene and by altering multiple endogenous metabolites. Lipid metabolism regulation is a complex process, this discovery provided new essential information about the effects of FCSM diets in broiler chickens and demonstrated the great potential of nutrimetabolomics in researching complex nutrients added to animal diets.