The ionome and proteome landscape of aging in laying hens and relation to egg white quality.

The ionome is essential for maintaining body function and health status by participating in diverse key biological processes. Nevertheless, the distribution and utilization of ionome among different organs and how aging impacts the ionome leading to a decline in egg white quality remain unknown. Thus, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze 35 elements and their isotopic contents in eight organs of laying hens at 35, 72, and 100 weeks. Moreover, the magnum proteome, amino acids in egg white, and egg white quality were analyzed in laying hens at three different ages using 4D proteomics techniques, an amino acid analyzer, and an egg quality analyzer. Across the organs, we identified varying distribution patterns among macroelements (Mg24, Ca43/44, K39, and P31), transition metals (Zn64/66, Cu63/65, Fe56/57, and Mn55), and toxic elements (Pb208, Ba137, and Sr86). We observed an organ-specific aging pattern characterized by the accumulation of toxic elements (Pb208, Ba137, and Sr86) and calcification in the small intestine. Additionally, a decrease in the utilization of essential trace elements selenium (Se78/82) and manganese (Mn55) was noted in the oviduct. By analyzing ionome in tandem with egg quality, egg white amino acids, and proteome, we unveiled that the reduction of selenium and manganese concentrations in the magnum during the aging process affected amino acid metabolism, particularly tryptophan metabolism, thereby inhibiting the amino acid synthesis in the magnum. Furthermore, it accelerated the senescence of magnum cells through necroptosis activation, leading to a decline in the albumen secretion function of the magnum and subsequently reducing egg white quality. Overall, this study provides insights into the evolution of 35 elements and their isotopes across 8 organs of laying hens with age. It also reveals the elemental composition, interactions, and utilization patterns of these organs, as well as their correlation with egg white quality. The present study highlights the significance of ionome and offers a comprehensive perspective on the selection of ionome for regulating the aging of laying hens.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Elatostema stewardii Merr. (Urticaceae).

Elatostema stewardii is an important medicinal plant endemic to China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of E. stewardii was sequenced and assembled using next-generation sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genome length of E. stewardii was 150,263 bp, including two inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,681 bp, which are separated by LSC and SSC of 83,791 bp and 17,110 bp, respectively. A total of 129 genes were included in the genome, consisting 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes, the overall GC content of this genome was 36.3%. There are few studies on the genus Elatostema of Urticaceae, this chloroplast genome sequence will provide useful data for further research on solving the generic and familial relationships in Urticaceae.

Nocebo response intensity and influencing factors in the randomized clinical trials of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To estimate the magnitude of the nocebo response and explore its influencing factors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to March 2021. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of the proportion of adverse events (AEs) in placebo-treated patients with IBS who are involved in parallel-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating pharmacological interventions and evaluated the effect of trial characteristics on the magnitude of the nocebo response rate. Results: A total of 6,107 studies were identified from the databases. After evaluation, 53 met the eligibility criteria and were included. The overall pooled nocebo response rate was 32% (95% CI: 26-38%). The most commonly reported AEs were headache (9%), nasopharyngitis (7%), abdominal pain (4%), and nausea (4%). The nocebo response rate was low compared with that in the treatment group applying probiotics, antispasmodics, and Traditional Chinese medicine, but high compared with that in antibiotic treatment group. The nocebo rate in patients using diaries to record AEs was lower than the average, and was higher in patients recording through checkup. Discussion: Patients with IBS have significant nocebo response intensity in clinical trials. Based on findings in this study, we recommend the researchers pay attention to the common AEs and carefully analyze the relation to the intervention.

Tannin-Rich Fraction from Pomegranate Rind Inhibits Quorum Sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum and Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli.

Pomegranate rind has been found to inhibit numerous pathogens, mostly attributed to its tannin fraction. The present study was conducted to investigate the quorum sensing (QS) inhibition effect of tannin-rich fraction from pomegranate rind (TFPR) by using an indicator strain Chromobacterium violaceum. Meanwhile, its effect on biofilm formation and motility of Escherichia coli was evaluated. It was shown that TFPR inhibited QS-regulated violacein pigment production. Biofilm formation and motility of E. coli were also hindered by TFPR. Transcriptional analysis further showed that TFPR repressed expressions of curli genes (csgB and csgD) and various motility genes (fimA, fimH, flhD, motB, qseB, and qseC). Our findings indicated that TFPR has potential application for controlling E. coli contaminations or biofilms in the food industry.

The anti-infective activity of punicalagin against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium in mice.

Punicalagin, a major bioactive component of pomegranate peel, has been proven to have antioxidant, antiviral, anti-apoptosis, and hepatoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-infective activity of punicalagin in a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were initially challenged with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and then treated with punicalagin. Food and water consumption and body weight were recorded daily. On day 8 post infection, the mice were sacrificed to examine pathogen counts in tissues, hematological parameters, cytokine levels, and histological changes. Compared to mice only infected with S. typhimurium, punicalagin-treated mice had more food consumption and less weight loss. A higher survival rate and lower counts of viable S. typhimurium in feces, liver, spleen, and kidney were found in the punicalagin-treated mice. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay showed that the levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in serum and the spleen and TNF-α in serum, the spleen and the liver were reduced by punicalagin. Moreover, more neutrophils and higher neutrophil-to-mononuclear cell ratios in the punicalagin-treated mice were observed. Histological examination showed that punicalagin protected cells in the liver and spleen from hemorrhagic necrosis. It is concluded that punicalagin has a beneficial effect against S. typhimurium infection in mice. The anti-infective properties, together with other nutritionally beneficial effects, make punicalagin a promising supplement in human food or animal feeds to prevent disease associated with S. typhimurium.