Research trends and hotspots in biologics for plaque psoriasis: A bibliometric study from 2004 to 2023.

Background and objective: Biologics have revolutionized the management of plaque psoriasis and are flourishing. We aimed to construct a knowledge structure in this field through bibliometrics, analyze research trends and cutting-edge hotspots to inspire future research directions, and provide valuable references for clinical decisions. Methods: Publications on biologics for plaque psoriasis in the Web of Science database core collection from 2004 to 2023 were searched. Bibliometric analysis and scientific knowledge mapping were performed with R, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software. Results: 2,672 articles written by 9,474 authors from 67 countries were included in the study. The number of annual publications has steadily increased over the last 20 years. The most prolific countries, institutions, and authors were the United States, Novartis, and Prof. Reick K., respectively. Reference analysis categorized the research base of the field into 10 main clusters. "Efficacy" and "safety" were the most frequent keywords, and cluster analysis categorized the research in this area into four groups. Burst detection captured current hot keywords including interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, "drug survival," "discontinuation," "Covid-19," "real-world," and "clinical features." Conclusion: Global publications on biologics research in plaque psoriasis have grown steadily and rapidly over the past two decades. Efficacy and safety are the highest topics of concern for researchers, and IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, real-world studies, efficacy prediction, and retreatment after biologics failure or discontinuation are current research hotspots.

Barriers and facilitators of screening postpartum depression by primary maternal health workers: A mixed methods study based on the normalization process theory.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts mothers and children's health. China aims to incorporate PPD screening in postpartum home visits, but research on implementation barriers and facilitators is scarce. We designed and implemented a new PPD screening program in Changsha, China, requiring maternal health workers to integrate PPD screening into their postpartum home visits. AIMS: To identify real-world barriers and facilitators associated with integrating PPD screening into routine home visits from the perspective of maternal health workers. METHODS: We employed a mixed-methods approach. Maternal health workers involved in the newly introduced PPD screening program were included. Guided by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), quantitative data were collected using the NoMAD instrument, and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the survey and thematic analysis for the interviews. RESULTS: All 42 maternal health workers involved in the new PPD program completed the quantitative survey, and nine participated in qualitative interviews. The NoMAD survey revealed high scores for Coherence and Cognitive Participation, but lower scores for Collective Action, particularly regarding insufficient skills and resource adequacy. Thematic analysis identified several barriers, including workload concerns, the need for enhanced psychological healthcare capacity, and lack of economic incentives. Facilitators included the integration of structured feedback and clear referral pathways. CONCLUSION: Addressing identified barriers through targeted skill training, well-defined referral pathways, and formal recognition of the screening program in performance evaluations could help achieve successful normalization.

Association between psoriasis and asthma: a systematic review and bidirectional meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis has been identified in previous studies, but the bidirectional association between the two has not been fully explored. METHODS: We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to find relevant observational studies published from the inception of these databases to October 2023. All the risk and bias assessments were analyzed by STATA 16.0. Where the heterogeneity was less than 50%, the fixed effect model was utilized. While where the level of heterogeneity was more than 50%, the random effect model was applied. Moreover, to identify publication bias, a visual funnel chart, and Egger's test were applied. RESULTS: A total of 12,396,911 participants from 16 studies, published between 2011 and 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. We found that psoriasis patients had a higher risk of developing asthma (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.28-1.68). Meanwhile, asthma patients also had a higher overall risk of developing psoriasis (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.23-1.44). In the subgroup analysis, we found that the type of study, age, and severity of the psoriasis were significant factors in the survey of asthma risk in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a bidirectional association between psoriasis and asthma with significantly increased risk. As a result, clinicians should make patients aware of the connection between the two, particularly adolescents or patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who need to be informed about the rising likelihood of developing asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number CRD42023390111 .

Validation of the Chinese version of the Whooley questions for community screening of postpartum depression.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to validate the Whooley questions for screening postpartum depression in Chinese women in a community setting. METHODS: The Whooley questions was translated into Chinese following Beaton's intercultural debugging guidelines. From December 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, primary maternal and child health workers in Kaifu District and Changsha County in Changsha City recruited women aged 18 years or older who had recently given birth during home visits within seven days of discharge from hospital. Participants women completed the Whooley questions online and underwent a diagnostic interview for DSM-IV within 7 days of the visit. We evaluated Cronbach's alpha, split-half reliability, area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and optimal cut-off value of the Whooley questions. RESULTS: Of the 3,004 eligible women, 1,862 completed the Whooley questions and diagnostic interviews. Sixty-two women (3.3%) were diagnosed with depressive disorders. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.64, the split-half reliability was 0.64. The optimal cut-off value was when at least one questions was answered "yes", with an AUC of 0.84 (SE=0.03, 95%CI 0.78-0.90, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.77 (95%CI 0.65-0.87), specificity of 0.89 (95%CI 0.88-0.90), PPV of 0.20 (95%CI 0.15-0.25) and NPV of 0.99 (95%CI 0.98-1.00). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the Chinese version of the Whooley questions is a reliable tool for screening postpartum depression in the community, but it may lead to many false positive cases.

Adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy reduces relapse of psoriasis vulgaris after discontinuation of biologics: a prospective registry-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Biologics have revolutionized psoriasis treatment; however, relapse of psoriasis after discontinuation of biologics remains unresolved. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of adjunctive Chinese medicine (CM) therapy on relapse of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) after discontinuation of biologics. METHODS: We constructed a prospective cohort study through a psoriasis case registry platform that enrolled patients treated with biologics (in combination with or without CM). The endpoint event was relapse, defined as loss of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75. RESULTS: A total of 391 patients completed the study and were included in the analysis, of whom 169 (43.2%) experienced relapse during follow-up. To minimize the bias, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, generating matched cohorts of 156 individuals per group. Adjuvant CM therapy significantly associated with reduced incidence of relapse (HR =0.418, 95% CI = 0.289 ∼ 0.604, p < 0.001), and the protective effect of CM in the subgroup analysis was significant. In addition, PASI 90 response and disease duration were associated with relapse (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive CM therapy is associated with reduced relapse incidence in PV after discontinuation of biologics.

PLAU promotes cell proliferation and migration of head and neck cancer via STAT3 signaling pathway.

It was reported that within the head and neck cancer (HNC) cell line CAL21 the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell proliferation were promoted by Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (PLAU) proteinase through TNFRSF12A. Additionally, in this paper HNC cell lines refer to Fadu and Tu686. A novel PLAU-STAT3 axis was found to be involved in HNC cell line proliferation and metastasis. PLAU expression in HNC samples was upregulated, besides, the elevated expression of PLAU was linked to the lower overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Ectopic PLAU expression promoted cell proliferation and migration, while PLAU knockdown exhibited opposite results. RNA-seq data identified the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, confirmed by western blotting. A recovery assay using S3I-201, a selective inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), indicated that PLAU promoted HNC cell line progression via STAT3 signaling in vitro. The oncogenic role of PLAU in HNC tumor growth in vivo was confirmed using xenograft models. In summary, we identified the tumorigenic PLAU function in the HNC progress. PLAU may represent a potential prognostic biomarker of HNC and the PLAU-STAT3 pathway might be considered a therapeutic target of HNC.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the Chinese elderly: A multi-stakeholder qualitative study.

The United Nations reported that the mortality risk of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is five times higher in the elderly than the global average. Although the COVID-19 vaccine effectively prevents infections and reduce mortality among the elderly, vaccine hesitancy among the Chinese elderly poses a significant threat. This study, utilizing the "Confidence, Convenience and Complacency (3 Cs)" vaccine hesitancy model, aimed to explore factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy among the Chinese elderly and assess national countermeasures and potential improvement approaches. Thirteen elderly with vaccine hesitancy and eleven vaccine-related staff participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three key determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly: perceived low threat of COVID-19, lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccine, and poor accessibility to vaccination. China has implemented strategies, including advocacy through diverse channels, joint multi-sectoral promotion vaccination, and enhancing ongoing vaccination services. Recommendations from the vaccine-related staff emphasize improving vaccine awareness among the elderly, and prioritizing the vaccination environment and process. The study underscores the importance of targeted vaccination promotion programs addressing hesitation reasons to improve vaccination rates. Furthermore, existing countermeasures can serve as a foundation for enhancing vaccination strategies, including improved publicity, administration, and management approaches.

The predictive effect of mid-pregnancy sleep disorders on perinatal depression within women with or without depression in early pregnancy: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between depression in early pregnancy and sleep quality in mid-pregnancy, and explore whether sleep disorders independently predicts depression across the perinatal period within women with or without depression in early pregnancy. METHODS: Data were collected at 7 time points from 12 weeks of pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum. Multiple logistic regression and survival analysis were used to explore the relationship between sleep quality in mid-pregnancy and perinatal depression within women with or without depression in early pregnancy. RESULTS: 390 women were included. Women with depression in early pregnancy were more likely to have sleep disorders and perinatal depression. Women with sleep disorders had a higher risk of perinatal depression compared to women without sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy. Stratified analysis based on whether depressed at 12 weeks of pregnancy found that among women without depression, those with sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy were more likely to have subsequent perinatal depression and appeared earlier; whereas, among women with depression, mid-pregnancy sleep disorders was not a predictor of subsequent perinatal depression. LIMITATION: High rates of missed visits may lead to sample bias, with depression and sleep quality being assessed by self-report. CONCLUSIONS: Women with depression in early pregnancy are more likely to have sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy. There is a strong correlation between sleep quality in mid-pregnancy and perinatal depression among women without depression in early pregnancy. Routine screening and intervention for sleep disorders should be a priority in perinatal care to reduce the incidence of perinatal depression.

The bidirectional causal association between psoriasis and psychological illnesses: a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study.

There have been reports of association between psoriasis and psychological illnesses. Nevertheless, it is not easy to draw conclusions with high quality causality from conventional observational studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the causality of psoriasis and psychological illnesses. All summary-level data from genome-wide association studies for psoriasis and psychological illnesses were collected from Neale Lab and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to determine the random orientation with an independent genetic variation. The main estimated effects are derived using Inverse-Variance Weighted, weighted median, and MR Egger methods. Multiple data sets were validated against each other, and a series of sensitivity studies were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a causal effect of psoriasis [odds ratio (OR) 1·34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·21-1·46, P < 0.001; and OR 1.28, CI 1.17-1.39, P < 0.001] on psychological illnesses, and vice versa (OR 1.23, CI 1.14-1.31, P < 0.001; and OR 1.21, CI 1.11-1.31, P < 0.001). The results were supported by a series of sensitivity analyses. The findings of this Mendelian randomization study support a causal effect between psoriasis and psychological illnesses, and vice versa.

Response of Psoriasis with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Secukinumab: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Although psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus are both immune abnormalities, there are few reports on Ps combined with SLE in China and abroad. We present a case of a 23-year-old female with a 10-year history of psoriasis, who had a relapse with significant joint symptoms and a PASI score of 35.6, along with several positive antibodies, including antinuclear antibodies, elevated CRP and ESR, and was diagnosed with psoriasis and SLE. She has been treated with secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously, improving her condition. She is currently being followed up. The PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched for English studies reporting psoriasis with systemic lupus erythematosus and treated using biologics. Three case reports/series were included after the screening. Our case report provides a reference for clinicians using secukinumab to treat psoriasis combined with SLE. However, further research is needed to determine whether it can be widely used or if there are common signaling pathways that can be interfered with the pathogenesis of the diseases.

Mapping the landscape of artificial intelligence in skin cancer research: a bibliometric analysis.

Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI), with its potential to diagnose skin cancer, has the potential to revolutionize future medical and dermatological practices. However, the current knowledge regarding the utilization of AI in skin cancer diagnosis remains somewhat limited, necessitating further research. This study employs visual bibliometric analysis to consolidate and present insights into the evolution and deployment of AI in the context of skin cancer. Through this analysis, we aim to shed light on the research developments, focal areas of interest, and emerging trends within AI and its application to skin cancer diagnosis. Methods: On July 14, 2023, articles and reviews about the application of AI in skin cancer, spanning the years from 1900 to 2023, were selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analyses of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords within this field were conducted using a combination of tools, including CiteSpace V (version 6.2. R3), VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), SCImago, Microsoft Excel 2019, and R 4.2.3. Results: A total of 512 papers matching the search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were published between 1991 and 2023. The United States leads in publications with 149, followed by India with 61. Germany holds eight positions among the top 10 institutions, while the United States has two. The most prevalent journals cited were Cancer, the European Journal of Cancer, and Sensors. The most frequently cited keywords include "skin cancer", "classification", "artificial intelligence", and "deep learning". Conclusions: Research into the application of AI in skin cancer is rapidly expanding, and an increasing number of scholars are dedicating their efforts to this field. With the advancement of AI technology, new opportunities have arisen to enhance the accuracy of skin imaging diagnosis, treatment based on big data, and prognosis prediction. However, at present, the majority of AI research in the field of skin cancer diagnosis is still in the feasibility study stage. It has not yet made significant progress toward practical implementation in clinical settings. To make substantial strides in this field, there is a need to enhance collaboration between countries and institutions. Despite the potential benefits of AI in skin cancer research, numerous challenges remain to be addressed, including developing robust algorithms, resolving data quality issues, and enhancing results interpretability. Consequently, sustained efforts are essential to surmount these obstacles and facilitate the practical application of AI in skin cancer research.

Meta-adaptive-weighting-based bilateral multi-dimensional refined space feature attention network for imbalanced breast cancer histopathological image classification.

Breast cancer histopathological image automatic classification can reduce pathologists workload and provide accurate diagnosis. However, one challenge is that empirical datasets are usually imbalanced, resulting in poorer classification quality compared with conventional methods based on balanced datasets. The recently proposed bilateral branch network (BBN) tackles this problem through considering both representation and classifier learning to improve classification performance. We firstly apply bilateral sampling strategy to imbalanced breast cancer histopathological image classification and propose a meta-adaptive-weighting-based bilateral multi-dimensional refined space feature attention network (MAW-BMRSFAN). The model is composed of BMRSFAN and MAWN. Specifically, the refined space feature attention module (RSFAM) is based on convolutional long short-term memories (ConvLSTMs). It is designed to extract refined spatial features of different dimensions for image classification and is inserted into different layers of classification model. Meanwhile, the MAWN is proposed to model the mapping from a balanced meta-dataset to imbalanced dataset. It finds suitable weighting parameter for BMRSFAN more flexibly through adaptively learning from a small amount of balanced dataset directly. The experiments show that MAW-BMRSFAN performs better than previous methods. The recognition accuracy of MAW-BMRSFAN under four different magnifications still is higher than 80% even when unbalance factor is 16, indicating that MAW-BMRSFAN can make ideal performance under extreme imbalanced conditions.

Improved sparse domain super-resolution reconstruction algorithm based on CMUT.

A novel breast ultrasound tomography system based on a circular array of capacitive micromechanical ultrasound transducers (CMUT) has broad application prospects. However, the images produced by this system are not suitable as input for the training phase of the super-resolution (SR) reconstruction algorithm. To solve the problem, this paper proposes an improved medical image super-resolution (MeSR) method based on the sparse domain. First, we use the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) with high imaging accuracy to reconstruct the image into a training image in a sparse domain model. Secondly, we denoise and enhance the contrast of the SART images to obtain improved detail images before training the dictionary. Then, we use the original detail image as the guide image to further process the improved detail image. Therefore, a high-precision dictionary was obtained during the testing phase and applied to filtered back projection SR reconstruction. We compared the proposed algorithm with previously reported algorithms in the Shepp Logan model and the model based on the CMUT background. The results showed significant improvements in peak signal-to-noise ratio, entropy, and average gradient compared to previously reported algorithms. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed MeSR method can use noisy reconstructed images as input for the training phase of the SR algorithm and produce excellent visual effects.

Effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effect and safety of probiotics for treating urticaria. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) papers on the probiotics treatment published before May 2019 were retrieved from various databases like PubMed, EMbase, MEDLINE (Ovid), SCI-Hub, Springer, ClinicalKey, VIP, and CNKI. The treatment plan that we include are oral administration of single probiotic, multiple probiotics, and the combination of probiotics and antihistamines. Meta-analysis of the data was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of nine RCT papers were included: four papers for oral administration of single probiotic, three papers for oral administration of multiple probiotics, and two papers for oral administration of a probiotic combined with antihistamines. The results of meta-analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of the probiotic group was significantly higher than the control group (placebo or antihistamines) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16, p = 0.006). And compared with the placebo group, the therapeutic effect of single probiotic group was significantly improved (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21, p = 0.03). Regarding therapeutic effect, there was no statistically significant difference between the multiple probiotics group and placebo group (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94 ~ 1.07, p = 0.91); the therapeutic effect of single probiotic combined antihistamine group was significantly higher than the antihistamine group (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19, p < 0.0001). Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, there was no significant difference between the probiotic group and the control group (p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: The treatment plan of oral administration of probiotics has significant therapeutic effects on urticaria, but the therapeutic effects of the administration of multiple probiotics and the safety of probiotic therapy are still not yet obvious. Some large-scale, multi-centered RCT studies are needed in the future for clarification.

NCAPG as a novel prognostic biomarker in numerous cancers: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Identification of effective biomarkers for cancer prognosis is a primary research challenge. Recently, several studies have reported the relationship between NCAPG and the occurrence of various tumors. However, none have combined meta-analytical and bioinformatics approaches to systematically assess the role of NCAPG in cancer. METHODS: We searched four databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, for relevant articles published before April 30, 2022. The overall hazard ratio or odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the relationship between NCAPG expression and cancer survival prognosis or clinical characteristics. Furthermore, the aforementioned results were validated using the GEPIA2, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and PrognoScan databases. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included eight studies with 1096 samples. The results showed that upregulation of NCAPG was correlated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.90, 95% confidence interval = 2.06-4.10, P < 0.001) in the cancers included in the study. Subgroup analysis showed that in some cancers, upregulation of NCAPG was correlated with age, distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, relapse, differentiation, clinical stage, and vascular invasion. These results were validated using the GEPIA2, UALCAN, and PrognoScan databases. We also explored the processes of NCAPG methylation and phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Dysregulated NCAPG expression is associated with the clinical prognostic and pathological features of various cancers. Therefore, NCAPG can serve as a human cancer therapeutic target and a new potential prognostic biomarker.

Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on the Intestinal Metabolites, Muscle Fiber Properties, and Meat Quality of Sunit Lamb.

The development of animal husbandry is closely related to the meat quality of small ruminants. Intestinal metabolites and the muscle fiber types of lambs are important factors that affect their meat quality, but few studies have examined the regulation of the "intestinal muscle axis" by probiotics. In this study, 12 Sunit lambs were divided into a control group (C) and a probiotics group (P). The gene expressions of the myosin heavy chain, metabolic enzyme activity, and short-chain fatty acids in the intestines were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that levels of propionic acid and butyric acid in the intestines of group P were significantly higher than in group C (p < 0.05). In addition, probiotics increased the number and area ratio of type I muscle fibers. They also increased the mRNA expression of MyHC IIA and the activity of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Propionic acid was negatively correlated with the number ratio of type IIB muscle fibers. Butyric acid was found to be significantly positively correlated with the number ratio of type IIA muscle fibers. Cooking loss, pH24h, and shear force decreased significantly in group P. In conclusion, intestinal metabolites (SCFAs) altered the activity of oxidative-myofibril-metabolizing enzymes and the expression of myosin heavy-chain type IIA, reduced the meat shear values, and improved meat tenderness. This study provides a new basis for improving the production and meat quality of small ruminants.

Knowledge Mapping and Research Hotspots of Comorbidities in Psoriasis: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2004 to 2022.

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease whose impact on health is not only limited to the skin, but is also associated with multiple comorbidities. Early screening for comorbidities along with appropriate treatment plans can provide a positive prognosis for patients. This study aimed to summarize the knowledge structure in the field of psoriasis comorbidities and further explore its research hotspots and trends through bibliometrics. Materials and Methods: A search was conducted in the core collection of the Web of Science for literature on comorbidities of psoriasis from 2004 to 2022. VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used for collaborative network analysis, co-citation analysis of references, and keyword co-occurrence analysis on these publications. Results: A total of 1803 papers written by 6741 authors from 81 countries was included. The publications have shown a progressive increase since 2004. The United States and Europe were at the forefront of this field. The most prolific institution was the University of California, and the most productive author was A. Armstrong. Research has focused on "psoriatic arthritis", "metabolic syndrome", "cardiovascular disease", "psychosomatic disease", "inflammatory bowel disease", "prevalence", "quality of life", and "risk factor" in the past 18 years. Keywords such as "biologics" and "systemic inflammation", have been widely used recently, suggesting current research hotspots and trends. Conclusions: Over the past 18 years, tremendous progress has been made in research on psoriasis comorbidity. However, collaborations among countries, institutions, and investigators are inadequate, and the study of the mechanisms of interaction between psoriasis and comorbidities and management of comorbidities is insufficient. The treatment of comorbidities with biologic agents, screening of comorbidities, and multidisciplinary co-management are predicted to be the focus of future research.

Dietary linseed supplementation improves meat quality and flavor of sheep by altering muscle fiber characteristics and antioxidant capacity.

Linseed as a common oil crop that has been implicated in regulating the meat quality of animals. The aim of this investigation was to establish the effects of dietary linseed supplementation on carcass traits, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, volatile compounds and antioxidant capacity of sheep. Twenty-four Sunit sheep were distributed into 2 groups with different diet: control (CO) fed a standard diet and linseed (LS, 8% of extruded linseed). The results showed that linseed not only increased M. longissimus thoracis (LT) increased the loin-eye area but also decreased pH24h, L* and shear force. Meanwhile, linseed increased mRNA expression of MyHCI and MyHCIIx and decreased in cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle fiber diameter. In addition, linseed altered the composition of meat volatile flavor compounds, such as Z-10-Pentadecen-1-ol, pentanal, 2-Octenal, (E)-, decanal, butane, and 2-heptanone. Moreover, linseed increased total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) activity, the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Overall, the results suggest that linseed is an effective feed additive in improving meat quality and flavor. The underlying mechanisms for its effectiveness may be partly due to a change in muscle fiber characteristics and antioxidant capacity.

Lactobacillus improves meat quality in Sunit sheep by affecting mitochondrial biogenesis through the AMPK pathway.

Sunit sheep are famous for their high meat quality, but the meat quality of them has declined due to the change in feeding methods. Lactobacillus has a variety of probiotic effects and is widely used in animal diets to optimize meat quality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with different levels of Lactobacillus on meat quality. A total of 24 3-month-old Sunit sheep with an average body weight of 19.03 ± 3.67 kg were randomly divided into control (C), 1% (L1), 2% (L2), and 3% Lactobacillus groups (L3), with 6 sheep in each group. Myofiber characteristics, meat quality, and metabolic enzyme activity were detected. Moreover, the regulatory mechanism of Lactobacillus on meat quality was explored by using Western blotting and real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results showed that dietary addition of Lactobacillus decreased LDH activity in the Biceps femoris of Sunit sheep (P < 0.05). Compared to the other groups, the 1% Lactobacillus group showed the conversion of myofibers from the glycolytic to the oxidative type, and the increasing b* values (P < 0.05), decreasing shear force and cooking loss of meat (P < 0.05) and the relative gene and protein expression levels of AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, and COX IV (P < 0.05) in the Biceps femoris were also increased in the 1% Lactobacillus group. Therefore, the addition of Lactobacillus to the diet of Sunit sheep could regulate the AMPK signaling pathway to promote myofiber type conversion, which improves meat quality. This study provided a theoretical and data basis for improving the meat quality of sheep and supplied a novel way of applying Lactobacillus.