Soil organic matter and total nitrogen as key driving factors promoting the assessment of acid-base buffering characteristics in a tea (Camellia sinensis) plantation habitat.

The issue of soil acidification in tea plantations has become a critical concern due to its potential impact on tea quality and plant health. Understanding the factors contributing to soil acidification is essential for implementing effective soil management strategies in tea-growing regions. In this study, a field study was conducted to investigate the effects of tea plantations on soil acidification and the associated acid-base buffering capacity (pHBC). We assessed acidification, pHBC, nutrient concentrations, and cation contents in the top 0-20 cm layer of soil across forty tea gardens of varying stand ages (0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-40 years old) in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, China. The results revealed evident soil acidification due to tea plantation activities, with the lowest soil pH observed in tea gardens aged 10-20 and 20-40 years. Higher levels of soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), Olsen phosphorus (Olsen-P), available iron (Fe), and exchangeable hydrogen (H+) were notably recorded in 10-20 and 20-40 years old tea garden soils, suggesting an increased risk of soil acidification with prolonged tea cultivation. Furthermore, prolonged tea cultivation correlated with increased pHBC, which amplified with tea stand ages. The investigation of the relationship between soil pHBC and various parameters highlighted significant influences from soil pH, SOM, cation exchange capacity, TN, available potassium, Olsen-P, exchangeable acids (including H+ and aluminum), available Fe, and available zinc. Consequently, these findings underscore a substantial risk of soil acidification in tea gardens within the monitored region, with SOM and TN content being key driving factors influencing pHBC.

Identification of porcine fast/slow myogenic exosomes and their regulatory effects on lipid accumulation in intramuscular adipocytes.

BACKGROUND: Pork quality is affected by the type of muscle fibers, which is closely related to meat color, tenderness and juiciness. Exosomes are tiny vesicles with a diameter of approximately 30-150 nm that are secreted by cells and taken up by recipient cells to mediate communication. Exosome-mediated muscle-fat tissue crosstalk is a newly discovered mechanism that may have an important effect on intramuscular fat deposition and with that on meat quality. Various of adipose tissue-derived exosomes have been discovered and identified, but the identification and function of muscle exosomes, especially porcine fast/slow myotube exosomes, remain unclear. Here, we first isolated and identified exosomes secreted from porcine extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL), which represent fast and slow muscle, respectively, and further explored their effects on lipid accumulation in longissimus dorsi adipocytes. RESULTS: Porcine SOL-derived exosomes (SOL-EXO) and EDL-derived exosomes (EDL-EXO) were first identified and their average particle sizes were approximately 84 nm with double-membrane disc- shapes as observed via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the intramuscular fat content of the SOL was greater than that of the EDL at 180 days of age, because SOL intramuscular adipocytes had a stronger lipid-accumulating capacity than those of the EDL. Raman spectral analysis revealed that SOL-EXO protein content was much greater than that of EDL-EXO. Proteomic sequencing identified 72 proteins that were significantly differentially expressed between SOL-EXO and EDL-EXO, 31 of which were downregulated and 41 of which were upregulated in SOL-EXO. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that muscle-fat tissue interactions occur partly via SOL-EXO promoting adipogenic activity of intramuscular adipocytes.

Ideal cardiovascular health index and high-normal blood pressure in elderly people: evidence based on real-world data.

Limited information is available on the cardiovascular health (CVH) index and risk of high-normal blood pressure (HNBP) in elderly people. Randomized cluster sampling, multivariate logistic regression, and mediating effects analysis were used in this study analyze the relationship between CVH index and HNBP in the elderly. 1089 non-hypertensive residents aged 65 years or older completed the study. The positive rate of HNBP was 75.85% (male vs. female: 76.13% vs. 75.64%, P = 0.852); The ideal rate of CVH (ideal CVH index ≥ 5 items) was 14.51% (male vs. female: 15.91% vs. 13.46%, P = 0.256). Compared with people with 0-2 ideal CVH index, the risk of HNBP in people with 4 ideal indexes and ≥ 5 ideal indexes decreased by 50% and 63%, respectively, and their OR (95% CI) were 0.50 (0.31, 0.81) and 0.37 (0.21, 0.66), respectively. The results of the trend test showed that the risk of HNBP decreased by 32% for every increase in the ideal CVH index (trend P < 0.001) and TyG index does not play a mediating role in this relationship. That is, increasing the number of ideal CVH index may effectively reduce the risk of HNBP in elderly by one-third.

Formation of Volatile Pyrazinones in the Asparagine Maillard Reaction Systems and Novel Pyrazinone Formation Pathways in the Amidated-Alanine Maillard Reaction Systems.

Maillard reaction (MR) plays a pivotal role in the food flavor industry, including a cascade of reactions starting with the reaction between amino compounds and reducing sugars, and thus provides various colors and flavors. A new group of volatile compounds called pyrazinones found in MR are now getting more attention. In this study, eight volatile pyrazinones were found in the asparagine MR systems, in which 3,5-dimethyl- and 3,6-dimethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinones were reported for the first time. The major formation pathways were the reactions between asparagine and α-dicarbonyls, with decarboxylation as a critical step. Besides, novel alternative pathways involving alanine amidation and successive reactions with α-dicarbonyls were explored and successfully formed eight pyrazinones. The major differences between alanine-amidated pathways and decarboxylation pathways are the amidation step and absence of the decarboxylation step. For the alanine-amidated pathways, the higher the temperature, the better the amidation effect. The optimal amidation temperature was 200 °C in this study. The reaction between the alanine amide and α-dicarbonyls after amidation can happen at low temperatures, such as 35 and 50 °C, proposing the possibility of pyrazinone formation in real food systems. Further investigations should be conducted to investigate volatile pyrazinones in various food systems as well as the biological effects and kinetic formation differences of the volatile pyrazinones.

Reactive oxygen species derived from NADPH oxidase as signaling molecules regulate fatty acids and astaxanthin accumulation in Chromochloris zofingiensis.

Abiotic stresses can increase the total fatty acid (TFA) and astaxanthin accumulation in microalgae. However, it remains unknown whether a unified signal transduction mechanism exists under different stresses. This study explored the link between nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the accumulation of fatty acids and astaxanthin in Chromochloris zofingiensis under three abiotic stresses. Results showed significant increases in fatty acid, astaxanthin, and ROS levels under nitrogen deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, and high-salinity stress. The introduction of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) decreased the content of these components. This underscores the pivotal role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in the accumulation of fatty acid and astaxanthin under abiotic stress. Analysis of transcriptomes across three conditions following DPI addition revealed 1,445 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis revealed that biotin, betalain, thiamine, and glucosinolate may be important in stress responses. The heatmap demonstrated that DPI notably suppressed gene expression in the fatty acid and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in the accumulation of fatty acid and astaxanthin under abiotic stresses.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide maintains cytoskeletal stability and fortifies mitochondrial function to mitigate oocyte damage induced by Triocresyl phosphate.

Triocresyl phosphate (TOCP) was commonly used as flame retardant, plasticizer, lubricant, and jet fuel additive. Studies have shown adverse effects of TOCP on the reproductive system. However, the potential harm brought by TOCP, especially to mammalian female reproductive cells, remains a mystery. In this study, we employed an in vitro model for the first time to investigate the effects of TOCP on the maturation process of mouse oocytes. TOCP exposure hampered the meiotic division process, as evidenced by a reduction in the extrusion of the first polar body from oocytes. Subsequent research revealed the disruption of the oocyte cell cytoskeleton induced by TOCP, resulting in abnormalities in spindle organization, chromosome alignment, and actin filament distribution. This disturbance further extended to the rearrangement of organelles within oocytes, particularly affecting the mitochondria. Importantly, after TOCP treatment, mitochondrial function in oocytes was impaired, leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell apoptosis, and subsequent changes of epigenetic modifications. Supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) alleviated the harmful effects of TOCP. NMN exerted its mitigating effects through two fundamental mechanisms. On one hand, NMN conferred stability to the cell cytoskeleton, thereby supporting nuclear maturation. On the other hand, NMN enhanced mitochondrial function within oocytes, reducing the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), restoring meiotic division abnormalities caused by TOCP, preventing oocyte DNA damage, and suppressing epigenetic changes. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of TOCP induced oocyte damage but also offer a promising avenue for the potential application of NMN in optimizing reproductive treatment strategies.

Regulatory mechanisms of autophagy on DHA and carotenoid accumulation in Crypthecodinium sp. SUN.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a crucial process of cellular self-destruction and component reutilization that can affect the accumulation of total fatty acids (TFAs) and carotenoids in microalgae. The regulatory effects of autophagy process in a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and carotenoids simultaneously producing microalga, Crypthecodinium sp. SUN, has not been studied. Thus, the autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine (MA)) and activator (rapamycin) were used to regulate autophagy in Crypthecodinium sp. SUN. RESULTS: The inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA was verified by transmission electron microscopy, with fewer autophagy vacuoles observed. Besides, 3-MA reduced the glucose absorption and intracellular acetyl-CoA level, which resulting in the decrease of TFA and DHA levels by 15.83 and 26.73% respectively; Surprisingly, 3-MA increased intracellular reactive oxygen species level but decreased the carotenoids level. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the downregulation of the glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and tricarboxylic acid cycle may underlie the decrease of acetyl-CoA, NADPH and ATP supply for fatty acid biosynthesis; the downregulation of PSY and HMGCR may underlie the decreased carotenoids level. In addition, the class I PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may be crucial for the regulation of carbon and energy metabolism. At last, rapamycin was used to activate autophagy, which significantly enhanced the cell growth and TFA level and eventually resulted in 1.70-fold increase in DHA content. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the mechanisms of autophagy in Crypthecodinium sp. SUN and highlight a way to manipulate cell metabolism by regulating autophagy. Overall, this study provides valuable insights to guide further research on autophagy-regulated TFA and carotenoids accumulation in Crypthecodinium sp. SUN.

New insights into the role of macrophages in cancer immunotherapy.

Macrophages are the main component of the tumor microenvironment, which are differentiated from monocytes in the blood and play an important role in cancer development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to anti-programmed death receptor 1 therapy by regulating programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and interacting with other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. However, when activated properly, macrophages can also play an anti-tumor role by enhancing the phagocytosis and cytotoxicity of tumor cells. TAM is associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance in patients treated with immunotherapy, indicating that macrophages are attractive targets for combined therapy in cancer treatment. Combination of targeting TAMs and immunotherapy overcomes the drug resistance and achieved excellent results in some cancers, which may be a promising strategy for cancer treatment in the future. Herein, we review the recent findings on the role of macrophages in tumor development, metastasis, and immunotherapy. We focus mainly on macrophage≥centered therapy, including strategies to deplete and reprogram TAMs, which represent the potential targets for improving tumor immunotherapy efficacy.

Anti-Psoriatic Activity of Black, Green and White Tea Extracts from Southeastern China.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, but most of its current treatments come with a high risk of side effects. As one of the world's top three beverages, tea has a traditional history of being used as a treatment for skin conditions due to its high safety profile, anti-inflammatory and other properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-psoriasis effects of ethanol extracts of black tea, green tea and white tea from southeastern China. The compositions of the tea extracts (TEs) were first determined by UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS and then genetic analysis, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunocompetence assays were performed. Imiquimod was used to establish a mouse model of psoriasis-like dermatitis and treating with the extracts to examine their efficacy. A total of 88 chemical components, mainly phenols and organic acids, were identified from the TEs. These TEs ameliorated skin damage and they all reduced the expression of cytokines IL-17 and TNF-α. By analyzing the genes, TEs may affect the inflammatory signaling pathway by regulating the metabolic changes. In addition, TEs can significantly scavenge ROS, NO, and inhibit cellular inflammation. In conclusion, this study examined the inhibitory effects of three TEs on psoriasis and their potential as nutritional supplements for the treatment of skin inflammation.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection augments the magnitude and durability of systemic and mucosal immunity in triple-dose CoronaVac recipients.

The inactivated whole-virion vaccine, CoronaVac, is one of the most widely used coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines worldwide. There is a paucity of data indicating the durability of the immune response and the impact of immune imprinting induced by CoronaVac upon Omicron infection. In this prospective cohort study, 41 recipients of triple-dose CoronaVac and 14 unvaccinated individuals were recruited. We comprehensively profiled adaptive immune parameters in both groups, including spike-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA titers, neutralizing activity, B cells, circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and their memory subpopulations at 12 months after the third booster dose and at 4 and 20 weeks after Omicron BA.5 infection. Twelve months after the third CoronaVac vaccination, spike-specific antibodies and cellular responses were detectable in most vaccinated individuals. BA.5 infection significantly augmented the magnitude, cross-reactivity, and durability of serum neutralization activities, Fc-mediated phagocytosis, nasal spike-specific IgA responses, memory B cells, activated cTfh cells, memory CD4+ T cells, and memory CD8+ T cells for both the ancestral strain and Omicron subvariants, compared to unvaccinated individuals. Notably, the increase in BA.5-specific immunity after breakthrough infection was consistently comparable to or higher than that of the ancestral strain, suggesting no evidence of immune imprinting. Immune landscape analyses showed that vaccinated individuals have better synchronization of multiple immune components than unvaccinated individuals upon heterologous infection. Our data provide detailed insight into the protective role of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in shaping humoral and cellular immunity to Omicron infection. IMPORTANCE: There is a paucity of data indicating the durability of the immune response and the impact of immune imprinting induced by CoronaVac upon Omicron breakthrough infection. In this prospective cohort study, the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 adaptive responses were analyzed before and after the Omicron BA.5 infection. Our data provide detailed insight into the protective role of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in shaping humoral and cellular immune responses to heterologous Omicron infection. CLINICAL TRIAL: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05680896.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome (AS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19. Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs, accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen. A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening. Additionally, extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Jo-1, and anti-Ro-52. Following multidisciplinary discussions, the patient received a final diagnosis of AS, leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

Comparison of Three Detection Methods for Seoul Virus Causing Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Seoul virus (SEOV) is a significant causative pathogen of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Accurate discrimination of SEOV infection from other viral or bacterial infections holds vital clinical importance. METHODS: Our study utilized quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and immunological assays to identify the pathogen causing HFRS. RESULTS: For the case, mNGS identified SEOV and suspected host or environmental microorganisms at 5 days from symptom onset. qRT-PCR detected SEOV between 5 to 8 days from symptom onset. Anti-hantavirus IgM antibodies reached positive criteria at 7 days and IgG antibodies at 9 days from symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: qRT-PCR, mNGS, and immunological assays each have merits and drawbacks. Optimal selection depends on laboratory conditions and clinical requirements.

Correlation Between Bariatric Surgery and the Risk of Multiple Myeloma: Results from an Evidence-Based Strategy.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis of current literature to assess whether bariatric surgery(BS) has a positive effect on reducing the risk of multiple myeloma(MM). METHODS: Relevant studies meeting the criteria were systematically reviewed using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid platform), MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis utilized hazard ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to analyze the correlation between BS and the risk of MM. STATA software (version 12.0) was employed for the meta analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 10 eligible studies, involving 2,452,503 patients with obesity. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity after bariatric surgery compared to non-surgical patients with obesity (RR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.31-0.84). Subgroup analyses revealed a decreased probability of developing multiple myeloma in European patients with obesity and North American patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. Studies with a sample size greater than or equal to 100,000 indicated a significantly reduced risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery compared to the non-surgical group (RR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.23-0.88, P < 0.02). Two publications before 2010 showed no significant difference in the incidence of multiple myeloma between the surgical and non-surgical groups (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.14-2.63, P = 0.504), while publications after 2010 demonstrated a reduced incidence in the surgical group (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis results suggest a reduced risk of multiple myeloma in patients with obesity following bariatric surgery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42023485668.

Anti-obesity effects of mulberry leaf extracts on female high-fat diet-induced obesity: Modulation of white adipose tissue, gut microbiota, and metabolic markers.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are reported to have beneficial effects in modulating obesity in male models. However, the impact of different types of mulberry leaf extracts (MLEs) on female models, specifically their influence on adipocytes, gut microbiota, and related metabolic markers, remains poorly understood. In this study, we observed a strong correlation between the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and adipocyte modulation effects of water extracted MLEs. HB-W (water-extracted baiyuwang) and HY-W (water-extracted Yueshen) demonstrated remarkable inhibition effects on adipocytes in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes model. Moreover, MLEs effectively reduced the levels of triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in adipocytes in vitro. In vivo experiments conducted on female mice with high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity revealed the anti-obesity effects of HB-W and HY-W, leading to a significant decrease in weight gain rates and notable influence on the ratios of adipose tissue, particularly white adipose tissue (WAT). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the up-regulation of WAT-related genes (Pla2g2a and Plac8) by HB-W, while HY-W supplementation showed beneficial effects on the regulation of blood sugar-related genes. Furthermore, both HB-W and HY-W exhibited modulatory effects on obesity-related gut microbiota (Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents. Importantly, they also mitigated abnormalities in liver function and uncoupling protein 1 (UPC1) expression. Overall, our findings underscore the anti-obesity effects of MLEs in female rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

The plasticity of neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptor system on Tac2 neurons contributes to mechanical hyperknesis during chronic itch.

Rationale: In the physiological states, the act of scratching protects the person from harmful substances, while in certain pathological conditions, the patient suffers from chronic itch, both physically and mentally. Chronic itch sufferers are more sensitive to mechanical stimuli, and mechanical hyperknesis relief is essential for chronic itch treatment. While neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptor (NPY-Y1R) system is known to play a crucial role in modulating mechanical itch in physiological conditions, it is elusive how they are altered during chronic itch. We hypothesize that the negative regulatory effect of Y1Rs on Tac2 neurons, the key neurons that transmit mechanical itch, declines during chronic itch. Methods: We combined transgenic mice, chemogenetic manipulation, immunofluorescence, rabies virus circuit tracing, and electrophysiology to investigate the plasticity of Y1Rs on Tac2 neurons during chronic itch. Results: We found that Tac2 neurons receive direct input from Npy neurons and that inhibition of Npy neurons induces activation of Tac2 neurons. Moreover, the expression of Y1Rs on Tac2 neurons is reduced, and the regulatory effect is also reduced during chronic itch. Conclusion: Our study clarifies the plasticity of Y1Rs on Tac2 neurons during chronic itch and further elucidates the mechanism by which NPY-Y1R system is responsible for modulating mechanical itch. We highlight Y1Rs as a promising therapeutic target for mechanical hyperknesis during chronic itch.

Degree of methyl esterification: A key factor for the encapsulation of icaritin with pectin.

Pectin is a promising nano-carrier. The degree of methyl esterification (DM) influences the physiochemical properties of pectin. However, the effect of DM on the encapsulation capacity of pectin remains unclear. In this work, low methyl-esterified pectin (LMP) and high methyl-esterified pectin (HMP) were prepared. The molecular weight, rheological properties of these pectins with various DM levels were determined. Then icaritin/pectin micelles (IPMs) were prepared using HMP and LMP. Notably, higher loading capacities (18.75-20.12 %) were observed in HMP-IPMs compared to LMP-IPMs (15.72-16.64 %). Furthermore, LMP-IPMs demonstrated a DM-dependent reduction in particle sizes, ranging from 449 to 527 nm. In contrast, the particle sizes of HMP-IPMs varied between 342 and 566 nm, with smaller particle sizes observed in HMP-IPMs at higher DM levels. A significant positive correlation was found between DM and the formation of IPMs, including encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, Zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Alkali de-esterification showed a weak impact on the pectin structure. Hydroxyl groups like 7-OH and 5-OH of icaritin might be involved in the formation of IPMs. The hydrogen-bond interactions between pectin and icaritin could be enhanced as DM increased.

Epithelial IL5RA promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis via Jak2/STAT3 cascade.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and debilitating lung disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the lung parenchyma. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely elusive, and the treatment options available for pulmonary fibrosis are limited. Interleukin 5 receptor, alpha (IL5RA) is a well-established regulator of eosinophil activation, involved in eosinophil-mediated anti-parasitic activities and allergic reactions. Recent studies have indicated additional roles of IL5RA in lung epithelium and fibroblasts. Nevertheless, its involvement in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In present study, we employed single-cell analyses alongside molecular and cellular assays to unveil the expression of IL5RA in lung epithelial cells. Moreover, using both in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated a notable upregulation of epithelial IL5RA during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This upregulated IL5RA expression subsequently promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to the generation of mesenchymal phenotype with augmented capability for ECM production. Importantly, our findings uncovered that the pro-fibrotic function of IL5RA is mediated by Jak2/STAT3 signaling cascades. Inhibiting IL5RA has the potential to deactivate Jak2/STAT3 and suppress the downstream EMT process and ECM production, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Impact of thermal treatment on proanthocyanidin-pectin binary complexes: Insights from structural, rheological, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

In this study, the effects of thermal treatments on the structural, rheological, water mobility, antioxidant, and astringency properties of proanthocyanidin (PA)-pectin binary complexes were investigated. Thermal treatments (25, 63, or 85 °C) significantly decreased the particle size but increased the molecular weight of PA-pectin complexes, which indicated that heating altered the intermolecular and intramolecular interactions between PA and pectin. The thermal treatments reduced the apparent viscosity of both pectin and PA-pectin complexes, but the presence of proanthocyanidins (PAs) increased the apparent viscosity and water mobility of the PA-pectin complexes. Antioxidant activity analysis showed that the presence of pectin slightly reduced the antioxidant activity of the PAs, but there were no significant changes in the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity after thermal treatment. Finally, we found that pectin reduced the astringency of the PAs by forming PA-pectin complexes. Moreover, the thermal treatments also significantly reduced the astringency of the PA-pectin complexes.