ABSTRACT Direct seeded canola (Brassica napus L.) has become increasingly popular in China’s key canola-producing regions. The studies on the K response of direct-seeded canola performance are limited. This research aimed to investigate the K utilization efficiency and canopy radiation interception rate of direct seeded winter canola at various K application rates. Two seasons field trials were done with five K levels (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg K2O ha-1) utilizing two key local cultivars (Huayouza no. 9 and Zhongshuang no. 11) in Southwest China. Canola yield rose by 17.9%-82.6% in 2017-2018 and 21.1%-73.6% in 2018-2019 when K was applied, compared to K-unfertilized. Canola yield go up rapidly at first and then gradually when K ingestion grew, demonstrating the phenomena of K luxury consumption. As K levels rose, internal utilization efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and physiological efficiency all decreased. In canola pod development and maturation period, 150 kg K2O ha-1 intercepted the most solar radiation (73.8%), while K-unfertilized treatment intercepted the least (61.6%) on average. The K supply rates had a significant effect on canopy radiation interception and K absorption in winter canola. When K application exceeded a specific rate, luxury consumption occurred. Canola’s luxury K consumption was mostly stored in the pericarp and plant stem.

Abstract Long non-coding RNA AK001796 was initially identified altered in lung cancer. Recent research showed it could participate in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the general biological role of AK001796 and its underlying mechanisms in HCC remain unclear. Here we demonstrated that the expression level of AK001796 in HCC tissues and cell lines was up-regulated. Silencing AK001796 suppressed the proliferation ability of HCC cells. Through dual luciferase reporter assays and loss/gain of functions studies, we identified that AK001796 could bind to miR-150, a star microRNA, promoting HCC proliferation. Furthermore, it was reported that growth factor receptor binding protein 2-associated binder 1 (GAB1) is a target gene of miR-150. Owing to AK001796 being a decoy for miR-150 and binding the same putative sites of miR-150 as GAB1, we presented that inhibition of miR-150 in AK001796 silencing cells reversed the reduction in GAB1. Subsequently, our findings demonstrated that silencing AK001796 can impair phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-AKT. In conclusion, our investigation revealed that AK001796 promoted proliferation by enhancing phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-AKT through AK001796/miR-150/GAB1 axis in HCC. These results provided further evidence for the critical roles of AK001796 accumulating HCC and suggested that AK001796 might act as an HCC biomarker in clinical treatment.

RESUMO Introdução: Com a preparação e desenvolvimento dos Jogos Olímpicos de Inverno, houve um aumento da popularidade do esqui. Impulsionados por essa demanda, o desenvolvimento profissional dos treinadores requer atualizações nas análises de lesões esportivas dos esquiadores, elaboração de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento correspondentes, além de treinamentos de resistência de modo a promover o desenvolvimento da qualidade física dos atletas, como a massa óssea e sua densidade mineral. Objetivo: Estudar as lesões esportivas dos esquiadores e explorar necessidades e modos de aplicação do treino de resistência no esqui. Métodos: O método de pesquisa por questionário foi utilizado para explorar os principais tipos de lesões e seus fatores influenciadores. Em seguida, 20 voluntários foram selecionados para o experimento de treinamento de resistência, cada grupo de 10 pessoas incluiu 5 homens e 5 mulheres. O grupo controle manteve uma vida diária normal, enquanto ao grupo experimental foi adicionado um treinamento de resistência, três vezes por semana, com base no grupo controle. Resultados: Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a proporção atual de lesões por esqui foi relativamente alta, principalmente em lesões leves. Após 9 semanas no grupo experimental de treinamento de resistência, tanto homens quanto mulheres tiveram desenvolvimento positivo de massa óssea. Conclusão: O treinamento de resistência pode não só melhorar a qualidade física, mas também reduzir a ocorrência de lesões esportivas, demonstrando os benefícios de sua implementação no treinamento de resistência dos esquiadores. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: With the preparation and development of the Winter Olympic Games, there has been an increase in the popularity of skiing. Driven by this demand, the professional development of coaches requires updates in the analysis of skiers’ sports injuries, elaboration of corresponding prevention and treatment strategies, and resistance training to promote the development of athletes’ physical quality, such as bone mass and mineral density. Objective: Study the sports injuries of skiers and explore needs and ways of applying resistance training in skiing. Methods: The questionnaire survey was used to explore the main types of injuries and their influencing factors. Then, 20 volunteers were selected for the resistance training experiment; each group of 10 people included five men and five women. The control group maintained a normal daily life, while resistance training was added to the experimental group three times a week, based on the control group. Results: The research results showed that the current proportion of skiing injuries was relatively high, mainly in mild injuries. After nine weeks in the experimental resistance training group, both men and women had positive bone mass development. Conclusion: Resistance training can improve physical quality and reduce the occurrence of sports injuries, demonstrating the benefits of its implementation in endurance training for skiers. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con la preparación y el desarrollo de los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno, ha aumentado la popularidad del esquí. Impulsado por esta demanda, el desarrollo profesional de los entrenadores requiere actualizaciones en el análisis de las lesiones deportivas de los esquiadores, la elaboración de las correspondientes estrategias de prevención y tratamiento, así como el entrenamiento de la resistencia para promover el desarrollo de la calidad física de los atletas, como la masa ósea y la densidad mineral. Objetivo: Estudiar las lesiones deportivas de los esquiadores y explorar las necesidades y formas de aplicar el entrenamiento de resistencia en el esquí. Métodos: Se utilizó el método de encuesta por cuestionario para explorar los principales tipos de lesiones y sus factores de influencia. A continuación, se seleccionaron 20 voluntarios para el experimento de entrenamiento de resistencia, cada grupo de 10 personas incluía 5 hombres y 5 mujeres. El grupo de control mantuvo una vida diaria normal, mientras que al grupo experimental se le añadió un entrenamiento de resistencia, tres veces por semana, basado en el grupo de control. Resultados: Los resultados de la investigación mostraron que la proporción actual de lesiones de esquí era relativamente alta, principalmente en las lesiones leves. Después de 9 semanas en el grupo experimental de entrenamiento de resistencia, tanto los hombres como las mujeres tuvieron un desarrollo positivo de la masa ósea. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de resistencia no sólo puede mejorar la calidad física, sino también reducir la aparición de lesiones deportivas, lo que demuestra los beneficios de su aplicación en el entrenamiento de resistencia de los esquiadores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O esqui é um esporte que exige alto desempenho de coordenação motora com um elevado consumo de energia, fatores que influenciam fortemente a fadiga muscular. Atletas que experienciam esse fenômeno, tendem a apresentar um declínio no nível do desempenho, gerando irritabilidade psicológica e prejuízos na concentração. A dieta está intimamente relacionada ao desempenho atlético, porém a receita adequada para os atletas em esqui ainda carece de estudos. Objetivo: Explorar os métodos de recuperação da fadiga esportiva nos esquiadores fornecendo perspectivas atualizadas para uma intervenção nutricional eficaz durante a etapa de recuperação. Métodos: Sete jovens esquiadores do sexo masculino foram selecionados como sujeitos da pesquisa, e a ingestão calórica, entre outras condições foram detalhadamente registradas. Após três semanas, índices de peso corporal, taxa de gordura corporal, metabolismo sérico, capacidade cardiopulmonar, metabolismo energético, entre outras informações relevantes foram devidamente registradas e comparadas. Resultados: A intervenção não impactou significativamente nos índices de massa magra corporal (p>0,05). O peso corporal dos atletas diminuiu significativamente e a taxa de gordura corporal diminuiu significativamente após a intervenção nutricional; os biomarcadores analisados foram positivamente impactados, a exceção da concentração de nitrogênio ureico que apresentou tendência de alta após a intervenção nutricional, efeito que pode estar atrelado ao aumento proporcional da ingesta proteica. Conclusão: A proposta de intervenção nutricional apresentou impactos positivos no metabolismo energético dos esquiadores, impactando diretamente na recuperação da fadiga esportiva dos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Skiing is a sport that demands the high performance of motor coordination with high energy consumption, factors that strongly influence muscle fatigue. Athletes who experience this phenomenon tend to present a decline in performance, generating psychological irritability and impairment in concentration. Diet is closely related to athletic performance, but the proper prescription for skiing athletes still lacks studies. Objective: To explore the methods of recovery from sports fatigue in skiers by providing up-to-date perspectives for effective nutritional intervention during the recovery stage. Methods: Seven young male skiers were selected as research subjects, and caloric intake, among other conditions, was recorded in detail. After three weeks, indices of body weight, body fat rate, serum metabolism, cardiopulmonary capacity, and energy metabolism, among other relevant information, were duly recorded and compared. Results: The intervention did not significantly impact lean body mass indices (p>0.05). The athletes’ body weight decreased significantly, and the body fat rate decreased significantly after the nutritional intervention; The analyzed biomarkers were positively impacted, except the urea nitrogen concentration that showed a tendency to increase after the nutritional intervention, an effect that may be linked to the proportional increase of protein intake. Conclusion: The proposed nutritional intervention positively impacted the skiers’ energy metabolism, directly impacting the athletes’ recovery from sports fatigue. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: El esquí es un deporte que exige un alto rendimiento de coordinación motora con un elevado consumo de energía, factores que influyen fuertemente en la fatiga muscular. Los deportistas que experimentan este fenómeno, tienden a presentar un descenso en el nivel de rendimiento, generando irritabilidad psicológica y daños en la concentración. La dieta está estrechamente relacionada con el rendimiento deportivo, pero la prescripción adecuada para los atletas de esquí aún carece de estudios. Objetivo: Explorar los métodos de recuperación de la fatiga deportiva en los esquiadores proporcionando perspectivas actualizadas para una intervención nutricional eficaz durante la etapa de recuperación. Métodos: Se seleccionaron siete jóvenes esquiadores varones como sujetos de investigación, y se registró detalladamente la ingesta calórica, entre otras condiciones. Al cabo de tres semanas, se registraron y compararon debidamente los índices de peso corporal, el índice de grasa corporal, el metabolismo sérico, la capacidad cardiopulmonar y el metabolismo energético, entre otros datos relevantes. Resultados: La intervención no tuvo un impacto significativo en los índices de masa corporal magra (p>0,05). El peso corporal de los atletas disminuyó significativamente y el índice de grasa corporal disminuyó significativamente después de la intervención nutricional. Los biomarcadores analizados tuvieron un impacto positivo, con la excepción de la concentración de nitrógeno ureico que mostró una tendencia a aumentar después de la intervención nutricional, efecto que puede estar relacionado con el aumento proporcional de la ingesta de proteínas. Conclusión: La propuesta de intervención nutricional presentó impactos positivos en el metabolismo energético de los esquiadores, impactando directamente en la recuperación de la fatiga deportiva de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract Heigen is the root and rhizomes of Duhaldea Nervosa Anderberg., a traditional medicine food homology herb used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in China,but the potential active components and the underlying mechanism have not been clarified. In this study, the chemical compounds and the components absorbed into the blood from Heigen were assessed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. 72 chemical constituents were identified in Heigen, 13 blood prototypical constituents, and 9 metabolites were found in serum samples after intragastric administration of Heigen extracts to rats. Then, using network pharmacology and molecule docking, 10 compounds were assumed to be potentially key active compounds against RA, which may be via the multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway interaction mechanism of Heigen in the treatment of RA, and also provides a pharmacological basis for the treatment of RA.

ABSTRACT Introduction By improving the material level of life, the amount of exercise of adolescents is decreasing, leading the muscular strength and cardiorespiratory resistance to also decrease instead of increase. Therefore, it is urgent to present effective training methods in physical education teaching to benefit adolescents’ quality of life. Objective Study the effect of table tennis training on musculature and cardiorespiratory endurance in young students. Methods 60 students from grade 7 of a high school were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experiment lasted for 9 weeks. In this paper, intra-group comparisons and inter-group comparisons were used. Before the experiment and after 9 weeks of training, students had their biophysical indicators collected; these data were analyzed and statistically compared. Results Existing physical education training can overall improve students’ physical muscular and cardiopulmonary endurance. The results show that the current training is effective, but inferior to that experienced with table tennis, and should be adjusted. Conclusion In teaching high school youth, physical education teachers are advised to promote table tennis to promote the young student’s health. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción Al mejorar el nivel de vida material, la cantidad de ejercicio de los adolescentes está disminuyendo, lo que hace que la fuerza muscular y la resistencia cardiorrespiratoria también disminuyan en lugar de aumentar. Por lo tanto, es urgente presentar métodos de formación eficaces en la enseñanza de la educación física, con el objetivo de beneficiar el nivel de calidad de vida de los adolescentes. Objetivo Estudiar el efecto del entrenamiento de tenis de mesa sobre la musculatura y la resistencia cardiorrespiratoria en jóvenes estudiantes. Métodos 60 estudiantes de 7º curso de un instituto se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo de control. El experimento duró 9 semanas. En este trabajo se utilizó la comparación intragrupo y la comparación intergrupo. Antes del experimento y después de 9 semanas de entrenamiento, se recogieron los indicadores biofísicos de los estudiantes, se analizaron estos datos y se compararon estadísticamente. Resultados El entrenamiento de educación física existente puede mejorar la resistencia física muscular y cardiopulmonar general de los estudiantes. Los resultados demuestran que el entrenamiento actual es eficaz, pero inferior al experimentado con el tenis de mesa, y debería ajustarse. Conclusión En la situación actual de la enseñanza para jóvenes de secundaria, se aconseja que los profesores de educación física promuevan el tenis de mesa como medida auxiliar en la promoción integral de la salud del joven estudiante. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução Ao melhorar o nível de vida material, a quantidade de exercício dos adolescentes está diminuindo, levando a força muscular e a resistência cardiorrespiratória a também diminuem ao invés de aumentar. Portanto, é urgente apresentar métodos de treinamento eficazes no ensino da educação física, visando beneficiar o nível de qualidade de vida dos adolescentes. Objetivo Estudar o efeito do treinamento de tênis de mesa sobre a musculatura e a resistência cardiorrespiratória em jovens estudantes. Métodos 60 alunos da série 7 de uma escola de ensino médio foram aleatoriamente divididos em grupo experimental e controle. O experimento durou 9 semanas. Neste trabalho, foram usadas a comparação intragrupo e a comparação intergrupo. Antes do experimento e após 9 semanas de treinamento, os alunos tiveram seus indicadores biofísicos coletados, esses dados foram analisados e comparados estatisticamente. Resultados O treinamento de educação física existentes podem melhorar globalmente a resistência muscular física e cardiopulmonar dos alunos. Os resultados mostram que o treinamento atual é eficaz, porém inferior ao experimentado com o tênis de mesa, devendo ser ajustados. Conclusão Na atual situação do ensino para jovens do ensino médio, é aconselhado aos professores de educação física promoverem o tênis de mesa como uma medida auxiliar na promoção integral da saúde do jovem estudante. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the absolute number of serum T lymphocytes and cytokine levels and the characteristics of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess their effect on the immune status of these patients and their diagnostic and predictive value for tuberculosis. Methods: We included 1,069 patients with active tuberculosis, 51 patients with latent tuberculosis infection, and 600 health individuals. Absolute serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels were quantified. Results: T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in patients with active tuberculosis when compared with healthy individuals. The immune function of patients gradually decreased with age and was stronger in female patients than in males. Th1 cells expressed higher levels of cytokines than did Th2 cells. Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CD3+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cell counts, as well as reduced IL-4 and IFN-g expression, were independent influencing factors for active tuberculosis. ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of absolute CD3+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and combined factors were significantly higher than were those of IL-4 and IFN-g for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Conclusions: Serum T-lymphocyte counts and cytokine levels can assess the immune status of tuberculosis patients; they are also useful biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing tuberculosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o número absoluto de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas, bem como as características, de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa e avaliar o efeito desses no estado imunológico desses pacientes e seu valor diagnóstico e preditivo para tuberculose. Métodos: Foram incluídos 1.069 pacientes com tuberculose ativa, 51 pacientes com tuberculose latente e 600 indivíduos saudáveis. Foram realizadas a contagem absoluta de linfócitos T séricos e a quantificação de citocinas séricas. Resultados: Os linfócitos T estavam significativamente reduzidos nos pacientes com tuberculose ativa em comparação com os indivíduos saudáveis. A função imunológica dos pacientes diminuiu gradativamente com a idade e mostrou-se mais forte nas mulheres do que nos homens. As células Th1 expressaram maiores níveis de citocinas do que as células Th2. A análise de regressão logística mostrou que contagens reduzidas de células T CD3+, T CD8+ e NK e expressão reduzida de IL-4 e IFN-g foram fatores de influência independentes para tuberculose ativa. A análise ROC mostrou que a sensibilidade e especificidade dos valores absolutos de linfócitos T CD3+ e T CD8+ e de fatores combinados foram significativamente maiores do que as da IL-4 e do IFN-g para o diagnóstico da tuberculose ativa. Conclusões: A contagem de linfócitos T séricos e os níveis de citocinas séricas podem avaliar o estado imunológico de pacientes com tuberculose; também são biomarcadores úteis na predição e diagnóstico da tuberculose.

SUMMARY: This study is to investigate the role and mechanism of RGD peptide in laryngeal cancer stem cells (CSCs). Laryngeal cancer CD133+Hep-2 CSCs were sorted by flow cytometry. RGD peptide was co-cultured with sorted laryngeal CSCs. Cell proliferation was detected with CCK-8 assay. The mRNA levels of VEGF/VEGFR2/STAT 3/HIF-1α were detected with RT-PCR. The proteins of VEGF/ VEGFR2/STAT 3/HIF-1α were detected with Western blot. The sorted CSCs were inoculated into nude mice. Tumor volume was measured. Integrin αvβ3 expression in tumor tissues was analyzed with immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the ratio of CD133+ CSCs to the total number of cells was 1.34±0.87 %, while CD133-non-tumor stem cells accounted for 95.0±5.76 %. The sorted cancer stem cells grew well. The RGD peptide significantly inhibited the proliferation of CD133+Hep-2 laryngeal CSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The RGD peptide significantly inhibited the mRNA of VEGFR2, STAT3 and HIF-1α in laryngeal CSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistently, the RGD peptide significantly inhibited the protein expression of VEGFR2, STAT3 and HIF-1α in laryngeal CSCs in a dose-dependent manner. At the same time, in vivo tumor experiments showed that the RGD peptide significantly inhibited tumor volume but not the body weight. Furthermore, RGD peptide significantly inhibited the expression of tumor angiogenesis-related protein integrin αvβ3. Our findings demonstrate that RGD peptide inhibits tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth. The underlying mechanism may that RGD inhibits tumor angiogenesis-related signaling pathways, thus affecting the tumor angiogenesis, and decreasing the progression of human laryngeal CSCs.

RESUMEN: Este estudio se realizó para investigar el papel y el mecanismo del péptido RGD en las células madre del cáncer de laringe (CSC). Las CSC CD133+Hep-2 de cáncer de laringe se clasificaron mediante citometría de flujo. El péptido RGD se cocultivó con CSC laríngeas clasificadas. La proliferación celular se detectó con el ensayo CCK-8. Los niveles de ARNm de VEGF/VEGFR2/ STAT 3/HIF-1α se detectaron con RT-PCR. Las proteínas de VEGF/ VEGFR2/STAT 3/HIF-1α se detectaron con Western blot. Las CSC clasificadas se inocularon en ratones nudos. Se midió el volumen del tumor. La expresión de integrina αvβ3 en tejidos tumorales se analizó con inmunohistoquímica. Los resultados mostraron que la proporción de CSC CD133+ con respecto al número total de células fue de 1,34 ± 0,87 %, mientras que las células madre no tumorales CD133 representaron el 95,0 ± 5,76 %. Las células madre cancerosas clasificadas crecieron bien. El péptido RGD inhibió significativamente la proliferación de CSC laríngeas CD133+Hep-2 de una manera dependiente de la dosis. El péptido RGD inhibió significativamente el ARNm de VEGFR2, STAT3 y HIF-1α en CSC laríngeas de manera dependiente de la concentración. De manera consistente, el péptido RGD inhibió significativamente la expresión proteica de VEGFR2, STAT3 y HIF-1α en CSC laríngeas, de manera dependiente de la dosis. Al mismo tiempo, los experimentos con tumores in vivo mostraron que el péptido RGD inhibía significativamente el volumen del tumor pero no el peso corporal. Además, el péptido RGD inhibió significativamente la expresión de la proteína integrina αvβ3 relacionada con la angiogénesis tumoral. Nuestros hallazgos demuestran que el péptido RGD inhibe la proliferación de células tumorales y el crecimiento tumoral. El mecanismo subyacente puede ser que RGD inhiba las vías de señalización relacionadas con la angiogénesis tumoral, afectando así la angiogénesis tumoral y disminuyendo la progresión de las CSC laríngeas humanas.

Abstract Clinically, methane is an anti-inflammatory gas used to treat organ damage. There is no extensive research on methane's repair of traumatic brain injury (TBI), so this study aims to investigate the role of methane and its potential mechanism. A rat TBI model was established by mechanical impact. SD rats were divided into four groups, including sham group, TBI group, 2 or 20 mL/kg methane-rich saline (MS) group. Morris water maze test revealed that MS improved cognitive function in TBI rats. HE and Nissl staining showed that MS reduced the blurring of brain tissues boundary, the number of necrotic plaques and neurons in TBI rats. In addition, ELISA revealed that MS restored the oxidative stress of TBI rats and reversed the inflammatory effect of TBI on brain cells, and TUNEL staining detected that MS inhibited cell apoptosis. Western blotting showed that MS downregulated Caspase-3 and Bax protein levels and upregulated Bcl-2 level. And MS inhibited phosphorylated expressions of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of the transcription (STAT1) and NF-κb-p65. In conclusion, MS improved cognitive function, reduced inflammatory response and oxidative stress and inhibited cell apoptosis to relieve rat TBI by blocking the activation of the JAK1/STAT1/NF-κb-p65 pathway.

Abstract To determine whether ozone can regulate fruit ripening and delay fruit aging, Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Guichang') was fumigated with different ozone concentrations (100 μL/L, 200 μL/L, 300 μL/L) for 3 h, stored at 1 °C and 85 ± 5% RH for three months, and then matured at 20 °C and 85% RH for 12 days. Compared with controls, the optimal concentration of ozone delayed kiwifruit ripening during cold storage by delaying the respiratory burst that precedes fruit decay. Consequently, fruit firmness, nutrient content, and enzyme activity remained stable; the expression of AdACS1 and AdACO1 as well as the activity of ACC synthetase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) was downregulated, whereby ACC and MACC were accumulated. In addition, ozone-treated fruit showed significantly reduced infection with grey mold. The effect of ozone on kiwifruit at 200 μL/L was the best suited for delaying fruit senescence, maintaining high quality during storage and fruit ripening compared with other fruits. Overall, our study indicated that ozone may play a major residual role in the physiological process of fruit ripening; furthermore, ozone can affect ethylene biosynthesis and fruit changes associated with endogenous ethylene production.

Abstract We investigated the effects of melatonin (MT) treatment on the physiological quality and cell wall metabolism of kiwifruit during a 12-day shelf life period (20 ± 1 °C, 90 ± 5% RH), after 90 days of cold storage (0 ± 0.5 °C, 90 ± 5% RH). Our results showed that MT treatment delayed kiwifruit softening, as evidence by the enhanced endurance of a healthy appearance, quality, color difference L* value, and firmness of the fruit flesh. MT treatment reduced fruit decay rate, respiration rate, and malondialdehyde content; furthermore, MT-treated kiwifruit maintained high levels of total soluble solids, titratable acid, and ascorbic acid. Additionally, MT inhibited the decrease in fruit pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents; it delayed the increase in water-soluble pectin content and kept pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase, cellulase, and β-galactosidase activities low. These results indicated that melatonin may have reduced the speed of softening of kiwifruit and preserved fruit quality by inhibiting enzymatic degradation of the cell wall, and by delaying pro-pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose degradation, as well as the increase of water-soluble pectin content. These findings indicate that MT treatment may be an effective measure to delay kiwifruit postharvest cell-wall metabolism and preserve fruit quality.

Abstract The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage and their combination on quality and antioxidant capacity of postharvest blueberries were evaluated here. To investigate the most appropriate approach for maintaining fruit quality, blueberries were subjected to four different treatments, a control (CK), 1-MCP, 3% O2 + 10% CO2 (CA), and 1-MCP combined with 3% O2+10% CO2 (1-MCP + CA), then stored for 80 days at 0 °C. It was found that the applications of 1-MCP, CA and 1-MCP + CA were effective at delaying the increase in weight loss and inhibiting the decrease in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) contents and titratable acidity (TA) contents. In addition, 1-MCP, CA and 1-MCP + CA treatment could significantly suppress MDA accumulation and relative electrolytic leakage promotion. Moreover, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O2- and H2O2, was reduced by all the treatment, which was associated with increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Taken together, our findings indicate 1-MCP, CA and 1-MCP + CA have potential applications in maintaining the quality and improving the antioxidant capacity of harvested blueberries, and 1-MCP + CA is the most effective treatment.

Abstract We aimed to establish a method for the rapid identification of three common Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Micrococcus luteus) associated with foodborne diseases. MALDI-TOF-MS was used to determine the effects of sample pretreatment, culture medium, and culture time on the identification results. Then, MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS was used to establish an optimized method and further explore the effects of culture time on secondary proteins. Among the three sample pretreatment methods, formic acid extraction outperformed direct transfer and extended direct transfer, resulting in more protein peaks and higher peak intensity in B. cereus culture samples. However, with different culture times (1–7 d), ion peaks of all bacterial proteins were relatively stable according to MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS data. The protein peaks of B. cereus (1430 m/z), L. monocytogenes (2100 m/z), and M. luteus (2140 m/z) were split into small ion peaks at 1162, 1465, and 1625 m/z, respectively. After 7 d of culture, the secondary spectra, peak intensities, and peak values of formic acid-treated samples were relatively stable, indicating that secondary protein peaks were less affected by culture time. It provides a new approach for the routine identification and market supervision of food safety in China.

Abstract Pitaya fruits have high senescence rates throughout their postharvest storage period. Additionally, studies have confirmed that melatonin plays a regulatory role in plant senescence. However, the involvement of melatonin in the postharvest senescence of fruits remains unclear. In this study, two cultivars of pitaya fruit, ‘Zihonglong’ and ‘Jinghonglong’, were treated with melatonin and then evaluated for characteristics of senescence while in storage for 10 days. The results showed that melatonin treatment delayed fruit senescence in both pitaya cultivars, as indicated by the inhibition of weight loss, decay incidence, relative membrane permeability, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as the maintenance of the total soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents and the reduced respiration intensity. In addition, melatonin treatment reduced the O2·- production rates, H2O2 contents, and lipoxygenase activities but enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in both pitaya cultivars. These results indicate that melatonin may contribute to delaying senescence in pitaya fruits. This study shows the potential of the use of melatonin in the postharvest storage of pitaya fruits, as well as other horticultural fruits.

Abstract In order to explore the effect of different irons on the fruit quality of wine grapes, as well as the phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins of the peel, “Cabernet Sauvignon” was taken as the research object. Ferrous sulfate, EDTA-Fe, ferric citrate, ferric gluconate and ferric sugar alcohol were sprayed between the coloring periods, and the foliar sprayed water was used as the control. The results showed that foliar spraying of iron would increase the fruit sugar-acid ratio and 100-grain weight; iron spraying would up-regulate the content of phenolic acid monomers, among which EDTA-Fe and ferric citrate had significant up-regulating effects, but all iron treatments had a significant effect on the increase. The content of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid was down-regulated; the content of proanthocyanidin monomer was up-regulated by iron spraying, and the content of proanthocyanidin monomer was significantly up-regulated by ferric citrate treatment. Foliar spraying of ferric citrate not only balanced the sugar-acid ratio of the fruit, but also increased the content of phenolic acid and proanthocyanidin in the grape peel, which further improved the quality of the grapes and helped to increase the flavor of the wine.