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Many fruits are harvested at the early ripening stage and left to attain an edible stage during the post-ripening process or by ethylene treatment. However, the post-ripening quality of fruit is generally inferior to the quality of fruit that ripened naturally. Sugar metabolism plays critical roles in regulating fruit flavor and stress responses. Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) treatment modulates sugar accumulations and postharvest fruit quality. However, the regulation mechanism of MeJA on sugar metabolism and its relationship with fruit post-ripening quality are unclear. The results indicated that MeJA-treated fruit possessed higher total antioxidant, lycopene and soluble solids content and lower electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content. Besides, the post-ripening quality of fruit was strongly related to the starch and sucrose content. Compared to the control and ethephon treatments, MeJA treatment increased the activities and transcript levels of amylase, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SUS), but decreased the activities and transcript levels of acid invertase and neutral invertase. Further analysis suggested that the sucrose content had a strongly positive correlation with the activities and transcript levels of SUS and SPS, except SlSPS2. Thus, MeJA treatment improved fruit post-ripening quality by regulating sugar metabolism.

A “Laiyang” pear is a climacteric fruit with a special taste and nutritional value but is prone to a post-harvest aroma compound loss and a loss in fruit quality. In this study, pears were pretreated with 0.5 μl L–1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 20°C for 12 h and then stored at 0 ± 1°C for 150 days to evaluate the influence of 1-MCP on fruit quality and the changes in components of volatile aromas. In addition, pears were further treated with 2 mmol L–1 ethephon. The effects of ethephon on the recovery of aroma production were investigated during the 150 day storage at 0 ± 1°C and the subsequent 7 day shelf life at 20 ± 1°C. Treatment with 1-MCP inhibited firmness loss, increased electrical conductivity, reduced respiration and ethylene production rates as well as the contents of soluble solids, and maintained the storage quality of the fruits. However, 1-MCP treatment inhibited the emission of volatile aromas in pear fruits by decreasing the activities of various enzymes, such as lipoxygenase (LOX), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), pyruvate carboxylase (PDC), and alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT). During the shelf-life, activities of the above mentioned enzymes were significantly enhanced, and a higher content of volatile aromas were found in fruits treated with 1-MCP + ethephon, while other qualities were not compromised. These results showed that 1-MCP treatment could effectively maintain the quality of the “Laiyang” pear during cold storage, and the additional application of ethephon on fruits during shelf-life may be a promising way to restore volatile aromas in pear fruits after long-term storage.

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is one of the most prevailing deteriorative postharvest diseases in fruit and vegetables. Autophagy, a highly conserved mechanism in eukaryotes, is involved in defense responses against stresses, especially for pathogens infection in plants. However, limited studies have been conducted to elucidate the roles and regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in postharvest fruit disease resistance. In this regard, our earlier experimentation indicated that 50 mmol L −1 lithium chloride (LiCl) and 5 mmol L −1 hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could be an autophagy activator and an autophagy inhibitor, respectively, that can reveal the role of autophagy in postharvest fruit defense against B. cinerea . Present findings further elaborated that the LiCl-mediated increase in autophagy activity showed concomitant higher expression levels of autophagy-related genes and the number of autophagosomes, whereas HCQ treatment reversed the phenomenon. LiCl-activated autophagy inhibited the disease as evidenced by lower disease incidence and lesion diameter, whereas HCQ application largely reversed this phenomenon. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes between LiCl-treated and control fruit were involved in the secondary metabolic pathway, represented by phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. LiCl treatment promoted the accumulation of total phenolics by activating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. LiCl treatment also balanced ROS homeostasis by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and regulating the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. Moreover, differentially expressed transcription factors between LiCl-treated and control fruit, such as WRKYs, MYBs, AP2, bHLH, HB-other, and MYB-related families might specifically affect the transcription of genes involved in ROS metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Meanwhile, MYBs (Solyc05g009230.1), bHLH (Solyc01g090790.2), and MYB-related (Solyc11g010710.1) transcription factors also participated in autophagy by directly binding to SlATGs (Solyc08g078820.3 and Solyc01g068060.3). These findings suggest that LiCl-induced autophagy results in increased activities of defense enzymes, activation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and balance of ROS homeostasis, which contributes to disease resistance in postharvest fruit.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion (ROM). Inflammation and fibrosis are accepted as main pathologic processes associated with the development of FS. However, the intrinsic mechanisms underlying pathologic fibrosis remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the key molecules involved in pathologic fibrosis and explore new therapeutic targets for FS. Synovial fibroblasts isolated from patient biopsies were identified using immunofluorescence. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, cell adhesion tests, and would-healing assays were used to evaluate the fibrosis-related functions of synovial fibroblasts. Elevated cluster of differentiation 36 ( CD36 ) expression was detected in FS using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Salvianolic acid b (SaB) inhibited CD36, blocking synovial fibroblast-induced inflammation and fibrosis. Our RNA-seq data showed that knocking down CD36 dramatically impaired the capacity of synovial fibroblasts for cell adhesion and that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may be crucial to the fibrotic process of FS. By up-regulating CD36 and inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt, we demonstrated that CD36 promotes pathologic fibrosis by activating the PI3k-Akt pathway. Finally, rats treated with SaB had improved ROM and less collagen fiber deposition than the FS model group. Conclusion: SaB attenuates inflammation and inhibited the CD36-mediated activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to block pathologic fibrosis of FS in vitro and in vivo models.

The clinicopathological significance of cyclin D1 overexpression and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been fully quantified. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis for evaluation of cyclin D1 overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma to determine the strength of this association. Using both medical subheadings and free terms, we searched PubMed, Embase and the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science for all eligible studies published before Nov. 2013. We retrieved 1674 citations, determining that 15 met the selection criteria. We used the odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) as the common measures of association to quantitatively determine the correlation between cyclin D1 overexpression and outcomes of oral cancer. We performed a meta-analysis and heterogeneity, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses to clarify and validate the pooled results. The pooled results provided compelling evidence that cyclin D1 overexpression was significantly correlated with increased tumor size (OR = 1.617, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.046-2.498, p = 0.031), lymphoid node metastasis (OR = 2.035, 95% CI = 1.572-2.635, p<0.001), tumor differentiation (OR = 1.976, 95% CI = 1.363-2.866, p<0.001), and advancement of clinical stages (OR = 1.516, 95% CI = 1.140-2.015, p = 0.004), and adversely influenced overall survival of OSCC patients (HR = 1.897, 95% CI = 1.577-2.282, p<0.001). The strength of association varied in different oral cavity subsites. Our findings indicated that cyclin D1 expression correlates with detrimental clinicopathological outcome and poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Our results may be useful in the management of oral cancer.

Non-woven carbon tissue (NWCT) with different fiber lengths was prepared with a simple surfactant-assistant dispersion and filtration method and used as interleaving to enhance both delamination resistance and electrical conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) laminates. The toughing effect of NWCT on both Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture of CFRPs laminate is dependent on length of fibers, where the shorter carbon fibers (0.8 mm) perform better on Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness improvement whereas longer carbon fibers (4.3 mm) give more contribution to the Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness increase, comparing with the baseline composites, and the toughness increase was achieved without compromising of flexural mechanical properties. More interestingly, comparing with the baseline composites, the electrical conductivity of the interleaved composites exhibited a significant enhancement with in-plane and through-the-thickness direction, respectively. Microscopy analysis of the carbon tissue interleaving area in the laminate indicated that carbon fibers with shorter length can form into a 3D network with more fibers aligned along through-the-thickness direction compared with longer ones. The shorter fibers thus potentially provide more effective fiber bridges, pull-out and matrix deformation during the crack propagation and improve the electric conductivity significantly in through-the-thickness direction.

Objective The sub‐acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression is often performed during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, the impact of SAC decompression on patients with postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) are controversial and unclear. This study is aim to evaluate the impact of additional sub‐acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on the postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) in patients. Methods This retrospective study examined digital data from patients with full‐thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a local institution. Patient‐reported outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Restricted shoulder mobility occurring within 6 months postoperatively, lasting more than 12 weeks, characterized by a passive forward flexion angle of <120° or an external rotation angle of <30°, with or without associated shoulder pain was identified as POSS. Factors affecting POSS were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. The patient‐reported outcomes scores were analyzed by generalized estimating equations to examine the impact of SAC decompression. Results A total of 155 patients met the set criteria and were included in the study. The analysis of binary logistic regression showed that diabetes (p = 0.001) and SAC decompression (p = 0.003) were independent factors for POSS. In the analysis of each follow‐up point, only at the 3‐month follow‐up, the ASES scores (p = 0.003), UCLA scores (p = 0.045), and VAS scores (p = 0.005) showed significant differences between the SAC decompression group and the non‐decompression group. For the intergroup comparison, the results showed a significant difference in the ASES scores (β = −4.971, p = 0.008), UCLA scores (β = −1.524, p = 0.019), and VAS scores (β = 0.654, p = 0.010) throughout the study duration between the SAC decompression group and the non‐decompression group. Conclusion The findings of this study suggested that SAC decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair increase the risk of POSS compared with those without the decompression, which indicate surgeons do not perform SAC decompression unless necessary. SAC decompression increases the risk of POSS compared with the normal group after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, orthopedic surgeons should consider the individual clinical data and goals of each patient when making decisions about surgical procedures.

Objective Strong tendon grasping is vital to the success of a tenodesis operation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial tendon‐fixation strength of the Lark‐Loop technique in arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis and compare it with others commonly used techniques. Methods Thirty‐three porcine superficial flexor digitorum tendons were harvested from a local slaughterhouse and randomly divided into three groups to perform three tendon fixation techniques (Lasso‐Loop stich group, Lark‐Loop stich group or Krackow stich group; 11 tendons each group) with a No. 2 suture, respectively. Each tendon was pre‐tensioned in 5°N for 2 min and then cyclically loaded 5 to 30°N for 500 cycles to assess displacement. After cyclic loading, the tendon was loaded to ultimate tendon‐suture configuration failure at the rate of 1 mm/s. Finally, the mode of failure and the construct stiffness of the tendon were recorded and calculated. Results After cyclical loading, the displacement of the Lark‐Loop group was equivalent to the Krakow group (P > 0.9999) but significantly smaller than the Lasso‐Loop group (P = 0.0009). The ultimate load to failure for the Lark‐Loop was equivalent to the Krakow technique group (P = 0.1463) but significantly greater than the Lasso‐Loop group (P < 0.0001). The stiffness for the Lark‐Loop was equivalent to the Krakow group (P = 0.4718) but significantly greater than the Lasso‐Loop technique group (P < 0.0001). In the Lark‐Loop and Krackow group, all the tendons failed by suture breakage, while all the tendons failed by suture cutting through the tendon in the Lasso‐Loop technique group. Conclusion Lark‐Loop suture technique has biomechanical properties comparable to Krackow and superior to the Lasso‐Loop in terms of suture displacement, ultimate load to failure, and stiffness. Therefore, the Lark‐Loop suture fixation technique may be beneficial for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis. A safe tendon fixation is essential for the success of biceps tenodesis. Many fixation techniques used for arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis can cause longitudinal splitting of the tendon, leading to failure of the construction and the tenodesis. This paper is to evaluate the initial tendon‐fixation strength of the Lark‐Loop technique in arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis and compare it with other commonly used techniques. After a biomechanical test, we found that the Lark‐Loop suture fixation technique has biomechanical properties comparable to Krackow and superior to the Lasso‐Loop in terms of suture displacement, ultimate load to failure, and stiffness. Therefore, the Lark‐Loop suture fixation technique may be beneficial for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis.

Objective Anteroposterior (AP) radiographs do not necessarily offer the optimal approach to measuring the critical shoulder angle (CSA) due to the malposition of the scapula. Three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) may offer some advantages, including the ability to rotate the scapula for position alignment and pre‐operative planning for reducing CSA. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and reliability of CSA measurement in 3D‐CT and to determine whether there is an association between CSA and rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods In this retrospective study we identified 200 patients who received shoulder arthroscopy from 2019 to 2021, including 142 patients (81 females, 61 males) with RCTs and 58 patients (14 females, 44 males) with non‐RCTs. For each participant, CSA was measured from standard shoulder AP radiographs and anterior views of 3D‐CT of the scapula by two independent assessors. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements were assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The relationship between the two measurement methodologies was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots. Discriminative capacity was calculated by using receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses in the whole cohort and age sub‐groups above and below 45 years. Results We found perfect inter‐observer (ICC >0.96) and intra‐observer (ICC >0.97) reliabilities for CSA measurements obtained from the standard AP radiographs and the 3D‐CT. There was a strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.960, P < 0.001). The mean CSA was 31.7° ± 4.2° in the standard AP radiographs and 31.8° ± 4.4° in the 3D‐CT (mean difference 0.02°, P = 0.940; bias 0.02°, limits of agreement −2.29° to +2.33°). ROC analysis of the whole cohort showed that the CSA measured in the standard AP radiographs (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.812, P < 0.001) and the 3D‐CT (AUC = 0.815, P < 0.001) predicted RCT with high confidence. ROC analysis of patients aged ≥45 years showed that the CSA measured from the standard AP radiographs (AUC = 0.869, P < 0.001) and the 3D‐CT (AUC = 0.870, P < 0.001) were very good at predicting RCTs. Conclusion CSA measured from standard AP radiographs and 3D‐CT showed high consistency, and the CSA could be accurately and reliably measured using 3D‐CT. CSAs measured from standard AP radiographs and 3D‐CT could predict RCTs, especially in patients aged ≥45 years. Critical shoulder angle (CSA) measured in the standard anteroposterior radiographs and 3D‐CT manifest a high consistency. CSA could be accurately and reliably measured in the 3D‐CT, which would be potentially advantageous in pre‐operative planning for acromioplasty.

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and ultimately liver-related death. Although oral antiviral therapy for patients with CHB reduces the risk of such complications, once cirrhosis is established, the benefits of antiviral therapy are not robustly demonstrated. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), some Chinese herbal medicines promote blood circulation and soften hard masses, and therefore they may block and reverse hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of TCM tablets of the compound biejia ruangan (RGT) administered for fibrosis, and entecavir (ETV), on the development of HCC in patients with CHB or hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related compensated cirrhosis. Methods/design This multicenter, centrally randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study is planned to complete within 5 years. For the study, 1,000 with CHB or HBV-related compensated cirrhosis are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group (0.5 mg ETV once daily; 2 g RGT three times daily) or a control group (0.5 mg ETV once daily; 2 g RGT dummy agent three times daily). The primary end points are the development of HCC and liver-related death. Secondary end points include disease progression and overall survival. Discussion Although antiviral therapy can achieve sustained suppression of HBV replication, thereby preventing cirrhosis, patients with CHB treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) retain a higher risk for HCC compared with patients with inactive disease. Although previous clinical trials with RGT have confirmed the efficacy of blocking and reversing hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB or compensated cirrhosis, the long-term risk for HCC or disease progression in these patients treated with combination of RGT and NUCs compared with NUCs alone is unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effects of the RGT blockade and reversal of hepatic fibrosis on the development of HCC in patients with CHB or HBV-related compensated cirrhosis in large, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trials in China. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01965418 . Date registered: 17 October 2013