Development and reliability testing of a risk factor and risk outcome assessment scale for nurses in "internet + nursing services" for the elderly.

BACKGROUND: China is experiencing an aging population, leading to a significant demand for "Internet + nursing services" tailored for elderly individuals. However, there are many risk problems in the process of nurse service, which hinder the development of the service, and a scale is needed to assess the risk problems faced by nurses in "Internet + nursing services" for the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to develop an assessment scale for risk factors and outcomes related to nurses' involvement in the "Internet + Nursing Service" for the elderly and to assess its reliability and validity. METHODS: Based on literature analysis, focus group, the Delphi method, and a presurvey, we designed an initial scale. The initial scale comprised two sections: risk factors and risk outcomes for nurses. In January and February of 2023, nurses engaged in "Internet + nursing services" for the elderly in Shanxi Province were chosen through a convenience sampling technique for a questionnaire survey. Subsequently, item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were employed to refine and develop a test version of the scale further. A follow-up questionnaire survey was carried out in March and April 2023 using a similar approach. The reliability and validity of the scale were assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, culminating in the formation of the final scale. RESULTS: The initial survey yielded 244 valid responses. The cumulative variance contributions of the two segments from the exploratory factor analysis were 84.584% and 90.089%, respectively. A subsequent survey garnered 220 valid responses. The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated: χ2/df = 2.086, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.918, normative fit index (NLI) = 0.855, root mean square of residuals (RMR) = 0.045, and root mean square of error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.070. These results demonstrate good structural, convergent, and discriminant validity. The content validity index at the item level (I-CVI) ranged between 0.875 and 1.000, while the content validity index at the scale level (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.941. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire scale stood at 0.970. Moreover, the scale exhibited a split-half reliability of 0.876 and a retest reliability of 0.980 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The risk factors and risk outcomes associated with nurses involved in "Internet + nursing services" for elderly individuals, as developed in this study, demonstrate strong reliability and validity. They are well suited to the Chinese national context.

Characterization of Colletotrichum Causing Anthracnose on Rubber Trees in Yunnan: Two New Records and Two New Species from China.

Among the most damaging diseases of rubber trees is anthracnose caused by the genus Colletotrichum, which leads to significant economic losses. Nonetheless, the specific Colletotrichum spp. that infect rubber trees in Yunnan Province, an important natural rubber base in China, have not been extensively investigated. Here, we isolated 118 Colletotrichum strains from rubber tree leaves exhibiting anthracnose symptoms in multiple plantations in Yunnan. Based on comparisons of their phenotypic characteristics and internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequences, 80 representative strains were chosen for additional phylogenetic analysis based on eight loci (act, ApMat, cal, CHS-1, GAPDH, GS, his3, and tub2), and nine species were identified. Colletotrichum fructicola, C. siamense, and C. wanningense were found to be the dominant pathogens causing rubber tree anthracnose in Yunnan. C. karstii was common, whereas C. bannaense, C. brevisporum, C. jinpingense, C. mengdingense, and C. plurivorum were rare. Among these nine species, C. brevisporum and C. plurivorum are reported for the first time in China, and two species are new to the world: C. mengdingense sp. nov. in the C. acutatum species complex and C. jinpingense sp. nov. in the C. gloeosporioides species complex. Their pathogenicity was confirmed with Koch's postulates by inoculating each species in vivo on rubber tree leaves. This study clarifies the geographic distribution of Colletotrichum spp. associated with anthracnose on rubber trees in representative locations of Yunnan, which is crucial for the implementation of quarantine measures.

Effect of substrate symmetry on the orientations of MoS2 monolayers.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising platforms for developing next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties. To achieve this, the growth of large single-crystal TMDs is a critical issue. Unraveling the factors affecting the nucleation and domain orientation should hold fundamental significance. Herein, we design the chemical vapor deposition growth of monolayer MoS2 triangles on Au(111) and Au(100) facets, for exploring the substrate facet effects on the domain orientations. According to multi-scale characterizations, we find that, the obtained triangular MoS2 domains present two preferential orientations on the six-fold symmetric Au(111) facet, whereas four predominant orientations on the four-fold symmetric Au(100) facet. Using on-site scanning tunneling microscopy, we further reveal the preferred alignments of monolayer MoS2 triangles along the close-packed directions of both Au(111) and Au(100) facets. Moreover, bunched substrate steps are also found to form along the close-packed directions of the crystal facets, which guides the preferential nucleation of monolayer MoS2 along the step edges. This work should hereby deepen the understanding of the substrate facet/step effect on the nucleation and orientation of monolayer MoS2 domains, thus providing fundamental insights into the controllable syntheses of large single-crystal TMD monolayers.

Scalable Production of Two-Dimensional Metallic Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheet Powders Using NaCl Templates toward Electrocatalytic Applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (MTMDCs) have attracted tremendous interest due to their intriguing physical properties and broad application potential. However, batch production of high-quality 2D MTMDCs based on existing synthesis on 2D surfaces remains a huge challenge. Herein, a universal synthetic route for the scalable synthesis of high-quality 2D MTMDC (e.g., TaS2, V5S8, and NbS2) nanosheets using microcrystalline NaCl crystals as templates via a facile chemical vapor deposition method is reported. Obviously, this synthetic route is perfectly compatible with a facile water dissolution-filtration process for obtaining high-purity MTMDC nanosheet powders. Representatively, a thickness-uniform 1T-TaS2 nanosheet product can be achieved that shows unexceptionable dispersibility in ethanol, which allows its assembly onto arbitrary substrates/electrodes for high-performance energy-related applications, herein serving as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This work sheds light on the batch production, green transfer, and energy-related application of 2D MTMDC materials.

Anisotropic Growth and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Identification of Ultrathin Even-Layered PdSe2 Ribbons.

Palladium diselenide (PdSe2 ) is an emerging 2D layered material with anisotropic optical/electrical properties, extra-high carrier mobility, excellent air stability, etc. So far, ultrathin PdSe2 is mainly achieved via mechanical exfoliation from its bulk counterpart, and the direct synthesis is still challenging. Herein, the synthesis of ultrathin 2D PdSe2 on conductive Au foil substrates via a facile chemical vapor deposition route is reported. Intriguingly, an anisotropic growth behavior is detected from the evolution of ribboned flakes with large length/width ratios, which is well explained from the orthorhombic symmetry of PdSe2 . A unique even-layered growth mode from 2 to 20 layers is also confirmed by the perfect combination of onsite scanning tunneling microscopy characterizations, through deliberately scratching the flake edge to expose both even and odd layers. This even-layered, ribboned 2D material is expected to serve as a perfect platform for exploring unique physical properties, and for developing high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Complex refractive index measurement for atomic-layer materials via surface plasmon resonance holographic microscopy.

The optical characterization of atomic-layer materials is significant for the clarification of fundamental physical properties of newly emerging nanomaterials. Here we propose to utilize the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) holographic microscopy to measure the complex refractive index (RI) of atomic-layer materials (i.e., graphene). We unambiguously determine the complex RI of single-layer graphene and few-layer graphene by fitting the measured reflection phase shift difference with theoretical values under the five-layer SPR model. The measurement results of the graphene layer grown by chemical vapor deposition at the visible range agree with the previous reports. Our method offers a cost-effective and robust avenue to characterize the complex RI of atomic-layer materials with distinct optical absorption, particularly the two-dimensional materials.

Na-assisted fast growth of large single-crystal MoS2 on sapphire.

Monolayer molybdenum sulfide (MoS2), a typical semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide, has emerged as a perfect platform for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics due to its sizeable band gap and strong light-matter interactions. Nevertheless, the controlled growth of a monolayer MoS2 single-crystal with a large-domain size and high crystal quality still faces great challenges. Herein, we demonstrate the fast growth of a large-domain monolayer MoS2 on the c-plane sapphire substrate with the assistance of sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals as the intermediate promoter. Particularly, the volatilization temperature of the NaCl crystal and the growth temperature of MoS2 are established to be the key parameters that influence the growth efficiency of MoS2 at an optimized growth condition. Monolayer triangular MoS2 domain with an edge length ∼300 µm is obtained within 1 min, featured with a growth rate ∼5 µm s-1. The Na element from the NaCl crystal is found to be able to facilitate the two dimensional growth of monolayer MoS2. This work thus offers novel insights into the high-efficiency production of large-domain monolayer MoS2 on insulating growth substrates.

miR-129-5p suppresses proliferation, migration, and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells by targeting PBX3.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with a high mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as important regulators for the development of PC and participate in the progression of PC. miR-129-5p was reported to regulate the progression of tumors, such as thyroid cancer and gastric cancer. However, the function of miR-129-5p in PC is still unclear. In this study, the down-regulation of miR-129-5p was detected in PC tissues and PC cells. miR-129-5p was overexpressed or knocked down in AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. The results showed that miR-129-5p overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis of PC cells, whereas miR-129-5p knockdown showed opposite effects. In addition, we found that pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3 (PBX3) overexpression promoted proliferation, migration and invasion, but reduced apoptosis of PC cells. PBX3 was identified as a target of miR-129-5p by informatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay. Finally, our results indicated that miR-129-5p suppressed cell proliferation and migration by targeting PBX3. This study demonstrated that miR-129-5p could function as a tumor suppressor in the progression and development of PC by targeting PBX3, providing a reliable prognostic factor and a new therapeutic strategy for PC.

Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy studies of the interface coupling effect of monolayer ReSe2 single crystals on Au foils.

Rhenium diselenide (ReSe2), which bears in-plane anisotropic optical and electrical properties, is of considerable interest for its excellent applications in novel devices, such as polarization-sensitive photodetectors and integrated polarization-controllers. However, great challenges to date in the controllable synthesis of high-quality ReSe2 have hindered its in-depth investigations and practical applications. Herein, we report a feasible synthesis of monolayer single-crystal ReSe2 flakes on the Au foil substrate by using a chemical vapor deposition route. Particularly, we focus on the temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy investigations of monolayer ReSe2 grown on Au foils, which present concurrent red shifts of Eg-like and Ag-like modes with increasing measurement temperature from 77-290 K. Linear temperature dependences of both modes are revealed and explained from the anharmonic vibration of the ReSe2 lattice. More importantly, the strong interaction of ReSe2 with Au, with respect to that with SiO2/Si, is further confirmed by temperature-dependent Raman characterization. This work is thus proposed to shed light on the optical and thermal properties of such anisotropic two-dimensional three-atom-thick materials.

[Fat emulsion tolerance in preterm infants of different gestational ages in the early stage after birth].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the fat emulsion tolerance in preterm infants of different gestational ages in the early stage after birth. METHODS: A total of 98 preterm infants were enrolled and divided into extremely preterm infant group (n=17), early preterm infant group (n=48), and moderate-to-late preterm infant group (n=33). According to the dose of fat emulsion, they were further divided into low- and high-dose subgroups. The umbilical cord blood and dried blood filter papers within 3 days after birth were collected. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines. RESULTS: The extremely preterm infant and early preterm infant groups had a significantly lower content of long-chain acylcarnitines in the umbilical cord blood and dried blood filter papers within 3 days after birth than the moderate-to-late preterm infant group (P<0.05), and the content was positively correlated with gestational age (P<0.01). On the second day after birth, the low-dose fat emulsion subgroup had a significantly higher content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines than the high-dose fat emulsion subgroup among the extremely preterm infants (P<0.05). In the early preterm infant and moderate-to-late preterm infant groups, there were no significant differences in the content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines between the low- and high-dose fat emulsion subgroups within 3 days after birth. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with moderate-to-late preterm infants, extremely preterm infants and early preterm infants have a lower capacity to metabolize long-chain fatty acids within 3 days after birth. Early preterm infants and moderate-to-late preterm infants may tolerate high-dose fat emulsion in the early stage after birth, but extremely preterm infants may have an insufficient capacity to metabolize high-dose fat emulsion.

[Meta-analysis of the combination of warfarin and clopidogrel after coronary stenting in patients with indications for chronic oral anticoagulation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of dual antithrombotic regimen of warfarin and clopidogrel in patients who underwent coronary stenting and were with chronic oral anticoagulation. METHODS: Two investigators independently searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane for all reported studies, and yielding 6 articles, published before April 2015, enrolling 4 825 patients, follow-up for at least 12 months. Two investigators independently recorded the data regarding interventions and the occurrence of major bleeding, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction and death. RevMan5.3 was used to do analysis. RESULTS: Patients on dual antithrombotic regimen had insignificant reduction in major bleeding (odds ratio[OR]was 0.73, 95% confidence interval[CI]was from 0.46 to 1.14, and P=0.16) as compared with triple therapy. While the risk of ischemic stroke (OR= 0.78, 95%CI:0.44-1.38, P=0.39), myocardial infarction (OR= 1.19, 95%CI:0.92-1.53, P=0.18) and the overall incidence of death (OR=0.95, 95%CI:0.56-1.60, P=0.84) were also comparable between the two regimens. CONCLUSION: Dual antithrombotic regimen of warfarin and clopidogrel is comparable to the recommended triple therapy in respect to the prevention of thromboembolic outcomes of MI/ death and ischemic stroke, while the risk of bleeding is similar in those patients with indications for chronic oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation.

[Research progress on pharmacotherapy of calcific aortic valve disease].

With the population aging and declining incidence of rheumatic heart disease, calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) has become the most frequent valve disease and the common cause of aortic valve replacement. Patients with CAVD need to cope with a deteriorating quality of life and valve replacement is the only effective clinical option for the patients. Therefore, early pharmacotherapy is of great significance in prevention or slow-down of the progression of CAVD. For years CAVD was considered to be a passive wear and tear process of valves, but now it is recognized as an active and multi-factorial process. Histopathologic studies have revealed that inflammation, disorder of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and dyslipidemia are involved in the process of CAVD. Clinical trials of CAVD pharmacotherapy have been carried out based on those histopathologic studies. Statin, renin-angiotensin inhibitors and anti-osteoporosis drug are well studied in recent years. This article reviews the recent research progress of the pharmacotherapy for CAVD.

Just give the contrast? Appraisal of guidelines on intravenous iodinated contrast media use in patients with kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the quality of guidelines on intravenous iodinated contrast media (ICM) use in patients with kidney disease, and to compare the recommendations among them. METHODS: We searched four literature databases, eight guideline libraries, and ten homepages of radiological societies to identify English and Chinese guidelines on intravenous ICM use in patients with kidney disease published between January 2018 and June 2023. The quality of the guidelines was assessed with the Scientific, Transparent, and Applicable Rankings (STAR) tool. RESULTS: Ten guidelines were included, with a median STAR score of 46.0 (range 28.5-61.5). The guidelines performed well in "Recommendations" domain (31/40, 78%), while poor in "Registry" (0/20, 0%) and "Protocol" domains (0/20, 0%). Nine guidelines recommended estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 as the cutoff for referring patients to discuss the risk-benefit balance of ICM administration. Three guidelines further suggested that patients with an eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and high-risk factors also need referring. Variable recommendations were seen in the acceptable time interval between renal function test and ICM administration, and that between scan and repeated scan. Nine guidelines recommended to use iso-osmolar or low-osmolar ICM, while no consensus has been reached for the dosing of ICM. Nine guidelines supported hydration after ICM use, but their protocols varied. Drugs or blood purification therapy were not recommended as preventative means. CONCLUSION: Guidelines on intravenous ICM use in patients with kidney disease have heterogeneous quality. The scientific societies may consider joint statements on controversial recommendations for variable timing and protocols. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The heterogeneous quality of guidelines, and their controversial recommendations, leave gaps in workflow timing, dosing, and post-administration hydration protocols of contrast-enhanced CT scans for patients with kidney diseases, calling for more evidence to establish a safer and more practicable workflow. KEY POINTS: • Guidelines concerning iodinated contrast media use in kidney disease patients vary. • Controversy remains in workflow timing, contrast dosing, and post-administration hydration protocols. • Investigations are encouraged to establish a safer iodinated contrast media use workflow.

Rewritable printing of ionic liquid nanofilm utilizing focused ion beam induced film wetting.

Manipulating liquid flow over open solid substrate at nanoscale is important for printing, sensing, and energy devices. The predominant methods of liquid maneuvering usually involve complicated surface fabrications, while recent attempts employing external stimuli face difficulties in attaining nanoscale flow control. Here we report a largely unexplored ion beam induced film wetting (IBFW) technology for open surface nanofluidics. Local electrostatic forces, which are generated by the unique charging effect of Helium focused ion beam (HFIB), induce precursor film of ionic liquid and the disjoining pressure propels and stabilizes the nanofilm with desired patterns. The IBFW technique eliminates the complicated surface fabrication procedures to achieve nanoscale flow in a controllable and rewritable manner. By combining with electrochemical deposition, various solid materials with desired patterns can be produced.

Molecular cloning of a novel bioH gene from an environmental metagenome encoding a carboxylesterase with exceptional tolerance to organic solvents.

BACKGROUND: BioH is one of the key enzymes to produce the precursor pimeloyl-ACP to initiate biotin biosynthesis de novo in bacteria. To date, very few bioH genes have been characterized. In this study, we cloned and identified a novel bioH gene, bioHx, from an environmental metagenome by a functional metagenomic approach. The bioHx gene, encoding an enzyme that is capable of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 using the pET expression system. The biochemical property of the purified BioHx protein was also investigated. RESULTS: Screening of an unamplified metagenomic library with a tributyrin-containing medium led to the isolation of a clone exhibiting lipolytic activity. This clone carried a 4,570-bp DNA fragment encoding for six genes, designated bioF, bioHx, fabG, bioC, orf5 and sdh, four of which were implicated in the de novo biotin biosynthesis. The bioHx gene encodes a protein of 259 aa with a calculated molecular mass of 28.60 kDa, displaying 24-39% amino acid sequence identity to a few characterized bacterial BioH enzymes. It contains a pentapeptide motif (Gly76-Trp77-Ser78-Met79-Gly80) and a catalytic triad (Ser78-His230-Asp202), both of which are characteristic for lipolytic enzymes. BioHx was expressed as a recombinant protein and characterized. The purified BioHx protein displayed carboxylesterase activity, and it was most active on p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids substrate with a short acyl chain (C4). Comparing BioHx with other known BioH proteins revealed interesting diversity in their sensitivity to ionic and nonionic detergents and organic solvents, and BioHx exhibited exceptional resistance to organic solvents, being the most tolerant one amongst all known BioH enzymes. This ascribed BioHx as a novel carboxylesterase with a strong potential in industrial applications. CONCLUSIONS: This study constituted the first investigation of a novel bioHx gene in a biotin biosynthetic gene cluster cloned from an environmental metagenome. The bioHx gene was successfully cloned, expressed and characterized. The results demonstrated that BioHx is a novel carboxylesterase, displaying distinct biochemical properties with strong application potential in industry. Our results also provided the evidence for the effectiveness of functional metagenomic approach for identifying novel bioH genes from complex ecosystem.

[Association of chemokines and their receptors genes polymorphisms with risk of myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of variations in chemokines (CCL5, CCL2), chemokine receptor (CCR5 and CCR2) genes with susceptibility to myocardial infarction (MI) through a case-control study. METHODS: Genotypes of patients with MI (n = 634) were compared with those of controls (n = 601). Genetic polymorphisms of CCL5 rs2107538 (-403G > A), CCL2 rs1024611 (-2518A > G), CCR5 rs333 ( δ 32 ins or del) and CCR2 rs1799864 (190G > A) of 1235 individuals were determined with polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Particular genotypes were confirmed with DNA sequencing. RESULTS: No subject was found to carry the CCR5 - δ 32 allele. No association was found between CCL2 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 polymorphisms and MI. For CCL5 rs2107538 polymorphism, the A allele has occurred at a higher frequency in MI patients than controls, and its AA genotype has been associated with a significantly increased risk of MI independent of conventional risk factors (OR = 3.346, 95%CI = 1.938-5.775, P < 0.01, AA vs. GG). Further analysis indicated that MI patients had significantly more A-403 - A-2518 haplotype (CCL5 -403G > A and CCL2 -2518A > G, 21.8% vs. 26.6%, OR = 1.229, 95%CI = 1.012-1.493, P = 0.038) and AA or AA genotype (CCL5 -403G > A - CCL2 -2518A > G, 5.0% vs. 12.1%, OR = 3.245, 95%CI = 1.780-5.914, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although our data dose not support an association between CCL2 rs1024611, CCR2 rs1799864 and CCR5 rs333 polymorphisms and MI, genetic variation in CCL5 gene may still be a useful marker for assessing susceptibility to MI in ethnic Han Chinese population.

Gene knockout of glutathione reductase results in increased sensitivity to heavy metals in Acidithiobacillus caldus.

Acidithiobacillus caldus plays an important role in bioleaching of low-grade metal ore. It can promote the release of heavy metals in mining-associated habitats and survive in high concentrations of heavy metals. Functions of glutathione reductase (GR) in cell defense against reactive oxygen species caused by heavy metals have been elucidated in some eukaryotic cells and bacteria; however, no information is available in A. caldus. In this research, the methods of bioinformatics, gene expression, GR activity assays were used to detect and characterize the glutathione reductase gene from the A. caldus MTH-04 strain. Then, A. caldus gr knockout mutant and gr overexpression strain were constructed, and the heavy metal tolerant properties and transcriptional levels of ROS related genes of them were compared to study the function of GR. The results showed that, a putative gr gene F0726_RS04210 was detected in the genome of A. caldus MTH-04. The purified recombinant protein of F0726_RS04210 showed remarkable GR activity at optimal pH 7.0 and 30°C using in vitro assay. The evolutionary relationship of GR from A. caldus MTH-04 was close to that from Escherichia coli K12. Gene knockout or overexpression of gr in A. caldus did not affect the growth rate on S0 medium, suggesting that GR did not play a key role in the activation of sulfur. Deletion of gr resulted in increased sensitivity to heavy metals (Cu2+ and Zn2+) in A. caldus, and the gr overexpression strain showed enhanced tolerance to heavy metals. Furthermore, transcription analysis also revealed strong correlations between GR and the antioxidant pathway. The above results suggest that GR can play an important role in heavy metal tolerance in A. caldus.

Nicotine degradation enhancement by Pseudomonas stutzeri ZCJ during aging process of tobacco leaves.

Nicotine is a key harmful component of tobacco and cigarettes, and the development of low-nicotine cigarettes is of increasing importance in the market. The objectives of this study are to isolate native nicotine-degrading strains and evaluate their feasibility for nicotine reduction during the aging (or fermentation) of tobacco leaves. A novel nicotine-degrading strain was isolated and identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri ZCJ based on its 16S rDNA sequence and morphological-biochemical characteristics. In submerged cultures, P. stutzeri ZCJ could tolerate 4.5 g/L nicotine and completely degrade 1.5 g/L nicotine within 24 h at 37°C and pH 7.4. The addition of glucose (1 g/L) could improve nicotine degradation by P. stutzeri ZCJ in submerged cultures. After submerged culturing, the cell suspension of P. stutzeri ZCJ could be utilized to improve nicotine reduction in tobacco leaves during solid-state fermentation. The nicotine content of tobacco leaves decreased by as much as 32.24% after 7 days of solid-state fermentation by P. stutzeri ZCJ, suggesting the industrial application potential of the native strain to enhance nicotine degradation during the aging of tobacco leaves.

Effect of Atropine Eye Drops Combined with VR-Based Binocular Visual Function Balance Training for Prevention and Control of Juvenile Myopia.

Purpose: This study mainly analyzes the efficacy of 0.01% atropine eye drops (low-dose atropine (LDA)) combined with virtual reality (VR)-based binocular visual function (BVF) balance training in the prevention and control of juvenile myopia. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six juvenile myopia patients admitted between November 2018 to November 2021 were selected, including 76 cases (research group) receiving LDA + VR-based BVF balance training and 60 cases (control group) treated by LDA intervention alone. Visual acuity (VA; naked vision), ocular parameters (pupil diameter (PD), axial length (AXL), and diopter), intraocular pressure (IOP), accommodation facility, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions were observed, compared, and analyzed in both groups. Results: After analysis, it was found that the research group showed significantly higher naked vision and PD while statistically lower D after intervention than the corresponding preinterventional parameters than the control group. While AXL showed no statistical difference between the groups and within groups. The IOP also differed insignificantly between groups, but the post-treatment accommodation facility was better in the research group compared with the baseline (before treatment) and control group. In terms of curative effects, an obviously higher total effective rate was determined in the research group. In addition, the two groups showed no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions. Conclusions: LDA + VR-based BVF balance training deserves clinical popularization, as it can prevent and control myopia among teenagers, with better adjusting effects on eye function and certain safety.

Enzymatic Preparation of Gentiooligosaccharides by a Thermophilic and Thermostable ß-Glucosidase at a High Substrate Concentration.

Gentiooligosaccharides (GnOS) are a kind of oligosaccharide formed by glucose with ß-1-6 glycosidic bonds, which has become a new type of functional oligosaccharide for its unique refreshing bitter taste and valuable probiotic effects. However, the research on the enzymatic preparation of GnOS is not thorough enough. In this study, a GH1 thermophilic ß-glucosidase from Thermotoga sp. KOL6 was used as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of GnOS. TsBgl1 exhibited excellent thermophilic and thermostable properties by possessing a melting temperature of 101.5 °C and reacting at 80-90 °C efficiently. Its half-life at 90 °C was approximately 5 h, suggesting its high heat resistance as well. TsBgl1 also showed excellent glucose tolerance with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 1720 mM and was stimulated in the presence of 0-900 mM glucose. TsBgl1 showed the highest hydrolytic activity on laminaribiose (Glc-ß-1,3-Glc), but mainly synthetized gentiobiose (Glc-ß-1,6-Glc) during transglycosylation. By optimizing the reaction conditions and substrate concentration, the highest yield of GnOS synthesized by TsBgl1 reached 144.3 g·L-1 when 1000 g·L-1 glucose was used as a substrate, which was higher than the highest yield ever reported. The thermophilic and thermostable properties of TsBgl1 were considered to be significant advantages in the industrial production of GnOS, where long periods of high-temperature reactions are required. This study was expected to provide an excellent candidate enzyme for industrial production of GnOS and also provide a reference for studying the transglycosylation of GH1 ß-glucosidases.