Inhibitory effects of glutathione peroxidase on microbial spoilage of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) during refrigerated storage.

The variety of enzyme-based biological preservatives is limited. This study evaluated the effects of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) on the quality of crayfish during refrigerated storage by measuring the pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, and microbial contamination in crayfish muscle simulation system. The results revealed that 0.3% GSH-Px (CK3) not only suppressed the degradation of nitrogenous substances but also decreased the contamination levels of total viable, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas counts (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the populations of Lactococcus, Aeromonas, and Massilia differed in the CK3 group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05) at the end of the storage (day 15). Moreover, the principal coordinate analysis showed that the colony composition of CK3 stored for 15 days was similar to that of the control group stored for 10 days. Therefore, GSH-Px exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and has good application potential in freshwater aquatic product preservation.

FPR1 Antagonist (BOC-MLF) Inhibits Amniotic Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition.

OBJECTIVE: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common pregnancy disorder that is closely associated with structural weakening of fetal membranes. Studies have found that formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) activates inflammatory pathways and amniotic epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT), stimulates collagen degradation, and leads to membrane weakening and membrane rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and EMT inhibitory effects of FPR1 antagonist (BOC-MLF) to provide a basis for clinical prevention of PROM. METHODS: The relationship between PROM, FPR1, and EMT was analyzed in human fetal membrane tissue and plasma samples using Western blotting, PCR, Masson staining, and ELISA assays. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish a fetal membrane inflammation model in pregnant rats, and BOC-MLF was used to treat the LPS rat model. We detected interleukin (IL)-6 in blood from the rat hearts to determine whether the inflammatory model was successful and whether the anti-inflammatory treatment was effective. We used electron microscopy to analyze the structure and collagen expression of rat fetal membrane. RESULTS: Western blotting, PCR and Masson staining indicated that the expression of FPR1 was significantly increased, the expression of collagen was decreased, and EMT appeared in PROM. The rat model indicated that LPS caused the collapse of fetal membrane epithelial cells, increased intercellular gaps, and decreased collagen. BOC-MLF promoted an increase in fetal membrane collagen, inhibited EMT, and reduced the weakening of fetal membranes. CONCLUSION: The expression of FPR1 in the fetal membrane of PROM was significantly increased, and EMT of the amniotic membrane was obvious. BOC-MLF can treat inflammation and inhibit amniotic EMT.

Incidence, risk factors and maternal outcomes of unsuspected placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To identify incidence and underlying risk factors for unsuspected placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and compare the maternal outcomes between suspected and unsuspected cases in three large academic referral centers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in three university-based tertiary referral centers from Jan 1st, 2013, to Dec 31st, 2022. All cases of PAS confirmed by pathology were included in the study. Unsuspected PAS cases were diagnosed at the time of delivery, while suspected cases served as the control group. Potential risk factors were compared between the two groups. Multivariable regression model was also performed to identify risk factors. Maternal outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 339 pathology-confirmed PAS cases were included in the study out of 415,470 deliveries, of which 35.4% (n = 120) were unsuspected cases. Unsuspected PAS cases were 7.9 times more likely to have a history of intrauterine adhesions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35-26.81), 7.0 times more likely to have a history of clinically confirmed PAS (aOR, 6.99; 95% CI 2.85-17.18), 6.3 times more likely to have a posterior placenta (aOR, 6.30; 95% CI 3.48-11.40), and 3.4 times more likely to have a history of placenta previa (aOR, 3.41; 95% CI 1.18-9.82). On the other hand, cases with gravidity > 3, placenta previa, and/or a history of previous cesarean delivery were more likely to be diagnosed antenatally (aOR 0.40, 0.19, 0.36; 95% CI 0.22-0.74, 0.09-0.40, 0.19-0.70). Although the suspected PAS group had a higher proportion of invasive cases and abdominal and pelvic organ injuries (74.4% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001; 6.8% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.037), the maternal outcomes were more favorable in the sPAS group, with a lower median volume of 24-hour blood loss and blood product transfusion (estimated blood loss in 24 h, 1000 [800-2000] vs. 2000 [1400-2400], p < 0.001; RBC unit transfusion, 0 [0-800] vs. 800 [600-1000], p < 0.001; fresh-frozen plasma transfusion, 0 [0-450] vs. 600 [400-800], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that 35% of patients with PAS were unsuspected prior to delivery. Factors associated with PAS being unsuspected prior to delivery include a history of intrauterine adhesions, a history of clinically confirmed PAS, a posterior placenta, and a history of placenta previa. Additionally, gravidity > 3, a history of previous cesarean delivery, and placenta previa increase the likelihood of antenatal diagnosis.

Cryoprotective Effects of Carrageenan Oligosaccharides on Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) during Superchilling.

Cryoprotectants are widely used to protect muscle tissue from ice crystal damage during the aquatic products freezing process, but traditional phosphate cryoprotectants may cause an imbalance in the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for the human body. This study evaluated the effects of carrageenan oligosaccharides (CRGO) on quality deterioration and protein hydrolysis of crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) during superchilling. The physical-chemical analyses showed that CRGO treatments could significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit the increase of pH values, TVB-N, total viable counts, and thawing loss, and improve the water holding capacity and the proportion of immobilized water, which indicated that CRGO treatment effectively delayed the quality deterioration of crayfish. The myofibrillar protein structural results demonstrated that the increase of the disulfide bond, carbonyl content, S0-ANS, and the decrease of total sulfhydryl content were suppressed significantly (p < 0.05) in CRGO treatment groups. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE results showed that the band intensity of myosin heavy chain and actin in CRGO treatment groups were stronger than in the control. Overall, the application of CRGO to crayfish might maintain better quality and stable protein structure during the superchilling process, and CRGO has the potential to replace phosphate as a novel cryoprotectant for aquatic products.

Use of rhPTH(1-84) for hypoparathyroidism during early pregnancy and lactation.

Summary: We present the first report of use of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-84) (rhPTH(1-84)) in a hypoparathyroid patient during early pregnancy and lactation. The patient developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism as a 28-year-old woman following total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. She was not well controlled with conventional therapy, and started rhPTH(1-84) in 2015 following its approval in the United States. She became pregnant in 2018 at age 40. She discontinued rhPTH(1-84) therapy at 5 weeks gestation but resumed in the postpartum period while breastfeeding. Her daughter's serum calcium was borderline elevated at 8 days postpartum but within the normal range at 8 weeks postpartum. The patient stopped nursing at around 6 months postpartum. Her daughter is now at 4 years and 5 months of age and is healthy and meeting developmental milestones. She was again pregnant at 8 months postpartum from her first pregnancy, and she made an informed decision to continue parathyroid hormone. At 15 weeks gestation, rhPTH(1-84) was recalled in the United States due to issues with the delivery device, and she discontinued rhPTH(1-84) treatment and resumed calcium and calcitriol supplements. She gave birth to a baby boy at 39 weeks in January 2020. At 3 years and 2 months of age, he is overall healthy. Further data are needed regarding the safety of rhPTH(1-84) in pregnancy and lactation. Learning points: rhPTH(1-84) is approved for therapy of patients with hypoparathyroidism; however, there are no data regarding the safety of treatment during nursing and pregnancy. There are multiple alterations in mineral metabolism during normal pregnancy and lactation.

Comprehensive Update and Review of Clinical and Imaging Features of SMART Syndrome.

Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a delayed complication of cranial irradiation, with subacute onset of stroke-like symptoms including seizures, visual disturbance, speech impairment, unilateral hemianopsia, facial droop, and aphasia, often associated with migraine-type headache. The diagnostic criteria were initially proposed in 2006. However, the diagnosis of SMART syndrome is challenging because clinical symptoms and imaging features of SMART syndrome are indeterminate and overlap with tumor recurrence and other neurologic diseases, which may result in inappropriate clinical management and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. Recently, various imaging features and treatment recommendations for SMART syndrome have been reported. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with updates on clinical and imaging features of this delayed radiation complication because recognition of this entity can facilitate proper clinical work-up and management. This review provides current updates and a comprehensive overview of the clinical and imaging features of SMART syndrome.

Combined Application of Exosomes and FPR2 Agonist LXA4 in Controlling Fetal Membrane Inflammation and Promoting Fetal Membrane Tissue Repair.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) is a common pregnancy disease closely related to inflammation. The formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family involved in defense responses, inflammation, and disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, is associated with pregnancy diseases. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) can activate FPR2 and inhibit the inflammatory signals. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells are good materials for anti-inflammatory and tissue repair. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and tissue repair effects of the combined application of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and FPR2 agonist LXA4. In this study, LPS was used to establish the inflammation model of pregnant mice and HTR8 cells, and LXA4 and exosome treatment were carried out to observe the fetal membranes' tissue repair. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy of fetal membrane tissue indicated that the structure of pPROM tissue was disordered, and the cell gap was significantly increased. The results of the inflammatory mice model suggested that LPS can cause damage to the fetal membrane structure. LXA4 combined with exosome treatment can inhibit the production of MMP2 and MMP9, and promote neovascularization by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/Nuclear factor kB p65 (NFkB) pathway in the inflammation model of HTR8 cells and pregnant mice, thus helping to control inflammation and tissue repair.

Pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection: Two cases report.

RATIONALE: This study aims to investigate the characteristics of pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection (AD), diagnosis and treatment plan, and maternal and infant outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two pregnant women suffered persistent back pain were admitted to Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 2019 to December 2020. DIAGNOSIS: Pregnant women with chest and back pain and especially hypertension should be highly suspected of AD. However, to confirm diagnosis results, laboratory tests such as D-dimer, fibrinogen and white blood cells, and even some Special examination, cardiac ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are required. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve maternal and infant outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: Cesarean sections were performed in both patients. Case 1 underwent thoracic aortic stent implantation one day after the onset of AD symptoms. Case 2 received endovascular repair of AD 4 days after the onset of AD symptoms. OUTCOMES: In these two cases, good maternal and infant outcomes were obtained through effective early identification and treatment. LESSONS: AD is characterized with an acute onset, and the rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are high, which seriously endangers the life of mother and child. Hypertension is one of the high-risk factors causing AD. Good maternal and infant outcomes can be achieved by early identification, multidisciplinary collaboration and timely cardiac surgical intervention.

Differentiation of Skull Base Chondrosarcomas, Chordomas, and Metastases: Utility of DWI and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion MR Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differentiation of skull base tumors, including chondrosarcomas, chordomas, and metastases, on conventional imaging remains a challenge. We aimed to test the utility of DWI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for skull base tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with chondrosarcomas, chordomas, or metastases between January 2015 and October 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Pretreatment normalized mean ADC and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis H test for all tumor types and the Mann-Whitney U test for each pair of tumors were used. RESULTS: Fifteen chondrosarcomas (9 men; median age, 62 years), 14 chordomas (6 men; median age, 47 years), and 30 metastases (11 men; median age, 61 years) were included in this study. Fractional plasma volume helped distinguish all 3 tumor types (P = .003, <.001, and <.001, respectively), whereas the normalized mean ADC was useful in distinguishing chondrosarcomas from chordomas and metastases (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively); fractional volume of extracellular space, in distinguishing chondrosarcomas from metastases (P = .02); and forward volume transfer constant, in distinguishing metastases from chondrosarcomas/chondroma (P = .002 and .002, respectively) using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The diagnostic performances of fractional plasma volume for each pair of tumors showed areas under curve of 0.86-0.99 (95% CI, 0.70-1.0); the forward volume transfer constant differentiated metastases from chondrosarcomas/chordomas with areas under curve of 0.82 and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.67-0.98), respectively; and the normalized mean ADC distinguished chondrosarcomas from chordomas/metastases with areas under curve of 0.96 and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88-1.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DWI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging sequences can be beneficial for differentiating the 3 common skull base tumors.

Evaluation of protein degradation and flavor compounds during the processing of Xuan'en ham.

Protein degradation occurs during the processing of dry-cured ham, which has important influences on the flavor and quality of products. The aim of this work was to study the degradation kinetics of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and sarcoplasmic proteins (SPs) extracted from the biceps femoris muscle during the processing of Xuan'en ham. A relationship between protein degradation and the flavor formation was found. During the processing of Xuan'en ham, MPs and SPs were mainly degraded in the salting stage and incipient fermentation. Accompanied by protein degradation, the content of carbonyl group in SPs increased gradually, but in MPs, it first increased and then decreased. Interconversion between sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds was investigated during this processing. Oxidation, degradation, and thermal effects significantly affected the surface hydrophobicity of proteins. More than one hundred volatile compounds have been identified at each stage of ham preparation. Among them, organic acids were the predominant group, followed by hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and esters.

Prognostic Factors of Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy (SMART) Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prognostic factors of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome have not been fully explored. This study aimed to assess clinical and imaging features to predict the clinical outcome of SMART syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical manifestations and imaging findings of 20 patients with SMART syndrome (median age, 48 years; 5 women) from January 2016 to January 2020 at 4 medical centers. Patient demographics and MR imaging features at the time of diagnosis were reviewed. This cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the degree of clinical improvement (completely versus incompletely recovered). The numeric and categoric variables were compared as appropriate. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the completely recovered group (n = 11; median age, 44 years; 2 women) and the incompletely recovered group (n = 9; median age, 55 years; 3 women) in age, months of follow-up, and the presence of steroid treatment at diagnosis (P = .028, .002, and .01, respectively). Regarding MR imaging features, there were statistically significant differences in the presence of linear subcortical WM susceptibility abnormality, restricted diffusion, and subcortical WM edematous changes in the acute SMART region (3/11 versus 8/9, P = .01; 0/11 versus 4/9, P = .026; and 2/11 versus 7/9, P = .022, respectively). Follow-up MRIs showed persistent susceptibility abnormality (11/11) and subcortical WM edematous changes (9/9), with resolution of restricted diffusion (4/4). CONCLUSIONS: Age, use of steroid treatment at the diagnosis of SMART syndrome, and MR imaging findings of abnormal susceptibility signal, restricted diffusion, and subcortical WM change in the acute SMART region can be prognostic factors in SMART syndrome.

Effects of repeated freezing and thawing on myofibrillar protein and quality characteristics of marinated Enshi black pork.

Repeated freeze-thaw is one of the main reasons for quality deterioration of frozen meat products. The study focused on the changes of endogenous fluorescence, secondary structure, microstructure, and water retention and distribution in marinated and unmarinated Enshi black pork after 10 freeze-thaw cycles. The results revealed that marinated treatment significantly reduced the thaw and centrifugal loss (P < 0.05), and increased endogenous fluorescence intensity of samples. During the entire freeze-thaw process, free water was undetectable in marinated group. After the first 4 cycles, α-helix percentage in marinated group was higher than that in control group. Scanning electron microscopy results suggested that there was no obvious increase in muscle fiber gap until 8 cycles in marinated group. Conclusively, moderate marination could slow down the deterioration of myofibrillar protein and pork quality, but it would be better to limit freeze-thaw cycles within 4 to maintain the quality of marinated Enshi black pork.

SH3BP2-related fibro-osseous disorders of the maxilla and mandible: A systematic review.

Cherubism is a disorder of bony overgrowth of the jaws that manifests in childhood. SH3BP2 gene variants have been associated with cherubism; this gene plays a major role in bone homeostasis. Due to its rare occurrence, there is as yet no comprehensive understanding of the natural history and clinical course of the disease. The aim of this review was to compile and analyze all cases of SH3BP2-related cherubism and cherubism-like disorders. Thirty publications were identified, including 92 individuals from 34 families, who were diagnosed with SH3BP2-related fibro-osseous lesions of the jaw. Only 15% of cases included in this review had no known family history of the disease. The distribution of cherubism was equal with respect to biological sex. Missing teeth were reported in 38% of cases. Lesions were restricted to the mandible in 36% of cases and involved both the maxilla and mandible in 54% of cases. The clinical phenotypes reported in the articles analyzed varied greatly in detail, making comparisons between studies and conclusive analysis difficult. Further work is necessary to describe the connection between SH3BP2 gene variants and cherubism in order to advance its diagnosis and treatment.

Nitrite, biogenic amines and volatile N-nitrosamines in commercial Chinese traditional fermented fish products.

To examine the safety of Chinese traditional fermented fish products (CTFPs) available on the Chinese market, nitrite, nitrate, biogenic amines (BAs) and volatile N-nitrosamines (VNAs) content in 33 commercial CTFPs from different provinces was investigated. The mean content of nitrite and nitrate wase 0.63 and 749.5 mg/kg, respectively. Concerning the occurrence of BAs, the accumulation in all CTFPs samples remained at low levels, whereas only in one sample from Guangxi the histamine content exceeded the critical level (50 mg/kg). In addition, six types of VNAs, including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosoethylmethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosomorpholine and N-nitrosodiphenylamine, were detected in a high number of samples. The NDMA content in 36.4% of the samples and the total VNAs content in about 63.6% of the samples were unacceptable. Principal component analysis indicated that the accumulation of NDMA and total VNAs was closely related with the content of histamine, tyramine and nitrate.

Study on the water state, migration, and microstructure modification during the process of salt-reduced stewed duck.

High salt content is one of the major problems for stewed products. To help address this issue, the effect of salt reduction on water migration in stewed ducks was investigated through diverse approaches, including water activity (Aw) and water-holding capacity (WHC) assay, as well as low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Our results showed that Aw value remained stable, while centrifugal loss decreased, and cooking loss increased significantly (p < 0.05). The analysis of NMR indicated that, during the marinating stage, the proportion of immobilized water increased from 86.86%-89.66% (sodium chloride group) and 90.51% (salt-reduced group), respectively. After 2 h, the free water content became 0, and then became stable until the end of marinating. In the stewing stage, at the beginning 20 min, relaxation time of immobilized water decreased to about 35 ms and the ratio of immobilized water significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by 5.38% (sodium chloride group) and 5.95% (salt-reduced group), respectively. Free water peak was detected upon stewing of 10 min, and 20 min later, there was no significant difference in the proportion of free water (p > 0.05). In general, no significance was observed in water behavior and microstructure of stewed duck meat between the salt reduction group and sodium chloride group. In addition, SEM analysis revealed that marinating could expand the muscle fiber gap to accommodate more immobilized water. However, the fiber was looser at the initial stage of stewing and then became more compact. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work demonstrates potentially feasible to produce salt-reduced duck products.

Diagnostic Role of Diffusion-Weighted and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion MR Imaging in Paragangliomas and Schwannomas in the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Distinguishing schwannomas from paragangliomas in the head and neck and determining succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutation status in paragangliomas are clinically important. We aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of DWI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in differentiating these 2 types of tumors, as well as the SDH mutation status of paragangliomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study from June 2016 to June 2020 included 42 patients with 15 schwannomas and 27 paragangliomas (10 SDH mutation-positive and 17 SDH mutation-negative). ADC values, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters, and tumor imaging characteristics were compared between the 2 tumors and between the mutation statuses of paragangliomas as appropriate. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant differences in these parameters. RESULTS: Fractional plasma volume (P ≤ .001), rate transfer constant (P = .038), time-to-maximum enhancement (P < .001), maximum signal-enhancement ratio (P < .001) and maximum concentration of contrast agent (P < .001), velocity of enhancement (P = .002), and tumor characteristics including the presence of flow voids (P = .001) and enhancement patterns (P = .027) showed significant differences between schwannomas and paragangliomas, though there was no significant difference in ADC values. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, fractional plasma volume was identified as the most significant value for differentiation of the 2 tumor types (P = .014). ADC values were significantly higher in nonhereditary than in hereditary paragangliomas, while there was no difference in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters show promise in differentiating head and neck schwannomas and paragangliomas, while DWI can be useful in detecting SDH mutation status in paragangliomas.

Effect of the wheat starch/wheat protein ratio in a batter on fat absorption and quality attributes of fried battered and breaded fish nuggets.

Battered and breaded fish nuggets (BBFNs) were prepared by treating fish with a batter composed of wheat starch (WS) and wheat protein (WP) blends (at the ratios of 15:1, 13:1, 11:1, 9:1, and 7:1, w/w), frying at 170 °C (40 s) followed by 190 °C (30 s). Fried BBFNs were evaluated for moisture and fat contents, color, shrinkage, acrylamide content, and fat distribution. Results showed that moisture content and brightness (L* value from colorimetry) increased with a decrease of WS/WP ratio to 11:1 w/w, then decreased as WS/WP ratio further decreased, while fat content, fat distribution level, and shrinkage of fried BBFNs presented opposite results. However, there was a slight influence of WS/WP ratio on yellowness (b* value), redness (a* value), and acrylamide content of fried BBFNs. Among WS/WP ratios, fried BBFNs with 11:1 w/w have the highest moisture content (16.43%) and the lowest fat content (23.39%), fat distribution level, shrinkage (10.72%), and acrylamide content (57 mg/kg), while a crust with golden-yellow color was observed. This study demonstrates that moisture evaporation and fat absorption were significantly influenced by WS/WP ratio in the batter (P < 0.05), with the most effective results in quality attributes improvement of fried BBFNs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study clearly showed that the fat content and quality attributes of fried BBFNs were significantly affected by WS/WP ratio in the batter (P < 0.05). The inhibition of fat absorption and improvement of shrinkage and color in fried BBFNs was the most effective for a 11:1 w/w WS/WP ratio.

Clinical analysis of pregnant women with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The aim is to evaluate pregnant women infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and provide help for clinical prevention and treatment. All five cases of pregnant women confirmed COVID-19 were collected among patients who admitted to the Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province between January 20 and February 10, 2020. All patients, aging from 25 to 31 years old, had the gestational week from 38th weeks to 41st weeks. All pregnant women did not have an antepartum fever but developed a low-grade fever (37.5℃-38.5℃) within 24 hours after delivery. All patients had normal liver and renal function, two patients had elevated plasma levels of the myocardial enzyme. Unusual chest imaging manifestations, featured with ground-grass opacity, were frequently observed in bilateral (three cases) or unilateral lobe (two cases) by computed tomography (CT) scan. All labors smoothly processed, the Apgar scores were 10 points 1 and 5 minutes after delivery, no complications were observed in the newborn. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of patients with COVID-19 should receive more attention. It is probable that pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 have no fever before delivery. Their primary initial manifestations were merely low-grade postpartum fever or mild respiratory symptoms. Therefore, the protective measures are necessary on admission; the instant CT scan and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction assay should be helpful in early diagnosis and avoid cross-infection on the occasion that patients have fever and other respiratory signs.

Effects of inoculating autochthonous starter cultures on N-nitrosodimethylamine and its precursors formation during fermentation of Chinese traditional fermented fish.

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2018 and Staphylococcus xylosus 135 inoculation on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and its precursors formation, and on microbiological characteristics of Chinese traditional fermented fish products (CTFPs). The results indicated that three strains could directly degrade NDMA in culture broth, and the highest degradation rate was observed in L. plantarum 120. The lactic acid bacteria counts in samples inoculated with L. plantarum 120 and mixed starter cultures were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the others during the initial and middle fermentation stages (≤3 weeks). The final contents of total volatile base nitrogen, trimethylamine, dimethylamine, nitrite and NDMA in inoculated samples were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in spontaneous fermentation samples. According to these results, the inoculation with autochthonous starter cultures was a promising method to inhibit the NDMA and its precursors accumulation in CTFPs during fermentation process.

Multi-stage countercurrent process for extracting protein from Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba).

To systematically study multi-stage countercurrent process for Antarctic krill protein extracting and to optimize the multi-stage countercurrent technology, the solubility of Antarctic krill proteins after multi-step dissolution was explored firstly; multi-step extraction was investigated; and then multi-stage countercurrent system for protein extraction was carried out. In single step extraction, krill-to-water ratio and pH were chosen as 1:10 and 12.5 respectively, in order to extract more protein. In the multi-step dissolution process, the protein solubility of aqueous solution at pH 12.5 was 33.0 ± 0.8 mg/mL. Multi-step cross-flow processing testified the feasibility of multi-stage countercurrent assumption. Three-stage countercurrent method using krill-to-water ratio 1:10 extracted, 95.1 ± 0.6% protein from krill, where almost the same water as previous works. The total recovery yield of 67.9 ± 1.6% was achieved after precipitation at pH 4.5.