Distribution of microplastics and phthalic acid esters during dry anaerobic digestion of food waste and potential microbial degradation analysis.

Food waste (FW) and its biogas residue were considered as sources of terrestrial microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) contamination. However, there was a lack of research and understanding of the MPs and PAEs pollution problem in FW dry anaerobic digestion process (DADP). The MPs and PAEs in three stages of the DADP with the largest monomer disposal scale in China were identified. At the biogas residue extrusion stage, MPs abundance and PAEs concentration reached the highest values, which were 3.63 ±â€¯0.45 × 103N·kg-1 and 3.62 ±â€¯0.72 mg·kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between MPs and PAEs throughout the process (p < 0.05). Although bacteria and fungi with plastic degradation potential were present in all stages, the contamination problem of MPs and PAEs cannot be completely solved through DADP. This study provides a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the pollution of MPs and PAEs.

Job satisfaction and turnover of the first group of rural-oriented tuition-waived medical students in Guangxi, China: a mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, China launched a rural-oriented tuition-waived medical education (RTME) programme to train more general practitioners (GPs) to meet the needs of the rural health workforce. Motivating and maintaining GPs is an important consideration for the shortage in the rural health workforce. This study aimed to investigate job satisfaction and turnover among the first group of rural-oriented tuition-waived medical students (RTMSs) who had completed a three-year compulsory service in Guangxi, as well as the factors affecting RTMSs turnover. METHODS: This study adopted a mixed-method approach. A quantitative survey of 129 RTMSs was analysed (81.6% response rate), and qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 stakeholders, including 18 RTMSs, six administrators of the County Health Bureau, and six administrators of township health centers (THCs). A t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS: Among the 129 participants, the turnover rate was high, with 103 RTMSs reporting turnover (79.84%). Interpersonal relationships scored the highest in job satisfaction (3.63 ± 0.64) among RTMSs, while working conditions were rated the lowest (2.61 ± 0.85). Marital status (odds ratio [OR] = 0.236, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.059-0.953, P = 0.043), only child status (OR = 8.660, 95%CI = 1.714-43.762, P = 0.009), and job return satisfaction (OR = 0.290, 95%CI = 0.090-0.942, P = 0.039) were significantly associated with turnover. Univariate analyses showed that income had a significant influence on turnover, but the relationship gone by multivariable; however it was deemed important in the qualitative study. Qualitative analysis revealed that turnover was influenced by the working atmosphere, effort-reward imbalance, professional competence, and opportunities for training and promotion. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights for the policymakers about the priority areas for retaining GPs in rural locations and provides reference values for the retention of GPs in other regions with a shortage of rural health workers. For RTMSs to continue providing services to rural areas, the government should improve their salaries, balance their income and workload, provide more opportunities for training and career promotion, and managers should recognise their efforts and create an optimistic working atmosphere.

Screening of optimal cleaning methods to reduce microplastic residues on strawberry surfaces: Characterization of microplastics in strawberry wash water.

Microplastics are widespread in facility strawberry greenhouses and can be deposited on the surface of strawberries through air currents. Investigating effective cleaning methods represents a viable strategy to reduce human ingestion of MPs. Therefore, different cleaning methods were compared: ultrasonic cleaning for 30 min, deionized water rinsing once, deionized water immersion for 30 min, and fruit immersion in washing salt for 30 min. The MPs in strawberry washing water were analyzed and compared using laser direct infrared imaging to investigate their characteristics and the optimal reduction of MPs on the surface of strawberries. The quality of the cleaning results was in the following order: water immersion > washing salt immersion > water rinsing > ultrasound. Water immersion was 1.3-2 times more effective in removing microplastics than other treatments. Furthermore, 21 polymer types were detected in the samples. Most MPs were less than 50 µm in size. The main polymers in this size range were polyamide, chlorinated polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, and they mainly existed as fragments, fibers, and beads. This study provides a valuable reference for reducing human intake of microplastics through fresh fruits and vegetables.

Enhanced detection of 4-nitrophenol in drinking water: ECL sensor utilizing velvet-like graphitic carbon nitride and molecular imprinting.

In this work, a molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed for selective detection of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in drinking water for the first time. By synthesizing velvet-like graphitic carbon nitride (V-g-C3N4) via one-step thermal polycondensation and integrating it with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), the ECL sensor was fabricated. The MIP-modified V-g-C3N4 composites (MIP/V-g-C3N4) were synthesized using a sol-gel method with 4-NP as the template molecule. Under optimal conditions, the ECL sensor exhibited a wide detection range (5 × 10-10-1 × 10-5 mol/L) and a low detection limit (1.8 × 10-10 mol/L). In testing with actual drinking water samples, it displayed high accuracy (recoveries for intraday and inter-day: 93.50-106.2% and 97.00-107.3%, separately) and precision (RSDs for intraday and inter-day: 1.54-4.59% and 1.53-4.28%, respectively). The developed MIP-based ECL sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, offering a promising and reliable approach for highly sensitive and selective determination of 4-NP in drinking water.

Analyzing how SiMiao Wan regulates ferroptosis to prevent RA-ILD using metabolomics and cyberpharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that plays a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of individuals with this condition. In clinical settings, Si Miao Wan (SMW), a traditional Chinese medicine, is often utilized for the management of RA, as it is believed to possess properties that aid in reducing inflammation, eliminating excess moisture, and alleviating joint pain. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the potential mechanism of RA-ILD prevention from the perspective of ferroptosis mediated by SMW. METHODS: UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology were employed to forecast the potential targets of SMW for the early prevention of RA-ILD. Following this, HE staining, metabolomics, and RT-PCR were utilized to investigate the mechanism by which SMW prevents RA-ILD at an early stage. RESULTS: Following six weeks of continuous administration of SMW extract at a dosage of 2.16 g/kg/day, it was observed that SMW exhibited early preventive effects against RA-ILD. Metabolomics analysis revealed seven potential biomarkers linked to the pharmacological efficacy of SMW in the early prevention of RA-ILD. Additionally, network pharmacology analysis suggested that SMW may exert its therapeutic effects on RA-ILD by modulating signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, TNF, and IL-17. Ultimately, through the integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis, along with subsequent verification, it was determined that the early prevention of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) by Shenmai injection (SMW) is associated with the ferroptosis pathway. CONCLUSION: This research offers preliminary insights into the potential mechanism by which traditional Chinese medicine Shen Mai Wan (SMW) may mitigate the early onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD) via the process of ferroptosis. Furthermore, it establishes a theoretical framework for the development of innovative SMW-based pharmaceuticals for the management of RA-ILD. The signal proteins implicated in this process are anticipated to emerge as crucial targets for the prevention of RA-ILD.

Epidemiology and Triggers of Severe Perioperative Anaphylaxis: An 8-Year Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the features, rescue measures, outcomes, re-allergic reactions, and independent risk factors associated with severe anaphylaxis during surgery. DESIGN: Instances of severe perioperative anaphylaxis were identified through perioperative electronic records, adverse event reporting records, and surveys of anesthesiologists. Confirmed cases were randomly matched 4:1 with control cases on the same operation day. Patient risk factors, surgery type, anesthetic technique, and perioperative medications, fluids, and blood transfusions were given in instances of severe perioperative anaphylaxis were compared with control cases. SETTING: A tertiary hospital in China. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing surgery and anesthesia in the operating room from January 2014 to February 2022. MEASUREMENTS: Incidence and the independent risk factors for severe perioperative anaphylaxis. MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients experienced severe perioperative allergic responses during the 266,033 surgeries performed, with an incidence rate of 3.6 per 10,000. Three of 97 anaphylaxis patients experienced a severe allergic reaction again during the second surgery. The nested case-control study revealed that the independent triggers during surgery were allergy history (odds ratio 5.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35-11.68; p < 0.001), cisatracurium use (odds ratio 5.03; 95% CI, 1.22-20.70; p < 0.001), hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 use (odds ratio 5.36; 95% CI, 2.99-9.60; p =0.025), and allogeneic plasma (odds ratio 11.02; 95% CI, 3.78-35.95; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative severe anaphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening complication. Previous allergic history, cisatracurium, hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4, and allogeneic plasma may be the independent triggers. Early diagnosis of anaphylaxis and the timely administration of epinephrine are critical to allergic treatment. Avoiding exposure to allergens is effective for preventing severe allergic responses and the efficacy of glucocorticoids and antihistamines is controversial.

Status of Professional Identity, Self-Directed Learning Competence, and Self-Efficacy Among Central Sterile Supply Department Nurses.

BACKGROUND Previous studies on professional identity, self-directed learning competence, and self-efficacy among central sterile supply department (CSSD) nurses are rare. We investigated the status of these 3 characteristics among CSSD nurses and offered suggestions, to provide a reference for CSSD talent development. MATERIAL AND METHODS CSSD nurses working in 45 hospitals in southwest China were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey in August 2021. The survey comprised a general information questionnaire, a self-directed learning competence rating scale, a professional identity scale, and a general self-efficacy scale. RESULTS The CSSD nurses' scores for professional identity, self-directed learning competence, and self-efficacy were 109.92±17.161, 125.77±21.316, and 26.92±6.633, respectively. For professional identity, statistically significant differences were identified (P≤0.05) for 3 factors: monthly income, reason for studying nursing, and reason for working in the CSSD. For self-directed learning competence, statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) were identified for 5 factors: age, hospital grade, type of employee, monthly income, and reason for working in the CSSD. For self-efficacy, statistically significant differences were identified (P≤0.05) for 3 factors: age, reason for studying nursing and working in the CSSD, and whether the CSSD nurses wished their children to become nurses. CONCLUSIONS The professional identity, self-directed learning competence, and self-efficacy of the CSSD nurses in this study were at the medium level. More attention should be paid to career planning of young nurses and improvement of their professional identity and self-directed learning competence.

Intraventricular Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Post-Nuss Procedure: A Rare Case of Chronic Bar Displacement in a 16-Year-Old Patient.

This novel report presents the first known case, to our knowledge, of a 16-year-old male patient who experienced intraventricular thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after a Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, attributed to chronic bar displacement. Two years after the operation, the patient experienced post-exercise cough and hemoptysis, which led to his admission. Imaging revealed pulmonary embolism, thrombosis in the right ventricular outflow tract, and lung infiltrative lesions. We hypothesize that the chronic bar displacement led to its embedment in the right ventricle, resulting in thrombus formation, which subsequently contributed to partial pulmonary embolism. Surgery revealed the bars' intrusion into the right ventricle and lung. This case highlights the risk of severe complications from bar displacement in the Nuss procedure, which necessitates long-term follow-up evaluation, caution against strenuous activities after surgery, and use of thoracoscopic guidance during bar implantation and removal. It underscores the importance of vigilant evaluation for late-stage complications in patients with respiratory distress or thrombosis after a Nuss procedure.

EBV-positive glycoproteins associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and glycosylation of proteins is associated with precancerous lesions and carcinogenesis of NPC, and viral glycoproteins mediates the fusion of viruses with B cells or epithelial cells in the infection stage, promoting the conversion of normal epithelial cells into cancer cells. In the process of occurrence and development of NPC, various glycoproteins in the body promote or inhibit the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of tumor cells, such as the tumor inhibitory effect of NGX6 and inhibin B (INHBB); the cancer-promoting effect of tenascin-C (TNC), fibronectin 1 (FN1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3), serglycin, and its core protein; and some effects of glycosylation of immune proteins on immunotherapy in NPC. This article provides an overview of the research progress on the interaction of glycoproteins associated with EBV infection with the occurrence and development of NPC.

Alterations of mannosylated glycopatterns recognized by Hippeastrum hybrid lectin in saliva of patients with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer (LC) is the malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate worldwide, and precise early diagnosis can improve patient prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether alterations in the glycopatterns recognized by the Hippeastrum hybrid lectin (HHL) in salivary proteins are associated with the development of LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we collected saliva samples from LC (15 lung adenocarcinoma (ADC); 15 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); 15 small cell lung cancer (SCLC)) and 15 benign pulmonary disease (BPD) for high-throughput detection of abundance levels of HHL-recognized glycopatterns using protein microarrays, and then validated the pooled samples from each group with lectin blotting analysis. Finally, the N-glycan profiles of salivary glycoproteins isolated from the pooled samples using HHL-magnetic particle conjugates were characterized separately using MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. RESULTS: The results showed that the abundance level of glycopatterns recognized by HHL in salivary proteins was elevated in LC compared to BPD. The proportion of mannosylated N-glycans was notably higher in ADC (31.7%), SCC (39.0%), and SCLC (46.6%) compared to BPD (23.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The altered salivary glycopatterns such as oligomannose, Manα1-3Man, or Manα1-6Man N-glycans recognized by HHL might serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of LC patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides crucial information for studying changes in salivary to differentiate between BPD and LC and facilitate the discovery of biomarkers for LC diagnosis based on precise alterations of mannosylated N-glycans in saliva.

Effects of polyurethane microplastics combined with cadmium on maize growth and cadmium accumulation under different long-term fertilisation histories.

Agricultural production uses different types of fertilisation treatments, typically employing the combined application of organic fertiliser (OF) or organic-inorganic fertiliser (OIF) to improve soil quality. When coupled with cadmium (Cd), microplastics (MPs) affect plant growth and Cd accumulation in soils treated with different fertilisers. This study systematically examined the effects of polyurethane (PU) MPs coupled with Cd on the growth characteristics, root metabolite characteristics, rhizosphere bacterial community structure, and Cd bioavailability of maize under different long-term fertilisation treatments and soil types (red/cinnamon soil). The combined effects of PU MPs and Cd on maize growth differed across fertilisation treatments. Under OF, maize plants accumulated more Cd than under OIF. The accumulation of Cd in maize plants in red soil was twice that in cinnamon soil. Under OF, PU MPs promoted Cd activation by decreasing the soil pH, while root metabolites promoted Cd adsorption sites by synthesising specific amino acids, degrading aromatic compounds, and synthesising pantothenic acid and coenzyme A. Under OF, PU MPs can lower the soil pH to promote the activation of cadmium, while root metabolites promote root growth and increase cadmium adsorption sites by synthesizing specific amino acids, degrading aromatic compounds, and synthesizing pantothenic acid and coenzyme A, hereby promoting root Cd absorption. Under OIF, PU MPs act by influencing the biosynthesis of amino acids in root metabolites, enriching energy metabolism pathways, promoting the transport and translocation of mineral nutrients, thereby amplifying the "toxic effects" of Cd. This study provides new insights into the risk assessment of PU MPs and Cd coupling under different fertilisation treatments, and suggests that the prevention and control of combined PU MPs and Cd pollution in red soil under OF treatment should receive more attention in the future.

High selectivity molecularly imprinted polymer based on short amylose as bio-based functional monomers for selective extraction of λ-cyhalothrin.

Nowadays, the development of sustainable molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with high selectivity is still challenging due to the limitations of bio-based functional monomers. In this study, the highly selective and porous MIPs (LC-TMIPs) were designed and prepared on short amylose (SAM) as bio-based functional monomers, λ-cyhalothrin (LC) as a template molecule, and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile as a rigid crosslinking agent. Static, dynamic, and selective adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption performance. The results indicated that, compared to MIPs prepared using epichlorohydrin as flexible crosslinking agents, LC-TMIPs exhibited higher imprinting factor (3.93), selectivity (5.78), and adsorption capacity (35.79 mg g-1), as well as faster adsorption/desorption kinetics. The LC-TMIPs were used as sorbents for the selective determination of LC in both apple and cucumber samples by high-performance liquid chromatography. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the recoveries of the method reached 92.1-106.1 %, with a linear range of 1.5-30 ng g-1 and a detection limit of 0.5 ng g-1. The proposed preparation method of LC-TMIPs is expected to open a new way to prepare highly selective and sustainable MIPs for hydrophobic compounds.

The association between the adverse event reporting system and burnout and job satisfaction of nurses: Workplace violence as a mediator.

AIMS: This study aims to explore the association between the implementation of the adverse event reporting system (AERS), burnout, and job satisfaction among psychiatric nurses, with a focus on examining the mediating effect of workplace violence from patients. BACKGROUND: Many organizational and personal factors contribute to burnout and job satisfaction experienced by nurses. AERS, serving as a key component of organizational-level quality improvement system, impacts the overall workplace wellness of nurses. METHODS: A national sample of 9,744 psychiatric nurses from 41 psychiatric hospitals across 29 provinces in China participated. Burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Job satisfaction was measured using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Workplace violence was assessed by nurses' experience of verbal and physical violence. Multilevel linear regression analyses were carried out to examine if AERS impacts burnout and job satisfaction and to identify the mediating role of workplace violence. RESULTS: AERS was positively associated with job satisfaction, but negatively with burnout and workplace violence. Workplace violence exhibited a positive association with burnout and a negative association with job satisfaction. Mediation analyses indicated that the associations between AERS, burnout, and job satisfaction were mediated by workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS: The application of AERS is associated with a reduction in workplace violence in hospitals, which contributes to the diminished burnout and heightened job satisfaction among psychiatric nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND HEALTH POLICY: The study highlights the importance of organizational efforts and mechanisms in promoting nurses' well-being. It is necessary for hospital management to create a safe workplace through the implementation of AERS.

Factors associated with damages and repair costs of reusable flexible bronchoscopes in pediatrics in China.

BACKGROUND: Frequent repairs of pediatric flexible bronchoscopes can lead to a huge financial burden for the hospital. This study aimed to investigate the common causes of the failures in pediatric flexible bronchoscopes and propose the measures to prevent the failures. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. We collected repair information of the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes reprocessed in the Department of Sterile Processing at a hospital between September 1, 2018 and September 1, 2022 in order to investigate the causes and possible factors associated with the failures in pediatric flexible bronchoscopes. RESULTS: The Department of Sterile Processing staff reprocessed the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes 4280 times. A total of 29 failures were identified. The failure rate was 0.678%. The average repair cost was USD7246.60. The common failures in the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes included dim video image, black dots, improper video image display or no image during angulation adjustment, and pressure marks in the insertion tube. The failure rates in flexible electronic bronchoscopes and small-diameter flexible bronchoscopes were 65.5% and 93.1%, respectively. The failure rate in the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes reprocessed by the staff members with less work experience was 75.9%. CONCLUSION: The failure rate in the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes was not high but the repair costs were extremely high. The types and size of the flexible bronchoscopes and work experience of the staff members responsible for bronchoscope reprocessing were the possible factors associated with the failure rate in the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes. It is advisable to further optimize the central workflow and management mode for reprocessing the pediatric flexible bronchoscopes, thereby extending their useful life and reducing costs.

[Effects of Controlled-release Blended Fertilizer on Crop Yield and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Wheat-maize Rotation System].

The increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers exerts extreme pressure on the environment (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, GHGs) for winter wheat-summer maize rotation systems in the North China Plain. The application of controlled-release fertilizers is considered as an effective measure to improve crop yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. To explore the impact of one-time fertilization of controlled-release blended fertilizer on crop yield and GHGs of a wheat-maize rotation system, field experiments were carried out in Dezhou Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Park from 2020 to 2022. Five treatments were established for both winter wheat and summer maize, including no nitrogen control (CK), farmers' conventional nitrogen application (FFP), optimized nitrogen application (OPT), CRU1 (the blending ratio of coated urea and traditional urea on winter wheat and summer maize was 5:5 and 3:7, respectively), and CRU2 (the blending ratio of coated urea and traditional urea on winter wheat and summer maize was 7:3 and 5:5, respectively). The differences in yield, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, fertilization economic benefits, and GHGs among different treatments were compared and analyzed. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly increased the single season and annual crop yields of the wheat-maize rotation system (P < 0.05). Compared with those of FFP, the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments increased the yields of summer maize by 0.4% to 5.6%, winter wheat by -5.4% to 4.1%, and annual yields by -1.1% to 3.9% (P > 0.05). N recovery efficiency (NRE), N agronomic efficiency (NAE), and N partial factor productivity (NPFP) were increased by -8.6%-43.4%, 2.05-6.24 kg·kg-1, and 4.24-10.13 kg·kg-1, respectively. Annual net income increased by 0.2% to 6.3%. Nitrogen application significantly increased the annual emissions of soil N2O and CO2 in the rotation system (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the annual emissions of CH4 (except for in the FFP treatment in the first year). The annual total N2O emissions under the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments were significantly reduced by 23.4% to 30.2% compared to those under the FFP treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, nitrogen application significantly increased the annual global warming potential (GWP) of the rotation system (P < 0.05), but the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions was reduced due to the increase in crop yields. Compared with that under FFP, the annual GWP under the CRU1 and CRU2 treatments decreased by 9.6% to 11.5% (P < 0.05), and the annual GHGs decreased by 11.2% to 13.8% (P > 0.05). In summary, the one-time application of controlled-release blended fertilizer had a positive role in improving crop yield and economic benefits, reducing nitrogen fertilizer input and labor costs, and GHGs, which is an effective nitrogen fertilizer management measure to promote cleaner production of food crops in the North China Plain.

Effects of Long-Term Controlled-Release Urea on Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions in an Open-Field Lettuce System.

Controlled-release urea (CRU) fertilizers are widely used in agricultural production to reduce conventional nitrogen (N) fertilization-induced agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and improve N use efficiency (NUE). However, the long-term effects of different CRU fertilizers on GHGs and crop yields in vegetable fields remain relatively unexplored. This study investigated the variations in GHG emissions at four growth stages of lettuce in the spring and autumn seasons based on a five-year field experiment in the North China Plain. Four treatments were setup: CK (without N application), U (conventional urea-N application), ON (20% reduction in urea-N application), CRU (20% reduction in polyurethane-coated urea without topdressing), and DCRU (20% reduction in polyurethane-coated urea containing dicyandiamide [DCD] without topdressing). The results show that N application treatments significantly increased the GHG emissions and the lettuce yield and net yield, and DCRU exhibited the lowest N2O and CO2 emissions, the highest lettuce yield and net yield, and the highest lettuce N content of the N application treatments. When compared to U, the N2O emission peak under CRU and DCRU treatments was notably decreased and delayed, and their average N2O emission fluxes were significantly reduced by 10.20-20.72% and 17.51-29.35%, respectively, leading to a significant reduction in mean cumulative N2O emissions during the 2017-2021 period. When compared to U, the CO2 fluxes of DCRU significantly decreased by 8.0-16.54% in the seedling period, and mean cumulative CO2 emission decreased by 9.28%. Moreover, compared to U, the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) of the DCRU treatment was significantly alleviated by 9.02-17.13% and 16.68-20.36%, respectively. Compared to U, the N content of lettuce under DCRU was significantly increased by 6.48-17.25%, and the lettuce net yield was also significantly increased by 5.41-7.71%. These observations indicated that the simple and efficient N management strategy to strike a balance between enhancing lettuce yields and reduce GHG emissions in open-field lettuce fields could be obtained by applying controlled-release urea containing DCD without topdressing.

Policy perception, job satisfaction and intentions to remain in rural area: evidence from the National Compulsory Service Programme in China.

BACKGROUND: Exploring factors that may influence general practitioners (GPs)' intentions to remain in rural area is necessary to inform the training and placement of future medical workforce in rural area. However, little is known about how GPs' perception towards the National Compulsory Service Programme (NCSP) and job satisfaction impact their turnover intention. This paper explores GPs' intentions to remain in rural China and how their policy perception and job satisfaction predict the intentions. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey from December 2021 to February 2022 to investigate GPs' perception towards NCSP, job satisfaction, and intentions to remain in rural area. Eligible participants were GPs who were required to provide health services as part of NCSP at township health centres of 9 provinces which could represent all NCSP GPs in China. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between policy perceptions, job satisfaction, and intentions to remain. RESULTS: Of 3615 GPs included in the analysis, 442 (12.2%) would like to remain in rural area and 1266 (35.0%) were unsure. Results of the multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that compared with GPs who would leave, GPs with higher perception scores for the restriction on taking postgraduate exam (RRR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.72, 2.16) and the commitment to work for six years (RRR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.31, 1.78) were more likely to remain. In contrast, GPs who had higher perception scores for completing standardised residency training (RRR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.64, 0.88) and passing National Medical Licensing Examinations (RRR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.62, 0.87) were more likely to leave. GPs who were satisfied with the freedom of choosing work methods (RRR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.25, 1.84) and chances of promotion (RRR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.32, 1.94) were more likely to remain. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significance of policy perception and job satisfaction on GPs' intentions to remain in rural area. Factors such as career advancement and the empowerment of GPs to build on and use their skills and abilities should be taken into account when designing rural placement programmes.

Genetic risk accentuates dietary effects on hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in a population-based cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), characterized by elevated liver fat content (LFC), is influenced by genetics and diet. However, whether diet has a differential effect based on genetic risk is not well-characterized. We aimed to determine how genetic factors interact with diet to affect SLD in a large national biobank. METHODS: We included UK Biobank participants with dietary intake measured by 24-hour recall and genotyping. The primary predictors were dietary pattern, PNPLA3-rs738409-G, TM6SF2-rs58542926-T, a 16-variant hepatic steatosis polygenic risk score (PRS), and gene-environment interactions. The primary outcome was LFC, and secondary outcomes were iron-controlled T1 time (cT1, a measure of liver inflammation and fibrosis) and liver-related events/mortality. RESULTS: A total of 21,619 participants met inclusion criteria. In non-interaction models, Mediterranean diet and intake of fruit/vegetables/legumes and fish associated with lower LFC, while higher red/processed meat intake and all genetic predictors associated with higher LFC. In interaction models, all genetic predictors interacted with Mediterranean diet and fruit/vegetable/legume intake, while the steatosis PRS interacted with fish intake and the TM6SF2 genotype interacted with red/processed meat intake, to affect LFC. Dietary effects on LFC were up to 3.8-fold higher in PNPLA3-rs738409-GG vs. -CC individuals, and 1.4-3.0-fold higher in the top vs. bottom quartile of the steatosis PRS. Gene-diet interactions were stronger in participants with vs. without overweight. The steatosis PRS interacted with Mediterranean diet and fruit/vegetable/legume intake to affect cT1 and most dietary and genetic predictors associated with risk of liver-related events or mortality by age 70. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of diet on LFC and cT1 were markedly accentuated in patients at increased genetic risk for SLD, implying dietary interventions may be more impactful in these populations. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Genetic variants and diet both influence risk of hepatic steatosis, inflammation/fibrosis, and hepatic decompensation; however, how gene-diet interactions influence these outcomes has previously not been comprehensively characterized. We investigated this topic in the community-based UK Biobank and found that genetic risk and dietary quality interacted to influence hepatic steatosis and inflammation/fibrosis on liver MRI, so that the effects of diet were greater in people at elevated genetic risk. These results are relevant for patients and medical providers because they show that genetic risk is not fixed (i.e. modifiable factors can mitigate or exacerbate this risk) and realistic dietary changes may result in meaningful improvement in liver steatosis and inflammation/fibrosis. As genotyping becomes more routinely used in clinical practice, patients identified to be at high baseline genetic risk may benefit even more from intensive dietary counseling than those at lower risk, though future prospective studies are required.

Colonic crypt stem cell functions are controlled by tight junction protein claudin-7 through Notch/Hippo signaling.

The tight junction protein claudin-7 is essential for tight junction function and intestinal homeostasis. Cldn7 deletion in mice leads to an inflammatory bowel disease-like phenotype exhibiting severe intestinal epithelial damage, weight loss, inflammation, mucosal ulcerations, and epithelial hyperplasia. Claudin-7 has also been shown to be involved in cancer metastasis and invasion. Here, we test our hypothesis that claudin-7 plays an important role in regulating colonic intestinal stem cell function. Conditional knockout of Cldn7 in the colon led to impaired epithelial cell differentiation, hyperproliferative epithelium, a decrease in active stem cells, and dramatically altered gene expression profiles. In 3D colonoid culture, claudin-7-deficient crypts were unable to survive and form spheroids, emphasizing the importance of claudin-7 in stem cell survival. Inhibition of the Hippo pathway or activation of Notch signaling partially rescued the defective stem cell behavior. Concurrent Notch activation and Hippo inhibition resulted in restored colonoid survival, growth, and differentiation to the level comparable to those of wild-type derived crypts. In this study, we highlight the essential role of claudin-7 in regulating Notch and Hippo signaling-dependent colonic stem cell functions, including survival, self-renewal, and differentiation. These new findings may shed light on potential avenues to explore for drug development in colorectal cancer.

Analysis of Wet Pack Incidence in Steam Sterilization: A Study in a Chinese Medical Center.

BACKGROUND Central sterile supply departments (CSSDs) play a vital role in hospital infection control. We investigate the factors associated with wet pack occurrence after steam sterilization. MATERIAL AND METHODS We designed a log sheet to record information concerning sterilized packs. The data included the type of sterilized pack; outside weather (sunny, overcast, or rainy); the item in the sterilized pack; packaging material; whether the item had been packaged in compliance with guidelines; whether the pack had been laid flat, upright, or leaning at an acute angle; which sterilizer was used for sterilization of the pack; whether the pack had been placed on the top or bottom shelf inside the sterilizer chamber; whether the pack had been loaded in compliance with guidelines; the drying time following sterilization; and cooling time after sterilization. The sterilized packs in our study were selected from all of the packs that were sterilized in the CSSD of the authors' institution during June to December 2021. RESULTS Factors associated with wet pack occurrence after steam sterilization include: outside weather on the day of sterilization; the item in the sterilized pack; packaging material; whether the item had been packaged in compliance with guidelines; whether the pack had been placed on the top or bottom shelf; and cooling time after sterilization. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in wet pack incidence were identified for all of these factors. CONCLUSIONS Various factors are associated with wet pack occurrence after steam sterilization. Recommendations for reducing the risk of wet packs include regular maintenance of the steam pipeline, regular replacement of thermal insulation materials for the steam pipeline, and extension of the drying time.