A standard procedure for rapid toxicity evaluation of carbon dots both in vitro and in vivo.

Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging class of fluorescent quantum dot nanomaterials that have attracted considerable scientific attention for biomedical or bioimaging applications due to their physicochemical and biochemical properties. With the emergence of massive novel synthetic CDs applying to biomedical fields of science, evaluating their biosafety before any biological application is essential. However, there is no universal protocol or routine procedures for toxicity detection and biosafety assessment of CDs in general biological environments. Herein, we provide an ideal and fast operating system to detect the biotoxicity of CDs, which has been preliminary practiced. Briefly, the obtained CDs will be evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity assay using cell counting kit-8, lactate dehydrogenase assay kit, and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the model creature zebrafish is employed to perform in vivo evaluation by measuring body length, hatching rate, heart rate, and morphological observation. Our operating procedure condenses previous scattered biosafety detection methods into a rapid standard evaluation protocol that can be applied to early biotoxicity screening of CDs. This protocol will accelerate CDs biological exploitation and guide future industrialized biosafety assessment in large-scale applications.

Staring X-ray backscatter imaging based on ultra-high aspect ratio lobster eye lens.

In contrast to conventional X-ray imaging systems, the lobster eye lens, serving as a pivotal component for X-ray focusing, presents the potential for downsizing X-ray backscatter imaging systems. This study reports the successful implementation of a pioneering non-contact staring X-ray backscatter imaging experiment, with the target positioned 1.5 meters away from the system and employing a tube voltage of 60 kV for the X-ray light source. The system is built upon a novel high aspect ratio (500) meridian lobster eye lens, employing a laboratory low illuminance desktop light source and a commercial X-ray detector to achieve high-resolution focused imaging of hard X-rays. Point spread function testing and a series of imaging experiments were carried out to assess the resolution and optimal imaging photon energy of the proposed system. Furthermore, according to the characteristics of the point spread function of the cross image of the lobster eye lens, we proposed an image processing algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that, after processing, the Structural Similarity (SSIM) Index of the backscatter image and the ground truth image can be improved from an average of 0.0526 to 0.5758. Our research significantly contributes to the advancement of a new generation of X-ray backscatter imaging systems.

Staring X-ray backscatter imaging based on ultra-high aspect ratio lobster eye lens: erratum.

An erratum to correct a mistake for the article titled "Staring X-ray backscatter imaging based on ultra-high aspect ratio lobster eye lens" published in Opt. Express32(7), 11600 (2024)10.1364/OE.514941. The corrections have no influence on the results and conclusions of the original paper.

Quantum-Enhanced Metrology with Network States.

Armed with quantum correlations, quantum sensors in a network have shown the potential to outclass their classical counterparts in distributed sensing tasks such as clock synchronization and reference frame alignment. On the other hand, this analysis was done for simple and idealized networks, whereas the correlation shared within a practical quantum network, captured by the notion of network states, is much more complex. Here, we prove a general bound that limits the performance of using quantum network states to estimate a global parameter, establishing the necessity of genuine multipartite entanglement for achieving a quantum advantage. The bound can also serve as an entanglement witness in networks and can be generalized to states generated by shallow circuits. Moreover, while our bound prohibits local network states from achieving the Heisenberg limit, we design a probabilistic protocol that, once successful, attains this ultimate limit of quantum metrology and preserves the privacy of involved parties. Our work establishes both the limitation and the possibility of quantum metrology within quantum networks.

Degradation of trichloroacetic acid by Fe/Ni bimetallic reactive PMS with hierarchical layered structure.

Overuse of chlorinated disinfectants leads to a significant accumulation of disinfection by-products. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a typical carcinogenic disinfection by-product. The efficacy of the conventional degradation process is reduced by the complex nature of its structure, causing a yearly increase in its prevalence within the ecological environment and consequent infliction of significant harm. In this paper, TCA was chosen as the research subject, Fe/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles were employed as the reducing catalyst, ZIF-8@HMON as the catalytic carrier combined with Fe/Ni nanoparticles, and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was introduced to construct the reducing-advanced oxidation synergistic system and investigated the effect of this system on the degradation performance and degradation pathway of TCA. Various characterization techniques, including TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, BET, were employed to investigate the morphology, element composition and structure of composite materials analysis. Moreover, the conditions for TCA degradation can be optimized by changing the experimental environment. The results showed that 25 mg of composite catalyst (mole ratio Fe: Ni = 1:1) and 10 mg of PMS effectively degraded TCA within 20-80 mg/L range at pH = 3 and 55 °C, achieving maximum degradation within 20 min. Finally, the potential pathways of TCA degradation were analyzed using EPR and LC-MS, and the corresponding reaction mechanisms were proposed.

Achievement of Guideline-Recommended Targets in Diabetes Care in China : A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Nationwide achievement of guideline-recommended diabetes care targets has not been comprehensively assessed in China. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportions of adults with diabetes achieving major clinical risk factor control, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, and dietary targets specified in the Chinese diabetes guidelines. DESIGN: Nationwide cross-sectional survey. SETTING: China, 2015 to 2017. PARTICIPANTS: A national sample of 8401 adults with self-reported diabetes and a subset of 3531 with dietary data. MEASUREMENTS: The assessed targets included 1) ABC targets (individualized hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] target; blood pressure [BP] <130/80 mm Hg; and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] level <2.6 or <1.8 mmol/L [<100 or <70 mg/dL], depending on the presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), 2) BMI below 24 kg/m2, 3) lifestyle targets (not currently smoking or drinking, guideline-recommended leisure time activity level, and sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours), and 4) dietary targets (50% to 65% of energy from carbohydrate, 15% to 20% from protein, 20% to 30% from fat, ≥14 g of fiber per 1000 kcal, and <2000 mg of sodium per day). RESULTS: The proportion of adults with self-reported diabetes achieving each ABC target was 64.1% (95% CI, 61.4% to 66.8%) for HbA1c, 22.2% (CI, 20.2% to 24.1%) for BP, and 23.9% (CI, 21.9% to 25.9%) for LDL-C. The proportion achieving a BMI below 24 kg/m2 was 32.2% (CI, 30.3% to 34.2%). The proportion achieving each lifestyle target was 75.8% (CI, 73.9% to 77.7%) for smoking, 66.7% (CI, 64.4% to 69.1%) for drinking, 17.9% (CI, 15.8% to 20.1%) for leisure time activity, and 52.0% (CI, 49.6% to 54.3%) for sleep duration. The proportion achieving each dietary target was 39.1% (CI, 36.0% to 42.2%) for carbohydrate, 20.1% (CI, 16.9% to 23.3%) for protein, 20.5% (CI, 17.6% to 23.4%) for fat, 9.0% (CI, 7.0% to 10.9%) for sodium, and 2.5% (CI, 1.3% to 3.6%) for fiber. Only 4.4% (CI, 3.5% to 5.2%) of participants achieved all 3 ABC targets, 5.1% (CI, 4.3% to 6.0%) achieved all 4 lifestyle targets, and 4 participants achieved all 5 dietary targets. LIMITATIONS: Self-reported data and age of the data. CONCLUSION: Achievement of guideline-recommended diabetes care targets in Chinese adults with self-reported diabetes was exceedingly low. The findings highlight the need for immediate national health actions to improve diabetes care. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, National Key R&D Program of the People's Republic of China, and the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China.

A dynamic individual yak heifer live body weight estimation method using the YOLOv8 network and body parameter detection algorithm.

Live body weight (LBW) is one of the most important parameters for supervising the growth and development of livestock. The yak (Bos grunniens) is a special species of cattle that lives on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Yaks are more untamed than regular cattle breeds, thus it is more challenging to measure their LBW. In this study, a YOLOv8 yak detection and LBW estimation models were used to automatically estimate yak LBW in real-time. First, the proper posture (normal posture) and individual yak identification was confirmed and then the YOLOv8 detection model was used for LBW estimation from 2-dimensional (2D) images. Yak LBW was estimated through yak body parameter extraction and a simple linear regression between the estimated yak LBW and the actual measured yak LBW. The results showed that the overall detection performance of yak normal yak posture was described by precision, recall, and mean Average Precision 50 (mAP50) indicators, reaching 81.8, 86.0, and 90.6%, respectively. The best yak identification results were represented by precision, recall, and mAP50 values of 97.8, 96.4, and 99.0%, respectively. The yak LBW estimation model achieved better results for the 12 mo old yaks with shorter hair with R2, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and Multiple R values of 0.96, 2.43 kg, 1.69%, and 0.98, respectively. The results demonstrate that yak LBW can be estimated and monitored in real-time using this approach. This study has the potential to be used for daily yak LBW monitoring in an unstressed manner and to save considerable labor resources for large-scale livestock farms. In the future, to reduce the limitations caused by the impacts of yak hair and light condition data sets of dairy cows and yaks of different ages will be used to improve and generalize the model.

Hydrolytic degradation of methoxychlor by immobilized cellulase on LDHs@Fe3O4 nanocomposites.

In this study, we synthesized Fe3O4 using the co-precipitation method and then prepared magnetic carrier LDHs@Fe3O4 by immobilizing layered double hydroxide on Fe3O4 by in situ growth method. Cellulase was immobilized on this magnetic carrier by using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent, which can be used for degrading Methoxychlor (MXC). The results demonstrated the maximum MXC removal efficiency of 73.4% at 45 °C and pH = 6.0 with excellent reusability. Through kinetic analysis, it was found that the degradation reaction conforms to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and is a first-order reaction. Finally, according to the EPR analysis, the active radicals in the system were found to be OH· and the degradation mechanism was proposed in combination with LC-MS. This study provides a feasible method for degrading organochlorine pesticides, which can be used for groundwater purification.

[Distribution of usual vitamin intake and prevalence of inadequate intake among Chinese adults in 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the usual vitamin intake and the prevalence of inadequate intakes among Chinese adults in 2015, and to provide a scientific basis for developing nutrition intervention strategies and measures for target populations. METHODS: Data was drawn from the Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2015-2017, a nationally representative cross-sectional study. The multistage stratified whole-group random sampling method was used to draw participants from 298 surveillance sites in 31 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities). Participants with no available information or abnormal energy intake were excluded, and finally, a total of 72 231 participants aged 18 years and older were included in the current study. The dietary data of the participants were collected by the 24-hour dietary recall method combined with the condiment weighing method for three consecutive days. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the distribution of the usual intake of vitamin B_1(thiamine), vitamin B_2(riboflavin), niacin, vitamin C(ascorbic acid), and vitamin E(tocopherol), and the prevalence of inadequate intake was evaluated based on estimated average requirement or adequate intake from the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes 2023. RESULTS: The usual intake of vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B_1, vitamin B_2 and niacin were 27.93 mg/d, 77.67 mg/d, 0.78 mg/d, 0.62 mg/d and 13.15 mg/d, respectively. The prevalence of inadequate intake was, in descending order, vitamin B_2(95.98%), vitamin B_1(86.73%), vitamin C(63.70%), niacin(39.81%), and vitamin E(21.17%). The prevalence of inadequate vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B_1 and niacin intake among females was higher than among males(P<0.01). Overall, the prevalence of inadequate vitamin intake increased with age. Rural residents had a higher prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin C, vitamin B_2 and niacin than urban residents(P<0.01). Except for vitamin E, the prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins decreased with increasing education levels. The prevalence of inadequate intake of these five vitamins was higher among participants with lower income levels than those with middle or high income(P<0.01). Participants with normal weight had a higher prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin E than those with overweight or obesity and had a higher prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin C than those with obesity. However, participants with normal weight had a higher prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin E than those with overweight or obesity, with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.01). Except for vitamin E, the prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamins decreased with increasing physical activity intensity. CONCLUSION: In 2015, the usual intake of dietary vitamins of Chinese adults was low. There are differences in usual intakes of vitamins and prevalence of inadequate vitamin intake for adults aged 18 years and above in males and females, different age groups, urban and rural areas, education levels, household income levels, body mass index and physical activity intensity.

[Association between habitual tea consumption and 10-year cardiovascular risk among Chinese mid-aged and elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between habitual tea consumption and 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. METHODS: China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2015 applied a stratified, multistage, and random sampling method. The current study selected middle-aged and elderly participants aged 45 and older, and they were investigated by basic information survey, dietary survey based on the food frequency questionnaire, physical measurements including height, weight, and blood pressure, and a laboratory examination with fasting blood samples. Habitual tea consumption was defined by asking about the number of cups of tea usually consumed per day in the past 12 months, and the risk of cardiovascular disease incidence was calculated using the Framingham risk score over a 10-year period. The association between tea consumption and 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in this population was analyzed using multiple logistic regression, and further analyzed using gender as a stratification factor. RESULTS: A total of 42 704 Chinese middle-aged and elderly were included in this study, with an average age of(59.4±9.4) years, 20 104 males and 22 600 females, 17 194 in urban areas and 25 510 in rural areas. For tea drinking, there were 12 519(29.32%) tea drinkers in the included sample, of which 4153(9.73%) consumed 1-2 cups/d, 3336(7.81%) 3-4 cups/d, and 5030(11.78%) ≥5 cups/d. For 10-year cardiovascular risk, 28 267 participants(66.19%) were estimated to be low risk, while 14 437(33.81%) were in the high risk. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, place of residence, education, income, marital status, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, participation in medical examination within one year, DASH dietary score, energy intake and chronic disease status, the result showed a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease over a 10-year period among those who consumed 3-4 cups/d compared with those who did not consume tea(OR=0.820, 95%CI 0.719-0.934, P_(trend)=0.03). When stratified by gender, both gender showed participants who consumed 3-4 cups/d had a lower risk for cardiovascular disease than those who did not consume tea(males: OR=0.849, 95%CI 0.722-0.997; females: OR=0.697, 95%CI 0.527-0.922). And the result was more pronounced among females. CONCLUSION: Moderate habitual tea consumption could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people, and its protective effect is more pronounced among females.

Optimal Strategies of Quantum Metrology with a Strict Hierarchy.

One of the main quests in quantum metrology is to attain the ultimate precision limit with given resources, where the resources are not only of the number of queries, but more importantly of the allowed strategies. With the same number of queries, the restrictions on the strategies constrain the achievable precision. In this Letter, we establish a systematic framework to identify the ultimate precision limit of different families of strategies, including the parallel, the sequential, and the indefinite-causal-order strategies, and provide an efficient algorithm that determines an optimal strategy within the family of strategies under consideration. With our framework, we show there exists a strict hierarchy of the precision limits for different families of strategies.

Quantum Uncertainty Principles for Measurements with Interventions.

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle implies fundamental constraints on what properties of a quantum system we can simultaneously learn. However, it typically assumes that we probe these properties via measurements at a single point in time. In contrast, inferring causal dependencies in complex processes often requires interactive experimentation-multiple rounds of interventions where we adaptively probe the process with different inputs to observe how they affect outputs. Here, we demonstrate universal uncertainty principles for general interactive measurements involving arbitrary rounds of interventions. As a case study, we show that they imply an uncertainty trade-off between measurements compatible with different causal dependencies.

Identifying causal genes for depression via integration of the proteome and transcriptome from brain and blood.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous risk genes for depression. Nevertheless, genes crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of depression and effective antidepressant drug targets are largely unknown. Addressing this, we aimed to highlight potentially causal genes by systematically integrating the brain and blood protein and expression quantitative trait loci (QTL) data with a depression GWAS dataset via a statistical framework including Mendelian randomization (MR), Bayesian colocalization, and Steiger filtering analysis. In summary, we identified three candidate genes (TMEM106B, RAB27B, and GMPPB) based on brain data and two genes (TMEM106B and NEGR1) based on blood data with consistent robust evidence at both the protein and transcriptional levels. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network provided new insights into the interaction between brain and blood in depression. Collectively, four genes (TMEM106B, RAB27B, GMPPB, and NEGR1) affect depression by influencing protein and gene expression level, which could guide future researches on candidate genes investigations in animal studies as well as prioritize antidepressant drug targets.

Selective Complexation and Separation of Uranium(VI) from Thorium(IV) with New Tetradentate N,O-Hybrid Diamide Ligands: Synthesis, Extraction, Spectroscopy, and Crystallographic Studies.

An unmet challenge in the thorium-uranium fuel cycle is the efficient separation of uranium from thorium. Herein, two new tetradentate N,O-hybrid ligands, N,N'-diethyl-N,N'-di-p-tolyl-2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxamide (Et-Tol-BPDA) and N,N'-diethyl-N,N'-di-p-tolyl-2,2'-bipyrimidine-4,4'-dicarboxamide (Et-Tol-BPymDA), comprising a bipyridine or bipyrimidine core and amide moieties were designed and synthesized for selectively complexing and separating U(VI) from Th(IV). The high U(VI)/Th(IV) extraction selectivity was achieved by Et-Tol-BPDA (SFU/Th = 33 at 3 M HNO3) and Et-Tol-BPymDA (SFU/Th = 73 at 3 M HNO3) in nitric acid solutions. The extraction process for U(VI) or Th(IV) with these two ligands primarily proceeded through the solvation mechanism, as evidenced by slope analyses. Thermodynamic studies for the extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) revealed a spontaneous process. Results from UV-vis spectroscopic titration and slope analyses demonstrated that U(VI) and Th(IV) each form a 1:1 complex with the two ligands both in the monophasic organic solution and the biphasic extraction system. The stability constants of the 1:1 complexes of Et-Tol-BPDA or Et-Tol-BPymDA with U(VI) were found to be larger than those with Th(IV), which coincide well with the high U(VI)/Th(IV) extraction selectivity. The solid-state structures of Et-Tol-BPDA, Et-Tol-BPymDA, and 1:1 complexes of the two ligands with U(VI) or Th(IV) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction technique. The results from this work implicate the potential of bipyridine- and bipyrimidine-derived diamide ligands for uranium/thorium separation.

Comparison of data-driven identified hypertension-protective dietary patterns among Chinese adults: based on a nationwide study.

PURPOSE: Diet pattern (DP) is a key modifiable and cost-effective factor in hypertension (HTN) management. The current study aimed to identify and compare the hypertension-protective DPs among Chinese adults. METHODS: 52,648 participants aged over 18 years were included from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (CNHS) 2015-2017. Reduced rank regression (RRR) and partial least square regression (PLS) was applied to identify the DPs. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the association between the DPs and HTN. RESULTS: DPs derived by RRR and PLS were both featured by higher consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, mushrooms and edible fungi, seaweeds, soybeans and related products, mixed legumes, dairy products, fresh eggs, and lower of refined grain consumption. Compared to the lowest quintile, participants in the highest quintile had lower odds of HTN (RRR-DP: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.72-0.83; PLS-DP: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.71-0.82; all p < 0.0001). Simplified DP scores were observed the same protective tendencies (Simplified RRR-DP: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.75-0.87; Simplified PLS-DP: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.74-0.85; all p < 0.0001) and showed effective extrapolation in subgroups defined by gender, age, location, lifestyle, and different metabolic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The identified DPs had high conformity with East Asian dietary habits, and significantly negative associations with HTN among Chinese adults. The simplified DP technique also indicated the potential for improving the extrapolation of the results of DP analysis related to HTN.

Association of fine particulate matter and its constituents with hypertension: the modifying effect of dietary patterns.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that nutritional supplements could reduce the adverse effects induced by air pollution. However, whether dietary patterns can modify the association of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its constituents with hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline has not been evaluated. METHODS: We included 47,501 Chinese adults from a nationwide cross-sectional study. PM2.5 and five constituents were estimated by satellite-based random forest models. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and alternative Mediterranean diet (AMED) scores were calculated for each participant. Interactions between dietary patterns and air pollution were examined by adding a multiplicative interaction term to logistic models. RESULTS: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and stage 1-2 hypertension. The DASH and AMED scores significantly modified these associations, as individuals with higher scores had a significantly lower risk of air pollution-related hypertension and stage 1-2 hypertension (P-interaction < 0.05), except for interaction between PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and AMED score on stage 1 hypertension. For each IQR increase in PM2.5, participants with the lowest DASH and AMED quintiles had hypertension risk with ORs (95%CI) of 1.20 (1.10, 1.30) and 1.19 (1.09, 1.29), whereas those with the highest DASH and AMED quintiles had lower risks with 0.98 (0.91, 1.05) and 1.04 (0.97, 1.11). The stratified analysis found modification effect was more prominent in the < 65 years age group. Consuming more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy would reduce the risk of hypertension caused by PM2.5 and its constituents. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns rich in antioxidants can reduce long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents-induced hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, especially in young and middle-aged individuals. Compared to the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet offers superior dietary guidance to prevent stage 1 hypertension caused by air pollution.

The dynamics of red Noctiluca scintillans in the coastal aquaculture areas of Southeast China.

Noctiluca scintillans (NS) adds an aesthetic appeal to many coastal areas because of their bioluminescence. An intense bloom of the red NS frequently occurs in the coastal aquaculture region of Pingtan Island in Southeastern China. However, when NS exceeds in abundance, it causes hypoxia which has devastating impacts on the aquaculture. This study was conducted in the Southeastern part of China with an aim to examine the relationship between the profusion of NS and its impacts on marine environment. Samples from four stations on Pingtan Island were collected for 12 months (January to December 2018) and were later analyzed in laboratory against five parameters, namely temperature, salinity, wind speed, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a. Results showed that the NS blooms were particularly active during the months of May and June in the Pingtan Island area. The seawater temperatures during that time were recorded between 20 and 28.8 °C indicating the optimum survival temperature for NS. The NS bloom activity ceased above 28.8 °C. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the richness of NS was positively associated with temperature and salinity, whereas there was a significant reverse correlation between NS accumulation and wind speed. NS is a heterotrophic dinoflagellate and relies on the predation of algae for reproduction; therefore, a significant correlation was observed between NS abundance and chlorophyll a concentration, and an inverse correlation was observed between NS and phytoplankton abundance. Additionally, red NS growth was observed immediately following the diatom bloom, suggesting that phytoplankton, temperature, and salinity are the essential factors in the evolution, progression, and termination of NS growth.

An update on the review of microbial synthesis of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a natural amino monosaccharide in which a hydroxyl group of glucose is substituted by an amino group. It belongs to functional amino sugar compounds. In the traditional preparation process, GlcN and GlcNAc are obtained by hydrolyzing the cell wall of shrimp and crab. There are many potential problems with this method, such as geographical and seasonal restrictions on the supply of raw materials, serious environmental pollution and potential allergic reactions. Microbial fermentation has the advantages of mild conditions, low environmental pollution, high production intensity, and product safety. It can effectively solve the problem of shrimp and crab hydrolysis process, attracting many researchers to participate in the research of microbial fermentation production of GlcN. This paper mainly summarizes the research on strain construction method, metabolic pathway design and fermentation condition optimization in microbial fermentation, which has certain guiding significance for the further production, research and production of glucosamine.

Immune indices and oral health in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). During the incubation period of AIDS, oral manifestations may precede systemic symptoms; therefore, it is vitally important to explore the relationship between HIV and oral health and other indicators. This study aimed to further assess the correlation between demographic risk factors, the dental health of HIV-infected patients, and the correlation of oral health indicators with CD4+ T-cell counts (CTCCs) and HIV viral loads (HIV-VLs). METHODS: Demographic data on 108 HIV-infected patients were first recorded by questionnaire from March 2016 to November 2018. Patients' dental health and oral lesions were assessed by a dental specialist; in addition, they were tested for CTCCs and HIV-VLs by flow cytometry and NucliSENS EasyQ® HIV-1 virometer. Finally, the links between CTCC, HIV-VL, and the dental health (including oral lesions) of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that age, marital status, and body mass index (BMI) were relevant to the patient's dental health (P < 0.05) and that their oral hygiene was relevant to their dental health (P < 0.05). However, HIV-VL was not directly related to periodontal/dental clinical indicators (P > 0.05). We discovered that the oral lesions in HIV-infected patients were related to decreased CTCCs and increased HIV-VLs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that HIV-infected patients with severely impaired immune function tend to have poor dental health. Moreover, the prevalence of oral lesions was negatively correlated with CTCC and positively correlated with HIV-VL.

[Association between cooking fuel and chronic diseases among Chinese housewives from 2015 to 2017].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the use of different household cooking fuels(including solid fuels and clean fuels) and hypertension, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma among Chinese housewives. METHODS: 15616 housewives aged over 18 years were selected from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2015-2017, and their basic information investigation, physical examination and laboratory examination were carried out. Using multiple adjustment logistic regression analysis to compare the risk of using clean fuels and solid fuels in hypertension, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. And living areas(urban or rural) were used as stratified factors for stratified logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 15616 Chinese housewives, 9539(61.08%) used clean cooking fuels and 6077(38.92%) used solid cooking fuels at that time. There were significant differences in the composition of urban and rural areas, age groups, body mass index, education level, household annual income, smoking and drinking, second-hand smoke exposure level and whether to participate in physical examination within one year. After multivariable adjustment, using solid cooking fuels increased the risk of hypertension(OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.23), stroke(OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.18-1.75), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.40) and asthma(OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09-1.63). After stratified by urban and rural areas, the result showed that using solid cooking fuels among rural housewives significantly increased the risk of the above four diseases(hypertension: OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22; stroke: OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.91; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.42; asthma: OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.79). While in urban housewives, except that using solid cooking fuels might increase the risk of hypertension, the risk of stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma has not increased significantly, but there was still an increasing tendencies(hypertension: OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.36; stroke: OR=1.37, 95% CI 0.99-1.90; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.89-1.60; asthma: OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.82-1.74). CONCLUSION: The use of solid cooking fuels is a risk factor for Chinese housewives in hypertension, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma, and is more significant among rural housewives.