Gut microbiota: a superior operator for dietary phytochemicals to improve atherosclerosis.

Mounting evidence implicates the gut microbiota as a possible key susceptibility factor for atherosclerosis (AS). The employment of dietary phytochemicals that strive to target the gut microbiota has gained scientific support for treating AS. This study conducted a general overview of the links between the gut microbiota and AS, and summarized available evidence that dietary phytochemicals improve AS via manipulating gut microbiota. Then, the microbial metabolism of several dietary phytochemicals was summarized, along with a discussion on the metabolites formed and the biotransformation pathways involving key gut bacteria and enzymes. This study additionally focused on the anti-atherosclerotic potential of representative metabolites from dietary phytochemicals, and investigated their underlying molecular mechanisms. In summary, microbiota-dependent dietary phytochemical therapy is a promising strategy for AS management, and knowledge of "phytochemical-microbiota-biotransformation" may be a breakthrough in the search for novel anti-atherogenic agents.

Lactobacillus-derived components for inhibiting biofilm formation in the food industry.

Biofilm, a microbial community formed by especially pathogenic and spoilage bacterial species, is a critical problem in the food industries. It is an important cause of continued contamination by foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, removing biofilm is the key to solving the high pollution caused by foodborne pathogenic bacteria in the food industry. Lactobacillus, a commonly recognized probiotic that is healthy for consumer, have been proven useful for isolating the potential biofilm inhibitors. However, the addition of surface components and metabolites of Lactobacillus is not a current widely adopted biofilm control strategy at present. This review focuses on the effects and preliminary mechanism of action on biofilm inhibition of Lactobacillus-derived components including lipoteichoic acid, exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins, secreted protein, organic acids and some new identified molecules. Further, the review discusses several modern biofilm identification techniques and particularly interesting new technology of biofilm inhibition molecules. These molecules exhibit stronger inhibition of biofilm formation, playing a pivotal role in food preservation and storage. Overall, this review article discusses the application of biofilm inhibitors produced by Lactobacillus, which would greatly aid efforts to eradicate undesirable bacteria from environment in the food industries.

Ellagic acid and intestinal microflora metabolite urolithin A: A review on its sources, metabolic distribution, health benefits, and biotransformation.

Foods rich in ellagic tannins are first hydrolyzed into ellagic acid in the stomach and small intestine, and then converted into urolithins with high bioavailability by the intestinal flora. Urolithin has beneficially biological effects, it can induce adipocyte browning, improve cholesterol metabolism, inhibit graft tumor growth, relieve inflammation, and downregulate neuronal amyloid protein formation via the ß3-AR/PKA/p38MAPK, ERK/AMPKα/SREBP1, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and TLR4, AHR receptors. But differences have been reported in urolithin production capacity among different individuals. Thus, it is of great significance to explore the biological functions of urolithin, screen the strains responsible for biotransformation of urolithin, and explore the corresponding functional genes. Tannin acyl hydrolase can hydrolyze tannins into ellagic acid, and the genera Gordonibacter and Ellagibacter can metabolize ellagic acid into urolithins. Therefore, application of "single bacterium", "single bacterium + enzyme", and "microflora" can achieve biotransformation of urolithin A. In this review, the source and metabolic pathway of ellagic tannins, and the mechanisms of the biological function of a metabolite, urolithin A, are discussed. The current strategies of biotransformation to obtain urolithin A are expounded to provide ideas for further studies on the relationship between urolithin and human health.

Absorption, metabolism, bioactivity, and biotransformation of epigallocatechin gallate.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a typical flavone-3-ol polyphenol containing eight free hydroxyl groups, is associated with a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial activities. However, the poor bioavailability of EGCG restricts its use. In this review, we discuss the processes involved in the absorption and metabolism of EGCG, with a focus on its metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota. Next, we summarize the bioactivities of some key metabolites, describe the biotransformation of EGCG by different microorganisms, and discuss its catabolism by specific bacteria. A deeper understanding of the absorption, metabolism, and biotransformation of EGCG may enable its disease-preventive and therapeutic properties to be better utilized. This review provides a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of EGCG and its metabolites for improving the gut microbiota and physiological health.

Recent updates in anti-glycation strategies: selection of natural products and lactic acid bacteria as potential inhibitors based on the multi-pathway anti-glycation targets.

The prevalence of high-sugar diets and unhealthy habits exacerbates the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body. When AGEs excessively accumulate in the body, they accelerate the aging process while directly or indirectly causing other complications that can seriously damage the body. Prevention of glycation damage is gaining increasing attention; however, a systematic strategy to combat glycation and specific glycation inhibitors is still lacking. By analyzing the process of glycation damage, we suggest that glycation damage can be mitigated by the inhibition of AGEs production, binding to proteins, and binding to receptors for advanced glycation end products, as well as the attenuation of downstream linkage reactions. This review summarizes the process of glycation damage. According to each step of the process, the review presents the corresponding anti-glycation strategies. Based on recent anti-glycation studies, we support the fabrication of glycation inhibitors by using natural plant products and fermentation products of lactic acid bacteria that partially exhibit anti-glycation properties. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which these dietary ingredients perform anti-glycation functions, providing relevant research evidence. We hope that this review will support and assist subsequent investigations in the development of anti-glycation inhibitors.

Recent advance in quality preservation of non-thermal preservation technology of fresh mushroom: a review.

Fresh mushrooms have a long history of cultivation and consumption, but high postharvest losses are a concern in the commercial production of mushrooms worldwide. Thermal dehydration is widely used in the preservation of commercial mushrooms, but the flavor and taste of mushrooms are significantly altered after dehydration. Non-thermal preservation technology, which effectively maintains the characteristics of mushrooms, is a viable alternative to thermal dehydration. The objective of this review was to critically assess the factors affecting fresh mushroom quality after preservation is remarkable, with the ultimate goal of developing and promoting non-thermal preservation technology for preserving fresh mushroom quality, effectively extending the shelf life of fresh mushrooms. The factors influencing the quality degradation process of fresh mushrooms discussed herein include the internal factors associated with the mushroom itself and the external factors associated with the storage environment. We present a comprehensive discussion of the effects of different non-thermal preservation technologies on the quality and shelf life of fresh mushrooms. To prevent quality loss and extend the shelf life after postharvest, hybrid methods, such as physical or chemical techniques combined with chemical techniques, and novel nonthermal technologies are highly recommended.

Improvement of inflammatory bowel disease by lactic acid bacteria-derived metabolites: a review.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of host health, as well as the improvement of some diseases. One of the major modes is the secretion of metabolites that may be intermediate or end products of the LAB's metabolism. In this review, we summarized some common metabolites (particularly short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], bacteriocin, and exopolysaccharide [EPS]) from LAB in fermented foods and the gut for the first time. The effects of LAB-derived metabolites (LABM) on inflammation, oxidative stress, the intestinal barrier, and gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model are also discussed. The discovery of LABM and identification of IBD biomarkers are mainly attributed to the development of metabolomics technologies, especially nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The application of these metabolomics technologies in identification of LABM and IBD biomarkers are also summarized and analyzed. Although the beneficial effects of some LABM have been explored, undiscovered metabolites and their functions still need further investigations.

The preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index predicts long-term prognosis in elderly locally advanced rectal cancer patients: a two-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The objective is to explore the value of preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in evaluating long-term prognosis in elderly locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who accepted neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and to compare GNRI with established nutritional markers, including prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score. METHODS: Preoperative GNRI was retrospectively assessed in 172 LARC patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent radical resection after NCRT at two centers. Optimal cutoff value of GNRI was determined by X-tile program. The association of GNRI with clinicopathological parameters and nutritional markers was analyzed. The survival ability of markers was evaluated using time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Finally, survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: GNRI was highly correlated with nutritional markers. An optimal cutoff value for the GNRI was 96. In the time-dependent ROC curve, GNRI demonstrated a stable predictive ability for both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that GNRI was the only nutritional marker that independently predicted DFS (HR 2.457, 95% CI 1.066-5.665, P = 0.035) and OS (HR 9.002, 95% CI 3.100-26.146, P < 0.001). As an additional benefit, GNRI was able to stratify survival in subgroups of ypTNM and tumor response. CONCLUSION: Preoperative GNRI is a promising predictor of long-term survival for elderly LARC patients undergoing NCRT, superior to the established nutritional markers.

Exploring the Dose-Effect Relationship of Bifidobacterium longum in Relieving Loperamide Hydrochloride-Induced Constipation in Rats through Colon-Released Capsules.

Constipation is a common disease affecting humans. Bifidobacterium longum is reportedly effective in relieving constipation. Current studies generally focus on the dose-response relationship of oral doses; however, the dose-effect relationship of B. longum in the colon, which is the primary site where B. longum exerts constipation-relieving effects, to treat constipation has not been studied. Herein, three strains of B. longum (FGSZY6M4, FJSWXJ10M2, and FSDJN6M3) were packaged in colon-released capsules to explore the dose-effect relationship in the colon. For each strain, three groups of capsules (104, 106, and 108 CFU/capsule, respectively) and one group of free probiotics (108 CFU/mL) were used to explore the colonic dose effect of B. longum. The results showed that the three strains of B. longum improved fecal water content and promoted intestinal motility by regulating gastrointestinal peptide (MTL, GAS, and VIP), aquaporin-3, and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels while promoting gastrointestinal motility and relieving constipation by regulating the intestinal flora composition of constipated rats and changing their metabolite content (short-chain fatty acids). Among the three free bacterial solution groups (108 CFU/mL), FGSZY6M4 was the most effective in relieving constipation caused by loperamide hydrochloride in rats. The optimal effective dose of each strain was 6M4 (104 CFU/day), 10M2 (106 CFU/day), and S3 (108 CFU/day) of the colon-released capsules. Therefore, for some effective strains, the dose of oral probiotics can be reduced by colon-released capsules, and constipation can be relieved without administering a great number of bacterial solutions. Therefore, investigating the most effective dose of B. longum at the colon site can help to improve the efficiency of relieving constipation.

Mitigation of Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice through Oral Administration of Microbiome-Derived Inosine and Its Underlying Mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Colonic and serum inosine are significantly reduced in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: This study aimed to explore whether microbiome-derived inosine alleviates colitis and its underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: An inosine intervention effectively improved the clinical signs in colitis mice, suppressed inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1ß) by regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and elevated the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Additionally, the inosine intervention significantly elevated the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occudin, and claudin-1) in mice with colitis. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the inosine intervention also prevented gut microbiota disorder by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Romboutsia, Marvinbryantia, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Bifidobacterium) and reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Tyzzerella) in mice with colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Inosine played a significant role in mitigating colitis-related intestinal barrier injury and could potentially be used for therapy in clinical practice.

Broccoli seed extract rich in polysaccharides and glucoraphanin ameliorates DSS-induced colitis via intestinal barrier protection and gut microbiota modulation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli has received widespread attention because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to explore the composition of broccoli seed extract (BSE) and its effect on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). RESULTS: BSE mainly comprises glucoraphanin and polysaccharides composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose. Animal experiments suggested that BSE intervention effectively reversed body weight loss, suppressed the levels of proinflammatory interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß, and elevated the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in DSS-induced colitis mice. According to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of colon tissue, BSE intervention may repair the intestinal barrier by upregulating mRNA levels and the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludens-1). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis demonstrated that cecal short-chain fatty acids in mice with BSE administration were significantly increased compared with the model group. Sulforaphane and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine were only detected in BSE group mice by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS analysis. In addition, BSE intervention evidently increased the abundance of Alistipeds, Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002 and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Escheichia-Shinella, Lachnospiraceae others, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae others and Turicibacter, which possibly promoted carbohydrate metabolism and short-chain fatty acid production. CONCLUSION: The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of BSE on colitis and found that BSE, as a novel food ingredient, has great potential for the improvement of colitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intestinal microbiomics and hepatic metabolomics insights into the potential mechanisms of probiotic Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 preventing acute liver injury in mice.

BACKGROUND: Bifidobacterium pseudolongum is widely exists in mammal gut and its abundance is associated with human and animal health. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 on protecting against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) by metagenomic analysis and liver metabolomic profiles. RESULTS: Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 preintervention remarkably attenuated the influence of LPS on serum alanine transaminase and aspartate amino transferase activities. B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 preintervention remarkably attenuated the inflammation responses (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6) and elevated antioxidative enzymes activities [total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase] in ALI mice by intervening in the Nf-kß and Nrf2 pathways, respectively. Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 treatment elevated the proportion of Alistipes and Bifidobacterium, and decreased the proportion of uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium, Muribaculum, Parasutterella and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 in ALI mice, which were strongly correlated with the inhibition of inflammation responses and oxidative stress. Untargeted liver metabolomics exhibited that the hepatoprotective efficacy of B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 might be achieved by altering liver metabolites-related riboflavin metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, alanine, citrate cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), and so on. Furthermore, riboflavin exposure could control the contents of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in hydrogen peroxide-treated HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Bifidobacterium pseudolongum CCFM1253 can effectively alleviate inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and regulate the intestinal microbiota composition and liver metabolism, and elevate the liver riboflavin content in LPS-treated mice. Therefore, B. pseudolongum CCFM1253 could serves as a potential probiotic to ameliorate the host health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oral microbiome characteristics in children with and without early childhood caries.

OBJECTIVE: Early childhood caries (ECC) negatively affects children's growth due to its close relation to an imbalance of the oral microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of the oral microbiota in children with ECC and healthy individuals. METHODS: The oral microbiota of 20 children with dental caries from both carious teeth (CC cohort) and healthy teeth (CH cohort), and the oral microbiota of 20 healthy control children (HH cohort) were subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: The results revealed significant differences between the microbial structure of the CC and CH cohorts of every child with ECC. The most common microbes were Streptococcus, Neisseria, Leptotrichia, Lautropia and Haemophilus. Specifically, the CC cohort contained Lactobacillus, Veillonella, and Prevotella 7, the CH cohort contained Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium and Abiotrophia, and the HH cohort mainly contained Neisseria, Leptotrichia, Porphyromonas and Gemella. Lastly, we established a random forest model consisting of 10 genera (Prevotella 7, Actinobacillus, etc.) which demonstrated promising clinical diagnostic ability (area under the curve (AUC) = 89.8%). These findings indicate that oral microbiota can potentially be used as therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers for the early prediction and prevention of caries in children.

Influencing factors of early activity in patients with acute ischemic stroke based on social ecological model: A qualitative study. / åŸºäºŽç¤¾ä¼šç”Ÿæ€ç†è®ºæ¨¡åž‹çš„æ€¥æ€§ç¼ºè¡€æ€§è„‘å’ä¸­æ‚£è€ æ—©æœŸæ´»åŠ¨å½±å“å› ç´ çš„è´¨æ€§ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the main causes of disability in middle-aged and elderly people, and early activity plays an important role in functional recovery. This study aims to understand the factors that affect the implementation of early activity in patients with AIS and to provide reference for promoting early activity implementation and developing intervention strategies for AIS patients. METHODS: Using purposive sampling, 19 AIS patients and their caregivers who visited at Stroke Center in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and the Third Hospital of Changsha from June to December 2021, as well as 19 medical staff, hospital administrators, or community workers providing medical health services to stroke patients, were selected as interviewes. A semi-structured interview was conducted based on the social ecological theory model, and the Colaizzi seven-step method was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: According to qualitative interview results, the factors affecting early activity in AIS patients were summarized into 4 themes and 12 sub-themes: medical staff factors (insufficient knowledge and skills, insufficient knowledge of early activity, unclear division of responsibilities), patient factors (severity of the disease, lack of knowledge, psychological pressure, fear of falling), social environmental factors (lack of social support, shortage of human resources and rehabilitation equipment, insufficient medical insurance support), and evidence and norms (the evidence for early activity needs improvement, lack of standardized early activity procedures). CONCLUSIONS: Early activity in AIS patients is impacted by factors at multiple levels, including medical staff, patients, social environment, and evidence and norms. Developing comprehensive intervention strategies to address these factors can promote early activity implementation in AIS patients.

Effect and pathway of abortion stigma on depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. / èƒŽå„¿ç•¸å½¢å­•å¦‡å¼•äº§ç— è€»æ„Ÿå¯¹å¼•äº§å‰æŠ‘éƒç—‡çŠ¶çš„å½±å“æ•ˆåº”åŠè·¯å¾„.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect and pathway of abortion stigma on depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. METHODS: Based on literature review, a self-made general demographic information questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Fusion, the Responses to Stress Questionnaire and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used to investigate pregnant women with fetal anomaly before abortion in tertiary general hospitals and specialist maternity hospitals in Changsha, to develop a hypothesis model of the factors influencing depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy. The hypothesis model was verified by applying structural equation modelling analysis. RESULTS: The structural equation model showed that the stigma directly or indirectly influenced depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy via psychological flexibility, social support and avoidance coping. The total effect value was 0.55 (P<0.05), the direct effect value was 0.22 (P<0.05), and the indirect effect value was 0.33 (P<0.05). Psychological flexibility and social support had protective mediating effects, while avoidance coping had harmful mediating effects. CONCLUSIONS: Abortion stigma has large positive effect on the depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy in pregnant women with fetal anomaly. Among direct and indirect effect, the indirect effect is major. Effective measures to reduce the stigma, increase psychological flexibility, improve social support and coping style will have an important influence on the prevention and reduction of depressive symptoms before terminating the pregnancy.

Inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus gasseri CCFM1201 on Gardnerella vaginalis in mice with bacterial vaginosis.

Gardnerella vaginalis is the core pathogen of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection in women. G. vaginalis exerts pathogenicity through various factors, such as biofilm formation and the local host immune response stimulation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus gasseri CCFM1201 on G. vaginalis using experimental BV models. We evaluated L. gasseri in vitro to inhibit pathogen biofilm formation and adhesion capacity in HeLa cells using crystal violet staining. Further in vivo studies were conducted to assess the inhibitory effects of L. gasseri CCFM1201 on BV induced by G. vaginalis. L. gasseri exhibited strain-specific adhesion and inhibition of pathogen biofilm formation in vitro. L. gasseri CCFM1201 significantly reduced G. vaginalis in mice (p < 0.05), inhibited sialidase activity, modulated tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß expression, and reduced myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination indicated that L. gasseri CCFM1201 improved inflammatory cell infiltration of vaginal tissue and restored its structure. Vaginal epithelial cell exfoliation, the main clinical feature of BV, was significantly improved by L. gasseri CCFM1201 intervention (p < 0.05). Thus, L. gasseri CCFM1201 is a potential candidate for treating G. vaginalis-induced vaginal diseases.

Anti-aging effects and mechanisms of anthocyanins and their intestinal microflora metabolites.

Aging, a natural and inevitable physiological process, is the primary risk factor for all age-related diseases; it severely threatens the health of individuals and places a heavy burden on the public health-care system. Thus, strategies to extend the lifespan and prevent and treat age-related diseases have been gaining increasing scientific interest. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are a subclass of flavonoids widely distributed in fruits and vegetables. Growing evidence suggests that ACNs delay aging and relieve age-related diseases. However, owing to the low bioavailability of ACNs, their gut metabolites have been proposed to play a critical role in mediating health benefits. In this review, we introduce the biological fate of ACNs after consumption and highlight ACNs metabolites (phenolic acids) from intestinal microorganisms. Additionally, ACNs and gut metabolites exhibit outstanding anti-aging ability in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and mouse models, probably associated with increasing antioxidation, anti-inflammation, protein homeostasis, antiglycation, mitochondrial function, and inhibition of insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS). ACNs and gut metabolites have great application prospects as functional foods and drugs to delay aging and manage age-related diseases. Further investigation should focus on the interaction between ACNs and gut microbiota, including clarifying the complex metabolic pathway and maximizing the health effects of ACNs.

Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibitors Produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8724.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8724 inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans in mixed-species biofilm formation. In this study, bioactive compound including cyclo (leu-pro), cyclo (phe-pro), and some organic acids, such as 3-phenyllactic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and palmitic acid, were identified through GC-MS analysis. At 50 µg·mL-1, cyclo (leu-pro) reduced biofilm mass (OD600) from 3.00 to 2.00, and hydrocinnamic acid at 25 µg·mL-1 reduced biofilm mass (OD600) from 3.00 to 1.00. The expression of ALS3 and HWP1 was downregulated by cyclo (leu-pro). Furthermore, a mixture of cyclo (leu-pro), cyclo (phe-pro), 3-phenyllactic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and palmitic acid, had anti-biofilm activity. Overall, the results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of this probiotic and its components in preventing biofilm formation.

Prevalence of stress and depression and associated factors among women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion in China: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of stress and depression and associated factors among women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, from April 1st to Oct 31st, 2021. Women seeking termination of an intrauterine first-trimester pregnancy were invited to participate and complete a digital self-administered questionnaire. The survey included socio-demographic and health questions, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: A total of 253 women participated. Prevalence of high perceived stress (cut-off ≥ 20) and depressive symptoms (cut-off ≥ 10) was 25.3% and 22.5%, respectively. Women were more likely to suffer high stress if they reported low resilience (aOR = 16.84, 95% CI 5.18-54.79), were not-using contraceptives (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.39-6.29), had low social support (aOR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.39-6.29), were non-local residents (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.15-5.92), were dissatisfied with their intimate relationship (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.15-5.16), or held pro-life attitudes towards abortion (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.18-3.53). Odds of experiencing depression were higher among women who also reported high perceived stress (aOR = 19.00, 95% CI 7.67-47.09), had completed higher education (aOR = 12.28, 95% CI 1.24-121.20), and were non-local residents (aOR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.37-8.32). CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of perceived stress and depression was high among Chinese women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the mental health of women seeking an abortion, especially those with high risk. Interventions to mitigate relevant associated factors could improve the psychological wellbeing of women.

The Effect of Proline on the Freeze-Drying Survival Rate of Bifidobacterium longum CCFM 1029 and Its Inherent Mechanism.

Amino acids, which are important compatible solutes, play a significant role in probiotic lyophilization. However, studies on the functions of Bifidobacterium during freeze-drying are limited. Therefore, in this study, we compared the freeze-drying survival rate of Bifidobacterium longum CCFM 1029 cultivated in different media containing different kinds of compatible solutes. We found that the addition of 21 g/L proline to the culture media substantially improved the freeze-drying survival rate of B. longum CCFM 1029 from 18.61 ± 0.42% to 38.74 ± 1.58%. Interestingly, this change has only been observed when the osmotic pressure of the external culture environment is increased. Under these conditions, we found that proline accumulation in this strain increased significantly. This change also helped the strain to maintain its membrane integrity and the activity of some key enzymes during freeze-drying. Overall, these results show that the addition of proline can help the strain resist a tough environment during lyophilization. The findings of this study provide preliminary data for producers of probiotics who wish to achieve higher freeze-drying survival rates during industrial production.