Reversible Mechanical Switching of Ferroelastic Stripe Domains in Multiferroic Thin Films.

The application potential of ferroelectric thin films largely relies on the controllability of their domain structure. Among the various proposed strategies, mechanical switching is being considered as a potential alternative to replace electrical switching for control of the domain structure of ferroelectric thin films via, e.g., the flexoelectric effect. So far, studies on mechanical switching are confined to out-of-plane polarization switching in ferroelectric thin films, which are in pristine or prepoled single-domain states. In this work, we report reversible in-plane mechanical switching of the monoclinic phase (MC phase) stripe domains in BiFeO3 thin films can be realized by scanning tip force. Via controlling the fast scan direction of the scanning probe microscopy tip and the magnitude of the tip force, the effective trailing field induced by the local tip force can be rotated to consequently switch the net in-plane polarization of the two-variant stripe domain patterns by either 90° or 180°. Moreover, the monoclinic to rhombohedral (MC-R) phase transition occurs during mechanical switching with the distribution of R-phase domains dependent on the switching paths. These results extend our current understanding of the mechanical switching behavior in ferroelectric thin films and should be instructive for their future applications.

Long-term monitoring chlorophyll-a concentration using HJ-1 A/B imagery and machine learning algorithms in typical lakes, a cold semi-arid region.

Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) in lakes serves as an effective marker for assessing algal biomass and the nutritional level of lakes, and its observation is feasible through remote sensing methods. HJ-1 (Huanjing-1) satellite, deployed in 2008, incorporates a CCD capable of a 30 m resolution and has a revisit interval of 2 days, rendering it a superb choice or supplemental sensor for monitoring trophic state of lakes. For effective long-term and regional-scale mapping, both the imagery and the evaluation of machine learning algorithms are essential. The several typical machine learning algorithms, i.e., Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), XGBoost (XGB), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), and Multi-Layer Perception Network (MLP), were developed using our in-situ measured Chl-a. A cross-validation grid to identify the most effective hyperparameter combinations for each algorithm was used, as well as the selected optimal superparameter combinations. In Chl-a mapping of three typical lakes, the R2 of GBDT, XGB, RF, and KRR all reached 0.90, while XGB algorithm also exhibited stable performance with the smallest error (RMSE = 3.11 µg/L). Adjustments were made to align the Chl-a spatial-temporal patterns with past data, utilizing HJ1-A/B CCD images mapping through XGB algorithm, which demonstrates its stability. Our results highlight the considerable effectiveness and utility of HJ-1 A/B CCD imagery for evaluation and monitoring trophic state of lakes in a cold arid region, providing the application cases contribute to the ongoing efforts to monitor water qualities.

Multiband Omnidirectional Invisibility Cloak.

Transformation optics (TO) provides a powerful tool to manipulate electromagnetic waves, enabling the design of invisibility cloaks, which can render objects invisible. Despite many years of research, however, invisibility cloaks experimentally realized thus far can only operate at a single frequency. The narrow bandwidth significantly restricts the practical applications of invisibility cloaks and other TO devices. Here, a general design strategy is proposed to realize a multiband anisotropic metamaterial characterized by two principal permittivity components, i.e., one infinite and the other spatially gradient. Through a proper transformation and combination of such metamaterials, an omnidirectional invisibility cloak is experimentally implemented, which is impedance-matched to free space at multiple frequencies. Both far-field numerical simulations and near-field experimental mappings confirm that this cloak can successfully suppress scattering from multiple large-scale objects simultaneously at 5 and 10 GHz. The design strategy and corresponding practical realization bring multiband transformation optical devices one step closer to reality.

Summary of evidence on comprehensive healthcare for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide an evidence-based summary of the most effective strategies for comprehensive healthcare of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. METHOD: Following the "6S" model, relevant evidence on CIPN management was collected from reputable evidence-based resource websites and databases nationally and internationally. The included articles were evaluated for methodological quality, and evidence was extracted using the Australian JBI Evidence-based Health Care Center's literature evaluation standard (2016 edition). RESULTS: A total of 60 articles were included in this study, comprising 2 guidelines, 5 expert consensus statements, and 53 systematic reviews. The findings of these articles were summarized across 7 dimensions, including risk factor screening, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, management, and health education, resulting in the identification of 42 relevant pieces of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence-based recommendations for managing CIPN in cancer patients, offering guidance for healthcare professionals engaged in clinical practice. However, when implementing these recommendations, it is crucial to consider the individual patient's clinical circumstances, preferences, and expert judgment, ensuring feasibility and applicability in real-world clinical settings.

Eliminating the Scattering of Thin Film Structures.

Rendering invisibility in the wide application scenarios has seen a surge in interest in recent years. Though various approaches have been proposed to realize concealments under different conditions, achieving polarization-independent invisibility for large objects remains a big challenge. Here, we propose to attain invisibility of a large dielectric slab with polarization constraints being totally lifted. This is accomplished by employing an antiscattering coating made of anisotropic metamaterials. We show that by tailoring the electric resonance of a triangular mushroom structure, antiphase electric dipole moment can be induced, resulting in an antipolarization response of the whole metamaterial coatings. By putting the proposed coatings on both sides of a large dielectric slab, a neutralization effect of the total polarization is observed, leading to the peculiar phenomenon of full-polarization invisibility. Our results are validated through full-wave simulations and experimental measurements. Remarkably, the intrinsic null-polarization property of the coating-slab-coating structure guarantees the invisibility feature of a large-scale bulk made by simply stacking the sandwiched composites, which facilitates the application of invisibility in practical scenarios such as the invisibility cloaks and the reflectionless antenna radomes.

Correlation between TCF7L2 and CAPN10 gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus in different geographical regions: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between TCF7L2 and CAPN10 gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been explored in diverse populations across different geographical regions. Yet, most of these studies have been confined to a limited number of loci, resulting in inconsistent findings. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of published literature to identify studies examining the relationship between TCF7L2 and CAPN10 gene polymorphisms and the incidence of GDM in various populations. We specifically focused on five loci that were extensively reported in a large number of publications and performed a meta-analysis. METHODS: We prioritized the selection of SNPs with well-documented correlations established in existing literature on GDM. We searched eight Chinese and English databases: Cochrane, Elton B. Stephens. Company (EBSCO), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database and retrieved all relevant articles published between the inception of the database and July 2022. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the selected articles, and the odds ratio (OR) was used as the combined effect size index to determine the association between genotypes, alleles, and GDM using different genetic models. Heterogeneity between the studies was quantified and the I2 value calculated. Due to large heterogeneities between different ethnic groups, subgroup analysis was used to explore the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and the incidence of GDM in the different populations. The stability of the results was assessed using sensitivity analysis. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 39 articles reporting data on 8,795 cases and 16,290 controls were included in the analysis. The frequency of the rs7901695 genotype was statistically significant between cases and controls in the European population (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.65-0.86) and the American population (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.77). The frequencies of rs12255372, rs7901695, rs290487, and rs2975760 alleles were also considerably different between the cases and controls in the populations analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: rs7903146, rs12255372, rs7901695, rs290487, and rs2975760 were associated with the incidence of GDM in different populations.

Construction and evaluation of a cloud follow-up platform for gynecological patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Patient follow-up is an essential component of hospital management. In the current information era, the patient follow-up scheme is expected to be replaced by Internet technology. This study constructed a cloud follow-up platform for gynecological chemotherapy patients and assessed its cost-effectiveness and patients' feedback. METHODS: A total of 2,538 patients were followed up using a cloud follow-up system between January and October 2021. Prior to this, 690 patients were followed manually via telephone calls. Patients' characteristics, follow-up rate, satisfaction, and session duration were compared between the cloud follow-up and manual follow-up groups. In addition, the read rate of health education materials in the cloud follow-up group was analyzed. RESULTS: General information, including age, education attainment, cancer stage, and disease category, and follow-up rate (cloud: 6,957/7,614, 91.4%; manual: 1,869/2,070, 90.3%; P = 0.13) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The follow-up satisfaction of the cloud follow-up patients was significantly better than that of the manual follow-up group (cloud: 7,192/7,614, 94.5%; manual: 1,532/2,070, 74.0%; P<0.001). The time spent on the follow-up was approximately 1.2 h for 100 patients in the cloud follow-up group and 10.5 h in the manual follow-up group. Multivariate analysis indicated that the cloud follow-up group had significantly greater follow-up satisfaction (odds ratio: 2.239, 95% CI: 1.237 ~ 5.219). Additionally, the average follow-up duration of the cloud follow-up group decreased by 9.287 h (coefficient: -9.287, 95% CI: -1.439~-0.165). The read rate of health education materials was 72.9% in the cloud follow-up group. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up effect of the cloud follow-up group was not inferior to that of the manual follow-up group. The cloud follow-up was more effective for prevention and control requirements in the post-epidemic era. Cloud follow-up can save medical resources, improve cost-effectiveness, provide sufficient health education resources for patients, and improve their satisfaction.

Heterogeneous ferroptosis susceptibility of macrophages caused by focal iron overload exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis.

Focal iron overload is frequently observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet its functional significance remains elusive. Herein, we report that iron deposition in lesion aggravates arthritis by inducing macrophage ferroptosis. We show that excessive iron in synovial fluid positively correlates with RA disease severity as does lipid hyperoxidation of focal monocyte/macrophages. Further study reveals high susceptibility to iron induced ferroptosis of the anti-inflammatory macrophages M2, while pro-inflammatory M1 are less affected. Distinct glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) degradation depending on p62/SQSTM1 in the two cell types make great contribution mechanically. Of note, ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin-1 (LPX-1) can alleviate the progression of K/BxN serum-transfer induced arthritis (STIA) mice accompanied with increasing M2 macrophages proportion. We thus propose that the heterogeneous ferroptosis susceptibility of macrophage subtypes as well as consequent inflammation and immune disorders are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in RA.

Marital adjustment and depressive symptoms among Chinese perinatal women: a prospective, longitudinal cross-lagged study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms and determine the trajectories of marital adjustment and depressive symptoms and their reciprocal relationships among Chinese perinatal women. DESIGN: This was a prospective, longitudinal cross-lagged study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the outpatient department of the largest women's and children's hospital in China, which is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and sixty-three mothers were conveniently sampled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to evaluate marital adjustment and depressive symptoms, respectively, at three time points: the first trimester of pregnancy (T1), the third trimester of pregnancy (T2) and 6 weeks after childbirth (T3). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the trajectories of marital adjustment and depressive symptoms among the participants. A cross-lagged model was used to explore the reciprocal relationship between marital adjustment and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms among our participants ranged from 21.2% to 24.0%. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that during the perinatal period there was a significant tendency towards worse marital adjustment (F=33.031, p=0.000) and a slight but not significant reduction in depressive symptoms (F=1.883, p=0.153) among the participants. The cross-lagged model showed that maternal marital adjustment at T1 significantly and negatively predicted depressive symptoms at T2 (ß=-0.165, p<0.001), and that depressive symptoms at T2 significantly and negatively predicted marital adjustment at T3 (ß=-0.135, p<0.001). However, the predictive effects of depressive symptoms at T1 on marital adjustment at T2 and that of marital adjustment at T2 on depressive symptoms at T3 were not significant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms ranged from 21.2% to 24.0% among the participants. During the perinatal period, the marital adjustment of women tended to be worse; however, there was no significant change in depressive symptoms. This study showed that better marital adjustment at T1 was a protective factor against maternal depressive symptoms at T2, and a higher level of depressive symptoms at T2 was a risk factor for worse marital adjustment at T3.

Injectable Decorin/Gellan Gum Hydrogel Encapsulating Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhances Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Cartilage Injury via Autophagy Signaling.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are employed as a promising alternative in treating cartilage injury. Regulating the inflammatory "fingerprint" of ADSCs to improve their anti-inflammatory properties could enhance therapy efficiency. Herein, a novel injectable decorin/gellan gum hydrogel combined with ADSCs encapsulation for arthritis cartilage treatment is proposed. Decorin/gellan gum hydrogel was prepared according to the previous manufacturing protocol. The liquid-solid form transition of gellan gum hydrogel is perfectly suitable for intra-articular injection. Decorin-enriched matrix showing an immunomodulatory ability to enhance ADSCs anti-inflammatory phenotype under inflammation microenvironment by regulating autophagy signaling. This decorin/gellan gum/ADSCs hydrogel efficiently reverses interleukin-1ß-induced cellular injury in chondrocytes. Through a mono-iodoacetate-induced arthritis mice model, the synergistic therapeutic effect of this ADSCs-loaded hydrogel, including inflammation attenuation and cartilage protection, is demonstrated. These results make the decorin/gellan gum hydrogel laden with ADSCs an ideal candidate for treating inflammatory joint disorders.

The footprint of the anterior horn of medial meniscus: A novel and reliable landmark for the tibial vertical cut in Oxford mobile-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Tibial vertical cut is crucial for rotational position and bony coverage in Oxford mobile-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This study aimed to determine whether the footprint of the anterior horn of medial meniscus (FAM) is a reliable landmark for tibial vertical cut. METHODS: The FAM and the line through FAM and the edge of anterior cruciate ligament insertion (FAMA line) were identified by dissection five knee joint specimens. The angle between FAMA line and standard Akagi's line was measured. From 2022 to 2023, 64 patients (74 knees) diagnosed as anteromedial osteoarthritis were included to undergo primary Oxford medial UKA by two surgeons (Group 1 and 2), using FAMA line as a landmark for tibial vertical cut. The anteroposterior (AP) length, mediolateral (ML) length of tibial cut and tibial prothesis were measured by vernier caliper. ML/AP ratio was also calculated, and data were compared intragroup and intergroup. Mediolateral position and external rotation of tibial components were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: FAMA line was parallel to standard Akagi's line. No significant differences were found in AP and ML lengths between tibial cut and tibial component (AP different value = 0.007 ± 0.154 cm, P = 0.674, ML different value = 0.020 ± 0.195 cm, P = 0.155). The ML/AP ratio was similar between the two groups (P = 0.141, 0.646, 0.255, 0.607, 0.384, size AA âˆ¼ D). No significant difference was found in mediolateral position (0.87 ± 0.03 vs. 0.86 ± 0.03, P = 0.156) and external rotation (6.88 ± 2.08 vs. 6.68 ± 2.22, P = 0.746) of the tibial component between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The FAM is a reliable landmark for tibial vertical cut in Oxford UKA.

Factors affecting gastrointestinal function recovery after cesarean section among Chinese mothers: A cross-sectional study.

This study was conducted to explore the influencing factors of gastrointestinal function recovery after cesarean section (CS), which could provide a reference for the enhanced recovery after surgery in obstetrics. This is a cross-sectional survey on Chinese mothers receiving CS. The participants's socio-demographic characteristics, perioperative diet, medical condition and gastrointestinal function after surgery were collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the influencing factors of gastrointestinal function recovery after CS. A total of 1501 (94.76%) valid questionnaires were collected. The first borborygmus was 2.21 ± 0.63 hours, and the first anal exhaust was 35.73 ± 14.85 hours after the CS. The incidence of abdominal distension and intestinal obstruction were 15.1% and 0.7%, respectively. The parity, type of CS, 2-hours bleeding after surgery, time of first meal after surgery, whether taking peppermint water after surgery were the independent influencing factors for gastrointestinal function recovery after CS. We should pay more attention to the mothers with scarred uterus, manage the labor process strictly, and reduce 2-hours bleeding after surgery. The mothers with CS should also be encouraged to eat early and take peppermint water to promote intestinal peristalsis actively.

The readmission of a parturient with natural delivery after discharge due to residual fetal membrane: A case report.

RATIONALE: Placental residue is a relatively common and sophisticated disease among obstetric delivery complications. A failure to detect placental residue in time may cause poor outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal infection. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present the case of a 33-year-old full-term singleton parturient with placental residue. Upon precipitate labor and childbirth, the placenta and fetal membranes were examined to be intact. However, 1 day after discharge, she felt that there was discharge from the vagina and thus presented to our emergency department. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with residual membranes and readmitted to the hospital for uterine curettage. INTERVENTION: Uterine curettage was performed under B-ultrasound guidance. OUTCOME: The patient was discharged smoothly without any postoperative complications. LESSONS: This paper can provide significant enlightenment for the prevention and early treatment of placental residue, including enhancing the risk awareness of high-risk patients, standardizing the process of clinical examination of the placenta, and early uterine contraction promotion to assist in the discharge of residual tissue, so as to reduce the occurrence of placental residue.

Professional Nursing Practice Environment and Work Engagement: The Mediating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Achievement Motivation.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of nurses is a global problem. Increasing the level of work engagement is known to effectively reduce turnover rate among nursing staff. Strategies to improve work engagement based on the job demands-resources model may effectively improve nurses' job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover. PURPOSE: A job demands-resources model was used in this study to test the hypothesis that work engagement is affected by both external resources (professional nursing practice environment) and internal resources (self-efficacy and achievement motivation). In addition, the mediating role of self-efficacy and achievement motivation in the relationship between professional nursing practice environment and work engagement was also verified. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey employing a convenience sampling design was implemented. Five hundred fifteen registered nurses were recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China, from January to June 2020. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Achievement Motive Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to measure the four variables. RESULTS: The results of the structural equation model showed that the degree of fit for each index model was good, indicating that all of the three variables, including professional nursing practice environment, self-efficacy, and achievement motivation, directly affected work engagement. In addition, the variable professional nursing practice environment was found to indirectly influence work engagement through the partial mediation of self-efficacy and achievement motivation. CONCLUSIONS: The results may be used to guide health policymakers and nurse managers attempting to enhance the work engagement of nurses by providing a supportive working environment, improving the welfare mechanism, formulating a talent training plan, and fostering appropriate empowerment to improve the working environment, self-efficacy, and motivation in nurses.

Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and training needs of obstetric and gynecological nurses regarding COVID-19 during the peak period of the pandemic in middle-risk areas of China: A cross-sectional study.

Background: COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, which necessitates that health workers be capable of protecting themselves and their patients. This article aimed to describe knowledge levels, attitudes, behaviors and training needs regarding COVID-19 among obstetric and gynecological nurses in medium-risk areas during the pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey of obstetric and gynecological nurses in medium-risk areas was performed during the peak period of the pandemic in China. The main survey tool was the self-designed COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior and Training Needs Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the relationships among knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and training needs. Results: A total of 599 nurses were recruited, of whom 27.7% failed the knowledge part of the questionnaire. Positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.100, P = 0.015) and between attitudes and behaviors (r = 0.352, P = 0.000) regarding occupational protection against COVID-19. A total of 88.5% of nurses preferred online training to traditional training, and more than 70% believed that demonstration of and training in operations by their own department were effective ways to learn about how to protect themselves against COVID-19. Conclusion: The higher the level of knowledge about the disease was, the more positive the attitude toward occupational protection, and consequently, the more actively protective behaviors were adopted. Training affected nurses' knowledge of COVID-19 occupational protection and promoted positive attitudes, which further facilitated the effective prevention and control of the disease. Online training with demonstrations are recommended for COVID-19 training of nurses.

Underrepresented Impurities in 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Affect the Catalytic Activity of Multiple Enzymes.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key immunostimulatory protein with regulatory properties in several disorders, including inflammation and cancer. All the reported inhibitors that target the biological activities of MIF have been discovered by testing against its keto/enol tautomerase activity. While the natural substrate is still unknown, model MIF substrates are used for kinetic experiments. The most extensively used model substrate is 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate (4-HPP), a naturally occurring intermediate of tyrosine metabolism. Here, we examine the impact of 4-HPP impurities in the precise and reproducible determination of MIF kinetic data. To provide unbiased evaluation, we utilized 4-HPP powders from five different manufacturers. Biochemical and biophysical analyses showed that the enzymatic activity of MIF is highly influenced by underrepresented impurities found in 4-HPP. Besides providing inconsistent turnover results, the 4-HPP impurities also influence the accurate calculation of ISO-1's inhibition constant, an MIF inhibitor that is broadly used for in vitro and in vivo studies. The macromolecular NMR data show that 4-HPP samples from different manufacturers result in differential chemical shift perturbations of amino acids in MIF's active site. Our MIF-based conclusions were independently evaluated and confirmed by 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT); two additional enzymes that utilize 4-HPP as a substrate. Collectively, these results explain inconsistencies in previously reported inhibition values, highlight the effect of impurities on the accurate determination of kinetic parameters, and serve as a tool for designing error-free in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Development and validation of a prediction model for intrapartum cesarean delivery based on the artificial neural networks approach: a protocol for a prospective nested case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Although intrapartum caesarean delivery can resolve dystocia, it would still lead to several adverse outcomes for mothers and children. The obstetric care professionals need effective tools that can help them to identify the possibility and risk factors of intrapartum caesarean delivery, and further implement interventions to avoid unnecessary caesarean birth. This study aims to develop a prediction model for intrapartum caesarean delivery with real-life data based on the artificial neural networks approach. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a prospective nested case-control design. Pregnant women who plan to deliver vaginally will be recruited in a tertiary hospital in Southwest China from March 2022 to March 2024. The clinical data of prelabour, intrapartum period and psychosocial information will be collected. The case group will be the women who finally have a baby with intrapartum caesarean deliveries, and the control group will be those who deliver a baby vaginally. An artificial neural networks approach with the backpropagation algorithm multilayer perceptron topology will be performed to construct the prediction model. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for data collection was granted by the Ethics Committee of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and the ethical number is 2021 (204). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants and they can withdraw from the study at any time. The results of this study will be published in peer-review journal.

Bifidobacterium animalis A12 and Lactobacillus salivarius M18-6 Alleviate Alcohol Injury by keap1-Nrf2 Pathway and Thioredoxin System.

Excessive drinking can significantly damage people's health and well-being. Although some lactic acid bacterial strains have been previously shown to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol injury, the mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. The aim of this study was to establish an alcohol injury model and examine the protective effect and mechanism of B. animalis A12 and L. salivarius M18-6. The results showed that A12 freeze-dried powder could maintain the survival rate of mice with alcohol injury at 100%. Compared with Alco group, L. salivarius M18-6 dead cell improved the survival rate of mice, attenuated liver steatosis, and significantly down-regulated serum Alanine transaminase (ALT) level; at the same time, it activated keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulated Superoxide dismutase (SOD), it protects mouse liver cells from oxidative stress induced by alcohol injury. In addition, B. animalis A12 can reduce the stress response to short-term alcohol intake and improve the ability of anti-oxidative stress by upregulating the level of isobutyric acid, reducing the level of keap1 protein in the liver of mice and upregulating the expression of thioredoxin genes (Txnrd1, Txnrd3, Txn1). Taken together, the results showed that B. animalis A12 and L. salivarius M18-6 alleviate alcohol injury in mice through keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and thioredoxin system.

Chinese pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-protection against coronavirus disease 2019 during the post-pandemic period: A structural equation modeling-based survey.

This study aimed to investigate the Chinese pregnant women's levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of self-protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the post-pandemic period, to aid the development of targeted health education. An online questionnaire was conducted for 2156 Chinese pregnant women from October 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, to collect socio-demographic and KAP information. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to determine self-protection-related factors. The mean age of the participants was 30 ± 4.1 years. SEM indicated that pregnant women's level of knowledge can directly and indirectly affect the practice of self-protection (r = 0.23) through their belief, with a correlation coefficient of 0.56 and 0.46 between knowledge and belief and belief and practice, respectively. The "basic protection" and "hospital visits after infection" exerted the greatest impact on knowledge formation, with correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively. Attitude had a direct effect on practice with a correlation coefficient of 0.46. "Awareness of prevention and control" and "family and social support" had the greatest impact on belief formation, with correlation coefficients of 0.77 and 0.73, respectively. Pregnant Chinese women were generally familiar with COVID-19 knowledge, and their levels of knowledge and beliefs particularly affect the practice of self-protection. Health education aimed at improving pregnant women's knowledge and belief toward self-protection against COVID-19 may be an effective way to guide them toward positive practices and promote their health and that of their babies.

Bifidobacterium animalis A12, a Probiotic Strain That Promotes Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Improved the Texture and Aroma of the Fermented Sausage.

Bifidobacterium animalis A12 was used for the development of fermented sausage. The growth activity, tolerance, and enzyme activity of B. animalis A12 and its contribution to the texture and flavour of fermented sausages were evaluated. Additionally, the sensory texture, flavour components, and amino acid nutrients during the fermentation process were assessed. B. animalis had high tolerance to NaCl and nitrite, and B. animalis A12 had protease and lipase activities. The pH value of sausage fermented with B. animalis A12 was lower than that of sausage fermented without any fermentation strain. Hexanal, heptanal, decanal, cis-2-decanal, and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde are the unique aldehydes flavour components of fermented sausages in the A12 group. The highest content of volatile flavour substances and amino acids, and the color and texture characteristics of fermented sausage in the experimental group at 18 h were better than those at other times. These results suggest that B. animalis A12 has the potential to be used as a starter culture for im-proving flavour and texture in fermented sausage.