Fathers' needs of breastfeeding support: Perspective of health nurses.

PURPOSE: To explore the improvement of health education on father's participation in breastfeeding from the perspective of maternal and child health nurses. METHODS: Qualitative phenomenological research was used, and 15 maternal and child health nurses who provided breastfeeding support were invited. With semi-structured deep interviews and on-site recordings, data were analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were extracted, including 'cultivating fathers' awareness of participation in breastfeeding', 'collaboration of multiple disciplines to improve health education on breastfeeding for fathers in hospital', 'Simulated scenarios to develop fathers' skills in solving breastfeeding problems', and 'establishing a hospital-community interface network to improve breastfeeding continuation care after hospital discharge'. CONCLUSIONS: Medical and health care departments should attach importance to guidance on health education for fathers' breastfeeding participation, cultivate fathers' awareness of participation in breastfeeding, provide multi-disciplinary collaboration-based health education on breastfeeding for fathers from the prenatal period and improve post-discharge health education on breastfeeding. The additional education being suggested would contribute to fathers being able to play an important role in breastfeeding.

Development of a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for the quantitative detection of serum C-reactive protein based on nanobody.

In this study, we successfully developed a nanobody-based double antibody sandwich ELISA kit for the detection of clinical serum C-reactive protein (CRP) by using two novel CRP specific nanobodies. The developed method exhibited a linear detection range of approximately 6-200 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 1 ng/mL. Furthermore, the method demonstrated excellent specificity, as there was no cross-reactivity with interfering substances such as total bilirubin and hemoglobin and so on. To assess reproducibility, independent measurements of the samples were conducted under experimental conditions, resulting in intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation below 10% and a recovery rate of 93%-102%. These results indicate robust reproducibility of the method. To evaluate the performance of the developed kit, we collected 90 clinical samples for correlation analysis with commercial kits. The results showed a high correlation coefficient value (R2) of 0.98, indicating accurate concordance between the developed and commercial kits. In conclusion, our study successfully developed a nanobody-based double antibody sandwich ELISA kit to detect clinical serum CRP. The utilization of nanobodies represents a significant advancement in the field of CRP immunoassay development. The developed kit demonstrates excellent performance characteristics and holds promise for clinical applications.

Dual-RPA assay for rapid detection and differentiation of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis.

Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) and Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) are the two most widely prevalent types of echinococcosis. Several diagnostic methods have been developed for detecting Eg and Em. However, some limitations, such as being time-consuming, needing expensive instruments, or exhibiting low sensitivity, make these methods unsuitable for on-site detection. In this study, a dual-RPA assay was established to detect and differentiate Eg and Em. The primer concentration ratio, reaction time, and reaction temperature of the dual-RPA were optimized. The result showed that the primer concentration ratio of Eg:Em was 400 nM:400 nM, and the best amplification efficiency was obtained by reacting at 38 °C for 20 min. The sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability of the assay were also tested. The assay's detection limit for both Eg and Em was 10 copies/µL. The assay showed reasonable specificity by testing ten parasitic nucleic acids. The assay's intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation were below 10%, which indicates robust reproducibility of the assay. Finally, to validate the performance of the dual-RPA assay, it was compared with real-time PCR by using 86 clinical nucleic acid samples. The coincidence rate of Eg between dual-RPA and TaqMan real-time PCR was 96.51%, and the coincidence rate of Em between dual-RPA and TaqMan real-time PCR was 98.84%, indicating its potential for accurate clinical diagnosis. Therefore, this study established a rapid and sensitive dual-RPA assay that can rapidly detect and differentiate Eg and Em in one reaction tube and provided a new assay for the detection of echinococcosis in the field.

The association of Life's Simple 7 and infertility among U.S. women.

Background: The Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metric is a comprehensive measure of cardiovascular health (CVH) that encompasses seven distinct risk factors and behaviors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some studies have shown an association between infertility and CVD. The present study aimed to explore the potential association between the LS7 factors and infertility. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 3537 women aged 18-44 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2013-2018. The LS7 metrics encompassed various factors including physical activity, smoking habits, body mass index, blood pressure levels, dietary patterns, blood glucose levels, and total cholesterol levels. We computed a 14-point LS7 score based on participants' baseline data, classifying them as "inadequate" (3-6), "average" (7-10), or "ideal" (11-14). Infertility is defined as an affirmative answer to either of two questions on the NHANES questionnaire: "Have you tried to conceive for at least one year without success?" and "Have you sought medical help for your inability to conceive?" Logistic regression was utilized to estimate odds ratios (O.R.s) and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.s). Results: In total, 17.66% of participants were classified as individuals who reported experiencing infertility. In the continuous analysis, each one-unit increase in LS7 score was associated with a significantly decreased odds of infertility (OR=0.88 [0.77-0.89]). Analyzing the categorical representation of LS7 score, compared to individuals with poor scores, those with ideal scores exhibited a substantial 58% reduction in the odds of infertility (OR=0.42 [0.26-0.69]). Additionally, the observed interaction suggested that the influence of age on the relationship between LS7 and infertility is not consistent across different age groups (P for interaction < 0.001). Among individuals aged 35 or younger, each unit increase in LS7 score was associated with a substantial 18% (OR=0.82 [0.76-0.89]) decrease in the odds of infertility. However, in the older age group (>35), the association was attenuated and non-significant. Conclusions: Our research suggests a significant inverse association between LS7 scores and infertility. Age demonstrated a varying impact on this relationship, with a more pronounced impact observed among individuals aged 35 or younger.

Development, Reliability and Validity of the Medication Literacy Scale for Parents of Children with Epilepsy.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a medication literacy scale for parents of children with epilepsy (MLSPCE) and to test the reliability and validity of the scale. Patients and Methods: The pilot scale was formulated based on the concept of medication literacy, the knowledge-attitude-practice model, and relevant literature reviews. It was formed through two rounds of expert consultations using the Delphi method. A survey of 657 parents of children with epilepsy, who were admitted to the neurology department or examined in the neuro-electrophysiological outpatient department of Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, using the pilot scale was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 to test the reliability and validity of the scale questionnaire. The content validity of the scale questionnaire was assessed by consulting 20 neurology nursing, neurology clinician, and nursing education experts. Numbers, percentages, t-test, correlation analysis, Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient and factor analysis were used for data analysis. Results: The MLSPCE included 34 items in four dimensions. Ten factors were drawn from the explorative factor analysis, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 62.32%. The content validity index of each item on the 34-item scale was between 0.81 and 1.0, and the scale-content validity index/ average was 0.97. The correlation coefficient between each item and its dimension was between 0.399 and 0.760, the correlation coefficients between dimensions were between 0.150 and 0.382, and the correlation coefficients between each dimension and the total scale were between 0.390 and 0.845. Differences for all comparisons were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.864, and the split-half reliability of the total scale was 0.923. Conclusion: All the statistical procedures performed in the validity and reliability stages of the study showed that MLSPCE is a valid and reliable tool for measuring medication literacy among Chinese parents of children with epilepsy.

Optimal impression materials for implant-supported fixed complete dentures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) materials and polyether (PE) materials have been the recommended materials for making impressions for implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs), a consensus regarding the optimal impression materials has yet to be established. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of impression materials on the accuracy of conventional impressions for IFCDs and to provide guidance for selecting the optimal impression material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched and supplemented via hand searches. Studies comparing the accuracy of conventional impressions for IFCDs by using PVS and PE materials with either direct (open-tray) or indirect (closed-tray) techniques were included. Linear distance deviations and angular deviations between adjacent implants were evaluated. The mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for continuous data. A subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of implant angulation (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the 597 publications identified, 27 in vitro studies were included for qualitative analysis, and 12 were included for quantitative analysis. The general analysis revealed no significant differences in linear distance and angular deviations between the 2 impression materials with the direct or indirect technique. The subgroup analysis found that a statistically significant difference in linear distance deviations was found when implants were placed at an angle greater than 15 degrees, favoring PE materials when using the direct technique (P=.010, MD: 32.54 µm; 95% CI: 6.83 to 58.24) and indirect technique (P=.020, MD: 138.15 µm, 95% CI: 19.17 to 257.13). However, only 2 relevant studies assessed the indirect technique. CONCLUSIONS: When providing IFCDs, conventional impressions obtained by using PVS and PE materials were found to have similar accuracy in most scenarios. PE materials yielded better outcomes when implants were placed at an angle greater than 15 degrees.

Biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by N,N-dimethylformamide degrading strain Paracoccus sp. PXZ: A strategy for resource utilization of pollutants.

N,N-dimethylformamide is a toxic chemical solvent, which widely exists in industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, the relevant methods merely achieved non-hazardous treatment of N,N-dimethylformamide. In this study, one efficient N,N-dimethylformamide degrading strain was isolated and developed for pollutant removal coupling with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) accumulation. The functional host was characterized as Paracoccus sp. PXZ, which could consume N,N-dimethylformamide as the nutrient substrate for cell reproduction. Whole-genome sequencing analysis confirmed that PXZ simultaneously possesses the essential genes for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis. Subsequently, the approaches of nutrient supplementation and various physicochemical variables to strengthen poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production were investigated. The optimal biopolymer concentration was 2.74 g·L-1 with a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) proportion of 61%, showing a yield of 0.29 g-PHB·g-1-fructose. Furthermore, N,N-dimethylformamide served as the special nitrogen matter that could realize a similar poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) accumulation. This study provided a fermentation technology coupling with N,N-dimethylformamide degradation, offering a new strategy for resource utilization of specific pollutants and wastewater treatment.

The breakdown of both strange metal and superconducting states at a pressure-induced quantum critical point in iron-pnictide superconductors.

Here we report the first observation of the concurrent breakdown of the strange metal (SM) normal state and superconductivity at a pressure-induced quantum critical point in Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.97Pt0.03)2As2)5 superconductor. We find that, upon suppressing the superconducting state, the power exponent (α) changes from 1 to 2, and the slope of the temperature-linear resistivity per FeAs layer (A□) gradually diminishes. At a critical pressure, A□ and superconducting transition temperature (Tc) go to zero concurrently, where a quantum phase transition from a superconducting state with a SM normal state to a non-superconducting Fermi liquid state occurs. Scaling analysis reveals that the change of A□ with Tc obeys the relation of Tc ~ (A□)0.5, similar to what is seen in other chemically doped unconventional superconductors. These results suggest that there is a simple but powerful organizational principle of connecting the SM normal state with the high-Tc superconductivity.

An Artificial MnWO4 Cathode Electrolyte Interphase Enabling Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of δ-MnO2 Cathode for Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery.

The dissolution of active material in aqueous batteries can lead to a rapid deterioration in capacity, and the presence of free water can also accelerate the dissolution and trigger some side reactions that affect the service life of aqueous batteries. In this study, a MnWO4 cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer is constructed on a δ-MnO2 cathode by cyclic voltammetry, which is effective in inhibiting the dissolution of Mn and improving the reaction kinetics. As a result, the CEI layer enables the δ-MnO2 cathode to produce a better cycling performance, with the capacity maintained at 98.2% (vs. activated capacity at 500 cycles) after 2000 cycles at 10 A g-1. In comparison, the capacity retention rate is merely 33.4% for pristine samples in the same state, indicating that this MnWO4 CEI layer constructed by using a simple and general electrochemical method can promote the development of MnO2 cathodes for aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Enhanced H+ Storage of a MnO2 Cathode via a MnO2 Nanolayer Interphase Transformed from Manganese Phosphate.

The MnO2 cathode has attracted extensive attention in aqueous zinc ion battery research due to its environmental benignity, low cost, and high capacity. However, sluggish kinetics of hydrated zinc ion and manganese dissolution lead to insufficient rate and cycle performances. In this study, a manganese phosphate nanolayer synthesized in situ on a MnO2 cathode can be transformed into a δ-MnO2 nanolayer interphase after activation upon cycling, endowing the interphase with abundant interlayer water. As a result, the δ-MnO2 nanolayer interphase with the function of H+ topochemistry significantly enhances H+ (de)insertion in the MnO2 cathode, which leads to a kinetics conversion from Zn2+-dominated (de)insertion to H+-dominated (de)insertion, thus endowing the MnO2 cathode with superior rate and cycle performances (85.9% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 10 A g-1). This strategy can be highly scalable for other manganese-based cathodes and provides an insight for developing high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Effectiveness of Peer Support on Quality of Life and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Breast cancer patients report high levels of psychosocial maladjustment after hospital discharge. Peer support may play an important role in improving anxiety and quality of life in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of peer support on quality of life and anxiety in breast cancer patients. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies were conducted, using data sourced from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, SinoMed, China Science and Technology Periodical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to October 15, 2021. The RCTs reporting the effect of peer support intervention on quality of life and anxiety in breast cancer patients were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, that is, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the pooled effect size. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that peer support significantly improved quality of life (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.28-1.11) and anxiety (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -0.88 to -0.02) in breast cancer patients. The quality of evidence was low as all studies showed the risk of bias and inconsistency. Conclusion: Peer support intervention has the potential to effectively improve psychosocial adaptations in breast cancer patients. Future studies with a robust design and larger sample size are needed to investigate the potential factors associated with the beneficial effects of peer support.

High-Throughput Preparation and High-Throughput Detection of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals Based on Ink-Jet Printing and Grayscale Value Analysis.

In this paper, based on high-throughput technology, polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) composed of pentaerythritol tetra (2-mercaptoacetic acid) (PETMP), trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGD 600) were investigated in detail. A total of 125 PDLC samples with different ratios were quickly prepared using ink-jet printing. Based on the method of machine vision to identify the grayscale level of samples, as far as we know, it is the first time to realize high-throughput detection of the electro-optical performance of PDLC samples, which can quickly screen out the lowest saturation voltage of batch samples. Additionally, we compared the electro-optical test results of manual and high-throughput preparation PDLC samples and discovered that they had very similar electro-optical characteristics and morphologies. This demonstrated the viability of PDLC sample high-throughput preparation and detection, as well as promising application prospects, and significantly increased the efficiency of PDLC sample preparation and detection. The results of this study will contribute to the research and application of PDLC composites in the future.

Effects of Exercise Intervention Based on Self-efficacy Theory on Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)is a common complication. Although some exercise programs have been recommended clinically, many pregnant women have low exercise compliance, making it difficult to effectively control blood sugar. Therefore, this study constructed an exercise intervention plan based on self-efficacy theory and explored the effect of the program on blood glucose and pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A usual exercise program was implemented for the participants in the control group, and the participants in the intervention group received an exercise program on the basis of the control group and combined with the self-efficacy theory. Participants were assessed based on exercise self-efficacy, blood glucose, weight gain, exercise compliance, and pregnancy outcomes at week 4, week 8 and week 12. RESULTS: One hundred three gestational diabetes mellitus patients were recruited at baseline, 53 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. After the intervention, the exercise self-efficacy score and exercise compliance of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose, 2-h post-prandial plasma glucose, weight gain during the intervention period, incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia, and incidence of gestational hypertension were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Implementing an exercise intervention based on self-efficacy theory for gestational diabetes mellitus patients can improve exercise self-efficacy and exercise compliance, effectively control blood glucose and weight gain, improve pregnancy outcomes, and promote maternal and infant safety.

Coupling continuous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis with piperazine-contained wastewater treatment: Fermentation performance and microbial contamination deciphering.

Open poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fermentation is of great potential, and batch PHB synthesis with piperazine as the nitrogen switch has been realized. However, it is vital to explore the feasibility of continuous PHB fermentation with piperazine-contained wastewater remediation collaboratively. Here, an aerobic membrane bioreactor was constructed for consecutive PHB synthesis. The removal efficiency of piperazine decreased from 100 % to 82.6 % after three cycles, meanwhile, the PHB concentration was 0.39 g·L-1, 0.18 g·L-1, and undetected for each cycle. Microbial community analysis showed that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the main contaminating microbes. Furthermore, three metagenome-assembled genomes related to Flavobacterium collumnare, Herbaspirillum aquaticum, and Microbacterium enclense were identified as the dominant contaminating strains. These microbes obtained nitrogenous substrates transformed by Paracoccus sp. TOH, such as amino acids and dissolved organic matter, as nutrient for accumulation. This study verified the practicability of coupling continuous PHB synthesis with industrial wastewater treatment and revealed the derivation mechanism of contaminating species, which could provide a reference for the targeted nitrogen release gene knockout of functional PHB fermentation chassis.

[Clinical efficacy of shallow-needle therapy combined with estazolam on insomnia of liver stagnation transforming into fire pattern: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of shallow-needle therapy combined with estazolam on insomnia differentiated as liver stagnation transforming into fire and its effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT), so as to explore the mechanism of this combined treatment. METHODS: A total of 119 patients with insomnia of liver stagnation transforming into fire pattern were randomly divided into shallow-needle therapy group (n=40), medication group (n=39), and shallow-needle therapy combined with medication group (combined therapy group,n=40). In the shallow-needle therapy group, the patients were treated with finger pressure and operation with shallow stimulating at Zhenjing (Dong's extra point, sedative point) and Taichong (LR3). In the medication group, the patients were administered with estazolam (1 mg) orally. In the combined therapy group, both shallow-needle therapy and medication were administered. The treatment was given once daily in each group, 10 days as one session of treatment and 2 sessions were required. Before and after the treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale (PSQI) and Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were used to assess sleep and anxiety status. ELISA was used to detect the contents of ACTH and CORT in plasma. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in each group. RESULTS: In within-group comparison, PSQI scores, SAS scores and the concentrations of ACTH and CORT in plasma were all decreased (P<0.05) after treatment for the patients of three groups. After treatment, the total PSQI score, the score for sleep latency, sleep duration and daytime dysfunction, as well as SAS score in the combined therapy group were all lower than those of the shallow-needle therapy group (P<0.05); the total PSQI score, the score for sleep duration and sleep efficiency, as well as SAS score were lower when compared with the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rates were 87.50% (35/40), 82.05% (32/39) and 95.00% (38/40) in the shallow-needle therapy group, the medication group and the combined therapy group, respectively. The total effective rate in the combined therapy group was higher than those of the shallow-needle therapy group and the medication group separately (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Shallow-needle therapy combined with estazolam is effective on insomnia of liver stagnation transforming into fire pattern, and its underlying effect mechanism is related to the reduction of plasma ACTH and CORT levels.

Methylglyoxal in the Brain: From Glycolytic Metabolite to Signalling Molecule.

Advances in molecular biology technology have piqued tremendous interest in glycometabolism and bioenergetics in homeostasis and neural development linked to ageing and age-related diseases. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a by-product of glycolysis, and it can covalently modify proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, leading to cell growth inhibition and, eventually, cell death. MGO can alter intracellular calcium homeostasis, which is a major cell-permeant precursor to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). As side-products or signalling molecules, MGO is involved in several pathologies, including neurodevelopmental disorders, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we demonstrate that MGO (the metabolic side-product of glycolysis), the GLO system, and their analogous relationship with behavioural phenotypes, epigenetics, ageing, pain, and CNS degeneration. Furthermore, we summarise several therapeutic approaches that target MGO and the glyoxalase (GLO) system in neurodegenerative diseases.

Incidence of oxygen desaturation using a high-flow nasal cannula versus a facemask during flexible bronchoscopy in patients at risk of hypoxemia: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), male sex, obesity, older age or hypertension are prone to hypoxemia during flexible bronchoscopy. This study investigated whether using a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) could reduce the incidence of oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy under deep sedation in patients at risk of hypoxemia. METHODS: A total of 176 patients at risk of hypoxemia who underwent flexible bronchoscopy under deep sedation were randomly assigned to two groups: the HFNC group (humidified oxygen was supplied via a high-flow nasal cannula at a rate of 60 L/min and a concentration of 100%, n = 87) and the facemask group (oxygen was supplied via a tight-fitting facemask at a rate of 6 L/min and a concentration of 100%, n = 89). RESULTS: Oxygen desaturation occurred in 4 (4.6%) patients in the HFNC group and 26 (29.2%) patients in the facemask group (P < 0.001). The facemask group required more jaw thrust manoeuvres than the HFNC group (43[48.3%] vs. 5[5.7%], P < 0.001). 8 patients (9.0%) in the facemask group and none in the HFNC group required bag-mask ventilation (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The use of an HFNC can reduce the incidence of oxygen desaturation and the requirement for airway intervention in patients at risk of hypoxemia during flexible bronchoscopy under deep sedation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chiCTR.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR2100044105. Registered 11/03/2021.

The organics-mediated microbial dynamics and mixotrophic metabolisms in anammox consortia under micro-aerobic conditions.

The engineering applications of mainstream anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) have raised increasing attention due to its energy-efficient, however, the organics-mediated microbial dynamics and mixotrophic metabolisms in anammox consortia under micro-aerobic conditions are still elusive. Here, the response of the anammox process to sodium acetate and glucose at a C/N ratio ranging from 0 to 0.5 was investigated under micro-aerobic conditions, respectively. Results showed that the additional glucose could promote the nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) and nitrogen removal rate (NRR) of anammox processes at a low C/N ratio (0.3), representing 84.00% and 0.53 N kg·m-3·d-1. The introduced organics could regulate the diversity of the microbial community and simplify the microbial relationship in anammox consortia. Anammox could not benefit from the introduced sodium acetate, while glucose could effectively enhance the anammox activity and microbial interactions in anammox consortia. Glucose might also stimulate the mixotrophic mechanism of Ca. Kuenenia, further promotes the proliferation of anammox sludge under micro-aerobic conditions. This study reveals that glucose could positively mediate microbial interactions and mixotrophic metabolism in anammox consortia under micro-aerobic conditions, which raises a new horizon for the proliferation of anammox sludge for mainstream engineering applications.

Association of mental distress with chronic diseases in 1.9 million individuals: A population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Mental distress has a high global prevalence and is associated with poor health outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the relationship between mental distress and the risk of 10 chronic diseases using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 BRFSS were analyzed. The association between mental distress based on the number of days of poor mental health and the risk of 10 chronic diseases, namely obesity, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, kidney disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, skin cancer, and other cancers, were assessed by logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses stratified by age and sex were also conducted. RESULTS: Positive associations between mental distress and chronic diseases were observed. We also found a dose-response gradient between mental distress levels and the risk of all chronic diseases except skin cancer. In respondents aged 18-44 years reporting ≥23 days/month of mental distress, there has the largest odds ratio between mental distress levels and each chronic disease. Moreover, mental distress was associated with higher risks of obesity and arthritis in women relative to men. CONCLUSIONS: Mental distress was positively associated with chronic diseases. Age and sex are crucial in this relationship. Further studies with longitudinal data are needed to clarify the direction of this association.