Acetate-producing bacterium Paenibacillus odorifer hampers lung cancer growth in lower respiratory tract: an in vitro study.

Lung cancer accounts for the large majority of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide for decades. The dysbiotic microbiome and its metabolite secretions in the gut have been regarded as the dominant biological factors in oncogenesis, development, and progression, adding probiotic components of which have come to be potential therapeutic regimes. However, there still exists little knowledge about whether probiotic microorganisms in lower airways inhibit lung cancer by lung microenvironment remodulation. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis from previous sequencing data and specific microbiome databases to identify the potent protective microbes in lower airways, followed by bacterial cultivation and morphological verifications in vitro. We found that Paenibacillus odorifer was correlated closely with the anti-tumorous by-product acetic acid in lower respiratory tract. Additionally, the enrichment of this microorganism in the health, rather than in lung neoplasms from public data sets, further confirmed its protective activity in preserving pulmonary homeostasis. Colony cultivation of this strain and targeted metabolite analysis indicated that Paenibacillus odorifer proliferation was weakened at 37°C but lasted longer than it did at the optimal temperature. And performing as a candidate origin of acetic acid, this strain was liable to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in time- and dose-dependent approaches which was validated by colony formation assays. These results suggested that Paenibacillus odorifer functions as a candidate probiotic in lower airways to restrict lung cancer cell growth by releasing protective molecules, indicating a potential preventive microbial strategy.IMPORTANCEVarious types of microorganisms in lower respiratory tracts protect local homeostasis against oncogenesis. Although extensive efforts engaged in gut microbiome-mediated pulmonary carcinogenesis, emerging evidence suggested the crucial role of microbial metabolites from respiratory tracts in modulating carcinogenesis-related host inflammation and DNA damage in lung cancer, which was still not fully understood in lower respiratory tract microbes and its metabolite-mediated microecological environment homeostasis in preventing or alleviating lung cancer. In this study, we analyzed the lower respiratory tract microbiome and SCFAs expression among different lung segments from the same participants, further identifying that Paenibacillus odorifer was correlated closely with anti-tumorous by-product, acetate acid in lower respiratory tract by multi-omics analysis. And previous experiments showed this strain could inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro. These findings indicated that Paenibacillus odorifer in lower respiratory tracts might perform as a candidate probiotic against lung carcinogenesis by releasing protective factor acetate, which further presented a promising diagnostic and interventional approach in clinical settings of lung cancer.

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote rapid-cycling Brassica napus growth under cadmium stress.

PURPOSE: To explore the mechanisms of tolerance of Brassica napus to ultra-high concentration cadmium pollution and the synergistic effects of biochar (BC) and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth under cadmium (Cd) stress. RESULTS: The application of 5 % BC and inoculation with 10 g AMF significantly promoted the growth and development of B. napus. The combined application of BC and AMF (BC1A and BC2A) was better than the single application. At the Cd 200 mg/kg level, BC1A increased the fresh weight and Cd content of the above-ground parts of B. napus by 35.5 % and decreased by 21.20 %. The SOD and POD activities increased by 30.63 % and 73.37 %. The MDA and H2O2 contents decreased by 40.8 % and 69.99 %, soluble sugar content increased by 37.96 %. At the Cd 300 mg/kg level, BC1A increased the fresh weight and Cd content of the above-ground parts of B. napus by 32.8 % and decreased by 15.99 %. The SOD and POD activities increased by 39.06 % and 93.56 %. The MDA and H2O2 contents decreased by 28.39 % and 72.45 %, and the soluble sugar content increased by 21.16 %. Overall, both BC and AMF treatments alone or in combination (BC1A) were able to alleviate Cd stress and promote plant growth, with the combination of biochar and AMF being the most effective. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses indicated that BC may improve cadmium resistance in B. napus by significantly up-regulating the expression of genes related to peroxidase, photosynthesis, and plant MAPK signaling pathways. AMF may alleviate the toxicity of Cd stress on B. napus by up-regulating the expression of genes related to peroxisomes, phytohormone signaling, and carotenoid biosynthesis. The results of the study will provide support for ecological restoration technology in extremely heavy metal-polluted environments and provide some reference for the application and popularization of BC and AMF conjugation technology.

Simulating and Implementing Broadband van der Waals Artificial Visual Synapses Based on Photoconductivity and Pyroconductivity Mechanisms.

With advancements in artificial neural networks and information processing technology, a variety of neuromorphic synaptic devices have been proposed to emulate human sensory systems, with vision being a crucial information source. Moreover, as practical applications become increasingly complex, the need for multifunctional visual synapses to expand the application range becomes urgent. This study introduces a MoS2/WSe2 van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction and utilizes it to replicate artificial visual synapses by harnessing the cooperative effect of photoconductivity and pyroconductivity mechanisms. By adjusting the optical power, pulse width, and pulse number of the optical stimulus, the heterojunction effectively simulates synaptic properties. Under the combined action of an external electric field and the built-in electric field (Ebi), the heterojunction exhibits broadband synaptic properties in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (405-1550 nm) while consuming low power of 0.3-1.1 pJ per spike. The heterojunction can detect ultraweak optical signals at 660 nm with an optical power intensity of 14 µW/cm2, displaying a high specific detectivity (D*) of 3.98 × 1011 Jones. Furthermore, at 405, 808, 1064, and 1550 nm, the D* of the heterojunction is 4.16 × 1011, 3.61 × 109, 4.96 × 107, and 1.64 × 107 Jones, respectively. Visual synaptic devices based on the MoS2/WSe2 vdW heterojunction hold significant promise for the future development of integrated sensing and memory processing devices.

Employment Experiences and Employability of People in China Living With Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Employment support for people living with schizophrenia in China currently focuses only on patient-level factors. The authors' aim was to assess the employment experiences of this population and to identify factors related to their employability. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 purposively selected respondents. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: A framework for examining the employment experiences and factors affecting employability of people living with schizophrenia was developed. Employability varied by individual characteristics, personal circumstances, and external factors. Individual-level characteristics, such as health and well-being, work skills and experience, educational attainment, personal social network, gender, and age, influenced individuals' work motivation and performance. Personal circumstances, such as family socioeconomic status and caregiving responsibilities, affected whether individuals decided to seek employment. External factors, such as labor market conditions, macroeconomic context, stigma and discrimination, mental health services, and policy factors, determined how likely individuals were to be employed and the types of jobs they were likely to obtain. CONCLUSIONS: A multifaceted combination of factors was found to influence employability among people living with schizophrenia. This research provided a thematic framework to structure effective employment support for people in China living with schizophrenia.

Functionality, physicochemical properties, and applications of chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite-tea polyphenol films.

An active chitosan (CS) film containing a nano-hydroxyapatite-tea polyphenol (HAP-TP) complex was designed and prepared. The effects of HAP-TP loading on the structural and physicochemical properties of the CS-based film were evaluated. The mechanical and thermal properties of the film were significantly improved by the resulting intermolecular interactions and formation of hydrogen bonds between HAP-TP and CS, which reduced the water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the film by 29.78 and 35.59 %, respectively. The CS-HAP-TP film exhibited excellent slow-release behavior and antioxidant activity, with a cumulative release rate at 700 h 6.79 % lower than that of CS-TP films. The CS-HAP-TP film significantly inhibited the deterioration of semi-dried golden pompano, and thus helped to retain the taste of umami and sweet amino acids in fish samples, while reducing off-flavor generation. The film therefore shows considerable potential as an active packaging material for the preservation of semi-dried fish products.

Public mental health services in Southern China and related health outcomes among individuals living with severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND: Although national policies in China are comprehensive and instructive, a wide disparity exists between different cities. The current status of public mental health services by region in China remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate policies related to public mental health services, the contact coverage of public mental health services and outcomes of service users. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern China, between April 2021 and March 2022.  Considering the geographical location, socioeconomic development levels, and prevalence of severe mental illness, four cities including Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were selected. Relevant service providers were asked to report data on mental health policies and facility-related information, including mental health resources, registration rates of patients, management rates of patients, and medication rates of patients. Eligible patients were invited to report service user-related data, including contact coverage of public mental health services and their outcomes. SPSS 26.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The four cities in Southern China have made different efforts to develop public mental health services, primarily focusing on socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. Community health centers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen reported having more professional human resources on mental health and higher mental health budgets for patients. The contact coverage rates of most public mental services were higher than 80%. Patients in Changsha (B = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.5), Guangzhou (B = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.3), and Shenzhen (B = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.4) who received social medical assistance services reported higher levels of medication adherence. Patients in Wuhan (B = -6.5; 95%CI: -12.9--0.1), Guangzhou (B = -2.8; 95%CI: -5.5--0.1), and Shenzhen who received community-based rehabilitation services reported lower levels of disability (B = -2.6; 95%CI: -4.6--0.5). CONCLUSIONS: There have been advances in public mental health services in the four Southern cities. The contact coverage rates of most public mental health services were higher than 80%. Patients' utilization of public mental services was associated with better health outcomes. To improve the quality of public mental health services, the government should try to engage service users, their family members, and supporters in the design, delivery, operationalization, and evaluation of these public mental health services in the future.

Association between genetically proxied glucosamine and risk of cancer and non-neoplastic disease: A Mendelian randomization study.

Introduction: Observational investigations have examined the impact of glucosamine use on the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases. However, the findings from these studies face limitations arising from confounding variables, reverse causation, and conflicting reports. Consequently, the establishment of a causal relationship between habitual glucosamine consumption and the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases necessitates further investigation. Methods: For Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation, we opted to employ single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instruments that exhibit robust associations with habitual glucosamine consumption. We obtained the corresponding effect estimates of these SNPs on the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases by extracting summary data for genetic instruments linked to 49 varied cancer types amounting to 378,284 cases and 533,969 controls, as well as 20 non-neoplastic diseases encompassing 292,270 cases and 842,829 controls. Apart from the primary analysis utilizing inverse-variance weighted MR, we conducted two supplementary approaches to account for potential pleiotropy (MR-Egger and weighted median) and assessed their respective MR estimates. Furthermore, the results of the leave-one-out analysis revealed that there were no outlying instruments. Results: Our results suggest divergence from accepted biological understanding, suggesting that genetically predicted glucosamine utilization may be linked to an increased vulnerability to specific illnesses, as evidenced by increased odds ratios and confidence intervals (95% CI) for diseases, such as malignant neoplasm of the eye and adnexa (2.47 [1.34-4.55]), benign neoplasm of the liver/bile ducts (2.12 [1.32-3.43]), benign neoplasm of the larynx (2.01 [1.36-2.96]), melanoma (1.74 [1.17-2.59]), follicular lymphoma (1.50 [1.06-2.11]), autoimmune thyroiditis (2.47 [1.49-4.08]), and autoimmune hyperthyroidism (1.93 [1.17-3.18]). In contrast to prior observational research, our genetic investigations demonstrate a positive correlation between habitual glucosamine consumption and an elevated risk of sigmoid colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and benign neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Conclusion: Casting doubt on the purported purely beneficial association between glucosamine ingestion and prevention of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, habitual glucosamine ingestion exhibits dichotomous effects on disease outcomes. Endorsing the habitual consumption of glucosamine as a preventative measure against neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases cannot be supported.

Associations between frailty, depression and risk of hospitalisation for infection: A large prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is a considerable lack of epidemiological evidence on whether frailty, and frailty comorbid depression could increase the risk of infections in older adults. This study aimed to examine the prospective association between frailty, depression, and risk of infections. METHODS: A total of 308,892 eligible participants were included. Linked hospital admission records (HES) were used to identify a primary or secondary diagnosis of depression, and infection. Frailty was assessed by Fried frailty phenotype indicators. Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to examine the associated risk between frailty, depression, comorbid frailty and depression and risk of incident infections. Results were stratified by age and gender. RESULTS: During the follow-up, 74,749 (24.19 %) incident any infection cases were identified, the incidence density of any infection was 17.29/1000 person years. Frailty alone (HR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.33-1.43), depression alone (HR = 1.90, 95 % CI: 1.86-1.94), and comorbid frailty and depression (HR = 1.91, 95 % CI: 1.82-1.99) were associated with greater risks of any infections relative to participants with neither frailty nor depression. The associations between frailty alone, depression alone, comorbid frailty and depression, and any infections/most infection subtypes were significant for all age strata in both male and female. LIMITATIONS: Frailty phenotype was assessed through the adapted Fried criteria, based on a mix of self-reported and objective measurements. CONCLUSION: Frailty, depression, and comorbid frailty and depression were significantly associated with increased risk of incident infections.

Alleles on locus chromosome 4B from different parents confer tiller number and the yield-associated traits in wheat.

Pleiotropy is frequently detected in agronomic traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum). A locus on chromosome 4B, QTn/Ptn/Sl/Sns/Al/Tgw/Gl/Gw.caas-4B, proved to show pleiotropic effects on tiller, spike, and grain traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of Qingxinmai × 041133. The allele from Qingxinmai increased tiller numbers, and the allele from line 041133 produced better performances of spike traits and grain traits. Another 52 QTL for the eight traits investigated were detected on 18 chromosomes, except for chromosomes 5D, 6D, and 7B. Several genes in the genomic interval of the locus on chromosome 4B were differentially expressed in crown and inflorescence samples between Qingxinmai and line 041133. The development of the KASP marker specific for the locus on chromosome 4B is useful for molecular marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding.

Mapping QTLs for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust using a recombinant inbred line population derived from cross Qingxinmai × 041133.

A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from wheat landrace Qingxinmai and breeding line 041133 exhibited segregation in resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust in five and three field tests, respectively. A 16K genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based genetic linkage map was used to dissect the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for disease resistance. Four and seven QTLs were identified for adult-plant resistance (APR) against powdery mildew and stripe rust. QPm.caas-1B and QPm.caas-5A on chromosomes 1B and 5A were responsible for the APR against powdery mildew in line 041133. QYr.caas-1B, QYr.caas-3B, QYr.caas-4B, QYr.caas-6B.1, QYr.caas-6B.2, and QYr.caas-7B detected on the five B-genome chromosomes of line 041133 conferred its APR to stripe rust. QPm.caas-1B and QYr.caas.1B were co-localized with the pleiotropic locus Lr46/Yr29/Sr58/Pm39/Ltn2. A Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymorphic (KASP) marker KASP_1B_668028290 was developed to trace QPm/Yr.caas.1B. Four lines pyramiding six major disease resistance loci, PmQ, Yr041133, QPm/Yr.caas-1B, QPm.caas-2B.1, QYr.caas-3B, and QPm.caas-6B, were developed. They displayed effective resistance against both powdery mildew and stripe rust at the seedling and adult-plant stages.

The effect of PAP on UACR and metabolic indexes in patients with MS and OSAHS.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) device on urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and metabolic indexes in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study. Grouped according to whether to use PAP treatment, there were 25 cases in the PAP group and 44 cases in the no OSAHS treatment group. The PAP group received positive airway pressure device and routine treatment of MS. The no OSAHS treatment group received routine treatment of OSAHS and MS. The treatment period is 3 months. RESULTS: 1. The PAP group demonstrated significant reductions in Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC), Neck circumference (NC), Visceral fat area (VFA), Fasting C peptide (FCP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and UACR compared to the no OSAHS treatment group, with significant differences (P all <0.05). Among them, the UACR in the PAP group decreased significantly (from 86.05(52.55,131.61)mg/g to 16.76(8.70,25.12)mg/g, P<0.001). 2. Linear regression analysis using the decrease in UACR values as the dependent variable demonstrated a positive linear relationship with the decrease in BMI, VFA, fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the decrease in VFA (B=0.537 [95% confidence interval, 0.084 to 0.989]; P = 0.021) and HOMA-IR (B=1.000 [95% confidence interval, 0.082 to 1.917]; P = 0.033) values independently correlated with decrease in UACR values. CONCLUSIONS: PAP treatment can reduce UACR in patients with MS and OSAHS, and has the effect of improving metabolic disorders. The decrease of UACR in patients may be related to the decrease of visceral fat and the improvement of insulin resistance.

A membrane associated tandem kinase from wild emmer wheat confers broad-spectrum resistance to powdery mildew.

Crop wild relatives offer natural variations of disease resistance for crop improvement. Here, we report the isolation of broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance gene Pm36, originated from wild emmer wheat, that encodes a tandem kinase with a transmembrane domain (WTK7-TM) through the combination of map-based cloning, PacBio SMRT long-read genome sequencing, mutagenesis, and transformation. Mutagenesis assay reveals that the two kinase domains and the transmembrane domain of WTK7-TM are critical for the powdery mildew resistance function. Consistently, in vitro phosphorylation assay shows that two kinase domains are indispensable for the kinase activity of WTK7-TM. Haplotype analysis uncovers that Pm36 is an orphan gene only present in a few wild emmer wheat, indicating its single ancient origin and potential contribution to the current wheat gene pool. Overall, our findings not only provide a powdery mildew resistance gene with great potential in wheat breeding but also sheds light into the mechanism underlying broad-spectrum resistance.

Affiliate stigma and its association with family burden among family members of people living with schizophrenia in China.

PURPOSE: Understanding affiliate stigma and its impact on family of people living with schizophrenia (PLS) in China is important for culturally informed intervention. This study aims to describe the pattern of affiliate stigma of family members of PLS in China and investigated the association between affiliate stigma and family burden. METHODS: PLS and their family members dwelling in community were randomly recruited from four cities across China and completed measures of affiliate stigma and family burden. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between affiliate stigma and family burden. RESULTS: A total of 493 dyads of family member and PLS were include in this study. The mean affiliate stigma in family members was 2.21 (SD = 0.61). The vast majority of family members reported the feeling of inferiority, helpless and sad because of their family members' schizophrenia, but few family members refusing to communicate or contact with the PLS. The mean score of overall family burden was 22.25 (SD = 14.90), with 98 % of participants reported moderate or severe burden. A higher level of affiliate stigma was associated with more family burden (b = 7.837, 95CI: 5.240 to 8.747). Affiliate stigma was significantly associated with family daily activities, entertainment activities, family relationship, physical health and mental health of family members, but not family economic burden. CONCLUSION: A higher level of affiliate stigma was associated with more family burden among family with PLS. Anti-stigma intervention of mental illness should be consider not only PLS but also their family members.

Dux activates metabolism-lactylation-MET network during early iPSC reprogramming with Brg1 as the histone lactylation reader.

The process of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogramming involves several crucial events, including the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), activation of pluripotent genes, metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic rewiring. Although these events intricately interact and influence each other, the specific element that regulates the reprogramming network remains unclear. Dux, a factor known to promote totipotency during the transition from embryonic stem cells (ESC) to 2C-like ESC (2CLC), has not been extensively studied in the context of iPSC reprogramming. In this study, we demonstrate that the modification of H3K18la induced by Dux overexpression controls the metabolism-H3K18la-MET network, enhancing the efficiency of iPSC reprogramming through a metabolic switch and the recruitment of p300 via its C-terminal domain. Furthermore, our proteomic analysis of H3K18la immunoprecipitation experiment uncovers the specific recruitment of Brg1 during reprogramming, with both H3K18la and Brg1 being enriched on the promoters of genes associated with pluripotency and epithelial junction. In summary, our study has demonstrated the significant role of Dux-induced H3K18la in the early reprogramming process, highlighting its function as a potent trigger. Additionally, our research has revealed, for the first time, the binding of Brg1 to H3K18la, indicating its role as a reader of histone lactylation.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio may predict efficacy of anti-PD-1 inhibitors in advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate the associations between the clinical characteristics and effectiveness of anti-PD-1 inhibitors in patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations, aiming to identify the potential subgroup of patients who might benefit from anti-PD-1 inhibitor treatment. Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-sensitive mutations who received subsequent anti-PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy/antiangiogenic agents or alone after progression to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were screened. Clinical characteristics, including hematological parameters, were investigated for potential correlations with clinical outcomes. Subgroup and multivariate analyses were used for further confirmation of the relationship. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox survival regression models using the log-rank test were used for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) assessments between the groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the standard regression coefficient values. The Wilcoxon test was used for the analysis of the variation in NLR. P ≤ 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. This study was a retrospective study. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The median PFS was 3.05 months (95% CI, 2.9-10.2 months). The median OS was 7.30 months (95% CI, 5.2-18.1 months). PFS in low neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR ≤ 4) was significantly longer than high NLR (NLR > 4, 5.7 months versus 2.0 months, HR, 0.35, 95% CI, 0.08-0.63, P = 0.0083). The OS in the low NLR group was also significantly better than that in the high NLR group (OS, 21.3 months versus 5.0 months, HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.09-0.74; P = 0.0163). In the multivariate analysis, NLR was the only significant factor for OS benefits (ß = 3.535, 95% CI, 1.175-10.636, P = 0.025). Further investigation revealed that front-line TKIs exposure may contribute to the elevation or decrease of NLR, and finally lead to different efficacy outcomes by anti-PD-1 inhibitors. The findings suggest that a portion of advanced NSCLC patients with low NLR characteristics (NLR ≤ 4), even those harboring EGFR-sensitive mutations, could benefit from anti-PD-1 inhibitors as further line treatment after progression to EGFR-TKIs.

Flavor formation of tilapia byproduct hydrolysates in Maillard reaction.

The Maillard reaction (MR) of tilapia byproduct protein hydrolysates was investigated for the use of byproduct protein as a food ingredient and to mask its fishy odor and bitter flavor. The flavor differences in tilapia byproduct hydrolysates before and after the MR were analyzed to explore the key flavor precursor peptides and amino acids involved in MR. The results suggested that eight key volatile substances, including 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-pentylfuran, hexanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)-2-decenal, decanal, and 1-octen-3-ol contributed most to the MR products group (ROAV > 1). Ten volatile compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, methyl decanoate, and 2-octylfuran, were the flavor markers that distinguished the different samples (VIP > 1). The four most consumed peptides were VAPEEHPTL, GPIGPRGPAG, KSADDIKKAF, and VWEGQNIVK. Umami peptides and bitter free amino acids (FAAs) were the key flavor precursor peptide and FAAs, respectively. Overall, the hydrolysates of tilapia byproducts with flavor improved by MR are a promising strategy for the production of flavorings.

Isolation and characterization of natural nano starch from amaranth starch.

Nano starch exhibits many advantages for application in diverse fields. Amaranth starch consisted of starch particle aggregates, isolated amaranth starch, and few natural nano starch (NNS), while NNS (0.92 ± 0.12 µm) was successfully isolated for the first time. Compared with the isolated amaranth starch, NNS showed smaller particle size but larger molecular weight, suggesting that the molecules arranged densely. NNS had a weak A-type crystal structure because of its more content of short starch chains, but higher amylose content resulted in the increase of its gelatinization temperature. The special NNS, owning several different physicochemical properties from amaranth starch, can open new ways for the production and application of nano biomass materials.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards advance directives among clinical nurses: Multicenter cross-sectional survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nurses in implementing advance directives (ADs) for older patients and analyze the influencing factors before the establishment of the first advance directives act in China. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional survey. The standards for reporting the STROBE checklist are used. METHODS: This cross-sectional study developed a self-designed structured questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices about ADs. Nurses were recruited by stratified random sampling through the Nursing Departments of 12 hospitals in southwest China and were asked to fill out the questionnaire face to face about knowledge, attitudes and practices. Data were analyzed following descriptive statistics, rank-sum test and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: This study included 950 nurses. The study found that nurses were extremely supportive of ADs. Unmarried nurses had better knowledge of ADs than married ones. Nevertheless, there was a discrepancy between the participants' knowledge, attitude and practice. The participants' practice was lower (4.3%) compared with their attitude (81.9%) and knowledge (42.2%). Knowledge on, attitudes towards and standardized procedures for ADs in the workplace affected nursing practice. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends that courses on ADs and appropriate support from medical institutions should be provided to nurses to increase their knowledge and confidence in implementing ADs. Healthcare professionals should be sufficiently equipped to implement ADs and handle their execution appropriately to provide adequate end-of-life care corresponding to patients' wishes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study results inform rich insights as it discusses the numerous interrelating factors influencing these three fundamental aspects that affect the success of any AD policy by surveying the knowledge, attitudes and practices of clinical nurses. Furthermore, our results hint at distinct areas of improvement in the nursing practice to facilitate the wider implementation and acceptance of ADs in China. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study involved no patient.

Drug resistance and genetic diversity of clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori in the Qiannan Prefecture and Guiyang City,and their relationships with diseases / 中国人兽共患病学报

To understand Helicobacter pylori's drug resistance,genetic diversity,and relationship with clinical diseases in the Guiyang and Qiannan minority areas of Guizhou Province,we collected samples through endoscopy,and isolated and cul-tured H.pylori.The drug resistance and genotype characteristics were determined.The differences in different regions and dis-ease types were compared,and the structural characteristics of H.pylori and mixed infections with different strains of H.py-lori in Qiannan Prefecture were analyzed.A difference in the composition ratio of EPYIA typing in the cagA variable region was observed between the two areas(P=0.012),and the composition ratio of the vacA genotype differed(P=0.000).A total of 94.6％(53/56)new sequences of H.pylori strains from two regions were obtained by MLST.The rate of infection by H.pylori mixed with different strains was 44.4％in Qiannan Pre-fecture,and no significant difference was observed in the com-position of H.pylori mixed infections among patients with dif-ferent clinical diseases(P=0.349).Differences in EPI YA typ-ing and the vacA genotype composition ratio in the cagA varia-ble region of H.pylori were observed between the Qiannan Prefecture and Guiyang City.

Factors controlling the heavy metal ion activity in soil contaminated by microplastics with different mulch durations: Partial least squares path model.

Film covers have been widely applied worldwide. However, the effects of long-term plastic film mulching use on heavy metal (HM) activity in soil remain unclear. This study focused on farmland in the upstream part of the Pearl River in China and collected 103 soil samples after 2, 5, and 15 years of plastic film mulching. The main environmental factors controlling microplastics (MPs), plasticizer phthalic acid esters (PAEs), HM pollution characteristics, and HM activity were analyzed. The results showed that Polyethylene (PE) and di(2-ethylhexyl) dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) were the main MPs and PAEs, respectively. The abundance of MPs and the concentrations of free HM ions (Cd, Cu, and Ni) in the soil solution increased with increasing plastic film mulching duration. The Partial Least Squares Path Model (PLS-PM) indicated that after plastic film mulching, soil chemical properties (pH/amorphous Fe) and biological properties (Dissolved organic carbon/ Easily oxidizable carbon/Microbial biomass carbon) were the main controlling factors for free and complexed HM ions (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Ni). These results suggest that, after plastic film mulching, MPs indirectly regulate HM activity by altering soil properties. This study provides a new perspective for the management of MPs and HM activities in agricultural ecosystems.