Application Value of High-Quality Nursing in Operating Room in Rectal Cancer Operation and its Influence on Postoperative Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of high-quality care in operating room during operation of patients with rectal cancer and the effect of this nursing model on postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: This study recruited 72 patients with rectal cancer, including 36 in the control group and 36 in the observation group. Patients in the control group received routine care, and those in the observation group received high-quality care in operating room. RESULTS: The anxiety score (5.50 ± .77 vs 10. 08 ± 1.13), stress score (6.97 ± .60 vs 8.61 ± .99), and depression score (4.02 ± .65 vs 5.50 ± .91) in the observation group were less than the control group after treatment (P < .05). The measured values of diastolic blood pressure (73.19 ± 1.96 vs 86.13 ± 2.0), systolic blood pressure (121.08 ± 1.62 vs 130.63 ± 2.84), heart rate (73.05 ± 1.63 vs 87.11 ± 2.91) and adrenaline E(E) (58.40 ± 3.02 vs 61.42 ± 3.86) in the observation group were less than the control group after treatment (P < .05). The cooperation degree (94.44 vs 75.00) in the observation group was greater than the control group, but the operation time (308.47 ± 9.92 vs 339.47 ± 12.70), postoperative intestinal function recovery time (16.30 ± 1.14 vs 30.94 ± 2.10) and length of stay (10.47 ± 1.85 vs 13.33 ± 1.95) were all shorter than the control group (P < .05). The nasopharyngeal temperature in the observation group was greater than the control group at 30 minutes during operation (36.16 ± .50 vs 35.19 ± .40) and after operation, and fear score (2.22 ± .42 vs 3.63 ± .72) was less than the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The application of high-quality care in the operating room during rectal cancer surgery has a significantly good clinical outcome.

Enhancing anammox process with granular activated carbon: A study on Microbial Extracellular Secretions (MESs).

Granular activated carbon (GAC), a porous carbon-based material, provides increased attachment space for functional microorganisms and enhances nitrogen removal by facilitating extracellular electron transfer in the anammox process. This study investigates the effects of GAC on the biosynthesis of microbial extracellular secretions (MESs) and explores the roles of these secretions in anammox activities. Four lab-scale reactors were operated: two downstream UASB reactors (D1 and D2) receiving effluents from the upstream UASB reactors (U1: no-GAC, U2: yes-GAC). Our results indicate that MESs were enhanced with the addition of GAC. The effluent from U2 exhibited a 59.62 % higher amino acid content than that from U1. These secretions contributed to an increase in the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) in the downstream reactors. Specifically, NLR in D1 increased from 130.5 to 142.7 g N/m3/day, and in D2, it escalated from 137.5 to 202.8 g N/m3/day, likely through acting as cross-feeding substrates or vital nutrients. D2 also showed increased anammox bacterial activity, enriched Ca. Brocadia population and hao gene abundance. Furthermore, this study revealed that D2 sludge has significantly higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (48.71 mg/g VSS) and a larger average granule size (1.201 ± 0.119 mm) compared to D1 sludge. Overall, GAC-stimulated MESs may have contributed to the enhanced performance of the anammox process.

Bioactive Nanofiber-Hydrogel Composite Regulates Regenerative Microenvironment for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration after Volumetric Muscle Loss.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a severe form of muscle trauma that exceeds the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to substantial functional impairment. The abnormal immune response and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation hinder muscle regeneration following VML. Here, an interfacial cross-linked hydrogel-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofiber composite, that incorporates both biophysical and biochemical cues to modulate the immune and ROS microenvironment for enhanced VML repair, is engineered. The interfacial cross-linking is achieved through a Michael addition between catechol and thiol groups. The resultant composite exhibits enhanced mechanical strength without sacrificing porosity. Moreover, it mitigates oxidative stress and promotes macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype, both in vitro and in a mouse VML model. 4 weeks post-implantation, mice implanted with the composite show improved grip strength and walking performance, along with increased muscle fiber diameter, enhanced angiogenesis, and more nerve innervation compared to control mice. Collectively, these results suggest that the interfacial cross-linked nanofiber-hydrogel composite could serve as a cell-free and drug-free strategy for augmenting muscle regeneration by modulating the oxidative stress and immune microenvironment at the VML site.

Efficient nitrogen removal from ammonia rich wastewater using aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactor: Selection and enrichment of effective microbial community.

Anaerobically digested sludge supernatant, characterized by its high ammonia and low biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (COD) content, has raised concerns when returned to mainstream treatment lines due to potential impacts on effluent quality. Addressing this, an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactor adopted nitritation/denitritation with external COD addition was utilized and achieved a considerable nitrogen treatment capacity of 4.2 kg N/m3/d, reaching over 90% removal efficiencies for both ammonia and total inorganic nitrogen. This study applied progressively increased nitrogen loading to select for a microbial community that exhibited high nitrogen oxidation and reduction rates, demonstrating peak rates of 0.5 g N/g VSS/d and 3 g N/g VSS/d, respectively. The enrichment of highly efficient microbial community was achieved along with the increased biomass density peaked at 17 g/L MLVSS, with the system retaining small-sized granular sludge at 0.5 mm. The primary ammonia oxidizing bacteria was Nitrosomonas, while Thauera was the dominated denitrifiers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses reinforced the enhanced nitrogen removal capacity based on the progressively increased abundance of nitrogen cycling functional genes. The high nitrogen treatment capacity, synergistic attributes of high specific microbial activities and the substantial biomass retention, suggest the AGS's efficacy and capacity in ammonia rich wastewater treatment.

Bioinspired 3D flexible devices and functional systems.

Flexible devices and functional systems with elaborated three-dimensional (3D) architectures can endow better mechanical/electrical performances, more design freedom, and unique functionalities, when compared to their two-dimensional (2D) counterparts. Such 3D flexible devices/systems are rapidly evolving in three primary directions, including the miniaturization, the increasingly merged physical/artificial intelligence and the enhanced adaptability and capabilities of heterogeneous integration. Intractable challenges exist in this emerging research area, such as relatively poor controllability in the locomotion of soft robotic systems, mismatch of bioelectronic interfaces, and signal coupling in multi-parameter sensing. By virtue of long-time-optimized materials, structures and processes, natural organisms provide rich sources of inspiration to address these challenges, enabling the design and manufacture of many bioinspired 3D flexible devices/systems. In this Review, we focus on bioinspired 3D flexible devices and functional systems, and summarize their representative design concepts, manufacturing methods, principles of structure-function relationship and broad-ranging applications. Discussions on existing challenges, potential solutions and future opportunities are also provided to usher in further research efforts toward realizing bioinspired 3D flexible devices/systems with precisely programmed shapes, enhanced mechanical/electrical performances, and high-level physical/artificial intelligence.

Experimental determination and QSAR analysis of the rate constants for SO5•- reactions with aromatic micropollutants in water.

S(IV)-based systems used for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been constructed for the degradation of organic contaminants via oxysulfur radicals, including SO3•-, SO4•-, and SO5•-. Although SO5•- is proposed as an active species in AOPs processes, research on the reactivity of SO5•- has remained unclear. In this work, 53 target aromatic micropollutants (AMPs), including 13 phenols, 27 amines, and 13 PPCPs were selected to determine the second-order reaction rate constants for SO5•- using the competitive kinetics method, in which the [Formula: see text] values, observed at pH 4 ranged from (2.44 ± 0.00) × 105 M-1 s-1 to (4.41 ± 0.28) × 107 M-1 s-1. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for the oxidation of AMPs by SO5•- were developed based on 40 [Formula: see text] values of amines and phenols, and their molecular descriptors, using the stepwise multiple linear regression method. This comprehensive model exhibited the excellent goodness-of-fit (Radj2 = 0.802), robustness (QLOO2 = 0.749), and predictability (Qext2 = 0.656), and the one-electron oxidation potential (Eox), energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), and most positive net atomic charge on the carbon atoms (qC+) were considered the most influential descriptors for the comprehensive model, indicating that SO5•- oxidizes pollutants via single electron transfer reaction and exhibits a strong oxidation capacity, especially for pollutants containing electron-donating groups. Moreover, the [Formula: see text] values of 13 PPCPs were predicted using this comprehensive model, which suggested the practical application significance of the QSAR model. This study emphasizes the direct oxidation capacity of SO5•-, which is important to evaluate and simulate AOPs based on S(IV).

Culture shapes spontaneous brain dynamics - Shared versus idiosyncratic neural features among Chinese versus Canadian subjects.

Environmental factors, such as culture, are known to shape individual variation in brain activity including spontaneous activity, but less is known about their population-level effects. Eastern and Western cultures differ strongly in their cultural norms about relationships between individuals. For example, the collectivism, interdependence and tightness of Eastern cultures relative to the individualism, independence and looseness of Western cultures, promote interpersonal connectedness and coordination. Do such cultural contexts therefore influence the group-level variability of their cultural members' spontaneous brain activity? Using novel methods adapted from studies of inter-subject neural synchrony, we compare the group-level variability of resting state EEG dynamics in Chinese and Canadian samples. We observe that Chinese subjects show significantly higher inter-subject correlation and lower inter-subject distance in their EEG power spectra than Canadian subjects, as well as lower variability in theta power and alpha peak frequency. We demonstrate, for the first time, different relationships among subjects' resting state brain dynamics in Chinese and Canadian samples. These results point to more idiosyncratic neural dynamics among Canadian participants, compared with more shared neural features in Chinese participants.

Octopus-inspired sensorized soft arm for environmental interaction.

Octopuses can whip their soft arms with a characteristic "bend propagation" motion to capture prey with sensitive suckers. This relatively simple strategy provides models for robotic grasping, controllable with a small number of inputs, and a highly deformable arm with sensing capabilities. Here, we implemented an electronics-integrated soft octopus arm (E-SOAM) capable of reaching, sensing, grasping, and interacting in a large domain. On the basis of the biological bend propagation of octopuses, E-SOAM uses a bending-elongation propagation model to move, reach, and grasp in a simple but efficient way. E-SOAM's distal part plays the role of a gripper and can process bending, suction, and temperature sensory information under highly deformed working states by integrating a stretchable, liquid-metal-based electronic circuit that can withstand uniaxial stretching of 710% and biaxial stretching of 270% to autonomously perform tasks in a confined environment. By combining this sensorized distal part with a soft arm, the E-SOAM can perform a reaching-grasping-withdrawing motion across a range up to 1.5 times its original arm length, similar to the biological counterpart. Through a wearable finger glove that produces suction sensations, a human can use just one finger to remotely and interactively control the robot's in-plane and out-of-plane reaching and grasping both in air and underwater. E-SOAM's results not only contribute to our understanding of the function of the motion of an octopus arm but also provide design insights into creating stretchable electronics-integrated bioinspired autonomous systems that can interact with humans and their environments.

Genome-Wide Identification of the NRT1 Family Members and Their Expression under Low-Nitrate Conditions in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis).

Nitrate transporters (NRTs) actively take up and transform nitrate (N) to form a large family with many members and distinct functions in plant growth and development. However, few studies have identified them in the context of low nitrate concentrations in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. Pekinensis), an important vegetable in China. This study focuses on the identification and analysis of the nitrate transporter 1 (NRT1) gene family as well as various aspects, including its phylogenic distribution, chromosomal position, gene structure, conserved motifs, and duplication pattern. Using bioinformatics methods, we identified and analyzed 84 BrNRT1 genes distributed on ten chromosomes. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of the expression profile of the NRT1 gene in various tissues of Chinese cabbage exposed to varying nitrate concentrations. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that BrNRT1s members are distributed in six distinct groups. Based on an analysis of gene structure and conserved motifs, it can be inferred that BrNRT1 exhibits a generally conserved structural pattern. The promoters of BrNRT1 were discovered to contain moosefs (MFS) elements, suggesting their potential role in the regulation of NO3- transport across the cell membrane in Chinese cabbage. A transcriptome study and a subsequent RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression patterns of some BrNRT1 genes were distinct to specific tissues. This observation implies these genes may contribute to nitrate uptake and transport in various tissues or organs. The results offer fundamental insights into investigating the NRT1 gene family in Chinese cabbage. These results provide basic information for future research on the functional characterization of NRT1 genes in Chinese cabbage and the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying low nitrogen tolerance in Chinese cabbage.

Ag nanocomposite hydrogels with immune and regenerative microenvironment regulation promote scarless healing of infected wounds.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infection, complex wound microenvironment and persistent inflammation cause delayed wound healing and scar formation, thereby disrupting the normal function and appearance of skin tissue, which is one of the most problematic clinical issues. Although Ag NPs have a strong antibacterial effect, they tend to oxidize and form aggregates in aqueous solution, which reduces their antibacterial efficacy and increases their toxicity to tissues and organs. Current research on scar treatment is limited and mainly relies on growth factors and drugs to reduce inflammation and scar tissue formation. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods that effectively combine drug delivery, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents to modulate the wound microenvironment, promote wound healing, and prevent skin scarring. RESULTS: Herein, we developed an innovative Ag nanocomposite hydrogel (Ag NCH) by incorporating Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into a matrix formed by linking catechol-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-CA) with 4-arm PEG-SH. The Ag NPs serve dual functions: they act as reservoirs for releasing Ag/Ag+ at the wound site to combat bacterial infections, and they also function as cross-linkers to ensure the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The potent antibacterial effect of the Ag NPs embedded in the hydrogel against S.aureus was validated through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analyses. The microstructural analysis of the hydrogels and the in vitro release studies confirmed that the Ag NCH possesses smaller pore sizes and facilitates a slower, more sustained release of bFGF. When applied to acute and infected wound sites, the Ag NCH demonstrated remarkable capabilities in reshaping the immune and regenerative microenvironment. It induced a shift from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization, down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and up-regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Furthermore, the Ag NCH played a crucial role in regulating collagen deposition and alignment, promoting the formation of mature blood vessels, and significantly enhancing tissue reconstruction and scarless wound healing processes. CONCLUSIONS: We think the designed Ag NCH can provide a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical applications in scarless wound healing and antibacterial therapy.

Pharmacological effects of nicotine salts on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

With the growing number of individuals regularly using e-cigarettes, it has become increasingly important to understand the psychobiological effects of nicotine salts. Nicotine increases the release of dopamine (DA) into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), causing feelings of satisfaction. However, the differences in the DA-increasing effects of different nicotine salts have not been reported. In this study, we used a G protein-coupled receptor-activated DA fluorescent probe (GRABDA1m) and optical fiber photometric recording equipment to monitor the dynamic changes and kinetics of DA release in the NAc of mice exposed to different e-cigarette aerosols, including nicotine, nicotine benzoate, nicotine tartrate, nicotine lactate, nicotine levulinic acid, nicotine malate, and nicotine citrate. The results of this study were as follows: 1) Different types of nicotine salts could increase the release of DA in the NAc. 2) The slopes and half-effective concentrations of the fitted curves were different, suggesting that each nicotine salt had a difference in the efficiency of increasing DA release with concentration changes. 3) The absorption rates of different nicotine salts containing the same original nicotine concentration were significantly different by measuring the blood nicotine content. The effect of nicotine salts on increasing DA was directly proportional to the blood nicotine level. In conclusion, by observing the effects of nicotine salts on DA release in real time in vivo, differences in the pharmacological effects of nicotine salts are revealed to better understand the mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of nicotine salts on the brain.

Peppermint extract improves egg production and quality, increases antioxidant capacity, and alters cecal microbiota in late-phase laying hens.

Introduction: Peppermint contains substantial bioactive ingredients belonging to the phytoestrogens, and its effects on the production of late-laying hens deserve more attention. This study evaluated the effects of dietary peppermint extract (PE) supplementation on egg production and quality, yolk fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota in late-phase laying hens. Method: PE powder was identified by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Two hundred and sixteen laying hens (60 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four treatments, each for 28 days: (i) basal diet (control group, CON); (ii) basal diet + 0.1% PE; (iii) basal diet + 0.2% PE; and (iv) basal diet + 0.4% PE. Egg, serum, and cecal samples were collected for analysis. Results: Dietary PE supplementation increased the laying rate, serum triglyceride, immunoglobulin G, and total antioxidant capacity, while 0.2 and 0.4% PE supplementation increased eggshell thickness, serum total protein level, and superoxide dismutase activity of laying hens compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). PE addition in diets increased the C14:0, C18:3n3, C18:3n6, C23:0, C24:0, and C24:1n9 contents in the yolk. In addition, the egg yolk saturated fatty acid content was higher (P < 0.05) in the 0.2 and 0.4% PE groups compared with the CON and 0.1% PE groups. The microbiota analysis revealed that the cecal phylum Proteobacteria was decreased (P < 0.05) in the PE-supplemented groups. A total of 0.4% PE supplementation increased the cecal richness of gram-positive bacteria and decreased the richness of gram-negative and potentially pathogenic bacteria compared with the 0.1% PE group (P < 0.05). Microbial function prediction analysis showed that the cecal microbiota of the PE group was mainly enriched by fatty acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism, amino sugar metabolism, nucleotide sugar metabolism, and other pathways. Regression analysis suggested that 0.28-0.36% PE supplementation was the optimal level for improving egg production and quality, antioxidant capacity, and yolk fatty acid in late-phase laying hens. Discussion: Dietary PE supplementation improved egg production and quality (including yolk fatty acid composition) by increasing serum IgG and antioxidant capacity and modulating the intestinal microbiota in late-phase laying hens.

Inversely engineered biomimetic flexible network scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration.

Graft-host mechanical mismatch has been a longstanding issue in clinical applications of synthetic scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. Although numerous efforts have been devoted to resolve this grand challenge, the regenerative performance of existing synthetic scaffolds remains limited by slow tissue growth (comparing to autograft) and mechanical failures. We demonstrate a class of rationally designed flexible network scaffolds that can precisely replicate nonlinear mechanical responses of soft tissues and enhance tissue regeneration via reduced graft-host mechanical mismatch. Such flexible network scaffold includes a tubular network frame containing inversely engineered curved microstructures to produce desired mechanical properties, with an electrospun ultrathin film wrapped around the network to offer a proper microenvironment for cell growth. Using rat models with sciatic nerve defects or Achilles tendon injuries, our network scaffolds show regenerative performances evidently superior to that of clinically approved electrospun conduit scaffolds and achieve similar outcomes to autologous nerve transplantation in prevention of target organ atrophy and recovery of static sciatic index.

Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotope Fractionation Effects in Different Organ Tissues of Grapes under Drought Conditions.

A study of different grapevine tissues and organs (root, stem, leaf, fruit) water isotope fractionation models from high-quality wine grapes produced in the Helan Mountains, a key wine-producing area in northwestern China, was undertaken. Results showed that δ2H values of local groundwater sources were more negative than rivers and precipitation. Soil water δ2H and δ18O values were significantly higher than those of other environmental water sources. Water from the soil surface layer (0-30 cm, δ2H and δ18O values) was more positive than the deeper layer (30-60 cm), indicating that soil water has undergone a positive fractionation effect. δ2H and δ18O values of tissues and organs from different grape varieties followed a similar pattern but were more negative than the local atmospheric precipitation line (slope between 4.1 to 5.2). The 2H and 18O fractionation relationship in grapevine organs was similar, and 18O has a higher fractionation effect than 2H. δ2H and δ18O values showed a strong fractionation effect during the transportation of water to different grape organs (trend of stem > fruit > leaf). This study showed that 18/16O fractionation in grapes is more likely to occur under drought conditions and provides a theoretical basis to improve traceability accuracy and origin protection of wine production areas.

Mechanically-Guided 3D Assembly for Architected Flexible Electronics.

Architected flexible electronic devices with rationally designed 3D geometries have found essential applications in biology, medicine, therapeutics, sensing/imaging, energy, robotics, and daily healthcare. Mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods, exploiting mechanics principles of materials and structures to transform planar electronic devices fabricated using mature semiconductor techniques into 3D architected ones, are promising routes to such architected flexible electronic devices. Here, we comprehensively review mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods for architected flexible electronics. Mainstream methods of mechanically-guided 3D assembly are classified and discussed on the basis of their fundamental deformation modes (i.e., rolling, folding, curving, and buckling). Diverse 3D interconnects and device forms are then summarized, which correspond to the two key components of an architected flexible electronic device. Afterward, structure-induced functionalities are highlighted to provide guidelines for function-driven structural designs of flexible electronics, followed by a collective summary of their resulting applications. Finally, conclusions and outlooks are given, covering routes to achieve extreme deformations and dimensions, inverse design methods, and encapsulation strategies of architected 3D flexible electronics, as well as perspectives on future applications.

Stretchable polymer composites with ultrahigh piezoelectric performance.

Flexible piezoelectric materials capable of withstanding large deformation play key roles in flexible electronics. Ferroelectric ceramics with a high piezoelectric coefficient are inherently brittle, whereas polar polymers exhibit a low piezoelectric coefficient. Here we report a highly stretchable/compressible piezoelectric composite composed of ferroelectric ceramic skeleton, elastomer matrix and relaxor ferroelectric-based hybrid at the ceramic/matrix interface as dielectric transition layers, exhibiting a giant piezoelectric coefficient of 250 picometers per volt, high electromechanical coupling factor keff of 65%, ultralow acoustic impedance of 3MRyl and high cyclic stability under 50% compression strain. The superior flexibility and piezoelectric properties are attributed to the electric polarization and mechanical load transfer paths formed by the ceramic skeleton, and dielectric mismatch mitigation between ceramic fillers and elastomer matrix by the dielectric transition layer. The synergistic fusion of ultrahigh piezoelectric properties and superior flexibility in these polymer composites is expected to drive emerging applications in flexible smart electronics.

Multi-Omics Reveals the Impact of Exogenous Short-Chain Fatty Acid Infusion on Rumen Homeostasis: Insights into Crosstalk between the Microbiome and the Epithelium in a Goat Model.

Emerging data have underscored the significance of exogenous supplementation of butyrate in the regulation of rumen development and homeostasis. However, the effects of other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate or propionate, has received comparatively less attention, and the consequences of extensive exogenous SCFA infusion remain largely unknown. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation by infusion of three SCFAs to examine their respective roles in regulating the rumen microbiome, metabolism, and epithelium homeostasis. Data demonstrated that the infusion of sodium acetate (SA) increased rumen index while also promoting SCFA production and absorption through the upregulation of SCFA synthetic enzymes and the mRNA expression of SLC9A1 gene. Moreover, both SA and sodium propionate infusion resulted in an enhanced total antioxidant capacity, an increased concentration of occludin, and higher abundances of specific rumen bacteria, such as "Candidatus Saccharimonas," Christensenellaceae R-7, Butyrivibrio, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut, and Alloprevotella. In addition, sodium butyrate (SB) infusion exhibited positive effects by increasing the width of rumen papilla and the thickness of the stratum basale. SB infusion further enhanced antioxidant capacity and barrier function facilitated by cross talk with Monoglobus and Incertae Sedis. Furthermore, metabolome and transcriptome data revealed distinct metabolic patterns in rumen contents and epithelium, with a particular impact on amino acid and fatty acid metabolism processes. In conclusion, our data provided novel insights into the regulator effects of extensive infusion of the three major SCFAs on rumen fermentation patterns, antioxidant capacity, rumen barrier function, and rumen papilla development, all achieved without inducing rumen epithelial inflammation. IMPORTANCE The consequences of massive exogenous supplementation of SCFAs on rumen microbial fermentation and rumen epithelium health remain an area that requires further exploration. In our study, we sought to investigate the specific impact of administering high doses of exogenous acetate, propionate, and butyrate on rumen homeostasis, with a particular focus on understanding the interaction between the rumen microbiome and epithelium. Importantly, our findings indicated that the massive infusion of these SCFAs did not induce rumen inflammation. Instead, we observed enhancements in antioxidant capacity, strengthening of rumen barrier function, and promotion of rumen papilla development, which were facilitated through interactions with specific rumen bacteria. By addressing existing knowledge gaps and offering critical insights into the regulation of rumen health through SCFA supplementation, our study holds significant implications for enhancing the well-being and productivity of ruminant animals.

Ferroelectric Modulation in Flexible Lead-Free Perovskite Schottky Direct-Current Nanogenerator for Capsule-Like Magnetic Suspension Sensor.

The tribovoltaic nanogenerator (TVNG), a promising semiconductor energy technology, displays outstanding advantages such as low matching impedance and continuous direct-current output. However, the lack of controllable and stable performance modulation strategies is still a major bottleneck that impedes further practical applications of TVNG. Herein, by leveraging the ferroelectricity-enhanced mechanism and the control of interfacial energy band bending, a lead-free perovskite-based (3,3-difluorocyclobutylammonium)2 CuCl4 ((DF-CBA)2 CuCl4 )/Al Schottky junction TVNG is constructed. The multiaxial ferroelectricity of (DF-CBA)2 CuCl4 enables an excellent surface charge modulating capacity, realizing a high work function regulation of ≈0.7 eV and over 15-fold current regulation (from 6 to 93 µA) via an electrical poling control. The controllable electrical poling leads to elevated work function difference between the Al electrode and (DF-CBA)2 CuCl4 compared to traditional semiconductors and halide perovskites, which creates a stronger built-in electric field at the Schottky interface to enhance the electrical output. This TVNG device exhibits outstanding flexibility and long-term stability (>20 000 cycles) that can endure extreme mechanical deformations, and can also be used in a capsule-like magnetic suspension device capable of detecting vibration and weights of different objects as well as harvesting energy from human motions and water waves.

Effect of induced molting on ovarian function remodeling in laying hens.

Induced molting (IM) can restore the laying rate of aged laying hens to the peak level of laying and rejuvenate ovarian function for the second laying cycle. To explore the mechanism of ovarian function remodeling during IM in laying hens, in this study, ninety 71-wk-old laying lady hens with 60% laying rate and uniform weight were selected for molting induction by fasting. Samples (serum and fresh ovarian tissue) were collected on the day before fasting (F0), the 3rd and 16th days of fasting (F3, F16), and the 6th, 15th, 32nd days of refeeding (R6, R15, and R32), and the number of follicles in each period was counted. Then, the reproductive hormone levels in serum and antioxidant levels in ovarian tissues were detected at different stages, and the gene expression of the KIT-PI3K-PTEN-AKT pathway and GDF-9 in ovaries was measured by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the laying rate increased rapidly after refeeding and returned to the prefasting level by R32. At F16 and R6, the number of mature follicles significantly decreased; the number of primary and secondary follicles significantly increased; the contents of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) in serum decreased; the relative expression of KIT, PI3K, AKT, and GDF-9 significantly increased; and that of PTEN significantly decreased. At R15 and R32, except for GDF-9, which maintained a high expression state, other indicators showed opposing trends to those observed at F16 and R6. In conclusion, IM activated the KIT-PI3K-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway and promoted the activation of primordial follicles during the fasting period and early resumption of feeding; gonadotropin secretion increased gradually, which promoted the rapid development of primary and secondary follicles to mature follicles and ovulation. This study explained the mechanism of ovarian function remodeling in the process of IM and provided a theoretical basis for improving the ovarian function of laying hens and optimizing the IM program.

Incidence of Orthohantavirus infection in humans follows observed changes in rodent reservoirs, Hubei Province, China (1984-2010).

OBJECTIVE: Orthohantaviruses (genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae of order Bunyavirales) are rodent-borne viruses causing 2 human diseases: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which are mainly prevalent in Eurasia and the Americas, respectively. We initiated this study to investigate and analyze the Orthohantaviruses infection in rodent reservoirs and humans in the Hubei Province of China from 1984 to 2010. SAMPLE: The study included 10,314 mouse and 43,753 human serum samples. PROCEDURES: In this study, we analyzed the incidence of Orthohantavirus infection in humans and observed changes in rodent reservoirs in Hubei Province. RESULTS: The results indicated that although the incidence of HFRS declined from the 1990s, the human inapparent infection did not decrease dramatically. Although elements of the disease ecology have changed over the study period, Apodemus agrarius and Rattus norvegicus remain the major species and a constituent ratio of Rattus norvegicus increased. Rodent population density fluctuated between 16.65% and 2.14%, and decreased quinquennially, showing an obvious downward trend in recent years. The average orthohantaviruses-carrying rate was 6.36%, of which the lowest rate was 2.92% from 2006 to 2010. The analysis of rodent species composition showed that Rattus norvegicus and Apodemus agrarius were the dominant species over time (68.6% [1984 to 1987] and 90.4% [2000 to 2011]), while the composition and variety of other species decreased. The density of rodents was closely related to the incidence of HFRS (r = 0.910, P = .032). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our long-term investigation demonstrated that the occurrence of HFRS is closely related to rodent demographic patterns. Therefore, rodent monitoring and rodent control measures for prevention against HFRS in Hubei are warranted.