Mutation breeding of high-stress resistant strains for succinic acid production from corn straw.

The production of succinic acid from corn stover is a promising and sustainable route; however, during the pretreatment stage, byproducts such as organic acids, furan-based compounds, and phenolic compounds generated from corn stover inhibit the microbial fermentation process. Selecting strains that are resistant to stress and utilizing nondetoxified corn stover hydrolysate as a feedstock for succinic acid production could be effective. In this study, A. succinogenes CICC11014 was selected as the original strain, and the stress-resistant strain A. succinogenes M4 was obtained by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis and further screening. Compared to the original strain, A. succinogenes M4 exhibited a twofold increase in stress resistance and a 113% increase in succinic acid production when hydrolysate was used as the substrate. By conducting whole-genome resequencing of A. succinogenes M4 and comparing it with the original strain, four nonsynonymous gene mutations and two upstream regions with base losses were identified. KEY POINTS: • A high-stress-resistant strain A. succinogenes M4 was obtained by ARTP mutation •  The production of succinic acid increased by 113% • The mutated genes of A. succinogenes M4 were detected and analyzed.

AC024896.1/miR-363-3p Axis Regulates the Malignant Progression of Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Cuproptosis-Related Gene MYO1B.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy with poor patient prognosis. Cuprotosis is a newly discovered cell death that regulates the proliferation and progression of tumor cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key molecules and potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. However, the effect of cuprotosis-associated lncRNAs on AML remains unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of cuprotosis-related gene and the prognosis of AML. Methods: Consensus cluster analysis was performed on AML patients according to the cuprotosis-related gene expression matrix, and survival analysis and differential gene analysis were performed. Then lncRNA and miRNA related to AML tumor progression were screened according to univariate COX regression analysis. After that, Kaplan-Meier analysis, correlation analysis, and AUC curve were used to determine the ceRNA network that might regulate AML. The regulatory relationship of ceRNA was verified in AML cell lines by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Results: The AC024896.1/miR-363-3p axis drives MYO1B to promote the malignant progression of AML. First, a change in the expression of AC024896.1 and miR-363-3p can affect the proliferation of AML by regulating MYO1B. Mechanistically, AC024896.1 regulates the expression of MYO1B as the ceRNA of miR-363-3p. Moreover, the regulation of AC024896.1 in the malignant progression of AML depends partly on miR-363-3p. Conclusion: In summary, our study reveals AC024896.1/miR-363-3p/MYO1B Axis in AML, which can be regarded as a new potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of AML.

Effect of Dietary Protein Intake from Different Sources on Maternal and Umbilical Cord Plasma Amino Acid Levels.

SCOPE: To assess the associations of dietary protein intake from different sources during pregnancy with maternal and umbilical cord plasma amino acid levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study includes 216 pregnant women and 39 newborns from the Tongji Birth Cohort in Wuhan, China. The study examines the levels of 21 amino acids in maternal and cord plasma samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. A significant positive relationship is observed between dietary protein intake from refined grains and maternal plasma cysteine levels. Dietary protein intake from dairy products is positively associated with maternal plasma levels of sulfur amino acid (mainly cystine), but negatively associated with maternal plasma levels of glutamic acid. In addition, the study observes that pre-pregnancy body mass index and parity may be potential determinants of maternal plasma amino acid levels, whereas a history of passive smoking during pregnancy is an important factor influencing cord plasma amino acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that dietary protein intakes from specific sources during pregnancy may affect maternal plasma levels of amino acids.

In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy for Detecting Corneal Nerve Fiber Changes in Patients with Different Types of Optic Neuritis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Optic neuritis (ON), a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is often a precursor manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Reduced corneal nerve fiber counts have been found in patients with NMOSD or MS. This study aimed to observe and compare the corneal subbasal nerve plexus in patients with three types of ON and controls without ON using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: Data were analyzed for 77 eyes of 48 patients with ON, grouped according to seropositivity for anti-aquaporin-4 IgG, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody, or no seropositivity, and 35 healthy eyes in the control group. Corneal parameters were quantified based on IVCM images. Visual function indicators were recorded, following which their correlations with IVCM parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences in IVCM parameters were detected among the different groups. Reductions in corneal nerve fiber counts were negatively correlated with visual acuity. Corneal nerve fibers were significantly more damaged in the affected eye than in the unaffected eye in patients with ON. CONCLUSION: IVCM revealed corneal nerve fiber loss of varying degrees, depending on the type of ON. This indicates that, although ON primarily affects the central nervous system, peripheral nerves, such as the trigeminal nerve, which innervates the corneal subbasal nerve plexus may also be damaged in affected patients.

Bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis combined with optic perineuritis associated with atezolizumab treatment for small cell lung carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular immune-related adverse events (OirAEs) associated with novel cancer therapies of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are emerging. Retrobulbar optic neuritis (ON) combined with optic perineuritis (OPN), associated with atezolizumab, has been rarely reported and has a unique clinical manifestation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 67-year-old woman was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. As maintenance therapy, atezolizumab was administered continuously for 10 cycles for approximately 14 months. One week after the administration of the tenth dose of atezolizumab, the patient experienced a bilateral, successive painless visual decline. The fundus and the retinal nerve fiber layer revealed no abnormalities, but the ganglion cell of the macula disappeared loss. The concentric shrinking of the peripheral visual field of the left eye was noticed. Orbital MRI revealed bilateral optic nerve thickening and peripheral optic nerve sheath enhancement ("tram-track" and "doughnut" signs). Serology, cerebrospinal fluid results, and image examination ruled out common causes of vision decline, and the condition was identified as bilateral retrobulbar ON combined with OPN as a probable atezolizumab-related immune adverse event. Thereafter, atezolizumab was discontinued, and intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) (160 mg/day for 5 days) plus intravenous immunoglobulin (20 g/day for 3 days) was administered. The patient's visual function considerably improved after three weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Retrobulbar ON and OPN associated with atezolizumab are rare side effects that are easily overlooked. Immune-related ON has unique features and requires early identification. The primary treatment for optic nerve irAEs is corticosteroids, but this is not standardized and should be used with caution.

Biomimetic synthesis of polydopamine-graphene oxide/hydroxyapatite for efficient and fast uranium(VI) capture from aqueous solution.

A novel and efficient mesoporous nano-absorbent for U(VI) removal was developed through an environment-friendly route by inducing the biomimetic mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the bioinspired surface of polydopamine-graphene oxide (PDA-GO). PDA-GO/HAP exhibited the greatly rapid and efficient U(VI) removal within 2 min, and much higher U(VI) adsorption capacity of 433.07 mg·g-1 than that of GO and PDA-GO. The enhanced adsorption capacity was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of O-H, -C=N-, and PO43- functional groups and the incorporation of uranyl ions by the formation of a new phase (chernikovite, H2(UO2)2(PO4)2·8H2O). The adsorption process of U(VI) fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, PDA-GO/HAP showed a high U(VI) adsorption capacity in a broad range of pH values and owned good thermal stability. PDA-GO/HAP with various excellent properties made it a greatly promising adsorbent for extracting uranium. Our work developed a good strategy for constructing fast and efficient uranium-adsorptive biomimetic materials.

Association of maternal dietary patterns derived by multiple approaches with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study.

We used two a priori diet scores [Mediterranean diet (aMed) and Diet Balance Index (DBI)] and two a posteriori approaches [principal components analysis (PCA) and reduced-rank regression (RRR)] to examine the association of maternal dietary patterns with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and blood glucose among 2202 pregnant women in the Tongji Birth Cohort. Compared to the highest quartile of the aMed and legumes-vegetables-fruits (derived by PCA) scores, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were higher in the lower quartiles (p-trend < 0.05). Lower scores of the meats-eggs-dairy (derived by PCA) and eggs-fish patterns (derived by RRR; characterised by higher intakes of freshwater fish, eggs, and lower intakes of leafy and cruciferous vegetables and fruits) were associated with decreased FBG levels (p-trend < 0.05). Similarities were found across approaches that some dietary patterns were associated with FBG, but not with postprandial glucose and GDM risk.

Integration of proteomics and network toxicology reveals the mechanism of mercury chloride induced hepatotoxicity, in mice and HepG2 cells.

Mercury is one heavy metal toxin that could cause severe health impairments. Mercury exposure has become a global environmental issue. Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is one of mercury's main chemical forms, but it lacks detailed hepatotoxicity data. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by HgCl2 through proteomics and network toxicology at the animal and cellular levels. HgCl2 showed apparent hepatotoxicity after being administrated with C57BL/6 mice (16 mg/kg.bw, oral once a day, 28 days) and HepG2 cells (100 µmol/L, 12 h). Otherwise, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory infiltration play an important role in HgCl2-induced hepatotoxicity. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) after HgCl2 treatment and enriched pathways were obtained through proteomics and network toxicology. Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (ACOT1), acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 3 (ACSS3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), alanine--glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT), cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5), CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 may be the major biomarkers for HgCl2-induced hepatotoxicity, which involved chemical carcinogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, CYPs-mediated metabolism, GSH metabolism and others. Therefore, this study can provide scientific evidence for the biomarkers and mechanism of HgCl2-induced hepatotoxicity.

Metabolism and elimination kinetics of mono-hydroxylated PAHs metabolites following single exposure to different combinations of PAH4 in rats.

The metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the elimination kinetics of their mono-hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) following single exposure to different combinations of four PAHs (PAH4) were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally exposed to a single dose of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) or PAH2 (B[a]P + chrysene), PAH3 (B[a]P + chrysene + benz[a]anthracene), and PAH4 (B[a]P + chrysene + B[a]A + benzo[b]fluoranthene) with each combination adjusted to the same dose of individual compound. OH-PAHs including 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, 3-hydroxychrysene, 3-hydroxybenz[a]anthracene, and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) were detected in serum and urine samples collected at six intervals over a 72-h period post-dosing. The hepatic mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) were determined to ascertain the expression induction of PAHs metabolic enzymes. Results showed OH-PAHs (except 1-OHP) peaked within 8 h in serum and were excreted from urine within 24-48 h. The serum and urinary concentration of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene was significantly increased after PAH4 exposure compared with other PAHs combinations. Inversely, urinary concentration of 3-hydroxychrysene was decreased after PAH4 exposure, and the kinetics of 3-hydroxybenz[a]anthracene or 1-OHP were not different depending on the PAHs combinations. Also, CYPs were markedly induced by PAHs. Notably, the induction levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 were significantly higher after PAH4 exposure compared with B[a]P exposure. The results indicated the metabolism of B[a]P was accelerated after PAH4 exposure which might be partly due to the induction of CYPs. These results confirmed PAHs are rapidly metabolized and suggested potential interactions of PAHs may happen among PAH4 mixture.

Upregulation of C-X-C motif chemokine 12 in the spinal cord alleviated the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats.

Background: C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) is a chemokine that performs many functions. Studies have shown that CXCL12 can aggravate inflammatory symptoms in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence also indicates that CXCL12 can promote the repair of myelin sheaths in the CNS in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we investigated the function of CXCL12 in CNS inflammation by upregulating CXCL12 in the spinal cord and subsequently inducing EAE. Materials and methods: CXCL12 upregulation in the spinal cords of Lewis rats was induced by the injection of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)/eGFP-P2A-CXCL12 after intrathecal catheter implantation. Twenty-one days after AAV injection, EAE was induced and clinical score was collected; Immunofluorescence staining, WB and LFB-PAS staining were used to evaluate the effect of CXCL12 upregulation. In the in vitro study, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were harvested, cultured with CXCL12 and AMD3100, and subjected to immunofluorescence staining for functional assessment. Results: CXCL12 was upregulated in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord by AAV injection. In each stage of EAE, upregulation of CXCL12 significantly alleviated clinical scores by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and promoting remyelination. In contrast, the addition of AMD3100, which is a CXCR4 antagonist, inhibited the effect of CXCL12. In vitro, 10 ng/ml CXCL12 promoted the differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes. Conclusion: AAV-mediated upregulation of CXCL12 in the CNS can alleviate the clinical signs and symptoms of EAE and significantly decrease the infiltration of leukocytes in the peak stage of EAE. CXCL12 can promote the maturation and differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes in vitro. These data indicate that CXCL12 effectively promotes remyelination in the spinal cord and decreases the signs and symptoms of EAE.

CeRNA network identified hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-2355-5p as potential diagnostic biomarkers for tuberculosis.

This study aims to analyze the regulatory non-coding RNAs in the pathological process of tuberculosis (TB), and identify novel diagnostic biomarkers. A longitudinal study was conducted in 5 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients, peripheral blood samples were collected before and after anti-TB treatment for 6 months, separately. After whole transcriptome sequencing, the differentially expressed RNAs (DE RNAs) were filtrated with |log2 (fold change) | > log2(1.5) and P value < .05 as screening criteria. Then functional annotation was actualized by gene ontology enrichment analysis, and enrichment pathway analysis was conducted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. And finally, the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was established according to the interaction of ceRNA pairs and miRNA-mRNA pairs. Five young women were recruited and completed this study. Based on the differential expression analysis, a total of 1469 mRNAs, 996 long non-coding RNAs, 468 circular RNAs, and 86 miRNAs were filtrated as DE RNAs. Functional annotation demonstrated that those DE-mRNAs were strongly involved in the cellular process (n = 624), metabolic process (n = 513), single-organism process (n = 505), cell (n = 651), cell part (n = 650), organelle (n = 569), and binding (n = 629). Enrichment pathway analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in HTLV-l infection, T cell receptor signaling pathway, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-heparan sulfate/heparin, and Hippo signaling pathway. CeRNA networks revealed that hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-2355-5p might be regarded as potential diagnostic biomarkers for TB. Immunomodulation-related genes are differentially expressed in TB patients, and hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-2355-5p might serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Efficient uranium(VI) adsorbing bioinspired nano-sized hydroxyapatite composites: synthesis, tuning, and adsorption mechanism.

The production of large amounts of uranium-containing wastewater and its potential hazards has stimulated green and efficient material removal of uranium (VI). Inspired by the natural mineralization of bone, a facile and eco-friendly biomimetic synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) was carried out using chitosan (CS) as a template. It was found that the reaction temperature and the amount of precursors influence the particle size, crystallinity and specific surface area of the CS/HAP nanorods, and consequently their U(VI) adsorption efficiency. Moreover, the synthesized CS/HAP-40 with smaller particle size, lower crystallinity, and larger specific surface area show a more efficient U(VI) removal compared with CS/HAP-55 and CS/HAP-55-AT. It has a maximum adsorption capacity of 294.12 mg·g-1 of the CS/HAP-40. Interestingly, the U(VI) removal mechanism of CS/HAP-40 in acidic (pH = 3) and alkaline (pH = 8) aqueous solutions was found to be different. As one of the main results, the U(VI) adsorption mechanisms at pH 8 could be surface complexation and ion exchange. On the contrary, three different mechanisms could be observed at pH 3: dissolution-precipitation to form chernikovite, surface complexation, and ion exchange.

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan prevents oligoasthenospermia due to TAp73 suppression by affecting cellular junction remodeling in testicular tissue in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic Chinese herbal preparation, which has a significant clinical efficacy in tonifying the kidney and benefiting the sperm, and is widely used in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia with a long history. TAp73 inhibition results in the decrease of sperm quality, but the therapeutic mechanism of WZYZW on oligoasthenospermia caused by TAp73 gene inhibition remains elusive. AIMS OF STUDY: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether TAp73 suppression leads to oligoasthenospermia and the application of WZYZW treatment in condition of TAp73 suppression. METHODOLOGY: C57BL/6 male mice were injected with Pifithrin-α (2.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 30 days to induce TAp73 suppression model, with WZYZW at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg were administrated in parallel. The blood, testis and epididymis were collected, with organ coefficient calculated. Makler sperm counter was used to analyze the density, motility, survival and malformation rate of sperm. Apoptosis of sperm was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum hormone levels were determined using ELISA. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe histopathological changes of testis in blood-testis barrier (BTB), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and other cell junctions. Expressions of cell adhesion factors including TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, Nectin-2 and Occludin were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to control mice, TAp73 inhibition dramatically decreased the epididymal coefficient, sperm quality, and serum testosterone (T) level, while increasing apoptosis in sperm in mice. HE staining and TEM showed that the tight junction (TJ) and apical ES structure were seriously abnormal in the testis in mice with TAp73 inhibition. Additionally, the expression of Occludin protein was elevated, while that of TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, and Nectin-2 reduced in model mice. WZYZW treatment ameliorated testicular spermatogenic dysfunctions in TAp73 suppressed mice, restoring the decreased sperm quality, serum T level and testicular histopathological changes of TJ and ES, as well as decreasing sperm malformation rate and apoptosis. Moreover, WZYZW reversed the expressions of Occludin, TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin and Nectin-2 in TAp73 suppressed mice. CONCLUSIONS: By impairing spermatogenesis and maturation, TAp73 inhibition led to oligoasthenospermia in mice. WZYZW could rescue the oligoasthenospermia associated with TAp73 inhibition via affecting the dynamic remodeling of cellular junctions in testicular tissues in mice.

Hawthorn or semen cassiae-alleviated high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in rats via the reduction of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Hepatic steatosis is a common pathological change of liver that manifests as abnormal lipid accumulation. Epidemiological findings support that diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are mostly accompanied by the development of hepatic steatosis. By screening the disease targets of several traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with lipid-reducing effects (hawthorn, semen cassiae, etc.) through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), we found that peroxisome-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is involved in regulating several lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways. Further experiments confirmed that PPAR-γ was correlated with aggravated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in overnutrition-induced hepatic steatosis. The stimulation of hepatocytes by abnormal lipid metabolism signals causes an imbalance in ER homeostasis, which subsequently exacerbates hepatocyte lipid abnormalities. The inhibition of glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78, a master regulator of ER homeostasis) was effective in reducing hepatocyte PPAR-γ and lipid synthesis levels. In fact, the hawthorn/semen cassiae treatment effectively downregulated hepatocyte ER stress in high-fat-diet fed rats and reduced the PPAR-γ expression as well as related lipid synthesis. Herein, we confirmed that TCMs characterized by natural lipid-lowering effectively target hepatic PPAR-γ and GRP78, improve ER stress, and have a protective effect against obesity-related hepatic steatosis.

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy companied with multiple-related diseases.

Objective: To elucidate the clinical, radiologic characteristics of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) associated with the other diseases. Materials and methods: Clinical data were retrospectively collected from hospitalized patients with LHON associated with the other diseases at the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH) from December 2014 to October 2018. Results: A total of 13 patients, 24 eyes (10 men and 3 women; mean age, 30.69 ± 12.76 years) with LHON mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, were included in the cohort. 14502(5)11778(4)11778 &11696(1)12811(1)11696(1)3460(1). One patient was positive for aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab), and two were positive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab). Three patients were associated with idiopathic optic neuritis (ON). Two patients were with compression optic neuropathy. Three patients were with the central nervous system (CNS) diseases. One patient was with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and one with idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS). At the onset, visual acuity (VA) in eighteen eyes was below 0.1, one eye was 0.5, five eyes were above 0.5, while VA in sixteen eyes was below a 0.1 outcome, three eyes experienced moderate vision loss. MRI images showed T2 lesions and enhancement in nine patients who received corticosteroids treatment; additional immune modulators treatment was performed on two patients. None of the patients had relapse during the follow-up time. Conclusion: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy can be accompanied with multiple-related diseases, especially different subtypes of ON, which were also exhibited with IOIS and compression optic neuropathy for the first time in this cohort. This condition may be a distinct entity with an unusual clinical and therapeutic profile.

Awareness of nutrition and health knowledge and its influencing factors among Wuhan residents.

Background: Nutrition and health knowledge play a crucial role in promoting healthy dietary behaviors, and have been found to be related to sociodemographic characteristics. However, the existing evidence is limited and inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate the awareness level of nutrition and health knowledge and its influencing factors among Wuhan residents, and to provide scientific basis for carrying out targeted nutrition education programmes. Methods: By stratified random sampling, residents aged 18-64 in Wuhan were selected for self-administered questionnaire survey. We adopted the structured questionnaire to investigate respondents' sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition and health knowledge, and the way to acquire knowledge. Among them, nutrition and health knowledge includes the following four parts: dietary guidelines recommendations, food and nutrients, nutrition and disease prevention, and nutrition skills. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the associations between total awareness rate and sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors of nutrition and health awareness. Results: A total of 33,436 valid questionnaires were obtained, with a response rate of 97.8%. The total awareness rate was 20.4%, with the highest in nutrition and disease prevention (72.7%) and the lowest in nutrition skills (46.3%). Responders aged 35-44 (23.3%), females (22.8%), educational workers (24.8%), obtaining a master's degree or above (34.1%), living in downtown area (23.1%), and without a history of chronic disease (24.6%) were more likely to have higher awareness rates (all p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression models showed that age, gender, education level, occupation, residential address, and the history of chronic disease were the potential factors affecting individual nutrition awareness. Conclusion: The total awareness rate of nutrition and health knowledge among Wuhan residents was not optimistic. Besides, our findings suggested that sociodemographic characteristics are closely related to nutrition awareness, which may provide important clues for carried out nutrition education campaigns.

Response Mechanism of Endogenous Hormones of Potential Storage Root to Phosphorus and Its Relationship With Yield and Appearance Quality of Sweetpotato.

Field and pot experiments were conducted to explore the response mechanism of endogenous hormones of potential storage root to phosphorus and its relationship with yield and appearance quality of sweetpotato using five different rates of phosphorus addition. Application of adequate amounts of phosphorus (P2 treatment, 112 kg of P2O5 ha-1 in field experiment or 0.04 g of P2O5 kg-1 in pot experiment) improved the yield and the appearance quality of sweetpotato when compared to the control treatment. This observation can be attributed to the fact that P2 treatment significantly increased the expression of Ibkn1 and APRT genes and the concentration of ZR from 20 to 40 days after planting, but the results were the opposite at 10 days after planting. In addition, an increase in the expression of SRD1, NIT4, IbMADS1, and OPR3 and the concentrations of IAA and JA from day 10 to day 40 after planting were observed. Furthermore, the expression of GA3oX4 and the concentration of GA3 decreased significantly from 20 to 30 days of planting and significantly increased after 40 days of planting. Moreover, a significant decrease in the expression of AAO and concentration of ABA was observed from 10 to 30 days after planting, and a significant increase was observed after 40 days of planting. The results show that P2 treatment promoted root development, particularly significantly increased the number of roots and potential storage roots. P2 treatment significantly increased the diameter, weight, and number of storage roots at 40 days after planting. Finally, proper phosphorus application (112 kg of P2O5 ha-1) increased the yield (enhanced from 18.99 to 25.93%) by increasing the number of storage roots per plant and improving the appearance quality by increasing the length/diameter ratio and uniformity of storage root weight.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials for Adsorption and Detection of Uranium(VI) from Aqueous Solution.

The steady supply of uranium resources and the reduction or elimination of the ecological and human health hazards of wastewater containing uranium make the recovery and detection of uranium in water greatly important. Thus, the development of effective adsorbents and sensors has received growing attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possessing fascinating characteristics such as high surface area, high porosity, adjustable pore size, and luminescence have been widely used for either uranium adsorption or sensing. Now pertinent research has transited slowly into simultaneous uranium adsorption and detection. In this review, the progress on the research of MOF-based materials used for both adsorption and detection of uranium in water is first summarized. The adsorption mechanisms between uranium species in aqueous solution and MOF-based materials are elaborated by macroscopic batch experiments combined with microscopic spectral technology. Moreover, the application of MOF-based materials as uranium sensors is focused on their typical structures, sensing mechanisms, and the representative examples. Furthermore, the bifunctional MOF-based materials used for simultaneous detection and adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution are introduced. Finally, we also discuss the challenges and perspectives of MOF-based materials for uranium adsorption and detection to provide a useful inspiration and significant reference for further developing better adsorbents and sensors for uranium containment and detection.

Study on the mechanism of Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan-medicated serum interfering with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the GC-2 cell induced by atractyloside.

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic prescription for male infertility. Our previous investigation has demonstrated that it can inhibit sperm apoptosis via affecting mitochondria, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to explore the actions of WZYZW on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in mouse spermatocyte cell line (GC-2 cells) opened by atractyloside (ATR). At first, WZYZW-medicated serum was prepared from rats following oral administration of WZYZW for 7 days. GC-2 cells were divided into control group, model group, positive group, as well as 5%, 10%, 15% WZYZW-medicated serum group. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as a positive control. 50 µmol·L-1 ATR was added after drugs incubation. Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8. Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry and TUNEL method. The opening of mPTP and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by Calcein AM and JC-1 fluorescent probe respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), cyclophilin D (CypD), adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (Cyt C), caspase 3, 9 were detected by RT-PCR (real time quantity PCR) and Western blotting respectively. The results demonstrated that mPTP of GC-2 cells was opened after 24 hours of ATR treatment, resulting in decreased MMP and increased apoptosis. Pre-protection with WZYZ-medicated serum and CsA inhibited the opening of mPTP of GC-2 cells induced by ATR associated with increased MMP and decreased apoptosis. Moreover, the results of RT-qPCR and WB suggested that WZYZW-medicated serum could significantly reduce the mRNA and protein levels of VDAC1 and CypD, Caspase-3, 9 and CytC, as well as a increased ratio of Bcl/Bax. However, ANT was not significantly affected. Therefore, these findings indicated that WZYZW inhibited mitochondrial mediated apoptosis by attenuating the opening of mPTP in GC-2 cells. WZYZW-medicated serum inhibited the expressions of VDAC1 and CypD and increased the expression of Bcl-2, which affected the opening of mPTP and exerted protective and anti-apoptotic effects on GC-2 cell induced by ATR.

Validation of a Chinese version of the Analysing and Developing Adaptability and Performance in Teams to Enhance Resilience Scale in nurses in China.

AIM: This study examined the validity and reliability of the Analysing and Developing Adaptability and Performance in Teams to Enhance Resilience (ADAPTER) Scale in a sample of Chinese nurses. BACKGROUND: Nurse shortage caused by job stress in China is becoming more acute, while research on team resilience training among nurses is still rising. To accurately and consistently describe team resilience status prior to training and evaluate the effects of resilience interventions at the team level among nurses, it is critical to develop a valid and reliable Chinese measure. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 838 nurses. The scale was translated into Chinese according to Brislin's guidelines. Validity was evaluated by content validity, discriminative validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and convergent validity. Reliability was estimated by item-to-total correlations, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a four-factor model. Content validity was good and discriminative validity showed a significant discriminative ability. The concurrent validity was acceptable. The reliability was demonstrated with item-to-total correlations of greater than .40, Cronbach's alpha of .97 and intraclass correlation coefficients of .946. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the scale is a valid and reliable instrument. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The scale can provide insight into nurses' team resilience and thereby inform the development of specific interventions aimed at improving the team resilience of nurses.