Knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive methods among women with an unplanned pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of contraceptive methods among women with an unplanned pregnancy, aiming to improve their reproductive health and increase their understanding of contraceptive methods. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Hubei between 20 November 2022 and 20 January 2023. PARTICIPANTS: Women with an unplanned pregnancy were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire was in the Chinese language and included demographic data, KAP assessments. Multivariate linear regression was performed to explore the factors associated with knowledge or practice scores. RESULTS: During the study period, 510 participants with valid questionnaires were included. The KAP scores were 7.30±2.91, 32.61±3.13 and 28.58±3.59, respectively. Place of residence (urban vs non-urban; B=0.66, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.29, p=0.043) and educational level (master's degree or above vs post secondary or below; B=1.07, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.96, p=0.020) were positively associated with knowledge. Knowledge (B=0.25, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.32, p<0.001) and attitude (B=0.26, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.32, p<0.001) were positively associated with practice. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a low level of KAP regarding contraceptive methods among women facing unplanned pregnancies. Place of residence and educational level were positively associated with knowledge scores. These findings may help improve future sex education policies and programmes.

Sasanquasaponin from Camellia oleifera Abel Exerts an Anti-Inflammatory Effect in RAW 264.7 Cells via Inhibition of the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Sasanquasaponin (SQS), a secondary metabolite that is derived from Camellia seeds, reportedly possesses notable biological properties. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of SQS and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly explored. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of SQS against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells, focusing on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signaling pathways. SQS was isolated using a deep eutectic solvent and D101 macroporous adsorption resin and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA. Western blot was performed to analyze the protein expression of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Herein, SQS exhibited anti-inflammatory activity: 30 µg/mL of SQS significantly reduced ROS generation, inhibited the LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2, and attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. The anti-inflammatory activity was potentially mediated by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in the MAPK signaling pathway. Accordingly, SQS could inhibit inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. This study demonstrated the potential application of SQS as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Odorants Identified in Chinese Dry-Cured Ham Contribute to Salty Taste Enhancement.

Jinhua dry-cured ham (JDH) is a traditional fermented Chinese meat product. We studied the dynamic sensory and emotional profiles of JDHs obtained by five preparation methods and the corresponding release of sodium ions (Na+), potassium ions (K+), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during oral processing. The VOCs with salty taste enhancement abilities were screened based on the correlations of VOCs with salty flavor and concentration of Na and K ions with salty flavor. A trained sensory panel evaluated the saltiness enhancements of selected VOCs by using static and dynamic sensory methods. The results revealed that Na+, K+, and selected VOCs were mainly released during 0-10 s of the chewing process. The release of Na+ and K+ in JDH residue samples exhibited consistently decreasing trends, while in saliva, their concentrations increased. The VOCs showing a high correlation with Na+ and K+ and salty flavor have saltiness enhancement abilities in both NaCl solutions and NaCl + MSG mixtures. Odor-induced saltiness was pronounced at low salt concentrations (0.2% NaCl). The investigation demonstrated 16 VOCs exhibiting saltiness enhancement abilities, including 4 pyrazines, 5 acids, 4 sulfur-containing compounds, and 3 other compounds. The sensory evaluation suggested pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds as good saltiness enhancers. 2-Furfuryl mercaptan significantly enhanced the salty sensation in the NaCl + MSG solutions when compared with MSG alone (p < 0.05). This research provides evidence that certain odorants identified in JDHs exhibit salty-enhancing properties, indicating their potential for salt reduction at the industrial level.

Endophytic fungus Penicillium steckii DF33 promoted tanshinones biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza by regulating the expression of CYP450 genes.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a prominent traditional Chinese medicinal resource, has been extensively employed in the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ailments. Ensuring the consistency of S. miltiorrhiza raw materials revolves around the imperative task of maintaining stable tanshinones content and composition. An effective approach in this regard involves the utilization of endophytic fungi as inducers. Within this context, our study spotlights an endophytic fungus, Penicillium steckii DF33, isolated from the roots of S. miltiorrhiza. Remarkably, this fungus has demonstrated a significant capacity to boost the biosynthesis and accumulation of tanshinones. The primary objective of this investigation is to elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism by which DF33 enhances and regulates the biosynthesis and accumulation of tanshinones. This is achieved through its influence on the differential expression of crucial CYP450 genes within the S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots system. The results revealed that the DF33 elicitor not only promotes the growth of hairy roots but also enhances the accumulation of tanshinones. Notably, the content of cryptotanshinone was reached 1.6452 ± 0.0925 mg g-1, a fourfold increase compared to the control group. Our qRT-PCR results further demonstrate that the DF33 elicitor significantly up-regulates the expression of most key enzyme genes (GGPPS, CPS1, KSL1, CYP76AH1, CYP76AH3, CYP76AK1, CYP71D411) involved in the tanshinone biosynthesis pathway. This effect is particularly pronounced in certain critical CYP450 genes and Tanshinone ⅡA synthase (SmTⅡAS), with their expression levels peaking at 7 days or 14 days, respectively. In summary, endophytic P. steckii DF33 primarily enhances tanshinone biosynthesis by elevating the expression levels of pivotal enzyme genes associated with the modification and transformation stages within the tanshinone biosynthesis pathway. These findings underscore the potential of employing plant probiotics, specifically endophytic and root-associated microbes, to facilitate the biosynthesis and transformation of vital constituents in medicinal plants, and this approach holds promise for enhancing the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.

Novel antioxidant peptides identified from coix seed by molecular docking, quantum chemical calculations and invitro study in HepG2 cells.

The aim of the study was to identify potent antioxidant peptides sourced from coix seed, analyze the structure-activity relationship through molecular docking and quantum chemical calculation. Molecular docking results showed that among thirteen peptides selected in silico, eight had favourable binding interaction with the Keap1-Kelch domain (2FLU). Promising peptides with significant binding scores were further evaluated using quantum calculation. It was shown that peptide FFDR exhibited exceptional stability, with a high energy gap of 5.24 eV and low Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbitals (LUMO) values. Furthermore, FFDR displayed the capacity to enhance the expression of Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant genes (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px) and improved cellular redox balance by increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) while reducing oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. These findings highlight the potential of coix seed peptides in developing novel, effective and stable antioxidant-based functional foods.

Investigation on the fault monitoring of high-voltage circuit breaker using improved deep learning.

Mechanical faults are the main causes of abnormal opening, refusal operation, or malfunction of high-voltage circuit breakers. Accurately assessing the operational condition of high-voltage circuit breakers and delivering fault evaluations is essential for the power grid's safety and reliability. This article develops a circuit breaker fault monitoring device, which diagnoses the mechanical faults of the circuit breaker by monitoring the vibration information data. At the same time, the article adopts an improved deep learning method to train vibration information of high-voltage circuit breakers, and based on this, a systematic research method is employed to identify circuit breaker faults. Firstly, vibration information data of high-voltage circuit breakers is obtained through monitoring devices, this vibration data is then trained using deep learning methods to extract features corresponding to various fault types. Secondly, using the extracted features, circuit breaker faults are classified and recognized with a systematic analysis of the progression traits across various fault categories. Finally, the circuit breaker's fault type is ascertained by comparing the test set's characteristics with those of the training set, using the vibration data. The experimental results show that for the same type of circuit breaker, the accuracy of this method is over 95%, providing a more efficient, intuitive, and practical method for online diagnosis and fault warning of high-voltage circuit breakers.

Effect of Deep Eutectic Solvents on the Activity and Stability of Cellulases and Pectinases.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have physicochemical characteristics similar to those of ionic liquids but are more cost-effective, easier to produce, and less harmful to the environment, making them viable alternatives to ionic liquids. In this study, various DESs have been created to assess their potential as storage media for enzymes. The impact of the DES composition and water content on the thermal and storage stability of cellulase and pectinase was also investigated. Molecular simulation was used to examine the kinetic parameters of cellulase and pectinase in DESs with varying water levels based on choline chloride. The results demonstrated that the stability of the enzymes initially increased and then decreased with an increase in water content in DESs. The enzymes experienced secondary structural changes, leading to variations in fluorescence values. Ultimately, DESs can be utilized as a stabilizers for long-term enzyme preservation, and this study provides a theoretical basis for the coapplication of DESs and enzymes.

Tracking groundwater pollution plumes at landfill sites using borehole hydrochemical and hydrodynamic profile (BHHP) method.

Groundwater pollution at landfill sites poses a significant risk to human health and ecological security. However, efficiently tracking pollution plumes in a polluted aquifer with variable pollutants remains challenging. In order to track groundwater pollution plumes at landfill sites, an in-situ borehole hydrochemical and hydrodynamic profile (BHHP) method was developed. Total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and ammonia nitrogen were selected as the hydrochemical indicators. Meanwhile, the hydrodynamic indicators included flow direction and flow velocity of groundwater. Among the three hydrochemical indicators, TDS and ORP were analyzed to be the prior alternative ones for the BHHP application. The BHHP method was successfully applied to track groundwater pollution plumes at a typical valley-type landfill site and its neighboring downstream zone. Consequently, four groundwater pollution plumes of different types and different scales were identified in both horizontal and vertical directions within the depth of 0-50 m, and the various pollution sources for the detected pollution plumes were revealed. Furthermore, the BHHP method was validated using sampling test results of groundwater chloride and chemical oxygen demand at the surveyed landfill site.

rs56405341 Variant Associates with Expression of C4orf33 and C4orf33 Was Downregulated in Alzheimer's Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

The first primary age-related tauopathy (PART) genome-wide association study confirmed significant associations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) genetic variants with PART, and highlighted a novel genetic variant rs56405341. Here, we perform a comprehensive analysis of rs56405341. We found that rs56405341 was significantly associated with C4orf33 mRNA expression, but not JADE1 mRNA expression in multiple brain tissues. C4orf33 was mainly expressed in cerebellar hemisphere and cerebellum, and JADE1 was mainly expressed in thyroid, and coronary artery. Meanwhile, we found significantly downregulated C4orf33 expression both AD and PSP compared with normal controls, respectively.

Aucubin alleviates methotrexate-induced enteritis in rats by inducing autophagy.

One of the toxic side effects of methotrexate (MTX) is enteritis. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside derived from traditional medicinal herbs, has been proven to have anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidation properties. This work explored the effect and mechanism of aucubin in treating MTX-induced enteritis in a rat model. Two doses of aucubin (5 and 10 mg/kg) were adopted for the assessment of its pharmacological activity. We observed that in rats with MTX-induced enteritis, the body weight and small intestinal weight decreased. The intestine barrier was injured, as reflected by pathological examinations and an increase in D-lactate and diamine oxidase concentration in serum. Intestinal inflammation was shown by the observation of macrophages in the intestine and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was shown to be activated by the enhancement of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1, IL-18 and IL-1ß. Moreover, autophagy was reflected by transmission electron microscopy as slightly induced, along with changes in autophagy-related markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin1. Remarkably, aucubin treatment attenuated the MTX-induced disease activity index increase, intestinal damage, inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but provoked autophagy. Rapamycin, an autophagy activator, showed similar therapeutic effects to aucubin on MTX-induced enteritis. However, 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of aucubin. These findings prompted the hypothesis that aucubin alleviates MTX-induced enteritis by aggravating autophagy. This study might provide evidence for further investigation on the therapeutic role of aucubin in MTX-resulted enteritis.

Application of GC-TOF/MS and GC×GC-TOF/MS to Discriminate Coffee Products in Three States (Bean, Powder, and Brew).

The volatiles in coffee play an important part in the overall flavor profile. In this study, GC-TOF/MS and GC×GC-TOF/MS were used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in coffee samples of three different brands at three states (bean, powder, and brew). The differences between the two methods in characterizing VOCs were analyzed using the Venn diagram and PCA (principal component analysis). The important aroma-contributing compounds were further compared and analyzed. The results of the venn diagrams of different coffee samples showed that most VOCs existed in 2-3 kinds of coffee. The PCA of VOCs in different coffee samples showed that the VOCs detected by GC-TOF/MS could distinguish the coffee samples in the different states. GC×GC-TOF/MS was suitable for the further identification and differentiation of the different brands of coffee samples. In addition, pyridine, pyrrole, alcohols, and phenols greatly contributed to distinguishing coffee in three states, and alcohols greatly contributed to distinguishing the three brands of coffee.

The Genetic Diversity of Mink (Neovison vison) Populations in China.

The American mink (Neovison vison) is a semiaquatic species of Mustelid native to North America that is now widespread in China. However, the knowledge of genetic diversity of mink in China is still limited. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and identified significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mink populations of five different color types in three different mink farms in China. Using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, we identified a total of 1.3 million SNPs. After filtering the SNPs, phylogenetic tree, Fst, principal component, and population structure analyses were performed. The results demonstrated that red mink and black mink grouped, with separate clustering of all other color types. The population divergence index (Fst) study confirmed that different mink populations were distinct (K = 4). Two populations with different coat colors were subjected to the selection signature analysis, and 2300 genes were found to have a clear selection signature. The genes with a selection signature were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) categorization and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the results revealed that the genes with a selection signature were enriched in the melanogenesis pathway. These study's findings have set the stage for improved breeding and conservation of genetic resources in real-world practical mink farming.

Comparison of methods for the effective evaluation of the energy content of poultry byproduct meal for beagles.

The objectives of this study were to compare the energy values of poultry byproduct meal (PBM) as feed for adult beagle dogs using the direct, difference, and regression methods to examine dogs' nitrogen metabolism, energy utilization, gaseous metabolism, and body health. Five groups of six 12 mo old female beagles with an average body weight of 9.67 ±â€…0.52 kg were tested in a 5 × 6 incomplete Latin square design, with six repetitions in each group. Five experimental diets were tested consisting of 100% PBM; three substitution diets containing either 15%, 30%, or 45% PBM (termed 15PBM, 30PBM, and 45PBM, respectively); and a basal diet (included 6.90% PBM). Each experimental period lasted for 10 d, comprising 4 d of dietary acclimation followed by 6 d of testing (including 3 d feeding period and 3 d fasting period), during which the heat production (HP) was determined and feces and urine were collected. Results showed that, in the feeding state, the nitrogen intake, urinary nitrogen, apparent nitrogen digestibility, retained nitrogen, andHP increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the PBM level increased. The net protein utilization, biological value of protein, and total apparent digestibility of amino acids did not differ between the 30PBM and 45PBM diets (P > 0.05). The O2 consumption and CO2 production of beagles during the fasting period were not influenced by the PBM level (P > 0.05). The digestible energy and metabolizable energy values of the PBM estimated by the regression method were 20.16 and 18.18 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), respectively, and did not differ from those determined by the direct method (P > 0.05). The fecal DM percentages and fecal PBM scores were significantly higher in the PBM diet than in the difference method groups (P < 0.05). The direct method group had a significantly higher fecal score (4.63) than the other groups (P < 0.05), The fecal score of the 45PBM diet (3.50) was significantly higher than the 30PBM diet (2.90; P < 0.05). In summary, the direct and difference methods of determining the effective energy value of PBM for beagles, produce significantly different results. Under the conditions of this test, the best proportion of PBM in beagle feed for optimum energy provision is 30%.

The scale of the global pet food market is expanding daily, but there are relatively few evaluations that have been performed on many of the common ingredients in pet food recently. This study compares direct, difference, and regression methods of evaluating the effects of the energy values of poultry byproduct meal (PBM), which is commonly used in beagle foods. Beagles were fed five diets containing different proportions of PBM, and the effects on diet quality were compared. The direct evaluation method enabled relatively accurate assessment of the energy value of PBM but could cause diarrhea in the test dogs. Different proportions of PBM significantly affected the results, and the difference method identified feed with 30% poultry meal as optimal. The regression method effectively determined the digestible energy and metabolizable energy values of the various tested levels of PBM. The difference method performed best in evaluating the energy values of beagle feed, and a diet consisting of 30% PBM was determined to be optimal.

Effect of Cyberlindnera jadinii supplementation on growth performance, serum immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal health in winter fur-growing raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cyberlindnera jadinii supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, serum biochemistry, immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs during the winter fur-growing period. Methods: Forty-five 135 (±5) day-old male raccoon dogs were randomly assigned to three dietary groups supplemented with 0 (group N), 1 × 109 (group L) and 5 × 109 CFU/g (group H) Cyberlindnera jadinii, with 15 raccoon dogs per group. Results: The results showed that Cyberlindnera jadinii in groups L and H improved average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed-to-weight ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in nutrient digestibility and nitrogen metabolism among the three groups (P > 0.05). Compared with group N, serum glucose levels were lower in groups L and H (P < 0.05). The levels of serum immunoglobulins A and G in group L were higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the levels of serum immunoglobulins A and M in group H were higher than those in group N (P < 0.05). Supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii in groups L and H increased serum superoxide dismutase activity, and the total antioxidant capacity in group H increased compared with group N (P < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were dominant in raccoon dogs. The results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the composition of microbiota in the three groups changed significantly (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Campylobacterota was increased in the H group compared to the N and L groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Sarcina was increased in group L compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Blautia were decreased in group H compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). Also, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Sutterella and Catenibacterium was higher in group L (P < 0.05) compared with group H. Discussion: In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii improved growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune status, and improved intestinal microbiota in winter fur-growing raccoon dogs. Among the concentrations tested, 1 × 109 CFU/g was the most effective level of supplementation.

ING5 overexpression upregulates miR-34c-5p/Snail1 to inhibit EMT and invasion of lung cancer cells.

ING5 belongs to the inhibitor of growth (ING) candidate tumor suppressor family, which is involved in multiple cellular functions, such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and chromatin remodelling. Previously, we reported that ING5 overexpression inhibits EMT by regulating EMT-related molecules, including Snail1, at the mRNA and protein levels. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we identify that ING5 overexpression induces the upregulation of miR-34c-5p. The expression levels of both ING5 and miR-34c-5p in NSCLC tissues from the TCGA database are decreased compared with that in adjacent tissues. Higher expression levels of both ING5 and miR-34c-5p predict longer overall survival (OS). Snail1 is the target gene of miR-34c-5p, as predicted by an online database, which is further verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression level of Snail1 in NSCLC cells is markedly reduced following miR-34c-5p overexpression, leading to the inactivation of the Snail1 downstream TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling pathway. The TGF-ß signaling-specific inhibitor LY2157299 reverses the enhanced EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities induced by the miR-34c-5p inhibitor. Furthermore, tail vein injection of miR-34c-5p agomir inhibits xenografted tumor metastasis. Overall, this study concludes that miR-34c-5p, induced by ING5 overexpression, is a tumor suppressor that targets Snail1 and mediates the inhibitory effects of ING5 on the EMT and invasion of NSCLC cells. These results provide a novel mechanism mediating the antitumor effects of ING5.

Analysis of influencing factors and a predictive model of small airway dysfunction in adults.

BACKGROUND: Small airway dysfunction (SAD) is a widespread but less typical clinical manifestation of respiratory dysfunction. In lung diseases, SAD can have a higher-than-expected impact on lung function. The aim of this study was to explore risk factors for SAD and to establish a predictive model. METHODS: We included 1233 patients in the pulmonary function room of TangDu Hospital from June 2021 to December 2021. We divided the subjects into a small airway disorder group and a non-small airway disorder group, and all participants completed a questionnaire. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors for SAD. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to construct the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed and validated by the Area under roc curve (AUC), calibration curves, and Decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: One. The risk factors for small airway disorder were advanced age (OR = 7.772,95% CI 2.284-26.443), female sex (OR = 1.545,95% CI 1.103-2.164), family history of respiratory disease (OR = 1.508,95% CI 1.069-2.126), history of occupational dust exposure (OR = 1.723,95% CI 1.177-2.521), history of smoking (OR = 1.732,95% CI 1.231-2.436), history of pet exposure (OR = 1.499,95% CI 1.065-2.110), exposure to O3 (OR = 1.008,95% CI 1.003-1.013), chronic bronchitis (OR = 1.947,95% CI 1.376-2.753), emphysema (OR = 2.190,95% CI 1.355-3.539) and asthma (OR = 7.287,95% CI 3.546-14.973). 2. The AUCs of the nomogram were 0.691 in the training set and 0.716 in the validation set. Both nomograms demonstrated favourable clinical consistency. 3.There was a dose‒response relationship between cigarette smoking and SAD; however, quitting smoking did not reduce the risk of SAD. CONCLUSION: Small airway disorders are associated with age, sex, family history of respiratory disease, occupational dust exposure, smoking history, history of pet exposure, exposure to O3, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. The nomogram based on the above results can effectively used in the preliminary risk prediction.

Flare exhaust: An underestimated pollution source in municipal solid waste landfills.

Flares are commonly used in municipal solid waste landfills, and the pollution from flare exhaust is usually underestimated. This study aimed to reveal the odorants, hazardous pollutants, and greenhouse gas emission characteristics of the flare exhaust. Odorants, hazardous pollutants, and greenhouse gases emitted from air-assisted flares and a diffusion flare were analyzed, the priority monitoring pollutants were identified, and the combustion and odorant removal efficiencies of the flares were estimated. The concentrations of most odorants and the sum of odor activity values decreased significantly after combustion, but the odor concentration could still exceed 2,000. The odorants in the flare exhaust were dominated by oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs), while the major odor contributors were OVOCs and sulfur compounds. Hazardous pollutants, including carcinogens, acute toxic pollutants, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and ozone precursors with the total ozone formation potential up to 75 ppmv, as well as greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide with maximum concentrations of 4,000 and 1.9 ppmv, respectively) were emitted from the flares. Additionally, secondary pollutants, such as acetaldehyde and benzene, were formed during combustion. The combustion performance of the flares varied with landfill gas composition and flare design. The combustion and pollutant removal efficiencies could be lower than 90%, especially for the diffusion flare. Acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, p-cymene, limonene, hydrogen sulfide, and methane could be priority monitoring pollutants for flare emissions in landfills. Flares are useful for odor and greenhouse gas control in landfills, but they are also potential sources of odor, hazardous pollutants, and greenhouse gases.

Effect of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJF036 on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiota in Juvenile Beagle Dogs.

This experiment investigated the effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJF036 on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in beagle dogs. Sixteen 75 ± 5-day-old healthy male beagles (4.51 ± 1.37 kg) were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group (L1) and the control group (L0), and then fed with or without a basal diet containing L. reuteri ZJF036 (109 CFU/g), respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in daily weight gain between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, we found that L. reuteri ZJF036 decreased Chao1 index and ACE index and increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Fusobacteria (P < 0.05) compared to the L0 group. In addition, we also found that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was decreased in L1 group. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, while that of Turicibacter and Blautia decreased in L1 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, L. reuteri ZJF036 appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota of beagle dogs. This study revealed the potential use of L. reuteri ZJBF036 as a probiotic supplement for beagle dogs.

"One Stone Two Birds" Strategy of Synthesizing the Battery Material Lithium Sulfide: Aluminothermal Reduction of Lithium Sulfate.

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is a critical material for clean energy technologies, i.e., the cathode material in lithium-sulfur batteries and the raw material for making sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries. However, its practical application at a large scale is hindered by its industrial production method of reducing lithium sulfate with carbon materials at high temperatures, which emits carbon dioxide and is time-consuming. We hereby report a method of synthesizing Li2S by thermally reducing lithium sulfate with aluminum. Compared with the carbothermal method, this aluminothermal approach has several advantages, such as operation at lower temperatures, completion in minutes, no emission of greenhouse gases, and valuable byproducts of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The home-made Li2S demonstrates competitive performance in battery tests versus the commercial counterpart. Moreover, using the byproduct Al2O3 to coat the cathode side of the separator can enhance the battery's capacity without influencing its rate capability. Thus, this "one stone two birds" method has great potential for practical applications of developing Li-S batteries.

Epidemiological analysis of Group A streptococcus infection diseases among children in Beijing, China under COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Group A streptococcus is human-restricted gram-positive pathogen, responsible for various clinical presentations from mild epidermis infections to life threatened invasive diseases. Under COVID-19 pandemic,. the characteristics of the epidemic strains of GAS could be different. PURPOSE: To investigate epidemiological and molecular features of isolates from GAS infections among children in Beijing, China between January 2020 and December 2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed based on Cinical Laboratory Sandards Institute. Distribution of macrolide-resistance genes, emm types, and superantigens was examined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: 114 GAS isolates were collected which were frequent resistance against erythromycin (94.74%), followed by clindamycin (92.98%), tetracycline (87.72%). Emm12 (46.49%), emm1 (25.44%) were dominant emm types. Distribution of ermB, ermA, and mefA gene was 93.85%, 2.63%, and 14.04%, respectively. Frequent superantigenes identified were smeZ (97.39%), speG (95.65%), and speC (92.17%). Emm1 strains possessed smeZ, ssa, and speC, while emm12 possessed smeZ, ssa, speG, and speC. Erythromycin resistance was predominantly mediated by ermB. Scarlet fever strains harbored smeZ (98.81%), speC (94.05%). Impetigo strains harbored smeZ (88.98%), ssa (88.89%), and speC (88.89%). Psoriasis strains harbored smeZ (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Under COVID-19 pandemic, our collections of GAS infection cutaneous diseases decreased dramatically. Epidemiological analysis of GAS infections among children during COVID-19 pandemic was not significantly different from our previous study. There was a correlation among emm, superantigen gene and disease manifestations. Long-term surveillance and investigation of emm types and superantigens of GAS prevalence are imperative.