[Effects of oral exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles on reproductive system of male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oral exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles(Fe_2O_3NPs) on the reproductive system of male rats. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and low, medium, high dose groups, 10 rats in each group, normal saline and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Fe_2O_3NPs suspension were given by gavage, respectively. The volume of gavage was 10 mL/kg for 28 days. The body weight was weighed every three days, and the body weight changes of rats were recorded. After intraperitoneal anesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the testis and epididymis were collected. Weigh and calculate the testicular coefficient and epididymal coefficient, the pathological sections of rat testis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, the number of epididymal sperm was counted under an optical microscope and the sperm deformity rate was calculated. The activities of acid phosphatase(ACP), alkaline phosphatase(AKP), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(γ-GT), the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), and the contents of glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in rat testis homogenate were detected by kit method. RESULTS: Compared with control group, there was no significant difference in body weight, testicular coefficient and epididymal coefficient in each dose group. In the medium and high dose groups, the arrangement of spermatogenic epithelium was disordered and spermatogenic cells decreased. The number of sperm in high dose group was decreased, and the sperm deformity rate in medium and high dose groups was increased(P<0.01). The activity of ACP in medium and high dose groups increased(P<0.05), and the activity of γ-GT decreased(P<0.01). There was no significant change in the activity of AKP and LDH in testicular homogenate of rats in each group(P>0.05). The level of GSH in medium dose group was increased(P<0.05), and the content of MDA in medium and high dose groups was increased(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in SOD activity among the groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this experiment, Fe_2O_3NPs can cause damage to the structure of rat testicular tissue, reduce the number of sperm, increase the rate of sperm deformity, interfere with the activity of marker enzymes in testicular tissue and induce oxidative stress injury, which has a negative impact on the reproductive system of male rats.

Sources apportionments of heavy metal(loid)s in the farmland soils close to industrial parks: Integrated application of positive matrix factorization (PMF) and cadmium isotopic fractionation.

Understanding the source identification and distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in soil is essential for risk management. The sources of heavy metal(loid)s in farmland soil, especially in areas with rapid economic development, were complicated and need to be explored urgently. This study combined geographic information system (GIS) mapping, positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and cadmium (Cd) isotope fingerprinting methods to identify heavy metal(loid) sources in a typical town in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta region of China. Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Co in different samples were detected. The results showed that Cd was the most severely contaminated element, with an exceedance rate of 78.0 %. GIS mapping results indicated that the hotspot area was located in the northeastern area with prolonged operational histories of electroplating and non-ferrous metal smelting industries. The PMF model analysis also identified emissions from smelting and electroplating enterprises as the main sources of Cd in the soil, counted for 49.28 %, followed by traffic (25.66 %) and agricultural (25.06 %) sources. Through further isotopic analysis, it was found that in soil samples near the industrial park, the contribution of electroplating and non-ferrous metal smelting enterprises to cadmium pollution was significantly higher than other regions. The integrated use of various methodologies allows for precise analysis of sources and input pathways, offering valuable insights for future pollution control and soil remediation endeavors.

Penicillium oxalicum SL2-enhanced nanoscale zero-valent iron effectively reduces Cr(VI) and shifts soil microbiota.

Most current researches focus solely on reducing soil chromium availability. It is difficult to reduce soil Cr(VI) concentration below 5.0 mg kg-1 using single remediation technology. This study introduced a sustainable soil Cr(VI) reduction and stabilization system, Penicillium oxalicum SL2-nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), and investigated its effect on Cr(VI) reduction efficiency and microbial ecology. Results showed that P. oxalicum SL2-nZVI effectively reduced soil total Cr(VI) concentration from 187.1 to 3.4 mg kg-1 within 180 d, and remained relatively stable at 360 d. The growth curve of P. oxalicum SL2 and microbial community results indicated that γ-ray irradiation shortened the adaptation time of P. oxalicum SL2 and facilitated its colonization in soil. P. oxalicum SL2 colonization activated nZVI and its derivatives, and increased soil iron bioavailability. After restoration, the negative effect of Cr(VI) on soil microorganisms was markedly alleviated. Cr(VI), Fe(II), bioavailable Cr/Fe, Eh, EC and urease (SUE) were the key environmental factors of soil microbiota. Notably, Penicillium significantly stimulated the growth of urease-positive bacteria, Arthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, and Microvirga, synergistically reducing soil chromium availability. The combination of P. oxalicum SL2 and nZVI is expected to form a green, economical and long-lasting Cr(VI) reduction stabilization strategy.

BRG1 accelerates mesothelial cell senescence and peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting mitophagy through repression of OXR1.

Peritoneal mesothelial cell senescence promotes the development of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritoneal fibrosis. We previously revealed that Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) is increased in peritoneal fibrosis yet its role in modulating peritoneal mesothelial cell senescence is still unknown. This study evaluated the mechanism of BRG1 in peritoneal mesothelial cell senescence and peritoneal fibrosis using BRG1 knockdown mice, primary peritoneal mesothelial cells and human peritoneal samples from PD patients. The augmentation of BRG1 expression accelerated peritoneal mesothelial cell senescence, which attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy inhibition. Mitophagy activator salidroside rescued fibrotic responses and cellular senescence induced by BRG1. Mechanistically, BRG1 was recruited to oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) promoter, where it suppressed transcription of OXR1 through interacting with forkhead box protein p2. Inhibition of OXR1 abrogated the improvement of BRG1 deficiency in mitophagy, fibrotic responses and cellular senescence. In a mouse PD model, BRG1 knockdown restored mitophagy, alleviated senescence and ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis. More importantly, the elevation level of BRG1 in human PD was associated with PD duration and D/P creatinine values. In conclusion, BRG1 accelerates mesothelial cell senescence and peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting mitophagy through repression of OXR1. This indicates that modulating BRG1-OXR1-mitophagy signaling may represent an effective treatment for PD-related peritoneal fibrosis.

All-trans retinoic acid alleviates collagen-induced arthritis and promotes intestinal homeostasis.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. However, the mechanism by which ATRA mitigates arthritis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore ATRA alleviation of arthritis and the role of ATRA in regulating intestinal homeostasis. Thus, we established a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in Wistar rats. After 6 weeks of ATRA treatment, the arthritis index of CIA rats decreased, synovial inflammation was alleviated, and the disruption of Th17/Treg differentiation in peripheral blood was reversed. Additionally, the Th17/Treg ratio in the mesenteric lymph nodes decreased and the expression of Foxp3 mRNA increased and that of IL-17 mRNA decreased in the colon and ileum. Microscopically, we observed reduced intestinal inflammation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ATRA could repair tight junctions, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin and ZO-1. Moreover, ATRA regulated the composition of the gut microbiota, as was characterized based on the reduced abundance of Desulfobacterota and the increased abundance of Lactobacillus. In conclusion, ATRA demonstrates the potential to alleviate arthritis in CIA rats, which might be correlated with modulating the gut microbiota and regulating the intestinal immune response. Our findings provide novel insights into ATRA-mediated alleviation of arthritis.

Associations between healthy lifestyle behavioral patterns and mental health problems: A latent class analysis of 161,744 Chinese young adults.

BACKGROUND: Youth mental health problems are a public health priority. Multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors may cluster into healthy lifestyle behavioral patterns (HLBPs) that increase mental health risks in adolescents and older adults, but little is known regarding young adults. This study aimed to explore the associations between cluster HLBPs and mental health problems in young adults. METHODS: We selected 161,744 young adults aged 20-39 as participants from the database of a Chinese general hospital health management center for the years 2015-2020. The latent class analysis was used to identify HLBPs. RESULTS: A total of 15.0 % of young adults have at least one mental health problem. Five clusters of HLBPs were identified, characterized as low-risk class (1.6 %), moderate-risk class 1 (12.0 %), moderate-risk class 2 (2.1 %), moderate-risk class 3 (56.8 %), and high-risk class (27.4 %). The odds ratios (ORs) for young adults with two mental health problems increased with the risk grade of HLBPs, while the ORs for young adults with one or three mental health problems ranged from high to low according to the risk grade of HLBPs: high-risk class, moderate-risk class 2, moderate-risk class 3, moderate-risk class 1. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design and no causal conclusions could be drawn. CONCLUSION: Young adults demonstrated a cluster phenomenon of healthy lifestyle behaviors and significant associations between HLBPs and mental health problems. Young adults with a higher risk grade for HLBPs were more likely to have mental health problems. Different HLBPs should be taken into account when implementing mental health interventions.

More effective than direct contact: Nano hydroxyapatite pre-treatment regulates the growth and Cd uptake of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings.

Cd contamination in rice urgently needs to be addressed. Nano hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) is an eco-friendly material with excellent Cd fixation ability. However, due to its own high reactivity, innovative application of n-HAP in the treatment of Cd contamination in rice is needed. In this study, we proposed a new application, namely n-HAP pre-treatment, which can effectively reduce Cd accumulation in rice and alleviate Cd stress. The results showed that 80 mg/L n-HAP pre-treatment significantly reduced Cd content in rice shoot by 35.1%. Biochemical and combined transcriptomic-proteomic analysis revealed the possible molecular mechanisms by which n-HAP pre-treatment promoted rice growth and reduced Cd accumulation. (1) n-HAP pre-treatment regulated gibberellin and jasmonic acid synthesis-related pathways, increased gibberellin content and decreased jasmonic acid content in rice root, which promoted rice growth; (2) n-HAP pre-treatment up-regulated gene CATA1 expression and down-regulated gene OsGpx1 expression, which increased rice CAT activity and GSH content; (3) n-HAP pre-treatment up-regulated gene OsZIP1 expression and down-regulated gene OsNramp1 expression, which reduced Cd uptake, increased Cd efflux from rice root cells.

Internet addiction, loneliness, and academic burnout among Chinese college students: a mediation model.

Background: The dynamics of education and student life have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our society, especially the education system, has become largely dependent on the Internet. This paradigm shifts largely took place in the last few decades. As such, there are various ways in which we cannot comprehend the impact that the Internet can have on student psychology, and how multiple other factors could influence that. Internet addiction and its relationship with academic burnout, along with the impact of loneliness, are all essential factors that must be discussed candidly in the post-COVID-19 era. Hence, the objective of this study was, therefore, to explore the relationship between Internet addiction, loneliness, and academic burnout among Chinese college students as well as the mediating role of loneliness. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey at a Chinese university from October to November 2022. In total, 810 valid respondents were selected via random cluster sampling using the well-established Internet Addiction, Loneliness, and Academic Burnout Scale. The primary approach of mediation analysis and structural equation modeling testing examined the relationships among the three components. Results: Internet addiction could be responsible for academic burnout among college students. Loneliness partially mediates the relationship between Internet addiction and academic burnout. In a mediated way, different types of loneliness contribute to different types of academic burnout. Conclusion: Psychological interventions for loneliness, especially emotional loneliness prevention, are the critical aspects of the problem of Internet addiction accompanied with academic burnout. The causal relationship between Internet addiction and academic burnout, possibly of a two-way nature, needs to be further explored in the next future.

Effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Alexithymia, a subclinical cognitive-affective impairment, is prevalent in older people and increases the risk of mental disorders. There is a vast alexithymia treatment gap, with majority of older people in nursing homes lacking access to adequate mental health care. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (the control group and intervention) from March to November 2021. This study enrolled 86 participants, two of whom were lost to follow-up; 42 received usual care (control group) and 42 received REBT based on usual care (intervention group) in nursing homes. The older people in both groups were evaluated at baseline (T0), within one-week post-intervention (T1), and at 3-month follow-up (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used by SPSS version 26 to assess the differential change in the outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The intervention group shows significantly greater improvement in alexithymia than the control group at both T1 (ß = -8.167, 95%CI= -10.965, -5.368, P < 0.001) and T2 (ß=-4.119, 95%CI= -7.171, -1.067, P = 0.008). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings. Compared to the control group, the intervention group shows a significant improvement in sleep quality at T2 (ß = -2.048, 95%CI=-4.004, -0.091, P = 0.040). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction. For depression and anxiety, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: REBT showed to be an effective method for improving alexithymia and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes. However, it failed to significantly alleviate anxiety and depression at least in a short-term trial. Refining this intervention may have a broader, more substantial impact on future research.

Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-Fused 1,3-Benzodiazepine Derivatives with Anticancer Activity via a One-Pot Cascade GBB-3CR/Pd(II)-Catalyzed Azide-Isocyanide Coupling/Cyclization Process.

A new one-pot synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-fused 1,3-benzodiazepine derivatives via a sequential GBB-3CR/Pd(II)-catalyzed azide-isocyanide coupling/cyclization process was developed. The Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé three-component reactions (GBB-3CR) of 2-aminopyridine, 2-azidobenzaldehydes, and isocyanides in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid gave azide intermediates without separation. The reaction was followed by using another molecule of isocyanides to produce imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-fused 1,3-benzodiazepine derivatives in good yields by the Pd(II)-catalyzed azide-isocyanide coupling/cyclization reaction. The synthetic approach produces novel nitrogen-fused polycyclic heterocycles under mild reaction conditions. The preliminary biological evaluation demonstrated that compound 6a inhibited glioma cells efficiently, suggesting potentially broad applications of the approach for synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

Bifidobacterium infantis and 2'-fucosyllactose supplementation in early life may have potential long-term benefits on gut microbiota, intestinal development, and immune function in mice.

The health benefits of nutritional interventions targeting the gut microbiota in early life are transient, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. This study sought to determine whether supplementation with Bifidobacterium infantis 79 (B79), 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), or both (B79+2'FL) would lead to persistent health benefits in neonatal BALB/c mice. We found that at postnatal day (PND) 21, Ki67 and MUC2 expression increased, while total serum IgE content decreased in the B79, 2'-FL, and B79+2'-FL groups. The gut microbiota structure and composition altered as well. The levels of propionic acid, sIgA, and IL-10 increased in the 2'-FL group. Moreover, butyric acid content increased, while IL-6, IL-12p40, and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased in the B79+2'-FL group. At PND 56, Ki67 and MUC2 expression increased, whereas the gut microbiota remained altered in all 3 groups. The serum total IgG level increased only in the B79+2'-FL group. In conclusion, our study suggests that early-life supplementation with B79, 2'-FL, or their combination persistently alters the gut microbiome and promotes intestinal development; the immunomodulatory capacity of B79 and 2'-FL occurs during weaning, and their combination may persist into adulthood.

Nano hydroxyapatite pre-treatment effectively reduces Cd accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its impact on paddy microbial communities.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in paddy soil has become a worldwide concern and severely endangered human health. Nano hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) is a practical material to manage paddy Cd pollution, but its dosage should not be excessive. Based on previous studies, we validated the effect of n-HAP pre-treatment on rice Cd uptake in pot and field experiments. The results indicated that n-HAP pre-treatment effectively restricted Cd translocation in the soil-rice system. In pot experiment, when soil n-HAP concentration was 5000 mg/kg, the Cd content in the grains of n-HAP pre-treated rice was 0.171 mg/kg, decreased by 29.3% compared with normal rice (0.242 mg/kg). In field experiment, when soil n-HAP concentration was 20,000 mg/kg, the Cd content in the grains of n-HAP pre-treated rice was 0.156 mg/kg, decreased by 35.3% compared with normal rice (0.241 mg/kg). The primary mechanism was that n-HAP pre-treatment altered the formation and composition of iron plaque and therefore enhanced the Cd binding ability of iron plaque. The available N and P content and urease activity in paddy field were increased. We further investigated the impact of n-HAP on the diversity and structure of paddy microbial communities. The Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices showed no significant difference. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria was significantly decreased by n-HAP, indicating that Cd pollution might be alleviated. Desulfobacterota, Gemmatimonadota, and Geobacteraceae were significantly enriched by n-HAP. The declining relative abundance of Basidiomycota and the increasing relative abundance of other fungal taxa also suggested that n-HAP could alleviate Cd toxicity in soil.

Cr(VI) Reduction and Fe(II) Regeneration by Penicillium oxalicum SL2-Enhanced Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) faces significant challenges in Cr(VI) remediation through aggregation and passivation. This study identified a Cr(VI)-resistant filamentous fungus (Penicillium oxalicum SL2) for nZVI activation and elucidated the synergistic mechanism in chromium remediation. P. oxalicum SL2 and nZVI synergistically and effectively removed Cr(VI), mainly by extracellular nonenzymatic reduction (89.1%). P. oxalicum SL2 exhibited marked iron precipitate solubilization and Fe(II) regeneration capabilities. The existence of the Fe(II)-Cr(V)-oxalate complex (HCrFeC4O9) indicated that in addition to directly reducing Cr(VI), iron ions generated by nZVI stimulated Cr(VI) reduction by organic acids secreted by P. oxalicum SL2. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that P. oxalicum SL2 inhibited phosphate transport channels to suppress Cr(VI) transport, facilitated iron and siderophore transport to store Fe, activated the glyoxylate cycle to survive harsh environments, and enhanced organic acid and riboflavin secretion to reduce Cr(VI). Cr(VI) exposure also stimulated the antioxidative system, promoting catalase activity and maintaining the intracellular thiol/disulfide balance. Cr(VI)/Fe(III) reductases played crucial roles in the intracellular reduction of chromium and iron, while nZVI decreased cellular oxidative stress and alleviated Cr(VI) toxicity to P. oxalicum SL2. Overall, the P. oxalicum SL2-nZVI synergistic system is a promising approach for regenerating Fe(II) while reducing Cr(VI).

Toluene-mercuric modified USEPA Method 3060A to eliminate interference of sulfide-based reductants with Cr(VI) determination.

The validity of USEPA Method 3060A as universal Cr(VI) analysis method for remediated soil is controversial. We investigated soil Cr(VI) remediation performance by commonly used reductants (FeSO4, CaSx, Na2S) under different operating conditions (dosage, curing time and degree of mixing) using Method 3060A, and developed modified 3060A specific for sulfide-based reductants. Results showed that Cr(VI) was primarily removed during analysis stage rather than remediation stage. Thereinto, chemical dosage played a much more important role than curing time and degree of mixing. Besides, soil Cr(VI) concentration decreased to below the detection limit with residual reductant content increasing. Comparing standard and toluene-mercuric modified 3060A, Cr(VI) removal efficiency decreased from 100 % to 38.9-45.4 %, 67.1-68.8 % and 94.1-96.3 %, corresponding to mixing degree of 33 %, 67 % and 100 %, for treated soil using 1× and 2× the molar stoichiometric ratio of CaSx. Subsequently, the optimization mechanism was revealed. Elemental sulfur, remediation product of sulfide-based reductants, was removed from soil by toluene preventing its disproportionation to sulfide at Method 3060A stage. Sulfide was fixed by mercuric oxide in species of mercuric sulfide. This method also proved suitable for different types of soils. Therefore, an effective way for scientific evaluation of soil Cr(VI) remediation was provided in this study.

Synergy among extracellular adsorption, bio-precipitation and transmembrane transport of Penicillium oxalicum SL2 enhanced Pb stabilization.

As a potential bioremediation strain for Pb contamination, Penicillium oxalicum SL2 sometimes has secondary activation of Pb, so it is crucial to clarify its effect on Pb morphology and its intracellular response to Pb stress. We investigated the effect of P. oxalicum SL2 in medium on Pb2+ and Pb availability in eight minerals, and revealed the prioritization of Pb products. (i)Pb was stabilized within 30 days as Pb3(PO4)2 or Pb5(PO4)3Cl with sufficient phosphorus (P); (ii) under P deficiency but sulfur (S) sufficient, Pb was stabilized mainly in the form of PbSO4; (iii) under conditions of P and S deficiency, Pb was stabilized mainly in the form of PbC2O2. With the help of proteomic and metabolomics analysis, a total of 578 different proteins and 194 different metabolites were found to be matched in 52 pathways. Among them, the activation of chitin synthesis, oxalate production, sulfur metabolism and transporters improved the Pb tolerance of P. oxalicum SL2, and promoted the synergistic effect of extracellular adsorption, bio-precipitation and transmembrane transport on Pb stabilization. Our results fill the gap in the intracellular response of P. oxalicum SL2 to Pb and provide new insights into the development of bioremediation agent and technology for Pb contamination.

[Heat-inactivated Streptococcus thermophilus MN002 alleviate lipid metabolism of high fat diet-fed induced obese mice through modulating gut microbiota structure and bile acids].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of heat-inactivated Streptococcus thermophilus MN-ZLW-002(MN002) on glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and bile acids in high-fat diet fed obese mice. METHODS: Sixty 3-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, high-fat group and intervention group(n=20). After 1 week of adaptive feeding, the control group was fed with normal chow and continued intragastric administration of normal saline for 12 weeks, the high-fat group was fed with high-fat diet and continued intragastric administration of normal saline for 12 weeks, and the intervention group was fed with high-fat diet and continued intragastric of MN002 for 12 weeks. During the experiment, the body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose content of mice were measured and feces were collected. At the end of the experiment, the oral glucose tolerance of mice was measured and blood, periintestinal fat, peritestosterone fat and perirenal fat samples were collected. The histopathological changes of liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer, bile acids content in feces was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gut microbiota structure of mice was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Compared with high fat group, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and perirenal fat in intervention group were significantly decreased(P<0.05), the content of fossil cholic acid sulfate in feces was significantly increased, while the content of ursodeoxycholic acid, porcine deoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Heat inactivation of MN002 could significantly increase the relative abundance of Ruminiclostridium and Alistipes and reduce the relative abundance of Lactobacillus(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Heat-inactivated Streptococcus thermophilus MN002 can regulate the gut microbiota structure and bile acid composition and content of high-fat diet fed mice, thereby alleviating the lipid metabolic disorders caused by high-fat diet.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare and its influencing factors among oncology nurses: a multicenter study.

Background: The provision of sexual healthcare plays an integral role in the field of oncology nursing. However, limitations in the knowledge, attitude, and practice perspectives of oncology nurses require detailed study. Aim: In this study the authors sought to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oncology nurses regarding sexual healthcare from a nationwide perspective and to explore the factors that influence them. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using stratified random sampling of certified oncology nurses from 55 hospitals in 6 provinces in Central South China. In total, 2530 nurses participated and completed the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire of Sexual Health Care (KAP of SHC), the Nurses Clinic Communication Competency Scale, the Nurses Professional Values Scale, and the General Self-efficacy Scale. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore influencing factors. Outcomes: The primary variable was the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sexual healthcare provision. Secondary variables included professional value, clinical communication competency, self-efficacy, and demographic factors. Results: The median KAP of SHC score was 139 (possible range 72 to 288). Attitude of SHC scored highest, followed by knowledge and practice scores. Professional values were positively associated with knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.023-0.091; P < .01) and attitude (OR = 0.319; 95% CI: 0.268-0.370, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical communication competency was only positively related to the attitude of SHC (OR = 3.960; 95% CI: 2.701-5.218, P < .01). Self-efficacy was positively related to KAP and the knowledge (OR = 0.616; 95% CI: 0.506-0.725, P < .01), attitude (OR = 0.187; 95% CI: 0.052-0.322, P < .01), and practice (OR = 0.840; 95% CI: 0.735-0.944, P < .01) of SHC. Clinical Implications: Knowledge assistance, attitude training, and practice coaching resources must be on the agenda to optimize professional practice for oncology nurses. Strengths and Limitations: This study provides data based on the Knowledge, Attitude, Belief and Practice (KABP) model in a nationwide sample of oncology nurses. In addition, the relationship between self-efficacy and KAP of SHC has been explored for the first time. The limitations are that this study may have some bias and did not take into account mediating relationships. Conclusions: Oncology nurses exhibit moderate levels of KAP of SHC. It is noteworthy that self-efficacy and position are the only 2 factors that influenced all aspects of KAP of SHC.

Effectiveness and feasibility of online fertility preservation decision aids for young female patients with cancer: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer diagnosis and treatment can impair fertility, and younger female patients with cancer have a particularly strong need for fertility preservation. Fertility preservation decision aids are thought to help patients make proactive and informed treatment decisions. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of online fertility preservation decision aids for young female patients with cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO and CHINAL, along with three grey literature sources (Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), will be searched from each database's establishment to 30 November 2022. Two trained reviewers will independently screen the articles, and the data extraction and methodological quality of eligible randomised controlled trials and quasiexperimental studies will be assessed. A meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager V.5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) software, and heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistics. If a meta-analysis is not possible, a narrative synthesis will be done. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Since this systematic review is based on published data, no ethical approval is required. The study's findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022363287.

Dietary diversity, physical activity and depressive symptoms among middle-aged women: A cross-sectional study of 48,637 women in China.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is the leading cause of mental health-related disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among dietary diversity, physical activity and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. METHOD: Based on the WHO guidelines on physical activity, subjects who meet moderate-intensity aerobic physical exercise of 150-300 min per week were qualified or otherwise unqualified. The dietary diversity scores (DDS) were developed according to the balanced diet pagoda and assessed the consumption of nine food groups. The total scores ranged from 0 to 9 and could divide into three levels: insufficient [DDS-1] (score of 1-5), moderate [DDS-2] (score of 6-7), and sufficient [DDS-3] (score of 8-9). RESULTS: An age at menarche ≥12 years old (OR = 0.94; 95 % CI: 0.89-1.00; p < 0.05), a higher dietary diversity score [DDS-3] (OR = 0.59; 95 % CI: 0.55-0.63; p < 0.001), drinking coffee (OR = 0.88; 95 % CI: 0.84-0.92; p < 0.001), and qualified physical activity (OR = 0.69; 95 % CI: 0.66-0.72; p < 0.001) were protective factors for depressive symptoms, while an age at first birth ≤20 years old (OR = 1.23; 95 % CI: 1.12-1.36; p < 0.001) or ≥30 years old (OR = 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.26; p < 0.001), eating late-night snacks (OR = 1.44; 95 % CI: 1.36-1.52; p < 0.001), drinking sugar-sweetened beverages (OR = 1.15; 95 % CI: 1.06-1.24; p < 0.001), and overeating (OR = 2.30; 95 % CI: 2.069-2.56; p < 0.001) were risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that dietary diversity and physical activity are associated with depressive symptoms in middle-aged women. To improve dietary diversity, attention should be given to dietary patterns and dietary habits, instead of simply increasing the amount of food.

Oxalic acid enhances bioremediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soil using Penicillium oxalicum SL2.

Oxalic acid is the most abundant low molecular weight organic acid (LMWOA) in many environments and offers enormous prospects for treating Cr(VI) contamination. In this study, laboratory batch experiments were conducted to estimate the roles of oxalic acid in Cr(VI) removal by Penicillium oxalicum SL2. Oxalic acid changed the initial pH and provided a suitable condition for the growth of strain SL2 when the penicillium was applied to bioremediation of Cr(VI) contamination in alkaline soil. Gompertz model analysis indicated that initial pH affected the lag time of the growth curve of strain SL2. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy analysis showed strain SL2 sufficiently contacted with contaminated soil and reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the hyphae. The results suggested that oxalic acid could enhance the bioremediation efficiency of strain SL2 though improving chromium bioleaching from the contaminated soil and strengthening Cr(VI) removal in the leaching solution. This study provided oxalic acid as a green reagent for stimulating Cr(VI) removal by strain SL2 and would expand knowledge on the roles of LMWOA in Cr(VI) bioremediation.