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Adsorption and biomineralisation are two important methods in the treatment of various radioactive heavy metal pollution. Among them, adsorption is considered by researchers as one of the most promising methods for the treatment of heavy metal wastewater due to its lower cost and better treatment effect, while biomineralisation is one of the hot spots of research at home and abroad today for its environmental friendliness and high operability. However, the combination of these two approaches in some way will be significant in expanding the treatment of radioactive heavy metal contaminated wastewater. In this work, a typical clay mineral, montmorillonite, a mineralising microorganism, carbonate mineralising bacteria and the radioactive heavy metal ion Sr2+ were selected as the objects of study, and a montmorillonitecarbonate mineralising bacteria composite system was constructed. The combined effect of clay minerals and microorganisms on the removal of Sr2+ was investigated by comparing the pH, carbonate concentration, Sr2+ concentration in the liquid phase and its fugitive state with time under the influence of montmorillonite and the constructed composite system of montmorillonitecarbonate mineralising bacteria, respectively. The results show that montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria can remove Sr2+ through adsorption and microbial mineralization, respectively. In a single adsorption system, the removal rate of Sr2+ in liquid phase is proportional to the dosage of montmorillonite. In the constructed complex system, montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria play different roles at different time and the overall effect of montmorillonite on Sr2+ adsorption decreases with increasing time, while the mineralizing effect of carbonate mineralizing bacteria increases with increasing time, that is to say, in the whole process of Sr2+ removal, the adsorption effect of montmorillonite is dominant in the early stage of the experiment, and the mineralizing effect of carbonate mineralizing bacteria is dominant in the later stage. The results of XRD and FT-IR analysis of the sediment at the end of the experiment show the formation of strontium carbonate precipitation, which verifies that carbonate mineralizing bacteria can achieve removal of Sr2+ through biomineralization. Under the liquid phase environmental conditions with the montmorillonite dosage of 40 g/L and the initial Sr2+ concentration of 1 10019 mg/L, the highest removal rate of Sr2+ by the montmorillonite single adsorption system is only 2848%, while the removal rate of Sr2+ by the constructed montmorillonitecarbonate mineralizing bacteria composite system is as high as 9792%. Therefore, compared with the traditional single montmorillonite adsorption system, the constructed montmorillonitecarbonate mineralizing bacteria composite system can effectively achieve the removal of Sr2+. Based on the adsorption of clay minerals and the biomineralization of microorganisms, the montmorillonitecarbonate mineralising bacteria composite system constructed in this study provides a reference for the future treatment of Sr2+ radioactive contaminated wastewater.

In order to convey bionic image semantics of the intelligent projection TV efficiently and accurately, and improve the matching of users' perceptual cognitive needs with the bionic image of intelligent projection TV. An image coupling bionic design method was proposed. Firstly, the intelligent projection TV target image was obtained by KJ, Semantic difference method (SD) and K-means clustering method. Secondly, the primary, secondary and general target images were distinguished by anallytic hierarchy process(AHP), and the bionic prototype was selected according to the coupling of the primary target images. Thirdly, by means of morphological analysis and AHP, the decline structure of multi-feature coupled images was established and the judgment matrix was constructed. The contribution of coupled image of biological features was obtained. The main features were integrated into the intelligent projection TV styling to form a visual scheme. Finally, the reliability of image coupling styling method was verified by Delphi and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The research process provides a reference for related product innovation design.

New graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) face a great challenge during the transition from school to clinical practice. We conducted a quasi-randomized controlled study to evaluate the effects of a new training mode for newly recruited NGRNs in a Chinese teaching hospital. A total of 150 NGRNs were recruited from a teaching hospital and assigned into two groups. The conventional training and a new training program were taken for the control group and the research group, respectively. At the end of the training, the two groups were evaluated and compared for theoretical knowledge and operation skills using a mutual-evaluation examination and the Chinese Registered Nurse Core Competency Scale. The scores of theoretical knowledge (88.4 vs. 81.7, p < 0.001) and operation skills (94.8 vs. 90.3, p < 0.001), and the total core competencies score (156.2 vs. 148.8, p < 0.05) in the research group were statistically significantly higher than those in the control group. Compared with the control group, the research group also had statistically significantly higher scores in education and consultation (2.47 vs. 2.40), clinical nursing (2.87 vs. 2.62), interpersonal relationship (2.56 vs. 2.43), and critical thinking and scientific research (2.78 vs. 2.61). The innovative pre-job training program for NGRNs conducted in Chinese clinical nursing skill training bases might significantly improve the training effects and is worthy of broader implementation.

Flavonoids and their methylated derivatives have immense market potential in the food and biomedical industries due to their multiple beneficial effects, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The biological synthesis of flavonoids and their derivatives is often accomplished via the use of genetically modified microorganisms to ensure large-scale production. Therefore, it is pivotal to understand the properties of O-methyltransferases (OMTs) that mediate the methylation of flavonoids. However, the properties of these OMTs are governed by their: sources, substrate specificity, amino acid residues in the active sites, and the intricate mechanism. In order to obtain a clue for the selection of suitable OMTs for the biosynthesis of a target methylated flavonoid, we made a comprehensive review of the currently reported results, with a particular focus on their comparative regioselectivity for different flavonoid substrates. Additionally, the possible mechanisms for the diversity of this class of enzymes were explored using molecular simulation technology. Finally, major gaps in our understanding and areas for future studies were discussed. The findings of this study may be useful in selecting genes that encode OMTs and designing enzyme-based processes for synthesizing O-methylated flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi-mediated synthesis of Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has advantages in: high efficiency, low energy consumption, no need for extra capping and stabilizing agents, simple operation, and easy isolation and purification. Many fungi have been found to synthesize AuNPs inside cells or outside cells, providing different composition and properties of particles when different fungi species or reaction conditions are used. This is good to produce AuNPs with different properties, but may cause challenges to precisely control the particle shape, size, and activities. Besides, low concentrations of substrate and fungal biomass are needed to synthesize small-size particles, limiting the yield of AuNPs in a large scale. To find clues for the development methods to solve these challenges, the reported mechanisms of the fungi-mediated synthesis of AuNPs were summarized. The mechanisms of intracellular AuNPs synthesis are dependent on gold ions absorption by the fungal cell wall via proteins, polysaccharides, or electric absorption, and the reduction of gold ions via enzymes, proteins, and other cytoplasmic redox mediators in the cytoplasm or cell wall. The extracellular synthesis of AuNPs is mainly due to the metabolites outside fungal cells, including proteins, peptides, enzymes, and phenolic metabolites. These mechanisms cause the great diversity of the produced AuNPs in functional groups, element composition, shapes, sizes, and properties. Many methods have been developed to improve the synthesis efficiency by changing: chloroauric acid concentrations, reaction temperature, pH, fungal mass, and reaction time. However, future studies are still required to precisely control the: shape, size, composition, and properties of fungal AuNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Observational studies had demonstrated a link between sleep disturbances and cognitive decline. Here, we aimed to investigate the causal association between genetically predicted sleep traits and cognitive impairment using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Using strict criteria, we selected genetic variants from European ancestry Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) from the Sleep Disorders Knowledge Portal and UK Biobank as instrumental variables for several sleep traits, including insomnia, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, daytime napping, and chronotype. Summary statistics related to cognitive impairment were derived from five different GWAS, including the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium. The role of self‐reported sleep trait phenotypes in the etiology of cognitive impairment was explored using inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) tests, MR‐Egger tests, and weighted medians, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness. Results: In the main IVW analysis, sleep duration (reaction time: β = –0.05, 95% CI –0.07 to –0.04, p = 1.93×10−12), daytime sleepiness (average cortical thickness: β = –0.12, 95% CI –0.22 to –0.02, p = 0.023), and daytime napping (fluid intelligence: β = –0.47, 95% CI –0.87 to –0.07, p = 0.021; hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's disease: β = –0.99, 95% CI –1.64 to –0.35, p = 0.002) were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive performance. However, any effects of insomnia and chronotype on cognitive impairment were not determined. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted that focusing on sleep behaviors or distinct sleep patterns‐particularly sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and daytime napping, was a promising approach for preventing cognitive impairment. This study also shed light on risk factors for and potential early markers of cognitive impairment risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Does the transfer of single low-grade blastocysts result in acceptable reproductive and perinatal outcomes compared to the transfer of single good-grade blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER The transfer of single low-grade blastocysts resulted in a reduced live birth rate of around 30% (14% for very low-grade blastocysts) compared to 44% for single good-grade blastocysts, but does not lead to more adverse perinatal outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY It is known that low-grade blastocysts can result in live births. However, the current studies are limited by relatively small sample sizes and single-centre designs. Furthermore, evidence on perinatal outcomes after transferring low-grade blastocysts is limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a multi-centre, multi-national retrospective cohort study of 10 018 women undergoing 10 964 single blastocyst transfer cycles between 2009 and 2020 from 14 clinics across Australia, China, and New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Blastocysts were graded individually based on assessment of the morphology and development of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), and were grouped into three quality categories: good- (AB, AB, or BA), moderate- (BB), and low-grade (grade C for ICM or TE) blastocysts. CC blastocysts were individually grouped as very low-grade blastocysts. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equation was used to analyse the association between blastocyst quality and live birth as well as other reproductive outcomes. Binomial, multinomial logistic, or linear regression was used to investigate the association between blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes. Odds ratio (OR), adjusted OR (aOR), adjusted regression coefficient, and their 95% CIs are presented. Statistical significance was set at P  <   0.05. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were 4386 good-grade blastocysts, 3735 moderate-grade blastocysts, and 2843 low-grade blastocysts were included in the analysis, for which the live birth rates were 44.4%, 38.6%, and 30.2%, respectively. Compared to good-grade blastocysts, the live birth rate of low-grade blastocysts was significantly lower (aOR of 0.48 (0.41–0.55)). Very low-grade blastocysts were associated with an even lower live birth rate (aOR 0.30 (0.18–0.52)) and their absolute live birth rate was 13.7%. There were 4132 singleton live births included in the analysis of perinatal outcomes. Compared with good-grade blastocysts, low-grade blastocysts had comparable preterm birth rates (<37 weeks, aOR 1.00 (0.65–1.54)), birthweight Z-scores (adjusted regression coefficient 0.02 (0.09–0.14)), and rates of very low birth weight (<1500 g, aOR 0.84 (0.22–3.25)), low birth weight (1500–2500 g, aOR 0.96 (0.56–1.65)), high birth weight (>4500 g, aOR 0.93 (0.37–2.32)), small for gestational age (aOR 1.63 (0.91–2.93)), and large for gestational age (aOR 1.28 (0.97–1.70)). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to the nature of the retrospective design, residual confounding could not be excluded. In addition, the number of events for some perinatal outcomes was small. Between-operator and between-laboratory variations in blastocyst assessment were difficult to control. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Patients undergoing IVF should be informed that low-grade blastocysts result in a lower live birth rate, however they do not increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Further research should focus on the criteria for embryos that should not be transferred and on the follow-up of long-term outcomes of offspring. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) H.Z. is supported by a Monash Research Scholarship. B.W.J.M. is supported by a NHMRC Investigator grant (GNT1176437). R.W. is supported by an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Investigator grant (2009767). B.W.J.M. reports consultancy, travel support, and research funding from Merck. The other authors do not have competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a serious health problem in modern life and increases the risk of many comorbidities including iron dyshomeostasis. In contrast to malnourished anemia, obesity-related iron dyshomeostasis is mainly caused by excessive fat accumulation, inflammation, and disordered gut microbiota. In obesity, iron dyshomeostasis also induces disorders associated with gut microbiota, neurodegenerative injury, oxidative damage, and fat accumulation in the liver. Selenium deficiency is often accompanied by obesity or iron deficiency, and selenium supplementation has been shown to alleviate obesity and overcome iron deficiency. Selenium inhibits fat accumulation and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It regulates gut microbiota, prevents neurodegenerative injury, alleviates oxidative damage to the body, and ameliorates hepatic fat accumulation. These effects theoretically meet the requirements for the inhibition of factors underlying obesity-related iron dyshomeostasis. Selenium supplementation may have a potential role in the alleviation of obesity-related iron dyshomeostasis. This review verifies this hypothesis in theory. All the currently reported causes and results of obesity-related iron dyshomeostasis are reviewed comprehensively, together with the effects of selenium. The challenges and strategies of selenium supplementation are also discussed. The findings demonstrate the possibility of selenium-containing drugs or functional foods in alleviating obesity-related iron dyshomeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue has many negative effects on human health. As such, it is desirable to develop anti-fatigue foods and understand the mechanisms of their action. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, this article discusses the important roles of gut microbiota in fatigue and anti-fatigue. Studies have shown that an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria co-exist when fatigue is present in both rodents and humans, whereas changes in gut microbiota were reported after intervention with anti-fatigue foods. The roles of gut microbiota in the activities of anti-fatigue foods can also be explained in the causes and the effects of fatigue. Among the causes of fatigue, the accumulation of lactic acid, decrease of energy, and reduction of central nervous system function were related to gut microbiota metabolism. Among the harmful effects of fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier dysfunction were related to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Furthermore, gut microbiota, together with anti-fatigue foods, can inhibit pathogen growth, convert foods into highly anti-oxidative or anti-inflammatory products, produce short-chain fatty acids, maintain intestinal barrier integrity, inhibit intestinal inflammation, and stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that regulate the central nervous system. Therefore, it is believed that gut microbiota play important roles in the activities of anti-fatigue foods and may provide new insights on the development of anti-fatigue foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution management is a global environmental problem that poses a great threat to the ecological environment. Adsorption and biomineralization are considered to be the two most promising heavy metal pollution remediation techniques among the numerous available ones. In this work, a combined heavy metal removal system was constructed employing the adsorption of montmorillonite and the mineralization of carbonate mineralizing bacteria to expand their application potential for controlling heavy metal water pollution. Analysis of changes in pH, CO32− concentration, Pb2+ concentration in the liquid phase, and changes in microscopic morphology, mineral phase, and functional group on sedimentary minerals was done to study the retention and fixation behaviour of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria on Pb2+. The results show that the liquid phase pH may be slightly altered by the ions dissolved in montmorillonite. Based on the conditions of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria functioning separately, the elimination of Pb2+ may reach 35.31% and 45.75%, respectively. However, when montmorillonite is combined with carbonate mineralizing bacteria, which is the heavy metal removal system constructed in this study, montmorillonite can buffer part of the Pb2+ rapidly and reduce its biotoxicity. Subsequently, these buffered Pb2+ are gradually desorbed by carbonate mineralizing bacteria and removed by the effect of mineralized deposition. Results from SEM, FTIR, and XRD indicate that Pb2+ is primarily removed from the liquid phase as rod-shaped PbCO3. It is worth noting that this process is able to significantly increase the removal of Pb2+ up to 90.06%. In addition, the presence of carbonate mineralizing bacteria can increase montmorillonite's desorption rate to over 81%, greatly enhancing its capacity for reuse. Therefore, our research work contributes to expanding the potential of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria in the treatment of heavy metal-polluted waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]