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Emulsion is considered as a good system for delivering bioactive substances, but its instability limits its application. Protein-derived peptides have unique nutritional value and biological activity, possess a flexible structure, and are prone to unfolding and rearrangement at the oil-water interface, so emulsions stabilized by protein-derived peptides have received a lot of attention. Although protein-derived peptides can act as an effective emulsifier to form emulsions, they are inefficient in stabilizing the emulsions. Studies have found that emulsions stabilized with Maillard reaction products from protein-derived peptides have good stability, physicochemical and functional properties. Therefore, the action mechanism, physicochemical and functional properties of emulsions stabilized with Maillard reaction products from protein-derived peptides and the factors affecting their stability are elaborated in this review in order to provide a theoretical basis for expanding the application of protein-derived peptide stabilized emulsions in the delivery of bioactive substances.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanism of metformin(Met) on the proliferation of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Methods CCK-8 method was used to check the proliferation of cells lines SiHa and CaSKi, the semi inhibitory concentration of metformin (IC50) was calculated as well.The cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry, and the expression of AMPK-mTOR signal pathway related proteins was detected by Western blot. Results With the increase of drug concentration and time, the cell proliferation rate decreased(P＜0.05).The IC50 concentrations of SiHa cells at 48 and 72 h were (50.95±2.63) and (21.39±5.23) mmol/L respectively, and those of CaSki cells were (9.98±1.63) and (7.47±2.09)mmol/L, resepectively. The content of G2/M phase cells decreased and S phase cells increased in Met group (P＜ 0.05). The apoptosis rate of Met group was higher than that of control group (P＜ 0.05). The expression of p-AMPK in the Met group was higher than that in the control group, while p-S6K and p-4E-BP1 were lower(P＜ 0.05). Conclusions The inhibitory effect of metformin on the proliferation of cervical squamous cell carcinoma lines may be related to the mechanism of promoting apoptosis,blocking cell cycle at S phase and activation of AMPK-mTOR signal pathway.

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among postpartum women, but many do not seek medical help due to limited knowledge. Understanding the level of knowledge about UI in this population is essential for improving care‐seeking behaviors and implementing targeted interventions. Objective: The objective was to examine knowledge regarding UI among postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted at obstetric clinic in two level‐three grade A hospitals in Shenzhen, China, from January 2023 to June 2023. Women in their 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery with UI were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) demographic variable; (2) International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF); and (3) The Urinary Incontinence Quiz (UIQ). Results: A total of 1228 women completed the questionnaire. Their mean UIQ score was 6.63 ± 3.51 (minimum = 2, maximum = 15), indicating the deficiency of UI knowledge among Chinese postpartum women. A total of 86.4% of participants experienced slight or moderate postpartum UI. The results of multivariate linear regression models for UIQ reveal significant independent associations between questionnaire scores and two variables: experience in pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (p < 0.001) and UI treatment in the past (p < 0.001). The overall model fit was R2 = 0.559 (p < 0.001). The regression coefficients for the experience in PFMT and UI treatment in the past were 2.301 and 4.916, respectively. However, no other discernible factors were identified to distinguish between those with and without adequate knowledge. Conclusions: Postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery had poor knowledge of UI. Targeted educational interventions focusing on PFMT and early treatment for UI are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting green technology innovation is essential for sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Using data from listed manufacturing companies in China from 2000 to 2020, this paper takes the establishment of permanent normal trade relations with the United States after China's accession to the WTO as a quasi-natural experiment and uses the difference-in-differences method to study the impact of the decline in trade policy uncertainty on firms' green technology innovation. The results show the following: (1) Reduced trade policy uncertainty significantly enhances green technology innovation in firms. (2) Further research finds that the decline in trade policy uncertainty mainly promotes the level of the green technology innovation of firms by alleviating financing constraints faced by firms and intensifying market competition. (3) A heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact is more pronounced in firms with lower capital intensity, higher growth, export firms, and firms exporting to the United States. This study offers micro-level empirical evidence from China on the economic outcomes of external trade policy changes from the perspective of firms' green technology innovation and provides insights into how the government should respond to the risks of external trade frictions and improve firms' sustainable development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]