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Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) occurs when an embryo aberrantly implants in the fallopian tube, leading to abortive or ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (AEP or REP). Poor outcomes of REP include maternal infertility or mortality. Current studies on the prevention and treatment of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (REP) are unfortunately hampered by a lack of the cell spectrum and cell–cell communications in the maternal–foetal interface. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of tubal rupture through single‐cell transcriptome profiling of the fallopian tube‐trophoblast interface in REP, AEP and intrauterine pregnancy patients. In REP, extravillous trophoblast (EVTs) cells form a dominant cell population, displaying aggressive invasion and proliferation, with robust differentiation into three subsets. Cell communication analysis identified colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), overexpressed by fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells in REP, with CSF1R on EVTs and macrophages, as a ligand/receptor pair that stimulates EVT invasion and macrophage accumulation. CSF1+ secretory epithelial cells stimulate EVTs migration and invasion, leading to a tubal rupture in REP. These results provide a mechanistic context and cellular milieu leading to tubal rupture, facilitating further study and development of therapeutics for REP in early pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper according to the requirements of the unique production process of the "Tangshan bone china" geographic indication products, specified 315 pieces of bone china 8 inch flat produced by 15 different enterprises as the experimental samples. By measuring the tricalcium phosphate content in the prime tyres and the bibulous rate value of white bone china, map out a series of C3P-ω detection data points accumulation line chart. Verified by analysis of the qualitative and quantitative relationship between tricalcium phosphate content and bibulous rate of "Tangshan bone china", derived the following conclusions: with the increase of tricalcium phosphate content of "Tangshan bone china", its bibulous rate value increases accordingly, they have approximate linear positive correlation; with 36%∼42% of C3P levels corresponding to the bibulous rate numerical range of 0.10%∼0.30%.The research results can provide scientific reference to the manufacturing enterprise for improving the production process and the quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing highly reliable and practical microwave absorbers is one of the most important research directions in the microwave absorbing field. Many absorbents suffer from concentration-sensitivity and environmental-sensitivity dilemmas in practical applications. Here, sea urchin-like aggregates of MnO2 nanotubes were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method, which exhibit an outstanding impedance matching characteristic. The composites based on sea urchin-like aggregates of MnO2 nanotubes show excellent microwave absorption performance in a wide concentration domain from 20 wt.% to 70 wt.%, corresponding to electrical conductivities from 1.86 × 10−7 to 1.85 × 10−5 S/m. Such a wide concentration range of absorbent for excellent microwave absorption is mainly attributed to the beneficial impedance matching properties of sea urchin-like aggregates of hollow nanotubes. A competitive absorption bandwidth of 3.36 GHz is achieved at 1 mm thickness, which can be broadened to 13.4 GHz by structural design. This work shows a new scheme for designing reliable and practical microwave absorbers benefit from the wide absorbent concentration domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a star vegetable, sprouts have many advantages, such as high nutritional value, crisp and juicy taste, short growth cycle and simple cultivation conditions, which have been widely welcomed around the world. As consumers' demand for healthier foods grows, new technologies need to be developed urgently to improve the quality of sprouts. Among them, electrolyzed water (EW) and plasma-activated water (PAW), which have merits of green, sustainable and low-cost, have wide potential for application in hydroponic sprout cultivation. This work reviews the effects of EW and PAW on growth, chemical compositions, microbiological safety and postharvest quality of sprouts and compares the effects of EW and PAW comprehensively. In addition, some regulations and challenges in practical application were also discussed. EW and PAW show outstanding effects during sprout production, including: 1) promoting seed germination and sprout growth during cultivation; 2) accelerating hydrolysis of macromolecules compounds and accumulation of bioactive compounds in sprouts during cultivation; 3) inhibiting growth of microorganisms on sprouts during cultivation; 4) improving postharvest quality of sprouts during postharvest washing. In addition, EW and PAW each seem to have more obvious advantages in improving certain qualities of sprouts, thus producers need to use them wisely to maximize their strengths. On these grounds, EW and PAW are promising technologies to develop considerable application value in sprout industry. • Electrolyzed water (EW) and plasma-activated water (PAW) show promising performance in sprouts hydroponic production. • EW and PAW improve growth, nutritional and functional value, microbiological safety and postharvest quality of sprouts. • Effects of EW and PAW in sprouts production are compared and their respective advantages are discussed. • Mechanisms of action of EW and PAW, and combined application of multiple technologies are key research trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore potential factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new‐onset kidney disease among a Chinese elderly population, and to examine the relationships between baseline serum uric acid (SUA), longitudinal change in SUA and rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline over 5 years for this Chinese elderly population. Methods: A 5‐year follow‐up study was conducted from 2016 to 2020 in Xiamen City, China; and 2436 elderly people with normal kidney function at baseline was included. The multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new‐onset kidney disease. Results: The median age of subjects was 65 years, and 38.5% were men. These elderly people experienced a median 5‐year decrease in eGFR of 14.50 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 11.2% of them had developed new‐onset kidney disease after 5‐year follow‐up. Participants with elevated SUA change from the normal group to the hyperuricemia group witnessed the highest decrease of eGFR after a 5‐year follow‐up than other groups. Multivariate analysis found advanced age, female, elevated baseline SUA, elevated SUA change, hypertension and triglyceride–glucose index were risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new‐onset kidney disease. Conclusion: The Chinese elderly population was more likely to encounter rapid renal function decline and new‐onset kidney disease. A regular test for kidney disease was strongly recommended for these elderly people who were female, with advanced age, with elevated baseline SUA and elevated SUA change; and had high levels of insulin resistance, and blood pressure. The derived findings can offer significant evidence for targeted prevention for the Chinese elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 968–975. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the globalization of trade, the current fresh fruit supply chain now incorporates multiple entities, wide distribution, and intricate transactions. This brings about the issues of information tamper resistance, supply-demand relationship, and traceable supervision. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology with advantages of tamper resistance of information. It is expected to solve the problem of transaction resource allocation among several untrusted participants in the fresh fruit supply chain. This article recommends the use of blockchain to upgrade the current fresh fruit supply chain, and highlights the advantages of blockchain in supply chain management. The obstacles faced by the implementation of this technology in relation to participants' attitude, fruit preservation, and blockchain technical loopholes have been analyzed as well. Blockchain can upgrade fresh fruit supply chain. It collects and uploads reliable data from fruit picking to final consumption through IoT-related technologies. After hash encryption and consensus verification, it is transmitted to P2P network for sharing. It balances the tension between supply and demand, brings funds for enterprises, simplifies supervision and traceability. Smart contracts reduce the cost of communication and trust. However, blockchain has some limitations such as difficulties in incorporating architecture, reliance on the IoT, immature fruit preservation technology, unclear legal supervision, lack of reference cases, and technical loopholes. • The combination of blockchain and IoT can collect reliable data from fruit picking to consumers. • Blockchain and smart contracts can reduce the operating cost of the fresh fruit supply chain. • Blockchain can simplify the process of government supervision and traceability. • The enterprise application of blockchain in fresh fruit supply chain also faces risks and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The study was to develop and externally validate a prognostic nomogram to effectively predict the overall survival of patients with stomach cancer. Methods. Demographic and clinical variables of patients with stomach cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2007–2016 were retrospectively collected. Patients were then divided into the Training Group (n = 4,456) for model development and the Testing Group (n = 4,541) for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were used to explore prognostic factors. The concordance index (C-index) and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) value were used to measure the discrimination, and the calibration curve was used to assess the calibration of the nomogram. Results. Prognostic factors including age, race, marital status, TNM stage, surgery, chemotherapy, grade, and the number of regional nodes positive were used to construct a nomogram. The C-index was 0.790 and the KS value was 0.45 for the Training Group, and the C-index was 0.789 for the Testing Group, all suggesting the good performance of the nomogram. Conclusion. We have developed an effective nomogram with ten easily acquired prognostic factors. The nomogram could accurately predict the overall survival of patients with stomach cancer and performed well on external validation, which would help improve the individualized survival prediction and decision-making, thereby improving the outcome and survival of stomach cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing demand for gluten-free bakery products from groups with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and/or health consciousness. Besides bread products, chemically leavened gluten-free products such as cookies, biscuits, cakes, muffins, and crackers are receiving increasing interests due to their convenience and unique taste and texture. Many research papers have been published in recent years; however, no comprehensive review has yet been available in this area. This review examines various gluten-free non-bread bakery goods with respect to formulation, preparation, and properties of dough and batter and the resultant products. Other functional ingredients such as proteins, fibers, hydrocolloids, and emulsifiers used to improve product properties are discussed. Challenges of developing the gluten-free bakery products, such as technological limitation, nutritional quality, and sensory properties are addressed. Knowledge and information gaps in this research area are identified, and future research needs are recommended. Rice flour is the mostly used gluten-free flour for these purposes, and it is often formulated with flours, starches, and proteins from cereals, pulses, pseudocereals, and other plant materials to achieve optimal batter or dough properties and bakery product quality. Although the composition of gluten-free composite flours and formulation dominate product texture and sensory traits, other factors such as grain milling methods, flour particle size, and flour treatment could also have some impact. The current gluten-free cookies, biscuits, cakes, muffins, and crackers are still less desirable than wheat-based products. Further research is warranted in developing and evaluating more palatable and nutritious gluten-free products. Image 1 • Gluten-free non-bread bakeries of cookie, biscuit, cake, and cracker are reviewed. • Rice and its composite flours are widely used for gluten-free bakery products. • Flour composition and formulation dominate dough/batter and product properties. • Achieving desired flour functionality and sensory quality is yet challenging. • Further research is warranted in improving product palatability and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse flours are commonly added to food products to improve the functional properties, nutritional profiles, product quality and health benefits. This study aimed at assessing the effects of the partial replacement (0–25%) of whole wheat flour with diversified whole pulse flours (yellow pea, green pea, red lentil, and chickpea) on dough properties and bread quality. The pulse flours had higher protein contents and ash, but lower moisture content and larger average particle size, compared to whole wheat flour. Increasing the substitution level of pulse flours decreased dough viscosity, stability, development time and bread volume, and accelerated bread retrogradation. The incorporation of 5% yellow pea flour led to a similar bread quality as that with only whole wheat flour. Among all the tested pulse flours, the composite flour containing yellow pea flour or chickpea flour had overall better potential for bread making by providing good dough handling properties and product quality. This study will benefit the development of more nutritious food products by combining cereal and pulse ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 1-MCP and 1-MCP + hot air (HA) delayed the softening of postharvest nectarine. • HA and 1-MCP+HA promoted anthocyanin accumulation of postharvest nectarine. • This side effect of 1-MCP on anthocyanins biosynthesis was counteracted by HA. • The 1-MCP+HA treatment maintained a better commercial quality of nectarine. The effects of 1-MCP, hot air (HA), and 1-MCP+HA treatments on softening and anthocyanin biosynthesis in nectarines during storage at 25 °C for 8 d were investigated. The results showed that 1-MCP and 1-MCP+HA treatments maintained the firmness and cell wall contents and reduced the activities of cell wall-modifying enzymes, including polygalacturonase, β-galactosidase (β-GAL), cellulase, and pectin methylesterase (PME) in nectarines. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy of the cell walls showed that 1-MCP and 1-MCP+HA treatments maintained their structural integrity. HA and 1-MCP+HA treatments stimulated the accumulation of anthocyanins and accelerated the reddening of the flesh, possibly through increased activity of enzymes, including flavanone 3-hydroxylase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, and uridine diphosphate flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Collectively, our results may shed new light on optimizing 1-MCP application for delaying softening of fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]