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New insights into soil amendment: Impact of humic acid on typical antibiotic resistance in agricultural soil.

Humic acid (HA) addition can improve agricultural soil, but little is known about how it affects the soil resistome. In this study, we used selective agar plate combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate how HA influences antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in soil contaminated with erythromycin and kanamycin. 0.1 % HA reduced the abundance of culturable erythromycin-resistant bacteria (ERB), while promoting the growth of kanamycin-resistant bacteria (KRB). Lysinibacillus and Paenibacillus were the dominant genera in ERB and KRB, respectively, governing the changes in their abundances. At this concentration, the Lysinibacillus abundance in ERB decreased from 96.74 % to 70.57 %. Meanwhile, that of Paenibacillus in KRB increased from 33.40 % to 77.44 %. The copy number of ermF decreased after HA addition, while that of ermB increased. Furthermore, 0.1 % HA significantly reduced the copy number and relative abundance of aadA1 and aac(6')-Ib (aka aacA4)-03 in the soil. Changes in these two types of ARB and ARGs were primarily driven by shifts in the microbial community structure. Soil physicochemical properties, particularly increased organic matter (OM), altered the absolute abundance of ermB. Meanwhile, changes in intI1 abundance determined the risk associated with aadA1 and aac(6')-Ib (aka aacA4)-03. These findings emphasize the dual role of HA in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in agricultural soils and highlight the necessity of considering dose-dependent effects when applying HA as a soil amendment.

Soil Microbiology

Optimizing eco-engineering pedogenesis of bauxite residues: Synergistic effects of humus and FeSO4/sulfur on microbial community and function.

Eco-engineered pedogenesis represents a promising approach for soil amelioration of bauxite residues (BRs) through exogenous organic matter. However, the role of humus in mediating this process remains poorly understood, significantly impeding the eco-engineering rehabilitation of BRs. In this study, we conducted pot experiments and subsequent microbial analysis to evaluate the individual improvement of humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and corn straw (SWZ) on the BRs' pedogenesis. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that both FA and SWZ were more effective than HA in steering microbial community assembly, as community diversity, dominant taxa enrichment, and species' interaction were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the FA/SWZ treatments than in HA treatments. Notably, the combination of FA with FeSO4 specifically enriched halophilic taxa, while FA coupled with sulfur (S) significantly improved the connectivity and complexity of the microbial network, as the average connection degree increasing from 1.008 to 1.113. Hydrolytic enzyme activity assays further indicated that FA, especially when combined with S, was the most effective treatment in restoring microbial function during BR pedogenesis. These findings highlight FA as a critical driver of microbial restructuring and functional recovery in BRs. Moreover, its efficacy can be enhanced by co-amendment with FeSO4 or S. This study provides important theoretical and practical insights for optimizing organic-inorganic amendment strategies to accelerate the eco-engineering pedogenesis of bauxite residues.

Humic Substances

Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of mental and substance use disorders and symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Interest in cannabinoids for mental and substance use disorders is increasing. We examined experimental and observational evidence for treating these disorders and their symptoms. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023467536). We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO to May 2025 for studies of cannabinoids in adults (&#x2265;18 years) with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis or Tourette syndrome, or alcohol, cannabis, opioid or tobacco use disorders. Two reviewers screened, extracted and assessed quality using a risk-of-bias tool and GRADE. RESULTS: We included 82 experimental and 118 observational studies. In RCTs, cannabinoids reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD=-0.40; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.23; I&#xb2;=90%) and, in one small trial, PTSD symptoms (SMD=-2.60; 95% CI: -4.58, -0.62; n=20), with trivial-to-no effect on depression (SMD=-0.20; 95% CI: -0.43, 0.04; I&#xb2;=91.6%), ADHD, psychosis and Tourette syndrome. Much anxiety and depression evidence came from symptoms measured as secondary outcomes in other primary conditions. Cannabinoids worsened cannabis use disorder severity in one RCT (SMD=2.35; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.21), with no effect on craving or withdrawal; evidence for alcohol, opioid and tobacco use disorders was very limited. Observational studies suggested improvements but had high risk of bias. The only significant safety finding was increased withdrawals due to adverse events with THC (OR=2.78; 95% CI: 1.66, 4.65). Certainty was predominantly very low. DISCUSSION: The evidence base shows very low certainty, high heterogeneity and methodological limitations, and is insufficient to support cannabinoids as first-line treatment. Signals for anxiety and PTSD are limited by indirectness and low certainty; no benefit was evident for depression; THC-related safety signals warrant careful consideration.

Humans

Feasibility and acceptability of skills training in affective recovery (STAR) video and TextSTAR text message program for recent sexual assault survivors.

Background: Sexual assault (SA) affects more than 50% of women in the United States and is associated with elevated risk for impairing posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance, particularly opioid, misuse. Intervening following SA exposure could attenuate these risks.Objective: This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of a 17-minute video, Skills Training in Affective Recovery (STAR) and a 21-day text message program (TextSTAR), that were delivered in the acute post-SA period to prevent the onset or escalation of posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance misuse. The interventions provide psychoeducation about trauma, strategies to reduce fear and avoidance, suggestions to increase social support, and coping strategies for substance use.Method: Participants were 50 women age 18 or older who presented for a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam (SAMFE) within seven days of a SA. Using a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Controlled Trial (SMART) design, participants were randomized to receive the STAR video (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25) or no video (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25) at the SAMFE. Those who received the video answered questions about video acceptability immediately after viewing the video. At 1-week post-SAMFE, participants completed online questionnaires about substance use and posttraumatic stress; those above threshold on acute stress or opioid use (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;36) were randomized to TextSTAR (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;18) or no-text program (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;18). Participants completed weekly online surveys 2-4 weeks post-SAMFE about symptoms and text program acceptability.Results: Participants found STAR and TextSTAR at least moderately acceptable; 80% who received STAR found it extremely acceptable while 60-90% (depending on timepoint) who received TextSTAR found it at least moderately acceptable. Our ability to enroll 50 participants and retain 94% at 1 week and 90% at 4 weeks suggests the intervention trial is feasible.Conclusions: STAR and TextSTAR are acceptable and feasible brief interventions for recent sexual assault survivors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06456190.

Humans

Frequent readmissions after hospitalization for alcohol withdrawal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal syndrome impose substantial clinical and economic burdens, with repeated hospitalizations being common. We aimed to systematically review readmission rates following inpatient detoxification, assess variation across study designs and hospital settings, and identify key risk and protective factors. METHODS: We performed a literature search in Embase and Pubmed on 10/04/2026 focusing on studies assessing in hospital alcohol detoxification. Exclusion criteria included studies on substance use other than alcohol and outpatient or residential treatment. Main outcome was rehospitalization, and meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled readmission proportions. Secondary outcomes were risk factors and protective factors influencing the rate of rehospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included. The pooled proportion of readmissions following alcohol detoxification was estimated at 17% (95% CI: 14%-21%; 13 studies, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;287,896) within 1&#xa0;month, increasing to 44% (95% CI: 36%-52%; 8 studies, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;2,877) at 1&#xa0;year. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed. Subgroup analyses found no significant differences by hospital setting or time period. Findings for study aim and study design were mixed and based on limited data A small number of studies suggested associations with housing stability, employment, and treatment engagement. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that approximately one in six patients are readmitted within 1&#xa0;month and nearly half within 1&#xa0;year after inpatient alcohol detoxification. However, readmission rates varied considerably across settings and populations. Future research should evaluate targeted interventions to reduce readmissions among high-risk patient groups.

Humans

Stable chloroform emissions in southeastern China: insights from recent observations.

Chloroform (CHCl3) is a short-lived ozone-depleting substance not currently regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Due to the unique meteorological conditions in East Asia, CHCl3 emitted in this region has a greater potential to reach the stratosphere and contribute to ozone depletion. As an essential component of national CHCl3 emissions, southeastern China has attracted increasing attention. However, long-term observational data in this region remain relatively scarce, with no updates since 2020. In this study, we continuously measured atmospheric CHCl3 concentrations at a remote monitoring station in southeastern China from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2025. Frequent concentration enhancements were observed during the monitoring period, with mixing ratios ranging from 9.3 to 134.1 ppt and an average value of 36.8 &#xb1; 19.7 ppt. Back-trajectory analysis indicated that air masses associated with elevated CHCl3 levels primarily originated from coastal industrial provinces in eastern China. Using the Potential Source Contribution Function and Concentration Weighted Trajectory methods, we identified the Yangtze River Delta (Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang Provinces) and Jiangxi Province as dominant source regions. Emissions of CHCl3 in southeastern China were estimated using the Tracer Ratio Method to be approximately 30.1 &#xb1; 5.3 Gg/yr from 2023-06-01 to 2025-05-31, indicating overall stability relative to earlier estimates and no apparent upward trend. These findings provide updated insights into the current status of CHCl3 emissions in southeastern China and highlight the need for continued monitoring and emission assessment of CHCl3 in East Asia, given its unregulated status and implications for ozone layer recovery.

Air Pollutants

Interface-dependent V. parahaemolyticus biofilm under varying temperatures, media, and oxygen conditions: implications for seafood safety.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus biofilms play a critical role in pathogen persistence in marine and seafood-processing environments, where oxygen availability, temperature, and surface interfaces vary widely. This study investigated biofilm development by three strains on partially submerged stainless-steel coupons under gas-liquid-wall (GLW) and fully submerged (SM) interfaces. Viable cell counts (log&#x2081;&#x2080;CFU/cm2) along with normalized protein concentration per viable cell (nProt) and normalized polysaccharide concentration per viable cell (nPol) were measured, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions across a temperature range of 15-30&#xa0;&#xb0;C, using tryptic soy broth with 3% NaCl (TSB) and seawater-based medium (SW). GLW biofilms consistently exhibited higher cell counts (6.4-7.3 log&#x2081;&#x2080;CFU/cm2) compared to SM biofilms (5.9-6.3 log&#x2081;&#x2080;CFU/cm2), suggesting that enhanced oxygen diffusion promotes bacterial proliferation. Conversely, SM biofilms exhibited significantly higher nProt and nPol levels (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), indicating increased production of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix under low-oxygen, high-nutrient conditions. Microscopy and three-dimensional surface plot analyses revealed relatively uniform biofilm layers at the GLW interface, whereas SM biofilms formed heterogeneous, tower-like structures. EPS production was further influenced by medium composition, oxygen, and temperature. SM biofilms grown in SW exhibited significantly higher nProt and nPol than those in TSB under aerobic conditions (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), indicating enhanced matrix stabilization. Under anaerobic conditions at 15&#xa0;&#xb0;C, nProt and nPol were higher, whereas under aerobic conditions, peak nProt and nPol occurred at elevated temperatures. These findings highlight a trade-off between bacterial growth and matrix production and provide insight into biofilm adaptation and persistence in seafood-processing environments. These insights may help develop improved biofilm control and seafood safety management.

Biofilms

Patterns and implications of co-use between vaping and hallucinogens: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The co-occurrence use of e-cigarettes and hallucinogens has become increasingly common, particularly among youth and young adults. However, evidence regarding the association between these behaviors remains limited and fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize current evidence, examining the correlation between hallucinogen use and the likelihood of being an e-cigarette user. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to June 2025. Eligible studies measured both hallucinogen and e-cigarette use and reported quantitative associations between these behaviors. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were performed independently by three reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model (REML). Certainty of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;247,904), and seven were included in the meta-analysis (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;217,478). The pooled analysis demonstrated that hallucinogen users had 4.47 times higher odds of being e-cigarette users (OR: 4.47, 95% CI 2.72 to 7.34; p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001; I2&#xa0;=&#xa0;95.7%, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;7). The certainty of evidence was rated as low. CONCLUSIONS: Hallucinogen use is directionally and strongly associated with e-cigarette use across diverse populations. Although the direction of association was consistent across studies, the magnitude of effect was heterogeneous. These behaviors likely share psychosocial and environmental determinants, although alternative explanations, including shared genetic liability, recall bias, and residual confounding, cannot be excluded. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of this association and establish temporality. The findings also support integrating hallucinogen-use screening into e-cigarette prevention and harm-reduction programs targeting youth and young adults.

Humans

Relationships between cannabis and cocaine use in a randomized trial of combined buprenorphine and naltrexone for DSM-IV cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States, and among people who use cannabis, polysubstance use is common and understudied. We aimed to examine the association of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) positive urine drug screen (+UDS) with the odds of submitting a cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS during cocaine use disorder treatment. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a previously reported double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, CTN0048. Participants meeting criteria for opioid abuse/dependence were assigned to receive extended-release naltrexone and one of three conditions of buprenorphine (placebo, 4&#xa0;mg/day, 16&#xa0;mg/day) for 8&#xa0;weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze urine samples (Liu et al., 2018) collected over time, examining the association between THC&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS and cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS during treatment. RESULTS: Participants (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;301) averaged 46 (SD&#xa0;=&#xa0;8.64) years of age, were majority male (78.41&#xa0;%), non-Hispanic (89.70&#xa0;%), and African American (66.45&#xa0;%). GEE results indicated that patients who submitted THC&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS had significantly higher odds of submitting cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS compared to participants who submitted THC-negative UDS across the 25 time points examined (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.47, 95&#xa0;% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.21-1.79, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.00). Time (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.9998, 95&#xa0;% CI: 0.9997, 0.9999, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.018) and the covariate of sex assigned at birth (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.77, 95&#xa0;% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.13-2.77, p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.013) were also significant in the model, indicating very small decreases in the odds of submitting a cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS over time for all patients and 77&#xa0;% higher odds of submitting cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS for females. CONCLUSION: THC&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS was associated with increased odds of submitting a cocaine&#xa0;+&#xa0;UDS during treatment. Further investigation is needed to discern whether decreasing THC use will result in reduced cocaine use; however, these results suggest that it may be beneficial to counsel patients on cannabis use cessation both before and during treatment for cocaine use, as it is related to cocaine use treatment outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Secondary data analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT01402492 ("A randomized study to test the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine in the presence of naltrexone for the treatment of cocaine dependence"; National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) clinical trial: CTN0048), Registration date: 27 July 2011.

Humans

Glucocorticoids and placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 - A systematic review of human studies and animal models.

CONTEXT: Elevated prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) exposure is linked to adverse offspring outcomes. The placental enzyme 11&#x3b2;-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase-type-2 (11&#x3b2;HSD2) protects the fetus by converting maternal derived cortisol to inactive cortisone. Although in vitro studies suggest GC mediated upregulation of 11&#x3b2;HSD2, in vivo evidence remains inconclusive. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched in October 2024 for human and mammalian animal studies on endogenous or exogenous GCs during pregnancy and associations with placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 (mRNA, protein, activity, gene methylation). Narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity precluding meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (eight human, ten animal populations) met inclusion criteria. Exogenous GC exposure was associated with modifications in placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 expression in animal models, with effects varying by substance, timing, and species. Dexamethasone trended towards increased expression in rodents, whereas betamethasone increased expression in non-human primates but not rodents. Human studies on endogenous GCs showed inconsistent associations with 11&#x3b2;HSD2 changes. In asthmatic pregnancies, moderate inhaled GC-use maintained enzyme activity compared to untreated patients. No convincing sex-specific trend emerged. CONCLUSIONS: GC exposure alters placental 11&#x3b2;HSD2 in a substance- and species-specific way; translational relevance remains limited based on current literature. Future studies should employ technological advances and include GC-sensitive biomarkers to clarify mechanisms of maternal-fetal stress transmission.

Female

Transcriptomic insights into the coordinated regulation of signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during Sinonovacula constricta larval metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis is a critical ontogenetic transition for marine bivalves, marking the shift from planktonic to benthic lifestyles, where successful transformation dictates survival. The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is economically important; however, low larval metamorphosis rates remain a major bottleneck in seedling production. To elucidate the mechanisms governing this process, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of S. constricta larvae at pre- and post-metamorphosis stages using Illumina sequencing. A total of 3701 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 3254 up-regulated and 447 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation of the respective top 20 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs indicated their potential pivotal roles in signal transduction (e.g., up-regulated: CAV1, CHRNA2; down-regulated: APP, NOTCH1), cellular proliferation and differentiation (e.g., up-regulated: TUBA, EGF1; down-regulated: KIF23, TTC25), transcriptional and epigenetic regulation (e.g., up-regulated: NFIL3; down-regulated: OVO, HMX1), substance transport (e.g., up-regulated: LRP2, LRP1B; down-regulated: SLC51A, Slc33a1), substance metabolism (e.g., up-regulated: CPK3, CYP26A1; down-regulated: RDMT1, ADAC), immunomodulation (e.g., up-regulated: CPN2, CRISP2), and protein homeostasis (e.g., up-regulated: HSP27, NAS-27). Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and developmental regulation (e.g., Ras, TNF), cell death and homeostasis (e.g., apoptosis), immune responses (e.g., Toll-like receptor), energy metabolism (e.g., lipid), cardiovascular related (e.g., Fluid shear stress), cell junction and architecture (e.g., Tight junction), and infectious disease (e.g., measles). These results suggest a synergistic interplay between signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during S. constricta metamorphosis. This study advances our understanding of marine bivalve metamorphosis and offers candidate genes for further mechanistic studies.

Animals

Access to maternity services for women asylum seekers and refugees: A transnational document analysis of international, European regional, and United Kingdom governance.

Women asylum seekers and refugees face persistent barriers to maternity care (antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care) across high-income countries, yet the upstream governance shaping access remains under-examined. Although legally distinct, both groups share protection-seeking experiences and are addressed jointly in governance documents. This study examined and synthesised how international (macro), European regional (meso), and United Kingdom (UK, micro) governance documents frame and operationalise maternity service access. Sixty-four documents were analysed using the READ framework. Inductive analysis of macro and meso documents identified six access dimensions: universal coverage; cultural and linguistic adaptation; rights-based approaches; multi-agency collaboration; data, monitoring and accountability; and quality of care. These dimensions structured assessment of UK governance, with jurisdictions rated strong, moderate or weak. Alignment was fragmented: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland exempted asylum seekers from charging, whereas England retained charging provisions. Multi-agency collaboration was consistently articulated, yet none of the 35 UK government documents focused on maternity access for this population, and none required outcome monitoring disaggregated by asylum or refugee status. UK governance appears coordinated in form but fragmented in substance. UK-wide minimum standards and routine recording of these data, with safeguards against immigration-related use, could strengthen coherence and accountability and improve visibility of inequities.

Refugees

Public health, public protest: The role of health burdens and healthcare access in protest mobilisation.

Health and politics are intertwined, yet few studies have examined the association between health and protest. This study examined whether population health burdens were associated with protest incidence and whether healthcare access modified these associations. Analysis was based on an unbalanced 2004-2023 country-year panel, combining protest counts from ACLED with rates for 22 GBD causes. Mixed-effects negative-binomial models estimated incidence-rate ratios (IRRs) with interactions for healthcare access (&#xb1;1 SD). Two-way fixed-effects Poisson models were estimated as a benchmark to distinguish cross-national associations from within-country dynamics. Health burdens were systematically, but heterogeneously, associated with protest. Rates for several non-communicable burdens were associated with protest, notably musculoskeletal disorders (IRR 1.72, 95% CI 1.37-2.15), neoplasms (1.24, 1.06-1.44), substance-use disorders (1.32, 1.12-1.56) and HIV/AIDS and other STIs (1.24, 1.12-1.38). Higher healthcare access generally attenuated health-protest associations. Fixed-effects models confirmed several associations (e.g. HIV/AIDS, neoplasms) but revealed that others (e.g. maternal/neonatal disorders, enteric infections) were driven primarily by cross-national differences. Population health burdens were associated with cross-national variation in protest mobilisation. Chronic, non-communicable burdens were associated with heightened protest, whereas poverty-linked and early-life burdens were associated with lower mobilisation. Healthcare access was associated with attenuation of these relationships.

Humans

Inhibitory mechanism of phloretin on the AgrA LytTR domain-agr operon complex formation and its application in beef.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) represents a major foodborne pathogen whose enterotoxin production poses significant challenges to food safety due to its high environmental resistance and limited efficacy of conventional sterilization. Since the expression of enterotoxins is predominantly governed by the agr quorum sensing system, targeting this regulatory pathway has become a strategic choice for virulence control. This study elucidated the mechanism by which phloretin, a potential quorum sensing inhibitor, interferes with the agr system to attenuate virulence. To achieve this, the recombinant AgrA LytTR domain was expressed and purified, and its interaction with phloretin was characterized using thermal shift assays (TSA), electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results showed that phloretin specifically binds to the AgrA LytTR domain, enhancing its thermal stability and disrupting AgrA LytTR-agr operon binding by reducing the free energy of interaction between them, without causing significant structural rearrangement. Mechanistic analysis indicated that phloretin sterically hinders key &#x3b2;-sheet turn residues (HIS169, ASN201, ARG233), thereby impairing DNA recognition, downregulating RNAIII transcription, and inhibiting agr signaling. In cooked beef, phloretin significantly inhibited the secretion of enterotoxins and &#x3b1;-hemolysin, while delaying lipid oxidation and protein degradation, and maintaining the meat texture. These findings suggested that phloretin is a multifunctional substance with anti-virulence, antioxidant, and preservative properties, demonstrating its potential as a natural food preservative.

Phloretin

Elucidation of microbial community structure, small-molecule metabolic and flavor profile characteristics in Xuanwei ham under different processing techniques.

This study systematically compared the impacts of traditional (TH) and modern (MH) processing techniques on the physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, metabolome, and volatile aroma compounds of Xuanwei ham. The results showed that the TH group had higher moisture content and water activity, along with a more tender texture, whereas the MH group exhibited greater hardness and chewiness. Microbiological analysis revealed that the interior of the MH group had higher species richness of both fungi and bacteria, while the TH group maintained higher fungal diversity. Metabolomic analysis identified 112 differential metabolites, with sweet amino acids and certain lipids being more enriched in modern ham, whereas traditional ham contained higher levels of umami amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and flavor compounds such as carnosine. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that the differences were primarily concentrated in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism-related pathways. Volatile flavoromics analysis identified 45 odor-active compounds and screened 15 key aroma-active substances. Among them, modern processed ham was significantly enriched in fatty aldehydes such as (E)-2-nonenal, hexanal, nonanal, and octanal, whereas traditional processed ham was characterized by 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, methional, acetoin, and benzeneacetaldehyde. Correlation analysis confirmed that dominant microbes in Xuanwei ham were significantly associated with differential metabolites and characteristic aroma compounds, respectively. This study provides a scientific basis for standardizing production processes, enabling precise quality control, and promoting high-quality industrial development of Xuanwei ham.

Animals

Yoga MAT: A factorial randomized study using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to develop a multicomponent yoga intervention for people with chronic pain taking medications for opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND: People taking medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) commonly experience chronic pain. Yoga interventions show promise for decreasing pain-related disability in other populations. More time spent in yoga practice may improve pain-related outcomes. METHODS: The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) provided the framework for developing an optimized yoga intervention package. In a 2x2x2x2 factorial experiment, we evaluated four candidate intervention components which, when added to a weekly yoga class, might increase yoga engagement. The primary outcome was minutes per week of yoga practice (classes and other yoga practice) over the 12-week intervention period. We sought to determine which combination of intervention components was associated with the most yoga practice for people with chronic pain taking buprenorphine or methadone as MOUD. RESULTS: We enrolled 192 adults. There was a significant main effect for Component "B" (having two private sessions with a yoga teachers; IRR = 1.10, 90%CI 1.02; 1.18), and a synergistic interaction between Components "B" and "D" (D was financial incentives for attending class; IRR = 1.11, 90%CI 1.02; 1.19). This combination of these two components (without other potential components) was associated with the second highest model-predicted mean minutes of yoga per week (157.1min; 90% CI = 120.1-194.0) which was only 4min less than the combination including all four components. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a combination of intervention components as the optimized intervention. A next step will be to test the effect of this optimized intervention on pain and substance use outcomes in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Humans