bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Type and Source Analysis of Natural Gas in the Leikoupo Formation of the Sichuan Basin in China
Authors: Qin Shengfei , Zhang Benjian , Huang Chunhu , Li Jiyuan , Wang Jiamei , Tao Gang , Zhou Zheng
Published: July 2022

The Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation is largely extended through the Sichuan Basin, SW China. In this formation, several commercially exploited gas reservoirs have been discovered in western and central parts of the basin. Due to the complicated geochemical signatures of the natural gases in these reservoirs, there are contrasted interpretations about their sources, which hamper the evaluation and exploration for new gas resources in the area. To obtain complete understanding of the natural gas sources, the Leikoupo Formation gas reservoirs discovered so far in the Zhongba, Yuanba, Longgang, and Moxi gas fields were selected as the research object of this study. The genetic types and sources of the natural gases in the Leikoupo Formation are discussed based on gas geochemistry combined with their geological background. The natural gas in the top members of the Leikoupo Formation (T2l4 or T2l3) is partially originated from a humic kerogen contained in the source rocks from the overlying Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation and from sapropel kerogen from the source rocks of the Leikoupo Formation itself. The natural gas of T2l1 member in the lower part of the Leikoupo Formation is mainly sapropel-type probably from the source rock of the Permian Wujiaping Formation, where the Permian Longtan Formation undergoes a phase change into the Wujiaping Formation The reversed δ13C1 and δ13C2 trend in the Leikoupo Formation of the Yuanba gas field is due to the more sapropelic source rocks and higher degree of maturity.
A Systematic Review of the Outcomes, Level, Facilitators, and Barriers to Deep Self-Reflection in Public Health Higher Education: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Lim Raymond Boon Tar , Hoe Kenneth Wee Beng , Zheng Huili
Published: July 2022

Based on 34 studies and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review consisting of a meta-analysis and a meta-synthesis to illustrate the various self-reflection formats used in public health higher education. Through this review, we aimed to (1) describe the range of self-reflection formats used in public health undergraduate education, (2) compare the level of reflectivity and outcomes of self-reflection according to the common formats of self-reflection used, and (3) compare the facilitators and barriers to deep self-reflection based on the common formats of self-reflection used. Most students were not engaging in reflection at a deep level according to the Mezirow's model of reflexivity. Both meta-analysis and meta-synthesis results revealed self-reflection enhanced self-confidence, professional identity, and professional development as well as improved understanding of public health related topics in these students. Future educational programmes should consider the common facilitators to deep self-reflection, i.e., advocacy on the importance of reflection by instructors and provision of guidance to students and the common barriers, i.e., perception by instructors/students to be time consuming and the imbalance in power relationship between instructors and students. Because perceptions of learning environments varied between institutions, programs, teachers and students, efforts to evaluate the implementation feasibility of these facilitators and barriers need to take place across the different levels. As a start, peer ambassadors or champions could be appointed at the student level to change the common perception that performing deep self-reflection was time consuming. Similarly, at the teacher level, faculty learning communities could be set up for like-minded educators to advocate on the importance of reflection and to share their experience on balancing the power relationship between instructors and students.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021255714.
Brown fat triglyceride content is associated with cardiovascular risk markers in adults from a tropical region
Authors: Monfort-Pires Milena , Regeni-Silva Giulianna , Dadson Prince , Nogueira Guilherme A. , U-Din Mueez , Ferreira Sandra R. G. , Sapienza Marcelo Tatit , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Velloso Licio A.
Published: July 2022

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is regarded as an interesting potential target for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and the detailed characterization of its structural and functional phenotype could enable an advance in these fields. Most studies evaluating BAT structure and function were performed in temperate climate regions, and we are yet to know how these findings apply to the 40% of the world’s population living in tropical areas. Here, we used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography – magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate BAT in 45 lean, overweight, and obese volunteers living in a tropical area in Southeast Brazil. We aimed at investigating the associations between BAT activity, volume, metabolic activity, and BAT content of triglycerides with adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers in a sample of adults living in a tropical area and we showed that BAT glucose uptake is not correlated with leanness; instead, BAT triglyceride content is correlated with visceral adiposity and markers of cardiovascular risk. This study expands knowledge regarding the structure and function of BAT in people living in tropical areas. In addition, we provide evidence that BAT triglyceride content could be an interesting marker of cardiovascular risk.
Late-afternoon endurance exercise is more effective than morning endurance exercise at improving 24-h glucose and blood lipid levels
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Ki , Furuhashi Shota , Takahashi Masaki , Chijiki Hanako , Nanba Takuya , Inami Takayuki , Radak Zsolt , Sakamoto Shizuo , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: July 2022

Background

Glucose and lipid tolerance reportedly exhibit diurnal variations, being lower in the evening than in the morning. Therefore, the effects of exercise on glucose and blood lipid levels at different times of the day may differ. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term endurance exercise intervention in the morning versus late afternoon on 24-h blood glucose variability and blood lipid levels.

Methods

Twelve healthy young men participated in a randomized crossover trial. The participants were assigned to morning (09:00–11:00) or late afternoon (16:00–18:00) endurance exercise for a week, consisting of supervised exercise sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In the morning and evening trials, the participants walked for 60 min on a treadmill at approximately 60% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Following a 2-week wash-out period, the participants performed the exercise training regimen at another time point. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to evaluate blood glucose fluctuations during each 24-h trial period. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention to examine blood lipid and hormonal responses.

Results

Examination of the area under the curve (AUC) of the glucose level changes for 24 h after the late afternoon versus morning exercise intervention revealed significantly lower values for the former versus the latter (P < 0.01). The AUC of glucose level changes after each meal was also lower after the late afternoon versus morning intervention, and significantly lower values were observed in the late afternoon versus morning trial for breakfast and dinner (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In addition, a significant decrease in triglycerides (TG) and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was noted after versus before the late afternoon intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that late afternoon endurance exercise is more effective than morning endurance exercise at improving 24-h glucose and triglyceride levels.
Can Carbon Emission Regulation Achieve a Dual Target of Low Carbon and Employment? An Empirical Analysis Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Shang Lin , Xu Pingxiang
Published: July 2022

The Phillips curve of environment (EPC) and the environmental Kuznets curve of employment (EKCE) both indicate that the low-carbon economic transition can promote employment growth. Based on Chinese provincial dynamic panel data from 2005 to 2019, the GMM method is used to evaluate these two hypotheses. The results show that there is a remarkable U-shaped relationship between carbon emission regulation and employment, which means the EKCE is better than EPC to match the situation in China. So, a dual target of low carbon and employment can be achieved with the strengthening of environmental regulations. However, because of the difference in economic development, industrial structure, human capital, economic openness, wage of employees, and marketization, the significance level of the relationship between them varies substantially across regions. For the eastern and central regions, it can be characterized by EKCE, and for the western region, the EPC is more significant. Therefore, in order to realize the double dividend more effectively, it is necessary to accelerate the market-oriented reform of carbon emission while implementing differentiated carbon regulation policies and promoting the synergistic effect of administrative intervention mechanism and market mechanism.
Review of wave power system development and research on triboelectric nano power systems
Authors: Yan Jin , Mei Naerduo , Zhang DaPeng , Zhong Yinghao , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2022

With its huge energy storage and high energy density, ocean wave energy is one of the most promising marine renewable resources. Traditional wave energy generation technology, on the other hand, has a high maintenance cost, a bulky construction, and a low conversion efficiency, which limits its application. Due to its low cost, simple construction, and ease of fabrication, wave energy generating technology based on triboelectric nanogenerators has emerged as a potential new power generation technology in recent years. This paper elaborates on the power generation principle, working mode, and the latest research status of wave energy harvesting using different types of triboelectric nanogenerator structures, and finally summarises the current problems and challenges of this technology, and innovatively combines some current examples to propose future research trends, which can help relevant reseach. This will assist researchers in swiftly grasping the present state of wave energy harvesting research and promoting the field’s progress.
Rice Straw Vermicompost Enriched With Cellulolytic Microbes Ameliorate the Negative Effect of Drought in Wheat Through Modulating the Morpho-Physiological Attributes
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Aslam Zubair , Hussain Saddam , Bibi Amir , Khaliq Abdul , Javed Talha , Hussain Sadam , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Telesiński Arkadiusz , Iwai Chuleemas Boonthai , Kumar Uttam
Published: July 2022

Wheat growth and productivity are unfavorably pretentious by a lack of sufficient water (drought or water deficit) worldwide. Drought stress significantly affects all the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics and the agronomical yield of wheat. Different management approaches have been adopted to cope with the negative effects of water deficit. Soil-applied vermicompost is helpful in improving the growth and developmental processes of wheat under water deficit conditions. Therefore, a trial was carried out to optimize the best amount of vermicompost and to assess its role in ameliorating the negative effects of drought for sustainable crop production. The treatments consisted of 1) two contrasting wheat cultivars Faisalabad-08 (drought-tolerant) and Galaxy-13 (drought-sensitive), 2) drought with three levels [D0= 70% of field capacity (no drought), D1= 45% of field capacity (mild drought), and D2= 30% of field capacity (severe drought)] and 3) cellulolytic microbe-enriched vermicompost prepared from rice straw with four levels (VT0= Control, VT1= 4 t ha−1, VT2= 6 t ha−1, and VT3= 8 t ha−1). Data on various morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters were recorded from sowing to crop harvesting. In this study, it was demonstrated that all these parameters were negatively affected by moisture deficit conditions. The application of vermi-fertilizer significantly increased (p< 0.05) the aforementioned parameters of wheat in both the absence and presence of drought. Under severe drought, VT2treatment increased the seedling length by 14.02–26.14%, fresh weight by 15.16–22.91%, and dry weight by 0.37–28.20% in both cultivars compared with control. In addition, VT2treatment reduced the leaf water potential by 6.36 and 3.36%, leaf osmotic potential by 1.74 and 1.68%, and increased the turgor potential by 4.83 and 3.36%, and photosynthetic rate by 18.59 and 26.42% in Faislabad-08 and Galaxy-13, respectively, over control. We concluded that the application of vermicompost is a valuable approach to alleviate the adverse impacts of water stress on wheat.
A Hybrid Model of Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Sparrow Search Algorithm-Based Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks for Monthly Runoff Forecasting
Authors: Li Bao-Jian , Yang Jing-Xin , Luo Qing-Yuan , Wang Wen-Chuan , Zhang Tai-Heng , Zhong Ling , Sun Guo-Liang
Published: July 2022

Monthly runoff forecasting plays a vital role in reservoir ecological operation, which can reduce the negative impact of dam construction and operation on the river ecosystem. Numerous studies have been conducted to improve monthly runoff forecast accuracy, of which machine learning methods have been paid much attention due to their unique advantages. In this study, a conjunction model, EEMD-SSA-LSTM for short, which comprises ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and sparrow search algorithm (SSA)–based long short-term neural networks (LSTM), has been proposed to improve monthly runoff forecasting. The EEMD-SSA-LSTM model is mainly carried out in three steps. First, the original time series data is decomposed into several sub-sequences. Second, each sub-sequence is simulated by LSTM, of which the hyperparameters are optimized by SSA. Finally, the simulated results for each sub-sequence are summarized as the final results. The data obtained from two reservoirs located in China are used to validate the proposed model performance. Meanwhile, four commonly used statistical evaluation indexes are utilized to evaluate model performance. The results demonstrate that compared to several benchmark models, the proposed model can yield satisfactory forecast results and can be conducive to improving monthly runoff forecast accuracy.
Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of Ficolin Family Members in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Liang , Yu Shian , Dong Cairong , Wu Zhengyi , Huang He , Chen Zhendong , Wu Zhipeng , Yin Xiangbao
Published: July 2022

Objective: Ficolin (FCN) family proteins are part of the innate immune system, play a role as recognition molecules in the complement system, and are associated with tumor development. The mechanism of its role in immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear.

Methods: In this study, we used the TCGA database, HPA database, Gene Expression Profile Interaction Analysis (GEPIA), Kaplan-Meier plotter, TCGAportal, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, TIMER, and TISIDB to analyze Ficolin family proteins (FCN1, FCN2 and FCN3, FCNs) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations, functional enrichment, and immune factor correlation analysis.

Results: The expression levels of FCN1/2/3 were significantly reduced in patients with HCC. Among them, FCN3 showed significant correlation with Overall Survival (OS), Progressive Free Survival (PFS) and Relapse Free Survival (RFS) in HCC. FCN1 and FCN3 may be potential prognostic markers for survival in patients with HCC. In addition, the functions of differentially expressed FCNs were mainly related to complement activation, immune response, apoptotic cell clearance and phagocytosis. FCNs were found to be significantly correlated with multiple immune cells and immune factors. Expression of FCN1 and FCN3 differed significantly in the immune and stromal cell component scores of HCC. analysis of the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) of FCNs with pan-cancer showed that FCN3 was significantly correlated with both.

Conclusions: Our study provides new insights into the link between the FCN family and immunotherapy for HCC, and FCN3 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC.
STAT3 gain-of-function is not responsible for low total IgE levels in patients with autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Sauer Merle , Scheffel Jörg , Frischbutter Stefan , Mahnke Niklas , Maurer Marcus , Burmeister Thomas , Krause Karoline , Metz Martin
Published: July 2022

Background

The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has not been clarified entirely. Type IIb autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSUaiTIIb) is a distinct subtype of CSU that is often difficult to treat and is connected to low levels of total IgE. Previous findings indicate that an enhanced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) may be responsible for reduced IgE serum levels.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate a possible underlying gain-of-function mutation or activating polymorphism in STAT3 that could be responsible for the low levels of IgE in patients with CSUaiTIIb.

Methods

We included 10 patients with CSUaiTIIb and low levels of IgE and sequenced selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in STAT3 associated with common autoimmune diseases. Exon sequencing was performed for the most relevant exons of STAT3. To test for a gain-of-function of STAT3, we performed a phospho-specific flow cytometry analysis of STAT3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after stimulation with interleukin-6.

Results

No differences were found in the prevalence of the tested SNPs between our patients and a control population. Moreover, we could not find any mutations or variants on the tested exons of STAT3. The function of STAT3 was also not altered in our patients.

Conclusion

In total, we could not find any evidence for our hypothesis that low IgE in patients with CSUaiTIIb is linked to mutations in STAT3 or altered activity of STAT3. Thus, it remains to be discovered what causes the low serum levels of IgE in patients with CSUaiTIIb.
Conjunctival Intraepithelial Lymphocytes, Lacrimal Cytokines and Ocular Commensal Microbiota: Analysis of the Three Main Players in Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Zarzuela José Carlos , Reinoso Roberto , Armentia Alicia , Enríquez-de-Salamanca Amalia , Corell Alfredo
Published: July 2022

Conjunctival intraepithelial lymphocytes, tear soluble molecules and commensal microbiota have important roles in the ocular mucosal immune response in healthy and diseased subjects. For the purpose of this study, the cellular and microbial populations of the conjunctiva and the lacrimal soluble molecules were analyzed to find the main biomarkers in allergic conjunctivitis. A total of 35 healthy subjects, 28 subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and 32 subjects with perennial allergic conjunctivitis were recruited to obtain peripheral blood, conjunctival brush cytology, tear fluid and microbiota samples. Flow cytometry for lymphocytes, multiplex bead assays for cytokines and high-throughput DNA sequencing for microbiome analysis were used. For perennial allergic conjunctivitis, an increased proportion of Th2 and NKT lymphocytes was found, while CD3+TCRγδ+ lymphocytes and double negative MAIT cells were decreased. In contrast, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis was distinguished by an increase in Th17 and Th22 cell proportions, while the Th1 cell proportion decreased. Among tear fluid, the vast majority of pro-inflammatory cytokines (especially Th2 and Th17 cytokines) in perennial allergies and MMP-9 together with IgA in seasonal allergies were increased. In contrast, TGF-β2 was decreased in both forms of conjunctivitis. Finally, fungal (Malasseziaspecies) and bacterial (KocuriaandPropionobacterium acnesspecies) colonization were observed in the perennial allergic conjunctivitis group. These results provide the basis for the development of a disease profile for perennial allergic conjunctivitis and open the door to new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
Using a Relative Quantitative Proteomic Method to Identify Differentially Abundant Proteins in Brucella melitensis Biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis M5-90
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Yueli , Wang Yifan , Deng Xiaoyu , Ji Taiwang , Ma Zhongchen , Yang Ningning , Xu Mingguo , Li Honghuan , Yi Jihai , Wang Yong , Wang Yuanzhi , Sheng Jinliang , Wang Zhen , Chen Chuangfu
Published: July 2022

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella spp., is one of the most widespread bacterial zoonoses worldwide. Vaccination is still considered the best way to control brucellosis. An investigation into the differential proteome expression patterns of wild and vaccine strains may help researchers and clinicians differentiate between the strains to diagnose and better understand the mechanism(s) underlying differences in virulence. In the present study, a mass spectrometry-based, label-free relative quantitative proteomics approach was used to investigate the proteins expressed by the wild strain, B. melitensis biovar 3 and compare it with those expressed by B. melitensis M5-90. The higher level of virulence for B. melitensis biovar 3 compared to B. melitensis M5-90 was validated in vitro and in vivo. A total of 2133 proteins, encompassing 68% of the theoretical proteome, were identified and quantified by proteomic analysis, resulting in broad coverage of the B. melitensis proteome. A total of 147 proteins were identified as differentially expressed (DE) between these two strains. In addition, 9 proteins and 30 proteins were identified as unique to B. melitensis M5-90 and B. melitensis biovar 3, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed that the majority of the DE proteins were involved in iron uptake, quorum sensing, pyrimidine metabolism, glycine betaine biosynthetic and metabolic processes, thiamine-containing compound metabolism and ABC transporters. The expression of BtpA and VjbR proteins (two well-known virulence factors) in B. melitensis biovar 3 was 8-fold and 2-fold higher than in B. melitensis M5-90. In summary, our results identified many unique proteins that could be selected as candidate markers for differentiating vaccinated animals from animals with wild-type infections. BtpA and VjbR proteins might be responsible for the residual virulence of B. melitensis M5-90, while ABC transporters and thiamine metabolism associated proteins may be newly identified Brucella virulence factors. All of the identified DE proteins provide valuable information for the development of vaccines and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
Low-dose mycophenolate mofetil improves survival in a murine model of Staphylococcus aureus sepsis by increasing bacterial clearance and phagocyte function
Authors: Alby-Laurent Fanny , Belaïdouni Nadia , Blanchet Benoit , Rousseau Christophe , Llitjos Jean-François , Sanquer Sylvia , Mira Jean-Paul , Pène Frédéric , Toubiana Julie , Chiche Jean-Daniel
Published: July 2022

Regulators of TLRs signaling pathways play an important role in the control of the pro-inflammatory response that contributes to sepsis-induced tissue injury. Mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, has been reported to be a regulator of TLRs signaling pathways. Whether MMF used at infra-immunosuppressive doses has an impact on survival and on innate immune response in sepsis is unknown.

C57BL/6J mice were infected intraperitoneally with 108 CFU Staphylococcus aureus, and treated or not with low-dose of MMF (20mg/kg/day during 4 days). Survival rate and bacterial clearance were compared. Cytokine levels, quantitative and qualitative cellular responses were assessed. S. aureus – infected mice treated with MMF exhibited improved survival compared to non-treated ones (48% vs 10%, p<0.001). With the dose used for all experiments, MMF did not show any effect on lymphocyte proliferation. MMF treatment also improved local and systemic bacterial clearance, improved phagocytosis activity of peritoneal macrophages resulting in decreased inflammatory cytokines secretion. MMF-treated mice showed enhanced activation of NF-κB seemed with a suspected TLR4-dependent mechanism. These results suggest that infra-immunosuppressive doses of MMF improve host defense during S. aureus sepsis and protects infected mice from fatal outcome by regulating innate immune responses. The signaling pathways involved could be TLR4-dependent. This work brings new perspectives in pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches of severe infections.
First-Principles Study of Metal Impurities in Silicon Carbide: Structural, Magnetic, and Electronic Properties
Authors: Zhang Lin , Cui Zhen
Published: July 2022

The configurations of 10 types of metal-doped silicon carbide (SiC) systems were investigated by the first-principles calculations. The dopants include eight types of 3d-series transition metal atoms, one semi-metal Ge atom, and one other metal Al atom. For all the metal-doped SiC systems, the steadiest doping sites are fixed at the substituted Si site, while the Ti-SiC system exhibits the most potent binding activity. The properties of these new systems vary with the doping atoms. The SiC- and Al-SiC systems convert to magnetic metals. The Ti- and Ge-SiC systems remain non-magnetic semiconductors, while the V-, Cr-, Mn-, Fe-, Co-, and Zn-SiC systems turn into magnetic semiconductors with magnetic moments related to the valence electron number of dopants. Partial charge transfers from the metal atoms to the adjacent C atoms accompanied the change in the electron-emitting capacity of the new systems. The work function achieves the minimum of 3.439 eV in the Co-SiC system, just 71.6% of the original SiC system. Our analysis indicates that the potent binding energy of the Ti-SiC system is due to the complete bonding states between the transition metal Ti and the adjacent C atoms. The magnetism evolution in semiconducting metal-doped SiC is attributed to the occupation mode of the hybridization orbitals nearby the Fermi level, which are determined by the coupling of the 3d orbital of transition metal atoms and the defect states of the vacancy atoms. The adjustable magnetic and electronic properties of the metal-doped SiC systems provide a flexible method in designing more suitable SiC-based spintronics and field electron-emitting devices.
Use of failure mode and effect analysis to reduce patient safety risks in purchasing prescription drugs from online pharmacies in China
Authors: Hu Qinyuan , Hu Haiyao , Hu Ming , Zhang Jun , Gou Liangwen , Shi Shuping , Zhou Jingyi , Zhou Naitong , Huang Zhen
Published: July 2022

Background

Online pharmacies have gradually penetrated the market, but pose risks to patients' health. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is an effective and reliable method for reducing pharmacy and medication risks. The purpose of this study was to conduct a prospective risk analysis of the process of purchasing prescription drugs from online pharmacies in China to guarantee drug quality and patient safety.

Methods

The FMEA was performed at Sichuan University, China. A multidisciplinary team was assembled comprising a leader, four regulators, four pharmacists, two experts, etc. The process was composed of eight subprocesses: searching for prescription drugs, submitting medication requirements, completing patient information forms, dispensing, delivering, etc. Brainstorming was used to identify and prioritize failure modes, propose corrective actions, and reduce risks. Risk priority numbers were the main criterion and were obtained by multiplying three scores: severity, occurrence and detectability, which were scored by the team The team proposed corrective actions for each selected failure mode.

Results

A total of forty-one potential failure modes were identified, and the causes, effects, and corrective actions of the 30 top failure modes were analyzed. The highest risk value was assigned to “photocopies of paper prescriptions uploaded were reused by patients.” Three failure modes for the S value of 5 were: “drugs are eroded and polluted by moisture or insects in the process of transportation,” “the qualification information of the pharmacies were absent or fake,” and “pharmacists fail to check prescriptions in accordance with Prescription Administrative Regulation.” Of the top failure modes, 36.67% were from Step 5, delivering the drug. After taking corrective measures to control risks, the risks reduced by 69.26%.

Conclusion

The results of this study proves that the FMEA is a valuable tool for identifying and prioritizing the risks inherent in online pharmacies. This study shows that there are many potential risks in the process of purchasing prescription drugs from online pharmacies, especially in the drug delivery stage. Enhanced training and the introduction of smart devices may minimize risks. Online pharmacies and Chinese regulators should consider these findings for risk mitigation and the improvement of regulations pertaining to online pharmacies.
Comprehensive Metabolic and Taxonomic Reconstruction of an Ancient Microbial Mat From the McMurdo Ice Shelf (Antarctica) by Integrating Genetic, Metaproteomic and Lipid Biomarker Analyses
Authors: Lezcano María Ángeles , Sánchez-García Laura , Quesada Antonio , Carrizo Daniel , Fernández-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Cavalcante-Silva Erika , Parro Víctor
Published: July 2022

Paleobiological reconstructions based on molecular fossils may be limited by degradation processes causing differential preservation of biomolecules, the distinct taxonomic specificity of each biomolecule type, and analytical biases. Here, we combined the analysis of DNA, proteins and lipid biomarkers using 16S and 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding, metaproteomics and lipid analysis to reconstruct the taxonomic composition and metabolisms of a desiccated microbial mat from the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS) (Antarctica) dated ~1,000 years BP. The different lability, taxonomic resolution and analytical bias of each biomolecule type led to a distinct microbial community profile. DNA analysis showed selective preservation of DNA remnants from the most resistant taxa (e.g., spore-formers). In contrast, the proteins profile revealed microorganisms missed by DNA sequencing, such as Cyanobacteria, and showed a microbial composition similar to fresh microbial mats in the MIS. Lipid hydrocarbons also confirmed Cyanobacteria and suggested the presence of mosses or vascular plant remnants from a period in Antarctica when the climate was warmer (e.g., Mid-Miocene or Eocene). The combined analysis of the three biomolecule types also revealed diverse metabolisms that operated in the microbial mat before desiccation: oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, sulfur reduction and oxidation, and methanogenesis. Therefore, the joint analysis of DNA, proteins and lipids resulted in a powerful approach that improved taxonomic and metabolic reconstructions overcoming information gaps derived from using individual biomolecules types.
Comparative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota of Three Sympatric Terrestrial Wild Bird Species Overwintering in Farmland Habitats
Authors: Lu Zhiyuan , Li Sisi , Wang Min , Wang Can , Meng Derong , Liu Jingze
Published: July 2022

The gut microbiota of wild birds are affected by complex factors, and cross-species transmission may pose challenges for the host to maintain stable gut symbionts. Farmland habitats are environments strongly manipulated by humans, and the environmental characteristics within a large area are highly consistent. These features provide the ideal natural conditions for conducting cross-species comparative studies on gut microbiota among wild birds. This study aimed to investigate and compare the gut microbiota of three common farmland-dependent bird species, Great Bustard (Otis tarda dybowskii), Common Crane (Grus grus), and Common Coot (Fulica atra), in a homogeneous habitat during the wintering period. The results indicated that under the combined action of similar influencing factors, the gut microbiota of different host species did not undergo adaptive convergence, maintained relatively independent structures, and exhibited host-driven signals. In addition, we also detected various pathogenic genera that may cause outbreaks of periodic infections among sympatric migratory birds. We conclude that phylosymbiosis may occur between some wild birds and their gut microbiota. Usage of non-invasive methods to monitor the changes in the gut microbiota of wild bird fecal samples has important implications for the conservation of endangered species.
Homology-based reconstruction of regulatory networks for bacterial and archaeal genomes
Authors: Romero Luis , Contreras-Riquelme Sebastian , Lira Manuel , Martin Alberto J. M. , Perez-Rueda Ernesto
Published: July 2022

Gene regulation is a key process for all microorganisms, as it allows them to adapt to different environmental stimuli. However, despite the relevance of gene expression control, for only a handful of organisms is there related information about genome regulation. In this work, we inferred the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of bacterial and archaeal genomes by comparisons with six organisms with well-known regulatory interactions. The references we used are: Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, Bacillus subtilis 168, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium LT2, and Staphylococcus aureus N315. To this end, the inferences were achieved in two steps. First, the six model organisms were contrasted in an all-vs-all comparison of known interactions based on Transcription Factor (TF)-Target Gene (TG) orthology relationships and Transcription Unit (TU) assignments. In the second step, we used a guilt-by-association approach to infer the GRNs for 12,230 bacterial and 649 archaeal genomes based on TF-TG orthology relationships of the six bacterial models determined in the first step. Finally, we discuss examples to show the most relevant results obtained from these inferences. A web server with all the predicted GRNs is available at https://regulatorynetworks.unam.mx/ or http://132.247.46.6/.
YWHAG inhibits influenza a virus replication by suppressing the release of viral M2 protein
Authors: Mao Haiying , Cao Lei , Xu Ting , Xia Xiaohan , Ren Peilei , Han Pengfei , Li Chengfei , Hui Xianfeng , Lin Xian , Huang Kun , Jin Meilin
Published: July 2022

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a serious threat to human life and property. The IAV matrix protein 2 (M2) is significant in viral budding. Increasing studies have proven the important roles of host factors in IAV replication. In this study, immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry revealed that the host protein tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG), which belongs to the 14-3-3 protein scaffold family, interacts with M2. Their interactions were further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy of virus-infected HeLa cells. Moreover, we constructed YWHAG-KO and YWHAG-overexpressing cells and found that YWHAG knockout significantly increased viral production, whereas its overexpression reduced the titer of virus progeny. Therefore, YWHAG is a negative regulatory factor during IAV infection. Further, YWHAG knockout or overexpression had no effect on the binding, entry, or viral RNA replication in the early stages of the virus life cycle. On the contrary, it impaired the release of virions at the plasma membrane as determined using transmission electron microscopy and suppressed the M2-mediated budding of the influenza virus. Importantly, the H158F mutation of YWHAG was found to affect interaction with M2 and its budding. Collectively, our work demonstrates that YWHAG is a novel cellular regulator that targets and mediates the interaction and release of M2.
Changes in the Species and Functional Composition of Activated Sludge Communities Revealed Mechanisms of Partial Nitrification Established by Ultrasonication
Authors: Xue Yu , Zheng Min , Wu Shuang , Liu Yanchen , Huang Xia
Published: July 2022

To achieve energy-efficient shortcut nitrogen removal of wastewater in the future, selective elimination of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) while enriching ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms is a crucial step. However, the underlying mechanisms of partial nitrification are still not well understood, especially the newly discovered ultrasound-based partial nitrification. To elucidate this issue, in this study two bioreactors were set up, with one established partial nitrification by ultrasonication while the other didn't. During the operation of both reactors, the taxonomic and functional composition of the microbial community were investigated through metagenomics analysis. The result showed that during ultrasonic partial nitrification, ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA),Nitrososphaerales, was enriched more than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB),Nitrosomonas. The enrichment of microorganisms in the community increased the abundance of genes involved in microbial energy generation from lipid and carbohydrates. On the other hand, the abundance of NOB,NitrospiraandNitrolancea, and ComammoxNitrospiradecreased. Selective inhibition of NOB was highly correlated with genes involved in signal transduction enzymes, such as encoding histidine kinase and serine/threonine kinase. These findings provided deep insight into partial nitrification and contributed to the development of shortcut nitrification in wastewater treatment plants.
Nitrate exposure reprograms hepatic amino acid and nutrient sensing pathways prior to exercise: A metabolomic and transcriptomic investigation in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Keller Rosa M. , Beaver Laura M. , Prater Mary C. , Truong Lisa , Tanguay Robyn L. , Stevens Jan F. , Hord Norman G.
Published: July 2022

Scope: Nitrate supplementation is a popular ergogenic aid that improves exercise performance by reducing oxygen consumption during exercise. We investigated the effect of nitrate exposure and exercise on metabolic pathways in zebrafish liver.

Materials and methods: Fish were exposed to sodium nitrate (606.9 mg/L), or control water, for 21 days and analyzed at intervals during an exercise test. We utilized untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and measured gene expression of 24 genes central to energy metabolism and redox signaling.

Results: We observed a greater abundance of metabolites involved in endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and amino acid metabolism in nitrate-treated liver at rest, compared to rested controls. In the absence of exercise, nitrate treatment upregulated expression of genes central to nutrient sensing (pgc1a), protein synthesis (mtor) and purine metabolism (pnp5a and ampd1) and downregulated expression of genes involved in mitochondrial fat oxidation (acaca and cpt2).

Conclusion: Our data support a role for sub-chronic nitrate treatment in the improvement of exercise performance, in part, by improving NO bioavailability, sparing arginine, and modulating hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycolytic capacity in the liver.
Advances in Adaptive Scheduling in Industry 4.0
Authors: Mourtzis Dimitris
Published: July 2022

The shift of traditional mass-producing industries towards mass customisation practices is nowadays evident. However, if not implemented properly, mass customisation can lead to disturbances in material flow and severe reduction in productivity. Moreover, manufacturing enterprises often face the challenge of manufacturing highly customized products in small lot sizes. One solution to adapt to the ever-changing demands, which increases resource flexibility, lies in the digitization of the manufacturing systems. Furthermore, the distributed manufacturing environment and the ever-increasing product variety and complexity result in reduced time-to market, ubiquitous data access and sharing and adaptability and responsiveness to changes. These requirements can be achieved through smart manufacturing tools and especially Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Thus, the aim of this position paper is to summarize the design and development of solutions based on cutting-edge technologies such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Simulation, 5G, and so on. Concretely, the first part discusses the development of a Cloud-based production planning and control system for discrete manufacturing environments. The proposed approach takes into consideration capacity constraints, lot sizing and priority control in a “bucket-less” manufacturing environment. Then, an open and interoperable Internet of Things platform is discussed, which is enhanced by innovative tools and methods that transform them into Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), supporting smart customized shopping, through gathering customers’ requirements, adaptive production, and logistics of vending machines replenishment and Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Manufacturing. To that end, all the proposed methodologies are validated using data derived from Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine building industry, from European Metal-cutting and mold-making SMEs, from white goods industry and SMEs that produces solar panels.
Effects of combined cognitive and physical intervention on enhancing cognition in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Kaiyue , Tang Zhiqing , Bai Zirong , Su Wenlong , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2022

Background

Combined cognitive and physical intervention is commonly used as a non-pharmacological therapy to improve cognitive function in older adults, but it is uncertain whether combined intervention can produce stronger cognitive gains than either single cognitive or sham intervention. To address this uncertainty, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of combined intervention on cognition in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We systematically searched eight databases for relevant articles published from inception to November 1, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were used to compare the effects of the combined intervention with a single cognitive or sham intervention on cognition in older adults with and without MCI aged ≥ 50 years. We also searched Google Scholar, references of the included articles, and relevant reviews. Two independent reviewers performed the article screening, data extraction, and bias assessment. GRADEpro was used to rate the strength of evidence, and RevMan software was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis, comprising eight studies of cognitively healthy older adults and nine studies of older adults with MCI. The meta-analysis showed that the combined intervention significantly improved most cognitive functions and depression (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI 0.54–1.43, p < 0.0001) in older adults compared to the control groups, but the intervention effects varied by cognition domains. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the maintenance between the combined and sham interventions (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI −0.58–3.27, p = 0.17). The subgroup analysis also showed that there was no statistical difference in the combined intervention to improve global cognition, memory, attention, and executive function between cognitive healthy older adults and older adults with MCI.

Conclusions

Combined intervention improves cognitive functions in older adults with and without MCI, especially in global cognition, memory, and executive function. However, there was no statistical difference in the efficacy of the combined intervention to improve cognition between cognitive healthy older adults and older adults with MCI. Moreover, the maintenance of the combined intervention remains unclear due to the limited follow-up data and high heterogeneity. In the future, more stringent study designs with more follow-ups are needed further to explore the effects of combined intervention in older adults.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42021292490.
Age Effects on Neural Discriminability and Monitoring Process During Memory Retrieval for Auditory Words
Authors: Shao Xuhao , Liu Wenzhi , Guo Ying , Zhu Bi
Published: July 2022

After hearing a list of words (e.g., dream, awake, and bed), older adults tended to have more difficulty than younger adults in distinguishing targets (e.g., dream) from lures (e.g., sleep) and foils (e.g., pen) in a visual recognition test. Age-related reduction in neural discriminability in the visual cortex has been linked to deficits in memory discriminability of pictures. However, no study has examined age differences in auditory discrimination and prefrontal monitoring during true and false memory retrieval after hearing words. The current study used a visual recognition test following an auditory study of words and showed that older adults had lower true recognition and higher propensity for high-confidence false recognition compared to young adults. Using classification-based multivariate pattern analysis for functional neuroimaging data during memory retrieval, we found that neural activation patterns in the primary auditory cortex could be used to distinguish between auditorily-studied targets and unstudied lures in young adults, but not in older adults. Moreover, prefrontal monitoring for lures was weaker in older adults as compared to young adults. Individual differences analysis showed that neural discriminability in the primary auditory cortex was positively related to true recognition, whereas prefrontal activation for lures was negatively related to the propensity for high-confidence false recognition in young adults but not in older adults. Together, age differences in true and false memories following auditory study are associated with reduced neural discriminability in the primary auditory cortex and reduced prefrontal monitoring during retrieval.