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Slowly sinking small particles in surface seawater are proven to be one of the major contributors to the mesopelagic carbon flux. Phytoplankton can respond rapidly to changes in the marine environment, so assessing the efficiency of their downward export can better constrain the relationship between carbon biomass and sinking fluxes. Here, we measured the sinking rates of individual phytoplankton (φindiv) after being subjected to Luzon cold eddy (LCE), warm eddy (WE) and spring warm pool (SWP), and explored the main influencing factors affecting cell sinking. The φindiv in the euphotic zone of the central South China Sea (ceSCS) was measured using the SETCOL method during the inter-monsoon period in April 2017. Diatoms (mainly rod-shaped) were sinking faster under the influence of SWP, with the highest carbon fluxes in the surface layer; WE leading to slow sinking of dinoflagellates, rapid sinking of cyanobacteria and a significant reduction in the number of phytoplankton species; diatoms sinking slowly due to the LCE. The φindiv of cylinder-shaped and rhombus-shaped cells in diatoms and fusiform-shaped and ellipsoid-shaped cells in dinoflagellates were significantly modulated by cell size. The setae structure of Chaetoceros can modulate the sinking behavior well in different environments. Our results indicate that in the open ocean, the shape and size of cells, the unique ecological niches of different species, and the original localization of cells are essential for the modulation of sinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Root system architecture (RSA) exhibits significant genetic variability and is closely associated with drought tolerance. However, the evaluation of drought-tolerant cotton cultivars based on RSA in the field conditions is still underexplored. Results: So, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of drought tolerance based on physiological and morphological traits (i.e., aboveground and RSA, and yield) within a rain-out shelter, with two water treatments: well-watered (75 ± 5% soil relative water content) and drought stress (50 ± 5% soil relative water content). The results showed that principal component analysis identified six principal components, including highlighting the importance of root traits and canopy parameters in influencing drought tolerance. Moreover, the systematic cluster analysis was used to classify 80 cultivars into 5 categories, including drought-tolerant cultivars, relatively drought-tolerant cultivars, intermediate cultivars, relatively drought-sensitive cultivars, and drought-sensitive cultivars. Further validation of the drought tolerance index showed that the yield drought tolerance index and biomass drought tolerance index of the drought-tolerant cultivars were 8.97 and 5.05 times higher than those of the drought-sensitive cultivars, respectively. Conclusions: The RSA of drought-tolerant cultivars was characterised by a significant increase in average length-all lateral roots, a significant decrease in average lateral root emergence angle and a moderate root/shoot ratio. In contrast, the drought-sensitive cultivars showed a significant decrease in average length-all lateral roots and a significant increase in both average lateral root emergence angle and root/shoot ratio. It is therefore more comprehensive and accurate to assess field crop drought tolerance by considering root performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe microvascular complication frequently associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relevance of PI3K/Akt pathway polymorphisms and DKD susceptibility by a meta‐analysis. Methods: Case–control studies related to the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway polymorphisms and DKD risk were searched from Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SINOMED, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Statistical analysis and heterogeneity test were conducted by Review Manager 5.4. Results: Totally, 52 eligible studies were enrolled, including seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for four genes in the PI3K/AKT pathway (GNB3: rs5443; eNOS: rs1799983, rs869109213, rs2070744; IL‐6: rs1800795, rs1800796; TNFα: rs1800629). The "M" allele of eNOS rs1799983 was related to the increased risk of DKD under random effects model, especially in Asian population (Overall:M vs. W: I2 = 75%, OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.07–1.56; MM + WM vs. WW: I2 = 75%, OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.21–1.86). The "M" allele of eNOS rs869109213 was implicated with higher prevalence of DKD under random effects model, especially in Asian population (Overall:M vs. W: I2 = 63%, OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.22–1.68; MM + WM vs. WW: I2 = 50%, OR = 1.36, 95%CI 1.16–1.58; MM vs. WM + WW: I2 = 59%, OR = 2.20, 95%CI 1.41–3.43). The "M" allele of eNOS rs2070744 was implicated with higher prevalence of DKD under random effects model, especially in Indian population (Overall: M vs. W: I2 = 47%, OR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.15–1.59; MM + WM vs. WW: I2 = 45%, OR = 1.32, 95%CI 1.07–1.62; MM vs. WM + WW: I2 = 65%, OR = 2.29, 95%CI 1.39–3.77). The "M" allele of IL‐6 rs1800796 was predominately associated with higher DKD risks under random effects model, especially in Asian population (Overall: M versus W: I2 = 23%, OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.21–1.84; MM + WM vs. WW: I2 = 1%, OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.15–1.77; MM + WM vs. WW: I2 = 71%, OR = 2.77, 95%CI 1.09–7.06). Conclusions: This meta‐analysis indicated that polymorphisms in the PI3K/Akt pathway in eNOS rs1799983, rs869109213, rs2070744, and IL‐6 rs1800796 were related to the increased risk of DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of Panax Linn products available in the market is threatened by adulteration with different Panax species, such as Panax quinquefolium (PQ), Panax ginseng (PG), and Panax notoginseng (PN). In this paper, we established a 2D band-selective heteronuclear single quantum coherence (bs-HSQC) NMR method to discriminate species and detect adulteration of Panax Linn. The method involves selective excitation of the anomeric carbon resonance region of saponins and non-uniform sampling (NUS) to obtain high-resolution spectra in less than 10 min. The combined strategy overcomes the signal overlap limitation in 1H NMR and the long acquisition time in traditional HSQC. The present results showed that twelve well-separated resonance peaks can be assigned in the bs-HSQC spectra, which are of high resolution, good repeatability, and precision. Notably, the identification accuracy of species was found to be 100% for all tests conducted in the present study. Furthermore, in combination with multivariate statistical methods, the proposed method can effectively determine the composition proportion of adulterants (from 10% to 90%). Based on the PLS-DA models, the identification accuracy was greater than 80% when composition proportion of adulterants was 10%. Thus, the proposed method may provide a fast, practical, and effective analysis technique for food quality control or authenticity identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root system architecture (RSA) plays an important role in soil water uptake and plant growth. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the connection between the changes in RSA characteristics under drought stress in cotton plants and their drought tolerance and yield. This study aims to evaluate the RSA variations in different drought-tolerant cotton cultivars under drought stress, and to assess the correlation between RSA, drought tolerance, and yield. Three drought-tolerant cotton cultivars and three drought-sensitive cotton cultivars were grown in a field equipped with rain shelters to prevent interference from rainfall. Drought stress was initiated at the three-leaf stage, maintaining the soil relative water content at 50 ± 5%, while control plants were irrigated normally at 75 ± 5% soil water content. Multiple parameters, including leaf water potential, relative water content, seed cotton yield, and RSA traits, were assessed. Notable variations in drought tolerance were observed among different cultivars when exposed to drought stress. Specifically, drought-tolerant cultivars exhibited a 34% increase in the average length of all lateral roots and a 15% increase in maximum root depth under drought stress. In contrast, seed cotton yield experienced a reduction of 22.34% in such conditions. Interestingly, there were significant differences in several RSA traits under drought stress, which were not evident under well-watered. Leaf water potential and relative water content were positively correlated with specific root length, dry root weight, average length of all lateral roots and maximum depth, and negatively correlated with average lateral root emergence angle and width/depth ratio. These results underscore the close association between RSA traits and plant drought tolerance. There was also a strong correlation between the seed cotton yield and RSA traits. Specifically, seed cotton yield increased linearly with specific root length, average lengths of lateral roots, and maximum depth, but decreased linearly with root tissue density, and average lateral root emergence angle and width/depth ratio. Optimizing RSA improves drought tolerance and reduces yield loss in drought-tolerant cotton cultivars. Understanding of the role of RSA in plant adaptation to drought stress is important for selecting and developing high-yielding cultivars with superior drought tolerance. This knowledge holds great significance in improving cotton resilience and facilitating adapting to abiotic stress through genetic improvement or agronomic measures. • Genotypic variation in root system architecture (RSA) was revealed under drought. • Root system architecture plays important roles in cotton drought tolerance. • There is a significant coefficient of variation in RSA under drought. • Optimizing RSA can improve cotton drought tolerance and minimize yield loss under drought.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of myopia in elementary school students and to assess the risk factors for myopia. Methods. This school-based cross-sectional study was performed on students from two elementary schools in Jiaojiang, Taizhou City, China. A total of 556 students, whose age ranged from 9 to 12 years, were included. The uncorrected visual acuity and noncycloplegic refractive error tests were performed to determine the myopia. Each student was asked to fulfill the questionnaire about the possible factors associated with myopia. Multivariate logistic analyses of risk factors were conducted. Results. The overall prevalence of myopia among those students was 63.7%, ranged from 53.4% in grade 4 to 72.5% in grade 6. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that adjusting the height of desks and chairs according to the changing height and the presence of myopia in parents were significantly associated with myopia in these students, respectively. Conclusions. Our results showed that myopia among elementary school students was associated with environmental and hereditary factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aortic endothelial cells, the TGFβ signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which encodes a potent angiogenic factor crucial for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a member of the TGFβ family and its effect on VEGF expression in human granulosa cells is unknown. In this study, human granulosa cells were collected from patients during the course of oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization and were cultured in vitro. After the first 48 h of culture, cells were treated with GDF9 with or without SB431542 (an ALK5 inhibitor) at various doses. The medium was then collected to determine the concentration of VEGF by ELISA. Cellular RNA was collected and extracted for quantification by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR. Our study showed that GDF9 suppressed VEGF release from human granulosa cells in a dose-dependent manner and also downregulated VEGF mRNA levels in these cells. Furthermore, SB431542 antagonized the suppression of VEGF mRNA by GDF9 and diminished the inhibitory effect of GDF9 on VEGF release by human granulosa cells. Our results indicated that GDF9 can inhibit VEGF expression in human granulosa cells and ALK5 might mediate this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous systematic reviews have reported that cesarean birth is associated with reduced rate of subsequent fertility. However, other common mode of delivery was poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the subsequent fertility in patients having different modes of non-spontaneous vaginal delivery, if compared to normal vaginal delivery.Study Designs: Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, Embase (via Dialog), CENTRAL (via Cochrane Library), ScienceDirect (via Elsevier) and ClinicalTrial.gov were searched up to October 2019, without language restrictions in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles assessing the mode of delivery and subsequent fertility were included. Quality assessment was evaluated using the nine-point Newcastle Ottawa Scale by two independent reviewers.Results: Twenty-one articles, including 4,423,544 women of reproductive age, were included. Results showed that women had a 9% (RR: 0.91 [95 %CI 0.88, 0.94]) lower probability of subsequent fertility in primary cesarean birth group, compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery. Further analysis discovered that a 13 % (0.87, [0.85, 0.90]) lower probability of subsequent fertility was observed in women delivered by emergency cesarean birth, a 14 % (0.86, [0.82, 0.91) lower probability by elective cesarean birth, a 39 % (0.61, [0.57, 0.66]) by maternal-requested cesarean birth, and a 2% (0.98, [0.97, 1.00]) by instrumental vaginal delivery.Conclusions: Non-spontaneous vaginal delivery may be associated with lower probability of subsequent fertility. Decision makers and obstetricians should be cautious when choosing the mode of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proximal tubular cells (PTCs) play a critical role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). As one of important progenitor markers, CD133 was reported to indicate the regeneration of dedifferentiated PTCs in acute kidney disease. However, its role in chronic DKD is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression patterns and elucidate its functional significance of CD133 in DKD. Methods: Data mining was employed to illustrate the expression and molecular function of CD133 in PTCs in human DKD. Subsequently, rat models representing various stages of DKD progression were established. The expression of CD133 was confirmed in DKD rats, as well as in human PTCs (HK-2 cells) and rat PTCs (NRK-52E cells) exposed to high glucose. The immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques were utilized to determine the expression patterns of CD133, utilizing proliferative and injury indicators. After overexpression or knockdown of CD133 in HK-2 cells, the cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by EdU assay, real-time cell analysis and flow analysis. Additionally, the evaluation of epithelial, progenitor cell, and apoptotic indices was performed through western blot and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Results: The expression of CD133 was notably elevated in both human and rat PTCs in DKD, and this expression increased as DKD progressed. CD133 was found to be co-expressed with CD24, KIM-1, SOX9, and PCNA, suggesting that CD133+ cells were damaged and associated with proliferation. In terms of functionality, the knockdown of CD133 resulted in a significant reduction in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis in HK-2 cells compared to the high glucose stimulus group. Conversely, the overexpression of CD133 significantly mitigated high glucose-induced cell apoptosis, but had no impact on cellular proliferation. Furthermore, the Nephroseq database provided additional evidence to support the correlation between CD133 expression and the progression of DKD. Analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data revealed that CD133+ PTCs potentially play a role in the advancement of DKD through multiple mechanisms, including heat damage, cell microtubule stabilization, cell growth inhibition and tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the upregulation of CD133 is linked to cellular proliferation and protects PTC from apoptosis in DKD and high glucose induced PTC injury. We propose that heightened CD133 expression may facilitate cellular self-protective responses during the initial stages of high glucose exposure. However, its sustained increase is associated with the pathological progression of DKD. In conclusion, CD133 exhibits dual roles in the advancement of DKD, necessitating further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Colonization dynamics in community functioning showed different models among four depths. • Temporal variations in functional distinctness showed different trends among four depths. • The homogeneity of mature samples showed a decreasing trend from depths 1 to 5 m. • The functional distinctness is a useful tool to determine the homogeneity of ciliate communities. • The approach is needed to make an optimal sampling strategy for ciliate colonization surveys. Abstract Functional diversity/distinctness, as important biodiversity parameters of a community, have proved to be a feasible tool to summarize ecosystem functions and community structures both ecological research and monitoring program. For determining the homogeneity in community functioning of periphytic ciliates during colonization process, a 1-month baseline survey was conducted at four depths of 1, 2, 3.5 and 5 m in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. The colonization dynamics in functional trait distribution of periphytic ciliates generally showed different temporal variations during colonization period at four depths. The functional diversity (Δ χ), functional distinctness (Δ* χ), average functional distinctness (Δ χ +) and variation in functional distinctness (Λ χ +) indices generally represented different models within colonization process at four depths. Ellipse test on the paired functional distinctness measures (Δ χ + - Λ χ +) revealed that the mature samples (14–28 days) were inside the expected patterns of community functioning at only one water depth (1 m), although the 14-day communities were fallen into the contours of 10 sub-list size at the other two water layers (2 and 3.5 m). These findings suggest that the functional distinctness measures might be a useful indicator to determine the optimal sampling strategy with high homogeneity of community functioning in colonization surveys for marine bioassessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The functional distinctness were generally significantly related to nutrients and pH. • The functional distinctness may detect the departure from an expected functional pattern. • All functional diversity/distinctness measures are not sensitive to samples effort. • The functional distinctness of periphytic ciliates may be used to indicate water quality status. Abstract As trait-based ecological parameters, functional diversity/distinctness measures are robust parameters for biodiversity research by reducing "signal to noisy" ratios due to functional redundancy in a community, and have an advantage for bioassessment due to a statistical framework for testing departure from expectation by combining ecosystem functions and community structure. The effectiveness of four functional diversity/distinctness measurements for water quality assessment was based on a study of additional ciliate datasets for biological evaluation of coastal waters along the Yellow Sea in northern China. A fuzzy-coding trait system was used as a trait pool, which comprised six characters of feeding types, movement features, body size/form/flexibility, and sociability. Results showed that (1) the functional diversity (Δ χ) significantly related to the spatial variation in water transparency; (2) the average functional diversity index (Δ χ +) and variation in functional distinctness (Λ χ +) represented a significant correlation with the changes in pH and nutrients, especially ammonium nitrogen, and soluble active phosphate; and (3) ellipse test for the paired indices (Δ χ + and Λ χ +) revealed a clear departure from an expected functional trait pattern. According to our findings, it is recommended that the functional diversity/distinctness measures may be served as a robust bioindicator of water quality status in marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oro-gastrointestinal stress in the digestive tract is the main stress to which orally administered probiotics are exposed. The regulation of oro-gastrointestinal transit (OGT) stress on the adhesion and survival of probiotics under continuous exposure to simulated salivary-gastric juice-intestinal juice was researched in this study. Results: Lactobacillus plantarum S7 had a higher survival rate after exposure to simulated OGT1 (containing 0.15% bile salt) stress and OGT2 (containing 0.30% bile salt) stress. The adhesion ability of L. plantarum S7 was significantly increased by OGT1 stress (P < 0.05) but was not changed significantly by OGT2 stress (P > 0.05), and this trend was also observed in terms of the thickness of the surface material of L. plantarum S7 cells. The expression of surface proteins of L. plantarum S7, such as the 30 S ribosomal proteins, mucus-binding protein and S-layer protein, was significantly downregulated by OGT stress (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the expression of moonlight proteins, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoglycorate kinase (PGK), beta-phosphoglucomutase (PGM1), GroEL and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (PGI), was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). However, the upregulation of GAPDH, PGK, PGM1 and PGI mediated by OGT1 stress was greater than those mediated by OGT2 stress. The quorum sensing pathway of L. plantarum S7 was changed significantly by OGT stress compared with no OGT stress cells (P < 0.05), and the expression of Luxs in the pathway was significantly upregulated by OGT1 stress (P < 0.05). The ABC transportation pathway was significantly altered by OGT1 stress (P < 0.05), of which the expression of the peptide ABC transporter substrate-binding protein and energy-coupling factor transporter ATP-binding protein EcfA was significantly upregulated by OGT stress (P < 0.05). The glycolide metabolism pathway was significantly altered by OGT1 stress compared with that in response to OGT2 stress (P < 0.05). Conclusion: L. plantarum S7 had a strong ability to resist OGT stress, which was regulated by the proteins and pathways related to OGT stress. The adhesion ability of L. plantarum S7 was enhanced after continuous exposure to OGT1 stress, making it a potential probiotic with a promising future for application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 225 maize kernel samples were collected from Shandong Province in China from 2012 to 2014 and analysed for contamination withFusariumspp. and fumonisins (FBs) using molecular methods and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The results showed that the average incidences ofFusariumspp. in 2012, 2013 and 2014 were 23.3%, 37.1% and 36.5%, respectively,Fusarium verticillioidesbeing the predominant species. In 2012, the average contamination level of FBs was 3071 ng g−1, which was higher than that in 2014 (2913 ng g−1) and 2013 (2072 ng g−1). Of all samples, 13% and 19% had FB contamination levels higher than 2000 and 4000 ng g−1, which are the maximum limits as set by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States and the European Commission, respectively. Therefore, efforts should be taken to minimise the potential risk of FBs to the health of humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been linked to a state of low-grade inflammation resulting from abnormalities in the innate immune pathway. MyD88 is an essential adaptor protein for TLR signaling, which is involved in activating NF-κB through IRAK4 and TRAF6. To investigate the effects of the MyD88, IRAK4 and TRAF6 polymorphisms in the susceptibility of T2DM and diabetic vascular complications, eight SNPs were analyzed in 553 T2DM patients and 553 matched healthy controls. Gene-gene interactions and haplotype associations were also evaluated. We found a significant increased risk of T2DM for the AG genotype of rs6853 in MyD88 gene and the CT genotype of rs4251532 in IRAK4 gene. Significant association was also found between rs16928973 in TRAF6 gene and diabetic nephropathy (DN) under the allelic model. Moreover, the TA haplotype in TRAF6 was negatively associated with DN. No significant gene-gene interactions were found. In conclusion, our results indicate that the polymorphisms in TLR-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway confer genetic susceptibility to T2DM and DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 125 maize kernel samples were collected from Hebei province in China during 2011–2013 and were analysed for incidence and contamination levels of fumonisins (FB1 + FB2) by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The incidence of FBs for all samples was 46.4%. The mean contamination level of FBs for the samples collected in 2013 was 706 μg kg−1, which was higher than the levels in 2012 (429 μg kg−1) and 2011 (250 μg kg−1). All samples, except five, exhibited total FB levels below 4000 μg kg−1, which is the maximum limit as set by the European Commission. The probable daily intakes of FBs (0.04 in 2011; 0.07 in 2012; 0.12 in 2013, expressed as μg kg−1body weight/day) were all within the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 2.0 μg kg−1of body weight/day as set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Nevertheless, monitoring is needed to prevent and control the potential risk of FB exposure to the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To explore a wireless sensor network (WSN) system and node deployment in persimmon orchards, this paper focused on the wireless network signal transmission under the 2.4 GHz radio channel in the persimmon orchard when it was in the germination stage, young leaves stage, and flowering stage, three growth periods. A row of persimmon tress in the growth period was selected. By adjusting the height and distance of the node and father node, the distance from three different heights from 0.80 meters at the bottom of the tree and 1.80m at the most luxuriant foliage location to 2.80 meters at the top of the canopy wee measured. Persimmon trees were measured for each growth period resulting in 72 groups of data. Results showed the LQI value with the change of the distance, the sine curve type attenuation trend, and the difference was obvious in the three growth periods. The radio signal attenuation data measured the worst minimal in the flowering stage, because the branches and leaves of signal reflection, refraction, and absorption was the most serious in this period. It is showed that the best effective transmission distance of each column of trees was 38m when child nodes and father nodes are on the top of the canopy (2.80 m) in germination, while in the young leaves stage, the height of the child nodes and father nodes are located in the top of the canopy, when the node is the best place to pitch 32m. In the flowering stage, child nodes and father nodes are on the top of the canopy, and the best distance is 26m. In the case when plant height is not very high, when the device is placed on top of the node, the wireless sensor networks optimal signal transmission distance changes as the degree of lush foliage plants is smaller and smaller. During the experiment, because the orchard in the wild environment was susceptible to the wind, the corresponding external factors, such as the difference of the instantaneous value, sometimes the LQI was big. Based on two data sets, curve fittings were established in the 2.4GHz channel signal attenuation model, which cubic polynomial model maximum correlation was coefficient R squared for an optimal model. A model of R value was the biggest of all. In the germination stage, R squared was 0.754-0.958; in the young leaves stage it was 0.805-0.979; and in the flowering stage it was 0.758-0.991. Wireless sensor network research on orchard signal transmission loss provided the technical basis for the deployment of wireless sensor network nodes in orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal nutrient dynamics regulated by hydrological and biological variables in the southern Yellow Sea (SYS) were studied based on the datasets collected during four cruises: spring (April 28-May 10, 2014), summer (August 17-September 22, 2015), autumn (November 7–17, 2014) and winter (January 13-February 1, 2016). In the present study, by dividing the study area into three distinct current-dominated subregions based on T-S distribution, cluster analysis, and principal components analysis (PCA), we revealed that the response mechanisms of nutrients to physical and biological processes were important. Among all factors, the physical processes, mainly including the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) onset, the Changjiang (Yangtze) Diluted water (CDW) and Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) intrusion and the Yellow Sea Warm Current (YSWC) invasion, were the principal driving force, which significantly changed the inherent balance of nutrient structure. Meanwhile, biological depletion was also a significant factor, especially in the stratified seasons, even though its impact on the nutrient structure could be balanced by vigorous water exchange or vertical mixing. The regional variation of nutrient regime and the regulatory mechanism behind it were revealed at the same time. The coastal area showed strong signs of potential P limitation as a result of excessive dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) entering via terrestrial runoff and anthropogenic activities. The 32 °N transect, which is adjacent to the boundary of the SYS and the East China Sea (ECS), showed varying hydrological features due to the strong intrusion of CDW and TWC. Therefore, P or Si were the main limiting factor for the development of algal biomass. The central study area possessed a comparatively stable water column with the specific existence of the YSCWM present at the bottom, thus acting as a potential nutrient pool. Hence, we hypothesized that the offshore side of the study area tended to be more P and N co-limited, whereas the nutrient cycles in the nearshore side showed significant seasonal and regional variations, which corresponded to the change in physical oceanographic processes and algal biomass. • The study area was divided into three current-driven subregions based on multivariate statistical methods. • The nutrient regime and the regulatory mechanism behind it were revealed between seasons and subregions. • Among all factors, physical processes were defining in controlling nutrient dynamic in the study area. • The central SYS and 32°N transect acted as a potential nutrient pool saving comparable nutrients at the bottom depth. • Different mechanisms caused potential P or Si limitation of coast and P and N co-limitation off shore respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tirzepatide is a novel hypoglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the pathophysiology of T2DM in Asians is different from that in non-Asians, and there is no evidence to explain the differences in the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide between different races. Methods: A literature search was conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov, and Embase databases for clinical studies of tirzepatide for T2DM. The data extraction process was done independently by two authors. All analyses were performed using STATA 14.0 software and Review Manager 5.3 software. Results: A total of 2118 patients with T2DM from 6 studies were involved, with doses of tirzepatide ranging from 5 to 15 mg administered subcutaneously once weekly. The results showed that compared with control/placebo, tirzepatide was more effective in decreasing fasting blood glucose (FBG) in non-Asians than in Asians, and 10 mg rather than 15 mg was the optimal dose to decrease FBG. Similarly, non-Asians were more effective than Asians in improving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Asians were significantly more effective than non-Asians in reducing body weight and ≥ 5% weight loss. In terms of adverse events, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher in Asians than in non-Asians at the same dose, while the incidence of metabolic and nutrition disorders was higher in non-Asians than in Asians. Conclusion: Tirzepatide is a novel agent for the treatment of diabetes and has different efficacy in Asians and non-Asians. Asians were more likely to experience weight loss and gastrointestinal adverse events, whereas non-Asians were more likely to have better glycemic control and more metabolic and nutritional disorders. Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023489588. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct sinking behavior of phytoplankton is an important way for marine carbon pumping and an accurate estimation of the sinking rates of phytoplankton is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the ocean carbon cycle. After comparing all the methods of studying cell sinking behavior for nearly 40 years, we gave a reason for using the SETCOL method. To study the effect of Kuroshio Current (KC), and Tropical Storms (TS) on the sinking rates, we analyzed 672 samples collected from the northeastern part of the South China Sea (neSCS), where the marine environments were highly diverse. KC could increase the total sinking rates, TS transit caused the phytoplankton to sink slower. The effect of nutrients on the sinking rates was minimal in the absence of abnormal sea conditions. Chl- a concentrations showed negative regulation on the sinking rates of KC-affected stations. Nutrients positively regulated the TS-affected stations, and dinoflagellates abundance has negative feedback regulation on the sinking rates. In addition, long rod-shaped diatoms sank fastest and the elliptical dinoflagellates sank significantly slower after being affected by TS. Under the influence of KC, the cell with an equivalent sphere diameter (ESD) of around 10–12 μm, and carbon content per unit volume (CCV) of about 0.5 Pg C cell−1 μm−3 sank fastest. TS resulted in the fastest sinking rates of cells at 15–17 μm. The sinking rates correlated extremely well with ESD in normal sea conditions in a positive linear fashion and slowed down with increasing CCV. We thus suggested that the sinking rates of cells under different marine conditions was closely related to cell size and carbon biomass. In future oceans, it is possible that most phytoplankton in the euphotic layer will be able to maintain themselves in an optimal growth environment consistently by reducing its size or increasing the proportion of biological carbon content in cells. • Sinking rates of phytoplankton in situ were revealed, based on the SETCOL method. • The abnormal marine environment has a unique effect on sinking behavior. • Phytoplankton size, shape and carbon content has a major effect on sinking rates. • Sinking rates responded differently to tropical storm transit before and after. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms underlying prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on reducing urinary protein in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). DKD rats were established and randomly divided into four groups: PGE1 (10 μg/kg/day) (P group), ACEI (10 mg/kg/day) (A group), combination of PGE1 with ACEI treatment (P + A group), and saline treatment group (DKD group). Untreated rats were used as normal control (N group). Urinary albumin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), angiotensin II (AngII), TUNEL assay, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry staining for CD68 were evaluated in all groups. Ten days after treatment, urinary albumin was significantly decreased in the P and P + A groups ( p < 0.01 vs. the DKD group ). At the end of 8 weeks, the albumin was still significantly reduced in the P + A group ( p < 0.05 vs. the A group). ET-1 and AngII were also significantly decreased in three treatment groups ( p < 0.01 vs. the DKD group), especially in the P + A group. Few cells underwent apoptosis in glomerular regions in DKD rats, while amounts of apoptotic cells were seen in tubules regions. Further, apoptosis and the areas of fibrosis in tubulointerstitial were both decreased most in the P + A group compared with the DKD group. Apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells may participate in the development and progression of DKD in rats. Combination of PGE1 with AGEI remarkably protects renal function compared with PGE1 or ACEI monotherapy. The potential therapeutic mechanisms of PGE1 and AGEI might be via multiple targets and, at least in part, through inhibiting the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing stream of research suggests that probiotic fermented milk has a good effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This work aimed to study the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 fermented milk (fermented milk) on rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, and reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in rats fed a high-fat diet (M) for 8 wk, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased. However, the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased with fermented milk (T) for 8 wk, and the number of fat vacuoles in hepatocytes was lower than that in the M group. There were significant differences in 19 metabolites in serum between the M group and the C group (administration of nonfermented milk) and in 17 metabolites between the T group and the M group. The contents of 7 different metabolites, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, thioetheramide-PC, d -aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l -glutamate, were significantly increased in the M group rat serum, and l-palmitoyl carnitine, N6-methyl-l-lysine, thymine, and 2-oxadipic acid were significantly decreased. In the T group rat serum, the contents of 8 different metabolites—1-O-(cis -9-octadecenyl)-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acetylcarnitine, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, d -aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l -glutamate were significantly decreased, whereas creatinine and thymine were significantly increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 50 metabolic pathways were enriched in the M/C group and T/M group rat serum, of which 12 metabolic pathways were significantly different, mainly distributed in lipid metabolism, amino acid, and endocrine system metabolic pathways. Fermented milk ameliorated inflammation, oxygenation, and hepatocyte injury by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolic pathways, and related metabolites in the serum of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chief function of sub-nozzle of impact sprinkler is to increase the near precipitation depth, thereby improving the uniformity of sprinkler irrigation. In this study, flow field simulation combined with experimental validation method was applied to optimize the key structural parameters (elevation angle and position) of impact sprinkler. Nine kinds of elevation angles and positions of sub-nozzle combinations were designed with the established three-dimensional structures of the impact sprinkler by Pro/E software. The three-dimensional inner flow channel model of impact sprinkler with nine kinds of sub-nozzle structure was established. The inner flow channel simulations of all kinds of impact sprinkler were performed by FLUENT of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Considering structural feature, the precision requirement, the procession quality, and the cost of product, the SLA RPT (Stereo lithography Apparatus Rapid Prototyping Technology) was selected to prototype the impact sprinkler with nine kinds of sub-nozzle. The nine kinds of models were processed into samples for experimental verification. Under the rectangular combinations, four interpolation methods (distance interpolation method, linear interpolation method, cubic interpolation method and cubic spline interpolation method) were used to calculate the Christiansen uniformity coefficient and nine kinds of water pressure distribution models were established by Sprinkler 3D software in two-dimensional interpolation method. The result showed that the impact sprinklers with sixth sub-nozzle (position parameter of 19.8 mm, the elevation angle parameter of 18°) performed more reliable. The study about sub-nozzle of impact sprinkler's structural parameters improved the nozzle near water distribution effectively. Its flow rate of simulation was biggest. The yield of water distribution in 2-12 m could maintain good uniformity. And the sprinkler range of the sixth sub-nozzle was more than 14 m, better than before and increased by more than 2 m. The sprinkler irrigation uniformity was calculated with the four different interpolation methods and results were increased obviously. Under the pressure of 250 and 300 kPa (especially the pressure of 300 kPa), the Christiansen uniformity coefficient both was more than 80%, which was an increase of 4% and 5% above than before. With the increase of the pressure, Christiansen uniformity coefficient was still consistent generally. The structural parameters of sub-nozzle (position parameter of 19.8 mm and the elevation angle parameter of 18°) of impact sprinklers were more reasonable. This study provides valuable information for structural design of sub-nozzle, impact sprinkler and sprinkler system optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusariumspecies, which can produce mycotoxins, are the predominant pathogens causing maize ear rot, a disease that results in severe economic losses and serves as a potential health risk for humans and animals. A survey was conducted in 2012 to investigate the contamination of maize byFusariumspecies and fumonisins B1and B2. A total of 250 maize samples were randomly collected from nine provinces (Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Ningxia) in China.Fusariumspecies were isolated and identified using morphological (electron microscope) and molecular methods (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing). Fumonisins B1and B2were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) with OPA (2-Mercaptoethanol, o-phthaldialdehyde) post-column derivatisation. A total of 2321Fusariumisolates (20.7%) were obtained from all the samples. These isolates included nineFusariumspecies, namely,F. graminearum,F. verticillioides,F. subglutinans,F. proliferatum,F. temperatum,F. oxysporum,F. equiseti,F. meridionaleandF. chlamydosporum. The incidence of occurrence ofFusariumspecies in Guizhou was the highest, while in Inner Mongolia it was the lowest.F. verticillioideswas the dominant species of maize ear rot in Liaoning, Sichuan, Hebei and Ningxia.F. graminearumwas the dominant species in Yunnan, Guizhou and Shanxi.F. subglutinanswas the dominant species in Heilongjiang.F. verticillioidesandF. graminearumpercentages were the same in Inner Mongolia. The incidence of fumonisins in Liaoning was high (up to 81.0%) and in Heilongjiang low (up to 10.3%). Except Shanxi, more than 50% of maize samples from other provinces were contaminated with fumonisins, with concentrations less than 500 ng g−1. About 33% of maize samples from Yunnan were contaminated with high levels of fumonisins, and average of fumonisin levels were 5191 ng g−1.Fusariumspecies causing maize ear rot in different areas in China were highly diverse and such areas with exposure to high levels of fumonisin contamination have a potential health risk for human and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Herein, we anchored Cu atoms with four N atoms into waste adsorbent-based biochar (SACu 30 @NC) containing both Cu(I) and Cu(II) to explore the role of different Cu valences for PDS activation mechanism. The atomic Cu was identified as the active site, and Cu(III) and electron shuttle process dominated organics degradation in SACu 30 @NC/PDS system. Therein, Cu(I) preferred to activate the adsorbed PDS to produce Cu(III) (Cu(I)N 4 -PDS→Cu(II)N 4 -SO 4 •-→Cu(III)N 4 -SO 4 2-), whereas PDS adsorbed on Cu(II) surface was more likely to extract electrons from organic pollutants directly. Benefiting from non-radical process, SACu 30 @NC exhibited selective and anti-interference performance for organic pollutants in complex matrixes. The promising catalytic activity of SACu 30 @NC (BPA=50 mg/L, 100% within 180 min) with low Cu leaching (<0.1 mg/L) in continuous-flow experiments further revealed the potential of SACu 30 @NC for practical applications. This work provides new insights into the PDS activation mechanism by single-atom Cu catalysts and develops an efficient approach for practical wastewater purification. [Display omitted] • High-performance and low-cost SACu@NC was prepared from waste biosorbent. • Cu-N4 sites were identified as the key sites in SACu@NC/PDS system. • Cu(I) in SACu@NC preferred to activate the adsorbed PDS to produce Cu(III) species. • Electron shuttle process was more possibly caused by Cu(II) in SACu@NC. • SACu@NC showed superior catalytic activity and stability in continuous-flow tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine picophytoplankton (Pico) as a major contributor to primary productivity in oligotrophic waters, play a very important role in marine material cycle and energy conversion, and their key role in the carbon cycle and global climate change is increasingly emphasized. To study the factors affecting the dynamic distribution of Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus, and picoeukaryotes in the East China Sea (ECS), a marginal sea of the Northwest Pacific, we investigated 27 stations in May 2017, and collected 148 samples of Pico and nutrients from the surface to the bottom. By means of flow cytometry, the abundance of Pico was measured, and then we estimated the carbon biomass and analyzed the distribution of Pico. Finally, combined with the ECS unique geographical situation and hydrological regime, we evaluated various factors affecting the Pico in the ECS. In Pico community, the picoeukaryotes cell abundance was between 0.49×102−1.44×104 cells/mL. Prochlorococcus ranged from 1.36×103−3.47×104 cells/mL and Synechococcus ranged from 0.69×103−1.15×105 cells/mL. Synechococcus was the most, both in abundance and in carbon biomass. Picoeukaryotes were the least in abundance, but has larger contribution to carbon biomass than Prochlorococcus. Water temperature, salinity, and stability of water column influenced Pico distribution. Picoeukaryotes were abundant in the shelf sea, whereas Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus were detected in the northeast of Taiwan, China. This study provided basic information for the study of Pico communities in the ECS and its adjacent marine ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Marine microbes are regarded as the most diverse organisms in the biosphere and drive biogeochemical cycles through their metabolism. It is essential to understand the structure and metabolic function of microbial communities. The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world, and it possesses unique hydrographical properties. So far, assessments of microbial diversity and metabolism need to be improved in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, we carried out a series of investigations in the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean in order to clarify the local microbial communities and detect the genetic potential for microbial functions. The obtained results suggested Cyanobacteria was the dominant microbial group, and predicted the Calvin cycle and the assimilatory nitrate and nitrite reduction played important role in the pathway of carbon fixation and nitrogen metabolism respectively. This study provides insights into microbial community structures as well as the metabolic potential that may be active in the local environment, and lays the groundwork for understanding the roles of microbes in energy and resource cycling in this habitat. Currently, there is scant information about the biodiversity and functional diversity of microbes in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO). Here, we used a combination of high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and a metagenomic approach to investigate the microbial population structure and its metabolic function in the equatorial EIO. Our results show that Cyanobacterial Prochlorococcus made up the majority of the population. Interestingly, there were fewer contributions from clades SAR11 (Alphaproteobacteria) and SAR86 (Gammaproteobacteria) to microbial communities than contributions from Prochlorococcus. Based on functional gene analysis, functional genes rbcL, narB, and nasA were relatively abundant among the relevant genes. The abundance of Prochlorococcus implies its typically ecological adaptation in the local ecosystem. The microbial metabolic potential shows that in addition to the main carbon fixation pathway Calvin cycle, the rTCA cycle and the 3-HP/4-HB cycle have potential alternative carbon fixation contributions to local ecosystems. For the nitrogen cycle, the assimilatory nitrate and nitrite reduction pathway is potentially the crucial form of nitrogen utilization; unexpectedly, nitrogen fixation activity was relatively weak. This study extends our knowledge of the roles of microbes in energy and resource cycling in the EIO and provides a foundation for revealing profound biogeochemical processes driven by the microbial community in the ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Yugengtongyu granules on reducing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among SCAD population. One hundred fourteen patients were randomly assigned to experimental group (n = 57) and control group (n = 57) following randomized block design. Combined with the basis of standard treatment of SCAD, the experimental group and control group received Yugengtongyu granules or placebo, respectively, twice daily for 6 months and were followed for another 1 year (18 months in total from enrollment). Major outcomes (any occurrence of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization), minor outcomes (any occurrence of all-cause death, ischemic stroke, readmission due to unstable angina, heart failure, or malignant arrhythmia), and composite outcomes (union of major and minor outcomes) were used to evaluate prognosis; Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) was applied to evaluate QOL, and levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high sensitive C reacting protein (HS-CRP) in serum were tested. Results: The incidence of composite outcomes in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (3 [5.2%] vs. 11 [19.2%], hazard ratio: 0.273, 95% confidence interval: 0.080–0.926, p = 0.022); major outcomes, minor outcomes, and independent events such as nonfatal myocardial infarction showed lowering trend in experimental group. Experimental group scored significantly higher than control group in four dimensions of SAQ: physical limitation, angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception at the third- and sixth-month follow-up; there was no significant difference in serum level of LDL or HS-CRP at all scheduled timepoints. Conclusion: The addition of Yugengtongyu granules based on current standard treatment reduced the incidence of composite outcomes and improved QOL in patients with SCAD. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13004370). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is the major environmental factor that inhibits the growth and reduces the yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The exogenous application of melatonin has been shown to alleviate drought stress damage, but it is unclear whether melatonin mediates the alleviation by preventing the drought-induced inhibition of root growth. To address this gap, we subjected cotton plants grown in RhizoPotsto treatments of thorough watering, drought stress treatment, and drought stress supplemented with exogenous melatonin. Melatonin promoted the aboveground growth compared with the non-melatonin treatment under drought stress, and increased the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, SPAD value, and net photosynthetic rate. The application of melatonin significantly prevented the drought-induced yield losses by increasing the boll weight. The drought stress+melatonin treatment significantly increased the root length, root surface area, root volume, and specific root length by 18.36%, 25.46%, 26.07%, and 18.53%, respectively, compared with the drought stress treatment. Under drought stress, melatonin increased the root length by increasing its maximum and average rates of accumulation and increased the taproot diameter by increasing its maximum and average rates of accumulation. The drought stress+melatonin treatment significantly increased the lifespan of lateral roots and root hairs compared with the drought stress treatment. In conclusion, this study indicated that exogenous melatonin could improve the drought resistance and yield of cotton by promoting root growth and delaying root senescence. [Display omitted] • Exogenous melatonin enhances cotton drought resistance by promoting root's development and prolonging root's lifespan. • Exogenous melatonin increases the root length by increasing its maximum and average accumulation rates. • Exogenous melatonin increases the length and lifespan of root hairs under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal mucosal barriers help the body resist many intestinal inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we identified a novel bacterium promoting the repair of intestinal mucosa and investigated the potential mechanisms underlying its activity. Culture supernatant of Bacillus subtilis RZ001 upregulated the expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) and tight junction (TJ) proteins in HT-29 cells in vitro. Oral administration of B. subtilis RZ001 may have significantly reduced symptoms such as the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced decrease in body weight, shortening of colon length and overproduction of proinflammatory factors. The number of goblet cells and levels of MUC2 and TJ proteins were significantly increased in adult mice fed with B. subtilis RZ001. B. subtilis RZ001 cells upregulated the levels of MUC2 in the intestinal organoids. Furthermore, culture supernatant of B. subtilis RZ001 could suppress the Notch signalling pathway and activate the expression of atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1). The transcription factor Atoh1 is required for intestinal secretory cell differentiation and activates transcription of MUC2 via binding to E-boxes on the MUC2 promoter. Taken together, B. subtilis strain RZ001 has the potential for treating IBD. The present study is helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of B. subtilis action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease. However, the treatment is limited. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects and safety of sitagliptin, a selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4I), in treating NAFLD. Studies were sourced from electronic databases including PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane Controlled Trials Register), Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, and CNKI to identify all randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in adult patients with NAFLD. Key outcomes were changes in serum levels of liver enzymes and improvement in hepatic histology and fat content measured by imaging or liver biopsy. Stata14.0 and RevMan5.3 were used for the meta-analysis. Seven studies with 269 NAFLD patients were included. Compared to the control group, sitagliptin treatment improved serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels in the RCT subgroup (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.01–1.58). However, there was no significant improvement in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels following sitagliptin treatment. Four of the included studies performed liver imaging, but sitagliptin treatment did not result in a significant reduction in liver fat content. Only five participants developed sitagliptin-related gastrointestinal discomfort. Our study suggests that sitagliptin effects individuals with NAFLD by improving serum GGT. Although sitagliptin is safe and well tolerated in NAFLD patients, it exerts no beneficial effects on liver transaminase and liver fat content in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diazotrophic communities play an important role in sustaining primary productivity through adding new nitrogen to oligotrophic marine ecosystems. Yet, their composition in the oligotrophic Indian Ocean is poorly understood. Here, we report the first observation of phylogenetic diversity and distribution of diazotrophs in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) surface water (to 200 m) during the pre-southwest monsoon period. Through high throughput sequencing of nifH genes, we identified diverse groups of diazotrophs in the EIO including both non-cyanobacterial and cyanobacterial phylotypes. Proteobacteria (mainly Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-proteobacteria) were the most diverse and abundant groups within all the diazotrophs, which accounted for more than 86.9% of the total sequences. Cyanobacteria were also retrieved, and they were dominated by the filamentous non-heterocystous cyanobacteria Trichodesmium spp. Other cyanobacteria such as unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria were detected sporadically. Interestingly, our qPCR analysis demonstrated that the depth-integrated gene abundances of the diazotrophic communities exhibited spatial heterogeneity with Trichodesmium spp. appeared to be more abundant in the Bay of Bengal (p < 0.05), while Sagittula castanea (Alphaproteobacteria) was found to be more dominating in the equatorial region and offshores (p < 0.05). Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) further confirmed distinct vertical and horizontal spatial variations in the EIO. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that temperature, salinity, and phosphate were the major environmental factors driving the distribution of the diazotroph communities. Overall, our study provides the first insight into the diversity and distribution of the diazotrophic communities in EIO. The findings from this study highlight distinct contributions of both non-cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria to N2 fixation. Moreover, our study reveals information that is critical for understanding spatial heterogeneity and distribution of diazotrophs, and their vital roles in nitrogen and carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of bottom-up factors (resource, hydrography, and environmental factors) on the phytoplankton and tintinnid microzooplankton communities, the research voyage was conducted in September 2017 at the East China Sea. An aggregate of 273 taxa of phytoplankton and 65 taxa of tintinnids were identified. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were the major groups of phytoplankton observed while the chain-forming diatoms were the most dominant group present in the study area. The coastal water and Kuroshio water influenced the concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients as well as phytoplankton abundance. The concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients increased vertically with the water depth while the phytoplankton and tintinnid abundance diminished. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted to analyze the relationship between the planktonic community and the ecological components. The RDA analysis between phytoplankton abundance and nutrients concentration showed that phytoplankton abundance increased with the increase in concentration of ammonium while a negative relationship was observed between phytoplankton abundance and nitrate, phosphate, and silicate. There was a significant positive correlation between the tintinnid microzooplankton and nanophytoplankton abundance as well as in their species richness which indicated that the tintinnid community depended upon nanophytoplankton for their feeding habit and growth rather than nutrients. • Coastal water and Kuroshio water influence the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients. • The concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients increased vertically with the water depth while the phytoplankton and tintinnid abundance diminished. • Phytoplankton have a negative correlation with the concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate • There is a strong correlation between phytoplankton and N:P ratios while the N:Si ratios don't have any correlation with the phytoplankton abundance. • Tintinnid microzooplankton shows a significant positive correlation with the nanophytoplankton abundance as well as in their species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of acetamide‐based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with different proportions were prepared. Extraction and catalytic oxidation desulfurization (ECODS) of the acetamide‐based DESs were investigated and the process was optimized. Such DESs with a molar ratio of acetamide and p‐TsOH of 1/3 (C2H5NO/3p‐TsOH) exhibits such a remarkable catalytic activity that the dibenzothiophene (DBT) removal could reach 100 % under optimized conditions. C2H5NO/3p‐TsOH was used for the oxidative desulfurization of actual commercial diesel. The sulfur removal of diesel achieved up to 98 %. C2H5NO/3p‐TsOH could be recycled six times and the desulfurization activity was slightly decreased. Evaluation of the mechanism indicated that oxidative desulfurization (ODS) was realized via dual activation of acetamide‐based DESs. A novel and effective way for deep desulfurization of diesel is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No effective treatment is currently available for poorly differentiated thyroid cancer which is resistant to radioiodine, especially with migration and invasion. A great number of researches have revealed the anticancer effects of salidroside, but none have studied the effects of salidroside on thyroid cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salidroside on migration and invasion of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cells. Methods: The effects of salidroside on migration, invasion and apoptosis of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer WRO cells and normal thyroid follicular epithelial Nthy‐ori 3‐1 cells were measured by wound‐healing assay, transwell migration/invasion assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 at RNA and protein levels in WRO cells were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot. The phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the apoptosis‐related protein levels of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and Bcl‐2 were assessed by western blot. Results: Salidroside significantly suppressed migration/invasion and induced apoptosis in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer WRO cells. We further illustrated that salidroside significantly inhibited expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 at mRNA and protein levels and the phosphorylation activation of JAK2/STAT3 in WRO cells. In addition, salidroside increased expressions of pro‐apoptotic factors (Bax and cleaved caspase 3) and decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic factor (Bcl‐2) significantly in WRO cells. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that salidroside inhibits migration and invasion of WRO cells (a kind of poorly differentiated cancer cell line) significantly, which might be via suppressing JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the effects of TRAF6 and NLRX1 polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental factors on the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vascular complications in a southern Han Chinese population.Methods: Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in a case-control study to estimate risk factors of T2DM vascular complications. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and haplotype associations were also estimated.Results: The CA genotype of the NLRX1 rs4245191 was identified as a risk factor for T2DM macrovascular complications and diabetic cerebral infarction (OR=2.88, 95% CI=1.15-7.22, P=0.024; OR=4.00, 95% CI=1.04-15.38, P=0.043, respectively). A significantly lower T allele frequency in the TRAF6 rs16928973 was observed in T2DM patients with both microvascular and macrovascular complications compared with patients without any complication under the allelic model (T vs. C: OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.14-0.98, P=0.038). No significant differences in haplotypes, gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions were observed among T2DM vascular subgroup patients.Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that the NLRX1 rs4245191 polymorphisms influence the risk of T2DM macrovascular complications and diabetic cerebral infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is involved in type I interferon-β (IFN-β) via TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) and Tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 3 (TRAF3), culminating in inflammation and immunity reactions. TLR3 is implicated in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eight SNPs of these genes were detected in 552 T2DM patients and 552 matched healthy control subjects. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and haplotype associations were also evaluated. We identified a 21% increased risk of T2DM for the T allele of rs12435483 in the TRAF3 gene (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01–1.44; P = 0.036). The GA genotype and GA + AA genotype of TRAF3 rs12147254 were found to increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) among T2DM patients (GA vs. GG: OR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.04–16.79, P = 0.045; GA + AA vs. GG: OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.02–15.48, P = 0.047). However, the GACGAC haplotype in TRAF3 had a protective effect on T2DM micro-macrovascular complications (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13–0.85, P = 0.017). Two-factor (TRAF3 rs12435483 and LDL) and three-factor (TRAF3 rs12435483, BMI and HDL) interactions of the risk of T2DM were identified. In conclusion, the genetic variants in the TLR3-TRIF-TRAF3-INF-β signaling pathway and interactions with some particular environmental factors (LDL, BMI and HDL) may contribute to susceptibility to T2DM and vascular complications in the Han Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of mixed aldehydes exposure with diabetes remains unclear. We aimed to explore associations between serum aldehydes concentration and diabetes. We analyzed associations between aldehydes and diabetes using data from 1795 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2014 by multiple logistic regression models. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to evaluate the combined association of serum aldehydes on prediabetes and diabetes. Isopentanaldehyde increased the risk of diabetes 2.09 fold (95%CI:1.05–4.16) in the highest tertile, compared to the lowest-tertile concentration after adjusting for covariates, with a p-value for trend (P-t) equal to 0.041, in females. The adjusted OR of prediabetes with a 95% CI for the highest tertile was 0.52(0.28, 0.97) for benzaldehyde in females (P-t = 0.034). We also found associations in the male group between butyraldehyde and diabetes for the second (OR:2.80, 95%CI:1.35–5.79) and third (OR:2.59, 95%CI:1.30–5.17) tertile levels (P-t = 0.010). The risk of diabetes increased 2.55 fold (95%CI: 1.26–5.16, P-t = 0.008), in subjects in the highest tertile of hexanaldehyde concentration. Other aldehydes did not show a statistically significant association with diabetes or prediabetes. The BKMR model showed a positive association of mixed aldehydes with diabetes in males, and butyraldehyde showed a significant positive trend with the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP = 0.85). Mixed aldehydes increased female's risk from prediabetes to diabetes in which isopentanaldehyde had the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP = 0.67). The mixed aldehydes might increase the risk of suffering from diabetes in males and accelerate the progression of diabetes in females, in which butyraldehyde and isopentanaldehyde play the most important roles. [Display omitted] • The effects of aldehydes on diabetes are different between males and females. • Mixed aldehydes may increase the risk of diabetes in males. • Mixed aldehydes may accelerate the process from prediabetes to diabetes in females. • Butyraldehyde and isopentanaldehyde play the most important roles respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of mixed aldehydes exposure with diabetes remains unclear. We aimed to explore associations between serum aldehydes concentration and diabetes. We analyzed associations between aldehydes and diabetes using data from 1795 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2014 by multiple logistic regression models. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to evaluate the combined association of serum aldehydes on prediabetes and diabetes. Isopentanaldehyde increased the risk of diabetes 2.09 fold (95%CI:1.05–4.16) in the highest tertile, compared to the lowest-tertile concentration after adjusting for covariates, with a p-value for trend (P-t) equal to 0.041, in females. The adjusted OR of prediabetes with a 95% CI for the highest tertile was 0.52(0.28, 0.97) for benzaldehyde in females (P-t = 0.034). We also found associations in the male group between butyraldehyde and diabetes for the second (OR:2.80, 95%CI:1.35–5.79) and third (OR:2.59, 95%CI:1.30–5.17) tertile levels (P-t = 0.010). The risk of diabetes increased 2.55 fold (95%CI: 1.26–5.16, P-t = 0.008), in subjects in the highest tertile of hexanaldehyde concentration. Other aldehydes did not show a statistically significant association with diabetes or prediabetes. The BKMR model showed a positive association of mixed aldehydes with diabetes in males, and butyraldehyde showed a significant positive trend with the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP = 0.85). Mixed aldehydes increased female's risk from prediabetes to diabetes in which isopentanaldehyde had the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP = 0.67). The mixed aldehydes might increase the risk of suffering from diabetes in males and accelerate the progression of diabetes in females, in which butyraldehyde and isopentanaldehyde play the most important roles. [Display omitted] • The effects of aldehydes on diabetes are different between males and females. • Mixed aldehydes may increase the risk of diabetes in males. • Mixed aldehydes may accelerate the process from prediabetes to diabetes in females. • Butyraldehyde and isopentanaldehyde play the most important roles respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In order to accurately characterize the composition of the picophytoplankton community by size in the marine environment, we used a size-fractionated filtration plus a high-throughput sequencing molecular method. The results showed that this method can detect the composition of picophytoplankton in different particle size ranges in detail, and it is accurate in assessing the vertical distribution patterns and size of phytoplankton. This method can enrich the study of phytoplankton communities with diameters of less than 2 μm. In this study, flow cytometry (FCM) and size-fractionated filtration, together with high-throughput molecular sequencing methods (SM), were used to investigate picophytoplankton. A particle separation filter and a higher-throughput sequencing method were used to evaluate the composition of a euphotic zone of picophytoplankton—especially picoeukaryotic phytoplankton—in the Western Pacific, and the results of flow cytometry, which is a classic way to detect picophytoplankton, were used as a standard to evaluate the reliability of the results of the SMs. Within a water column of 200 m, six water depths (5, 25, 50, 113 (DCM), 150, and 200 m) were established. In order to further study the particle size spectra of the picophytoplankton, size-fractionated filtration was used to separate water samples from each water depth into three particle size ranges: 0.2–0.6, 0.6–1.2, and 1.2–2 μm. A total of 36 (6 × 3 × 2) samples were obtained through PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA V4 hypervariable region and 16S rRNA, which were biased toward phytoplankton plastids, and then high-throughput sequencing was performed. The estimation of the picophytoplankton diameter relied on forward scattering (FSC) through FCM. The estimation of the vertical distribution and diameter of the picophytoplankton using the SM was consistent with the results with FCM; thus, we believe that the estimation of picophytoplankton composition with the SM has value as a reference, although the size-fractionated filtration seemed to cause some deviations. In addition to Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, the SM was used to evaluate the composition of picoeukaryotic phytoplankton, which mainly included Prymnesiophycea (Haptophyta) (38.15%), Cryptophyceae (Cryptophyta) (22.36%), Dictyochophyceae (Chrysophyta) (12.22%), and Mamiellophyceae (Chlorophyta) (3.31%). In addition, the SM also detected Dinophyceae (Dinoflagellata) (11.69%) sequences and a small number of Bacillariophyceae (Diatom) (1.64%) sequences, which are generally considered to have large particle sizes. The results of the SM also showed that the picoeukaryotic phytoplankton were not evenly distributed in the euphotic layer, and the vertical distributions of the different picoeukaryotic phytoplankton were different. An analysis of correlations with environmental factors showed that temperature was the main environmental factor controlling the vertical distribution of picophytoplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic plankton are important parts of the marine biome and play an important role in maintaining the stability of marine ecosystems. In order to characterize the eukaryotic plankton communities in the South Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (CWM) and the South Yellow Sea nearshore waters (NW) in October 2019, Illumina high–throughput sequencing was performed using the 18S rDNA V9 region as the target gene. Environmental factors (depth, pH, salinity, temperature, Chl a, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, silicate, phosphate) in two sea areas were measured, and their correlations with abundance and diversity of eukaryotic plankton were analyzed. A total of 807 species of plankton were identified, of which 663 species in 24 categories were from the CWM area, and 614 species in 26 categories were from NW. The total phytoplankton abundance in CWM waters was higher than that in NW. Dinophyta and Bacillariophyta were the most abundant phyla of phytoplankton in the two areas. Arthropoda and Cnidaria were the major zooplankton taxa. The dominant fungal population was mainly Basidiomycota. Both the CWM and NW have effects on dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations and plankton abundance. Environmental factor correlation analysis showed that the concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients within the CWM increased with water depth and the abundance of plankton gradually increased. Ammonium salts, nitrates, phosphates, silicates and water depth were important factors affecting phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton abundance increased with increasing concentrations of inorganic nutrients. Bacillariophyta showed a strong positive correlation with silicates and depth. Depth and microscopic phytoplankton abundance were important factors influencing the structure of the zooplankton community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]