Main Groups Research Articles

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of newborns from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 during pregnancy

Data on the course of pregnancy complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the condition ofthe fetus and newborn are of great interest to neonatologists and pediatricians.Purpose. The study aimed at evaluating the clinical and laboratory features of the early neonatal period and individual health indicators in infancy in full-term newborns from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 during pregnancy.Materials and Methods. Two groups of full-term newborns whose mothers’ pregnancy was complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus were compared in matched pairs (each group included 80 patients). In the first group of newborns, COVID-19 was diagnosed in mothers during pregnancy, in the second group, COVID-19 was not observed in mothers. At the age of 9 months, an analysis of outpatient medical records was carried out and a questionnaire survey of mothers was conducted. The methods of collecting and processing information using the Microsoft Excel 2016 software package for Windows 7, IBM SPSS Statistics v22 were used. Results. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher frequency of respiratory and neurological disorders in the newborn, and with problems of enteral feeding. In the peripheral blood, the indices fell within the limits of reference values, but there was a decrease in leukocytes, platelets and an increase in the fraction of segmented neutrophils. At the age of 9 months, the children of the main group had a larger body weight and head circumference, a higher incidence of chronic morbidity was noted, and the children were registered with a neurologist, cardiologist and endocrinologist.Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory features of early neonatal adaptation of children from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 during pregnancy were revealed. A more severe course of diabetic fetopathy has not been proven in children from women who suffered COVID-19 during pregnancy. The higher incidence of chronic morbidity in infancy requires further study.

Survey of Main Group Metals and Metalloids in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is one of the leading causes of human death among all major diseases. Metal-based complexes are considered as the most promising vital part in the existing arsenal of cytotoxic candidates used in cancer therapy and diagnostics. The efforts of many scientific groups resulted in the development of numerous metal-based compounds featuring different biologically active organic ligands in order to modulate their bioactivity. Along with the main representatives as potential therapeutic agents, such as the complexes Pt(II)/Pt(IV), Pd(II), Ru(II)/Ru(III), Ag(I), Au(I)/Au(III), Ti(IV), V(IV) and Ga(III), many other transition metal and lanthanide complexes possessing antiproliferative activity are widely discussed in the literature. However, such drugs remain outside the scope of this review. The main purpose of the current study is to review the potential activity of main group metal- and metalloid-based complexes against the most common cancer cell types, such as carcinomas (lung, liver, breast, kidney, gastric, colorectal, bladder, ovarian, cervical, prostate, etc.); sarcomas; blastomas; lymphomas; multiple myeloma; and melanoma. Overcoming the long disregard of organometallic compounds of metals and metalloids from the main groups, a growing number of emerging anticancer agents remarkably prove this field offers an extensive variety of new options for the design of innovative unexplored chemopharmaceutics. Moreover, some of the metal complexes and organometallic compounds from these elements can exhibit entirely different, specific modes of action and biological targets. Obviously, exploitation of their distinct properties deserves more attention.

Health damage assessment of commuters and staff in the metro system based on field monitoring-A case study of Nanjing.

The metro has emerged as a major mode of transportation. A significant number of commuters and staff in the metro system are exposed to air pollutants because of its shielded environment, and substantial health damage requires quantitative assessment. Previous studies have focused on comparing the health impacts among different transportation modes, overlooking the specific population characteristics and pollutant distribution in metro systems. To make improvements, this study implements field monitoring of the metro's air environment utilizing specialized instruments and develops a health damage assessment model. The model quantifies health damage of two main groups (commuters and staff) in metro systems at three different areas (station halls, platforms, and metro cabins) due to particulate matter 10 and benzene series pollution. A case study of Nanjing Metro Line 3 was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the model. Health damage at different metro stations was analyzed, and the health damage of commuters and staff was assessed and compared. This study contributes to enhancing research on health damage in the metro systems by providing a reference for mitigation measures and guiding health subsidy policies.

Metallomimetic C-F Activation Catalysis by Simple Phosphines.

Delivering metallomimetic reactivity from simple p-block compounds is highly desirable in the search to replace expensive, scarce precious metals by cheap and abundant elements in catalysis. This contribution demonstrates that metallomimetic catalysis, involving facile redox cycling between the P(III) and P(V) oxidation states, is possible using only simple, cheap, and readily available trialkylphosphines without the need to enforce unusual geometries at phosphorus or use external oxidizing/reducing agents. Hydrodefluorination and aminodefluorination of a range of fluoroarenes was realized with good to very good yields under mild conditions. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies show that the phosphines undergo oxidative addition of the fluoroaromatic substrate via a Meisenheimer-like transition state to form a fluorophosphorane. This undergoes a pseudotransmetalation step with a silane, via initial fluoride transfer from P to Si, to give experimentally observed phosphonium ions. Hydride transfer from a hydridosilicate counterion then leads to a hydridophosphorane, which undergoes reductive elimination of the product to reform the phosphine catalyst. This behavior is analogous to many classical transition-metal-catalyzed reactions and so is a rare example of both functional and mechanistically metallomimetic behavior in catalysis by a main-group element system. Crucially, the reagents used are cheap, readily available commercially, and easy to handle, making these reactions a realistic prospect in a wide range of academic and industrial settings.

An end-to-end Graph Convolutional Network for Semi-supervised Subspace Clustering via label self-expressiveness

Semi-supervised clustering provides accurate assignments by leveraging a limited amount of supervisory information. There are two main groups of conventional semi-supervised subspace clustering algorithms: Pairwise Constraints (PC)-based methods and Gaussian Fields and Harmonic Function (GFHF)-based methods. Nevertheless, PC-based methods are limited because of their reliance on weak supervisory information. GFHF-based methods, on the other hand, focus on the local relationship between the affinity matrix and the assignment matrix, which restricts their clustering efficacy. Recently, graph convolutional network (GCN) has been employed to effectively transmit the local graph topology of the raw data into the feature domain, which motivates the proposed GCN model for Semi-supervised Subspace Clustering via label self-expressiveness (GSSC). Conventional semi-supervised clustering has been enhanced by incorporating a novel concept known as label self-expressiveness, which serves as a guiding factor for the clustering process. Furthermore, GSSC considers the global geometric structure of the assignment matrix and generates a discriminable assignment matrix using an end-to-end mechanism. Additionally, a well-designed loss function is introduced to train the novel GSSC. The experimental results conducted on four benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed GSSC algorithm exhibits superior performance compared to existing semi-supervised clustering algorithms.

Evaluation the Effect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion Resistance of Cobalt Chromium Alloys

The purpose of present study is to evaluate and comparison the effect of different milling technique surface of CAD/CAM for milled Co-Cr alloy specimens.Material and Methods: The diagnostic divides 20 disc-shaped specimens into 2 main groups, each consisting of 10 specimens for Co/Cr alloys according to their construction, the material used in hard milling and soft milling. All samples for further examination were prepared as drilled discs (diameter 15 mm, height 3 mm) whose surfaces were then finished and polishing with a diamond polisher. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with energy-dispersive beam spectroscopy (EDS) were acquired for one sample in each set to assess the surface topography of the metal framework. All samples were degreased, and steam cleaned samples and heat treated in accordance with the complete firing procedure. Then scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after heating. Samples prepared in the lab for electrochemical corrosion testing were polarized and corroded in accordance with their electrical potential. Results were recorded using Levenes test and anova, with appropriate data analyzed for differences between groups. Results: The results of this study presented that the Descriptive statistics for corrosion test (mmpy) for all experimental groups revealed that the hard milling group mean was the lowest among all groups of the study is recorded (0005), followed, Group soft milling (.0071). The data were statistically analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA and Levene’s test which revealed highly significant differences (p<0.01) among groups. Conclusion: Corrosion resistance decreases in the following order: soft metal milling > hard metal milling, according to the obtained corrosion parameter values.

Development of a comprehensive and clinically applicable novel projection classification system for anterior communicating artery aneurysms

Various surgical and anatomical classifications have been proposed to date related to ACoA aneurysm projection. Nonetheless, a universally accepted classification system is yet to be established. This study is aimed at establishing a standardized classification system for ACoA aneurysms with utilization 3D technology and defining reference lines for their projections. The goal is to create a simple, understandable, surgically beneficial, and reliable classification system based on neurovascular structures in the region, including safe and hazardous zones. The radiologic data of 96 patients with ACoA aneurysm who were treated in our university hospital between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and a planned classification scale was developed with the data obtained. The classification aimed to create 9 main projection groups in the sagittal plane: superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior in linear orientation, and anterosuperior, posterosuperior, anteroinferior, posteroinferior, and complex in quadrant orientation. The coronal and axial planes included medial, lateral, and midline classifications, resulting in a 3-dimensional classification system with 25 projections. Among the 96 patients, 32 had linear and 64 had quadrant projections. In the sagittal plane, the linear projection breakdown was as follows: superior (28%), inferior (6.25%), anterior (53%), and posterior (12.5%). For the quadrant projection, the distribution was as follows: anterosuperior (53%), posterosuperior (12.5%), anteroinferior (21.87%), posteroinferior (3.12%), and complex (9.37%). Overall, 35.4% aneurysms were anterosuperior, 17.7% anterior, 14.58% anteroinferior, 9.37% superior, 8.3% posterosuperior, 6.25% complex, 4.16% posterior, 2.08% posteroinferior, and 2.08% inferior projection. Our study proposes a projection classification that utilizes 3D technology for safe surgery based on neurovascular structures in the region and thus better reveals safe and hazardous zones, including three plans, three dimensions, and two orientations. The use of this classification system offers valuable guidance for daily practice in the treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

HOW TO NETWORK CULTURE: THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECOSYSTEM OF LATVIAN MUSIC FIELD

The study on the ecosystem of the Latvian music field was carried out within the framework of the CARD project (“the Cultural Capital as a Resource for Sustainable Development of Latvia”) implemented by the Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC). One of the tasks of the CARD project was to analyse the cultural ecosystem of Latvia and identify its operator groups, their relationships, and impacts in order to assess the resources of the arts and cultural capital in Latvia [LAC 2020]. Based on initial research, it was suggested to focus on a smaller-scale ecosystem and a specific sub-sector [Laķe, Kunda & Tjarve 2022]. Therefore, this article examines the case of the Latvian music field within the cultural ecosystem of Latvia, as it encompasses a wide range of diverse operator groups. The key theoretical concept used in the research is “ecosystems” – the idea of culture as an ecology that reveals a larger system in a non-hierarchical way [Holden 2015]. In the sociology of art, perceiving culture as a larger system with many equal components is not new; for instance, Howard Becker’s art worlds are based on networks and the distribution of key resources within them [Becker 1974; 1982]. John Holden’s concept of the ecology of culture provides further methodological tools to analyse cultural networks within an ecosystem. The approach suggested by Holden is social network analysis (SNA) [Holden 2015]. While in theory, social network analysis (SNA) holds potential benefits for studying a cultural ecosystem, empirical studies on its application for measuring a cultural ecosystem and its associated limitations remain incomplete. The aim of the paper is to analyse the advantages and limitations of studying a cultural ecosystem using SNA. Two research questions are set: (1) How to analyse the ecosystem of Latvian music field and identify the main operator groups and their relationships? (2) What are the advantages and limitations of employing SNA to study the ecosystem of the Latvian music field? The results contribute to advancing methodological skills in both studying cultural ecosystems and developing SNA in the cultural field.

Piloted Simulation-Based Assessment of Simplified Vehicle Operations for Urban Air Mobility

This work investigates the simplified vehicle operations paradigm, which seeks significant reductions in pilot workload and training requirements through the holistic design of flight control laws, control inceptors, and cockpit displays in the context of vertical takeoff and landing urban air mobility aircraft using piloted flight simulations. Two inceptor layouts, one similar to conventional fixed-wing aircraft and the other similar to conventional rotorcraft, differing in inceptor-to-command mappings, were incorporated into two research flight simulators. A lift-plus-cruise aircraft simulation model, a total energy control system–based fly-by-wire flight control architecture, and identical cockpit displays were used for both setups. Twenty-one participants, divided into three groups based on their prior piloting experience, were used to study pilot performance using representative handling qualities task elements. The piloted simulation data revealed that participants in each group were able to successfully perform the simulation tasks and allowed handling quality ratings to be calculated. They also highlighted instances of control coupling between inceptor axes in each setup for different tasks and the relative ease or difficulty of performing each task with the two inceptor designs.

Aromatase Inhibitors as a Promising Direction for the Search for New Anticancer Drugs.

Aromatase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of estrogens, which are hormones that contribute to the growth of certain types of breast cancer. In particular, aromatase catalyzes the conversion of androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in various tissues, including the adrenal glands, ovaries, and adipose tissue. Given the role of estrogen in promoting the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, aromatase has become an important molecular target for the development of anticancer agents. Aromatase inhibitors can be classified into two main groups based on their chemical structure: steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors. This work presents a review of the literature from the last ten years regarding the search for new aromatase inhibitors. We present the directions of search, taking into account the impact of structure modifications on anticancer activity.

Classification and focus comparison of health financing frameworks: A scoping review.

The purpose of this study is to review the current frameworks for understanding and assessing health financing and draw out the dimensions of conceptual frameworks. This scoping review was conducted using the five stages of Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We reviewed all published peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase from 2000 up to 2021 for inclusion. We identified 21 frameworks developed to assess financing in the health system. We classified frameworks by grouping them into: frameworks focusing on health financing as a constituent of health system and frameworks focusing on health financing only. We classified health financing frameworks further into three main groups according to the general commonalities among them. These three groups are as follows: (1) frameworks providing general recommendations for improving health financing system regardless of sources of financing, (2) frameworks focusing on improving the performance of health insurance schemes, and (3) frameworks focusing on managing public health financing. Despite being diverse, various health financing frameworks offer synergistic views to the health financing system and provide a comprehensive picture of the health financing system. These frameworks can help policy makers decide which framework is more appropriate to start with based on their local contextual features and the changes they are going to bring about in their health financing system.

Exploring the oxidation behaviors of the Ti[sbnd]V[sbnd]Cr[sbnd]Mo high-entropy MAX at 800 °C for its self-lubricity

Given the unique nanolaminate structure, the MAX phase ceramics which are composed of alternatively stacked two-dimensional (2D) metal (M) carbides (X) and main group (A) atomic layers have shown promising properties at elevated temperatures. Recently, an excellent self-lubricating performance of a high-entropy (HE) (TiVCrMo)3AlC2 MAX is demonstrated at 800 °C in the air. However, the formation mechanism of a self-lubricative tribofilm is still waiting for clarified. In this work, the HE (TiVCrMo)3AlC2 MAX is synthesized and its oxidation behaviors are systematically evaluated at 800 °C in the air. A two-stage parabolic oxidation behavior is detected, which can be mainly ascribed to the volatilization of MoO3 species coupled with the thickening of the compound oxide scale. Meanwhile, the HE composition results in chemically complex phases including Rutile and vacancy-ordered TiO species in the oxide scale, which contribute to a higher ion diffusion rate for mass transportation. Consequently, the continued volatilization of MoO3 is beneficial for the enhanced lubricity and anti-wear performance of the (TiVCrMo)3AlC2 MAX at 800 °C.

Genome-wide analysis of the Tritipyrum NAC gene family and the response of TtNAC477 in salt tolerance

NAC transcription factors are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play an important role in the response to various abiotic stresses in plant species. Tritipyrum, an octoploid derived from hybridization of Triticum aestivum (AABBDD) and Thinopyrum elongatum (EE), is an important genetic resource for integrating the desirable traits of Th. elongatum into wheat. In this study, we investigated the tissue distribution and expression of Tritipyrum NAC genes in the whole genomes of T. aestivum and Th. elongatum after obtaining their complete genome sequences. Based on phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, gene synthesis, evolutionary analysis, and expression patterns, we identified and characterized 732 Tritipyrum NAC genes. These genes were divided into six main groups (A, B, C, D, E, and G) based on phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary studies, with members of these groups sharing the same motif composition. The 732 TtNAC genes are widely distributed across 28 chromosomes and include 110 duplicated genes. Gene synthesis analysis indicated that the NAC gene family may have a common ancestor. Transcriptome data and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) expression profiles showed 68 TtNAC genes to be highly expressed in response to various salt stress and recovery treatments. Tel3E01T644900 (TtNAC477) was particularly sensitive to salt stress and belongs to the same clade as the salt tolerance genes ANAC019 and ANAC055 in Arabidopsis. Pearson correlation analysis identified 751 genes that correlated positively with expression of TtNAC477, and these genes are enriched in metabolic activities, cellular processes, stimulus responses, and biological regulation. TtNAC477 was found to be highly expressed in roots, stems, and leaves in response to salt stress, as confirmed by real-time PCR. These findings suggest that TtNAC477 is associated with salt tolerance in plants and might serve as a valuable exogenous gene for enhancing salt tolerance in wheat.

Microbiome Structure of Activated Sludge after Adaptation to Landfill Leachate Treatment in a Lab-Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor

During adaptation to waters that are rich in xenobiotics, biological systems pass through multiple stages. The first one is related to the restructuring of communities, pronounced destruction of the structure, and multiplication of active biodegradants. The purpose of the present research was to describe the microbiome restructuring that occurs during the adaptation stage in landfill leachate treatment. In a model SBR (sequencing batch reactor), a 21-day purification process of landfill leachate was simulated. Wastewater was fed in increasing concentrations. When undiluted leachate entered, the activated sludge structure disintegrated (Sludge Volume Index—4.6 mL/g). The Chemical Oxygen Demand and ammonium nitrogen concentration remained at high values in the influent (2321.11 mgO2/L and 573.20 mg/L, respectively). A significant amount of free-swimming cells was found, and the number of aerobic heterotrophs and bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter increased by up to 125 times. The Azoarcus-Thauera cluster (27%) and Pseudomonas spp. (16%) were registered as the main bacterial groups in the activated sludge. In the changed structure of the microbial community, Gammaproteobacteria, family Rhizobiaceae, class Saccharimonadia were predominantly represented. Among the suspended bacteria, Microbactericeae and Burkholderiaceae, which are known for their ability to degrade xenobiotics, were present in larger quantities. The enzymological analysis demonstrated that the ortho-pathway of cleavage of aromatic structures was active in the community. The described changes in the leachate-purifying microbial community appear to be destructive at the technological level. At the microbiological level, however, trends of initial adaptation were clearly outlined, which, if continued, could provide a highly efficient biodegradation community.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: National Database Analysis.

(1) Background: National health system databases represent an important source of information about the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions including drug-induced allergy and anaphylaxis. Analysis of such databases may enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the problem of drug-induced anaphylaxis. (2) Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out of spontaneous reports (SRs) with data on drug-induced anaphylaxis (SRsAs) extracted from the Russian National Pharmacovigilance database (analyzed period 2 April 2019-21 June 2023). The percentage of SRsAs among SRs of drug-induced allergy (SRsDIAs) was calculated, as well as of pediatric, elderly, and fatal SrsAs. Drugs involved in anaphylaxis were assessed among total SRsAs, pediatric, and elderly SRsAs, and among fatal SRsAs. Demographic parameters of patients were assessed. (3) Results: SRsAs were reported in 8.3% of SRsDIAs (2304/27,727), the mean age of patients was 48.2 ± 15.8 years, and females accounted for 53.2% of cases. The main causative groups of drugs were antibacterials (ABs) for systemic use (44.6%), local anesthetics (20.0%), and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (10.1%). Fatal SRsAs were reported in 9.5% (218/2304) of cases, the mean age of patients was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and females accounted for 56.4% of cases. Pediatric SRsAs accounted for 3.9% of pediatric SRsDIAs and 5.8% of all SRsAs, with a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.5 years, and females acccounted for 51.9% of cases. Elderly SRsAs accounted for 2% of elderly SRsDIAs and 2.8% of all SRsAs, and the mean age was 73.0 ± 5.3 years, and females accounted for 43.5% of cases. ABs caused 40% of SRsAs in the elderly, 42.9% in children, and 50% of fatal SRsAs. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed a relatively high proportion of anaphylaxis among SRs of drug-induced allergy. ABs were the most prevalent causative agents, especially in fatal SRsAs.

Single-cell sequencing reveals lung cell fate evolution initiated by smoking to explore gene predictions of correlative diseases

Continuous smoking leads to adaptive regulation and physiological changes in lung tissue and cells, and is an inductive factor for many diseases, making smokers face the risk of malignant and non-malignant diseases. The impact research is getting more and more in-depth, but the stimulant effect, mechanism of action and response mechanism of the main cells in the lungs caused by smoke components have not yet been fully elucidated, and the early diagnosis and identification of various diseases induced by smoke toxins have not yet formed a systematic relationship method. In this study, single-cell transcriptome data were generated from three lung samples of smokers and non-smokers through scRNA-seq technology, revealing the influence of smoking on lung tissue and cells and the changes in immune response. The results show that: through UMAP cell clustering, 16 intermediate cell states of 23 cell clusters of the 4 main cell types in the lung are revealed, the differences of the main cell groups between smokers and non-smokers are explained, and the human lung cells are clarified. Components and their marker genes, screen for new marker genes that can be used in the evolution of intermediate state cells, and at the same time, the analysis of lung cell subgroups reveals the changes in the intermediate state of cells under smoke stimulation, forming a subtype intermediate state cell map. Pseudo-time ordering analysis, to determine the pattern of dynamic processes experienced by cells, differential expression analysis of different branch cells, to clarify the expression rules of cells at different positions, to clarify the evolution process of the intermediate state of cells, and to clarify the response of lung tissue and cells to smoke components mechanism. The development of this study provides new diagnosis and treatment ideas for early disease detection, identification, disease prevention and treatment of patients with smoking-related diseases, and lays a theoretical foundation based on cell and molecular regulation.

How to deal with pain in the emergency department - pain management review

One of the primary health issues bringing patients to hospital emergency rooms is pain. It is often treated inadequately. Doctors working in the emergency department have the option of using a number of drugs for analgesia. The three main groups include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-opioid analgesics and opioid analgesics. In order to properly exploit their potential, it is necessary to properly classify the pain, know the basic action of the available drugs, choose the right dose, and know how to combine drugs from different groups to achieve balanced analgesia. By acting in this way, the patient in the hospital emergency department will be properly provided with medication, and this will have a positive effect on his overall health.

Factors Influencing the Variation in Phytoplankton Functional Groups in Fuchunjiang Reservoir

To explore the distribution characteristics, blooming risk mechanism and driving factors of phytoplankton community structure in Fuchunjiang Reservoir. The variation characteristics of phytoplankton, zooplankton and physicochemical indicators in Fuchunjiang Reservoir and its upper and lower reaches were investigated in 2020 and 2021. Based on the phytoplankton functional groups, non-metric multidimensional scale analysis, redundancy analysis and other statistical methods, the seasonal succession characteristics and driving factors of phytoplankton functional groups were analyzed. A total of 18 phytoplankton functional groups were identified, in of which 10 were predominant. The composition of phytoplankton functional groups in the Fuchunjiang Reservoir was significant different. Spatially, the upstream were dominated by group C and P while the represent species were Cyclotella and Aulacoseira,reflecting the mixed meso-eutrophic environments. However, group P was the main group in Fuchunjiang reservoir, and the dominance decreased gradually along the stream direction. Meanwhile, in the downstream, MP has an absolute advantage at Qiantang River estuary. It reflected the environmental characteristics of frequent disturbance and high turbidity of tide-sensing rivers. In addition, the predominant functional groups demonstrated strong seasonal variations. The dominant functional groups were diverse in summer and consisted of P+L0+J+M+S1+H1+MP. In addition to group P (Aulacoseira), which was dominant throughout the year, it also included several groups represented by cyanobacteria and chlorophyta, reflecting the environmental characteristics of changeable habitats and vigorous productivity. In autumn, the succession was dominated by H1 group represented by Dolichospermum and the representative function groups were P and H1, reflecting the hydrological background of reduced flow and static flow. In winter, the increase of Cyclotella led to the predominance of group C, which was dominated by P+C, reflecting the changing conditions of weakened water exchange and intensified eutrophication problems. In spring, the dominant functional groups were gradually enriched and were composed of C, D, P, and MP, which also reflected the changing environmental habitat characteristics which caused by increasing rainfall and air temperature. According to the results of the C-R-S growth strategy, the Fuchunjiang Reservoir has been in the R strategy for a long time, which was consistent with the habitat characteristics of Fuchunjiang Reservoir and its upper and lower reaches with high disturbance and low stress. In addition, C strategy and S strategy appeared in some reaches, reflecting the variability of water quality and hydrology. RDA analysis showed that water temperature, discharge, zooplankton biomass, permanganate index, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were significantly correlated with the seasonal succession of phytoplankton functional groups (P < 0.05), and temperature and flow pattern were probably the most critical factors for the succession. Studies have shown that the impact of hydrometeorological processes on phytoplankton in the Fuchunjiang Reservoir is crucial:high temperature and changing discharge during the summer may lead to cyanobacterial blooms in the Fuchunjiang reservoir; To reduce the risk of algal blooms, it is still necessary to increase the control of nitrogen and phosphorus load in rivers, and fully consider the coordination of water conservancy dispatch methods.

Diet quality indices and odds of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a case-control study.

There are only limited studies investigating the impact of dietary quality indicators, such as dietary quality index (DQI), dietary diversity score (DDS), and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI), on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Furthermore, these indicators may have different components that could lead to varying results. Therefore, this study aims to assess the nutritional quality indicators and their potential association with MASLD. The study included 128 recently diagnosed MASLD patients and 256 controls aged between 20 and 60 years. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that consisted of 168 items. In this study, the method used to evaluate dietary diversity was based on five main food groups, specifically bread and grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy. The AHEI-2010 was computed using data collected from the FFQ. After adjusting for confounders in the fully adjusted model, a significant negative correlation was observed between DDS and the risk of MASLD (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20, 0.97). Participants in the top quartile of AHEI had a 76% lower risk of MASLD compared with those in the bottom quartile after controlling for all potential confounders in the fully adjusted model (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12, 0.56). The results of our study suggest that there is a significant association between adherence to a high-diversity diet and a reduced likelihood of developing MASLD. Similarly, we observed a similar association between adherence to the AHEI diet and a lower risk of MASLD.

Predominant heterotrophic diazotrophic bacteria are involved in Sargassum proliferation in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.

Since 2011, the Caribbean coasts have been subject to episodic influxes of floating Sargassum seaweed of unprecedented magnitude originating from a new area "the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt" (GASB), leading in episodic influxes and mass strandings of floating Sargassum. For the biofilm of both holopelagic and benthic Sargassum as well as in the surrounding waters, we characterized the main functional groups involved in the microbial nitrogen cycle. The abundance of genes representing nitrogen fixation (nifH), nitrification (amoA), and denitrification (nosZ) showed the predominance of diazotrophs, particularly within the GASB and the Sargasso Sea. In both location, the biofilm associated with holopelagic Sargassum harboured a more abundant proportion of diazotrophs than the surrounding water. The mean δ15N value of the GASB seaweed was very negative (-2.04‰), and lower than previously reported, reinforcing the hypothesis that the source of nitrogen comes from the nitrogen-fixing activity of diazotrophs within this new area of proliferation. Analysis of the diversity of diazotrophic communities revealed for the first time the predominance of heterotrophic diazotrophic bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria in holopelagic Sargassum biofilms. The nifH sequences belonging to Vibrio genus (Gammaproteobacteria) and Filomicrobium sp. (Alphaproteobacteria) were the most abundant and reached, respectively, up to 46.0% and 33.2% of the community. We highlighted the atmospheric origin of the nitrogen used during the growth of holopelagic Sargassum within the GASB and a contribution of heterotrophic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to a part of the Sargassum proliferation.