Changes in threats from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and lung cancer with environmental improvements in China: Quantitative evaluation and prediction based on a model with age as a probe.

Various indicators can be used to assess threats from chronic diseases. This study presented new indicators of quantitative evaluation and prediction of threats from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and lung cancer and assessed relevant changes in these indicators occurring with environmental improvements. Age at zero mortality (AM0) and age at average mortality (AMa) values were calculated based on the regression of the linear relationship of age with mortality for COPD or lung cancer. The lower the AM0 or AMa of a chronic disease, the greater the threats from the disease to a population were considered to be. AM0 values of both diseases were higher in 2019 than in 2004. Moreover, AM0 was lower for lung cancer than for COPD (0.365 vs. 41.643); however, lung cancer and COPD demonstrated almost identical values for age-standardized mortality. AMa values of both the diseases in 2004 and 2019 were within the range of the median age group (70-74 years). In recent years, the overall mortality risk for lung cancer and COPD has decreased with environmental improvement, and aging has played a major role in lung cancer and COPD development. AM0 and AMa values may be used as a theoretical basis for further research on chronic diseases, particularly lung cancer and COPD.

Impact of pollution prevention practices and Green Environmental practices on sustainable performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese SMEs.

Adequate protection of the environment is one of the hot spots of concern for all sectors of society due to severe environmental pollution. The solution to this issue is friendly management of the environment. With the rapid growth of Chinese Manufacturing SMEs for economic development, environmental pollution and abuse of resources are arising. To resolve these issues, Chinese manufacturing SMEs are accelerating the implementation of green innovation in their industries. However, it is a complex task that involves enterprise, government, and social considerations. Therefore, it is essential to identify the green drivers for this implementation. With a focus on China's current situation from previous research and views from experts, this study aims to investigate how Chinese Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are responding to resource misuse and environmental pollution by implementing green innovation, emphasising the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving environmental performance. This study primarily looks into the factors that influence the adoption of green innovations by analysing the growth paths of Chinese SMEs operating in highly polluting industries over a longer time frame than five years. Artificial Intelligence is a valuable tool for solving the issues of ecological degradation. A quantitative method has been implemented for the Chinese companies' samples from the deeply polluting industries for more than five years. The findings of this paper advise that the average board size, the governing board meetings, and organisational performance are positively connected with the Chinese firms' environmental process. Board independence and diversity of gender have irrelevant associations with ecological performance. A convenient threshold regression model has been used to accumulate the respondents' data. It also reveals that larger board sizes and more frequent governing board meetings are positively associated with improved environmental performance among these firms. The findings state the critical implications for the firm executives, policymakers, environmental activists, and regulators. This result supports the insight drained from the resource dependence, stakeholder, firm agency, and legitimacy theories.

Study on the measurement of coupling and coordinated development level between China's internet and elderly care services and its influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: With the intensification of China's aging population, the demand for elderly care services has become increasingly prominent. At the same time, rapid development of internet technology provides more convenience and possibilities for the elderly. However, the coordinated development between the internet and elderly care services still faces challenges. This study aims to measure the level of coupling and coordinated development between the internet and elderly care services in China, and analyze the influencing factors, in order to provide reference for promoting elderly care services. METHODS: In this paper, the entropy method and coupling coordination degree model were used to measure the coupling coordination development index of the internet and elderly care services in China from 2012 to 2021. In addition, considering that the coordinated development between the two is affected by many factors, the Tobit model was used to analyze the main factors affecting the integration of the internet and elderly care services. RESULTS: (1) The coupling and coordination of the Internet and senior care services is in its infancy, but the coupling and coordination of the two is on the rise, and there is still a lot of room for development in the future. (2) In terms of time scale, the coupling coordination development level between the internet and elderly care services in China has gone through three stages of "disorder recession-transition coordination-coordinated development". (3) In terms of influencing factors, government management ability has a more positive impact on the development of the integration of the Internet and senior care services, financial support, scientific and technological investment and the level of innovation play a mild pulling role, while the level of informatization to a certain extent restricts the level of integration of the Internet and senior care services. CONCLUSION: In order to promote the coordinated development of China's Internet and senior care services, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the current situation and development space of China's Internet and senior care services coupling coordination degree, accurately grasp the dynamic trend of China's Internet and senior care services coupling and coordinated development, promote the stage of leapfrogging, and fully consider the influencing factors, so as to realize the optimal allocation of policies and resources. These measures will help to promote a more coordinated and sustainable development of the internet and elderly care services in China.

Progress towards malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion: perspectives from the World Health Organization.

Malaria remains a global health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Despite substantial progress, the emergence of anti-malarial drug resistance poses a constant threat. The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), which includes Cambodia, China's Yunnan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam has been the epicentre for the emergence of resistance to successive generations of anti-malarial therapies. From the perspective of the World Health Organization (WHO), this article considers the collaborative efforts in the GMS, to contain Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin partial resistance and multi-drug resistance and to advance malaria elimination. The emergence of artemisinin partial resistance in the GMS necessitated urgent action and regional collaboration resulting in the Strategy for Malaria Elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (2015-2030), advocating for accelerated malaria elimination interventions tailored to country needs, co-ordinated and supported by the WHO Mekong malaria elimination programme. The strategy has delivered substantial reductions in malaria across all GMS countries, with a 77% reduction in malaria cases and a 97% reduction in malaria deaths across the GMS between 2012 and 2022. Notably, China was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2021. Countries' ownership and accountability have been pivotal, with each GMS country outlining its priorities in strategic and annual work plans. The development of strong networks for anti-malarial drug resistance surveillance and epidemiological surveillance was essential. Harmonization of policies and guidelines enhanced collaboration, ensuring that activities were driven by evidence. Challenges persist, particularly in Myanmar, where security concerns have limited recent progress, though an intensification and acceleration plan aims to regain momentum. Barriers to implementation can slow progress and continuing innovation is needed. Accessing mobile and migrant populations is key to addressing remaining transmission foci, requiring effective cross-border collaboration. In conclusion, the GMS has made significant progress towards malaria elimination, particularly in the east where several countries are close to P. falciparum elimination. New and persisting challenges require sustained efforts and continued close collaboration. The GMS countries have repeatedly risen to every obstacle presented, and now is the time to re-double efforts and achieve the 2030 goal of malaria elimination for the region.

B-cell lymphoma-2 phosphorylation at Ser70 site-related autophagy mediates puerarin-inhibited the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells during osteoblastogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis regulated by puerarin during osteoblastogenesis. METHODS: In this study, the effects of puerarin on the autophagic activity and apoptosis level of osteoblast precursors (MC3T3-E1 cells) was observed. Subsequently, the roles of puerarin on B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) phosphorylation at different sites in osteoblast precursors were observed. The effect of puerarin on the interaction between Bcl-2 and autophagy regulatory molecule or pro-apoptotic molecule was also investigated using Co-immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, the effect of puerarin on mitochondrial membrane potential of osteoblast precursors was also identified by mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence probe assays. RESULTS: Our results showed that puerarin can promote the autophagic activity and apoptosis level of MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, puerarin promoted Bcl-2 phosphorylation at Ser70 site, and the dissociation of Bcl-2-Beclin1 complex. Moreover, puerarin could enhance the binding of Bcl-2-Bcl-2-Associated X (Bax) complex in MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, puerarin increased the mitochondrial membrane potential of MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, puerarin promotes Beclin1 into autophagy flux through Bcl-2 phosphorylation at Ser70, thereby enhancing autophagy of osteoblast precursors, which mediates its anti-apoptotic role during osteoblastogenesis. Furthermore, the dissociation of Bcl-2-Beclin1 complex is conducive to the binding of Bcl-2-Bax complex, which resists the apoptosis of osteoblast precursors viathe increased mitochondrial membrane potential.

TJP3 promotes T cell immunity escape and chemoresistance in breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis of anoikis-based prognosis prediction and drug sensitivity stratification.

BACKGROUND: Overcoming anoikis is a necessity during the metastasis and invasion of tumors. Recently, anoikis has been reported to be involved in tumor immunity and has been used to construct prognosis prediction models. However, the roles of anoikis in regulating tumor immunity and drug sensitivity in breast cancer are still not clear and therefore worth uncovering. METHODS: TCGA and GEO data are the source of gene expression profiles, which are used to identify anoikis-related-gene (ARG)-based subtypes. R4.2 is used for data analysis. RESULTS: Breast cancer is divided into three subgroups, amongst which shows prognosis differences in pan-cancer cohort, ACC, BLCA, BRCA, LUAD, MESO, PAAD, and SKCM. In breast cancer, it shows significant differences in clinical features, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. Machine learning constructs prognosis prediction model, which is useful to perform chemotherapy sensitivity stratification. Following, TJP3 is identified and verified as the key ARG, up-regulation of which increases tolerance of paclitaxel-induced cell toxicity, accompanied with increased expression of caspas3 and cleaved-caspase3. In addition, Down-regulation of TJP3 weakens the cell migration, which accompanied with increased expression of E-cad and decreased expression of vimentin, twist1, zeb1, and MMP7. Furthermore, the expression level of PD-L1 is negative correlated with TJP3. CONCLUSION: ARGs-based subgroup stratification is useful to recognize chemotherapy sensitive cohort, and also is useful to predict clinical outcome. TJP3 promotes chemoresistance, tumor metastasis and potential immunotherapy escape in breast cancer.

Genetic characteristics of spouse selection based on short tandem repeats in DNA and lunula count on fingertip.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of spouse selection with short tandem repeats (STRs) in DNA and with the number of fingertip lunulae to investigate the role of heredity in spouse selection. METHODS: We randomly selected a total of 286 couples (husband and wife) as a couple group while 200 paired subjects (a man randomly matched with a woman as a pair of subjects) were selected as a non-spouse group for DNA typing, and to investigate lunulae in spouse selection, a total of 554 couples were selected as a couple group and 500 pairs of subjects were selected as a control group. RESULTS: A significant difference of STR matching number (a large value implies a higher genetic similarity) between spouse group and non-spouse group were observed (12.3 ± 2.7 vs. 11.8 ± 2.6; p < 0.05). A significant difference of the lunula matching number (difference of lunula counts between a paired subjects, a lower value implies a higher genetic similarity) between two groups were also observed for the lunula counts (1.55 ± 1.88 vs. 3.53 ± 2.40; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Significant and unprecedented relationships were found between the couples and polymorphic STRs, and between spouse selection and lunula counts. Polymorphic STRs and fingertip lunulae counts provide an initial insight into the potentially important contributions that genetic characteristics may play a key role in spouse selection.

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria enhances the tolerance of tobacco seedling to salt stress.

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a novel and an efficient strategy for improving soil degradation and productivity. However, the effect of PGPR on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seedling growth under salt stress remains unclear. Here, microcosm experiments were designed to verify the effects of Bacillus cereus TC012 (BC), Bacillus methylotrophicus TC023 (BM), and Bacillus amyloliquefacien TC037 (BA) on tobacco grown in salt-affected soil. The results showed that BC, BM, and BA treatments significantly increased the height of tobacco plants by 38.65%, 91.94%, and 90.66%, respectively. Furthermore, the growth of various components of tobacco plant, such as stem girth, seedling biomass, carotenoid, and chlorophyll were stimulated in salt-affected soils. The changes in the salinity of the tobacco plant mostly relies on the improvement of proline, soluble protein, soluble sugar content, plant protective enzymatic activity, and K+/Na+ ratios. Increases in indole-3-acetic acid, zeatin riboside and gibberellic acid also promoted tobacco growth. Additionally, inoculation with PGPR enhanced the enzymatic activity of laccase, urease, neutral protease, acid phosphatase, and sucrase in soil samples and had positive effects on the physicochemical properties. The soil bacterial communities significantly improved after inoculation with PGPR. In particular, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Bacillus significantly increased. Overall, PGPR inoculation has great potential to alleviate salt damage in tobacco plants and may have far reaching benefits to the agricultural community.

Implementation of the first comprehensive state oral fluid drug testing program for roadside screening and laboratory testing in DUID cases-A 5-year review.

Oral fluid (OF) is a valuable specimen for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) applications. This study demonstrates the implementation of the first comprehensive OF drug testing program in the United States, including approved roadside screening OF devices for law enforcement and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) confirmation methods. Three roadside OF screening devices were evaluated: the Dräger DrugTest® 5000, Abbott SoToxa®, and Randox Evidence MultiSTAT™. Two qualitative LC-MS-MS confirmation methods were validated per ASB Standard 036. The first method utilized an automated dispersive pipette extraction extraction using Integra and Hamilton STARlet platforms for drugs of abuse. The second method used a liquid-liquid extraction to detect cannabinoids. The prevalence of drugs in blood and OF was monitored over 5 years of casework. Calibration curves were analyzed with each batch to monitor OF concentrations for research purposes. Three roadside OF screening devices were deemed fit for purpose. Devices demonstrated appropriate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy above 80% for targeted drugs except for benzodiazepines (DrugTest® 5000) and amphetamine (SoToxa®). The validated LC-MS-MS OF confirmation methods met the National Safety Council-recommended cutoffs for 18/21 (86%) of the targets. Over 5 years of casework, THC and cocaine were detected at a positivity rate of 90% and 97% in OF versus 75% and 44% in blood, respectively. OF:blood ratios exceeded unity for parent drugs. Median concentrations of THC in OF and blood were 31 and 3.5 ng/mL, respectively. OF is a viable alternative or supplemental specimen for DUID investigations. Collecting OF close to the driving event increases the opportunity to identify pharmacologically active substances, and when combined with blood analysis results, an elevated OF:blood ratio provides valuable information for DUID investigation purposes.

Determining half-life of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in respiratory secretion.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets and aerosols. It is also possible for the virus to be transmitted indirectly through environmental contamination. The likelihood of environmental transmission depends on several factors, including the survival time of the virus in respiratory secretions. However, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory secretions has not been investigated. In this study, we compared the half-life of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in respiratory secretion under different conditions. We applied respiratory secretion (5 µL) to glass slides, air-dried the slides for 1 h, and kept them at 24 °C or 4 °C for 10 days. Respiratory secretions were also placed in test tubes (sealed to preserve moisture) and in normal saline for 10 days. The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in all samples was simultaneously measured using colloidal gold immunochromatography, and the half-life of the antigen was calculated. The half-life of the antigen in the wet (sealed tube) and saline samples at room temperature was 5.0 and 2.92 days, respectively. The half-life of the antigen in the air-dried sample at room temperature and at 4 °C was 2.93 and 11.4 days, respectively. The half-life was longer in respiratory secretions than that in normal saline. The half-life was also longer in respiratory secretions, at a lower temperature, and under wet conditions. Therefore, environmental transmission can also play a significant role in the spread of the virus. Robust prevention and control strategies could be developed based on the half-life of the antigen in respiratory secretions.

A new pathway for considering trigger factors based on parallel-serial connection models and displaying the relationships of causal factors in low-probability events.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect size of observed factors considering trigger factors based on parallel-serial models and to explore how multiple factors can be related to the result of complex events for low-probability events with binary outcomes. METHODS: A low-probability event with a true binary outcome can be explained by a trigger factor. The models were based on the parallel-serial connection of switches; causal factors, including trigger factors, were simplified as switches. Effect size values of an observed factor for an outcome were calculated as SAR = (Pe-Pn)/(Pe + Pn), where Pe and Pn represent percentages in the exposed and nonexposed groups, respectively, and SAR represents standardized absolute risk. The influence of trigger factors is eliminated by SAR. Actual data were collected to obtain a deeper understanding of the system. RESULTS: SAR values of < 0.25, 0.25-0.50, and > 0.50 indicate low, medium, and high effect sizes, respectively. The system of data visualization based on the parallel-serial connection model revealed that at least 7 predictors with SAR > 0.50, including a trigger factor, were needed to predict schizophrenia. The SAR of the HLADQB1*03 gene was 0.22 for schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the trigger factors and observed factors had a cumulative effect, as indicated by the parallel-serial connection model for binary outcomes. SAR may allow better evaluation of the effect size of a factor in complex events by eliminating the influence of trigger factors. The efficiency and efficacy of observational research could be increased if we are able to clarify how multiple factors can be related to a result in a pragmatic manner.

1Biomaterial inks for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting: Property, classification, modification, and selection.

Three-dimensional (3D) extrusion-based bioprinting is the most widely used bioprinting technology to fabricate bionic tissue or organ constructs by combining biomaterial ink and living cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One critical issue of this technique is the selection of suitable biomaterial ink to simulate extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides mechanical support for cells and regulates their physiological activities. Previous studies have demonstrated that it is an enormous challenge to form and maintain reproducible 3D constructs and eventually achieve the balance among biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and printability. This review highlights the properties of extrusion-based biomaterial inks and recent developments as well as details various biomaterial inks classified by their function. Key approaches related to their modification methods according to the functional requirements are also discussed, along with the selection strategies by varying extrusion paths and methods in extrusion-based bioprinting. This systematical review will assist researchers in identifying the most suitable extrusion-based biomaterial inks based on their requirements, as well as in elaborating current challenges and prospects of extrudable biomaterial inks in the field of bioprinting of in vitro tissue models.

Quantitative evaluations of variations using the population mean as a baseline for bioinformatics interpretation.

Objective: The purpose of this study were to establish a model of quantitative evaluation that uses the population mean as a baseline of variations and describe variations derived from different types and systems using new concepts. Methods: The observed datasets, including measurement data and relative data, were transformed to 0-1.0 using the population mean. Datasets derived from different types (same category of dataset, different categories of datasets, and datasets with the same baseline) were transformed using different methods. The 'middle compared index' (MCI) was used to describe the change in magnitude as follows: [a/(a+b)+(1-b)/(2-a-b)-1]1.7, where 'a' represents the number after the magnitude change and 'b' represents the number before the magnitude change. Actual data were used to observe the MCI's ability to evaluate variations quantitatively. Results: When the value before the magnitude change was equal to that after the magnitude change, the MCI was equal to 0; when the value before the magnitude change was equal to 0 and that after the magnitude change was equal to 1, the MCI was equal to 1. This implies the MCI is valid. When the value before the magnitude change was 0 and that after the magnitude change was 0.5, or when the value before the magnitude change was 0.5 and that after the magnitude change was 1.0, each MCI was approximately equal to 0.5. The values derived from the absolute, ratio, and MCI methods were different, indicating that the MCI is an independent index. Conclusion: The MCI perfectly performs as an evaluation model using the population mean as the baseline, and it may be more a reasonable index than the ratio or absolute methods. The MCI increases our understanding of quantitative variations in evaluation measures of association using new concepts.

Circ_SIPA1L1 Promotes Osteosarcoma Progression Via miR-379-5p/MAP3K9 Axis.

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant bone tumor. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert important roles in the pathogenesis of human cancers, including OS. In this study, the authors focused on the role and mechanism of circRNA signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 like 1 (circ_SIPA1L1) in OS. Methods: The enrichment of SIPA1L1, circ_SIPA1L1, microRNA-379-5p (miR-379-5p), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 9 (MAP3K9) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The colony formation capacity was assessed through colony formation assay. Transwell assays were used to detect the migration and invasion abilities. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of metastasis-related proteins and MAP3K9. The target interactions between the genes in circ_SIPA1L1/miR-379-5p/MAP3K9 axis were predicted by StarBase and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo role of circ_SIPA1L1 was verified by murine xenograft assay. Results: Circ_SIPA1L1 abundance was aberrantly elevated in OS tissues and cell lines. Circ_SIPA1L1 accelerated the proliferation and metastasis abilities of OS cells. Circ_SIPA1L1 promoted the malignant behaviors of OS cells through elevating MAP3K9 level. MiR-379-5p directly bound to circ_SIPA1L1 and MAP3K9. MiR-379-5p interference rescued the abilities of proliferation and metastasis in OS cells, which were suppressed by the silencing of circ_SIPA1L1. Circ_SIPA1L1 promoted the development of OS via miR-379-5p/MAP3K9 in vivo. Conclusion: Circ_SIPA1L1 promoted the progression of OS via miR-379-5p/MAP3K9 axis.

Insights from the biogeographic approach for biocontrol of invasive alien pests: Estimating the ecological niche overlap of three egg parasitoids against Spodoptera frugiperda in China.

Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm, causes major damage to maize and >80 other crops worldwide. Since S. frugiperda successfully invaded China in 2018 via long-distance migration from Myanmar, it has caused major maize yield losses and posed a severe threat to maize production and food security. The biocontrol approach for S. frugiperda using natural enemies is environmentally safe and effective. Estimating the potential suitable area (PSA) for S. frugiperda and its natural enemies can provide insights for its biocontrol and management. Therefore, based on the global distribution records and bioclimatic variables, we modeled the PSA of S. frugiperda and three egg parasitoids in China using an ensemble model (EM). We found that the prediction results of the EM were more reliable than those of a single model. The PSAs of S. frugiperda and its three egg parasitoids were mainly attributed to temperature variables. The PSA of S. frugiperda was divided into migratory and overwintering areas using the mean January 10 °C isotherm from 2018 to 2022. In the overwintering area, Trichogramma chilonis had the largest PSA overlap with S. frugiperda (94.57 %), followed by Telenomus remus (68.64 %) and Trichogramma dendrolimi (67.53 %). Telenomus remus and Tr. chilonis were the most effective egg parasitoids against S. frugiperda in the overwintering area. In the migratory area, Tr. chilonis had the largest PSA overlap with S. frugiperda (91.36 %), followed by Tr. dendrolimi (81.70 %) and Te. remus (15.23 %). Trichogramma dendrolimi would be the most effective egg parasitoid against S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Basin and northeastern China. Trichogramma chilonis was the most effective egg parasitoid against S. frugiperda in central China. Our findings indicate that the three native egg parasitoids would be "good regulators" of S. frugiperda outbreaks in China.

Soil properties under different ecological restoration modes for the quarry in Yanshan mountains of Hebei province, China.

The ecological environment of quarry mining area is fragile, and the vegetation restoration cycle is long and difficult, so scientific and appropriate artificial vegetation is of great significance to ecological restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the herbaceous and woody vegetation restoration, including Medicago sativa (Me), artificial miscellaneous grass (Mg), Rhus typhina (Rh), fruit orchard (Or) and Pinus tabulaeformis (Pi), to investigate the soil physicochemical properties and the structure of the microbial communities, and to reveal the correlation between them. The results addressed that Medicago sativa and artificial miscellaneous grass had significant effect on soil remediation, which were conducive to scientific and efficient ecological restoration, and could promote ecological restoration in the damaged ecosystems. While, the modes of Rh and Pi were not suitable for ecological restoration in this study area because they had strong allelopathy. Another arborous restoration mode of Or showed a better improvement effect (including soil nutrients, soil microbial diversity, etc.) than that of Rh and Pi. The findings also indicated that the herbaceous vegetation restoration modes of Me and Mg significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria bacteria, Ascomycota and Mortierllomycota fungi, and reduced the relative abundance of Firmicutes bacteria and Basidiomycota fungi. This study also revealed that the trend of bacterial localization in the fruit orchard, artificial miscellaneous grass and Medicago sativa was more obvious. Among many soil abiotic factors, the contents of organic matter, available nitrogen and pH were the most important factors affecting soil microbial community.

High-throughput and automated screening for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global challenge for the healthcare systems of many countries with 6 million people having lost their lives and 530 million more having tested positive for the virus. Robust testing and a comprehensive track and trace process for positive patients are essential for effective pandemic control, leading to high demand for diagnostic testing. In order to comply with demand and increase testing capacity worldwide, automated workflows have come into prominence as they enable high-throughput screening, faster processing, exclusion of human error, repeatability, reproducibility and diagnostic precision. The gold standard for COVID-19 testing so far has been RT-qPCR, however, different SARS-CoV-2 testing methods have been developed to be combined with high throughput testing to improve diagnosis. Case studies in China, Spain and the United Kingdom have been reviewed and automation has been proven to be promising for mass testing. Free and Open Source scientific and medical Hardware (FOSH) plays a vital role in this matter but there are some challenges to be overcome before automation can be fully implemented. This review discusses the importance of automated high-throughput testing, the different equipment available, the bottlenecks of its implementation and key selected case studies that due to their high effectiveness are already in use in hospitals and research centres.

Epidemiologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, other regions of China, and globally based on data gathered from January 2020 to February 2021.

This observation study examines coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) data from outbreak and other sites in China and worldwide in order to examine the epidemiological pattern of COVID-19 before the acquisition of immunity through widespread vaccination and infection. COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality data for January 2020 to February 2021 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. The number of cases was logarithmically transformed for comparison of the rate of increase or decrease with time across areas. From January to February 2020, the number of new confirmed cases in Wuhan grew substantially but returned to zero by May 2020. In other parts of China, the rate of decrease was lower than that in Wuhan, and the mortality rate was lower outside Wuhan (1.93%) than in Wuhan (7.68%). The influenza trends were similar to those of COVID-19, but the mortality rate of influenza was much lower (0.011%) than that of COVID-19. After the early stage, similar increase in the incidence rate with time was observed globally, although the total number of cases differed between regions. The outbreak severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 strain in Wuhan had low epidemic intensity and high virulence, but the epidemiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may not be associated with race, geography, or economic status. Importantly, more effective prevention and control measures and vaccines should be applied for controlling the variants.