New insights into the structure and function of microbial communities in Maxwell Bay, Antarctica.

The microbial communities inhabiting polar ecosystems, particularly in Maxwell Bay, Antarctica, play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics. However, the diversity of these microbial communities remains underexplored. In this study, we aim to address this gap by investigating the distribution, environmental drivers, and metabolic potential of microorganisms in Maxwell Bay. We analyzed the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiota at 11 stations, revealing distinctive community structures and diverse phylum dominance by using high-throughput sequencing. Spatial analysis revealed a significant impact of longitude on microbial communities, with microeukaryotes exhibiting greater sensitivity to spatial factors than microprokaryotes. We constructed co-occurrence networks to explore the stability of microbial communities, indicating the complexity and stability of microprokaryotic communities compared with those of microeukaryotes. Our findings suggest that the microeukaryotic communities in Maxwell Bay are more susceptible to disturbances. Additionally, this study revealed the spatial correlations between microbial communities, diversity, and environmental variables. Redundancy analysis highlighted the significance of pH and dissolved oxygen in shaping microprokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities, indicating the anthropogenic influence near the scientific research stations. Functional predictions using Tax4Fun2 and FUNGuild revealed the metabolic potential and trophic modes of the microprokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities, respectively. Finally, this study provides novel insights into the microbial ecology of Maxwell Bay, expanding the understanding of polar microbiomes and their responses to environmental factors.

Regioselective synthesis of 2-aminophenols from N-arylhydroxylamines.

A novel strategy for the synthesis of 2-aminophenols in the absence of metals and oxidants was described. The 2-aminophenols were efficiently obtained through a cascade [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement and in situ hydrolysis process by using readily available N-arylhydroxylamines and the in situ-generated methyl chlorosulfonate from commercially available sulfuryl chloride and methanol under mild conditions. This method could be scaled up and has a wide substrate scope with great functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity. The 2-aminophenol products could be readily converted into structurally diverse functional molecules in good yields under various conditions.

Multi-dimensional signals coupling of simultaneous acquisition stripping current with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for accurate analysis of Cd(II) in coexisting Cu(II).

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in detecting Cd(II) using nanomaterials-modified sensitive interfaces, most detection methods rely solely on a single electrochemical stripping current to indicate concentration. This approach often overlooks potential inaccuracies caused by interference from coexisting ions. Therefore, establishing multi-dimensional signals that accurately reflect Cd(II) concentration in solution is crucial. RESULTS: In this study, we developed a system integrating concentration, electrochemical stripping current, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) characteristic peak intensity through in-situ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and electrochemical integrated devices. By simultaneously acquiring multi-dimensional signals to dynamically track the electrochemical deposition and stripping processes, we observed that replacement reactions occur between Cu(II) and Cd(II) on the surface of Ru-doped MoS2 modified carbon paper electrodes (Ru-MoS2/CP). These reactions facilitate the oxidation of Cd(0) to Cd(II) during the stripping process, significantly increasing the currents of Cd(II). Remarkably, the ingenious design of the Ru-MoS2 sensitive interface allowed for the undisturbed deposition of Cu(II) and Cd(II) during the electrochemical deposition process. Consequently, our in-situ integrated device achieved accurate detection of Cd(II) in complex environments, boasting a detection sensitivity of 8606.5 counts µM⁻1. SIGNIFICANCE: By coupling multi-dimensional signals from stripping current and LIBS spectra, we revealed the interference process between Cu(II) and Cd(II), providing valuable insights for accurate electrochemical analysis of heavy metal ions in complex water environments.

Variability in the measured soil‒water characteristic curve with respect to the numbers of specimens.

The soil‒water characteristic curve (SWCC) defines the relationship between the amount of water in soil and soil suction. The SWCC is commonly used to estimate the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) and the shear strength function (SSF). Therefore, an accurate determination of the SWCC is crucial for implementing the principles of unsaturated soil mechanics. The SWCC is commonly determined from a limited number of experimental data because SWCC measurements are time-consuming and costly. As a result, the minimum number of required soil specimens is crucial for a SWCC test when considering the accuracy of the determined SWCC and the experimental expenses. In this study, both engineered from sand and kaolin mixtures and residual soils from Bukit Timah Formation in Singapore are selected to prepare soil specimens for SWCC measurements. The SWCCs obtained from the specimens with engineered soil are consistent, while those from specimens with residual soil are slightly scattered. This indicates that one specimen is sufficient to determine the SWCC for engineered soil samples, while a minimum of two specimens should be prepared for the determination of SWCC for residual soil samples from Bukit Timah Formation.

USP14 deficiency inhibits neointima formation following vascular injury via degradation of Skp2 protein.

Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have an essential role in the UPS-regulated stability of the substrate; however, the function of DUBs in intimal hyperplasia remains unclear. We screened DUBs to identify a protein responsible for regulating VSMC proliferation and identified USP14 protein that mediates cancer development, inflammation, and foam cell formation. USP14 promotes human aortic smooth muscle cell and A7r5 cell growth in vitro, and its inhibition or deficiency decreases the intimal area in the mice carotid artery ligation model. In addition, USP14 stabilizes Skp2 expression by decreasing its degradation, while Skp2 overexpression rescues USP14 loss-induced issues. The current findings suggested an essential role of USP14 in the pathology of vascular remodeling, deeming it a promising target for arterial restenosis therapy.

Audit and feedback to change diagnostic image ordering practices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of diagnostic imaging (DI) tests may be unnecessary, leading to increased healthcare costs and the possibility of patient harm. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of audit and feedback (AF) interventions directed at healthcare providers on reducing image ordering. The secondary objective was to examine the effect of AF on the appropriateness of DI ordering. METHODS: Studies were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov registry on December 22nd, 2022. Studies were included if they were randomized control trials (RCTs), targeted healthcare professionals, and studied AF as the sole intervention or as the core component of a multi-faceted intervention. Risk of bias for each study was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were completed using RevMan software and results were displayed in forest plots. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs enrolling 4311 clinicians or practices were included. AF interventions resulted in 1.5 fewer image test orders per 1000 patients seen than control interventions (95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference -2.6 to -0.4, p-value = 0.009). The effect of AF on appropriateness was not statistically significant, with a 3.2% (95% CI -1.5 to 7.7%, p-value = 0.18) greater likelihood of test orders being considered appropriate with AF vs control interventions. The strength of evidence was rated as moderate for the primary objective but was very low for the appropriateness outcome because of risk of bias, inconsistency in findings, indirectness, and imprecision. CONCLUSION: AF interventions are associated with a modest reduction in total DI ordering with moderate certainty, suggesting some benefit of AF. Individual studies document effects of AF on image order appropriateness ranging from a non-significant trend toward worsening to a highly significant improvement, but the weighted average effect size from the meta-analysis is not statistically significant with very low certainty.

Genetic diversity and haplotype distribution patterns analysis of cytb and RAG2 sequences in Rana hanluica from southern China.

Rana hanluica: an endemic amphibian of China, is found in the hills and mountains south of the Yangtze River. In this comprehensive study, we collected 162 samples from 14 different localities to delve into the genetic diversity of Rana hanluica using mitochondrial Cytb and nuclear RAG2 as genetic markers. Our findings reveal that the Nanling Mountains, specifically regions like Jiuyi Shan, Jinggang Shan, Mang Shan, and Qiyun Shan, are genetic hotspots harboring remarkable diversity. The research results also indicate that there is gene flow among the various populations of the species, and no distinct population structure has formed, which may be due to migration. Moreover, populations in some regions, as well as the overall population, show signs of a possible genetic bottleneck, which we speculate may have been caused by climate change. However, given the exploratory nature of our study, further investigations are warranted to confirm these observations. Through phylogenetic analyses, we uncovered indications that R. hanluica might have originated within the Nanling region, dispersing along the east-west mountain ranges, with a significant contribution originating from Jiuyi Shan. The genetic distributions uncovered through our research reflect historical migratory patterns, evident in the distinct haplotypes of the RAG2 gene between the western and eastern parts of the studied area. Moreover, Heng Shan and Yangming Shan exhibited unique genetic signatures, possibly influenced by geographic isolation, which has shaped their distinct genotypes. The insights gained from this study hold profound implications for conservation efforts. By identifying regions rich in genetic diversity and crucial gene flow corridors, we can develop more effective conservation strategies. Preserving these genetically diverse areas, especially within the Nanling Mountains, is vital for maintaining the evolutionary potential of R. hanluica. In conclusion, our research has laid a solid foundation for understanding the genetic landscape of R. hanluica, shedding light on its origins, population structures, and evolutionary trajectories. This knowledge will undoubtedly guide future research endeavors and inform conservation strategies for this endemic amphibian.

Timosaponin Aâ ¢ induces drug-metabolizing enzymes by activating constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) via dephosphorylation of the EGFR signaling pathway.

The current study aimed to assess the effect of timosaponin AⅢ (T-AⅢ) on drug-metabolizing enzymes during anticancer therapy. The in vivo experiments were conducted on nude and ICR mice. Following a 24-day administration of T-AⅢ, the nude mice exhibited an induction of CYP2B10, MDR1, and CYP3A11 expression in the liver tissues. In the ICR mice, the expression levels of CYP2B10 and MDR1 increased after a three-day T-AⅢ administration. The in vitro assessments with HepG2 cells revealed that T-AⅢ induced the expression of CYP2B6, MDR1, and CYP3A4, along with constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation. Treatment with CAR siRNA reversed the T-AⅢ-induced increases in CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 expression. Furthermore, other CAR target genes also showed a significant increase in the expression. The up-regulation of murine CAR was observed in the liver tissues of both nude and ICR mice. Subsequent findings demonstrated that T-AⅢ activated CAR by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation, with this effect being partially reversed by the ERK activator t-BHQ. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway was also observed in vivo. Additionally, T-AⅢinhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyr1173 and Tyr845, and suppressed EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, and CAR. In the nude mice, T-AⅢ also inhibited EGFR phosphorylation. These results collectively indicate that T-AⅢ is a novel CAR activator through inhibition of the EGFR pathway.

In-situ precipitation zero-valent Co on Co2VO4 to activate oxygen vacancies and enhance bimetallic ions redox for efficient detection toward Hg(II).

Despite the widespread utilization of variable valence metals in electrochemistry, it is still a formidable challenge to enhance the valence conversion efficiency to achieve excellent catalytic activity without introducing heterophase elements. Herein, the in-situ precipitation of Co particles on Co2VO4 not only enhanced the concentration of oxygen vacancies (Ov) but also generated a greater number of low-valence metals, thereby enabling efficient reduction towards Hg(II). The electroanalysis results demonstrate that the sensitivity of Co/Co2VO4 towards Hg(II) was measured at an impressive value of 1987.74 µA µM-1 cm-2, significantly surpassing previously reported results. Further research reveals that Ov acted as the main adsorption site to capture Hg(II). The redox reactions of Co2+/Co3+ and V3+/V4+ played a synergistic role in the reduction of Hg(II), accompanied by the continuous supply of electrons from zero-valent Co to expedite the valence cycle. The Co/Co2VO4/GCE presented remarkable selectivity towards Hg(II), with excellent stability, reproducibility, and anti-interference capability. The electrode also exhibited minimal sensitivity fluctuations towards Hg(II) in real water samples, underscoring its practicality for environmental applications. This study elucidates the mechanism underlying the surface redox reaction of metal oxides facilitated by zero-valent metals, providing us with new strategies for further design of efficient and practical sensors.

Sensor Fault Reconstruction Using Robustly Adaptive Unknown-Input Observers.

Sensors are a key component in industrial automation systems. A fault or malfunction in sensors may degrade control system performance. An engineering system model is usually disturbed by input uncertainties, which brings a challenge for monitoring, diagnosis, and control. In this study, a novel estimation technique, called adaptive unknown-input observer, is proposed to simultaneously reconstruct sensor faults as well as system states. Specifically, the unknown input observer is used to decouple partial disturbances, the un-decoupled disturbances are attenuated by the optimization using linear matrix inequalities, and the adaptive technique is explored to track sensor faults. As a result, a robust reconstruction of the sensor fault as well as system states is then achieved. Furthermore, the proposed robustly adaptive fault reconstruction technique is extended to Lipschitz nonlinear systems subjected to sensor faults and unknown input uncertainties. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithms is demonstrated using an aircraft system model and robotic arm and comparison studies.

Highly Stable Solid Contact Calcium Ion-Selective Electrodes: Rapid Ion-Electron Transduction Triggered by Lipophilic Anions Participating in Redox Reactions of CunS Nanoflowers.

Solid contact (SC) calcium ion-selective electrodes (Ca2+-ISEs) have been widely applied in the analysis of water quality and body fluids by virtue of the unique advantages of easy operation and rapid response. However, the potential drift during the long-term stability test hinders their further practical applications. Designing novel redox SC layers with large capacitance and high hydrophobicity is a promising approach to stabilize the potential stability, meanwhile, exploring the transduction mechanism is also of great guiding significance for the precise design of SC layer materials. Herein, flower-like copper sulfide (CunS-50) composed of nanosheets is meticulously designed as the redox SC layer by modification with the surfactant (CTAB). The CunS-50-based Ca2+-ISE (CunS-50/Ca2+-ISE) demonstrates a near-Nernstian slope of 28.23 mV/dec for Ca2+ in a wide activity linear range of 10-7 to 10-1 M, with a low detection limit of 3.16 × 10-8 M. CunS-50/Ca2+-ISE possesses an extremely low potential drift of only 1.23 ± 0.13 µV/h in the long-term potential stability test. Notably, X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectra and electrochemical experiments are adopted to elucidate the transduction mechanism that the lipophilic anion (TFPB-) participates in the redox reaction of CunS-50 at the solid-solid interface of ion-selective membrane (ISM) and redox inorganic SC layer (CunS-50), thereby promoting the generation of free electrons to accelerate ion-electron transduction. This work provides an in-depth comprehension of the transduction mechanism of the potentiometric response and an effective strategy for designing redox materials of ion-electron transduction triggered by lipophilic anions.

Revealing quality chemicals of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum roots in different geographical origins using untargeted metabolomics and random-forest based spectrum-effect analysis.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum root is a popular functional food in China, and the price varies based on the origin of the product. The link between the origin, metabolic profile, and bioactivity of T. hemsleyanum must be investigated. This study compares the metabolic profiles of 254 samples collected from eight different areas with 49 potential key chemical markers using plant metabolomics. The metabolic pathways of the five critical flavonoid metabolites were annotated and enriched using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Moreover, a random forest model aiding the spectrum-effect relationship analysis was developed for the first time indicating catechin and darendoside B as potential quality markers of antioxidant activity. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition and bioactive compounds of T. hemsleyanum as well as valuable information on the evaluation of the quality of various samples and products in the market.

Targeting pro-inflammatory T cells as a novel therapeutic approach to potentially resolve atherosclerosis in humans.

Atherosclerosis (AS), a leading cause of cardio-cerebrovascular disease worldwide, is driven by the accumulation of lipid contents and chronic inflammation. Traditional strategies primarily focus on lipid reduction to control AS progression, leaving residual inflammatory risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). While anti-inflammatory therapies targeting innate immunity have reduced MACEs, many patients continue to face significant risks. Another key component in AS progression is adaptive immunity, but its potential role in preventing AS remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted a retrospective cohort study on tumor patients with AS plaques. We found that anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly reduces AS plaque size. With multi-omics single-cell analyses, we comprehensively characterized AS plaque-specific PD-1+ T cells, which are activated and pro-inflammatory. We demonstrated that anti-PD-1 mAb, when captured by myeloid-expressed Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), interacts with PD-1 expressed on T cells. This interaction turns the anti-PD-1 mAb into a substitute PD-1 ligand, suppressing T-cell functions in the PD-1 ligands-deficient context of AS plaques. Further, we conducted a prospective cohort study on tumor patients treated with anti-PD-1 mAb with or without Fc-binding capability. Our analysis shows that anti-PD-1 mAb with Fc-binding capability effectively reduces AS plaque size, while anti-PD-1 mAb without Fc-binding capability does not. Our work suggests that T cell-targeting immunotherapy can be an effective strategy to resolve AS in humans.

Mentally healthy living after pandemic social distancing: a study of older Canadians reveals helpful anxiety reduction strategies.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, older Canadians were the most at risk of severe physical harm, including death, and their return to post-COVID life was expected to be especially anxiety-provoking. A study was conducted to obtain nationally representative evidence of older Canadians' self-perceived anxiety levels and their strategies to manage or mitigate it as public health restrictions were lifting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had a cross-sectional descriptive design. An e-survey was used to collect data from 1327 Canadians aged 60+ stratified by age, sex, and education to resemble the larger general population. Participants completed the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS-10) and indicated which of the 16 Centre for Addictions and Mental Health's (2022) Coping with Stress and Anxiety strategies they were using to manage or mitigate their anxiety when social distancing was lifting. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to explore the data. RESULTS: While, on average, older Canadians were mildly anxious, nearly one-quarter of responders rated their anxiety as severe. Age, sex, perceived health, were statistically significant correlates of anxiety. Six coping strategies were associated with significantly lower anxiety scores. Moreover, accepting some fear and anxiety as normal, challenging worries and anxious thoughts, and practising relaxation/meditation appeared to increase anxiety. CONCLUSION: Older Canadians used multiple strategies to manage or mitigate their anxiety, and seemingly, with more successful than detrimental tries. Practitioners have much to learn and understand about older people's mental health promotion efforts after social distancing, now and for future pandemics.

Highly Accurate Determination of the Total Amount of Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+ in a Natural Water Environment Revealed by Dynamic Simulation and DFT Calculation: Benefit from the Electron Inverse Effect of Pt Nanoclusters over Defective g-C3N4.

Although utilizing nanomaterial-modified electrodes for lead ion detection has achieved great success, most of them are carried out under acidic conditions and ignore the variation of Pb(II) speciation at different pH conditions, leading to the potential inaccuracy of Pb(II) detection in a neutral natural water environment. Thus, designing a novel catalyst with high accuracy for the detection of various forms of the total amount of Pb(II) (Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+) in neutral waters is significant. Herein, Pt nanoclusters (Pt NCs) were elaborately constructed and stabilized on the Co single-atom-doped g-C3N4 with abundant N vacancies (Pt NCs/VN-C3N4), which achieved the ultrasensitive detection (102.16 µM µA-1) of Pb(II) in neutral conditions. The dynamic simulation and theoretical calculations reveal that the parallel deposition of Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+ occurs on the electrode surface modified by Pt NCs/VN-C3N4, and the current peaks of Pb(II) are cocontributed by Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+ species. An "electron inverse" phenomenon in Pt NCs/VN-C3N4 from the VN-C3N4 substrate to Pt NCs endows Pt NCs in an electron-rich state, serving as active centers to promote rapid and efficient reduction for both Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+, facilitating the accurate detection of the total amount of Pb(II) in all forms in the actual water environment.

Rapid analysis technologies with chemometrics for food authenticity field: A review.

In recent years, the problem of food adulteration has become increasingly rampant, seriously hindering the development of food production, consumption, and management. The common analytical methods used to determine food authenticity present challenges, such as complicated analysis processes and time-consuming procedures, necessitating the development of rapid, efficient analysis technology for food authentication. Spectroscopic techniques, ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS), electronic sensors, and DNA-based technology have gradually been applied for food authentication due to advantages such as rapid analysis and simple operation. This paper summarizes the current research on rapid food authenticity analysis technology from three perspectives, including breeds or species determination, quality fraud detection, and geographical origin identification, and introduces chemometrics method adapted to rapid analysis techniques. It aims to promote the development of rapid analysis technology in the food authenticity field.

The storm runoff management strategy based on agricultural ditch nutrient loss characteristics in Erhai Lake, China.

Initial flush management is an effective measure to control non-point source pollution (NPSP) in storm runoff. However, determining the parameter of the initial flush in different areas may pose challenges in storm runoff management strategies. To address this issue, Erhai Lake in China, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, was selected as an example for the study. Erhai Lake is a typical mesotrophic lake with the profound influence of NPSP. The NPSP control strategy in this area will provide a valuable reference for other lakes. In 2021, 289 storm events and 190 ditchwater samples were detected around Erhai Lake. The average flow in the ditches ranged from 0.004 to 0.147 m3/s, the instant total nitrogen (TN) concentration ranged from 0.28 to 91.43 mg/L, and the instant total phosphorus (TP) concentration ranged from 0.26 to 7.35 mg/L in the storm events. It was found that the concentration of pollutants was lower than expected in the initial flush period. Instead, the event mean concentrations of TN and TP were 9.3 and 2.1 times higher than in the wet seasons, showing high nutrient concentration levels throughout the entire rainfall period. To manage storm runoff effectively, a flow-processes-division method was proposed to analyze the inflow condition and pollutant removal rate in different runoff periods. The peak flow interception strategy was recommended as the optimal stormwater management plan, as it showed the highest inflow conditions and 50% pollutant removal rate. Considering the need to reduce the constant flush of stormwater runoff, it is essential to establish a healthy water cycle system to alleviate NPSP and raise the Erhai water level. The storm runoff management method can serve as a practical tool for lake areas that do not exhibit initial flush characteristics.

Event-Triggered Interval Observer Fault Detection and Isolation for Multiagent Systems.

This article investigates an event-triggered interval observer (ETIO) fault detection and isolation method for multiagent systems. First, an event-triggered mechanism is developed to reduce unnecessary communication transmission. Then, a distributed ETIO is designed by combining an interval observer and the proposed event-triggered mechanism. Furthermore, for achieving the desired tradeoff between the robustness to disturbances and the sensitivity to faults, the ETIO is formulated as a multiobjective optimization with l1 / H∞ performance. Second, a bank of ETIOs are interpreted to isolate the faulty agent on a local agent using only the output information from itself and its neighbors. Comparison result with the existing method is given to highlight the superiority of our methodology. Finally, the multiunmanned aerial vehicles system is utilized as the case research, and specific simulation results are presented.