Airborne microorganisms and key environmental factors shaping their community patterns in the core production area of the Maotai-flavor Baijiu.

Airborne microorganisms are important parts of the Moutai-flavor Baijiu brewing microbial community, which directly affects the quality of Baijiu. However, environmental factors usually shape airborne microbiomes in different distilleries, even in the different production areas of the same distillery. Unfortunately, current understanding of environmental factors shaping airborne microbiomes in distilleries is very limited. To bridge this gap, we compared airborne microbiomes in the Moutai-flavor Baijiu core production areas of different distilleries in the Chishui River Basin and systematically investigated the key environmental factors that shape the airborne microbiomes. The top abundant bacterial communities are mainly affiliated to the phyla Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteri, whereas Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are the predominant fungal communities. The Random Forest analysis indicated that the biomarkers in three distilleries are Saccharomonospora and Bacillus, Thermoactinomyces, Oceanobacillus, and Methylobacterium, which are the core functional flora contributing to the production of Daqu. The correlation and network analyses showed that the distillery age and environmental temperature have a strong regulatory effect on airborne microbiomes, suggesting that the fermentation environment has a domesticating effect on air microbiomes. Our findings will greatly help us understand the relationship between airborne microbiomes and environmental factors in distilleries and support the production of the high-quality Moutai-flavor Baijiu.

A study on the factors influencing the utilization of public health services by China's migrant population based on the Shapley value method.

BACKGROUND: The health of migrants has received significant global attention, and it is a particularly significant concern in China, which has the largest migrant population in the world. Analyzing data on samples from the Chinese population holds practical significance. For instance, one can delve into an in-depth analysis of the factors impacting (1) the health records of residents in distinct regions and (2) the current state of family doctor contracts. This study explores the barriers to access these two health services and the variations in the effects and contribution magnitudes. METHODS: This study involved data from 138,755 individuals, extracted from the 2018 National Migration Population Health and Family Planning Dynamic Monitoring Survey database. The theoretical framework employed was the Anderson health service model. To investigate the features and determinants of basic public health service utilization among the migrant population across different regions of China, including the influence of enabling resources and demand factors, x2 tests and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. The Shapley value method was employed to assess the extent of influence of each factor. RESULTS: The utilization of various service types varied among the migrant population, with significant regional disparities. The results of the decomposition of the Shapley value method highlighted variations in the mechanism underlying the influence of propensity characteristics, enabling resources, and demand factors between the two health service types. Propensity characteristics and demand factors were found to be the primary dimensions with the highest explanatory power; among them, health education for chronic disease prevention and treatment was the most influential factor. CONCLUSION: To better meet the health needs of the migrant population, regional barriers need to be broken down, and the relevance and effectiveness of publicity and education need to be improved. Additionally, by considering the education level, demographic characteristics, and mobility characteristics of the migrant population, along with the relevant health policies, the migrant population needs to be guided to maintain the health records of residents. They should also be encouraged to sign a contract with a family doctor in a more effective manner to promote the equalization of basic health services for the migrant population.

Combining controlled-release urea with potassium chloride to reduce soil N/K leaching and promote growth of Italian ryegrass.

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are essential nutrients for Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) growth. A 2-year field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted to study the effect of N fertilizer type combined with different K fertilizer rates on the soil mineral N and K availability, and growth characteristics of Italian ryegrass. The main plots were assigned to two N fertilizer types, controlled-release urea (CRU) and common urea. While low, moderate and high potassium chloride (KCl) rates (150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1, respectively) were assigned to the subplots. Compared with the common urea treatments, the CRU significantly increased the SPAD value, plant height, leaf area, and photosynthetic index of Italian ryegrass, which significantly prolonged the green stage of Italian ryegrass and prevented premature senescence. Moreover, the dry yields of the CRU increased by 4.5-12.5% in 2019 and 10.9-25.3% in 2020 compared with the urea, respectively. At the same time, compared with the KCl150 and KCl450 treatments, the KCl300 treatment resulted in better plant growth. Overall, the CRU × KCl300 maximized the soil inorganic N and different soil K forms, and reduced the soil N/K leaching. The root length, volume, surface area, average diameter, tips and branches were also improved, and there was a significant N × K interaction effect on the tips. The CRU combined with 300 kg ha-1 KCl fertilization enhanced crop growth by improving leaf photosynthesis, soil fertility, and yield and should be recommended as the best fertilizer ratio for Italian ryegrass production.

Response of the fine root morphological and chemical traits of Tamarix chinensis to water and salt changes in coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta.

To explore the adaptation of the fine root morphology and chemical characteristics of Tamarix chinensis to water-salt heterogeneity in the groundwater-soil system of a coastal wetland zone, T. chinensis forests at different groundwater levels (high: GW1 0.54 m and GW2 0.83 m; medium: GW3 1.18 m; low: GW4 1.62 m and GW5 2.04 m) in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta were researched, and the fine roots of T. chinensis standard trees were excavated. The fine roots were classified by the Pregitzer method, and the morphology, nutrients, and nonstructural carbohydrate characteristics of each order were determined. The results showed that the groundwater level had a significant indigenous effect on the soil water and salt conditions and affected the fine roots of T. chinensis. At high groundwater levels, the specific root length and specific surface area of fine roots were small, the root tissue density was high, the fine root growth rate was slow, the nutrient use efficiency was higher than at low groundwater levels, and the absorption of water increased with increasing specific surface area. With decreasing groundwater level, the N content and C/N ratio of fine roots first decreased and then increased, and the soluble sugar, starch, and nonstructural carbohydrate content of fine roots first increased and then decreased. At high and low groundwater levels, the metabolism of fine roots of T. chinensis was enhanced, and their adaptability to high salt content and low water content soil environments improved. The first- and second-order fine roots of T. chinensis were mainly responsible for water and nutrient absorption, while the higher-order (from the third to fifth orders) fine roots were primarily responsible for the transportation and storage of carbohydrates. The fine root morphology, nutrients, nonstructural carbohydrate characteristics, and other aspects of the water and salt environment heterogeneity cooperated in a synergistic response and trade-off adjustment.

Extracellular vesicle-packaged mitochondrial disturbing miRNA exacerbates cardiac injury during acute myocardial infarction.

Mounting evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are effective communicators in biological signalling in cardiac physiology and pathology. However, the role of EVs in cardiac injury, particularly in ischemic myocardial scenarios, has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced EVs can impair cardiomyocyte survival and exacerbate cardiac injury. EV-encapsulated miR-503, which is enriched during the early phase of AMI, is a critical molecule that mediates myocardial injury. Functional studies revealed that miR-503 promoted cardiomyocyte death by directly binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1ß (PGC-1ß) and a mitochondrial deacetylase, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), thereby triggering mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death. Mechanistically, we identified endothelial cells as the primary source of miR-503 in EVs after AMI. Hypoxia induced rapid H3K4 methylation of the promoter of the methyltransferase-like 3 gene (METTL3) and resulted in its overexpression. METTL3 overexpression evokes N6-methyladenosine (m6 A)-dependent miR-503 biogenesis in endothelial cells. In summary, this study highlights a novel endogenous mechanism wherein EVs aggravate myocardial injury during the onset of AMI via endothelial cell-secreted miR-503 shuttling.

The association between insomnia and the risk of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between insomnia and the risk of developing into metabolic syndrome (including hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity). METHOD: We conducted our research according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses). After the search term was determined, we searched Pubmed and Embase databases until December 1, 2020 for the observational studies. We used random effects models to aggregate risk estimates for individual studies and the odds ratio (OR) as well as 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for pooled data. Heterogeneity in this study was assessed by using I2 statistic. RESULTS: 12 studies were eventually included in this meta-analysis which contained metabolic syndrome related symptoms (hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity). The combined OR value and 95% CI of the hypertension group was 1.41 (1.19-1.67). The hyperglycemia group was 1.29 (1.11-1.50). The hyperlipidemia group was 1.12 (0.92-1.37) and the obesity group was 1.31 (1.03-1.67). CONCLUSION: The risk of insomnia patients suffering from hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity in metabolic syndrome was 1.41 times, 1.29 times and 1.31 times than people without insomnia respectively.

Photosynthetic characteristics of Tamarix chinensis under different groundwater depths in freshwater habitats.

Groundwater is the major source of water for Tamarix chinensis growth in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) region, and the groundwater depth (GWD) dramatically influences the physiological activities of T. chinensis. The quantitative response of the photosynthetic physiological process of T. chinensis to the GWD in freshwater habitats remains unclear. In this study, the response characteristics of gas exchange parameters in the leaves of three-year-old T. chinensis seedlings were measured and analyzed at a graded series of seven GWDs (0 m, 0.3 m, 0.6 m, 0.9 m, 1.2 m, 1.5 m and 1.8 m). The GWD thresholds corresponding to drastic changes in the photosynthetic efficiency and the GWDs of several levels of photosynthetic productivity and efficiency were also determined. In the freshwater habitats of the YRD, variations in GWD significantly altered the relative soil water content (RSWC) and thus influenced the photosynthetic efficiency of T. chinensis. RSWC at 0 ≤ GWD ≤ 0.9 m and GWD at 1.2 m ≤ GWD ≤ 1.8 m directly influenced the photosynthetic physiology of T. chinensis. When the GWD was 1.2 m, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), apparent quantum efficiency and water use efficiency (WUE) values all peaked. Thus, T. chinensis exhibited a high light and water use efficiency, wide ecological amplitude in terms of light, and high photosynthetic capacity. The optimum GWD for photosynthetic carbon assimilation and WUE in T. chinensis was determined to be 1.2 m. At a deep (≥1.64 m) or shallow (≤0.53 m) GWD, both Pn and WUE in T. chinensis clearly decreased below the corresponding mean values. The main causes for the reduction in Pn in these two GWD ranges (≤0.53 m, ≥1.64 m) were stomatal and nonstomatal limitations, respectively. Additionally, a moderate GWD of 1.09-1.25 m corresponded to the "high-productivity and high-efficiency GWD" range, in which T. chinensis displayed a high photosynthetic yield and WUE. Overall, the photosynthetic capacity of T. chinensis shows characteristics of high tolerance to moderate GWDs from 1.09 m to 1.25 m but intolerance at both shallow (≤0.53 m) and deep (≥1.64 m) GWDs in freshwater habitats.

Determination of the Best Controlled-Release Potassium Chloride and Fulvic Acid Rates for an Optimum Cotton Yield and Soil Available Potassium.

Potassium and fulvic acid (FA) fertilizer applications are two important measures for improving cotton growth. However, there are few studies on the application interactive effects of controlled-release potassium chloride (CRK) in combination with FA on cotton production. To explore the effects of CRK combined with FA on cotton, field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 using a split-plot design. The main plots were assigned to two types of potassium fertilizer - controlled-release potassium chloride (CRK) and potassium sulfate (KS) - while low, moderate, and high FA application rates (90, 180, and 270 kg ha-1) were assigned to the subplots. The cotton yield, fiber quality, net profit, soil available potassium concentration, potassium use efficiency, and leaf photosynthesis were markedly affected by potassium fertilizer and FA. The cotton boll number and boll weight in the 2 years and the yield in 2019 were all affected by the interaction between potassium fertilizer and FA. Compared to the other potassium treatments, the CRK × FA180 treatment increased the seed yield and net profit by 4.29-14.92% and 13.72-62.30%, respectively, over the 2 years. The potassium agronomy efficiency and potassium recovery efficiency (KRE) of the CRK × FA180 treatment were also improved by 6.25-30.77% and 3.82-12.78% compared to those of the other potassium treatments. Overall, the FA180 treatment resulted in better cotton growth than that in the FA90 and FA270 treatments. The release period of CRK in the field during the growth period of cotton was longer than that detected by 25°C static water extraction, which increased the soil available potassium content and met the potassium demands over the whole cotton growth period. Therefore, the application of CRK in combination with 180 kg ha-1 FA is the best choice for cotton fertilization.

Effects of controlled-release urea combined with fulvic acid on soil inorganic nitrogen, leaf senescence and yield of cotton.

A split-plot field experiment was conducted in 2018-2019 to study the effects of nitrogen fertilizer types and fulvic acid (FA) rates on soil nitrogen and cotton growth. The nitrogen fertilizers included controlled-release urea (CRU) and urea, which were applied combined with three FA rates (90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1). The main plot was the nitrogen fertilizer type, and the subplot was the FA rate. The results showed that the lint yield of the FA180 treatment was 5.2-8.6% higher than the FA90 and FA270 treatments. Moreover, moderate FA application markedly improved the cotton leaf SPAD value (chlorophyll relative value), photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters compared with low and high FA rates. Replacing urea with CRU significantly increased the soil inorganic nitrogen and nitrogen use efficiency and also improved cotton fiber quality parameters. Meanwhile, the boll weight and seed yield of the CRU treatments were 1.5-8.4% and 3.3-19.1% higher, respectively, than the urea treatments. The interaction between nitrogen type and FA rate had a positive effect on cotton growth. Thus, the application of CRU combined with 180 kg ha-1 FA on cotton can not only improve the fiber quality and delay leaf senescence but also increase the yield and economic benefit.

Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (ICBT-i): a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (ICBT-i) in adults. DESIGN: A meta-analysis of ICBT-i. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches of randomised controlled trials of ICBT-i were performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases up to 19 June 2016. REVIEW METHOD: 2 reviewers independently performed study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Outcomes of interest included sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), number of nocturnal awakenings (NWAK), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RevMan 5.2 and Stata 13.0 meta-analysis software were used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: 14 records for 15 studies (1013 experimental group participants, 591 waiting list group participants) were included. The meta-analysis indicated that, at the post-test time point, SOL decreased by 18.41 min (95% CI 13.60 to 23.21), TST increased by 22.30 min (95% CI 16.38 to 28.23), SE increased by 9.58% (95% CI 7.30% to 11.85%), WASO decreased by 22.31 min (95% CI 13.50 to 31.11), NWAK decreased by 0.52 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.76), and ISI decreased by 5.88 points (95% CI 4.29 to 7.46). Additionally SOL, TST, SE, and WASO exhibited statistically significant improvements at follow-up versus before treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ICBT-i is an effective treatment for adults with insomnia. This conclusion should be verified in further studies.

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (ICBT-i) Improves Comorbid Anxiety and Depression-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

As the internet has become popularized in recent years, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) has shifted from a face-to-face approach to delivery via the internet (internet-based CBT-i, ICBT-i). Several studies have investigated the effects of ICBT-i on comorbid anxiety and depression; however, the results remain inconclusive. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of ICBT-i on anxiety and depression. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library (throughout May 28, 2015), were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ICBT-i. Data were extracted from the qualified studies and pooled together. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to assess the effects of ICBT-i on comorbid anxiety and depression. Nine records that included ten studies were ultimately qualified. The effect sizes (ESs) were -0.35 [-0.46, -0.25] for anxiety and -0.36 [-0.47, -0.26] for depression, which were stable using a between-group or within-group comparison and suggest positive effects of ICBT-i on both comorbid disorders. Although positive results were identified in this meta-analysis, additional high-quality studies with larger sample sizes are needed in the future.

Reaction-sintered porous mineral-based mullite ceramic membrane supports made from recycled materials.

Bulk porous mullite supports for ceramic membranes were prepared directly using a mixture of industrial waste fly ash and bauxite by dry-pressing, followed by sintering between 1200 and 1550 degrees C. The effects of sintering temperature on the phase composition and shrinkage percent of porous mullite were studied. The XRD results indicate that secondary mullitization reaction took place above 1200 degrees C, and completed at 1450 degrees C. During sintering, the mixture samples first shrunk, then expanded abnormally between 1326 and 1477 degrees C, and finally shrunk again above 1477 degrees C. This unique volume self-expansion is ascribed to the secondary mullitization reaction between bauxite and fly ash. More especially, the micro-structural variations induced by this self-expansion sintering were verified by SEM, porosity, pore size distribution and nitrogen gas permeation flux. During self-expansion sintering, with increasing temperature, an abnormal increase in both open porosity and pore size is observed, which also results in the increase of nitrogen gas flux. The mineral-based mullite supports with increased open porosity were obtained. Furthermore, the sintered porous mullite membrane supports were characterized in terms of thermal expansion co-efficient and mechanical strength.

A pilot project for the effective delivery of HAART in rural China.

The purpose of this pilot study, conducted in rural Jilin Province in northeastern China, was to develop and test an infrastructure for the delivery of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) that might be applicable to other such areas across the country. Earlier attempts to provide antiretroviral therapy in rural areas met with mixed success in large measure because of social stigma, a lack of adequate physician training, and problems with patient retention. In response to these problems, a highly integrated and family-centered approach was developed that placed emphasis on the primary care level for regimen delivery. Using this structure, a treatment naïve cohort of 22 male and 20 female (n = 42) volunteers with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was given government-provided HAART. After 12 months, all volunteers remained in the cohort, and there were significant changes in both CD4 levels and ability to return to work. Per patient cost for the 12-month study was Dollars 1,259.00, with Dollars 1,149 being spent on treatment and Dollars 110.00 on educational and administrative costs. This project demonstrated that HAART can be delivered successfully in resource-poor rural areas in China.

[Enhancement of a hepatitis B DNA vaccine potency using aluminum phosphate in mice].

OBJECTIVES: To study antibody response to a hepatitis B DNA vaccine by formulation with aluminum phosphate in mice. METHODS: An eukaryotic expression plasmid inserted HBsAg gene (pcDNA3.1-S) was constructed by cloning technique and the accuracy of the construct was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing, then hepatitis B DNA vaccine formulations were prepared by mixing pcDNA3.1-S with various concentration of aluminum phosphate in 0.9% NaCl. HBsAg expressions were assayed by ELISA in vivo five days after intramuscular injection of pcDNA3.1-S with or without aluminum phosphate. And serum samples were obtained from individual immunized or control mice 6 weeks post injection. Then anti-HBs were assayed in mice sera by ELISA. RESULTS: Five days after intramuscular immunization, the levels of HBsAg expression of groups with aluminum phosphate showed no difference from those of control group in tibialis arterials muscles. In sera, HBsAg could not be detectable in all groups. Intramuscular immunization of BABL/C mice with pcDNA3.1-S mixed aluminum phosphate (0microg, 1microg, 10microg, 50microg, 100microg) 6 weeks later, the P/N values of anti-HBs in sera were 11.54+/-5.60, 11.00+/-6.62, 20.30+/-10.20, 49.18+/-24.40 and 48.68+/-27.78, respectively. It showed that pcDNA3.1-S mixing with aluminum phosphate could increase anti-HBs titers in mice. CONCLUSION: No increase of HBsAg expression was observed by mixing plasmid pcDNA3.1-S with various concentration of aluminum phosphate in vivo. But Intramuscular immunization of BALB/C mice with pcDNA3.1-S mixing aluminum phosphate adjuvant can increase anti -HBs titers. It seemed that aluminum phosphate would be valuable for further investigation as a potential adjuvant of hepatitis B DNA vaccines.