Fanlian Huazhuo formula:A promising therapeutic approach for metabolic associated steatotic liver disease

This article reviews the study,“Fanlian huazhuo formula alleviates high-fat-dietinduced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating autophagy and lipid synthesis signaling pathway”published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The study explores the therapeutic potential of Fanlian Huazhuo formula(FLHZF)in treating metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),demonstrating that FLHZF reduces lipid accumulation,oxidative stress,and liver injury in MASLD models by modulating key signaling pathways involved in lipid metabolism and autophagy.This editorial emphasizes the potential of FLHZF as a treatment for MASLD and calls for further research to verify its clinical efficacy.

A physical memristor model for Pavlovian associative memory

Brain-inspired intelligence is considered to be a computational model with the most promising potential to overcome the shortcomings of the von Neumann architecture,making it a current research hotspot.Due to advantages such as nonvolatility,high density,low power consumption,and high response ratio,memristors are regarded as devices with promising applications in brain-inspired intelligence.This paper proposes a physical Ag/HfO_(x)/FeO_(x)/Pt memristor model.The Ag/HfO_(x)/FeO_(x)/Pt memristor is first fabricated using magnetron sputtering,and its internal principles and characteristics are then thoroughly analyzed.Furthermore,we construct a corresponding physical memristor model which achieves a simulation accuracy of up to 99.72%for the physical memristor.We design a fully functional Pavlovian associative memory circuit,realizing functions including generalization,primary differentiation,secondary differentiation,and forgetting.Finally,the circuit is validated through PSPICE simulation and analysis.

Critical assessment of the reported bidirectional associations between gallstone, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and kidney stone diseases

The recent article by Jiang et al published in World Journal of Gastroenterology reports substantial bidirectional associations between gallstone disease(GSD),non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and kidney stone disease(KSD),based on multicenter cross-sectional studies and a systematic review with meta-analysis.While the findings have the potential to significantly impact clinical and pre-ventive strategies,several methodological issues merit closer examination.This letter critiques key aspects of the study,including sample population hetero-geneity,potential confounding variables,and the reliance on cross-sectional data that may limit causal inferences.We also discuss the generalizability of these results to broader populations given the study's focus on the Chinese demogra-phic.By addressing these concerns,we suggest a more nuanced interpretation of the associations between GSD,NAFLD,and KSD,advocating for longitudinal studies to validate these findings and enhance their applicability in global health contexts.

THE ALL-ASSOCIATIVITY OF OCTONIONS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Using an elementary method, we give a new proof of the all-associativity of octonions. As some applications, the known Taylor theorem is improved, and a new definition and new properties of octonionic determinant are also obtained.

Effects of excess high-normal alanine aminotransferase levels in relation to new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:Clinical implications

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Chen et al recently published in 2024.We focus the debate on whether reducing the upper limit of normal of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)would effectively identify cases of fibrosis in metabolic-dysfunction associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This is important given the increasing prevalence of MAFLD and obesity globally.Currently,a suitable screening test to identify patients in the general population does not exist and most patients are screened after the finding of an abnormal ALT.The authors of this paper challenge the idea of what a normal ALT is and whether that threshold should be lowered,particularly as their study found that 83.12%of their study population with a diagnosis of MAFLD had a normal ALT.The main advantages of screening would be to identify patients and provide intervention early,the mainstay of this being changing modifiable risk factors and monitoring for liver fibrosis.However,there is not enough suitable therapeutic options available as of yet although this is likely to change in the coming years with more targets for therapy being discovered.Semaglutide is one example of this which has demonstrated benefit with an acceptable side effect profile for those patients with MAFLD and obesity,although studies have not yet shown a significant improvement in fibrosis regression.It would also require a huge amount of resource if a reduced ALT level alone was used as criteria;it is more likely that current scoring systems such as fibrosis-4 may be amended to represent this additional risk.Currently,there is not a good argument to recommend wide-spread screening with a reduced ALT level as this is unlikely to be cost-effective.This is compounded by the fact that there is a significant heterogeneity in what is considered a normal ALT between laboratories.Although studies previously have suggested a more pragmatic approach in screening those over the age of 60,this is likely to change with the increasing incidence of obesity within the younger age groups.The main message from this study is that those who have hypercholesterolemia and high body metabolic index should have these risk factors modified to maintain a lower level of ALT to reduce the risk of progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Interplay between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and renal function: An intriguing pediatric perspective

Over recent years,the nomenclature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has undergone significant changes.Indeed,in 2020,an expert consensus panel proposed the term“Metabolic(dysfunction)associated fatty liver disease”(MAFLD)to underscore the close association of fatty liver with metabolic abnormalities,thereby highlighting the cardiometabolic risks(such as metabolic syndrome,type 2 diabetes,insulin resistance,and cardiovascular disease)faced by these patients since childhood.More recently,this term has been further replaced with metabolic associated steatotic liver disease.It is worth noting that emerging evidence not only supports a close and independent association of MAFLD with chronic kidney disease in adults but also indicates its interplay with metabolic impairments.However,comparable pediatric data remain limited.Given the progressive and chronic nature of both diseases and their prognostic cardiometabolic implications,this editorial aims to provide a pediatric perspective on the intriguing relationship between MAFLD and renal function in childhood.

The Genetic Association between CDKN1A and Heart Failure:Genome-Wide Exploration of m6A-SNPs and Mendelian Randomization

Objective N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)is a common epigenetic modification in eukaryotes.In this study,we explore the potential impact of m^(6)A-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms(m^(6)A-SNPs)on heart failure(HF).Methods Data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)investigating HF in humans and from m^(6)A-SNPs datasets were used to identify HF-associated m^(6)A-SNPs.Their functions were explored using expression quantitative trait locus(eQTL),gene expression,and gene enrichment analyses.Mediation protein quantitative trait locus(pQTL)-Mendelian randomization(MR)was used to investigate the potential mechanism between critical protein levels and risk factors for HF.Results We screened 44 HF-associated m^(6)A-SNPs,including 10 m^(6)A-SNPs that showed eQTL signals and differential expressions in HF.The SNP rs1801270 in CDKN1A showed the strongest association with HF(P=7.75×10^(−6)).Additionally,MR verified the genetic association between the CDKN1A protein and HF,as well as the mediating effect of blood pressure(BP)in this pathway.Higher circulating level of CDKN1A was associated with a lower risk of HF(odds ratio[OR]=0.82,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.69 to 0.99).The proportions of hypertension,systolic BP,and diastolic BP were 48.10%,28.94%,and 18.02%,respectively.Associations of PDIA6(P=1.30×10^(−2))and SMAD3(P=4.80×10^(−2))with HF were also detected.Conclusion Multiple HF-related m^(6)A-SNPs were identified in this study.Genetic associations of CDKN1A and other proteins with HF and its risk factors were demonstrated,providing new ideas for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of HF.

Associative Tasks Computing Offloading Scheme in Internet of Medical Things with Deep Reinforcement Learning

The Internet of Medical Things(Io MT) is regarded as a critical technology for intelligent healthcare in the foreseeable 6G era. Nevertheless, due to the limited computing power capability of edge devices and task-related coupling relationships, Io MT faces unprecedented challenges. Considering the associative connections among tasks, this paper proposes a computing offloading policy for multiple-user devices(UDs) considering device-to-device(D2D) communication and a multi-access edge computing(MEC)technique under the scenario of Io MT. Specifically,to minimize the total delay and energy consumption concerning the requirement of Io MT, we first analyze and model the detailed local execution, MEC execution, D2D execution, and associated tasks offloading exchange model. Consequently, the associated tasks’ offloading scheme of multi-UDs is formulated as a mixed-integer nonconvex optimization problem. Considering the advantages of deep reinforcement learning(DRL) in processing tasks related to coupling relationships, a Double DQN based associative tasks computing offloading(DDATO) algorithm is then proposed to obtain the optimal solution, which can make the best offloading decision under the condition that tasks of UDs are associative. Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of the DDATO algorithm, the cacheaided procedure is intentionally introduced before the data training process. This avoids redundant offloading and computing procedures concerning tasks that previously have already been cached by other UDs. In addition, we use a dynamic ε-greedy strategy in the action selection section of the algorithm, thus preventing the algorithm from falling into a locally optimal solution. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with other existing methods for associative task models concerning different structures in the Io MT network, the proposed algorithm can lower the total cost more effectively and efficiently while also providing a tradeoff between delay and energy consumption tolerance.

Anti-tumor efficacy of Calculus bovis: Suppressing liver cancer by targeting tumor-associated macrophages

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and the availability of novel pharmacotherapies,liver cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Tumor relapse,resistance to current anti-cancer drugs,metastasis,and organ toxicity are the major challenges that prevent considerable improvements in patient survival and quality of life.Calculus bovis(CB),an ancient Chinese medicinal drug,has been used to treat various pathologies,including stroke,convulsion,epilepsy,pain,and cancer.In this editorial,we discuss the research findings recently published by Huang et al on the therapeutic effects of CB in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.Utilizing the comprehensive transcriptomic analyses,in vitro experiments,and in vivo studies,the authors demonstrated that CB treatment inhibits the tumor-promoting M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages via downregulating Wnt pathway.While multiple studies have been performed to explore the molecular mechanisms regulated by CB,this study uniquely shows its role in modulating the M2 phenotype of macrophages present within the tumor microenvironment.This study opens new avenues of future investigations aimed at investigating this drug’s efficacy in various mouse models including the effects of combination therapy,and against drug-resistant tumors.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Associated Factors to Poor Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensives Followed Up at the Campus University Hospital of Lome (Togo)

Introduction: Hypertension is a real public health issue and its control is very difficult. We aim to determine the frequency of uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients followed up as an outpatient at the campus university hospital of Lome (Togo) and to search for the associated factors. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, carried out from February (2022) to August 2022 in 260 hypertensive patients aged 22 years old, followed up (on an) as an outpatient for at least 3 months at the Lome University Hospital campus. A univariate then multivariate analysis were conducted in order to highlight the most common factors significantly linked to uncontrolled. Results: The mean age of hypertensives was 56.4 ± 12.7 years, the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.59. Prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure was 42%. Associated Factors to poor blood pressure control in our study were age > 60 years (OR = 1.6 CI [1.17 - 2.50]), low socio-economic level (OR = 2.2 CI [1.96 - 4.33]), high cardiovascular risk level (OR = 3.1 CI [2.18 - 4.52]), non-adherence to regular blood pressure monitoring (OR = 3.3 CI [2.21 - 5.55]), low compliance to treatment (OR = 4.1 CI [2.33 - 6.76]) and a chronic renal failure (OR = 2.1 CI [1.21 - 3.10]). Conclusion: Nearly half of the hypertensives in our study had poorly controlled blood pressure by antihypertensive treatment medication. The factors of this poor control were age > 60 years, low socio-economic level, high or very high level of cardiovascular risk, low compliance to treatment, and renal failure.

Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.

Depression and Suicidal Risk in HIV-Infected Adults at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral tritherapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV (PVVIH) and extended their life expectancy. However, the nervous system is faced with a neurotropic virus that evolves chronically, sometimes creating neurological disorders directly or indirectly linked to stigmatization or therapeutic effects. Objective: to determine the prevalence of depression associated with suicidal risk (SR) and identify associated factors. Patients and method: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study from January 1 to November 30, 2022, including all HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study took place in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital. This department has an inpatient capacity of 36 beds, and an outpatient capacity of 25 patients per day, three times a week. This is the largest center for PVVIH in Brazzaville. The Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the degree of depression and suicidal risk. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviations. Statistical tests were used according to their applicability criteria. For all tests, the significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 150 patients were consulted, constituting the sample size. The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was 32%. These patients had an average age of 42.83 ± 10.24 years, were female (n = 101;67.3%), Christian (n = 97;64%), single (n = 68;45.3%). Stigmatization (n = 75;50%) was the reason for attempted suicide. HIV was perceived as treatable (n = 103;68.7%), unlucky (n = 62;41.3%). Patients were WHO stage 1 (n = 105;70%). RS was present in 47 cases (31.3%). Factors associated with depression and suicidal risk were age (p = 0.000), residence (p = 0.028), suicide attempt (p = 0.000), desire to procreate (p = 0.000) and ARV (antiretrovirals) side effects (p Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was high, in line with stigma and socio-economic conditions. The associated factors were in line with those identified in the literature. Mental health needs to be integrated into the overall care of people living with HIV.

Factors Associated with Children’s Death Due to Congenital Heart Disease in Two National Hospitals of Niamey

Introduction: Congenital heart disease is a major cause of children’s death. In Niger, despite the frequency of these pathologies, very few studies have been carried out on associated mortality in a paediatric environment. The objective of this work was to look for the risk factors of children with congenital heart disease’s death in Niamey. Patients and Method: It is about a cross-sectional study for descriptive and analytical purposes in children aged from 0 to 15 years. Carriers of congenital heart disease followed from January 2016 to July 2021 in two national hospitals in Niamey. The variable depends and the main ante was the occurrence of deaths (yes or no). The explanatory variables were related to the characteristics of the patients, the type of heart disease and management among others. Chi’s tests2 Pearson’s or Fischer’s exact test were used (P Results: During the period of the research, 514 cases of congenital heart disease were studied, including 132 deaths (25.68%). The average age of patients was 14.64 months [10 days - 15 years]. The sex ratio was 1.08. The most common reason for consultation was respiratory distress that was found in 74.90% of patients. Interventricular communication (IVC) and intear communication (CIA) were the most found type of heart disease with 36.53% and 20.44% of cases respectively. Only 9.54% of patients (n = 48) had received surgical management. The risk factors associated with mortality were pulmonary arterial hypertension (54.17%), pulmonary disease (44.55%) and the presence of anemia (63.16%) [OR > 1;p Conclusion: Congenital heart diseases remain an important cause of death among children in Niger. The pulmonary arterial hypertension and the associated comorbidities such as broncho-pulmonary diseases were the main associated factors. In the meantime, an optimal technical management of these factors will help to reduce this mortality.

A micro-crosslinked amphoteric hydrophobic association copolymer as high temperature-and salt-resistance fluid loss reducer for water-based drilling fluids

During ultradeep oil and gas drilling,fluid loss reducers are highly important for water-based drilling fluids,while preparing high temperature-and salt-resistance fluid loss reducers with excellent rheology and filtration performance remains a challenge.Herein,a micro-crosslinked amphoteric hydrophobic association copolymer(i.e.,DADC)was synthesized using N,N-dimethyl acrylamide,diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid,hydrophobic monomer,and pentaerythritol triallyl ether crosslinker.Due to the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonds,electrostatic interaction,hydrophobic association,and micro-crosslinking,the DADC copolymer exhibited outstanding temperature-and salt-resistance.The rheological experiments have shown that the DADC copolymer had excellent shear dilution performance and a certain degree of salt-responsive viscosity-increasing performance.The DADC copolymer could effectively adsorb on the surface of bentonite particles through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds,which bring more negative charge to the bentonite,thus improving the hydration and dispersion of bentonite particles as well as the colloidal stability of the drilling fluids.Moreover,the drilling fluids constructed based on the DADC copolymer exhibited satisfactory rheological and filtration properties(FLHTHP=12 m L)after aging at high temperatures(up to200℃)and high salinity(saturated salt)environments.Therefore,this work provided new insights into designing and fabricating high-performance drilling fluid treatment agents,demonstrating good potential applications in deep and ultradeep drilling engineering.

Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Factors Associated with Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Population of Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a benign and chronic disease that can impair the quality of life. Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and factors associated with typical GERD in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection which took place from May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The study population consisted of any subject aged at least 15 years and living in Parakou. Subjects aged at least 15 years, present on the day of the survey and having given their free and informed verbal consent were included. The Short form of QRS®(Reflux-Qual Short form) questionnaire and the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression” score were used to assess the quality of life and anxiety/depression, respectively. The sampling was probabilistic through a 2-stage cluster sampling. The variable of interest was the presence of GERD. Results: Out of 390 subjects surveyed, 28 had symptoms of typical GERD, representing a prevalence of 7.18%. The average age of these subjects was 27.11 ± 7.88 years. Fifteen subjects (53.57%) were male, giving a sex ratio of 1.15. Fourteen (50%) had a secondary level of education, 12 (42.86%) were pupils/students, 18 (64.29%) were single. The monthly income of 22 subjects (78.57%) was lower than the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage (40,000 FCFA). The average duration of progression of symptoms was 15.89 ± 4.97 months. Symptoms occurred less than twice a week in 22 subjects (78.57%). The clinical manifestations were both diurnal and nocturnal in 12 subjects (42.86%). None of the 28 subjects with GERD had clinical warning signs. Asthma, diabetes, consumption of high fat or spice foods, carbonated drinks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco were statistically associated with the occurrence of GERD. Each of the 28 subjects had at least one associated factor. A significant impair in quality of life was observed in 27 patients (96.43%). Conclusion: Typical GERD is relatively common in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. It often affects young males. Among the risk factors identified, the most common are carbonated drinks, spicy meals and diabetes. GERD significantly impairs quality of life. Raising awareness about the disease and its associated factors is necessary among the general population.

Short, Medium, and Long-Term Stroke Mortality in Libreville and Associated Factors

Strokes are common around the world and especially in sub-Saharan Africa. They are responsible for severe sequelae and the majority of deaths. In Gabon, no study on stroke mortality has been conducted. Objective: To determine short, medium, long-term mortality and factors associated with long-term stroke mortality. Method: Our study took place in the Neurology Department of the University Hospital Center of Libreville (UHCL). It was a historical cohort study with descriptive and analytical purposes covering the period from June 1 to August 31, 2018 and taking into account hospitalized patients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. We conducted a comprehensive systematic recruitment of patients with stroke, 18 years old and more, and had been agreed to give information. We included all patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The data was gathered using Epi-Info 7 software. The CHI-2 test was used for the comparison of frequencies and the Student’s test, for comparison of means. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression allowed us to look for factors associated with long-term mortality. A result was statistically significant for a p 0.05 value. Results: At 3 months, 28 patients (18.1%) died, at 6 months thirty-one patients or 20.1% died. At 5 years old, fifty-three patients or 34.4% had died. The factors associated with long-term mortality, if the lost of sight were all alive were tobacco (p = 0.01) and stroke (p = 0.008). If all those who were lost to sight had died, no factor was associated with 5-year mortality. Conclusion: Stroke mortality must not be taken for granted, it can be underestimated because of the large number of lost sight. Measures must be put in place to strengthen post-stroke monitoring. .

Study of Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rabies in the Commune of Niakhéne in Senegal, in 2022

Introduction: Rabies is a serious disease, as it is always fatal, but it can be prevented by sero-vaccination. It is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Asia and Africa. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies and to determine the factors associated with them among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhène. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged 18 and over living in the commune of Niakhène. A sample of 300 individuals was drawn from a two-stage cluster survey stratified by age and sex. Bivariate analysis was performed using association tests. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.3 ± 16.9 years. It was noted that 67% (201) of respondents had a good knowledge of rabies. The results showed that 7.3% (22) of respondents owned a dog. Of the 278 people who did not own a dog, 78.4% (218) said they would have vaccinated their dog if they had had one. It should be noted that 83.7% (251) of respondents said they would go to a health facility if an animal bit them. None of the dog owners had vaccinated their dogs against rabies. Of the 41 people exposed to rabies, 39% went to a health facility. The age and education of the respondents had statistically significant associations with knowledge of rabies. Respondents’ age and education were statistically significantly related to whether they had vaccinated a domestic dog. The age, education and economic well-being quintile of respondents’ households had statistically significant associations with the use of a health facility in the event of being bitten or scratched by an animal vector. The education of respondents who had been bitten by an animal vector was statistically significantly associated with the use of a health facility. Conclusion: It would be imperative for human and animal health authorities to collaborate in a “One Health” approach in order to increase knowledge and promote the adoption of good practices in rabies prevention.

Spatial compartmentalization and temporal stability of associated microbiota in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas,one of the most exploited molluscs in the world,has suffered from massive mortality in recent decades,and the occurrence mechanisms have not been well characterized.In this study,to reveal the relationship of associated microbiota to the fitness of oysters,temporal dynamics of microbiota in the gill,hemolymph,and hepatopancreas of C.gigas during April 2018-January 2019 were investigated by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.The microbiota in C.gigas exhibited tissue heterogeneity,of which Spirochaetaceae was dominant in the gill and hemolymph while Mycoplasmataceae enriched in the hepatopancreas.Co-occurrence network demonstrated that the gill microbiota exhibited higher inter-taxon connectivity while the hemolymph microbiota had more modules.The richness(Chao 1 index)and diversity(Shannon index)of microbial community in each tissue showed no significant seasonal variations,except for the hepatopancreas having a higher richness in the autumn.Similarly,beta diversity analysis indicated a relatively stable microbiota in each tissue during the sampling period,showing relative abundance of the dominant taxa exhibiting temporal dynamics.Results indicate that the microbial community in C.gigas showed a tissue-specific stability with temporal dynamics in the composition,which might be essential for the tissue functioning and environmental adaption in oysters.This work provides a baseline microbiota in C.gigas and is helpful for the understanding of host-microbiota interaction in oysters.

Distribution and dynamics of niche and interspecific association of dominant phytoplankton species in the Feiyun River basin,Zhejiang,China

To investigate the dominant species and interspecific association in the phytoplankton community of the Feiyun River basin in Zhejiang Province,East China,the main stream and the Shanxi Zhaoshandu Reservoir in the downstream were chosen as the study area,for which 22 sampling sites were designated.Sampling was conducted in September 2021,January,May,and July 2022.Phytoplankton species were identified from both quantitative samples and in-vivo observations.Phytoplankton was quantified by direct counting.Results show that there were 98 species belonging to 6 phyla and 78 genera.In addition,to clarify the niches of the dominant phytoplankton species and their interspecific association,the dominance index was calculated,and a comprehensive analysis was conducted including niche width,niche overlap value,ecological response rate,overall association,chi-square test,and the stability.The phytoplankton community exhibited characteristics of a Cyanobacteria-Chlorophyta-Diatom type community,showing higher diversity in spring and lower diversity in summer.Among 11 dominants phytoplankton species from 3 phyla,both frequency and dominance degree varied seasonally,of which Microcystis sp.was the dominant species in Spring,Autumn,and Winter.The niche widths of the dominant species ranged from 0.234 to 0.933,and were categorized into three groups.The niche overlap values of the 11 dominant species ranged from 0.359 to 0.959,exhibiting significant seasonal differences-highest in winter followed by autumn,spring,and summer in turn.The overall correlation among dominant species in all four seasons revealed a non-significant negative association,resulting in an unstable community structure.A significant portion(84.2%)of species pairs displayed positive associations,suggesting a successional pattern where Diatoms dominated while other dominant species shared resources and space.Despite this pattern,stability measurements indicated that the dominant species community remained unstable.Therefore,careful monitoring is recommended for potential water environment issues arising from abnormal proliferation of dominant species in the watershed during winter.This research built a theoretical foundation with a data support to the early warning of eutrophication and provided a reference for water resources management in similar watersheds along the eastern coast of China.