Determinants and Assembly Mechanism of Bacterial Community Structure in Ningxia Section of the Yellow River.

The Yellow River is a valuable resource in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and plays a vital role in local human activities and biodiversity. Bacteria are a crucial component of river ecosystems, but the driving factors and assembly mechanisms of bacterial community structure in this region remain unclear. Herein, we documented the bacterial community composition, determinants, co-occurrence pattern, and assembly mechanism for surface water and sediment. In comparison to sediment, the bacterioplankton community showed significant seasonal variation, as well as less diversity and abundance. The network topology parameters indicated that the sediment bacterial network was more stable than water, but the bacterioplankton network had higher connectivity. In this lotic ecosystem, CODMn, Chl a, and pH affected the structure of the bacterioplankton community, while TP was the primary factor influencing the structure of the sediment bacterial community. The combined results of the neutral community model and the phylogenetic null model indicate that Bacterial communities in both habitats were mainly affected by stochastic processes, with ecological processes dominated by ecological drift for bacterioplankton and dispersal limitation for sediment bacteria. These results provide essential insights into future research on microbial ecology, environmental monitoring, and classified management in the Ningxia section of the Yellow River.

A Preliminary Study of Bacterioplankton Community Structure in the Taiyangshan Wetland in Ningxia and Its Driving Factors.

The Taiyangshan Wetland, a valuable wetland resource in the arid zone of central Ningxia, is critical for flood storage and drought resistance, climate regulation, and biodiversity protection. Nevertheless, the community structure and diversity of bacterioplankton in the Taiyangshan Wetland remains unclear. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the differences in bacterioplankton structure and major determinants in the Taiyangshan Wetland from April to October 2020. The composition and diversity of the bacterioplankton community varied significantly in different sampling periods but showed negligible differences across lake regions. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of bacterioplankton Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Tenericutes, Epsilonbacteraeota, and Patescibacteria were significantly different in different sampling periods, while the relative abundances of Cyanobacteria in different lake regions were quite different. Network analysis revealed that the topological attributes of co-occurrence pattern networks of bacterioplankton were high, and bacterioplankton community compositions were complicated in the month of July. A mantel test revealed that the bacterioplankton community in the entire wetland was affected by water temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand, fluoride, and sulfate. The bacterioplankton community structure was affected by ten environmental parameters (e.g., water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and permanganate index) in April, while the bacterioplankton community was only related to 1~2 environmental parameters in July and October. The bacterioplankton community structure in Lake Region IV was related to seven environmental parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, total nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand, whereas the bacterioplankton community structures in the other three lake regions were related to two environmental parameters. This study facilitates the understanding of the bacterioplankton community in wetlands in arid areas and provides references to the evaluation of aquatic ecological management of the Taiyangshan Wetland.

[Characteristics of soil microbial communities in different restoration models in the ecological immigrants' emigration area in southern Ningxia, China]. / 宁夏南部生态移民迁出区不同恢复模式土壤微生物群落特征.

To reveal the effects of plantations on soil microbial environment,the composition and diversity of soil fungi and bacterial communities in five restoration models (Robinia pseudoacacia, Populus hopeiensis, Pinus tabuliformis, Picea crassifolia, natural restoration) in the mountainous area of southern Ningxia were compared by using high-throughput sequencing technology. The correlation between soil physical-chemical properties and dominant microbial groups was analyzed. The results showed that: 1) Dominant fungi in different restoration models were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and unclassified fungi, which accounted for 90% of total fungal community. The dominant soil bacteria were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexi, and other bacteria, accounting for more than 80% of total bacterial community. 2) The diversity of soil fungi in P. tabuliformis forest was the highest, with Shannon index, and Simpson index being 3.72±0.37 and 0.07±0.04, respectively. The richness of fungi in naturally restored forest land was the highest, with Ace and Chao1 index of 708.19±137.25 and 706.26±125.34, respectively. The bacterial diversity and richness of species in P. tabuliformis forest land was the highest. The Shannon, Simpson, Ace and Chao1 indices were 6.57±0.04, 0.004±0.00, 3439.81±41.67, 3463.14±32.16, respectively. 3) The fungus with significant difference among restoration models were Solicoccozyma, Cladosporium, and Alternaria. Bacteria from Norank_f_67-14, Rubrobacter_f_Rubrobacteraceae, Sphingomonas_f_Sphingomonadaceae had significant difference among restoration models. 4) The RDA ordination of the dominant microbial flora and soil physical-chemical properties showed that soil bulk density (BD), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), and pH were the major factors affecting the dominant fungal flora. BD, nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N/P), total phosphorus (TP), and total carbon (TC) were the main factors affecting the dominant bacterial flora. In general, the difference of composition and diversity in the fungal community of different restoration models was higher than that of the bacterial community, indicating that the fungal communities were more sensitive to the changes of tree species and soil environment than bacterial communities. Our results could provide the theoretical foundation for vegetation restoration measures and the maintenance of ecosystem function stability in southern Ningxia.

Hidden blood loss and its risk factors after hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Several authors have reported the degree of total blood loss (TBL) following hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture; however, the research specifically investigating on hidden blood loss (HBL) after hip hemiarthroplasty is still lacking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the HBL in patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures and to analyze its risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2016, 212 patients (57 males and 155 females) with displaced femoral neck fracture undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty were included in this study. The demographic and relevant clinical information of the patients were collected. According to the Gross's formula, each patient's height, weight, and preoperative and postoperative hematocrit were recorded and used for calculating the total perioperative blood loss and HBL. Risk factors were further analyzed by multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: The HBL was 525±217 mL, with 61.0%±13.6% in the total perioperative blood loss (859±289 mL), and the perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) loss was 23.8±7.4 g/L. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that HBL was positively associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (regression coefficient=62.169, 95% CI=15.616-108.722; P=0.009), perioperative gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcer (regression coefficient=155.589, 95% CI=38.095-273.083; P=0.010), and transfusion (regression coefficient=192.118, 95% CI=135.578-248.659; P<0.001). Compared with females, males had a risk of increased HBL (regression coefficient=87.414, 95% CI=28.547-146.280; P=0.004), and general anesthesia had an increased HBL compared with spinal anesthesia (regression coefficient=68.920, 95% CI=11.707-126.134; P=0.018). CONCLUSION: HBL should not be ignored in patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures in the perioperative period, because it is a significant portion of TBL. Female patients, patients with higher ASA classification and perioperative gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcer, patients who were administered general anesthesia, or patients who underwent transfusion had a greater amount of HBL after hip hemiarthroplasty was performed. Having a correct understanding of HBL may help surgeons improve clinical assessment capabilities and ensure patients' safety.

Arthroscopic-assisted balloon tibioplasty versus open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of Schatzker II-IV tibial plateau fractures: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic-assisted balloon tibioplasty is an emerging technology that has shown advantages in recovering depression of the articular surface. However, studies evaluating clinical outcomes between arthroscopic-assisted balloon tibioplasty and traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) are sparse. This is the first randomised study to compare arthroscopic-assisted balloon tibioplasty with ORIF, and will provide guidance for treating patients with Schatzker types II, III and IV with depression of the medial tibial plateau only. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A blinded randomised controlled trial will be conducted and a total of 80 participants will be randomly divided into either the arthroscopic-assisted balloon tibioplasty group or the ORIF group, at a ratio of 1:1. The primary clinical outcome measures are the knee functional scores, Rasmussen radiological evaluation scores and the quality of reduction based on postoperative CT scan. Secondary clinical outcome measures are intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, visual analogue scale score after surgery, hospital duration after surgery, complications and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey score. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (batch: 2017-12). The results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals after completion of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03327337, Pre-results.

Learning Curve and Clinical Outcomes of Performing Surgery with the InterTan Intramedullary Nail in Treating Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning curve of performing surgery with the InterTan intramedullary nail in treating femoral intertrochanteric fractures, to provide valuable information and experience for surgeons who decide to learn a new procedure. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data from 53 patients who underwent surgery using an InterTan intramedullary nail at our hospital between July 2012 and September 2015. The negative exponential curve-fit regression analysis was used to evaluate the learning curve. According to 90% learning milestone, patients were divided into two group, and the outcomes were compared. Results. The mean operative time was 69.28 (95% CI 64.57 to 74.00) minutes; with the accumulation of surgical experience, the operation time was gradually decreased. 90% of the potential improvement was expected after 18 cases. In terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and Harris hip score significant differences were found between two groups (p = 0.009, p = 0.000, p = 0.030, and p = 0.002, resp.). Partial weight bearing time, fracture union time, tip apex distance, and the number of blood transfusions and complications were similar between two groups (p > 0.5). Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the learning curve of performing surgery with the InterTan intramedullary nail is acceptable and 90% of the expert's proficiency level is achieved at around 18 cases.

Intramedullary and extramedullary fixations for the treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures: a meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary and extramedullary fixation methods are widely used to treat unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures, but the optimal surgical method remains controversial. The aim of this study was to estimate the outcomes of intramedullary fixation versus extramedullary fixation in treating unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: Electronic literature databases were used for searching including MEDLINE (Ovid interface), EMBASE (Ovid interface) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Wiley Online Library) (up to March 30, 2016). Only human studies, which were designed as randomized controlled clinical trials, were included. Two authors independently evaluated the quality of original literature and extracted data from eligible literature. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 1,543 patients were included. Intramedullary fixation was significantly better in functional scores (SMD 0.43, 95 % CI 0.14-0.73, P = 0.004) and had less blood loss (SMD -0.96, 95 % CI -1.77 to -0.11, P = 0.03) in contrast with extramedullary fixation. No obvious discrepancies were found in adverse events, operative time, blood transfusion, and hospital stay between intramedullary and extramedullary fixations. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis of 11 prospective randomized controlled trials suggested: no obvious discrepancies were found in adverse events, operative time, blood transfusion, and hospital stay between intramedullary and extramedullary fixations. Given the better results of intramedullary fixation in terms of functional scores and blood loss, we recommend the intramedullary fixation technique in treating unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Large multi-center RCTs, which focused on unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures, are needed to evaluate the efficiency of alternative internal fixation strategies in the future.

Reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing for the treatment of femoral fractures: A meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intramedullary nailing is commonly used for treating femoral shaft fractures, one of the most common long bone fractures in adults. The reamed intramedullary nail is considered the standard implant for femoral fractures. This meta-analysis was performed to verify the superiority of reamed intramedullary nailing over unreamed intramedullary nailing in fractures of the femoral shaft in adults. Subgroup analysis of implant failure and secondary procedure was also performed. METHODS: Electronic literature databases were used to identify relevant publications and included MEDLINE (Ovid interface), EMBASE (Ovid interface), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Wiley Online Library). The versions available on January 30, 2016, were utilized. Only human studies, which were designed as randomized controlled clinical trials, were included. Two authors independently evaluated the quality of original research publications and extracted data from the studies that met the criteria. RESULTS: Around 8 randomized controlled trials involving 1078 patients were included. Reamed intramedullary nailing was associated with shorter time to consolidation of the fracture (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI = -0.89 to -0.35, P < 0.00001), lower secondary procedure rate (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.62, P = 0.003), lower nonunion rate (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.05-0.40, P < 0.01), and lower delayed-union rate (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07-0.49, P < 0.01) compared to unreamed intramedullary nailing. The 2 groups showed no significant differences in risk of implant failure (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.14-1.74, P = 0.27), mortality risk (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.19-4.68, P = 0.94), risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.36-6.57, P = 0.55), or blood loss (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = -0.22 to 1.36, P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Reamed intramedullary nailing is correlated with shorter time to union and lower rates of delayed-union, nonunion, and reoperation. Reamed intramedullary nailing did not increase blood loss or the rates of ARDS, implant failure, and mortality compared to unreamed intramedullary nailing. Therefore, the treatment of femoral fractures using reamed intramedullary nailing is recommended.

Incidence and related clinical factors of falls among older Chinese veterans in military communities: a prospective study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine fall incidence and explore clinical factors of falls among older Chinese veterans in military communities. [Subjects and Methods] We carried out a 12-month prospective study among 13 military communities in Beijing, China. Fall events were obtained by self-report to military community liaisons and monthly telephone interviews by researchers. [Results] Among the final sample of 447 older veterans, 86 fell once, 25 fell twice or more, and 152 falls occurred altogether. The incidence of falls and fallers were 342/1,000 person-years and 249/1,000 person-years. In Cox regression models, independent clinical factors associated with falls were visual acuity (RR=0.47), stroke (RR=2.43), lumbar diseases (RR=1.73), sedatives (RR=1.80), fall history in the past 6 months (RR=2.77), multiple chronic diseases (RR=1.53), multiple medications (RR=1.34), and five-repetition sit-to-stand test score (RR=1.41). Hearing acuity was close to being statistically significant. [Conclusion] The incidences of falls and fallers among older Chinese veterans were lower than those of Hong Kong and western countries. The clinical risk factors of falls were poor senses, stroke, lumbar diseases, taking sedatives, fall history in the past 6 months, having multiple chronic diseases, taking multiple medications, and poor physical function. The preventive strategies targeting the above risk factors are very significant for reducing falls.

Isolation and identification of methanethiol-utilizing bacterium CZ05 and its application in bio-trickling filter of biogas.

A bacterium capable of methanethiol (MT) degradation was enriched and isolated by employing activated sewage sludge as the inoculum in a mineral medium containing MT. The isolate was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa CZ05 through a Biolog test and 16S rDNA sequencing. This strain can utilize both organic and inorganic media and thrives at pH 4 to 9. The batch culture showed that the strain can degrade MT better in the No. 4 medium than in the No. 1 medium. A series-operating biotrickling filter with lava stone as the carrier was employed to test the application of P. polymyxa CZ05 in the removal of MT in simulated biogas. Long-term experiments showed that a high concentration of MT (60 ppm) was efficiently removed (99.5%) by the biotrickling filters at EBRT 30 s. The addition of hydrogen sulfide decreased the MT removal rate because the dissolved oxygen competed with MT.

[The expression of MKP-1 and p-ERK(1/2) in primary ovarian epithelial tumor tissues].

To investigate the expression of mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK(1/2)) in primary ovarian epithelial tumor tissues, and provide experiment's foundation on the new treatment in ovarian cancer. Expression of MKP-1 and p-ERK(1/2) in tissues from 64 patients with primary ovarian epithelial tumor, 35 patients with ovarian epithelial bordline tumor, 32 patients with ovarian epithelial benign tumor and 26 normal ovarian tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western-blot was also used for detecting the expression of MKP-1 and p-ERK(1/2) protein in these tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western-blot assay showed that the expression of MKP-1 was gradually decreased in normal ovarian tissues, benign tumor, bordline tumor and carcinoma respectively, and there were significant differences among them (P < 0.01). The MKP-1 expression level in the carcinoma tissues of stage III/IV patients was significantly lower than that of stage I/II patients. However, the expression of p-ERK(1/2) was gradually increased in normal ovarian tissues, benign tumor, bordline tumor and carcinoma respectively, and there were also significant differences among them (P < 0.01), the p-ERK(1/2) expression level in the carcinoma tissues of stage III/IV patients was significantly higher than that of stage I/II patients. Expression of MKP-1 and p-ERK(1/2) in same ovarian carcinoma tissues detected by immunohistochemistry and Western-blot assay showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.90, P < 0.01 and r = -0.78, P < 0.01 respectively). The expression changes of MKP-1 and ERKs may play a role in the development of ovarian carcinoma. The abnormal expression of MKP-1 and p-ERK(1/2) probably assists in promoting the development and progression of ovarian carcinoma.