Natural infection by Trichinella sp. has been reported in humans and more than 150 species of animals, especially carnivorous and omnivorous mammals. Although the presence of Trichinella sp. infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) has been documented worldwide, limited information is known about Trichinella circulation in farmed wild boars in China. This study intends to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella sp. in farmed wild boars in China. Seven hundred and sixty-one (761) muscle samples from farmed wild boars were collected in Jilin Province of China from 2017 to 2020. The diaphragm muscles were examined by artificial digestion method. The overall prevalence of Trichinella in farmed wild boars was 0.53% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51–0.55]. The average parasite loading was 0.076 ± 0.025 larvae per gram (lpg), and the highest burden was 0.21 lpg in a wild boar from Fusong city. Trichinella spiralis was the only species identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The 5S rDNA inter-genic spacer region of Trichinella was amplified and sequenced. The results showed that the obtained sequence (GenBank accession number: OQ725583) shared 100% identity with the T. spiralis HLJ isolate (GenBank accession number: MH289505). Since the consumption of farmed wild boars is expected to increase in the future, these findings highlight the significance of developing exclusive guidelines for the processing of slaughtered farmed wild boar meat in China.

Oxidative stress may be involved in the progression of hypothyroidism in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). Vitamin C is a well-known powerful antioxidant. To our knowledge, whether vitamin C intake relates to hypothyroidism in patients with HT remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2012, we aimed to explore the relationship between total vitamin C intake and hypothyroidism in patients with HT, using multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses. Our results showed a significant negative linear association between total vitamin C intake (log10-transformed data) and hypothyroidism in HT. Compared with those with the lowest quartile of total vitamin C intake (log10-transformed), participants with the highest quartile were at lower odds of having hypothyroidism (adjusted OR 0·40, 95 % CI: 0·18, 0·88, Ptrend = 0·027). This association was consistent in subgroups stratified by sex (Pfor interaction = 0·084) and age (≥ 60 years and < 60 years, Pfor interaction = 0·330). This study revealed that total vitamin C intake was inversely associated with hypothyroidism among individuals with HT, indicating that higher vitamin C intakes (4·57–1258·9 mg/d) may be associated with a lower likelihood of hypothyroidism among HT participants.

This study proposes a self-learning algorithm for closed-loop cylinder wake control targeting lower drag and lower lift fluctuations with the additional challenge of sparse sensor information, taking deep reinforcement learning (DRL) as the starting point. The DRL performance is significantly improved by lifting the sensor signals to dynamic features (DFs), which predict future flow states. The resulting DF-based DRL (DF-DRL) automatically learns a feedback control in the plant without a dynamic model. Results show that the drag coefficient of the DF-DRL model is 25 % less than the vanilla model based on direct sensor feedback. More importantly, using only one surface pressure sensor, DF-DRL can reduce the drag coefficient to a state-of-the-art performance of approximately 8 % at Reynolds number $(Re) = 100$ and significantly mitigates lift coefficient fluctuations. Hence, DF-DRL allows the deployment of sparse sensing of the flow without degrading the control performance. This method also exhibits strong robustness in flow control under more complex flow scenarios, reducing the drag coefficient by 32.2 % and 46.55 % at $Re =500$ and 1000, respectively. Additionally, the drag coefficient decreases by 28.6 % in a three-dimensional turbulent flow at $Re =10\,000$. Since surface pressure information is more straightforward to measure in realistic scenarios than flow velocity information, this study provides a valuable reference for experimentally designing the active flow control of a circular cylinder based on wall pressure signals, which is an essential step toward further developing intelligent control in a realistic multi-input multi-output system.

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted much attention as delivery carriers for various drugs, but the loading of one such drug, quercetin, on HNTs has been investigated only rarely and usually involved cyclic vacuum pumping. The main objective of the present study was to develop a novel carrier system based on HNTs for quercetin delivery without a vacuum process and to investigate the effect of chemical modification of HNTs on the loading and release of quercetin. For this purpose, comparative studies of five chemical modification reagents (sodium lauroamphoacetate, cocoamidopropyl betaine, 1-hydroxyethyl 2-nonyl imidazoline betaine, triethanolamine, and dipicolinic acid) functionalized on HNTs were investigated for quercetin loading and in vitro release. Characterization of raw halloysite, modified halloysite, and quercetin-loaded halloysite were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that chemical modification could improve the interactions between HNTs and quercetin. After chemical modification, quercetin was anchored to both the inner and outer surfaces of HNTs by electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. Sodium lauroamphoacetate-modified HNTs were given the highest loading of 1.96 wt.% among the five reagents. Cocamidopropyl betaine-modified HNTs exhibited the best sustained-release profile with only 29.07% for initial burst release and 480 h of consecutive release. Carboxyl groups of the modification reagent improved the loading capacity of quercetin. Amide groups prolonged drug release due to the strong affinity between amine and phenolic hydroxyl groups of quercetin. The release of quercetin from the cocamidopropyl betaine-modified HNTs fitted a first-order kinetics model well. The present study suggested that cocamidopropyl betaine-modified HNTs offer promise as vehicles for delivery of quercetin and for extending the application of quercetin.

As the southernmost part of the central segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, the northern Alxa area is characterized by abundant Permian magmatism and records key information on the geological evolution of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean. This study reports new zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data of the early Permian (285–286 Ma) Huisentala gabbro and Huodonghaer diorites from the Zhusileng–Hangwula Belt in the northern Alxa area. The gabbro is characterized by high Al, Ca, Mg# and light rare-earth elements, and low K, P and high field strength elements (e.g., Ti, Nb and Ta). Furthermore, the gabbro shows heterogeneous zircon ϵHf(t) value (−2.5 to +2.6). The Huodonghaer diorites show high MgO (3.46–6.32 wt%), Mg# (49–58), Sr (408–617 ppm) and Ba (223–419 ppm), and low FeOT/MgO (1.27–1.83) and TiO2 (0.48–0.90 wt%), with geochemical features similar to the high-Mg andesite/diorite. They show radiogenic zircon ϵHf(t) values of +1.2 to +4.9 and high Th/Nb ratios. These features suggest that the Huisentala gabbro and the Huodonghaer diorites were derived from the partial melting of mantle peridotite that was metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and by subducted sediment-derived melts, respectively.

Zn is an important trace element involved in various biochemical processes in aquatic species. An 8-week rearing trial was thus conducted to investigate the effects of Zn on juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by feeding seven diets, respectively, supplemented with no Zn (Con), 60 and 120 mg/kg inorganic Zn (Sul60 and Sul120), and 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg organic Zn (Bio30, Bio60, Bio90 and Bio120). Sul120 and Bio120 groups showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than Con group, with Bio60 group obtaining the lowest viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index. 60 or 90 mg/kg organic Zn significantly facilitated whole body Zn retention. Up-regulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and decline of malondialdehyde contents indicated augmented antioxidant capacities by organic Zn. Zn treatment also lowered plasma aminotransferase levels while promoting acid phosphatase activity and hepatic transcription levels of alp1, acp1 and lyz-c than deprivation of Zn. The alterations in whole body and liver crude lipid and plasma TAG contents illustrated the regulatory effect of Zn on lipid metabolism, which could be possibly attributed to the changes in hepatic expressions of acc1, pparγ, atgl and cpt1. These findings demonstrated the capabilities of Zn in potentiating growth and morphological performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity as well as regulating lipid metabolism in M. salmoides. Organic Zn could perform comparable effects at same or lower supplementation levels than inorganic Zn, suggesting its higher efficiency. 60 mg/kg supplementation of organic Zn could effectively cover the requirements of M. salmoides.

The Maser Monitoring Organisation is a collection of researchers exploring the use of time-variable maser emission in the investigation of astrophysical phenomena. The forward directed aspects of research primarily involve using maser emission as a tool to investigate star formation. Simultaneously, these activities have deepened knowledge of maser emission itself in addition to uncovering previously unknown maser transitions. Thus a feedback loop is created where both the knowledge of astrophysical phenomena and the utilised tools of investigation themselves are iteratively sharpened. The project goals are open-ended and constantly evolving, however, the reliance on radio observatory maser monitoring campaigns persists as the fundamental enabler of research activities within the group.

Recently, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the formation of high mass stars. Observations provided direct evidence that massive young stellar objects (MYSOs), analogously to low-mass ones, form via disk-mediated accretion accompanied by episodic accretion bursts, possibly caused by disk fragmentation. In the case of MYSOs, the mechanism theoretically provides a means to overcome radiation pressure, but in practice it is poorly studied - only three accretion bursts in MYSOs have been caught in action to date. A significant contribution to the development of the theory has been made with the study of masers, which have proven to be a powerful tool for locating “bursting” MYSOs. This overview focuses on the exceptional role that masers play in the search and study of accretion bursts in massive protostars.

With the discovery of high-productivity oilfields in granite buried hills, it is necessary to systematically investigate the types of granite weathered reservoirs at different depths and their spatial distribution. However, previously subdivided reservoirs have been assumed to exhibit the same vertical zoning in different structural parts, contradicting the fact that the degree of weathering varies with the topography. In addition, comprehensive and quantitative methods for classifying reservoir types are lacking. Taking the Binxian Uplift of the Dongying depression in Bohai Bay Basin as an example, we therefore established a comprehensive identification standard for dividing granite reservoirs using lithology division, logging curve statistics, a dual-medium matrix–fracture model and seismic facies identification. Subsequently, by combining logging and seismic methods, the vertical stacking types and distribution properties of weathered granite reservoirs in various structural positions were analysed. The reservoirs were divided vertically into three zones: regolith, dissolution and fracture. Quantitative logging response standards for the different reservoirs were established using acoustic, density, natural gamma and resistivity logging. In terms of the seismic response, the regolith, dissolution and fracture zone corresponded to high-, medium- and low-amplitude seismic facies, respectively. A dynamic double-layer structure of the reservoir was established, comprising a completely weathered layer and a semi-weathered layer. The reservoir division method proposed in this paper can be used in other areas, and the research results can help promote the exploration of granite buried hill reservoirs.

The aim of this study was to determine the pregnancy loss rate of amniocentesis with double-needle insertions in twin pregnancies. This was a retrospective study of twin pregnancies who underwent amniocentesis with double-needle insertion between 2010 and 2019 at a single center. The pregnancy loss rates were recorded as single or double fetal loss before 24 weeks’ gestation and within 4 weeks after the procedure. Risk factors for pregnancy loss after amniocentesis were also assessed. A total of 678 twin pregnancies with amniocentesis were finally included. The pregnancy loss rates before 24 weeks’ gestation and within 4 weeks after the procedure were 0.9% and 1.9%, respectively. Only one fetal loss was presumed to be a direct result of the procedure. All other cases were complicated by structural or chromosomal anomalies. Twin pregnancies with abnormal ultrasound findings had a significantly higher rate of pregnancy loss with a relative risk of 4.81 (95% CI [1.03, 22.2]). Our study showed a low pregnancy loss rate after amniocentesis in twin pregnancies with double-needle insertions technique of sampling, which can help decision making in prenatal screening and diagnosis for twin pregnancies.

This study examined the influences of coated folic acid (CFA) and coated riboflavin (CRF) on bull performance, nutrients digestion and ruminal fermentation. Forty-eight Angus bulls based on a randomised block and 2 × 2 factorial design were assigned to four treatments. The CFA of 0 or 6 mg of folic acid/kg DM was supplemented in diets with CRF 0 or 60 mg riboflavin (RF)/kg DM. Supplementation of CRF in diets with CFA had greater increase in daily weight gain and feed efficiency than in diets without CFA. Supplementation with CFA or CRF enhanced digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrate. Ruminal pH and ammonia N content decreased and total volatile fatty acids concentration and acetate to propionate ratio elevated for CFA or CRF addition. Supplement of CFA or CRF increased the activities of fibrolytic enzymes and the numbers of total bacteria, protozoa, fungi, dominant fibrolytic bacteria and Prevotella ruminicola. The activities of α-amylase, protease and pectinase and the numbers of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminobacter amylophilus were increased by CFA but were unaffected by CRF. Blood concentration of folate elevated and homocysteine decreased for CFA addition. The CRF supplementation elevated blood concentrations of folate and RF. These findings suggested that CFA or CRF inclusion had facilitating effects on performance and ruminal fermentation, and combined addition of CFA and CRF had greater increase in performance than CFA or CRF addition alone in bulls.

This research communication aims to characterize the prevalence, molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance profiling of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from clinical mastitis in China. A total of 140 Strep. agalactiae isolates were identified from 12 out of 201 farms in 6 provinces, overall herd prevalence was 18.6% and the MLST analysis showed clonal complexes (CC) 103 and CC 67 were present in these herds with CC 103 predominant, accounting for 97.9%. Isolates were mostly sensitive to the tested antimicrobials: penicillin, ceftiofur, amoxi/clav, cefquinome, and vancomycin (100%), followed by cefalexin (97.9%), oxacillin (96.4%), enrofloxacin (95.7%), erythromycin (89.3%), and clindamycin (88.6%). Only 19.3 and 0.7% of isolates were sensitive to tetracycline and daptomycin, respectively, and sequence type (ST) 103 was most resistant to antimicrobials. In conclusion, CC 103 was the predominant subgroup of bovine mastitis Strep. agalactiae in China, and most antimicrobials apart from tetracycline and daptomycin were effective.