Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in microbial diversity and environmental factors in ploughing-treated tobacco soil

During agricultural production, plowing affects the existing traits of the planted soil, including environmental factors (physicochemical properties and soil enzymatic activity) and microbial community, but whether deep tillage and conventional tillage cause differences in soil microecology are unknown. In this study, the 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology was combined with soil environmental factor detection to analyze the differences in microbial diversity of smokey soils at different depths. As a result, the composition and structure of microbial community varied in different soil depth after plowing. Two dominant phyla, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria, have varied a lot between the deep-plowing treatment HS3 (the sample in 10–20 cm depth after deep-plowing treatment) sample and the conventional tillage HC3 (treatment the sample in 10–20 cm depth after conventional tillage) sample. The abundance of Actinobacteria has increased significantly, while the abundance of Acidobacteria has decreased significantly. Moreover, deep tillage increased the activity of sucrase (S-SC) and nitrate reductase (NR) in samples with soil depth below 20 cm. In summary, deep tillage disturbed spatial microbial diversity and environmental factors significantly. This would provide new guidance for improving farmland management strategies, optimizing the activation methods of soil layers, further improving crop planting soil, and increasing crop yield.
Use and perception of information sources on COVID-19 measures by citizens of Belgium

Background The effectiveness of adherence to COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures depends on effective risk communication. This study assessed use and perception of COVID-19 information sources and channels in Belgium, and the relationship with adherence to measures. Methods Data were collected through an online questionnaire among a sample of 2008 respondents, representative for citizens of Belgium in terms of gender, age, socio-economic status, and region. Potential information sources named in the questionnaire were politicians, experts, journalists, and close contacts. Results Overall, experts contributed most to informing people on COVID-19 measures, and their information was considered clearest and most trustworthy, while politicians scored lowest for information clarity. All information channels were used by large proportions of respondents, namely television 80.2%, (online) newspapers 56.5%, radio 35.7% and social media 27.7%. Factors that contributed significantly to adherence in a multivariate model included use and perception of information from experts, which had a positive association, and relying on social media as an information channel, for which the relationship was negative. Conclusions It is important to achieve clear and trustworthy risk communication, as this contributes to overall adherence to IPC measures on COVID-19. Furthermore, attention should be given to the fact that for people who rely on social media as an information channel, their adherence can be adversely affected.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of sugemalimab vs. chemotherapy as first-line treatment of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: Sugemalimab is approved in China as a first-line treatment in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of first-line additional sugemalimab in combination with chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Materials and methods: A three-state Markov model was designed to evaluate the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of first-line sugemalimab combination with chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy over a 10-year period. Data on clinical outcomes were obtained from GEMSTONE-302 clinical trials. Costs and health utilities were collected from local databases and published literature. The uncertainty of the model parameters was explored through sensitivity analysis. Results: Compared to chemotherapy, sugemalimab treatment for NSCLC resulted in an extra 0.50 QALYs at an additional cost of $73627.99, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 148354.07/QALY at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37663.26/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the primary motivator in this model was the cost of sugemalimab. However, none of the parameters significantly affected the model’s results. Conclusion: Sugemalimab combination therapy is not economically advantageous for the first-line management of metastatic non-squamous NSCLC, according to the Chinese healthcare system.
Acidification and high-temperature impacts on energetics and shell production of the edible clam Ameghinomya antiqua

Warming and ocean acidification are currently critical global change drivers for marine ecosystems due to their complex and irreversible effects on the ecology and evolution of marine communities. Changes in the chemistry and the temperature of the ocean impact the biological performance of marine resources by affecting their energy budget and thus imposing energetic restrictions and trade-offs on their survival, growth, and reproduction. In this study, we evaluated the interplaying effects of increased pCO2 levels and temperature on the economically relevant clam Ameghinomya antiqua, an infaunal bivalve inhabiting a wide distributional range along the coast of Chile. Juvenile clams collected from southern Chile were exposed to a 90-day experimental set-up emulating the current and a future scenario projeced to the end of the current century for both high pCO2/low-pH and temperature (10 and 15°C) projected for the Chilean coast. Clams showed physiological plasticity to different projected environmental scenarios without mortality. In addition, our results showed that the specimens under low-pH conditions were not able to meet the energetic requirements when increased temperature imposed high maintenance costs, consequently showing metabolic depression. Indeed, although the calcification rate was negative in the high-pCO2 scenario, it was the temperature that determined the amount of shell loss. These results indicate that the studied clam can face environmental changes for short-term periods modifying energetic allocation on maintenance and growth processes, but with possible long-term population costs, endangering the sustainability of an important benthic artisanal fisheries resource.
Prevalence of genetically defined familial hypercholesterolemia and the impact on acute myocardial infarction in Taiwanese population: A hospital-based study

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder with markedly increased risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD), especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, genetic tests for FH are not always necessary in the current diagnostic criteria of FH, which might lead to underestimation of the prevalence of FH and a lack of awareness of FH-associated CAD and AMI. We aimed to explore the prevalence of genetically defined FH in the hospital-based population and to determine the impact of FH risk variants on CAD and AMI. Methods The study participants were recruited between June 24, 2019 and May 12, 2021, at a medical center in Taiwan, in cooperation with the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) project. The prevalence of FH was calculated and the effects of FH pathogenic variants on CAD and AMI were analyzed by logistic regression models and shown as ORs and 95% CI. Results The prevalence of genetically defined FH was 1.13% in the hospital-based population in Taiwan. Highest LDL and total cholesterol levels were observed in patients with LDLR rs28942084 (LDL 219.4±55.2; total cholesterol 295.8±55.4). There was an approximately 4-fold increased risk of hyperlipidemia in subjects with the LDLR rs769446356 polymorphism (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.92-10.19) and AMI in individuals with the LDLR rs730882109 polymorphism (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.26-6.35), and a 2-fold increased risk of CAD in those with the LDLR rs749038326 polymorphism (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.31-3.50), compared with the groups without pathogenic variants of FH. Conclusions The prevalence of genetically defined FH was 1.13% in the hospital-based population in Taiwan, which was higher than the rate observed in individuals with clinically defined FH. The risk of CAD and AMI was increased to varying degrees in subjects with different FH risk alleles. Close monitoring and risk stratification strategy are essential in high-risk patients with FH risk alleles to facilitate early detection and treatments.
Factors associated with the recurrence of choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia

Purpose To investigate the factors associated with the recurrence of pathologic myopia choroidal neovascularization (PM-CNV). Methods Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients with PM-CNV treated with conbercept at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Appearance of ellipsoid zone (EZ) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Hyperreflective foci (HRF) height measured on OCT. Observation of CNV shape on OCT-angiography (OCTA). PM-CNV area measured on OCTA. To observe relationship between these factors and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and PM-CNV recurrence. Results The 48 patients (48 eyes) with PM-CNV were divided into two groups: yielding a group of 20 eyes with type 1 and a group of 28 eyes with type 2. The BCVA of type 1 was better than type 2 before and after treatment (P < 0.005). Smaller HRF height (P < 0.001) and CNV area (P < 0.001) for type 1 than type 2. The appearance of EZ and RPE were intact (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis found that final BCVA was significantly associated with baseline BCVA, HRF height, and appearance of EZ (P < 0.05). Binary logistics regression analysis revealed that PM-CNV recurrence was significantly correlated not only HRF height and CNV area, but also with appearance of EZ, and RPE (P < 0.05). Conclusion PM-CNV had a higher recurrence ratio. Baseline BCVA and clinical features play an important role for vision prognosis. Factors associated with PM-CNV recurrence include HRF height, CNV area, and changes in EZ and RPE structure.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel O-substituted tryptanthrin oxime derivatives as c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitors

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family includes three proteins (JNK1-3) that regulate many physiological processes, including inflammatory responses, morphogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and cell death. Therefore, JNK represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Herein, a panel of novel tryptanthrin oxime analogs were synthesized and evaluated for JNK1-3 binding (Kd) and inhibition of cellular inflammatory responses (IC50). Several compounds exhibited submicromolar JNK binding affinity, with the most potent inhibitor being 6-(acetoxyimino)indolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(6H)-one (1j), which demonstrated high JNK1-3 binding affinity (Kd = 340, 490, and 180 nM for JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3, respectively) and inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-κB/activating protein 1 (NF-κB/AP-1) transcription activity in THP-1Blue cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in MonoMac-6 monocytic cells (IC50 = 0.8 and 1.7 μM, respectively). Compound 1j also inhibited LPS-induced production of several other proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in MonoMac-6 cells. Likewise, 1j inhibited LPS-induced c-Jun phosphorylation in MonoMac-6 cells, directly confirming JNK inhibition. Molecular modeling suggested modes of binding interaction of selected compounds in the JNK3 catalytic site that were in agreement with the experimental JNK3 binding data. Our results demonstrate the potential for developing anti-inflammatory drugs based on these nitrogen-containing heterocyclic systems.
HDL metabolism and functions impacting on cell cholesterol homeostasis are specifically altered in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Background The etiopathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still unclarified, but vascular inflammation and matrix metalloproteases activation have a recognized role in AAA development and progression. Circulating lipoproteins are involved in tissue inflammation and repair, particularly through the regulation of intracellular cholesterol, whose excess is associated to cell damage and proinflammatory activation. We analyzed lipoprotein metabolism and function in AAA and in control vasculopathic patients, to highlight possible non-atherosclerosis-related, specific abnormalities. Methods We measured fluorometrically serum esterified/total cholesterol ratio, as an index of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in patients referred to vascular surgery either for AAA (n=30) or stenotic aortic/peripheral atherosclerosis (n=21) having similar burden of cardiovascular risk factors and disease. We measured high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), through the ATP-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) and A1 (ABCA1) pathways and serum cell cholesterol loading capacity (CLC), by radioisotopic and fluorimetric methods, respectively. Results We found higher LCAT (+23%; p < 0.0001) and CETP (+49%; p < 0.0001) activity in AAA sera. HDL ABCG1-CEC was lower (−16%; p < 0.001) and ABCA1-CEC was higher (+31.7%; p < 0.0001) in AAA. Stratification suggests that smoking may partly contribute to these modifications. CEC and CETP activity correlated with CLC only in AAA. Conclusions We demonstrated that compared to patients with stenotic atherosclerosis, patients with AAA had altered HDL metabolism and functions involved in their anti-inflammatory and tissue repair activity, particularly through the ABCG1-related intracellular signaling. Clarifying the relevance of this mechanism for AAA evolution might help in developing new diagnostic parameters and therapeutic targets for the early management of this condition.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and retention in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common non-motor symptoms but are often overlooked in Parkinson's disease (PD). The prevalence of LUTS in PD is inconsistent among different studies. Objective To estimate the prevalence of LUTS, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention in PD patients, then, investigate potential sources of inconsistency in prevalence estimation. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2022. Studies reporting the prevalence of LUTS or LUTS subtypes in PD were included. Pooled prevalence of LUTS, LUTS subtypes, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention was calculated via random-effects models. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed. Results Of 7,358 studies after duplicate removal, a total of 73 studies comprising 14,937 PD patients were included. The pooled prevalence of LUTS was 61% (95% CI 53–69; 27 studies; n = 5,179), while the pooled prevalence of storage symptoms and voiding symptoms was 59% (44–73; 9 studies; n = 798) and 24% (14–33; 11 studies; n = 886), respectively. The pooled prevalence of urinary incontinence, retention and post-void residual (PVR) volume ≥ 100 ml were 30% (95% CI 22–39; 21 studies; n = 6,054), 27% (17–37; 14 studies; n = 1,991), and 4% (1–7; 5 studies; n = 439), respectively. The prevalence of LUTS, urinary incontinence, or urinary retention was significantly associated with diagnostic methods. Conclusion LUTS and its subtypes present in a significant proportion of PD patients. It is necessary to use standardized and validated methods to detect and screen LUTS and its subtypes. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? ID=CRD42022311233, Identifier: CRD42022311233.
Early life maternal separation induces sex-specific antidepressant-like responses but has minimal effects on adult stress susceptibility in mice

Early life stress is known to increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders, which are highly prevalent conditions that disproportionately affect women. However, the results of preclinical studies have been mixed, with some work suggesting that early life stress promotes anxiety-like behavior and/or increases susceptibility to subsequent stressors, and other research suggesting that early life stress reduces anxiety-like behavior and/or confers resilience to subsequent stress exposure. It is likely that factors such as sex and the timing and severity of early life and adult stress exposure dictate whether a particular early life experience promotes adaptive vs. maladaptive behavior later in life. Most work in this area has focused exclusively on males, but several sex differences in the effects of early life stress on subsequent stress susceptibility have been reported. The current study examined the impact of early life maternal separation on susceptibility to behavioral alterations induced by 3 days of variable stress in adulthood in male and female c57BL6 mice. Our results indicate that 3 days of adult stress is sufficient to increase anxiety-like behavior in several paradigms and to increase immobility in the forced swim test. In contrast, a history of maternal separation reduces anxiety-like behavior in several tests, particularly in males. These findings could contribute to our understanding of sex differences in mental illness by demonstrating that males are more likely than females to display adaptive responses to mild early life stressors.
Nexus between trade and environmental quality in sub-saharan Africa: Evidence from panel GMM

Environmental sustainability is a burning fact worldwide, especially in developing nations. Equitable economic development, environmental protection, energy efficiency and security have been placed at the apex of economic discussant and policy formulation. This paper establishes the relationship between trade and environmental quality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Following the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, we investigate the existence of an inverted U-shape correlation between income per capita growth and nitrous oxide (N2O), agricultural methane (ACH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to ascertain the presence of EKC. We also analyze how trade variables, income per capita growth, energy intensity, foreign direct investment, human capital, and CO2 emissions are related. The results show that trade significantly increases N2O, ACH4, and CO2 emissions for the overall sample of SSA and its income groups [Upper-Middle-Income Countries (UMIC), Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), and Low-Income Countries (LIC)] using a panel GMM. This paper concludes that reducing emissions is feasible in the future as shown by the existence of the EKC, and trade has a consistently negative impact on the environment in SSA countries, regardless of wealth level. On the policy note, the study suggested that domestic trade liberalization and foreign ownership in the economy play a detrimental role, and thus industrialization has to ensure energy efficiency and energy security.
Gender-inclusive business models in livestock value chains in low- and middle-income countries: What can we learn from the literature?

Gender inequality is one of the key challenges of the twentyfirst century. Gender equality is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and getting a more equal society is increasingly seen as supporting the achievement of the other SDGs. At the same time, the question remains: how to support gender equality in practice? This paper looks at gender-inclusive business models in the livestock sector. Such models can contribute to women's economic empowerment (an intermediate indicator toward gender equality) directly by addressing barriers to women's participation in livestock markets, or indirectly by involving them as implicit beneficiaries where such businesses provide services or products in circumstances where women face constraints such as poor access to inputs. A review of the literature was conducted to assess inclusive business models that are successful in increasing women's participation in livestock or livestock products marketing and its associated benefits and outcomes, focusing on low- and middle-income countries. The review included peer-reviewed publications, gray literature, and websites from non-government organizations that implement inclusive business models. A literature search was conducted using Google scholar and Research4Life databases for publications since 2010. Websites from development and international organizations implementing inclusive business models were also searched. Data from included records were extracted according to a pre-defined extraction form. A total of 29 studies were included. Results from the review show scarcity of literature and lack of research rigor in the few studies that document outcomes associated with inclusive business models. The few studies on gender-inclusive business models are mainly on collective action and contract farming to support women and men farmers to access markets, inputs, and services. Tangible benefits for women involved are reported, including women empowerment and change in gender norms to some extent.
Revisiting the impact of energy consumption, foreign direct investment, and geopolitical risk on CO2 emissions: Comparing developed and developing countries

A growing body of literature probes the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on CO2 emissions. However, no study compares the findings in the case of developed and developing countries. Hence, this study aims to probe the impact of GPR on CO2 emissions for selected developed and developing countries while controlling for energy consumption, foreign direct investment, and economic growth. For this purpose, we make use of a panel dataset covering the period 1990–2020. In the long-run, we report that the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis exists for developing countries. Next, the pollution haven hypothesis is validated for the developed countries in the long-run. Also, GPR escalates emissions for developed and developing countries in the long-run. In the short-run, the Environmental Kuznets Curve and pollution haven hypothesis are found invalid. Moreover, in the short-run, GPR impedes emissions in both developed and developing countries. Further, energy consumption upsurges emissions across all samples (i.e., either developed or developing countries) in either its short- or long-run. The heterogeneous findings across the long- and short-run, for developed and developing countries, propose to formulate unalike policies for countries with different levels of income.