bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green and blue infrastructure design in a semi-arid region
Authors: Bel Fekih Boussema Safa , Cohen Marianne , Khebour Allouche Faiza
Published: December 2022

The Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) is a new approach for dealing with biodiversity conservation based on maintaining the ecological networks by ensuring the survival of animal and plant species. GBI is considered a new public policy to avoid the loss of biodiversity by preserving landscape connectivity and protecting natural habitats from fragmentation. Countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Japan, China, Brazil, and Turkey are seeking to integrate this concept into their environmental policies. This study proposed a methodology to design a GBI at a regional scale applied to the Sousse region in Tunisia. Two main approaches were used. The first was based on identifying three reference species marked by different dispersal distances. The second applied GIS spatial analysis using the buffer model to help assess the ecological connectivity. The methodology developed comprises five steps. In the first step, a forest habitat sub-frame, a semi-open habitat sub-frame, and a wetland sub-frame were determined from a detailed land-use map. Then, different biodiversity reservoirs were identified. In the third step, buffers varying between 200, 250, and 300 m depending on the dispersal distance of the reference species (Cape hare, North African Hedgehog, and Marbled Teal) were applied around the reservoirs to identify zones of potential connections between them. Next, buffers were also applied to detect fragmentation zones along road networks and built-up areas. Finally, the ecological corridors were mapped from the overlay between zones of potential connections and the fragmentation map. The result was the creation of a GBI of the Sousse region with reservoirs of biodiversity and ecological corridors connecting them. This methodological approach and the characterization of the Sousse city GBI map represent the first innovative research applied in Tunisia. This prototype can be a reference for other local or regional spaces, contributing toward realizing a national GBI and promoting sustainable projects.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab treatment in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhen Chao , Hou Ying , Zhao Bing , Ma Xiaotian , Dai Tingjun , Yan Chuanzhu
Published: December 2022

Objective

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases with various subtypes, myositis-specific antibodies, and affect multiple systems. The treatment of IIMs remains challenging, especially for refractory myositis. In addition to steroids and traditional immunosuppressants, rituximab (RTX), a B cell-depleting monoclonal antibody, is emerging as an alternative treatment for refractory myositis. However, the therapeutic response to RTX remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of RTX in patients with IIMs, excluding sporadic inclusion body myositis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data were searched for relevant studies. The overall effective rate, complete response rate, and partial response rate were calculated to assess the efficacy of RTX. The incidences of adverse events, infection, severe adverse events, severe infection, and infusion reactions were collected to evaluate the safety of RTX. Subgroup analyses were performed using IIM subtypes, affected organs, continents, and countries. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to identify the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 26 studies were included in the quantitative analysis, which showed that 65% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54%, 75%) of patients with IIMs responded to RTX, 45% (95% CI: 22%, 70%) of patients achieved a complete response, and 39% (95% CI: 26%, 53%) achieved a partial response. Subgroup analyses indicated that the overall efficacy rates in patients with refractory IIMs, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, as well as anti-synthetase syndrome were 62%, 68%, and 62%, respectively. The overall efficacy rates for muscle, lungs, and skin involvement were 59%, 65%, and 81%, respectively. In addition, studies conducted in Germany and the United States showed that patients with IIMs had an excellent response to RTX, with an effective rate of 90% and 77%, respectively. The incidence of severe adverse events and infections was 8% and 2%, respectively.

Conclusion

RTX may be an effective and relatively safe treatment choice in patients with IIMs, especially for refractory cases. However, further verification via randomized controlled trials is warranted.
Serum uric acid as a risk factor for rejection after deceased donor kidney transplantation: A mono-institutional analysis of paired kidneys
Authors: Zhang Fuxun , Liang Jiayu , Xiong Yang , Zhang Fan , Wu Kan , Wang Wei , Yuan Jiuhong , Lin Tao , Wang Xianding
Published: December 2022

Background

Deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) is a major therapeutic option for patients with end-stage renal diseases. Although medical techniques improved in recent years, acute or chronic rejection after DDKT is not uncommon and often results in poor graft survival. Therefore, the determination of risk factors is very important to stratify patients and to improve outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors for treated rejection (TR) of patients after DDKT.

Methods

Clinical data of deceased donors and corresponding recipients were retrospectively collected. The primary outcome was TR defined as the treatment for rejection within 24 months after DDKT. Univariate comparisons of baseline characteristics were performed with Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test. Logistic regression was constructed to analyze potential risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Jordan index were generated to determine the optimal cutoff value. The association between continuous variables and TR was examined and visualized by using restricted cubic spline (RCS) models.

Results

Data of 123 deceased donors and 246 recipients were obtained and analyzed. The median age was 41 (4–62) years for recipients and 39 (1–65) years for donors. The recipients who died or suffered graft loss during the follow-up period were 8 (3.3%) and 12 (4.9%), respectively. After univariate analysis and subsequent multivariate analysis, the preoperative serum uric acid (OR, 2.242; 95% CI, 1.037–4.844; P = 0.040), platelet (OR, 2.163; 95% CI, 1.073–4.361, P = 0.031), absolute neutrophil count (OR, 2.183; 95% CI, 1.025–4.649; P = 0.043), and HLA-DQ mismatch (OR, 2.102; 95% CI, 1.093–4.043; P = 0.026) showed statistical significance. RCS models showed that patients with higher levels of uric acid had increased risk of TR.

Conclusions

Serum uric acid and other three indicators were found to be the independent risk factors for TR, which may contribute to stratify patients and develop personalized regimen in perioperative period.
Epidemiological trends of hand osteoarthritis from 1990 to 2019: Estimates from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Wan Junlai , Qian Xiaoyuan , He Zhiyi , Zhu Ziqing , Cheng Peng , Chen Anmin
Published: December 2022

Background

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by disabling pain in the hand, with a high clinical burden. This study is designed to assess the epidemiological patterns of hand OA from 1990 to 2019 and analyze its secular trends based on sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI) at global, regional, and national levels.

Methods

Data on the incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of hand OA were extracted from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD), and their respective age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in ASR were calculated to assess the prevalent trends of the incidence and DALYs of hand OA over the recent three decades. The relationship between ASR and SDI was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

The incidence of hand OA increased from 371.30 million in 1990 to 676.02 million in 2019, increasing by 82.07%, whereas its age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) decreased, with a downward trend [EAPC = −0.34; 95% confidence interval: −0.39–−0.28]. With the changes in age, the incidence of hand OA exhibited a unimodal distribution before 70 years of age, peaking at 50–54 years, while its incidence had an upward trend in the >70 years age groups. Overall, hand OA-related DALYs increased in the recent 30 years. Meanwhile, its annual age-standardized DALY rate decreased, with EAPCs of −0.35 (95% CI, −0.38 –−0.32). The DALYs increased with age. In 2019, the ASIR and age-standardized DALY rate were positively associated with the SDI regions. The incidence and DALYs presented predominance in female patients. The burden of hand OA over the recent three decades displayed obvious geographical diversity.

Conclusion

The incident cases of hand OA increased globally from 1990 to 2019, while the ASIR and age-standardized DALY rate decreased. However, in many countries and regions, there was a rising trend of ASR related to incidence and DALYs. In addition, the prevalence revealed geographical, sex, and age diversity. Thus, governments and medical institutions should reallocate medical resources based on the epidemiological characteristics of hand OA.
Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhang Yeying , Liu Rui , He Xiaoming , Hou Bonan
Published: December 2022

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for stroke, but the currently used CHA2DS2-VASc score has significant limitations in predicting the risk of stroke. It is important to find new biomarkers to predict stroke risk in patients with AF or as a complement to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be of potential value. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between NLR and stroke risk.

Methods

We searched in electronic databases such as PubMed and EMBASE. The final included studies were analyzed by Stata 12.0 software. Subgroup analyses were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and Begg's test. Sensitivity analyses assessed the stability of outcomes.

Results

A total of 11 studies with a total of 35,221 patients were included. NLR levels are associated with stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (WMD = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.43–1.01). There was a correlation between the occurrence of stroke and NLR level in AF patients (WMD = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.38–2.53). The incidence of stroke was significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation with NLR ≥3 than in those with NLR <3 (RR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.24–1.58).

Conclusion

This study shows that high NLR values are associated with a higher risk of stroke in AF patients. The incidence of stroke in AF patients with NLR ≥3 was 1.4 times higher than that with NLR <3 (p < 0.001). NLR may be considered as a complementary risk assessment for CHA2DS2-VASc score, especially for AF patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score <2. NLR may be a potential biomarker for predicting stroke risk in patients with AF.
Cancer-related cryptogenic stroke involving the bilateral anterior and the posterior circulations: Diagnostic value of clinical and imaging characteristics
Authors: Xu Yifan , Wu Zhuang , Xu Hang
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study analyzed the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with cancer-related cryptogenic stroke (CCS) involving the bilateral anterior and the posterior circulations (three circulations) and evaluate the diagnostic value of clinical and imaging features for patients with cryptogenic stroke involving three circulations (CST).

Methods

Of the 12,580 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 148 patients with CST from May 2017 to November 2021 were divided into the cancer group (n = 81) and the non-cancer group (n = 67). Cardiovascular risk factors, diffusion-weighted imaging patterns of cryptogenic stroke, blood routine, coagulation routine, and biochemical routine were compared between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to determine associations between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the non-cancer group, the cancer group exhibited higher D-dimer levels (P < 0.001), fibrin degradation product (FDP, P < 0.001), international normalized ratio (INR, P = 0.014), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, P < 0.001), platelets to lymphocyte ratio (PLR, P = 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, P = 0.039), more frequent multiple lesions in three circulations (P < 0.001) and lower lymphocytes (P < 0.001), red blood cells (P < 0.001), and thrombin time (TT, P = 0.034). Furthermore, D-dimer [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.915, P < 0.001)], FDP (AUC = 0.923, P < 0.001), INR (AUC = 0.617, P = 0.014), NLR (AUC = 0.700, P < 0.001), PLR (AUC = 0.658, P = 0.001), and multiple lesions in three circulations (AUC = 0.786, P < 0.001) had potential diagnostic value in cryptogenic stroke. When combining these 6 parameters, the predictive power was improved (AUC = 0.949, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cryptogenic stroke involving three circulations with cancer has unique clinical features, and these potential diagnostic indicators could help patients identify CCS earlier.
Interictal localization of the epileptogenic zone: Utilizing the observed resonance behavior in the spectral band of surrounding inhibition
Authors: Alamoudi Omar A. , Ilyas Adeel , Pati Sandipan , Iasemidis Leon
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The gold standard for identification of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) continues to be the visual inspection of electrographic changes around seizures’ onset by experienced electroencephalography (EEG) readers. Development of an epileptogenic focus localization tool that can delineate the EZ from analysis of interictal (seizure-free) periods is still an open question of great significance for improved diagnosis (e.g., presurgical evaluation) and treatment of epilepsy (e.g., surgical outcome).

Methods

We developed an EZ interictal localization algorithm (EZILA) based on novel analysis of intracranial EEG (iEEG) using a univariate periodogram-type power measure, a straight-forward ranking approach, a robust dimensional reduction method and a clustering technique. Ten patients with temporal and extra temporal lobe epilepsies, and matching the inclusion criteria of having iEEG recordings at the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) and being Engel Class I ≥12 months post-surgery, were recruited in this study.

Results

In a nested k-fold cross validation statistical framework, EZILA assigned the highest score to iEEG channels within the EZ in all patients (10/10) during the first hour of the iEEG recordings and up to their first typical clinical seizure in the EMU (i.e., early interictal period). To further validate EZILA’s performance, data from two new (Engel Class I) patients were analyzed in a double-blinded fashion; the EZILA successfully localized iEEG channels within the EZ from interictal iEEG in both patients.

Discussion

Out of the sampled brain regions, iEEG channels in the EZ were most frequently and maximally active in seizure-free (interictal) periods across patients in specific narrow gamma frequency band (∼60–80 Hz), which we have termed focal frequency band (FFB). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the EZ may interictally be regulated (controlled) by surrounding inhibitory neurons with resonance characteristics within this narrow gamma band.
Oenothein B ameliorates hepatic injury in alcoholic liver disease mice by improving oxidative stress and inflammation and modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Wei , Chen Shu-yi , Deng Xi-wen , Deng Wei-feng , Liu Guo , Chen Yun-jiao , Cao Yong
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a global health problem for which there is no current food and drug administration (FDA)-approved therapy. Oenothein B (OEB) is a macrocyclic dimer ellagic tannin that possesses abundant biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Materials and methods

In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of OEB against ALD was investigated in vivo and in vitro.

Results

We found that OEB treatment dramatically reduced alcohol-induced hepatic injury, as evidenced by decreased levels of aminotransferases and inflammatory biomarkers and increased antioxidant capacity in OEB-treated groups.

Discussion

OEB treatment alleviated oxidative stress by upregulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibited inflammation by downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, OEB treatment positively improved alcohol-induced intestinal microbial dysbiosis by modulating the structure and composition of gut microbiota. Interestingly, we observed the increasement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers (Muribaculaceae) and the decreasement of Gram-negative bacteria (Akkermansia) in the OEB treatment groups, which may contribute to the inhibition of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation via the gut-liver axis. In summary, our findings indicate that OEB is a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating ALD.
Advances in Stigmasterol on its anti-tumor effect and mechanism of action
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Jiayun , Zhu Lin , Wang Xuezhen , Meng Feifei , Xia Lei , Zhang Hairong
Published: December 2022

Stigmasterol is a phytosterol derived from multiple herbaceous plants such as herbs, soybean and tobacco, and it has received much attention for its various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidization, and lowering blood cholesterol. Multiple studies have revealed that stigmasterol holds promise as a potentially beneficial therapeutic agent for malignant tumors because of its significant anti-tumor bioactivity. It is reported that stigmasterol has anti-tumor effect in a variety of malignancies (e.g., breast, lung, liver and ovarian cancers) by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, metastasis and invasion, and inducing autophagy in tumor cells. Mechanistic study shows that stigmasterol triggers apoptosis in tumor cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, while its anti-proliferative activity is mainly dependent on its modulatory effect on cyclin proteins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). There have been multiple mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of stigmasterol, which make stigmasterol promising as a new anti-tumor agent and provide insights into research on its anti-tumor role. Presently, stigmasterol has been poorly understood, and there is a paucity of systemic review on the mechanism underlying its anti-tumor effect. The current study attempts to conduct a literature review on stigmasterol for its anti-tumor effect to provide reference for researchers and clinical workers.
Effect of epidural labor analgesia on maternal and infant outcomes in parturients with gestational diabetes mellitus—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Gehui , Qi Xiaofei , Tan Xuhong , Wu Mingguang , Wang Hao , Wen Ping , Huang Xiaolei , Li Yuantao
Published: December 2022

Background

The occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is caused by a variety of factors and associated with increased risks of several adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. However, the effects of epidural labor analgesia in parturients with GDM on maternal and infant outcomes have not been characterized.

Methods

According to parturients' choice, they were divided into the epidural group (n = 133) and no epidural (control) group (n = 135). Data for relative variables in the perinatal period were collected, and the potential associations of epidural labor analgesia with infant outcomes were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The rate of neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for hypoglycemia was higher in the epidural group (7.52%) than in the control group (1.48%; P < 0.05). Epidural labor analgesia and drug-based diabetes control were independent predictors of the rate of neonate transfer to the NICU for hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Epidural labor analgesia was associated with an increased risk of neonatal transfer to the NICU for hypoglycemia. Thus, monitoring of neonatal blood glucose levels after administration of epidural labor analgesia in parturients with GDM may be beneficial.

Trial registration: The study was registered in the China Clinical Registration Center (Registration No. ChiCTR-OOC-17013164, Registered on 30 October 2017).
Protective effect of astragalus membranaceus and its bioactive compounds against the intestinal inflammation in Drosophila
Authors: He Jianzheng , Li Xu , Yang Shipei , Shi Yan , Dai Yuting , Han Shuzhen , Wang Yixuan , Lin Xingyao , Wei Benjun , Liu Yongqi , Xiu Minghui
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic and relapsing intestinal inflammation, which currently lacks safe and effective medicines. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), also named Huangqi, is one of the most commonly used fundamental herbs in China. Here, we aimed to investigate mechanism and bioactive compounds of AM on treating sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)- induced colitis in Drosophila flies. Our data showed that AM extract (AME) supplementation had no toxic effect in flies, and protected flies against SDS-induced lifespan shortening, intestinal morphological damage, and colon length shortening. Moreover, AME supplementation remarkably rescued SDS-induced intestinal stem cell (ISC) overproliferation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the intestine. Mechanistically, AME remarkably rescued the altered expression levels of genes and proteins in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and JAK-STAT signaling pathways induced by SDS in gut. Additionally, formononetin, isoliquiritigenin, isorhamnetin, astragaloside I, astragaloside III, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid in AM had protection against SDS-induced inflammatory damage in flies. Taken together, AME could ameliorate the intestinal inflammation partially by suppressing oxidative stress-associated JNK signaling and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. AME may provide a theoretical basis for natural medicine toward treating intestinal inflammatory disease in human.
A review on the role of fatty acids in colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Hoxha Malvina , Zappacosta Bruno
Published: December 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. The role of fatty acids (FA) and their metabolism in cancer, particularly in CRC raises a growing interest. In particular, dysregulation of synthesis, desaturation, elongation, and mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids are involved. Here we review the current evidence on the link between cancer, in particular CRC, and fatty acids metabolism, not only to provide insight on its pathogenesis, but also on the development of novel biomarkers and innovative pharmacological therapies that are based on FAs dependency of cancer cells.
Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of fluoroquinolones and carbapenems in tuberculosis meningitis
Authors: Maranchick Nicole F. , Alshaer Mohammad H. , Smith Alison G. C. , Avaliani Teona , Gujabidze Mariam , Bakuradze Tinatin , Sabanadze Shorena , Avaliani Zaza , Kipiani Maia , Peloquin Charles A. , Kempker Russell R.
Published: December 2022

Background: Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most lethal form of TB. It is difficult to treat in part due to poor or uncertain drug penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). To help fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of fluoroquinolones and carbapenems in patients being treated for TBM.

Methods: Serial serum and CSF samples were collected from hospitalized patients being treated for TBM. CSF was collected from routine lumbar punctures between alternating timepoints of 2 and 6 h after drug administration to capture early and late CSF penetration. Rich serum sampling was collected after drug administration on day 28 for non-compartmental analysis.

Results: Among 22 patients treated for TBM (8 with confirmed disease), there was high use of fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, 21; moxifloxacin, 10; ofloxacin, 6) and carbapenems (imipenem, 11; meropenem, 6). Median CSF total concentrations of levofloxacin at 2 and 6 h were 1.34 mg/L and 3.36 mg/L with adjusted CSF/serum ratios of 0.41 and 0.63, respectively. For moxifloxacin, the median CSF total concentrations at 2 and 6 h were 0.78 mg/L and 1.02 mg/L with adjusted CSF/serum ratios of 0.44 and 0.62. Serum and CSF concentrations of moxifloxacin were not affected by rifampin use. Among the 76 CSF samples measured for carbapenem concentrations, 79% were undetectable or below the limit of detection.

Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones demonstrated high CSF penetration indicating their potential usefulness for the treatment of TBM. Carbapenems had lower than expected CSF concentrations.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial of inhalation treatment of recombinant TFF2-IFN protein: A multifunctional candidate for the treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhai Guanxing , Fu Weihui , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused global pandemics in the last 3 years, and the development of new therapeutics is urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the safety, tolerated, and prolonged retention of recombinant protein trefoil factor 2 (TFF2)- interferon (IFN) in the respiratory tract of healthy volunteers.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, dose-escalation phase I study to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and cytokine responses after administration of recombinant TFF2-IFN proteins. Healthy volunteers were informed, enrolled, and randomized into four groups with a dose escalation of 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg and then inhaled the investigation product or placebo. Thirty-two eligible participants were finally enrolled; eight were assigned to the placebo group and 24 to the TFF2-IFN group, with six participants per group. Data were collected from 19 November 2021, to 4 January 2022.

Results: All 32 participants completed the study. Of the participants who received the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein, 41.7% (10/24) reported 11 adverse events (AEs) during treatment and 62.5% (5/8) of those who received a placebo reported six AEs. Sixteen of the 17 AEs were grade 1. Only one grade 3 AE occurred in the placebo group and no worse event occurred as a serious adverse event. The pharmacokinetics was analyzed for times and concentrations of the investigation products in 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg groups in 24 recipients of TFF2-IFN, and the results showed that TFF2-IFN was retained in the lung for at least 6–8 h. Only the highest dose group (4 mg) had a transient detectable concentration in serum, while all other dose groups had a level below the lower limit of quantification.

Conclusion: In this study, the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein was a well-tolerated and safe therapeutic when administered by nebulization, characterized by prolonged retention in the respiratory tract, which would be greatly beneficial in combating respiratory viral infection.

Systematic Review Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000035633].
Comprehensive analysis of the carboxylesterase gene reveals that NtCXE22 regulates axillary bud growth through strigolactone metabolism in tobacco
Authors: Wang Lin , Xie Xiaodong , Xu Yalong , Li Zefeng , Xu Guoyun , Cheng Lingtong , Yang Jun , Li Lei , Pu Wenxuan , Cao Peijian
Published: December 2022

Carboxylesterases (CXE) are a class of hydrolytic enzymes with α/β-folding domains that play a vital role in plant growth, development, stress response, and activation of herbicide-active substances. In this study, 49 Nicotiana tabacum L. CXE genes (NtCXEs) were identified using a sequence homology search. The basic characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, gene structure, subcellular location, promoter cis-elements, and gene expression patterns of the CXE family were systematically analyzed. RNA-seq data and quantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression level of CXEs was associated with various stressors and hormones; gene expression levels were significantly different among the eight tissues examined and at different developmental periods. As a new class of hormones, strigolactones (SLs) are released from the roots of plants and can control the germination of axillary buds.NtCXE7, NtCXE9, NtCXE22, and NtCXE24 were homologous to Arabidopsis SLs hydrolase AtCXE15, and changes in their expression levels were induced by topping and by GR24 (a synthetic analogue of strigolactone). Further examination revealed that NtCXE22-mutant (ntcxe22) plants generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology had shorter bud outgrowth with lower SLs content. Validation of NtCXE22 was also performed in NtCCD8-OE plants (with fewer axillary buds) and in ntccd8 mutant plants (with more axillary buds). The results suggest that NtCXE22 may act as an efficient SLs hydrolase and affects axillary bud development, thereby providing a feasible method for manipulating endogenous SLs in crops and ornamental plants.
Identification of new resistance loci against wheat sharp eyespot through genome-wide association study
Authors: Wu Xujiang , Wang Junchan , Wu Di , Jiang Wei , Gao Zhifu , Li Dongsheng , Wu Rongling , Gao Derong , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Wheat sharp eyespot caused by Rhizoctonia cerealis is a serious pathogenic disease affecting plants. The effective strategy for controlling this disease is breeding resistant cultivar. However, to date, no wheat varieties are fully resistant to sharp eyespot, and only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been shown to be associated with sharp eyespot resistance.

Methods

To understand the genetic basis of this disease, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of sharp eyespot resistance in 262 varieties from all China wheat regions was conducted.

Results

After cultivation for three years, only 6.5% of the varieties were resistant to sharp eyespot. Notably, the varieties from the middle and lower Yangtze River displayed higher sharp eyespot resistance than those from Huanghuai wheat zone. Only two varieties had the same resistance level to the control Shanhongmai. The results of GWAS showed that 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were markedly related to sharp eyespot resistance in the three years repeatedly, and two QTLs, qSE-6A and qSE-7B, on chromosome 6A and 7B were identified. Based on the ‘CG’ haplotypes of significant SNPs, we found that the two QTLs exhibited additive effects on attenuating sharp eyespot resistance.

Discussion

These results provide novel insights into the genetic basis of sharp eyespot resistance in China wheat varieties. The SNPs related to sharp eyespot resistance can be applied for marker-assisted selection in plant breeding.
Irrigation modulates the effect of increasing temperatures under climate change on cotton production of drip irrigation under plastic film mulching in southern Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Yin Zi , Zhang Lei , Zhao Fengnian , Huang Weixiong , Wang Xingpeng , Gao Yang
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Warming and drought brought about by climate change seriously harm sustainable agricultural production in southern Xinjiang. It is still unclear how irrigation can improve the ability of crops to cope with climate change.

Methods

Therefore, in this study, we calibrated and validated the AquaCrop model using data collected in cotton production from 2017 to 2018. The model effectively simulated the growth, biomass, and yield of cotton plants at the experimental site under different warming and irrigation conditions. The meteorological data collected from 1987 to 2016 were used in a simulation to predict cotton production under 3 temperature scenarios (temperature increased by 0°C, 1°C, and 2°C) and 6 levels of irrigation (198, 264, 330, 396, 495, and 594 mm) to explain the modulating effect of plastic film mulching-coupled drip irrigation on cotton production in terms of increasing temperatures under climate change in southern Xinjiang.

Results and discussion

Model prediction showed that an increase in temperature reduced cotton yield under a low irrigation level, while an increase in irrigation mitigated the impact of climate change on cotton yield. An increase of 1°C did not significantly reduce cotton yield at 198–330 mm of irrigation. Under a 2°C increase, 396–594 mm of irrigation was required to ensure plant growth and yield formation. Both aboveground biomass and yield increased with the rise in the irrigation level at the same temperature. High water use efficiency was achieved at 495 mm of irrigation without significant yield loss. Therefore, in the low-temperature scenario, it can be preferentially considered to achieve sustainable water use through water management, while in the high-temperature scenario innovative agricultural measures are required to avoid yield loss. Optimizing irrigation strategies can reduce warming-induced damage to crops under climate change.
Identification of QTN-by-environment interactions and their candidate genes for soybean seed oil-related traits using 3VmrMLM
Authors: Zuo Jian-Fang , Chen Ying , Ge Chao , Liu Jin-Yang , Zhang Yuan-Ming
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Although seed oil content and its fatty acid compositions in soybean were affected by environment, QTN-by-environment (QEIs) and gene-by-environment interactions (GEIs) were rarely reported in genome-wide association studies.

Methods

The 3VmrMLM method was used to associate the trait phenotypes, measured in five to seven environments, of 286 soybean accessions with 106,013 SNPs for detecting QTNs and QEIs.

Results

Seven oil metabolism genes (GmSACPD-A, GmSACPD-B, GmbZIP123, GmSWEET39, GmFATB1A, GmDGAT2D, and GmDGAT1B) around 598 QTNs and one oil metabolism gene GmFATB2B around 54 QEIs were verified in previous studies; 76 candidate genes and 66 candidate GEIs were predicted to be associated with these traits, in which 5 genes around QEIs were verified in other species to participate in oil metabolism, and had differential expression across environments. These genes were found to be related to soybean seed oil content in haplotype analysis. In addition, most candidate GEIs were co-expressed with drought response genes in co-expression network, and three KEGG pathways which respond to drought were enriched under drought stress rather than control condition; six candidate genes were hub genes in the co-expression networks under drought stress.

Discussion

The above results indicated that GEIs, together with drought response genes in co-expression network, may respond to drought, and play important roles in regulating seed oil-related traits together with oil metabolism genes. These results provide important information for genetic basis, molecular mechanisms, and soybean breeding for seed oil-related traits.
What factors can support students' deep learning in the online environment: The mediating role of learning self-efficacy and positive academic emotions?
Authors: Zhao Jingxian , Liu Enyun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In 2020, COVID-19 forced higher education institutions in many countries to turn to online distance learning. The trend of using online education has accelerated across the world. However, this change in the teaching mode has led to the decline of students' online learning quality and resulted in students being unable to do deep learning. Therefore, the current research, aimed at promoting deep learning in the online environment, constructed a theoretical model with learning self-efficacy and positive academic emotions as mediators, deep learning as the dependent variable, perceived TPACK support, peer support, technical usefulness, and ease of use as independent variables.

Methods

The theoretical model was verified by SPSS26.0 and smartPLS3.0, and to assess the measurement and structural models, the PLS approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed.

Results

The study found that (a) positive academic emotions play a mediating role between perceived TPACK support and deep learning, perceived peer support and deep learning, and perceived technology usefulness and ease of use and deep learning; (b) learning self-efficacy plays a mediating role between perceived TPACK support and deep learning, perceived peer support and deep learning, and perceived technology usefulness and ease of use and deep learning.

Discussion

The findings of this study fill the gaps in the research on the theoretical models of deep learning in the online environment and provide a theoretical basis for online teaching, learning quality, and practical improvement strategies.
Adverse childhood experiences increase the risk for eating disorders among adolescents
Authors: Kovács-Tóth Beáta , Oláh Barnabás , Kuritárné Szabó Ildikó , Túry Ferenc
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Traumatic events often feature prominently in eating disorders. A questionnaire survey to assess the relation of eating disorder risk to the frequency of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the possible association of eating disorder risk with a particular type of ACE was conducted in a community sample of Hungarian adolescents.

Methods

Demographic and anthropometric data, risk for eating disorders (by SCOFF questionnaire), and ACEs (by ACE score calculator) were collected from 432 adolescents aged 12–17 years.

Results

Adolescents who had undergone four or more ACEs were 5.7 times more likely to be in the high eating disorder risk group than those who did not report any ACEs. Cumulative maltreatment showed a greater association with overall risk for eating disorders than cumulative family dysfunction. There is an increased risk of eating disorders from emotional maltreatment (OR = 3.475), physical maltreatment (OR = 3.440), sexual maltreatment (OR = 10.973), and emotional neglect (OR = 3.331). Dysfunctional family circumstances revealed an association with household mental illness (OR = 3.401).

Conclusion

Our study of the connection between eating disorder risk and ACE is the first of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. Maltreatments had a greater role than family dysfunctions in increasing the risk of eating disorders. Our findings contribute to a more precise understanding of the role that ACEs play in eating disorders. It is important to bring to clinicians’ attention the importance of ACEs in the diagnosis and therapy of eating disorders and their potentially fundamental significance for therapy.
An ethnographic discourse approach to explore GP-counsellor communication in primary health care settings in Hong Kong
Authors: Pun Jack , Yu Qianwen Joyce , Lee Matthew K. C.
Published: December 2022

This study aims to explore the nature of GP-counsellor interaction during discussions of patients’ mental health issues in primary care services. An ethnographic discourse analysis of audio-recorded GP-counsellor conversations and the participating counsellor’s reflective accounts. Two participating GPs and one counsellor were recruited from a private medical clinic in Hong Kong. The GPs and the counsellor mainly discussed their patients’ issues in terms of medication management, the counsellor’s case conceptualization, the case management, knowledge transfer and acknowledging the partnership. During case discussions, both the GPs and the counsellor used a range of interactional strategies to clarify a patient’s condition and treatment plans for mutual understanding. The GPs and the counsellor co-construct an insider discourse that covers a greater diversity of topics, including both medical and non-medical concerns. The research findings have implications for theory and practice, including the potential of ethnographic discourse analysis in understanding the features of participants’ behavior and evaluating the effectiveness of communication in a particular setting, as well as the importance of exploring professionalized discourse during GP-counsellor communication in developing training programs aimed at enhancing staff awareness of effective IPC communication.
Is there gender inequality in the impacts of energy poverty on health?
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Linghu Yuting , Meng Xue , Yi Hong
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to study the gender inequality in the health impacts of energy poverty. Using the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018 data, we examine the gender heterogeneous effects of energy poverty on residents' health. The empirical results indicate that energy poverty would increase the ratio of respiratory disease, hospitalization as well as the healthcare expenditure. The effects are moderated by housework time. Moreover, we explore the gender inequality of the health impacts and find that women's health is more severely impaired and the effect of gender inequality is heterogeneous between urban and rural areas. We further investigate the historical origins of intra-household division of labor and reveal that the root of gender inequality in the health effects of energy poverty is status inequality. The government should give the first priority to energy poverty alleviation through modern energy network construction. Providing the energy-deprived families with ventilation equipment and medical insurance should be considered as the next step. Finally, it is imperative to eradicate urban-rural dual structure and legislate to ensure gender equality in the whole society.
Implications of Non-Farm Work for Clean Energy Adoption: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Huang Li , Wu Heng , Zhou Mi
Published: December 2022

Due to China’s socioeconomic development, labor force transfer from rural areas has become more common, the income of rural households has increased, and the structure of rural household clean living energy consumption has changed. However, few studies have explored the correlation between non-farm employment and clean energy adoption in rural households. Using survey data from 1175 farmers in 106 villages from a 2018 Survey in Liaoning Province, this study uses a Probit model to analyze the effect of non-farm work on clean energy adoption, as well as an effect decomposition model to examine the specific mechanism of their interaction. Robustness tests were performed using extended regression models (ERMs), propensity score matching (PSM), and variation of the core explanatory variable measures. The results found that: (1) Rural residents’ non-farm work has a significant positive effect on their household clean energy adoption. (2) Increasing rural residents’ household income and promoting the growth of their health knowledge are the main channels through which non-farm work influences their clean energy adoption. (3) Non-farm work has a more positive impact on household clean energy adoption for young or male farmers, those who had a junior high school education or above, and those who had a village head in the family. This study provides an understanding of rural non-farm work and clean energy adoption decisions and provides references for the effective allocation of rural labor resources and the formulation of policies related to rural energy adoption.
How Can the Engineering Parameters of the NIR Grader Affect the Efficiency of Seed Grading?
Authors: Novikova Tatyana P. , Mastrangelo Clíssia Barboza , Tylek Paweł , Evdokimova Svetlana A. , Novikov Arthur I.
Published: December 2022

The automated grading of Scots pine seeds in the near-infrared wavelength region (NIR grading) is a starting point for further actions, such as coating and priming. This reduces the time and financial costs and increases the accuracy of seed viability classification compared to invasive techniques. The NIR-based wave reflected from each pine seed must be detected and processed with sufficient accuracy. To focus the reflected beam, we used fiber-optic Bragg grating, a Bragg mirror, and diffraction grating. For each focusing option based on the DOE matrix, one experiment of 20 runs (n = 20) and three replicas (m = 3) in each run was conducted. In each replica, we used 100 conditioned and 100 non-conditioned seeds (NC + NNC = 200) selected randomly from five samples weighing 50 g from a seedlot weighing 1 kg extracted from cones collected from a natural tree stand. Three experiments were conducted on the NIR grading of Scots pine seeds using an optoelectronic device. An adequate DOE regression model of the grading efficiency function was obtained. The functions included the following arguments: angle of incidence of the optical beam, NIR wavelength reflected from the seed, and height of the seed pipeline. The influence of the inclination angle of the light source relative to the plane of pine seed movement on the grading quality prevails over other factors. The NIR grading of Scots pine seeds allows the separation of seeds according to the viability index, which is important, since dead petrified seeds (possibly up to 25%) may occur in the seed batch, which cannot be eliminated by either seed size or mass. The peak of NIR grading is achieved by combining the average grader engineering parameters: 968–973 nm for the wavelength and 44–46 degrees for the inclination angle of the reflected beam at a seed pipe size of 0.18–0.23 m.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Different Maturity Stages and Fruit Parts of Cordia dodecandra A. DC.: Quantification and Identification by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Jiménez-Morales Karina , Castañeda-Pérez Eduardo , Herrera-Pool Emanuel , Ayora-Talavera Teresa , Cuevas-Bernardino Juan Carlos , García-Cruz Ulises , Pech-Cohuo Soledad Cecilia , Pacheco Neith
Published: December 2022

In the present work, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and phenolic profile from pulp (PU) and peel (PE) extracts obtained from the ciricote (Cordia dodecandra A. DC.) fruit by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in immature (IM), semimature (SM), and mature (MM) stages were investigated. The effect of the diameter of the ultrasonic probe in the IM stage was also evaluated. The TPC and antioxidant activity in IM fruit extracts by UAE increased up to 11.01 and 23.82 times, respectively, compared to the maceration method. The main phenolic compounds in the PE of IM fruit identified by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS were quantified as caffeic acid, rutin, and rosmarinic acid, distributed as 45.82, 41.45, and 12.72%, respectively. The PE extracts of IM fruit obtained with the 3 mm diameter probe had 1.27, 2.44, and 1.37 times the TPC (19.93 ± 0.28 mg GAE (Gallic equivalents) g−1 dw), TFC (34.85 ± 4.99 mg RE (Rutin equivalents) g−1 dw), and antioxidant activity (122.09 ± 17.09 µTE (Trolox equivalents) g−1 (DPPH)), respectively, compared to those obtained with a 13 mm diameter probe. The results obtained suggest the use of the ciricote native fruit as a source of bioactive compounds, directly as fresh fruit or processed, thus helping to increase its production and consumption.