bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyses of the Global Multilocus Genotypes of the Human Pathogenic Yeast Cryptococcus neoformans Species Complex
Authors: Hitchcock Megan , Xu Jianping
Published: November 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (CNSC) is a globally distributed human opportunistic yeast pathogen consisting of five major molecular types (VNI, VNII, VNB, VNIII and VNIV) belonging to two species, C. neoformans (VNI, VNII and VNB, collectively called serotype A) and C. deneoformans (VNIV, commonly called serotype D), and their hybrids (VNIII, serotype AD). Over the years, many studies have analyzed the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of CNSC. However, the global population structure and mode of reproduction remain incompletely described. In this study, we analyze the published multilocus sequence data at seven loci for CNSC. The combined sequences at the seven loci identified a total of 657 multilocus sequence types (STs), including 296 STs with known geographic information, representing 4200 non-redundant isolates from 31 countries and four continents. Among the 296 STs, 78 and 52 were shared among countries and continents, respectively, representing 3643 of the 4200 isolates. Except for the clone-corrected serotype D sample among countries, our analysis of the molecular variance of the 4200 isolates revealed significant genetic differentiations among countries and continents in populations of CNSC, serotype A, and serotype D. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated sequences of all 657 STs revealed several large clusters corresponding to the major molecular types. However, several rare but distinct STs were also found, representing potentially novel molecular types and/or hybrids of existing molecular types. Phylogenetic incompatibility analyses revealed evidence for recombination within all four major molecular types—VNI, VNII, VNIV and VNB—as well as within two VNB subclades, VNBI and VNBII, and two ST clusters around the most common STs, ST5 and ST93. However, linkage disequilibrium analyses rejected the hypothesis of random recombination across most samples. Together, our results suggest evidence for historical differentiation, frequent recent gene flow, clonal expansion and recombination within and between lineages of the global CNSC population.
Lack of Association between (AAT)n Polymorphism of the CNR1 Gene Encoding the Cannabinoid Receptor (CB1) and Patient’s Quality of Life
Authors: Machoy-Mokrzyńska Anna , Rać Monika , Jurewicz Alina , Dziedziejko Violetta , Safranow Krzysztof , Kurzawski Mateusz , Boroń Agnieszka , Stefaniak Arkadiusz , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Bohatyrewicz Andrzej , Białecka Monika
Published: November 2022

Genetic factors may predispose persons to decreased pain excitability. One of the interesting modulators affecting pain perception may be polymorphisms of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CNR1) gene. In this study, we examined the association between three-nucleotide repeats (AAT) polymorphism located in the 3′UTR non-translational region of CNR1 and the patient’s quality of life after total hip arthroplasty. Our study examined the degree of pain sensation, hip function, and the patient’s performance at defined intervals after elective hip replacement due to degenerative changes. The study included 198 patients (128 women and 70 men). The average age was 67 years. PCR genotyping assay was used to identify the (AAT)n triplet repeat polymorphism in the CNR1 gene. The (AAT)n repeat number was determined by sequencing using a standard sequencing protocol. Our study found no statistically significant association between the degree of pain, hip function, and the change in the degree of disability and the (AAT)n polymorphism in the CNR1 gene, no statistically significant correlations between clinical symptoms, the patient’s age, and the number of AAT repeats, no association between the length of the allele and the degree of pain, hip function, and the change in disability.
Retinal Gene Expression of Selective Genes and Histological Stages of Embryonic and Post-Hatch Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Bastaki Nasmah K. , Lobo Vanessa R. , Gomes Thecla , Albarjes Taybha A.
Published: November 2022

Chickens are excellent models for the study of retinal development and function. Gene expression at the correct time is crucial to retinal development and function. The present study aimed to investigate retinal gene expression and morphology in locally grown chickens at various developmental stages. RNA was extracted from the retina at the embryonic and post-hatch stages, and the retinal layers were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). RT-PCR and RT-qPCR were used for gene expression analysis of 14 selected genes. The results showed that all the retinal genes were expressed at different developmental stages. However, there were slight noticeable variations in expression patterns. At the morphological level, all retinal layers were well observed, except for the outer plexiform layer that became visible in the fifteen-day chick embryo. The current study provides a baseline for standard retinal gene expression of 14 genes and retinal histological staining. The selected genes have different roles in retinal development and function, and most of these genes are associated with retinal diseases. The results obtained here can be applied to molecular retinal research and retinal diseases with genetic factors in retina animal models or human diseases.
Complete Mitogenomes of Ticks Ixodes acutitarsus and Ixodes ovatus Parasitizing Giant Panda: Deep Insights into the Comparative Mitogenomic and Phylogenetic Relationship of Ixodidae Species
Authors: Liu Jiabin , Yu Jiaojiao , Yu Xiang , Bi Wenlei , Yang Hong , Xue Fei , Zhang Gexiang , Zhang Jindong , Yi Dejiao , Ma Rui , Zhou Yanshan , Lan Guanwei , Gu Jiang , Wu Wei , Li Zusheng , Qi Guilan
Published: November 2022

Ticks rank second in the world as vectors of disease. Tick infestation is one of the factors threatening the health and survival of giant pandas. Here, we describe the mitogenomes of Ixodes acutitarsus and Ixodes ovatus parasitizing giant pandas, and perform comparative and phylogenetic genomic analyses on the newly sequenced and other available mitogenomes of hard ticks. All six newly determined mitogenomes contain a typical gene component and share an ancient Arthropoda gene arrangement pattern. Our study suggests that I. ovatus is a species complex with high genetic divergence, indicating that different clades of I. ovatus represent distinct species. Comparative mitogenomic analyses show that the average A + T content of Ixodidae mitogenomes is 78.08%, their GC-skews are strongly negative, while AT-skews fluctuate around 0. A large number of microsatellites are detected in Ixodidae mitogenomes, and the main microsatellite motifs are mononucleotide A and trinucleotide AAT. We summarize five gene arrangement types, and identify the trnY-COX1-trnS1-COX2-trnK-ATP8-ATP6-COX3-trnG fragment is the most conserved region, whereas the region near the control region is the rearrangement hotspot in Ixodidae mitogenomes. The phylogenetic trees based on 15 genes provide a very convincing relationship (Ixodes + (Robertsicus + ((Bothriocroton + Haemaphysalis) + (Amblyomma + (Dermacentor + (Rhipicentor + (Hyalomma + Rhipicephalus))))))) with very strong supports. Remarkably, Archaeocroton sphenodonti is embedded in the Haemaphysalis clade with strong supports, resulting in paraphyly of the Haemaphysalis genus, so in-depth morphological and molecular studies are essential to determine the taxonomic status of A. sphenodonti and its closely related species. Our results provide new insights into the molecular phylogeny and evolution of hard ticks, as well as basic data for population genetics assessment and efficient surveillance and control for the giant panda-infesting ticks.
Translational Regulation by eIFs and RNA Modifications in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Linzhu , Zhang Yaguang , Zhang Su , Qiu Lei , Zhang Yang , Zhou Ying , Han Junhong , Xie Jiang
Published: November 2022

Translation is a fundamental process in all living organisms that involves the decoding of genetic information in mRNA by ribosomes and translation factors. The dysregulation of mRNA translation is a common feature of tumorigenesis. Protein expression reflects the total outcome of multiple regulatory mechanisms that change the metabolism of mRNA pathways from synthesis to degradation. Accumulated evidence has clarified the role of an increasing amount of mRNA modifications at each phase of the pathway, resulting in translational output. Translation machinery is directly affected by mRNA modifications, influencing translation initiation, elongation, and termination or altering mRNA abundance and subcellular localization. In this review, we focus on the translation initiation factors associated with cancer as well as several important RNA modifications, for which we describe their association with cancer.
SPOP in Cancer: Phenomena, Mechanisms and Its Role in Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Yang Xiaojuan , Zhu Qing
Published: November 2022

Speckle-type POZ (pox virus and zinc finger protein) protein (SPOP) is a cullin 3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein that plays a crucial role in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Recently, SPOP has attracted major research attention as it is frequently mutated in a range of cancers, highlighting pleiotropic tumorigenic effects and associations with treatment resistance. Structurally, SPOP contains a functionally critical N-terminal meprin and TRAF homology (MATH) domain for many SPOP substrates. SPOP has two other domains, including the internal Bric-a-brac-Tramtrack/Broad (BTB) domain, which is linked with SPOP dimerization and binding to cullin3, and a C-terminal nuclear localization sequence (NLS). The dysregulation of SPOP-mediated proteolysis is associated with the development and progression of different cancers since abnormalities in SPOP function dysregulate cellular signaling pathways by targeting oncoproteins or tumor suppressors in a tumor-specific manner. SPOP is also involved in genome stability through its role in the DNA damage response and DNA replication. More recently, studies have shown that the expression of SPOP can be modulated in various ways. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of SPOP’s functions in cancer and discuss how to design a rational therapeutic target.
Bacterial Community Diversity and Bacterial Interaction Network in Eight Mosquito Species
Authors: da Silva Herculano , Oliveira Tatiane M. P. , Sallum Maria Anice M.
Published: November 2022

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are found widely throughout the world. Several species can transmit pathogens to humans and other vertebrates. Mosquitoes harbor great amounts of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The bacterial composition of the microbiota of these invertebrates is associated with several factors, such as larval habitat, environment, and species. Yet little is known about bacterial interaction networks in mosquitoes. This study investigates the bacterial communities of eight species of Culicidae collected in Vale do Ribeira (Southeastern São Paulo State) and verifies the bacterial interaction network in these species. Sequences of the 16S rRNA region from 111 mosquito samples were analyzed. Bacterial interaction networks were generated from Spearman correlation values. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in all species. Wolbachia was the predominant genus in Haemagogus leucocelaenus. Aedes scapularis, Aedes serratus, Psorophora ferox, and Haemagogus capricornii were the species that showed a greater number of bacterial interactions. Bacterial positive interactions were found in all mosquito species, whereas negative correlations were observed in Hg. leucocelaenus, Ae. scapularis, Ae. serratus, Ps. ferox, and Hg. capricornii. All bacterial interactions with Asaia and Wolbachia were negative in Aedes mosquitoes.
Identification and Functional Analysis of MAPKAPK2 in Hyriopsis cumingii
Authors: Gu Yang , Liu Meiling , Wang Yayu , Huo Yingduo , Liu Zongyu , Jin Wu , Wang Guiling
Published: November 2022

MAPKAPK2 (MK2) is an important regulator of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway, which is involved in a plethora of cellular processes concluding the development of gamete cells in meiosis and resisting pathogenic bacterial infestation. Hyriopsis cumingii is a significant mussel resource in China and a good material for pearl breeding. To explore the role of MK2 in H. cumingii, MK2 was identified and cloned, whose full-length cDNA was 1568 bp, including 87 bp in 5′ UTR, 398 bp in 3′ UTR, and 1083 bp in the open reading frame (ORF) region, encoding 360 amino acids. The expression of MK2 was the highest in the gills. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference in the gonads. After Aeromonas hydrophila and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infestation, the transcript level of the MK2 was upregulated in the gills. It indicated that MK2 might be involved in the innate immune response of H. cumingii after a pathogenic attack. After quantifying H. cumingii of different ages, it was found that the expression of MK2 was highest at 1 year old. In situ hybridization (ISH) results showed that the blue-purple hybridization signal was very significant in the oocytes and egg membranes of the female gonads of H. cumingii. The expression of MK2 increased gradually at the age of 1 to 5 months and showed a downward trend at the age of 5 to 8 months. It was suggested that MK2 might play an important role in the formation of primitive germ cells in H. cumingii. To sum up, MK2 might not only be involved in the immune response against pathogenic bacterial infection but also might play an important role in the development of the gonads in H. cumingii.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Najjar Mariana K. , Manore Sara G. , Regua Angelina T. , Lo Hui-Wen
Published: November 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in 20–30% of breast cancers and is associated with poor prognosis and worse overall patient survival. Most women with HER2-positive breast cancer receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus HER2-targeted therapies. The development of HER2-directed therapeutics is an important advancement in targeting invasive breast cancer. Despite the efficacy of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies, they are still being combined with adjuvant chemotherapy to improve overall patient outcomes. Recently, significant progress has been made towards the development of a class of therapeutics known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which leverage the high specificity of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibodies with the potent cytotoxic effects of various small molecules, such as tubulin inhibitors and topoisomerase inhibitors. To date, two HER2-targeting ADCs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla®) and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-Dxd; Enhertu®). Kadcyla and Enhertu are approved for use as a second-line treatment after trastuzumab-taxane-based therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. The success of ADCs in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer provides novel therapeutic advancements in the management of the disease. In this review, we discuss the basic biology of HER2, its downstream signaling pathways, currently available anti-HER2 therapeutic modalities and their mechanisms of action, and the latest clinical and safety characteristics of ADCs used for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
Characterization of Upper Jurassic Organic-Rich Caprock Shales in the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Rahman Md Jamilur , Johnson James Ronald , Fawad Manzar , Mondol Nazmul Haque
Published: November 2022

Characterizing the top seal integrity of organic-rich caprock shale is critical in hydrocarbon exploration and fluid storage sites assessment because the caprock acts as a barrier to the low-density upward migrating fluids. This study investigated the geomechanical properties of the Upper Jurassic caprock shales of various basins from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Usually, paleo-deposition and diagenesis vary from basin to basin, which influences the geomechanical properties of caprock shale; hence, the seal integrity. Fourteen (14) wells from four (4) different basins within the Norwegian Continental Shelf were analyzed to evaluate the effects of various processes acting on caprock properties. Comparative mineralogy-based caprock properties were also investigated. We include a thorough review of the distribution of organic and inorganic components utilizing SEM and 3D microtomography as they relate to the development and propagation of microfractures. Five (5) wells from three (3) basins contain measured shear sonic logs. These wells were used for petrophysics and rock physics analysis. Three elastic properties-based brittleness indices were estimated and compared. The percentage of different mineral fractions of the studied wells varied significantly between the studied basins, which is also reflected in the mineralogical brittleness indices evaluation. Irrespective of the studied basins, relative changes in caprock properties between wells have been observed. The Young’s Modulus–Poisson’s ratio-based empirical equation underestimated the brittleness indices compared with mineralogy- and acoustic properties-based brittleness estimation. A better match has been observed between the mineralogy- and acoustic properties-based brittleness indices. However, as both methods have limitations, an integrated approach is recommended to evaluate the brittleness indices. Brittleness indices are a qualitative assessment of the top seal; hence, further investigation is required to quantify sealing integrity.
A Special Issue of Geosciences: Cutting Edge Earth Sciences—Three Decades of Cosmogenic Nuclides
Authors: Akçar Naki , Ivy-Ochs Susan , Schlunegger Fritz
Published: November 2022

What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean [...]
Relationship between Moral Values for Driving Behavior and Brain Activity: An NIRS Study
Authors: Kawabata Kaori , Fujita Kazuki , Sato Mamiko , Hayashi Koji , Kobayashi Yasutaka
Published: November 2022

Although there are clear moral components to traffic violations and risky and aggressive driving behavior, few studies have examined the relationship between moral values and risky driving. This study aimed to examine the relationship between moral views of driving behavior and brain activity. Twenty healthy drivers participated in this study. A questionnaire regarding their moral values concerning driving behavior was administered to the participants. Brain activity was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy while eliciting moral emotions. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the participants were divided into two groups: one with high moral values and the other with low moral values. Brain activity was statistically compared between the two groups. Both groups had significantly lower activity in the prefrontal cortex during the self-risky driving task. The low moral group had significantly lower activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex than the high moral group, while it had lower activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the self-risky driving task than in the safe driving task. Regardless of their moral values, the participants were less susceptible to moral emotions during risky driving. Furthermore, our findings suggest that drivers with lower moral values may be even less susceptible to moral emotions.
Medical Dispute Cases Caused by Errors in Clinical Reasoning: An Investigation and Analysis
Authors: Lee Ching-Yi , Lai Hung-Yi , Lee Ching-Hsin , Chen Mi-Mi
Published: November 2022

Studies that examine medical dispute cases (MDC) due to clinical reasoning (CR) are scarce in Taiwan. A retrospective analysis was undertaken to review MDC filed at four hospitals in Taiwan between 2011 and 2015. Cases were examined for the healthcare professionals involved, their relevance to CR errors, clinical specialties, and seniority. Seventy-eight MDC were identified and 57.7% of which were determined to be related to CR errors (n = 45). Among the 45 cases associated with CR errors, 82.2% (37) and 22.2% (10) were knowledge- and skill-related errors, respectively. The healthcare professionals with the most MDC were obstetrician-gynecologists (10/90, 11.1%), surgeons (8/90, 8.9%), and emergency physicians (7/90, 7.8%). The seniority of less than 5 years or lower had the highest number of attending physicians to be associated with MDC. In contrast, the highest seniority (>25 years) in the physician group and year 6 in the resident group are both shown with zero MDC. In our study, the larger hospitals had a significantly higher incidence of MDC compared to the smaller hospitals (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = 0.984, p = 0.016). An examination of MDC reveals the frequency and nature of medical errors in Taiwanese hospitals. Having identified that CR errors contributed a substantial fraction to the overall MDC, strategies to promote reasoning skills and hence reduce medico-legal issues help safeguard both patients and healthcare professionals.
Performance Evaluation of a Low-Cost Non-Invasive Ventilator during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bench Study
Authors: Correvon Nils , Michotte Jean-Bernard , Contal Olivier
Published: November 2022

Background: During the COVID-19 breakout, a global call for low-cost portable ventilators was made following the strong demand for ventilatory support techniques. Among a few development projects, COVIDair non-invasive ventilator was developed and produced in a record time during the critical period of spring 2020. Objectives: To evaluate COVIDair performance (i.e., inspiratory trigger delay time, TDT, pressurization time and inspiratory to expiratory time ratio, I:E) on a test bench simulating physiological characteristics of breathing. Method: Performance tests were conducted on a breathing simulator (ASL 5000, IngMar Medical™) in two different lung mechanics (i.e., normal and severe restrictive). Results: Under normal pulmonary mechanics, the inspiratory TDT is on average between 89.0 (±2.1) and 135.0 (±9.7) ms. In a situation of severe restrictive pulmonary mechanics, the inspiratory TDT is on average between 80 (±3.1) and 99.2 (±5.5) ms. Pressurization time to pre-set inspiratory pressure was on average from 234.6 (±5.5) to 318.6 (±1.9) ms. The absolute difference between the actual I:E cycling measure and the pre-set I:E cycling value ranged from 0.1 to 10.7% on average. Conclusion: In normal and severe restrictive pulmonary mechanics scenarios, the performance of COVIDair meets the expected standards for non-invasive ventilators.
Psychometric Properties of the Albanian Version of the Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Duka Blerina , Stievano Alessandro , Caruso Rosario , Prendi Emanuela , Spada Florian , Rocco Gennaro , Notarnicola Ippolito
Published: November 2022

There are few tools to ascertain self-efficacy, which is a valuable component of nursing skills. This study has tested the psychometric properties of an Albanian translation of the Nursing Profession Self-Efficacy Scale (NPSES), which is based on Bandura’s theory of social cognition. Data were collected using questionnaires which were filled out by 423 nurses from the twelve provinces of the Albanian health system. The scale’s content, face, and construct validity were evaluated. Reliability was verified using Cronbach’s α and test–retest and by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients. The original NPSES has two factors; for the A-NPSES analyzed in this study, four factors emerged from the factorial analysis of our reference sample: nursing care procedure situation, nursing research situation, nursing ethics situation, and nursing practice situation. Cronbach’s α was 0.91, indicating that the tool is reliable. The results of this study demonstrate the validity and reliability of the Albanian version of the NPSES. This scale is a valuable tool for self-assessing nurses’ self-efficacy. An adequate scale for measuring nurses’ self-efficacy can be used to improve the quality of clinical nursing care.
Risk Role of Breast Cancer in Association with Human Papilloma Virus among Female Population in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Chia-Hsin , Liao Chi-You , Yeh Ming-Hsin , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: November 2022

Purpose: We analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan, collected information regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and breast cancer prevalence, and explored the association between HPV infection and the risk of breast carcinoma. Methods: We included the NHIRD data of 30,936 insured patients aged 20 years an older without breast cancer prior to the index date (date of HPV diagnosis) and matched each patient with a reference subject according to age, comorbidities, and index year (1:1 ratio). We calculated the incidence rates of breast cancer in the cohorts, age groups, and comorbidity groups, as well as the relative risk of breast cancer stratified by age and comorbidity in the HPV and non-HPV groups. Results: The patients with and without HPV had incidence rates of 12.5 and 9.81 per 10,000 person years, respectively. The risk of breast cancer for the 50−64 and ≥65 age groups was 1.67 and 1.36 times higher than that in patients younger than 49 years, respectively, and hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for breast cancer. The HPV group had a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the non-HPV group, regardless of age group and the presence or absence of comorbidities. Patients with HPV in the 50–64 age group were 1.39 times more likely to develop breast cancer than patients of the same age without HPV. Conclusion: Patients older than 49 were more likely to develop breast cancer, and patients with HPV had a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer, regardless of age and the presence or absence of comorbidities. HPV likely plays a causal role in breast cancer.
Current Developments on Chemical Compositions, Biosynthesis, Color Properties and Health Benefits of Black Goji Anthocyanins: An Updated Review
Authors: Yan Yuzhen , Nisar Tanzeela , Fang Zhongxiang , Wang Lingling , Wang Zichao , Gu Haofeng , Wang Huichun , Wang Wenying
Published: November 2022

Lycium ruthenicum is a therapeutic plant and its fruits (black goji) are commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine. This review comprehensively discusses the recent research developments of black goji anthocyanins (BGAs), including chemical compositions, biosynthesis, color properties and health benefits. Among the 39 identified BGAs, most are 3,5-diglycoside derivatives of petunidin (>95%) with an individual anthocyanin [petunidin 3-O-rutinoside (trans-p-coumaroyl)-5-O-glucoside], accounting for 80% of the total BGAs. Due to their unique anthocyanin profile, BGAs possess various health benefits, including antioxidant activities, α-glucosidase inhibiting activity, alleviating insulin resistance, improving mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory effects, etc., and therefore have the potential to treat a range of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, memory disorders, stroke, colitis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, BGAs exhibit a pH-dependent “red-purple-blue” pattern of color change and thus could be used as natural colorants and to prepare smart food packaging materials. This review is valuable for broad applications of BGAs as promising natural colorants, functional foods and potential herbal medicines.
Conversion of Oil Palm By-Products into Value-Added Products through Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Cultivation
Authors: Aubrey Mei Li Lee , Chin Clament Fui Seung , Seelan Jaya Seelan Sathiya , Chye Fook Yee , Lee Huei Hong , Rakib Mohd. Rashid Mohd.
Published: November 2022

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus species) is a popular and widely cultivated edible mushroom that can be found worldwide, including in Malaysia. However, its local production is unable to fulfil the market demand, partly due to the limited availability of rubber wood sawdust (RWS) as the conventional cultivation substrate. Furthermore, the palm oil industry in Malaysia generates large volumes of organic by-products that have caused environmental concerns. Therefore, the potential utilisation of oil palm waste-based substrates in order to develop a substitute RWS for Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom production is evaluated in this study, based on their agronomic performance and nutritional properties. Empty fruit bunches (EFBs), oil palm fronds (OPFs), and oil palm trunks (OPTs) were used to formulate the substrates. The control used was 100% RWS. Generally, 100% EFB showed a better agronomic performance, and mushroom growth was 1.9 times faster compared to the control, with a comparable mushroom yield. The crude protein and beta glucan content of mushrooms grown on oil palm by-product-formulated substrates were significantly higher than those grown using the control. Additionally, the number of fruiting bodies, crude protein, and beta glucan content of the mushrooms were positively correlated with potassium in the substrate. Therefore, 100% EFB could be used as a potential substitute for RWS for the cultivation and production of P. ostreatus.
Mechanism by Which High Foliar Calcium Contents Inhibit Sugar Accumulation in Feizixiao Lychee Pulp
Authors: Shui Xian , Wang Wenjing , Ma Wuqiang , Yang Chengkun , Zhou Kaibing
Published: November 2022

The problem of Feizixiao lychee fruit cracking is typically solved by the application of calcium to the leaves. However, lychee trees are sensitive to excessive amounts of calcium, and in practice, it is easy to spray excessive amounts that result in fertilizer burns. This paper intends to explore the effects of excessive calcium fertilizer application on lychee fruit pulp quality and the underlying molecular physiological mechanism. Adult Feizixiao lychee trees were used as test materials; concerning treatment, a 54 μM anhydrous CaCl2 aqueous solution was sprayed onto the leaves, and water was used as a control (CK). The levels of pulp sugar and the activities of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism were observed, and transcriptome analysis and genetic screening were performed on the pulp. Spraying excessive amounts of calcium onto the leaf surfaces caused the downregulation of trehalase-encoding genes and SUS-encoding genes, thus inhibiting the activities of trehalase, SS-I and SS-II, and further inhibiting the accumulation of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Moreover, upregulation of VIN gene expression enhanced AI activity and inhibited sucrose accumulation, thus inhibiting upregulation of NI gene expression during fruit growth and expansion; in turn, this inhibited the increase in NI activity in the fruit pulp, which then decreased the glucose and fructose accumulation in the pulp in the high-calcium treatment group compared with the CK group. The downregulation and expression of CHS family genes may lead to a decrease in chalcone accumulation, which may lead to damage caused by active oxygen production in the fruit pulp, thus inhibiting the accumulation of soluble sugars in that tissue.
Relationship between Leaf Traits and PM-Capturing Capacity of Major Urban-Greening Species
Authors: Park Sanghee , Lee Jong Kyu , Kwak Myeong Ja , Lim Yea Ji , Kim Handong , Jeong Su Gyeong , Son Joung-a , Oh Chang-Young , Je Sun Mi , Chang Hanna , Kim Kyongha , Woo Su Young
Published: November 2022

High concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM) in urban areas are of great concern to human health. Urban greening has been shown to be an effective and eco-friendly way to alleviate particle pollution, and attention to its role in mitigating particle pollution has increased worldwide. The species-specific PM-capturing capacity of ten urban-greening species in Seoul was evaluated by leaf functional traits (average leaf area (ALA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf width-to-length ratio (W/L)), microstructures (roughness, stomata, and trichomes), and physicochemical traits (contact angle (θw), surface free energy (rs), the work of adhesion for water (Wa), and epicuticular wax loads (EWL)). The relationships between leaf traits and PM adsorption by leaves were revealed by Pearson’s correlations and principal component analysis (PCA). A gravimetric method was used to quantify, by particle size, the PM adsorbed on leaf surfaces or embedded in leaf epicuticular wax layers. The key factors for PM adsorption on leaf surfaces were the SLA, the mean roughness value (Ra), and stomatal size. The SLA and Ra of adaxial leaf surfaces were negatively correlated with PM accumulation on leaf surfaces, while stomatal length and width were positively correlated with surface PM load. The rs and EWL positively affected the in-wax PM load. Species-specific PM deposition was the result of complicated mechanisms of various leaf traits. Three evergreen shrub species, Buxus sinica (Rehder & E.H. Wilson) M.Cheng var. insularis (Nakai) M.Cheng, Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zucc., and Euonymus japonicus Thunb., were efficient in capturing both surface PM and in-wax PM. The PCA revealed that the high PM accumulation efficiency of these three species might be attributable to the interaction between stomatal size and EWL. Aesculus turbinata Blume, Chionanthus retusus Lindl. & Paxton, and Rhododendron schlippenbachii Maxim. had intermediate PM adsorption ability, which might be a result of interactions among stomatal density, the Wa of adaxial surfaces, and ALA. Magnolia denudata Desr., Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, Liriodendron tulipifera L., and Ginkgo biloba L. had low PM accumulation efficiency. These four species exhibited correlations among SLA, the Ra of adaxial leaf surfaces, and W/L, which had negative effects on PM adsorption.
Ecological Effect Assessment of Low-Carbon City Construction in China
Authors: Yin Juan , Guo Jin
Published: November 2022

This paper takes the second batch of low-carbon pilot cities in China as the research object and selects the Urban Health Ecological Index to measure the green development level of cities, aiming to explore and evaluate the theoretical mechanism and policy effect of low-carbon pilot projects to promote the coordinated development of urban economy, society and the environment. The research conclusions show that: ① The low-carbon city pilot project is conducive to support the pilot cities to build a low-carbon industrial system, advocate a low-carbon lifestyle, establish a low-carbon evaluation system, and then play a positive role in promoting the green development level of the city; ② By applying the Propensity Score Matching–Difference in Differences (PSM-DID) model, the empirical analysis finds that after the implementation of the pilot policy, the green development level of low-carbon pilot cities has been significantly improved, and this conclusion is still stable in the parallel trend test, counterfactual test and sample expansion test; ③ In terms of regional heterogeneity, the low-carbon pilot projects have a more significant policy effect on promoting the green development of provincial capitals and eastern cities. Strict administrative supervision in provincial capitals and good economic foundations in eastern cities have had a positive moderating effect on the policy effect of low-carbon pilot projects. Finally, this paper discusses how to realize the ecological effects of low-carbon city pilot projects and put forward some relevant policy suggestions.
The Evolution of Cold Adaptation Technology within Ancient Buildings in Amur River Basin Viewed from Archaeology
Authors: Liu Wenqing
Published: November 2022

The Amur River Basin is located in China’s high-latitude and cold border areas. While inheriting the characteristics of Chinese traditional building, combined with its unique geographical and climatic environmental conditions, the local residential buildings have unique architectural features of cold climate adaptability. Outstanding insulation technology has become the main feature of the area, and has greatly affected the development of modern vernacular architecture. According to the archaeological reports and documents, this article selects ancient architectural sites from different historical periods as the research objects. Based on building restoration, AIRPAK software is used to simulate and analyze the indoor temperature of the building site, and to explore the effects of active heating measures, such as different forms of fire hypocaust system, and passive cold protection measures, such as different types of wall structures. According to archaeological information and simulation data, this paper summarizes the characteristics of the cold climate adaptability technology of ancient buildings in China’s cold border areas over different historical periods. Because of the relatively lagging development background of the Amur River Basin in modern times, the construction of its vernacular buildings continued to use the traditional low-tech insulation technology of ancient buildings to adapt to the cold environment. Therefore, attention and research on insulation technology of ancient buildings can provide a new perspective of architectural heritage protection in cold regions. Establishing a development model that combines archaeology and cultural heritage protection is an effective way to achieve the goals of architectural cultural heritage research and protection.
Remote Learning in Higher Education: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Ober Józef , Kochmańska Anna
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a sudden transformation at universities. The previous mode of teaching has been replaced by remote education, the effectiveness of which depends, among other things, on the technological infrastructure of universities and the digital competence of lecturers and students. The main objective of this study is to evaluate remote learning in higher education from the students’ point of view. The uniqueness of the present research approach lies in the identification of four dimensions (socio-emotional, developmental, time-financial, and negative attitude) of students’ evaluation of remote learning in higher education. The survey was conducted on 999 students studying remotely, including 518 women and 481 men. Most of the students surveyed had been studying remotely for 1–2 years and were studying full-time for their first degree. The research tool consisted of 16 mixed survey questions. Six of them were related to sociodemographic factors (including those related to the respondents’ education), and eight were related to their experiences with and opinions about remote education, respectively. The remaining two questions were used to collect respondents’ evaluations of the degree of importance to them of various advantages and disadvantages of remote education. The research showed that among the advantages of remote learning for students, the most important are saving time, the possibility of studying at a university far from home (another city, another country), the possibility of combining work and study, and reduced commuting costs. On the other hand, the disadvantages of remote learning of greatest importance to students include the loss of social ties due to lack of contact with peers, feelings of fatigue resulting from excessive use of information and communication tools, and greater susceptibility to various forms of distraction. In addition, the shape of students’ education was relevant to the different dimensions of their evaluation of remote learning in higher education. The social-emotional size of remote learning is more important for students who study remotely in a blended mode (compared to uniform). The developmental dimension is essential for students who participate in remote learning activities for longer during the day. In addition, a more extended period of remote learning promotes the greater importance of the time-financial dimension when evaluating remote knowledge.
Caregiving Situation as a Predictor of Subjective Caregiver Burden: Informal Caregivers of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hvalič-Touzery Simona , Trkman Marina , Dolničar Vesna
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created and exacerbated emotional, financial, and technical challenges for informal caregivers of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the caregiving situation and subjective burden of informal caregivers of older family members during COVID-19, and to investigate how a caregiving situation’s characteristics predict the subjective burden of care in times of COVID-19. The study was conducted in April and May 2021 via an online access panel. The sample (n = 612) was determined using a screening test that enabled us to focus on a Slovenian population of informal caregivers aged 40+ caring for a person aged 65+ for at least four hours/week on average. Our findings reveal that the subjective burden of care was high among informal caregivers during COVID-19. Multiple regression analysis showed that the provision of activities of daily living, care duration, average hours of care per week, formal care status, and recipients’ health problems related to dementia or other memory problems significantly predicted the subjective burden of caregivers. These findings call for better recognition of the role of informal caregivers. The time and effort devoted to informal care should be supported by legislation and social security.
Relationship between Specific Field-Based Physical Fitness Test Results and Selected Health Biomarkers in College-Aged Males: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Prieto-González Pablo
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to verify the association between specific field-based physical fitness test results and selected health biomarkers in college-aged males. Method: A total of 390 males participated in this research. The association between fitness test scores and anthropometric and health variables were examined. The fitness tests conducted were: Sit-and-reach test (S&R), standing long jump test (SLJ), Shuttle run test (SHR), and 20 m Multistage Fitness Test (BT) to estimate the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). The anthropometric and health variables assessed were: Weight (WE), height (HE), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (FAT), lean body mass (LBM), abdominal Girth (AG), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), oxygen saturation (SPO2), average blood pressure (A-BP), double product (DP), and fasting blood glucose (GLU). Results: S&R presented a weak significant correlation with SLJ, VO2max, and AG. SLJ maintained weak to moderate significant correlations with S&R, SHR, VO2max, HE, WE, LBM, WHR, BMI, FAT, AG, SBP, DBP, A-BP, DP, and GLU. SHR presented weak to moderate significant correlations with SLJ, VO2max, WE, BMI, AG, FAT, HE, SBP, DP, and GLU. VO2max maintained weak to moderate correlations with S&R, SLJ, SHR, WE, BMI, FAT, LBM, AG, and DP. Weak to moderate correlations were found between anthropometric and health variables, whereas the anthropometric variables presented significant correlations with each other, ranging from weak to very strong. Fitness test results presented weak to moderate correlations among themselves. Conclusion: SLJ and SHR present weak to moderate validity to predict the selected anthropometric markers and weak to predict the selected health indicators except for SPO2. VO2max has only weak validity to predict the selected anthropometric markers, whereas S&R is not valid to predict the selected health or anthropometric markers. Anthropometric measurements have weak validity in predicting the selected health markers. BMI and AG are valid, simple, and economical measurements to assess body fat. A positive interaction between the results obtained in the field-based fitness tests conducted was observed.
Validation of Vibration Exercises on Enhancing Muscle Strength and Upper Limb Functionality among Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Kao Chia-Hui , Chiang Shang-Lin , Chou Li-Wei , Lin Chia-Huei , Lu Yueh-Hsun , Lu Liang-Hsuan , Wang Xin-Miao , Lin Chueh-Ho
Published: November 2022

Pre-frail older adults require appropriate exercise to enhance muscle strength as well as upper limb functionality. We developed a handheld vibrator and evaluated its effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength compared to conventional exercises among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one pre-frail older adults (aged 75.5 ± 5.1 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to a vibration group (VG) and control group (CG). The VG underwent 20 minutes of vibration (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 5 mm, horizontal vibration) using a handheld vibrator as well as 40 minutes of conventional exercise. The CG received 60 minutes of conventional exercise only. The primary outcome was muscle strength assessment (kg), and the secondary outcome included activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scores. The comparisons between the outcome measures revealed no significant differences at the baseline level. Muscle strength of the dominant (ß = 2.49, p = 0.002) and non-dominant (ß = 1.89, p = 0.02) wrist flexion, brachioradialis (ß = 3.8, p = 0.01), and biceps brachii (ß = 3.02, p = 0.02) in the dominant upper limbs was significantly increased among the VG. The vibration intervention can enhance muscle strength in the upper limbs among pre-frail older adults.
The Response of Ecologically Functional Land to Changes in Urban Economic Growth and Transportation Construction in China
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wang Jing , Zhai Tianlin , Li Zehui
Published: November 2022

Understanding the impact of urban economic growth on ecologically functional land (EFL) change and the relevant mechanisms is necessary for adaptive ecological management and regional policy. The present study aims to explore the relationship between EFL change, urban economic growth and transportation construction based on reliable land survey data from 2000 and 2015, as well as natural and socio-economic data for over 2600 counties in China. We use the Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) technique to empirically analyze the temporal changes in their relationships and alleviate endogenous bias and use the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model to explore the spatial heterogeneity across the country. The results indicate that the secondary and tertiary industries’ development had a significantly negative effect on EFL changes, and transportation construction is a major driver of urban economic growth in China, especially in the central region. From 2000 to 2015, the negative impact of urban economic growth on EFL changes decreased, and the contribution of transportation construction to urban economic growth increased. The regions (such as the central region) where transportation construction contributes more to the secondary and tertiary industries had a proportionally greater reduction in EFL. It appears that excessive dependence on transportation to drive the development of secondary and tertiary industries is the underlying reason for EFL reduction. The findings of this study can assist in formulating regional policies and advancing the coordination of urban economic development and ecosystem protection.