bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictor-based phase-lead active disturbance rejection control design for industrial processes with input delay
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Hao Shoulin , Liu Tao , Yan Bin , Zhou Yongzhi
Published: September 2022

For industrial processes subject to input delay, a predictor-based phase-lead active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) scheme is proposed in this article for improving disturbance rejection performance by introducing a phase-lead module for feedback control. First, an extended state observer (ESO) in combination with a generalized delay-free output predictor is presented to estimate the delay-free system state together with load disturbance lumped with process uncertainties. To reduce the phase lag caused by not only ESO but also the delay-free output predictor, a phase-lead module is then added into the disturbance observation channel so as to expedite disturbance estimation and thus improve the disturbance rejection performance. Consequently, the ESO gain vector and feedback controller are analytically designed by specifying the desired poles for the observer and the closed-loop system, respectively. Moreover, a digital implementation of the proposed scheme is presented to facilitate the practical applications, followed by a robust stability analysis of the closed-loop system based on the small gain theorem. Illustrative examples from the literature are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed method over the existing methods.
Sleep duration and risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease: A dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies comprising 3.8 million participants
Authors: Huang Yi-Ming , Xia Wei , Ge Yi-Jun , Hou Jia-Hui , Tan Lan , Xu Wei , Tan Chen-Chen
Published: September 2022

Background

The effect of extreme sleep duration on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCDs) remains debatable. The pathology of CCDs is consistent in some respects (e.g., vascular factors), suggesting that there may be an overlapping range of sleep duration associated with a low risk of both diseases We aimed to quantify the dose-response relationship between sleep duration and CCDs.

Study objective

To explore whether there is an optimal sleep duration (SD) in reducing the risk of CCDs.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched until June 24, 2022 to include cohort studies that investigated the longitudinal relationships of SD with incident CCDs, including stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). The robusterror meta-regression model (REMR model) was conducted to depict the dose-response relationships based on multivariate-adjusted risk estimates.

Results

A total of 71 cohorts with 3.8 million participants were included for meta-analysis, including 57 for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and 29 for cerebrovascular disease. A significant U-shaped relationship was revealed of nighttime sleep duration with either cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. The nighttime sleep duration associated with a lower risk of CVD was situated within 4.3–10.3 h, with the risk hitting bottom at roughly 7.5 h per night (pnon–linearity < 0.0001). Sleep duration associated with a lower risk of cerebrovascular diseases ranges from 5 to 9.7 h per night, with the inflection at 7.5 h per night (pnon–linearity = 0.05). Similar non-linear relationship exited in daily sleep duration and CCDs. Other subgroup analyses showed non-linear relationships close to the above results.

Conclusion

Rational sleep duration (7.5 h/night) is associated with a reduced risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease for adults.
Edema formation in congestive heart failure and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Abassi Zaid , Khoury Emad E. , Karram Tony , Aronson Doron
Published: September 2022

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a complex disease state characterized by impaired ventricular function and insufficient peripheral blood supply. The resultant reduced blood flow characterizing HF promotes activation of neurohormonal systems which leads to fluid retention, often exhibited as pulmonary congestion, peripheral edema, dyspnea, and fatigue. Despite intensive research, the exact mechanisms underlying edema formation in HF are poorly characterized. However, the unique relationship between the heart and the kidneys plays a central role in this phenomenon. Specifically, the interplay between the heart and the kidneys in HF involves multiple interdependent mechanisms, including hemodynamic alterations resulting in insufficient peripheral and renal perfusion which can lead to renal tubule hypoxia. Furthermore, HF is characterized by activation of neurohormonal factors including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system (SNS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) due to reduced cardiac output (CO) and renal perfusion. Persistent activation of these systems results in deleterious effects on both the kidneys and the heart, including sodium and water retention, vasoconstriction, increased central venous pressure (CVP), which is associated with renal venous hypertension/congestion along with increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). The latter was shown to reduce renal blood flow (RBF), leading to a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Besides the activation of the above-mentioned vasoconstrictor/anti-natriuretic neurohormonal systems, HF is associated with exceptionally elevated levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). However, the supremacy of the deleterious neurohormonal systems over the beneficial natriuretic peptides (NP) in HF is evident by persistent sodium and water retention and cardiac remodeling. Many mechanisms have been suggested to explain this phenomenon which seems to be multifactorial and play a major role in the development of renal hyporesponsiveness to NPs and cardiac remodeling. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development of edema in HF with reduced ejection fraction and refers to the therapeutic maneuvers applied today to overcome abnormal salt/water balance characterizing HF.
Strategies for post–cardiac surgery acute kidney injury prevention: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Jia-Jin , Lee Tao Han , Kuo George , Huang Yen-Ta , Chen Pei-Rung , Chen Shao-Wei , Yang Huang-Yu , Hsu Hsiang-Hao , Hsiao Ching-Chung , Yang Chia-Hung , Lee Cheng-Chia , Chen Yung-Chang , Chang Chih-Hsiang
Published: September 2022

Objects

Cardiac surgery is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the effects of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for AKI prevention have not been thoroughly investigated, and their effectiveness in preventing AKI-related adverse outcomes has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods

Studies from PubMed, Embase, and Medline and registered trials from published through December 2021 that evaluated strategies for preventing post–cardiac surgery AKI were identified. The effectiveness of these strategies was assessed through a network meta-analysis (NMA). The secondary outcomes were prevention of dialysis-requiring AKI, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS. The interventions were ranked using the P-score method. Confidence in the results of the NMA was assessed using the Confidence in NMA (CINeMA) framework.

Results

A total of 161 trials (involving 46,619 participants) and 53 strategies were identified. Eight pharmacological strategies {natriuretic peptides [odds ratio (OR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19–0.47], nitroprusside [OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.68], fenoldopam [OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17–0.76], tolvaptan [OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14–0.90], N-acetyl cysteine with carvedilol [OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16–0.85], dexmedetomidine [OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76;], levosimendan [OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.84], and erythropoietin [OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.94]} and one non-pharmacological intervention (remote ischemic preconditioning, OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.92) were associated with a lower incidence of post–cardiac surgery AKI with moderate to low confidence. Among these nine strategies, five (fenoldopam, erythropoietin, natriuretic peptides, levosimendan, and remote ischemic preconditioning) were associated with a shorter ICU LOS, and two (natriuretic peptides [OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.15–0.60] and levosimendan [OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.95]) were associated with a lower incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI. Natriuretic peptides were also associated with a lower risk of mortality (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29–0.86). The results of a sensitivity analysis support the robustness and effectiveness of natriuretic peptides and dexmedetomidine.

Conclusion

Nine potentially effective strategies were identified. Natriuretic peptide therapy was the most effective pharmacological strategy, and remote ischemic preconditioning was the only effective non-pharmacological strategy. Preventive strategies might also help prevent AKI-related adverse outcomes. Additional studies are required to explore the optimal dosages and protocols for potentially effective AKI prevention strategies.
The two facets of receptor tyrosine kinase in cardiovascular calcification—can tyrosine kinase inhibitors benefit cardiovascular system?
Authors: Masbuchin Ainun Nizar , Widodo  , Rohman Mohammad Saifur , Liu Ping-Yen
Published: September 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used in cancer treatment due to their effectiveness in cancer cell killing. However, an off-target of this agent limits its success. Cardiotoxicity-associated TKIs have been widely reported. Tyrosine kinase is involved in many regulatory processes in a cell, and it is involved in cancer formation. Recent evidence suggests the role of tyrosine kinase in cardiovascular calcification, specifically, the calcification of heart vessels and valves. Herein, we summarized the accumulating evidence of the crucial role of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in cardiovascular calcification and provided the potential clinical implication of TKIs-related ectopic calcification. We found that RTKs, depending on the ligand and tissue, can induce or suppress cardiovascular calcification. Therefore, RTKs may have varying effects on ectopic calcification. Additionally, in the context of cardiovascular calcification, TKIs do not always relate to an unfavored outcome—they might offer benefits in some cases.
Outcomes of hemi- vs. total arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Likang , Chai Tianci , Yang Xiaojie , Zhuang Xinghui , Wu Qingsong , Chen Liangwan , Qiu Zhihuang
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute type A aortic dissections (ATAAD) pose a challenge to surgeons due to high mortality, and decision making regarding the appropriate procedure is controversial. This study compared the outcomes of hemiarch and total arch replacement for ATAAD.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for comparative studies on hemiarch versus total arch replacement that were published before May 1, 2022.

Results

We included 23 observational studies with a total of 4,576 patients. Combined data analysis showed that early mortality (RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70–0.97; P = 0.02), incidence of postoperative permanent neurological dysfunction (RR = 0.72; 95%CI:0.54∼0.94; P = 0.02), and incidence of renal failure and dialysis (RR = 0.82; 95%CI:0.71∼0.96; P = 0.01) were all lower for hemiarch than for total arch replacement. However, hemiarch replacement had a higher rate of late mortality (RR = 1.37; 95%CI:1.10∼1.71; P = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of re-operation for bleeding, aortic re-operation, or postoperative pneumonia.

Conclusion

In this study, hemiarch replacement had better early outcomes but a higher late mortality rate than total arch replacement. Decisions regarding the extent of arch repair should be made according to location and extent of ATAAD and the experience of surgeons to ensure the most favorable prognosis.

Systematic review registration:

[INPLASY.COM], identifier [INPLASY202250088].
Phase-shift mode of the East Asian trough from December to February: Characteristic and possible mechanisms
Authors: Yu Shui , Zhang Mengqi , Li Xingxing
Published: September 2022

The East Asian trough (EAT) is an important member of the East Asian winter monsoon system, profoundly influencing the local climate in winter. In this study, we report the phase-shift mode of the monthly EAT variations from December to February based on the extended empirical orthogonal function (EEOF) method. Associated with the phase-shift mode are the noticeable opposite air temperature anomalies over East Asia between December and February, consistent with the recently reported warm early winter and cold late winter (or vice versa). Possible mechanism analysis indicates that the EAT phase-shift mode is closely linked with the anomalous North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). By exciting a zonal Rossby wave train in December, an anomalous NAO could lead to significantly simultaneous changes in the EAT. However, in January, the NAO-excited Rossby wave train could hardly reach East Asia and has a weak influence on the EAT. In contrast, anomalous NAO in January can significantly influence Arctic Sea ice, causing significant sea ice anomalies over the Barents-Kara (BK) Sea. The BK Sea ice anomalies can persist to the following February, which further excites a Rossby wave train propagating to East Asia, leading to the opposite anomalous EAT in February relative to that in December. Therefore, through the exciting Rossby wave train in December and its resultant BK Sea ice anomalies in February, the NAO contributes to the phase shift of the anomalous EAT from December to February.
Spatiotemporal forecasting model based on hybrid convolution for local weather prediction post-processing
Authors: Xiang Li , Xiang Jie , Guan Jiping , Zhang Lifeng , Cao Zenghui , Xia Jilu
Published: September 2022

Future weather conditions can be obtained based on numerical weather prediction (NWP); however, NWP is unsatisfied with precise local weather prediction. In this study, we propose a spatiotemporal convolutional network (STCNet) based on spatiotemporal modeling for local weather prediction post-processing. To model the spatiotemporal information, we use a convolutional neural network and an interactive convolutional module, which use two-dimensional convolution for spatial feature extraction and one-dimensional convolution for time-series processing, respectively. We performed experiments at several stations, and the results show that our model considerably outperforms the traditional recurrent neural network–based Seq2Seq model while demonstrating the effectiveness of the fusion of observation and forecast data. By investigating the influences of seasonal changes and station differences, we conclude that the STCNet model has high prediction accuracy and stability. Finally, we completed the hour-by-hour local weather prediction using the 3-h forecast data and attained similar results to the 3-h local weather prediction that efficiently compensated for the temporal resolution of the forecast data. Thus, our model can enhance the spatial and temporal resolutions of forecast data and achieve remarkable local weather prediction.
Exploring classroom practices associated with greater student engagement that may benefit low-income students in the early grades
Authors: Christopher Caroline , Newman Katherine
Published: September 2022

Previous research has identified specific classroom practices that are associated with greater academic and self-regulation gains for students in prekindergarten (PreK) and kindergarten (K) classrooms. These practices include reducing time in transition, more time in sequential activities, more opportunities for associative and cooperative interactions, more math, teachers’ using higher levels of instruction, positive classroom climate, and more teacher listening to children. This cross-sectional study aims to determine whether these specific classroom practices are associated with higher student engagement. A secondary goal was to examine whether economically disadvantaged (ED) students in more engaged classrooms scored higher on measures of math, language, and literacy. Researchers collected individual student assessment data in math, language, and literacy for a sample of 407 PreK and K students and conducted day-long observations in their classrooms. In addition to collecting behavioral count data on the focal classroom practices, observers rated students’ engagement across the day. Results revealed that students who experienced more of the beneficial classroom practices also showed higher engagement. Covariate-adjusted standardized mean difference effect sizes showed the greatest differences for transition time, sequential activities, associative and cooperative interactions, teachers’ listening, the amount of instruction, behavior approvals, and teacher tone, indicating that students experiencing more of these practices were more engaged than students experiencing fewer of these practices. To address our secondary goal of exploring between-group differences on assessments, we created groups based on ED status and engagement (operationalized using a median split for student engagement). While assessment scores were higher for non-ED students than ED students, regardless of their level of engagement, based on the literature researchers expected that ED students who were more engaged would have higher scores on assessments than their less engaged counterparts. Contrary to this hypothesis, there were few differences across groups. The largest positive effect sizes were for math and vocabulary. ED students with higher engagement hadlower, not higher, scores on measures of literacy and passage comprehension. However, the magnitude of these effect sizes was small. Results provide preliminary evidence that these specific classroom practices are associated with greater student engagement.
Disrupted educational pathways: The effects of conflict on adolescent educational access and learning in war-torn Ethiopia
Authors: Jones Nicola , Abebe Workneh , Emirie Guday , Gebeyehu Yitagesu , Gezahegne Kiya , Tilahun Kassahun , Workneh Fitsum , Vintges Joost
Published: September 2022

As the mid-way point for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) timeframe nears, countries affected by conflict and fragility represent one of the key challenges to achieving SDG 4—-ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Drawing on qualitative research undertaken in late 2021 in South Gondar zone, in Ethiopia’s war-torn northern Amhara region, with adolescent girls and boys (n = 80), their caregivers (n = 11) community leaders and local service providers, including teachers (n = 31), this article explores the experiences of young people during and after their communities were occupied by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and the multi-pronged effects the conflict has had on their educational pathways. It finds that for many, schooling has been disrupted by: recruitment into the armed forces or organized youth movements (Fano); destruction of school infrastructure and records by the occupying forces; an inability to concentrate on education on account of trauma and stress; and a loss of educational aspirations given fears of prolonged insecurity. At the school level, it also identifies negative impacts in terms of teacher presence, teaching quality and the provisioning of educational activities; compounded by reduced education budgets as local, regional and federal government resources are diverted to the war effort. The article concludes with some reflections on the implications of our findings for government, development partners, communities, non-governmental organizations, and schools, in their efforts to strengthen education services and build resilience, including through linkages with social protection, justice, and psychosocial support services, in contexts of ongoing fragility.
Identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules based on dynamic AI ultrasound intelligent auxiliary diagnosis system
Authors: Wang Bing , Wan Zheng , Li Chen , Zhang Mingbo , Shi YiLei , Miao Xin , Jian Yanbing , Luo Yukun , Yao Jing , Tian Wen
Published: September 2022

Background

Dynamic artificial intelligence (AI) ultrasound intelligent auxiliary diagnosis system (Dynamic AI) is a joint application of AI technology and medical imaging data, which can perform a real-time synchronous dynamic analysis of nodules. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of dynamic AI in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules and its guiding significance for treatment strategies.

Methods

The data of 607 patients with 1007 thyroid nodules who underwent surgical treatment were reviewed and analyzed, retrospectively. Dynamic AI was used to differentiate benign and malignant nodules. The diagnostic efficacy of dynamic AI was evaluated by comparing the results of dynamic AI examination, preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and postoperative pathology of nodules with different sizes and properties in patients of different sexes and ages.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dynamic AI in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules were 92.21%, 83.20% and 89.97%, respectively, which were highly consistent with the postoperative pathological results (kappa = 0.737, p < 0.001). There is no statistical difference in accuracy between people with different ages and sexes and nodules of different sizes, which showed the good stability. The accuracy of dynamic AI in malignant nodules (92.21%) was significantly higher than that in benign nodules (83.20%) (p < 0.001). The specificity and positive predictive value were significantly higher, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower in dynamic AI than that of preoperative ultrasound ACR TI-RADS (p < 0.001). The accuracy of dynamic AI in nodules with diameter ≤ 0.50 cm was significantly higher than that of preoperative ultrasound (p = 0.044). Compared with FNAC, the sensitivity (96.58%) and accuracy (94.06%) of dynamic AI were similar.

Conclusions

The dynamic AI examination has high diagnostic value for benign and malignant thyroid nodules, which can effectively assist surgeons in formulating scientific and reasonable individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients.
Graves‘ disease following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review of the reported cases
Authors: Triantafyllidis Konstantinos Katsikas , Giannos Panagiotis , Stathi Dimitra , Kechagias Konstantinos S.
Published: September 2022

The newly developed COVID-19 vaccines have established a safe profile, yet some individuals experience a wide range of adverse events. Recently, thyroid dysfunction, including Graves’ disease, has been observed after administration of different COVID-19 vaccines, although causality remains a matter of debate. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available literature and provide an overview of reported cases of Graves’ disease following COVID-19 vaccination. We identified 21 eligible articles which included 57 patients with Graves’ disease following COVID-19 vaccination. Fourteen participants were males (25%, 14/57) and 43 (75%, 44/57) were females with a mean age of 44.3 years. The most common presenting symptom was palpitations (63%, 27/43) followed by weight loss (35%, 15/43). The majority of patients received thionamides (47%, 25/53). The clinical status after treatment was provided for 37 patients and it was improved in the majority of them (84%, 31/37). Graves’ disease is possibly a condition clinicians may expect to encounter in patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines. While the above adverse event is rare, considering the scarcity of available data in scientific literature, and causality is not yet confirmed, the increased awareness of clinicians and the early recognition of the disorder are important for the optimal management of these patients.
A new decision making method based on Z-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory and ordered weighted average and its application in renewable energy source investment
Authors: Su Xiaoyan , Guan Xuefan , Xu Zhihui , Qian Hong
Published: September 2022

Decision-making methods are widely used in renewable energy source (RES) investment. In practical applications, various conditions need to be considered during the decision-making process, such as uncertainty and reliability of information, dependence among criteria, and different risk preferences of the decision makers. However, there is currently a lack of effective consideration of all these conditions. In this article, a new decision-making method based on Z-DEMATEL and the maximal entropy OWA operator is proposed, where Z-number is used to characterize the uncertainty and reliability of the information, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, and the maximal entropy ordered weighted average (OWA) operator are used to deal with dependence and risk preference, respectively. The application example in RES investment and discussions show the effectiveness and the advantages of the proposed method.
Multiphysics thermo-mechanical behavior modeling for annular uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuels in a lead-cooled fast reactor
Authors: Cai Yutai , Chen Ken , Zhou Wenzhong , Gu Long
Published: September 2022

Understanding and predicting nuclear fuel behavior is the cornerstone for fuel design and optimization, and the safe and economic operation of nuclear reactors. Due to the excellent neutronic economy and safe operational characteristics of lead/lead-bismuth-based liquid metal coolant, lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) has received much attention and has been regarded as one of the top candidate reactors for Generation IV nuclear power plants. Mixed oxide (MOX) fuel is beneficial to improve fuel cycle utilization and consume weapons-grade plutonium, among which hollow MOX fuel has excellent heat transfer advantages, which can further improve fuel economy and safety, and has good development prospects. In this work, an annular uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel operating in a liquid lead/lead-bismuth cooled fast reactor is modeled and simulated to predict its behavior under transient and steady-state operation. This model has several modules working in a fully coupled approach based on COMSOL Multiphysics, such as heat transfer, fuel burnup, oxygen redistribution, plutonium redistribution, porosity evolution, fission gas release, JOG growth, and grain size evolution. The modeling results were benchmarked with the existing codes and experimental data, and the results were in satisfactory agreement. The parameters analysis was carried out in this work. Consistent with the solid MOX fuel, the O/M ratio (or deviation from the stoichiometry of oxygen) significantly affects temperature evolution, fission gas migration and release behavior, and plutonium redistribution. Linear power also has a significant influence on fuel performance.
Modeling structural deformation and failure in fluid-structure interaction with WC-TLSPH
Authors: Wu Haitao , Gu Shenglong , Tian Lirong , Li Jiaye , Chen Chen , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the coupled weakly compressible (WC) and total Lagrangian (TL) smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model based on the open-source multi-physics and multi-resolution SPHinXsys library is used to simulate the structural deformation and failure problem in fluid-structure interaction (FSI). Aiming at the problem that the original TLSPH method could not simulate the cracks and their propagation, the fracture model based on TLSPH is established, and then verified by fast-loading and slow-loading cases respectively. With the fracture model in hand, the TLSPH method is coupled with the WCSPH method to simulate the breaking dam flow impacting on an elastic/elastoplastic baffle. The comparison with the literature data shows that the present coupled WC-TLSPH model can accurately simulate the FSI problem where figurative fracture process is involved, indicating the compromising potential of the established model to simulate the elastoplastic structural failure in scientific and industrial applications.
Dynamic Role of Green Energy Efficiency and Climate Technologies in Realizing Environmental Sustainability: Fresh Insights From China
Authors: Liu Zuoming , Qiu Changbo , Zhu Libo
Published: September 2022

Amid rising industrialization and economic progress, China has shown exponential growth in energy and fossil fuel consumption; therefore, it faces great global concern and widespread criticism for energy and fuel conservation to reduce fuel-related emissions. In addition, the recent spread of COVID-19 instigates the impact of environmental pollution, exaggerates the virus intensity, and lowers people’s immunity due to poor air quality. Therefore, this study explored the role of green energy efficiency and climate technologies in achieving carbon neutrality in China using an advanced quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) framework. The results indicated that green energy efficiency and climate technologies significantly reduce environmental pollution across all quantiles in the long run. In contrast, urbanization enhances environmental degradation at lower and higher emissions quantiles, while trade only promotes environmental pollution at lower quantiles. These findings suggested using alternative energy sources and carbon-reducing technologies to ensure a sustainable environment.
Understanding farmers’ eco-friendly fertilization technology adoption behavior using an integrated S-O-R model: The case of soil testing and formulated fertilization technology in shaanxi, china
Authors: Dong Hao , Wang Bo , Han Jichang , Luo Lintao , Wang Huanyuan , Sun Zenghui , Zhang Lei , Dai Miao , Cheng Xiaohui , Zhao Yunliang
Published: September 2022

The rapid development of high-standard farmland construction has triggered explosion of farmland cultivated land protection technologies in recent years. Contemporary, eco-friendly fertilization technology (EFFT) are rapidly becoming main force to achieve food security and promote the national ecological strategy. Hence, based on the extended stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theoretical analysis framework, this empirical research 295 field interview data of farmers in the high standard farmland grain main production area in Shaanxi Province, a developing country context, to analyze the mechanism of external incentives on farmers’ eco-friendly fertilization technology adoption behavior, further tested to examine the mediating effect of intrinsic perception and moderating effect of the family endowment. We applied the methodological approach, partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), to test the hypothetical model. The results show that external incentives can effectively improve farmers’ technology adoptive behavior; internal perception has a significant positive effect on adoptive behavior, and it plays an intermediary role between external incentives and eco-friendly fertilization technology adoption behavior; family endowment has a significant positive effect on farmers’ technology adoption behavior, but the moderating effect of family endowment in external incentive-technology adoption behavior relationship is not significant. Therefore, we should choose appropriate and flexible government regulations, and give full play to the role of premium incentives, so as to improve the motivation of farmers to adopt eco-friendly fertilization technology.
Factors influencing hibernation in Harmonia axyridis: Role of the environment and interval timer
Authors: Honek Alois , Martinkova Zdenka , Skuhrovec Jiří
Published: September 2022

From 2014 to 2022, we investigated the length of hibernation in a population of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Central Europe. Adults were collected during the autumn immigration to overwintering sites and placed in an artificial hibernaculum held in an unheated closed shelter. The following spring, the population was monitored for timing of emigration from this hibernaculum. In individual years, massive immigration took place between late September and late October and immigration lasted one to 3 days, each year. The main period of emigration from the hibernaculum (extending from the time that 25% of adults departed the hibernaculum to the time that 75% of the remaining individuals departed) occurred in individual years between mid-April and early May and lasted 8.0 ± 1.3 days (mean ± SE). Massive emigration activity followed a gradual period of increasing temperature. Although the dates of migration in some years, both autumn and spring, ranged over a period of 1 month, the overwintering period (from immigration to emigration of 50% of the population) was similar each year, 185.0 ± 6.3 days (mean ± SE). We hypothesize that the length of overwintering may be fixed by an intrinsic interval timer in H. axyridis adults. The internal timing of the end of hibernation may be advantageous in the cold temperate zone, where H. axyridis adults overwinter in buildings and are thus isolated from external photoperiodic and temperature stimuli that signal the end of the winter season.
Assessing the intracellular primary metabolic profile of Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger grown on different carbon sources
Authors: Borin Gustavo Pagotto , Oliveira Juliana Velasco de Castro
Published: September 2022

Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger are efficient biological platforms for the production of various industrial products, including cellulases and organic acids. Nevertheless, despite the extensive research on these fungi, integrated analyses of omics-driven approaches are still missing. In this study, the intracellular metabolic profile of T. reesei RUT-C30 and A. niger N402 strains grown on glucose, lactose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SEB) as carbon sources for 48 h was analysed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The aim was to verify the changes in the primary metabolism triggered by these substrates and use transcriptomics data from the literature to better understand the dynamics of the observed alterations. Glucose and CMC induced higher fungal growth whereas fungi grown on lactose showed the lowest dry weight. Metabolic profile analysis revealed that mannitol, trehalose, glutamate, glutamine, and alanine were the most abundant metabolites in both fungi regardless of the carbon source. These metabolites are of particular interest for the mobilization of carbon and nitrogen, and stress tolerance inside the cell. Their concomitant presence indicates conserved mechanisms adopted by both fungi to assimilate carbon sources of different levels of recalcitrance. Moreover, the higher levels of galactose intermediates in T. reesei suggest its better adaptation in lactose, whereas glycolate and malate in CMC might indicate activation of the glyoxylate shunt. Glycerol and 4-aminobutyrate accumulated in A. niger grown on CMC and lactose, suggesting their relevant role in these carbon sources. In SEB, a lower quantity and diversity of metabolites were identified compared to the other carbon sources, and the metabolic changes and higher xylanase and pNPGase activities indicated a better utilization of bagasse by A. niger. Transcriptomic analysis supported the observed metabolic changes and pathways identified in this work. Taken together, we have advanced the knowledge about how fungal primary metabolism is affected by different carbon sources, and have drawn attention to metabolites still unexplored. These findings might ultimately be considered for developing more robust and efficient microbial factories.
Identification of core genes as potential biomarkers for predicting progression and prognosis in glioblastoma
Authors: Zeng Jianping , Hua Shushan , Liu Jing , Mungur Rajneesh , He Yongsheng , Feng Jiugeng
Published: September 2022

Background: Glioblastoma is a common malignant neuroepithelial neoplasm with poor clinical outcomes and limited treatment options. It is extremely important to search and confirm diverse hub genes that are effective in the advance and prediction of glioblastoma.

Methods: We analyzed GSE50161, GSE4290, and GSE68848, the three microarray datasets retrieved from the GEO database. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using DAVID. The PPI network of the DEGs was analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database and visualized by Cytoscape software. Hub genes were identified through the PPI network and a robust rank aggregation method. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Oncomine database were used to validate the hub genes. In addition, a survival curve analysis was conducted to verify the correlation between the expression of hub genes and patient prognosis. Human glioblastoma cells and normal cells were collected, and then RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were conducted to validate the expression of the NDC80 gene. A cell proliferation assay was used to detect the proliferation of glioma cells. The effects of NDC80 expression on migration and invasion of GBM cell lines were evaluated by conducting scratch and transwell assays.

Results: A total of 716 DEGs were common to all three microarray datasets, which included 188 upregulated DEGs and 528 downregulated DEGs. Furthermore, we found that among the common DEGs, 10 hub genes showed a high degree of connectivity. The expression of the 10 hub genes in TCGA and the Oncomine database was significantly overexpressed in glioblastoma compared with normal genes. Additionally, the survival analysis showed that the patients with low expression of six genes (BIR5C, CDC20, NDC80, CDK1, TOP2A, and MELK) had a significantly favorable prognosis (p < 0.01). We discovered that NDC80, which has been shown to be important in other cancers, also has an important role in malignant gliomas. The RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression level of NDC80 was significantly higher in human glioblastoma cells than in normal cells. Moreover, we identified that NDC80 increased the proliferation and invasion abilities of human glioblastoma cells.

Conclusion: The six genes identified here may be utilized to form a panel of disease progression and predictive biomarkers of glioblastoma for clinical purposes. NDC80, one of the six genes, was discovered to have a potentially important role in GBM, a finding that needs to be further studied.
A GBS-based genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Akram Saba , Ghaffar Maria , Wadood Ayesha , Shokat Sajid , Hameed Amjad , Waheed Muhammad Qandeel , Arif Mian Abdur Rehman
Published: September 2022

High salinity levels affect 20% of the cultivated area and 9%–34% of the irrigated agricultural land worldwide, ultimately leading to yield losses of crops. The current study evaluated seven salt tolerance-related traits at the seedling stage in a set of 138 pre-breeding lines (PBLs) and identified 63 highly significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) linked to salt tolerance. Different candidate genes were identified in in silico analysis, many of which were involved in various stress conditions in plants, including glycine-rich cell wall structural protein 1-like, metacaspase-1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GAPA1, and plastidial GAPA1. Some of these genes coded for structural protein and participated in cell wall structure, some were linked to programmed cell death, and others were reported to show abiotic stress response roles in wheat and other plants. In addition, using the Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) protocol, the best-performing lines under salt stress were identified. The SNPs identified in this study and the genotypes with favorable alleles provide an excellent source to impart salt tolerance in wheat.
Identifying hub circadian rhythm biomarkers and immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wen Pengfei , Ma Tao , Zhang Binfei , Hao Linjie , Wang Yakang , Guo Jianbin , Song Wei , Wang Jun , Zhang Yumin
Published: September 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with symptoms characterized by typical circadian rhythmic changes. This study aimed to identify the hub circadian rhythm genes (CRGs) in RA and explore their association with immune cell infiltration and pathogenesis of RA.

Methods

The differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) between RA and normal control samples were screened from Datasets GSE12021 and GSE55235. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were used to explore the potential functional mechanisms of DECRGs in RA. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis were performed to identify hub CRGs of RA. CIBERSORT was conducted to compare the infiltration level of immune cells in RA and control synovial tissue and their relationship with hub genes. In addition, the diagnostic value of hub biomarkers was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. Further, a nomogram prediction model was constructed and its significance for clinical decision-making was evaluated.

Results

The green module was identified as the hub module associated with RA. Four hub CRGs (EGR1, FOSL2, GADD45B, and NFIL3) were identified and showed that they had the highest specificity and sensitivity for RA diagnosis, respectively. The expression levels and diagnostic values of these genes were externally validated in the dataset GSE55457. A nomogram prediction model based on the four hub CRGs was constructed and proved to have a certain clinical decision value. Additionally, the correlation analysis of immune cells with hub genes showed that all hub genes were significantly positively correlated with activated mast cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, and monocytes. Whereas, all hub genes were negatively correlated with plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, and activated memory CD4+ T cells. Meanwhile, FOSL2 and GADD45B were negatively correlated with Tfh cells.

Conclusion

Four hub CRGs were identified and showed excellent diagnostic value for RA. These genes may be involved in the pathological process of RA by disrupting the rhythmic oscillations of cytokines through immune-related pathways and could be considered molecular targets for future chronotherapy against RA.
Hemp seed significantly modulates the endocannabinoidome and produces beneficial metabolic effects with improved intestinal barrier function and decreased inflammation in mice under a high-fat, high-sucrose diet as compared with linseed
Authors: Ben Necib Rim , Manca Claudia , Lacroix Sébastien , Martin Cyril , Flamand Nicolas , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Silvestri Cristoforo
Published: September 2022

Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiometabolic health and reduce chronic low-grade inflammation. These fatty acids may impart their health benefits partly by modulating the endocannabinoidome and the gut microbiome, both of which are key regulators of metabolism and the inflammatory response. Whole hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) are of exceptional nutritional value, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids. We assessed the effects of dietary substitution (equivalent to about 2 tablespoons of seeds a day for humans) of whole hemp seeds in comparison with whole linseeds in a diet-induced obesity mouse model and determined their effects on obesity and the gut microbiome-endocannabinoidome axis. We show that whole hemp seed substitution did not affect weigh gain, adiposity, or food intake, whereas linseed substitution did, in association with higher fasting glucose levels, greater insulin release during an oral glucose tolerance test, and higher levels of liver triglycerides than controls. Furthermore, hemp seed substitution mitigated diet-induced obesity-associated increases in intestinal permeability and circulating PAI-1 levels, while having no effects on markers of inflammation in epididymal adipose tissue, which were, however, increased in mice fed linseeds. Both hemp seeds and linseeds were able to modify the expression of several endocannabinoidome genes and markedly increased the levels of several omega-3 fatty acid–derived endocannabinoidome bioactive lipids with previously suggested anti-inflammatory actions in a tissue specific manner, despite the relatively low level of seed substitution. While neither diet markedly modified the gut microbiome, mice on the hemp seed diet had higher abundance of Clostridiaceae 1 and Rikenellaceae than mice fed linseed or control diet, respectively. Thus, hemp seed-containing foods might represent a source of healthy fats that are not likely to exacerbate the metabolic consequences of obesogenic diets while producing intestinal permeability protective effects and some anti-inflammatory actions.
Prophylactic treatment of Glycyrrhiza glabra mitigates COVID-19 pathology through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hamster model and NETosis
Authors: Rizvi Zaigham Abbas , Babele Prabhakar , Sadhu Srikanth , Madan Upasna , Tripathy Manas Ranjan , Goswami Sandeep , Mani Shailendra , Kumar Sachin , Awasthi Amit , Dikshit Madhu
Published: September 2022

Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary pathology, and is presented mostly with an inflammatory cytokine release, a dysregulated immune response, a skewed neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and a hypercoagulable state. Though vaccinations have proved effective in reducing the COVID-19-related mortality, the limitation of the use of vaccine against immunocompromised individuals, those with comorbidity, and emerging variants remains a concern. In the current study, we investigate for the first time the efficacy of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) extract, a potent immunomodulator, against SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. Prophylactic treatment with GG showed protection against loss in body weight and a 35%–40% decrease in lung viral load along with reduced lung pathology in the hamster model. Remarkably, GG reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). In vitro, GG acted as a potent immunomodulator by reducing Th2 and Th17 differentiation and IL-4 and IL-17A cytokine production. In addition, GG also showed robust potential to suppress ROS, mtROS, and NET generation in a concentration-dependent manner in both human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and murine bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs). Taken together, we provide evidence for the protective efficacy of GG against COVID-19 and its putative mechanistic insight through its immunomodulatory properties. Our study provides the proof of concept for GG efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 using a hamster model and opens the path for further studies aimed at identifying the active ingredients of GG and its efficacy in COVID-19 clinical cases.