bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mediated–moderated model for green human resource management: An employee perspective
Authors: Ren Zhengyu , Hussain Rana Yassir
Published: September 2022

In general, all types and sizes of organizations are responsible for the degradation of the environment. However, manufacturing companies are considered one of the most significant sources of environmental pollution and are pressured to adopt practices to mitigate environmental degradation. Therefore, this research explores the direct and indirect effects of green human resource management (GHRM) on the Chinese manufacturing firm’s environmental performance. To this end, we share a closed-ended questionnaire via a web-based survey to collect data from 306 employees. Data analysis was performed using partial least square structural equation modeling techniques (i.e., PLS algorithm, bootstrapping, and blindfolding). Our research finds a positive and significant effect of GHRM on employee and firm environmental performance. In addition, this research evidenced a partial mediation of employee environmental performance. Moreover, our study evidenced that the effect of GHRM on employee environmental performance will be more substantial when there is more involvement of employees’ environmental orientation. This study suggests that manufacturing companies must incorporate GHRM practices, promote green behaviors, respect individual environmental values, and encourage employees to implement those practices for the betterment of firms and the natural environment.
Low-carbon city pilot policy, fiscal pressure, and carbon productivity: Evidence from china
Authors: Yang Yun , Peng Chunli
Published: September 2022

The implementation of the low-carbon city pilot policy is an important measure to reduce carbon emissions and promote low-carbon economic development in China. However, the resulting fiscal pressure may be counterproductive. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impacts of the low-carbon city pilot policy and fiscal pressure on carbon productivity. Based on the data of 282 cities in China over the period 2005 to 2017, this paper uses the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model to identify the causal relationship among the low-carbon city pilot policy, fiscal pressure, and carbon productivity. The results show that this pilot policy can significantly improve carbon productivity and that the improvement effect presents a dynamic and persistent feature. However, the fiscal pressure resulting from this pilot policy can reduce carbon productivity, and the degree of reduction depends on the status of fiscal pressure. Increased fiscal pressure has a negative impact on carbon productivity, which is heterogeneous with different levels of economic development. Moreover, the mediation effect analysis finds that this pilot policy affects carbon productivity by adjusting the energy production and consumption structure, enhancing green technology innovation capabilities, and increasing the number of low-carbon-type enterprises entering the market. This paper provides new ideas for improving carbon productivity without increasing fiscal pressure. It also recommends that fiscal pressure cannot be ignored in the implementation of the low-carbon city pilot policy.
Role of government policies to attain economic sustainability amid COVID-19 environment
Authors: Naqvi Hasnain A.
Published: September 2022

The pandemic has presented governments with a variety of complex effects. These include the disruption of the entire economy, the development of mass unemployment, and the impact of the pandemic on the public health systems. It is also becoming clear that the timescale of the crisis may significantly change the foundations of society’s daily lives. This study is focused on analyzing the effects of Covid19 on the employment and businesses sectors. It also examined the various policies and actions that governments of selected countries took and can take to sustain the economic recovery. Although the pandemic has already caused unprecedented social and economic crises, it is still not over. The pandemic caused unprecedented health, economic environment, and social crises at the global level, however, several measures to curb the damages are underway, as the development of vaccines, immunization campaigns, job retention schemes, and financial support schemes to offset the worst economic impact of COVID-19. Under the current pandemic situation where new variants are still on the loose and causing trouble in many parts of the world, it is extremely important to maintain highly targeted support, especially towards the sustainable job market. Otherwise, bankruptcies and unemployment can make the economic recovery much harder. Strong economic policies can create and sustain jobs by supporting employers to avoid bankruptcies particularly for emerging and high-performing companies. To avoid experiencing the same issues that young people experienced during the global financial crisis, states should take immediate action to help them avoid falling behind. Concrete measures are required to sustain their connection with the education system and labor market.
Optimization of low-carbon land use in Chengdu based on multi-objective linear programming and the future land use simulation model
Authors: Wu Ran , Lan Haifeng , Cao Yuxin , Li Pingyi
Published: September 2022

Optimizing the structure of land use is essential to the low-carbon sustainable development of a region. This article takes Chengdu, a typical western China city, as the case study. First, carbon emission coefficients of land use are used to calculate the carbon emissions. Then, based on multi-objective linear programming (MOP), economic development priority scenario (S1), low-carbon economic development scenario (S2), and strengthening low-carbon economic scenario (S3) are proposed. Finally, the future land use simulation (FLUS) model is used to predict the spatial layout of land use under the three scenarios. The result shows that from 1990 to 2020, the carbon emissions increased by 7,617.61 thousand tons, with an annual growth rate of 3.75%. The main difference among the three scenarios is the occupied degree of farmland caused by the expansion of construction land, and the potential carbon reduction is 969.72 (5.2%), 2414.31 (13.1%), and 3878.89 tons (21.0%) in S1, S2, and S3, respectively. The FLUS model shows that conversion mainly occurs around the urban built-up area of Chengdu. This research can provide planning suggestions for the low-carbon development of Chengdu and a reference for other regions.
Research and analysis of environmental legal compensation mechanisms related to waste incineration in the context of “double carbon”
Authors: Gao Yuanfei , Gao Ruosu
Published: September 2022

In the context of “double carbon,” waste disposal has become a critical issue so far, and how to deal with it is the key to ensuring compliance with the double carbon target, the most practical treatment is still incineration, and how to establish the site selection and legal compensation mechanism is crucial. This paper establishes an environmental dynamic monitoring system for waste incineration power plants based on the Gaussian model and successfully solves the health risk of surrounding residents. Regarding the economic compensation issues, we first applied the AHP to analyze the pollutants comprehensively, constructed the judgment matrix, and conducted a consistency test, determined the weight of each index, and integrated various emissions into one pollutant, which is convenient for the concentration of pollutants. Then, by taking into account the effects of wind direction, rainfall, topography, and other factors on the diffusion of pollutants, we calculated the pollutants around the waste incineration power plant site based on the “elevated continuous point source” “diffusion model.” To obtain the concentration distribution, monitoring points were set up at representative locations, and the environmental monitoring system of the waste incineration power plant was established. Finally, Matlab software was used to draw the contour map of pollutant concentration, and the concentration level of pollutants was divided according to waste incineration. Given the income of the power plant, the economic level of the surrounding residents, the amount of compensation from the local government, and the pollution level, economic compensation plans for the surrounding residents were developed. Through analyzing the proposed compensation scheme, it can be known that the compensation scheme can satisfy the surrounding residents. The highlights of this paper can be described as follows: First, the analytic hierarchy process is used to comprehensively consider the pollutants, simplifying the establishment process of the model. Second, the pollutant concentration is graded, and the concentration equivalent map is drawn to make the monitoring point layout more representative. The economic compensation plan is more reasonable and more convincing to the public.
Systematic analysis of prognostic and immunologic characteristics associated with coronavirus disease 2019 regulators in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shi Mingjie , Chen Lidan , Wei Yue , Chen Riling , Guo Runmin , Luo Fei
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has so far damaged the health of millions and has made the treatment of cancer patients more complicated, and so did acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The current problem is the lack of understanding of their interactions and suggestions of evidence-based guidelines or historical experience for the treatment of such patients. Here, we first identified the COVID-19-related differentially expressed genes (C-DEGs) in AML patients by analyzing RNA-seq from public databases and explored their enrichment pathways and candidate drugs. A total of 76 C-DEGs associated with the progress of AML and COVID-19 infection were ultimately identified, and the functional analysis suggested that there are some shared links between them. Their protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and protein–drug interactions were then recognized by multiple bioinformatics algorithms. Moreover, a COVID-19 gene-associated prognostic model (C-GPM) with riskScore was constructed, patients with a high riskScore had poor survival and apparently immune-activated phenotypes, such as stronger monocyte and neutrophil cell infiltrations and higher immunosuppressants targeting expressions, meaning which may be one of the common denominators between COVID-19 and AML and the reason what complicates the treatment of the latter. Among the study’s drawbacks is that these results relied heavily on publicly available datasets rather than being clinically confirmed. Yet, these findings visualized those C-DEGs’ enrichment pathways and inner associations, and the C-GPM based on them could accurately predict survival outcomes in AML patients, which will be helpful for further optimizing therapies for AML patients with COVID-19 infections.
Multi-omics data integration for hepatocellular carcinoma subtyping with multi-kernel learning
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Miao Yuting , Li Lingmei , Wu Yongqing , Ren Yan , Cui Yuehua , Cao Hongyan
Published: September 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading malignant liver tumor with high mortality and morbidity. Patients at the same stage can be defined as different molecular subtypes associated with specific genomic disorders and clinical features. Thus, identifying subtypes is essential to realize efficient treatment and improve survival outcomes of HCC patients. Here, we applied a regularized multiple kernel learning with locality preserving projections method to integrate mRNA, miRNA and DNA methylation data of HCC patients to identify subtypes. We identified two HCC subtypes significantly correlated with the overall survival. The patient 3-years mortality rates in the high-risk and low-risk group was 51.0% and 23.5%, respectively. The high-risk group HCC patients were 3.37 times higher in death risk compared to the low-risk group after adjusting for clinically relevant covariates. A total of 196 differentially expressed mRNAs, 2,151 differentially methylated genes and 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the two subtypes. Additionally, pathway activity analysis showed that the activities of six pathways between the two subtypes were significantly different. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that the abundance of nine immune cells differed significantly between the two subtypes. We further applied the weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify gene modules that may affect patients prognosis. Among the identified modules, the key module genes significantly associated with prognosis were found to be involved in multiple biological processes and pathways, revealing the mechanism underlying the progression of HCC. Hub gene analysis showed that the expression levels of CDK1, CDCA8, TACC3, and NCAPG were significantly associated with HCC prognosis. Our findings may bring novel insights into the subtypes of HCC and promote the realization of precision medicine.
Transcriptional regulation mechanism of flavonoids biosynthesis gene during fruit development in astragalus membranaceus
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Suriguga  , Zhao Ming , Chen Shaoqing , Wu Xiaohua , Wan Quan
Published: September 2022

Astragalus membranaceus, as an important medicinal plant, are an excellent source of flavonoids. Flavonoid compounds in A. membranaceus have been widely used in medicine and supplement, but known of the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis is still very few. Here, we analyzed the association between flavonoid content and gene expression pattern during six different fruit developmental stages. Sixteen gene expression trends were significantly identified, involving 8,218 genes. The gene expression trend in profile 0 was positively correlated with flavonoid content, while the gene expression trend in profile 79 was negatively correlated with flavonoid content at six developmental stages. The expression level of genes involved in the general phenylpropane pathway was higher than that of genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. A total of 37 genes involved in flavonoid synthesis were identified in A. membranaceus. The expression pattern of flavonoid-related genes was highly correlated with flavonoid content. Our study deepened the understanding of the flavonoid synthesis mechanism and provided useful resources for future studies on the high flavonoid molecular breeding of A. membranaceus.
Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effects of interleukin-10 on peripheral blood immune cells of COVID-19 patients: Implication for COVID-19 therapy
Authors: Najafi-Fard Saeid , Petruccioli Elisa , Farroni Chiara , Petrone Linda , Vanini Valentina , Cuzzi Gilda , Salmi Andrea , Altera Anna Maria Gerarda , Navarra Assunta , Alonzi Tonino , Nicastri Emanuele , Palmieri Fabrizio , Gualano Gina , Carlini Valentina , Noonan Douglas McClain , Albini Adriana , Goletti Delia
Published: September 2022

Objective

Several therapies with immune-modulatory functions have been proposed to reduce the overwhelmed inflammation associated with COVID-19. Here we investigated the impact of IL-10 in COVID-19, through theex-vivoassessment of the effects of exogenous IL-10 on SARS-CoV-2-specific-response using a whole-blood platform.

Methods

Two cohorts were evaluated: in “study population A”, plasma levels of 27 immune factors were measured by a multiplex (Luminex) assay in 39 hospitalized “COVID-19 patients” and 29 “NO COVID-19 controls” all unvaccinated. In “study population B”, 29 COVID-19 patients and 30 NO COVID-19-Vaccinated Controls (NO COVID-19-VCs) were prospectively enrolled for the IL-10 study. Whole-blood was stimulated overnight with SARS-COV-2 antigens and then treated with IL-10. Plasma was collected and used for ELISA and multiplex assay. In parallel, whole-blood was stimulated and used for flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Baseline levels of several immune factors, including IL-10, were significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients compared with NO COVID-19 subjects in “study population A”. Among them, IL-2, FGF, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 reached their highest levels within the second week of infection and then decreased. To note that, MCP-1 levels remained significantly elevated compared with controls. IL-10, GM-CSF, and IL-6 increased later and showed an increasing trend over time. Moreover, exogenous addition of IL-10 significantly downregulated IFN-γ response and several other immune factors in both COVID-19 patients and NO COVID-19-VCs evaluated by ELISA and a multiplex analysis (Luminex) in “study population B”. Importantly, IL-10 did not affect cell survival, but decreased the frequencies of T-cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 (p<0.05) and down-modulated HLA-DR expression on CD8+and NK cells.

Conclusion

This study provides important insights into immune modulating effects of IL-10 in COVID-19 and may provide valuable information regarding the furtherin vivoinvestigations.
Modeling of extra strengthening in gradient nanotwinned metals based on molecular dynamics
Authors: Yang Zailin , Ding Xiaoyang , Yang Yong , Li Minghe , Cao Shihao
Published: September 2022

Gradient nanotwinned metals exhibit extra strengthening and work hardening behaviors, which have enormous potential for engineering applications. In this study, molecular dynamics method is performed for analyzing the effects of nanotwinned structure gradient on uniaxial tensile loading behaviors of gradient nanotwinned metals. Results show that the elasticity, dislocation stored ability and dislocation evolution of the nanotwinned lamellar are affected by the surrounding nanotwinned structure. Moreover, we established a quantitative phenomenological plastic flow stress model for gradient nanotwin metals based on physical connotation, and discussed the effects of nanotwinned thickness and nanotwinned structure gradient on the strength. Particularly, the back stress associated with the nanotwinned structure gradient and the contribution of geometrically necessary dislocations to statistically stored dislocations is included in our model. The tensile response the theoretical model descripted is in good agreement with the experimental results. We hold the opinion that the promotion effect of geometrically necessary dislocations to statistically stored dislocations will not be manifested until the nanotwinned structure gradient reaches a critical value. This research provides guidance for the structural design of gradient nanotwinned metals.
Investigation of the influence of turbulence to tribological performance on smooth and multistep journal bearing with hydrodynamics simulation
Authors: Muchammad M. , Wibowo Daniel Dwi Putra , Tauviqirrahman Mohammad , Setiyana Budi , Yohana Eflita , Jamari J.
Published: September 2022

A bearing is an element that maintains the relative motion between two components in industrial machines, while a journal bearing is often used to maintain the shaft constantly rotating on its axis. Generally, an increase in journal bearings’ performance is essential for industrial development. An increase in engine speed affects the distribution of pressure, temperature, and acoustics. Scientists have proposed various methods to analyze pressure distribution, load-bearing capacity, acoustic power, friction force, cavitation, and elastic phenomena to improve journal bearings’ tribological performance. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss the differences in the flow type modeling between smooth and multistep journal bearings. The results indicated that tribological performance increased significantly in turbulent flow in smooth and multistep journal bearings. The simulation results showed a difference between k-epsilon turbulent flow modeling and k-omega flow modeling.
Meeting future NOX emissions using an electric heater in an advanced aftertreatment system
Authors: Meruva Prathik , Matheaus Andrew , Sharp Christopher A. , McCarthy James E. , Collins Thomas A. , Joshi Ameya
Published: September 2022

Engine and aftertreatment solutions are being identified to meet the upcoming ultra-low NOx regulations on heavy duty vehicles as published by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) for the year 2027 and beyond. These standards will require changes to current conventional aftertreatment systems for dealing with low exhaust temperature scenarios. One approach to meeting this challenge is to supply additional heat from the engine; however, this comes with a fuel penalty which is not attractive and encourages other options. Another method is to supply external generated heat directly to the aftertreatment system. The following work focuses on the later approach by maintaining the production engine calibration and coupling this with an Electric Heater (EH) upstream of a Light-Off Selective Catalytic Reduction (LO-SCR) followed by a primary aftertreatment system containing a downstream Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). External heat is supplied to the aftertreatment system using an EH to reduce the Tailpipe (TP) NOx emissions with minimal fuel penalty. Two configurations have been implemented, the first is a Close Coupled (CC) LO-SCR configuration and the second is an Underfloor (UF) LO-SCR configuration. The CC LO-SCR configuration shows the best outcome as it is closer to the engine, helping it achieve the required temperature with lower EH power while the UF LO-SCR configurations addresses the real-world packaging options for the LO-SCR. This work shows that a 7 kW EH upstream of a LO-SCR, in the absence of heated Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), followed by a primary aftertreatment system met the 2027 NOx regulatory limit. It also shows that the sub-6-inch diameter EH with negligible pressure drop can be easily packaged into the future aftertreatment system.
Donor-derived cytomegalovirus-cytotoxic T lymphocytes and leflunomide successfully control refractory cytomegalovirus infections and disease of multiple sites after allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Su Nan , Liu Zhenghua , Sun Peng , Gu Feng , Yan Xiaojing , Cai Dali
Published: September 2022

Drug-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) often leads to morbidity and mortality. Several studies have shown that CMV-cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can overcome drug-resistant CMV infection, but still many questions remain unanswered. Here, we present a case of refractory CMV infection after allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT). Donor-derived CMV-CTLs failed to eliminate the virus in unique peripheral blood on the first application, when 70 mg methylprednisolone (MP) was taken per day. After a second attempt with a combination of 8 mg MP with leflunomide, a complete and persisting clearance of all involved sites, including peripheral blood, urinary system, leptomeninges, and retina, was achieved. To summarize, intravenous infusion of CTLs can eliminate CMV in the oculi and central nervous system (CNS), and a low dosage of 8 mg MP has no interaction with CMV-CTLs.
Immunogenicity of three doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologics
Authors: Graceffa Dario , Sperati Francesca , Bonifati Claudio , Spoletini Gabriele , Lora Viviana , Pimpinelli Fulvia , Pontone Martina , Pellini Raul , Di Bella Ornella , Morrone Aldo , Cristaudo Antonio
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Psoriasis has not been directly linked to a poor prognosis for COVID-19, yet immunomodulatory agents used for its management may lead to increased vulnerability to the dangerous complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as impair the effectiveness of the recently introduced vaccines. The three-dose antibody response trend and the safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologic drugs have remained under-researched.

Materials and methods

Forty-five psoriatic patients on biologic treatment were enrolled to evaluate their humoral response to three doses of BNT162b2. IgG titers anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were evaluated at baseline (day 0, first dose), after 3 weeks (second dose), four weeks post-second dose, at the time of the third dose administration and 4 weeks post-third dose. Seropositivity was defined as IgG ≥15 antibody-binding units (BAU)/mL. Data on vaccine safety were also collected by interview at each visit.

Results

A statistically significant increase in antibody titers was observed after each dose of vaccine compared with baseline, with no significant differences between patients and controls. Methotrexate used in combination with biologics has been shown to negatively influence the antibody response to the vaccine. On the contrary, increasing body mass index (BMI) positively influenced the antibody response. No adverse effects were reported, and no relapses of psoriasis were observed in the weeks following vaccine administration in our study population.

Conclusions

Our data are largely consistent with the recent literature on this topic confirming the substantial efficacy and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on psoriatic patients treated with biologics of different types and support the recommendation to perform additional doses in this specific subgroup of patients.
Sarcoidosis: Progression to the chronic stage and pathogenic based treatment (narrative review)
Authors: Malkova Anna , Zinchenko Yulia , Starshinova Anna , Kudlay Dmitriy , Kudryavtsev Igor , Glushkova Anzhela , Yablonskiy Piotr , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: September 2022

Many factors confirm the autoimmune nature of sarcoidosis and help in determining the strategy of patient management and treatment initiation. However, the causes and the mechanisms of disease progression that result in fibrosis and insufficiency of the affected organ remain unclear. This narrative review aims to analyse the mechanisms and biomarkers of sarcoidosis progression, as well as the pathogenetic basis of sarcoidosis therapy. The following characteristics of progressive chronic sarcoidosis were revealed: the disease develops in patients with a genetic predisposition (SNP in genes GREM1, CARD15, TGF-β3, HLA-DQB1*06:02, HLA-DRB1*07/14/15), which contributes either the decreased ability of antigen elimination or autoimmune inflammation. Various prognostic biomarkers of disease progression (decreased levels of neopterin, elastase, sIL-2R, chitotriosidase, glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen, Th17 cell count, reduced quantity of TNF-α in peripheral blood or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) have been described and can potentially be used to determine the group of patients who will benefit from the use of corticosteroids/cytostatic drugs/biologics.
Circulating CD45+EpCAM+ cells as a diagnostic marker for early-stage primary lung cancer
Authors: Sun Zhen , Li Peng , Wu Zhaojun , Li Bin , Li Wenjing , Zhao Mingming , Zhou Xiaobin , Wang Zeyao , Yu Zhongjie , Liu Wenna , Zhu Wenshu , Wang Haibo , Wang Yongjie
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer incidences. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients; however, there is no accurate, effective, and easy-to-use test for early lung cancer screening. In this study, flow cytometry was used to detect the presence of CD45+EpCAM+ cells in tumor tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with lung cancer. Moreover, the proportion of CD45+EpCAM+ cells in PBMCs of patients with lung cancer was found to be significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers. Tumor-related serum markers level was also measured in the peripheral blood of these patients using an electrochemiluminescence assay. The correlation between CD45+EpCAM+ cells, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and lung cancer was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, which showed the sensitivity and specificity of the CD45+EpCAM+ cell to be 81.58% and 88.89%, respectively. Further analysis yielded an area under the ROC curve (ROC/area under the curve [AUC]) of 0.845 in patients PBMCs with lung cancer, which was slightly higher than that of CEA (0.732). Therefore, the detection of CD45+EpCAM+ cells in PBMCs may be helpful for the early screening and auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer.
The efficacy of nisin against Listeria monocytogenes on cold-smoked salmon at natural contamination levels is concentration-dependent and varies by serotype
Authors: Chen Ruixi , Skeens Jordan William , Wiedmann Martin , Guariglia-Oropeza Veronica
Published: September 2022

Cold-smoked salmon is a ready-to-eat food product capable of supporting Listeria monocytogenes growth at refrigeration temperatures. While the FDA-approved antimicrobial nisin can be used to mitigate L. monocytogenes contamination, stresses associated with cold-smoked salmon and the associated processing environments may reduce nisin efficacy. A previous study in our laboratory showed that, at high inoculation levels, pre-exposure of L. monocytogenes to sublethal concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds had an overall detrimental effect on nisin efficacy. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of nisin concentration and storage temperature on nisin efficacy against L. monocytogenes inoculated on salmon at natural contamination levels. Three L. monocytogenes strains were pre-grown in the presence of sublethal levels of benzalkonium chloride prior to inoculation at ~102 CFU/g on salmon slices that were pre-treated with either 0, 25, or 250 ppm nisin, followed by vacuum-packing and incubation at 4 or 7°C for up to 30 days. L. monocytogenes was enumerated on days 1, 15, and 30 using direct plating and/or most probable number methods. A hurdle model was constructed to describe the odds of complete elimination of L. monocytogenes on salmon and the level of L. monocytogenes when complete elimination was not achieved. Our data showed that (i) nisin efficacy (defined as L. monocytogenes reduction relative to the untreated control) was concentration-dependent with increased efficacy at 250 ppm nisin, and that (ii) 250 ppm nisin treatments led to a reduction in L. monocytogenes prevalence, independent of storage temperature and serotype; this effect of nisin could only be identified since low inoculation levels were used. While lower storage temperatures (i.e., 4°C) yielded lowered absolute L. monocytogenes counts on days 15 and 30 (as compared to 7°C), nisin efficacy did not differ between these two temperatures. Finally, the serotype 1/2b strain was found to be more susceptible to nisin compared with serotype 1/2a and 4b strains on samples incubated at 7°C or treated with 25 ppm nisin. This variation of nisin susceptibility across serotypes, which is affected by both the storage temperature and nisin concentration, needs to be considered while evaluating the efficacy of nisin.
Rumen fermentative metabolomic and blood insights into the effect of yeast culture supplement on growing bulls under heat stress conditions
Authors: Zhang Xian , Liang Huan , Xu Lanjiao , Zou Bicheng , Zhang Tingzhou , Xue Fuguang , Qu Mingren
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of yeast culture supplements on the physiological state and growth performance of growing bulls under heat stress conditions and the underlying mechanism. A total of 14 (6.0 ± 1.0 months old) growing bulls with similar body weight were randomly assigned into the control group (YC0g/d) and yeast culture supplement group (YC40g/d). YC0g/d contained three replicates, with two bulls in each replicate, which were fed a basal diet. Meanwhile, the YC40g/d treatment contained four replicates, with two bulls in each replicate, which were fed a basal diet supplemented with 40 g/day of yeast culture per cattle. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentable metabolites, serum immunity, serum hormones, and serum antioxidant parameters were measured. Results showed that the average daily gain significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the feed-to-gain ratio significantly decreased (P < 0.01) after YC supplementation compared with the YC0g/d. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.05) was higher in YC40g/d. There were no significant differences in ruminal pH, NH3-N, butyrate, or acetate/propionate (P > 0.05). Besides, the rumen MCP, acetate, propionate, and total VFA content remarkably increased with the supplement of YC (P < 0.05). Yeast culture supplementation increased the concentration of nicotinamide riboside, neuromedin B, peptides, and formyl-5-hydroxykynurenamine. The YC40g/d group had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum triiodothyronine level, serum glutathione peroxidase levels, and total antioxidant capacity while having a lower serum malondialdehyde level than the YC0g/d group. In conclusion, the addition of yeast culture in the diet improves the growth performance of growing bulls under heat stress by increasing nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation function, antioxidant capacity, and rumen metabolites.
Potential biocontrol efficiency of Trichoderma species against oomycete pathogens
Authors: Liu Yinglong , He Pengbo , He Pengfei , Munir Shahzad , Ahmed Ayesha , Wu Yixin , Yang Yuling , Lu Junping , Wang Jiansong , Yang Jizhou , Pan Xinlong , Tian Yangyang , He Yueqiu
Published: September 2022

Plant health is of utmost importance for optimal agricultural production and sustainability. Unfortunately, biotic and abiotic factors put a major constraint on crop safety and productivity. Plant diseases caused by oomycetes inflict serious damage to various crops. Moreover, the injudicious use of chemical pesticides poses threats related to pesticide resistance development in pathogens and environmental pollution. Biocontrol offers an effective solution for disease control; however, research on biocontrol of oomycete-related diseases is scarce. Thus, this study undertakes the screening of biocontrol resources for the effective management of oomycete-related plant diseases. In this regard, 86 isolates of Trichoderma spp. were assessed against Phytophthora nicotianae, P. capsici, Pythium vexans, P. ultimum, and P. dissotocum through dual culture assay. Furthermore, the antagonistic effect of selected isolates was studied against tobacco black shank disease and damping-off of cucumber seedlings in the greenhouse. The relative control effect of the three antagonistic Trichoderma strains AR-4, Tv-1, and ST4-1 on tobacco black shank was more than 60%, which was not significantly different from 6.88 gl−1 fluopicolide–propamocarb. Whereas, the relative control effect of Trichoderma AR-4 and ST4-1 on damping-off of cucumber seedlings was 80.33% and 82.67%, respectively, which were significantly higher than Trichoderma Tv-1 (35.49%) and fluopicolide–propamocarb (47.82%). According to the morphological and molecular characterization, the fungal strains AR-4, Tv-1, and ST4-1 were identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis, T. asperellum, and T. gamsii, respectively. In conclusion, the strains exhibited a strong antagonistic effect against oomycete pathogens and can be integrated into disease management strategies.
Circular RNA circ_0076631 promotes coxsackievirus B3 infection through modulating viral translation by sponging miR-214-3p
Authors: Qin Ying , Lin Lexun , Yang Shulong , Dai Zongmao , Zhang Congcong , Huang Jingjing , Deng Fengzhen , Yue Xinxin , Ren Long , Fei Yanru , Zhao Wenran , Wang Yan , Zhong Zhaohua
Published: September 2022

Coxsackievirus B (CVB), a member of Enterovirus genus of Picornaviridae, is the leading pathogen of viral myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of CVB-induced myocarditis has not been completely elucidated, and no specific antiviral measurement is available presently. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be able to modulate viral replication and infection through bridging over non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs). To date, the role of circRNAs in CVB infection is largely unknown. In this study, we found that hsa_circ_0076631 (circ_0076631) significantly promoted CVB type 3 (CVB3) replication. Further study showed that the underneath mechanism was circ_0076631 indirectly interacting with CVB3 through sponging miR-214-3p, which targeted the 3D-coding region of CVB3 genome to suppress viral translation. Knocking down circ-0076631 caused a suppression of CVB3 infection; thus, circ-0076631 may be a potential target for anti-CVB therapy.
Global prevalence, characteristics, and future prospects of IncX3 plasmids: A review
Authors: Guo Xiaobing , Chen Ruyan , Wang Qian , Li Chenyu , Ge Haoyu , Qiao Jie , Li Yuan
Published: September 2022

IncX3 plasmids are narrow host range plasmids mostly found in Enterobacteriaceae with great conjugation ability, high stability, no fitness cost, and the ability to improve biofilm formation in their bacterial hosts. IncX3 plasmids have spread swiftly, primarily in several nations and among different species over the last 10 years. blaNDM, blaKPC, and blaOXA-181 are the carbapenemase genes carried by IncX3 plasmids. Among them, blaNDM is often located on the IncX3 plasmid, which is deemed as the primary vehicle of blaNDM transmission. Isolates harboring IncX3 plasmids are found in nations all over the world from human, animal, and environmental sources. Cointegrate plasmids related to IncX3 have recently been discovered to increase the antibiotic resistance spectrum and potentially broaden the host range of plasmids, restricting the use of antibiotics in the clinic. There are, however, few reviews based on the physiological and epidemiological properties of IncX3 plasmid, as well as studies on the plasmid itself. Hence, we conducted a retrospective literature review to summarize the characteristics of IncX3 plasmids aiming to provide a theoretical basis for controlling the global prevalence of IncX3 plasmids and directions for further research on the functions of the related genes on the IncX3 plasmid.
Molecular mechanisms of histone deacetylases and inhibitors in renal fibrosis progression
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Li Jiaxing , Zhang Xin , Zhang Min , Hu Xiaopeng , Yin Hang
Published: September 2022

Renal fibrosis is a common progressive manifestation of chronic kidney disease. This phenomenon of self-repair in response to kidney damage seriously affects the normal filtration function of the kidney. Yet, there are no specific treatments for the condition, which marks fibrosis as an irreversible pathological sequela. As such, there is a pressing need to improve our understanding of how fibrosis develops at the cellular and molecular levels and explore specific targeted therapies for these pathogenic mechanisms. It is now generally accepted that renal fibrosis is a pathological transition mediated by extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, abnormal activation of myofibroblasts, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells under the regulation of TGF-β. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) appear to play an essential role in promoting renal fibrosis through non-histone epigenetic modifications. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of renal fibrosis and the signaling pathways that might be involved in HDACs in renal fibrosis, and the specific mechanisms of action of various HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) in the anti-fibrotic process to elucidate HDACi as a novel therapeutic tool to slow down the progression of renal fibrosis.
The elephant in the room: Intimate partner violence, women, and traumatic brain injury in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Anto-Ocrah Martina , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Hasman Linda , Ghanem Ali , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Buranosky Raquel
Published: September 2022

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a gendered form of violence that has been linked with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The prevalence of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is estimated to be one of the highest globally. Yet, little is known about the association between IPV and TBI in the SSA context. In this scoping review, we examine the intersection between IPV and TBI in SSA to identify gaps, as well as intervention opportunities.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to guide our analyses and reporting, we searched for published articles indexed in the four largest and most comprehensive library databases: Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Given the increasing attention that has been placed on gender disparities and health in recent years, we focused on studies published between 2010 and 2021.

Results

Our search yielded 5,947 articles and 1,258 were IPV and SSA related. Out of this, only ten examined the intersection between IPV and TBI. All focused on outcomes in female populations from South Africa (n = 5), Ghana (n = 3), Uganda (n = 1), and Cameroon (n = 1). They were a mix of qualitative studies (n = 3), neuro-imaging/biomarker studies (n = 3), case studies/reports (n = 2), quantitative surveys (n = 1) and mixed qualitative/quantitative study (n = 1). Six studies evaluated subjective reporting of IPV-induced TBI symptoms such as headaches, sleep disruptions, and ophthalmic injuries. Three examined objective assessments and included Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) dysregulation detected by salivary cortisol levels, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate brain connectivity and white matter changes. One final study took a forensic anthropology lens to document an autopsy case report of IPV-induced mortality due to physical head and face trauma.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that both subjective and objective assessments of IPV and TBI are possible in “resource-limited” settings. The combination of these outcomes will be critical for viewing IPV through a clinical rather than a cultural lens, and for substantiating the assertion that gender, is indeed, a social determinant of brain health.
Mother’s physical activity during pregnancy and newborn’s brain cortical development
Authors: Na Xiaoxu , Raja Rajikha , Phelan Natalie E. , Tadros Marinna R. , Moore Alexandra , Wu Zhengwang , Wang Li , Li Gang , Glasier Charles M. , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu R. , Andres Aline , Ou Xiawei
Published: September 2022

Background

Physical activity is known to improve mental health, and is regarded as safe and desirable for uncomplicated pregnancy. In this novel study, we aim to evaluate whether there are associations between maternal physical activity during pregnancy and neonatal brain cortical development.

Methods

Forty-four mother/newborn dyads were included in this longitudinal study. Healthy pregnant women were recruited and their physical activity throughout pregnancy were documented using accelerometers worn for 3–7 days for each of the 6 time points at 4–10, ∼12, ∼18, ∼24, ∼30, and ∼36 weeks of pregnancy. Average daily total steps and daily total activity count as well as daily minutes spent in sedentary/light/moderate/vigorous activity modes were extracted from the accelerometers for each time point. At ∼2 weeks of postnatal age, their newborns underwent an MRI examination of the brain without sedation, and 3D T1-weighted brain structural images were post-processed by the iBEAT2.0 software utilizing advanced deep learning approaches. Cortical surface maps were reconstructed from the segmented brain images and parcellated to 34 regions in each brain hemisphere, and mean cortical thickness for each region was computed for partial correlation analyses with physical activity measures, with appropriate multiple comparison corrections and potential confounders controlled.

Results

At 4–10 weeks of pregnancy, mother’s daily total activity count positively correlated (FDR corrected P ≤ 0.05) with newborn’s cortical thickness in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus (rho = 0.48, P = 0.04), right medial orbital frontal gyrus (rho = 0.48, P = 0.04), and right transverse temporal gyrus (rho = 0.48, P = 0.04); mother’s daily time in moderate activity mode positively correlated with newborn’s cortical thickness in the right transverse temporal gyrus (rho = 0.53, P = 0.03). At ∼24 weeks of pregnancy, mother’s daily total activity count positively correlated (FDR corrected P ≤ 0.05) with newborn’s cortical thickness in the left (rho = 0.56, P = 0.02) and right isthmus cingulate gyrus (rho = 0.50, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

We identified significant relationships between physical activity in healthy pregnant women during the 1st and 2nd trimester and brain cortical development in newborns. Higher maternal physical activity level is associated with greater neonatal brain cortical thickness, presumably indicating better cortical development.
A new perspective on meals as part of an Optimized Mixed Diet for children and adolescents
Authors: Kersting Mathilde , Kalhoff Hermann , Sinningen Kathrin , Lücke Thomas
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To show by the example of the Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in Germany, how the different food and nutrient profiles of the traditional daily meals complement each other to achieve daily nutrient intakes that meet the Dietary References V.

Methods

The 7-day menu plan of the OMD with the usual 5 daily meals in Germany was used. The total nutrient intake from all meals was compared with the nutrient references. Then the composition of the meals was optimized.

Results

Although the cooked meal (lunch) provides only 25% of the daily energy intake, it is relatively rich (>25% of the daily intake) in most vitamins and minerals, which distinguishes it from the other meals. The cold main meals (breakfast, dinner) are rich in calcium and vitamin B2, due to the preferential use of milk in these meals. The two snacks each provide 12.5% of the daily energy intake.

Discussion and conclusion

People eat foods but not nutrients and they eat foods as meals; this holds especially true for children and adolescents. A well-calculated menu plan can assure the nutrient adequacy of an OMD where the different food and nutrient profiles of the meals complement each other in a modular system. Guidelines for meals could facilitate flexible coordination of family meals and meals in childcare centers and schools. Different meal types set varied stimulus patterns at different levels (neurocognition, emotion, digestion), which may open up long-term health benefits.
Cardiovascular disease and risk of lung cancer incidence and mortality: A nationwide matched cohort study
Authors: Wang Ce , Lu Donghao , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Huang Chen , Liew Zeyan , Wei Dang , Qin Guoyou , Yu Yongfu , Li Jiong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Previous studies have suggested a link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the subsequent development of lung cancer. However, empirical evidence on the association of CVDs, particularly type-specific CVDs, with lung cancer incidence and survival remains limited.

Methods

The cohort study included 306,285 patients with CVD and 1,222,140 individuals without CVD. We performed stratified Cox regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR).

Results

During up to 42 years of follow-up, 243 (0.08%) and 537 (0.04%) participants were diagnosed with lung cancer among CVD patients and matched individuals, respectively. Patients with CVD had a 67% increased risk of lung cancer (HR: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–1.96). The increased risks were observed in patients with heart disease (1.93, 1.30–2.85), vascular disease (1.88, 1.35–2.61), and hypertensive disease (1.46, 1.15–1.85), respectively. Patients with CVD had a 95% increased risk of lung cancer mortality (1.95, 1.50–2.55), particularly vascular disease (3.24, 1.74–6.02) and heart disease (2.29, 1.23–4.26). Patients with CVD diagnosed in middle adulthood (>40 years old) tended to have a higher incidence risk (3.44, 2.28–5.19) and mortality (3.67, 1.80–7.46) than those diagnosed at younger ages.

Conclusions

Our findings on the association of CVD diagnosis, especially heart and vascular disease, with increased risk of lung cancer incidence and mortality suggest that CVD contributes to the development and worsening of lung cancer survival. In particular, people with CVD diagnosed in middle adulthood (>40 years old) would benefit from early preventive evaluation and screening for lung cancer.