bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of urinary caffeine and caffeine metabolites with metabolic syndrome in U.S. adults
Authors: Qin Linyuan , Zhou Jianli
Published: June 2023

The relationship between caffeine and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has only been evaluated from the perspective of caffeine intake, however, the association between urinary caffeine and MetS is still unclear. This study examines the associations between urinary caffeine and its metabolites and MetS and its components among adults. Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 was analyzed. NHANES is a stratified, multi-stage survey of all non-institutionalized persons in the United States. A total of 2394 subjects without missing data and aged ≥18 years were selected in this study. Urinary caffeine and 14 of its metabolite levels are quantified by the use of high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) with stable isotope-labeled internal standards. We performed principal components analysis (PCA) to investigate the underlying correlation structure of these fifteen features of urinary caffeine and its metabolites and used these principal components (PCs) as independent variables to conduct logistic regression analysis with or without restricted cubic splines (RCS) terms to explore the associations between caffeine metabolites and MetS. Two main PCs that derived from PCA explained 90.67% of the total variance of caffeine and its metabolites. The first PC (PC1, strongly correlated with 1-MU, 1,3-DMU, 1,7-DMU, 1,3,7-TMU, 1-MX, 1,3-DMX, 1,7-DMX, 1,3,7-TMX and AAMU) was positively correlated with risk of MetS (OR=1.27, P<0.001) and all its components (all ORs>1, all P-values<0.001) in the unadjusted models, while in the adjusted models, it was positively correlated with MetS (OR=1.16, P=0.042) and central obesity (OR=1.22, P<0.001). In the unadjusted model, there were significant associations between the second PC (PC2, correlated with 3-MU, 7-MU, 3,7-DMU, 3-MX, 7-MX and 3,7-DMX) and MetS (OR=1.11, P=0.030) and central obesity (OR=1.16, P<0.001), while in the adjusted models, PC2 was positively associated with MetS (OR=1.15, P=0.035) and central obesity (OR=1.15, P=0.005), and negatively associated with raised triglycerides (TG) (OR=0.84, P=0.008). Moreover, we observed U-shaped associations between PC1 and the risk of raised TG both in unadjusted (Pnon-linear = 0.017) and adjusted (Pnon-linear = 0.014) models. Urinary caffeine metabolites were positively associated with the risk of MetS and its components through a variety of linear or non-linear patterns. Excessive consumption of coffee increases the risk of developing MetS and its related diseases.
ZmHMA3 enhances heavy mental Zn stress tolerance and mediates Zn transport in Maize
Authors: Lv Gui-Hua , Li You-Qiang , Chen Jian-Jian , Wu Zhen-Xing , Wu Wen-Mei , Wu Xiao-Hong , Lin Hai-Jian , Wang Tingzhen
Published: June 2023

Maize ((Zea mays L.) is one of the three major grains in the world, widely cultivated globally. Heavy metal Zn pollution poses great risks to corn growth and food security, posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. HMA belongs to the transport protein of the heavy metal ATPase family and can transport Zn2+ and Cd2+ across membranes. To identify the gene function of maize ZmHMA3 in response to Zn pollution, this study constructed a CRISPR-Cas9 mediated ZmHMA3 knockout mutant, using maize inbred line B104 as the genetic background. Under heavy metal Zn stress, gene specific expression, subcellular localization, agronomic traits, root morphology indicators, antioxidant indicators, and Zn content in various parts and subcellular components of cells were measured. Zmhma3 reduced various growth indicators (plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and water content) and root morphology indicators of maize, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, increased membrane permeability, and increased zinc accumulation. Various parameters indicate that under Zn stress, Zmhma3 exhibits weaker tolerance than WT, demonstrating the positive regulatory role of the ZmHMA3 gene in Zn stress. These have laid the foundation for exploring the regulatory mechanisms of plants in response to Zn pollution in the future. Key worlds Maize; HMA; heavy metal pollution; Zn; CRISPR-Caas9; gene function
Investigation, identification and introgression of a novel stripe rust resistant genes using marker-assisted selection in breeding wheat genotype
Authors: Shahin Atef A. , Omara Reda I. , Saad-El-Din Heba I. , Omar Hend A. ,   Tarek A. Essa1, Sehsah Mohamed D. , Zayton Marwa A. , Omar Hanaa S.
Published: June 2023

Stripe rust is the most harmful and prevalent disease among global wheat genotypes worldwide. It is induced by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Its disease can also create new physiological races that attack resistant genotypes and constitute a severe danger to wheat output. The improvement of genetic resistance using Yr's genes through breeding programs that were not previously operated in Egypt in wheat genotypes is an effective strategy for preventing the disease. The marker-assisted selection with PCR-based methods was used to characterize the degree of slow rusting resistance for 38 wheat genotypes to stripe rust. The findings on the slow rusting genes support the resistance in the genotypes and can be used in wheat breeding programs to produce new stripe rust-resistant genotypes. The genotypes were classified into three major categories based on four disease parameters. The first group consisted of resistant genotypes. The second group had the lowest values of disease parameters and slower rusting. The third group showed the highest values for the disease parameters, including fast-rust genotypes, over the course of three seasons. The results revealed that the Super Kauz, Opata/Pastor, PBW 343/KKU, Opata 58, Chuan Nong 19, and IRAG genotypes enclosing Yr5, Yr15, Yr33, Yr37, Yr34, Yr51, Yr57, Yr4BL, and Yrkk genes were so resistant to stripe rust. while the Misr 3, Misr 4, Giza 168, Giza 167, Giza 170, Giza 171, Gemmeiza-9, and Gemmeiza-10 genotypes have the Yr9 gene. Giza 168, Giza 170, Gemmeiza-9, Gemmeiza-10, and Sids-14, containing the Yr18 and Yr29 genes. while the Yr17 and Yr27 genes were present in the Sids 13 and the most virulent genotype, respectively. In the backcrossing program, the genes were integrated into susceptible wheat genotypes, and different BC generations were created. From susceptible genotypes, stripe rust affected Gemmeiza 11, Misr 1, and Sids 14. These genotypes have high importance for farmers; they are cultivated in large areas worldwide, and the quality of their flour is high. Therefore, we intergraded Yr5 and Yr10 genes into these three genotypes using a breeding program. Finally, the characteristic of resistance improved and the high-yield production increased in studied wheat genotypes.
Removal of water-based printing inks in a biofilm sequential batch reactor: start-up and kinetic study
Authors: Gallegos-Araujo Maryjose , Gutiérrez-Macías Paulina , Cruz-Narváez Yair , Barragán-Huerta Blanca Estela
Published: June 2023

Water-based inks face new challenges owing to the generation of polluting effluents throughout their manufacturing process as well as during the cleaning of equipment and printing areas. Appropriate treatments are essential to avoid associated environmental problems resulting from toxicity, impeding the passage of light and diffusion of oxygen in water bodies. This study aims to evaluate the ability of the microbial consortium MJ1, isolated from Mexican soil, to remove four commercial water-based inks, namely magenta (MI), yellow (YI), black (BI), and cyan (CI), in batches and in a 6 L sequential batch reactor. FIA-ESI-FTICR-MS analysis identified pigments Violet 19 and Red 122 in the MI ink, Pigment Yellow 74 in the YI ink, and Phthalocyanine and Pigment Blue 15 in the CI ink. The discoloration of the inks depended on the nutrient concentration in the medium. The performance and kinetic parameters of a sequential batch reactor packed with sterilized volcanic rocks, inoculated with the MJ1 consortium, and supplemented separately with MI, YI, BI, or CI inks at concentrations of 3000, 3000, 3000, and 1500 mg L-1, respectively, were evaluated. The hydraulic retention time showed that most discoloration occurred in the first 3.5 d of treatment. Furthermore, elimination rates of 796.8, 791.1, 601.7, and 223.8 mg L-1d-1 were determined for the MI, YI, BI, and CI inks, respectively. A preliminary structure of the generated metabolites was proposed by comparing the results of biodegradation pathway prediction by the EAWAG-BBD database for Violet 19, Red 122, Yellow 74, Phthalocyanine, and Blue 15 pigments to the FIA-ESI-FTICR-MS analysis from biodegradation experiments. In conclusion, the use of a packed sequencing batch reactor has been shown to be an effective method for the discoloration of various commercial water-based print inks. These findings provide important insights into the bioremediation of inks and the associated environmental problems, highlighting the potential for further research and development in this area.
Green synthesis of biocompatible Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles using Citrus Sinensis peels extract for their biological activities and magnetic- hyperthermia applications
Authors: Eldeeb Bahig A. , El-Raheem Walaa M. Abd , Elbeltagi Shehab
Published: June 2023

Plants include active chemicals known as phytochemicals and biomolecules that serve as decreasing and biostability factors for nanoparticle (NP) creation. Citrus Sinensis peels are rich in phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidants, and biophysical benefits. Herein, we prepared superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by co-precipitation using Citrus Sinensis peel extract as a novel green synthesis method. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, dye degradation activities, and antimicrobial activities of Fe3O4 MNPs were investigated. Furthermore, the produced materials were characterized using FTIR, UV, TEM, VSM, and XRD analysis. The Fe3O4 MNPs showed higher antibacterial activities against multi antibiotic resistant bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. The sample has generated a lot of attention in the scientific community for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) applications. The maximum value of the specific absorption rate (SAR) was evaluated at sample concentrations of 10mg under the magnetic field condition. Additionally, these newly fabricated SPIONs virtually achieve significant execution under the alternating magnetic field (AMF) in fluid HT and are suitable for biomedical applications.
Enhanced anaerobic mono-digestion and co-digestion of crop residues by NaOH alkali pre-treatment: digestion performance and microbial community dynamics
Authors: Mansour Mohamed , Ince Orhan , UZUN OMER , Ozbayram E. Gozde , Miraloglu H. Ibrahim , Ince Bahar
Published: June 2023

The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of different dosages of NaOH alkali pre-treatment on the lignocellulosic structures and the methane production of crops’ residues. In this regard, NaOH pre-treatment was implemented with different dosages on three different crops’ residues: wheat, rye, and rice straws. Substrates were soaked into NaOH solutions at different dosages with solid-to-liquid ratios of 100 and 200 gTS/L to investigate both conditions. The anaerobic digestion process was conducted using AMPTS II under mesophilic conditions. By 8% NaOH pre-treatment dosage, the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin was 81% and 62% for rice straw, 86% and 69% for wheat straw, 80% and 74% for rye straw, respectively. The concentrations of sCOD in the liquid fraction after pre-treatment were regarded as 3 times higher than in untreated samples. Pre-treatment with 8% NaOH dosage increased the methane yield of rice, wheat, and rye straws by 55%, 40%, and 46% respectively. Samples from digesters that produced the highest methane yield were chosen for further molecular analysis. Compared to untreated digesters, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed more diverse microbial communities in NaOH pre-treated digesters.
Reduction of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L) production cycle: effect of soil type and fertilizers
Authors: Haba Jean Florent , Silué Nakpalo , Dembele Ardjouma , Phaceli Elichama Desirée , Koffi Jean Kouao , Letto Ange Kouakou
Published: June 2023

Background
The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a very slow-growing tree that takes between 8 and 15 years before bearing its first fruits. This slow growth and late fruiting of the plant constitute a real obstacle to its adoption and its propagation in rural areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, these constraints have led to the limitation of cultivation to small farms belonging to a few producers, whereas it could constitute an alternative to the diversification of agricultural income and contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas. This study was therefore initiated with the aim of evaluating the effects of soil type and fertilizers on the agronomic parameters of mangosteen tree growth in order to contribute to the shortening of its vegetative phase.
Results
The results of this study showed the significant effect of soil type and fertilizers on mangosteen growth parameters. The evaluation of the effect of soil type and fertilizers on the agronomic performance of mangosteen showed that lowland soil promotes better plant growth. The growth rates recorded after 36 months of monitoring were 53.08 ± 7.30% in mangosteen trees grown on lowland soil and 41.51 ± 13.43% in those grown on forest soil.. Also, foliar and granular N-P-K fertilizers favored a shortening of the onset of fruiting from the 5th year of cultivation.
Conclusions
The results testified to the clear importance of the contribution of fertilizers in the management and the shortening of the juvenile phase of the mangosteen tree. Fertilizers based on foliar fertilizer and NPK have recorded remarkable performances by favoring a shortening of the entry into fruiting of mangosteen trees from the fifth year of cultivation.
Determining the willingness to link climate and trade policy
Authors: Lumkowsky Marcel , Carlton Emily , Victor David G. , Dannenberg Astrid
Published: June 2023

Analysts have long advocated a linkage between international cooperation on climate change and trade measures, such as border tariffs. While the theoretical case for linkage has been clear, it has remained difficult to evaluate whether real world efforts to link these two domains will yield beneficial effects to international cooperation. Working with a large sample of climate experts, we elicited how the legitimacy and usefulness of linking trade and climate are assessed along with the risks that may arise. We find that experts from richer countries, especially Europe, are more likely to see linkage as legitimate and effective. A surprisingly robust finding is that experts who perceive their home country's emissions reduction pledge as ambitious are more likely to see risks from using trade measures. Experts seem to be increasingly aware of the dissonance between the voluntarism of the Paris Agreement and growing political pressures to apply trade measures.
Healing of critical bone defects is evaluated based on Hounsfield unit (HU) values
Authors: Wang Peng , ma yunhong , Wang Yapeng , Zhou Ming , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun , Wu Yongwei , Zhou Tong
Published: June 2023

Objective
To evaluate the clinical process of bone grafting in the second stage of induced membrane bone union in patients with tibial bone defects to infer the possibility of non-union and provide evidence for early clinical intervention, and establish a reliable and effective evaluation method combined with computed tomography (CT) to judge the fracture healing in patients with tibial bone loss treated with Masquelet's technique.
Methods
Patients with tibial bone defects who underwent Masquelet technique at our hospital between February 2017 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the patients were evaluated at different times during the second stage of bone grafting. Bone healing at the boundary value of 120HU output threshold (-1024HU-3071HU) was directionally selected, and the changes in growth volume of union (bone graft volume (selected according to HU value)/bone defect volume) were compared to analyze individual class bone union.
Results
A total of 42 patients with a segmental bone defect with a mean age of 40.5 years (40.5 ± 8.3 years) were included. The relationship between bone graft volume and time was analyzed by single factor repeated variable analysis (P = 0.016). Further curve regression analysis showed that the change in bone graft volume over time presented a logarithmic curve pattern (Y = 0.563 + 0.086*ln(X), Ra2 = 0.608, P = 0.041).
Conclusion
The proposed imaging of Hounsfield unit (HU) can be used as a reference for the clinical judgment of bone grafting union.
Integrated analysis of fecal metagenomics and metabolomics reveals the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Kang Zhuang , Zhang Rong , Wang Can , Liu Binyan , Li Shenglan , Huang Mengqian , Zhang Weichunbai , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: June 2023

Background
Gut microbiota is associated with the occurrence and progression of a variety of tumors through the brain-gut axis. However, the mechanism of its role in the pathogenesis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is still unclear.
Methods
Patients with PCNSL (n = 33) and healthy people (n = 32) were chosen to participate in the study. Stool samples were collected separately from each participant for metagenomic and metabolomic analyses.
Results
The results demonstrated that there were differences in the gut microbial composition between PCNSL patients and healthy individuals. In PCNSL patients, both the Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio and the proteobacteria ratio were increased. Moreover, the gut microbiota might affect metabolic pathways, which in turn can affect PCNSL differentiation and proliferation. The alanine metabolic pathway was significantly more active in patients with PCNSL than in healthy individuals, whereas valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, thiamine metabolism, biotin metabolism, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism were opposite.
Conclusions
our study demonstrated a considerable dysregulation of gut microbiota structure in PCNSL patients, mainly characterized by an upregulation of F/B and an increase in the ratio of proteobacteria.
Risk factors for postoperative acute ischemic stroke in advanced-aged patients with previous stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xiao Wei , Yang Shuyi , Feng Shuai , Wang Chunxiu , Huang Hao , Wang Chaodong , Zhong Chonglin , Zhan Shubin , Yao Dongxu , Wang Tianlong
Published: June 2023

Background
The current study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative acute ischemic stroke (PAIS) in advanced-aged patients (≥ 75 years) with history of ischemic stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Methods
In this single-center retrospective cohort study, all advanced-aged patients underwent noncardiac surgery from 1 January, 2019, to 30 April, 2022. Data were extracted from hospital electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of PAIS. Multivariable linear or logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of outcomes due to PAIS.
Results
Twenty-four patients (6.0%) of the 400 patients developed PAIS. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA), length of surgery and preoperative Modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≥ 3 were significant predictors of PAIS. CEA was associated with increased risk of PAIS (OR 4.14; 95%CI, 1.43–11.99). Each additional minute in length of surgery had slightly increased the risk of PAIS (OR, 1.01; 95%CI, 1.00-1.01). Compared with reference (mRS < 3), mRS ≥ 3 increased odds of PAIS (OR, 4.09;95%CI, 1.12–14.93). Surgery type and length of surgery were found to be significant predictors of in-hospital expense (P < 0.001) and hospital stays (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
CEA, length of surgery and preoperative mRS ≥ 3 may increase the development of PAIS in advanced-aged patients (≥ 75 years) with history of stroke undergoing noncardiac surgery. PAIS increased in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospital stay.
Exploring entrustment decision-making in undergraduate primary care
Authors: Cullen Jayne Victoria , Alberti Hugh
Published: June 2023

Background
The decision to trust a learner to actively participate in care is a fundamental part of clinical training. However, concerns about patient safety mean that clinical practice often presents newly qualified doctors with situations they are unable to manage independently. ‘Entrustable professional activities’ (EPAs) have been proposed as a possible solution to this unpreparedness. Understanding how undergraduate GP teachers make entrustment decisions, which is a gap in the exiting literature, may be an appropriate first step towards understanding whether EPAs can be applied to undergraduate primary care.
Aim
To explore teachers’ experiences of entrustment decision-making in an undergraduate primary care context.
Methodology and Methods
This is an interpretive phenomenological study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with final year GP teachers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings
Five GP teachers were interviewed. Five themes and twenty-four subthemes were produced. These captured participants’ experiences of entrustment decision-making, as well as the factors influencing these decisions. The teacher’s personal approach to risk was a key consideration. The experience of GP teachers is also shaped by their context and challenges such as managing complexity and uncertainty that are inherent to the GP role.
Conclusions
Entrustment decision-making is complex and is experienced individually by different teachers, resulting in a range of approaches to supervision. Despite these differences there are various common factors that impact the decision of whether to entrust. This study allows several recommendations to be made that may enable us to move towards entrustment of undergraduate students in a primary care context.
Progressive Changes in Protein Expression Profile of Alveolar Septa in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kimura Toru , Akazawa Takashi , Mizote Yu , Nakamura Harumi , Sakaue Miki , Maniwa Tomohiro , Shintani Yasushi , Honma Keiichiro , Tahara Hideaki , Okami Jiro
Published: June 2023

Background
Adenocarcinomas show a stepwise progression from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) to adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and finally to invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). The expression of immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat (ISLR) is a marker of tumor-restraining cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are distinct from the conventional, strongly α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive CAFs. Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) is expressed in activated and profibrotic fibroblasts of tumors and fibrotic tissues and has recently been focused on as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target of CAFs.
Methods
This study investigated the changes in protein expression during adenocarcinoma progression in pre-existing alveolar septa by assessing the ISLR, αSMA, and FAP expression in normal, AAH, AIS, and IA lung nodules. From January 2018 to December 2019, 14 AAH, 17 AIS, and 20 IA lesions were identified and randomly sampled at our institute. The immunohistochemical analysis evaluated the cancer-associated changes and FAP expression in pre-existing alveolar structures of normal, AAH, AIS, and IA tissues. Normal alveolar septa-expressed ISLR, and ISLR levels in alveolar septa decreased in AAH and AIS tissues compared with those in normal lung tissue.
Results
The αSMA-positive area significantly increased from that in the adjacent lung tissue (13.3 ± 15%) to that in AIS (87.7 ± 14%), through that in AAH (70.2 ± 21%). Moreover, the FAP-positive area significantly increased from that in AAH (1.69 ± 1.4%) to that in IA (11.8 ± 7.1%), through that in AIS (6.11 ± 5.3%). Protein expression changes are a feature of CAFs in pre-existing alveolar septa that begin in AAH. This change, including FAP expression, gradually progressed from AAH to IA through AIS.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that FAP-positive fibroblasts may contribute to tumor stroma formation in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, which could influence the development of therapeutic strategies targeting FAP-positive CAFs for disturbing extracellular matrix formation.
Current situation and demand analysis of the first aid ability of medical staff in China
Authors: Wang Juntao , Lv Chuanzhu , Song Xingyue , Hu Yanlan , Hao Wenjie , He Lanfen , Chen Yu , Gan Yong , Han Xiaotong , Yan Shijiao
Published: June 2023

Objectives: We aim to understand the current situation of the first aid ability and training needs of Chinese medical personnel to provide a scientific basis for formulating the contents and methods of emergency medical rescue training and thereby improve the first aid level of Chinese medical personnel.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2022 and February 2023 using a two-stage cluster sampling method with a structured questionnaire sent to 14,527 medical workers in 12 provinces in China. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, first aid knowledge and skills, and training needs. Variance analysis was used to compare the difference between thefirst aid ability and training needs of medical staff in different hospitals, and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate first aid ability and training needs.
Result: The study included 6041 patients (41.6%) in tertiary hospitals, 5838 patients (40.2%) in secondary hospitals, and 2648 patients (18.2%) in primary hospitals. There were significant differences in thefirst aid ability and training needs of medical staff in hospitals of different levels (p < 0.001). The score of first aid knowledge and skills in tertiary hospitals was the highest (209.7 ± 45.0), and the score of training needs in primary hospitals was the highest (240.6 ± 44.0). There was a significant correlation between first aid ability and training needs score (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that geographic region, age, work tenure, gender, job title, department, professional title, monthly income, and hospital level are the influencing factors of training demand.
Conclusion: Medical staff in primary hospitals generally have low first aid knowledge and skills and a strong willingness to train. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen the training of first aid ability and research training strategies. The level of the hospital is closely related to the level of first aid, so it is necessary to recognize the commonalities and differences in medical staff's demand for first aid knowledge and skills and carry out targeted education and training.
Surface Urban Heat Islands Changes Analysis Considering the Effects of Covid-19 Locked down
Authors: Nojavan Mostafa , Mahmoudi Fatemeh Tabib
Published: June 2023

In this research, the effects of Covid-19 locked down and limitations on human activities were investigated on and urban heat islands. The multi-temporal images those were taken by the Landsat-8 OLI sensor in the spring 2017–2021 are used. For investigating the effects of lockdown in the spring of 2020, the status of surface urban heat island (SUHI) maps during the same period of lockdown in the three years before and the following year have been examined. The proposed method in this paper consists of two main steps; 1) producing the SUHI maps using the rule based analysis of land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land use / land cover (LULC) maps.2) Quantitatively analyzing the behavioral changes in the SUHIs during Covid-19 locked down and compares their changes with the previous and subsequent years. The obtained results of performing the proposed post-classification change detection confirms that applying the locked down led to changes in the area percentage of high, medium and low SUHI classes by -17.61%, + 4.8% and + 12.8% respectively. Reducing the restrictions in 2021 caused to increase again the area of high SUHI class and decrease the areas of medium and low classes. In addition, the analysis of LST and NDVI obtained from Landsat-8 satellite images in the years 2017 to 2021 reveals that the Covid-19 locked down applied in spring 2020 caused a decrease of -22.52 in LST values and an increase of + 0.103 in NDVI compared to the average of its last three years.
Executive Compensation and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Chen , Liu Xue , Sun Bin
Published: June 2023

Enterprise's ESG investment is a sustainable development strategy, which can enhance the enterprise's sustainable development ability in the long run. However, whether executive compensation incentive can improve enterprise ESG performance has not been concluded yet. This paper aims to investigate the inherent relationship and operational mechanisms between executive compensation and corporate ESG performance. The study draws upon effective contract theory and incentive theory to examine A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China, over the period of 2012-2021. The empirical findings reveal the following: Firstly, executive compensation incentives significantly enhance corporate ESG performance. Secondly, the mechanism analysis demonstrates that executive compensation incentives contribute to corporate ESG performance by promoting corporate social responsibility, enhancing internal control quality, and improving financial performance. Thirdly, further investigation reveals that the positive impact of executive compensation incentives on corporate ESG performance diminishes with increasing management shareholding, while it strengthens with a higher proportion of independent directors. Lastly, when compensation exceeds appropriate levels, overcompensation leads to a decline in corporate ESG performance.
A comparative study of effects of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics on the growth and development of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).
Authors: Heussler Carina Desirée , Dittmann Isabel L. , Egger Bernhard , Robra Sabine , Klammsteiner Thomas
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the digestion process of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics (MPs) within black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and assess their impact on larval growth and development. The goal was to understand the fate of MPs within BSFL, considering their potential for waste conversion polluted with MPs. Methods: BSFL were exposed to two types of MPs, and their growth, development, potential accumulation and excretion of MPs were monitored. Results: The findings revealed that the MPs accumulated solely in the larval gut and had no adverse effects on the growth and development of BSFL. Larvae efficiently excreted MPs before reaching the pupation stage. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the potential of BSFL as a bioconversion agent for organic waste, even in the presence of MPs. The effective excretion of MPs by BSFL before pupation suggests their ability to mitigate potential harm caused by MP accumulation. The fact that BSFL may excrete MPs before pupation would contribute to their safe use as animal feedstock. A careful evaluation of the effects of using BSFL reared on contaminated substrates especially containing visually non-detectable residuals like nanoplastic, chemicals or toxic metals and further examination of the broader implications for waste management and sustainable livestock farming remains important.
Suppression of super-enhancer-driven TAL1 expression by KLF4 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Noura Mina , Yasuda Takahiko , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Matsuo Hidemasa , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Hayakawa Fumihiko
Published: June 2023

TAL1 is one of the most frequently dysregulated genes in T-ALL and is overexpressed in about 50% of T-ALL cases. One of the molecular mechanisms of TAL1 overexpression is abnormal mutations in the upstream region of the TAL1 promoter that introduce binding motifs for the MYB transcription factor. MYB binding at this location creates a 5’ TAL1 super-enhancer (SE), which leads to aberrant expression of TAL1 and is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Although targeting TAL1 is considered to be an attractive therapeutic strategy for patients with T-ALL, direct inhibition of transcription factors is challenging. Here, we show that KLF4, a known tumor suppressor in leukemic cells, suppresses SE-driven TAL1 expression in T-ALL cells. Mechanistically, KLF4 downregulates MYB expression by directly binding to its promoter and inhibits the formation of 5' TAL1 SE. In addition, we found that APTO-253, a small molecule inducer of KLF4, exerts an anti-leukemic effect by targeting SE-driven TAL1 expression in T-ALL cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the induction of KLF4 is a promising strategy to control TAL1 expression and could be a novel treatment for T-ALL patients with a poor prognosis.
Effects of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on Triticum aestivum quality, soil nutrients, and ecological risks
Authors: Yu Jintao , Wang Xuan , Wu Zhiqiang , Li Hongchuan , Kalkhajeh Yusef Kianpoor , hu hongxiang
Published: June 2023

The present field trial investigated the impacts of combined organic-inorganic fertilization (COIF) on crop quality, soil nutrients, and ecological risks (e.g., soil Cd) using the entire growth period of wheat. To do so, we set up seven different treatments in this study: control (CK); chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer (CF); optimized fertilization (OF); organic fertilizer replacing 25% (T1) and 50% (T2) of chemical fertilizer; and organic N replacing 25% (M1) and 50% (M2) of chemical N fertilizer. Overall, our results suggested that COIF caused a significant increase in the yield of wheat. Compared with the CK, the highest wheat yield happened in M1 treatment (18.27%), although significant increases also occurred in T1 (13%), T2 (6.40%), and M2 (9.63%) treatments (P < 0.05). Besides, COIF increased the grain protein content by 31.9%. In terms of the soil properties, COIF could alleviate soil acidification while improving the cation exchange capacity (CEC). In addition, COIF treatments significantly increased the contents of total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, and available potassium, by 6.35–16.9%, 3.17–10.9%, 5.53–28.7%, and 2.6–12% (P < 0.05), respectively. Altogether, the results of the present work suggested that the replacement ratios of CF with 25%~50% cow manure are the most effective practices to improve the wheat yield, soil fertility, and the ecological sustainability of the study soils.
Identification of Ferroptosis-related Genes and Its CeRNA Network in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Based on Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: shen ming , Yu Chen , Yang Cui , Yan-Kun Shi
Published: June 2023

Background: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a comman heritable cardiomyopth which is strongly associated with the risk of sudden death and heart failure in young adults. The underlying mechanisms are still not well defined. Growing evidence suggests that ferroptosis plays an important role in the development and occurrence of cardiovascular disease. This study explored the relationship between ferroptosis-related genes and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of these genes based on a bioinformatics method.Methods: Four datasets (GSE180313, GSE36961, GSE188324, GSE197218) about HCM were collected from GEO database. HCM-related module genes were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) by R WGCNA package. Ferroptosis-related genes were downloaded from the ferroptosis-related database FerrDb V2. The overlap was performed to obtain the module genes associated with ferroptosis. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using R clusterprofiler package. Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) Network was constructed through the STRING online analysis tool. Cytoscape with CytoHubba was used to identify the hub genes. The Expression of hub genes in cardiac tissue was examined by the statistic program SPSS 27.0. Then the lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed.Results: 64 ferroptosis-related genes associated with HCM by WGCNA and FerrDB V2 were obtained. Enrichment analysis revealed that pathways related to iron ion homeostasis and lipid metabolism were the most highly enriched terms. Seven hub genes (PPARG, CD44, ACO1, SIRT1, CDKN2A, ADIPOQ, and TFRC) were obtained by PPI network construction and CytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape. Through validation in other gene expression datasets, we obtained five hub-genes which were further screened by ceRNA network construction to obtain two key regulatory lncRNAs: NUTM2B-AS1, XIST and two hub-genes: PPARG, CD44.Conclusions: LncRNA XIST, and NUTM2B-AS1 regulated the hub genes (PPARG, and CD44) through a ceRNA regulatory network and may regulate the pathogenesis of HCM in a ferroptosis regulatory manner.
Racial death toll: when surviving COVID-19 in a Brazilian metropolis depends on your skin color
Authors: Pastura Danielle Cristina Lourenço dos Santos , Guimarães Raphael Mendonça
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic did not impact and still now does not impact people homogeneously. In Brazil, race shows itself as an important difference in health events, including COVID-19 outcomes. We observed, during the pandemic, a higher lethality pattern among black and brown populations. Considering the most important factor for the disease severity in Brazil are, in order of relevance, age, socioeconomic factors and, only then, comorbidities, and that black and brown Brazilians have much poorer socioeconomic conditions compared to white people, we can understand these populations as part of a group under greater risk of aggravation by COVID-19. Besides, it is known that black and brown people face more difficulties to access healthcare services, a way that sometimes they are not even aware of the comorbidities possessed, which can potentially aggravate COVID-19, or present fewer possibilities to control these diseases. Nonetheless, intrinsic, institutional, and structural racism, a health social determinant shown by many indicators such as mortality rates of black and brown populations, presents itself in all healthcare levels in Brazil. Thus, this study aims to analyze the racial differential for COVID-19 survival amongst hospitalized patients in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a survival analysis from selected notifications of COVID-19-induced induced Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Rio de Janeiro from the date of the first death registered in Brazil to the end of the Public Healthcare Emergency of National Interest, in order to evaluate the times between the first symptoms and hospitalization; hospitalization and outcome (death); and first symptoms and outcomes (death), relating those to the variable of interest race and the covariables age; sex; presence or absence of major signs/symptoms; presence or absence of multimorbidities; resident of Rio de Janeiro or not; resident of urban/rural areas; ICU hospitalization or not. With that, we aim to characterize hospitalized COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables, describe the course between initial symptomatology and outcomes of the in-patients who utterly passed, analyze the survival probability of in-patients according to their race/skin color; relate social health determinants aspects to the survival rates of the hospitalized patients.
Research on Intelligent Recognition Technology in Lithology Based on Multi-parameter Fusion
Authors: Liang Haibo , Xiong Jiaguo , Yang Yi , Zou Jialing
Published: June 2023

In oil and gas drilling, timely and accurate identification of formation lithology is an important factor in drilling safety. In response to the problems of inaccuracy and low efficiency of complex lithology identification by traditional methods such as elemental crossplot in drilling and logging, the Categorical Boost (CatBoost) model is applied to lithology identification in this study. However, since CatBoost uses more hyperparameters in its modeling, it is difficult to optimize model prediction by manually tuning the parameters. Therefore, the introduction of Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) extracts fewer and more important features from the original data, eliminates the redundant information contained therein, and combines with Bayesian Optimization (BO) algorithm to optimize the hyperparameters during the training process, thus improving the prediction performance of CatBoost. Two experiments were designed to verify the recognition ability of the model, and the final test results of the model showed that the KPCA-BO-CatBoost model proposed in this study had the best comprehensive performance, and the lithology recognition accuracy reached over 90%. The model is effective in identifying formation lithology, improving the efficiency and accuracy of lithology identification and providing important guidance for subsequent drilling operations.
Disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signatures predict prognosis and immune relevance of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Wuquan , Wang Yong , Lv Yan , Liu Xiangyong , Wu Yuyong , Liu Desheng , Sun Yeying
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the most common malignancy and has a poor prognosis. Disulfidptosis was identified as a novel type of cell death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in regulating cell death and LUAD progression. However, the role of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs) in LUAD has not been studied.
Methods: Disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) were performed for differential expression, mutation, GO, KEGG, and survival analyses. The univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (Lasso) were used to screening the prognostic value of DRLs. Independent prognostic analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a nomogram, survival analysis, progression-free survival analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and tumor mutation difference analysis were used to validate the predictive efficacy of the signature. In addition, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to assess the differences in immune cells and their immune function.
Results: A total of 21 DRGs differ, and functional enrichment analysis revealed that these 23 DRGs are mainly involved in the structural composition of the cytoskeleton involved in the binding and activation of actin in LUAD. Pearson correlation analysis identified 140 DRLs, LASSO regression analysis obtained 10 DRLs associated with the prognosis of LUAD patients and multifactorial Cox regression analysis was performed to construct a signature consisting of 5 DRLs with independent prognostic significance (LINC01352, AC093673.1, AL606834.1, AL365181.2, MHENCR) to form a prognostic signature. The K-M survival curves showed that the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was poor, and the ROC curves showed that the area under the curve for the 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates were 0.695, 0.676, and 0.681, respectively, indicating that the signature had the excellent predictive ability. Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. There was a significant correlation between risk score and tumor microenvironment, tumor mutational load, TIDE, and tumor cell stemness. The results of the drug sensitivity analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group had lower semi-inhibitory concentration values for Trametinib, Savolitinib, Ulixertinib, and Crizotinib compared to patients in the low-risk group, while the opposite was true for Tozasertib, Leflunomide, and Ribociclib.
Conclusions: We identified a prognostic signature of disulfidptosis‑related lncRNAs by comprehensive and systematic bioinformatics analysis of LUAD patients. Our developed risk-based signature outperforms standard clinicopathological parameters in predicting survival and prognosis and provided novel insights into the treatment of LUAD.
Antiviral activity of marine actinomycetes, Saccharopolyspora jiangxiensis IMA1 against Influenza A/(H1N1)pdm09
Authors: R Kiruba , Ethiraj Kannapiran , Krishnamoothy Madhuri , Rajendran Kumar , Krishnasamy Kaveri , Sriniva Sivasubramanian , Padmanaban Padmapriya
Published: June 2023

Influenza viruses are major communicable pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases affecting millions worldwide and denoted by increased morbidity and significant mortality. Antiviral drugs and periodical vaccination are used to control Influenza infections. The utility of currently available drugs is of major concern due to emergence of drug resistance. This necessitates the development of novel antiviral drugs from natural resources. Broad arsenal of highly effective novel anti-influenza drugs can be developed from actinomycetes which have been explored for development of an array of antimicrobials. Fractions of methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous of the Saccharopolyspora jiangxiensis IMA1 were employed to assess the antiviral activity against Oseltamivir resistant influenza A/(H1N1)pdm09 virus. MTT, Plaque Reduction, Quantitative RT-PCR and DAPI staining assays were performed to validate the study findings. Selectivity Index value of 18.38 µg/ml concentration of the fraction was found to be effective to inhibit the growth of influenza viruses employing the MDCK cell line. Fraction produced a visually noticeable reduction in cytopathic effect as well as a reduction in viral titre as determined by the reduction in plaque formation. qRT-PCR assay clearly showed a linear relationship between the fraction concentration and the Ct values, demonstrating the virus growth inhibitory activity of the fraction. S. jiangxiensis IMA1 ethyl acetate fraction showed promising antiviral activity as revealed by inhibiting the amplification of influenza virus type A/(H1N1)pdm09. Our research findings will be useful for the development of new antiviral drug from the bioactive actinomycetes fractions.
Analyses of the metabolism and assessment of antioxidant activity in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. after UVB Irradiation
Authors: Gong Fushuai , Zhou Xiangru , Cao kun , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Due to their ability to act as antioxidants, many metabolites serve as plant defense chemicals. Holistic metabolomic analysis is a method to investigate UVB radiation's impacts because the metabolo me directly represents the physiological state of the plant. In order to determine how the exposure to UVB radiation affected the accumulation of primary metabolites (amino acids, organic acids), secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, fatty acids), and their synergistic antioxidant capacity in Rhododend ron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum), this study used gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). Metabolite analysis revealed that there were 444 metabolites in total. Most amino acids and organic acids, in particular, rose in concentration following being exposed to UVB. Simultaneously, the levels of TCA cyclic intermediates and phenolic compounds grew steadily. Furth ermore, after UVB therapy, the amount of an-thocyanins, which are known to be powerful antioxidants, rose. In terms of PPI and enzyme content, the experimental group demonstrated greater antioxidant ability. In reaction to UVB radiation, the content of metabolites that act as antioxidants may have increased. This experiment proved that R. chrysanthum main and secondary metabolism were altered by UVB radiation. It sheds some information on the combined analysis of metabolomics and other omics in R. chrysanthum.