bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of carbon emission trading scheme on export: Firm-level evidence from China
Authors: Yang Shubo , Shen Qiangqiang , Jahanger Atif , Ye Penghao , Zhang Huafeng , Balsalobre-Lorente Daniel
Published: October 2022

The carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) is an important measure to implement China’s “double carbon” strategy.We use “China’s carbon emission trading pilot policy” as a quasi-natural experiment to identify theeffect of this market-based environmental regulation on a firm’s export and its impacting mechanisms.Based on the Propensity score matching and difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) method, we observe robust evidence that the carbon emissions trading pilot policy significantly increases the export of regulated firms. And also find that this policy positivelyaffects the exports of both SOEs and non-SOEs. Considering enterprise heterogeneity, the policy positivelyimpacts the exports of FDI firms, large firms, and low industrial concentrations. Moreover, we examine how environmental regulation could affect firmexport through technological innovation, productivity, and product research. The observable evidence leads us to cautiously conclude thatmarket-based environmental regulations in even developing countries could achieve export growth.Based on our findings, we suggest that: 1) policymakers should limit CO2 emissions quotas to ensure an appropriate increase in the price of CO2 emissions; 2) to design a unified carbon ETS market, researchers should explore ways to activate market-oriented environmental regulation tools based on the carbon emission price.
Tax pressure, farmland management, and agricultural carbon abatement: Empirical evidence from tax-and-fees reform in rural China
Authors: Zhang Xingmin , Wang Chang’an , Liu Xiaoqian , Wu Junqian
Published: October 2022

Agriculture is the second largest source of carbon emissions in the world. To achieve the strategic goals of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality”, how to effectively control agricultural carbon emissions has become a focus of the Chinese government. As China’s most critical agricultural policy in the early 21st century, assessing the impact of rural tax-and-fees reform (RTFR) on agricultural carbon emissions has vital theoretical and practical implications. Based on panel data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2019, this paper constructs a continuous difference-in-differences (CDID) model to identify the effects of RTFR on agricultural carbon emissions, and further tests the mechanisms and heterogeneity of the reform to achieve agricultural carbon emission reduction. The results demonstrate that the reform can effectively reduce the agricultural carbon intensity and improve agricultural carbon efficiency, with the effects of −6.35% and 6.14%, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic effect test shows that the impact of RTFR on agricultural carbon intensity and carbon efficiency is persistent. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis indicates that RTFR achieves the improvement of agricultural operation efficiency and the reduction of agricultural carbon emissions through the expansion of land operation area, the increase of productive investment in agriculture, and the special transfer payment from the central government. However, the impact of RTFR on local government revenue is not conducive to realizing the reform’s carbon reduction effect. The heterogeneity analysis illustrates that the reform policy effects differ in natural climatic conditions, topographical conditions, and crop cultivation structure. The RTFR mostly has a significant negative impact on the carbon emissions generated from material inputs and agricultural production. Therefore, to address the climate change crisis and improve the environmental efficiency of agricultural production, it is necessary to both reduce peasants’ tax burden and implement institutional construction efforts, to further promote the transformation of agricultural production to a low-carbon model.
Investigation of odor emissions from coating products: Key factors and key odorants
Authors: Pei Yipu , Liu Ning , Liu Shihua , Guan Hongyan , Guo Zhongbao , Li Qiannan , Han Wei , Cai Hanmei
Published: October 2022

Coating products are widely used for the interior decoration of residential property. However, there is growing concern regarding their odor emissions and their impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). Most manufacturers and government agencies set odor intensity limits to control the odor of coating products, including their raw materials. However, it is difficult to determine product performance by means of their odor intensity index. Although evaluating odor intensity requires odor assessors to distinguish between different intensity levels, low consensus and reproducibility represent challenges that are difficult to avoid. As the odor concentration index only requires odor assessors to ascertain whether the odor is felt or not, the reproducibility of the evaluation results is relatively better. Moreover, suitable methodologies for determining odor concentrations in volatile coating product emissions have rarely been reported. Therefore, establishing an evaluation method for odor concentration of coating products and exploring its key influencing factors should bridge this gap. We examined the influence of the airbag material on the recovery rate of typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using direct injection by GC-MS and established that their adsorption effects were in the order: PET > PVF > PTFE. We then explored the influences of the sample curing and odor emission times on odor concentration. The solvent-based and water-based coatings reached equilibrium after 8 h and 16 h curing, respectively, and after 8 h and 12 h odor emission, respectively. The odor concentrations of real coating samples were measured and compared against their odor intensities. The odor concentration method more accurately and reliably discriminated coating products than the odor intensity approach. Thus, to assist manufacturers in improving coating formulations to reduce the odor impact of coating products, we used headspace gas chromatography to determine the odor substances in water- and solvent-based coatings and analyzed the odor contribution of various volatile compounds using the odor activity value (OAV) method. Butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, and 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate were the key odorants in solvent-based coatings while 1-butanol, ethylbenzene, and butyl acetate were the key odorants in water-based coatings.
Effect of organic farming on the restoration of soil quality, ecosystem services, and productivity in rice–wheat agro-ecosystems
Authors: Panwar Azad S. , Ansari Meraj A. , Ravisankar Natesan , Babu Subhash , Prusty Ashisa K. , Ghasal Prakash C. , Choudhary Jairam , Shamim Mohammad , Singh Raghuveer , Raghavendra K. J. , Dutta Debashis , Meena Amrit L. , Chauhan Gautam V. , Ansari Majhrool H. , Singh Raghavendra , Aulakh C. S. , Singh D. K. , Sharma P. B.
Published: October 2022

Excess use of hazardous agrochemicals and inorganic fertilizers resulted negative impact on environmental outcomes and degraded soil function, biological diversity, and ecosystem services. A 15-year long-term (2004–05 to 2017–18) field experiment was conducted to improve the ecosystem services with soil quality restoration and stabilization of yield through agronomic manipulation in the rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system under Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Three crop management practices (i) organic crop management, (ii) inorganic crop management, and (iii) integrated crop management were evaluated at four locations (i) Jabalpur, (ii) Ludhiana, (iii) Pantnagar, and (iv) Modipuram in a factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice at each location. Among the spatial variation, the highest soil quality indicators like soil microbial biomass carbon (0.52 mg g−1), fungal (46.2 CFU × 104 CFU), bacterial (54.2 CFU × 106 CFU), and actinomycetes viable cells (23.0 CFU × 106 CFU), and nutrients (available N and available P) were observed at Pantnagar than other location. The soilpH varied from 7.2 to 8.3, and the lowest bulk density (ρb) was recorded at Jabalpur and Modipuram. Subsequently, higher system productivity (8,196.7 kg ha−1) and net returns were obtained in Pantnagar > Ludhiana, and it was 44.1–63.4% higher than in Modipuram and Jabalpur. Among the crop management, organic crop management significantly improved (p< 0.05) ρb, soil organic carbon, available N, available P, and available K by 3.7%, 33.3%, 16.4%, 37.8%, and 20.3% over inorganic crop management, respectively. Similarly, the highest bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes viable cell counts were found under the organic plots, followed by integrated plots. In terms of productivity, integrated crop management (ICM) had increased the system productivity by 4.7%–6.7% and net returns by 22.2% and 23.5% over inorganic and organic crop management. Similarly, the highest sustainability yield index (SYI) was recorded in integrated crop management (0.77) as compared to inorganic (0.74) and organic management (0.75). The soil quality index was estimated as 0.60, 0.53, and 0.54 in organic, inorganic, and ICM, respectively. Hence, the study indicated that the application of organic amendments under organic or integrated crop management improves the system’s resiliency and sustainability. Therefore, the study concludes that towards organic approach (integrated application of organic amendments with a gradual reduction in mineral fertilizers) is better suitable for keeping the rice–wheat system productivity and sustainable in the long term.
Alleviation of heavy metal stress and enhanced plant complex functional restoration in abandoned Pb–Zn mining areas by the nurse plant Coriaria nepalensis
Authors: Yuan Xin-qi , Guo Zhao-lai , Duan Chang-qun , Yang Jie , Tang Hong , Li Lin-yang , Li Ting , Liu Chang-e
Published: October 2022

Heavy metal pollution caused by mining has been a topic of concern globally because it threatens ecological functions and human health. Nearly all current remediation strategies take into account only such short-term issues as how to reduce or stabilize the content of heavy metals in soil, how to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, and how to preserve water, soil and nutrients. However, little attention is paid to such long-term issues as whether plants can survive, whether communities can be stabilized, and whether ecosystem functions can be restored. Therefore, improving plant diversity and community stability are key aspects of improved mine restoration. To explore the possibility of reconstructing plant complexes in mining areas, the local nurse plant Coriaria nepalensis was selected as the research object for a study in the Huize Pb–Zn mining area of southwest China. C. nepalensis could increase the contents of nutrient elements (C, N, and P), reduce the contents of heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), and strengthen the plant complex functions (diversity, functional traits, and complex biomass) in its root zone. In general, C. nepalensis can form fertility islands (survival islands) in mining areas, which facilitate the colonization and success of additional less stress-resistant species. We propose C. nepalensis as a key species for use in restoration based on its ability to restore ecosystem functions under extremely stressful conditions. We encourage combination of C. nepalensis with other nurse plants to reinforce the rehabilitation of ecosystem functions.
Transformative changes in tree breeding for resilient forest restoration
Authors: Ray Duncan , Berlin Mats , Alia Ricardo , Sanchez Leopoldo , Hynynen Jari , González-Martinez Santiago , Bastien Catherine
Published: October 2022

Deciding how to establish woodland in forest restoration is not straightforward as different outcomes may be obtained from different establishment approaches, each with cost implications and degree of success limitations attached. Planning restoration requires knowledge of site conditions, including how sites are likely to respond under climate change. For objectives of production and high timber quality it is likely that ground preparation will be used, and planting with forest reproductive material (FRM) of known traits, such as: high survival and growth in establishment, drought tolerance adequate for climate projections, good resistance to pests and pathogens. For objectives associated with biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water supply protection, soil protection, natural regeneration could be a less costly solution with a limited amount of assisted translocation of selected FRM to improve resilience. If objectives are for rewilding forest areas, a degree of natural colonisation perhaps with translocation of some FRM could be a solution. Ignoring site conditions and suitability of available sources of FRM for forest restoration is likely to provide unexpected results with a mix of open ground, scrub and scattered trees resulting from climate, herbivore, and browsing impacts. The recent B4EST EU Horizon 2020 project examined progress in novel rapid approaches for testing the quality of FRM from existing genetic trials. Here we review the work of B4EST to show the opportunities from transformative tree breeding in forest restoration schemes, including: new climate projection ensembles at high temporal and spatial resolution to develop norms of reaction and transfer models with genetic components; multi-environment genotype-phenotype associations and multi-locus genotype-environment associations in identifying drivers of local adaptation; techniques for genomic selection using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to derive functional traits from polygenic associations; work on seed orchard site and climate specific FRM and zones for deployment; and work on some of the forest ecosystem service benefits derived at a landscape scale. We conclude that tree-breeding will provide robust forest restoration for planting, and rewilding (assisted natural regeneration), and if not “ignoring” but instead assisting natural colonisation processes – tree breeding may improve long-term forest resilience under environmental change.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of NAC Transcription Factor Family in Two Diploid Wild Relatives of Cultivated Sweet Potato Uncovers Potential NAC Genes Related to Drought Tolerance
Authors: Yan Haifeng , Ma Guohua , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Qiu Lihang , Xu Juan , Zhou Huiwen , Wei Minzheng , Xiong Jun , Li Mingzhi , Zhou Shaohuan , Wu Jianming , Tang Xiuhua
Published: October 2022

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) proteins play a pivotal role in modulating plant development and offer protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. Until now, no systematic knowledge of NAC family genes is available for the food security crop, sweet potato. Here, a comprehensive genome-wide survey of NAC domain-containing proteins identified 130 ItbNAC and 144 ItfNAC genes with full length sequences in the genomes of two diploid wild relatives of cultivated sweet potato, Ipomoea triloba and Ipomoea trifida, respectively. These genes were physically mapped onto 15 I. triloba and 16 I. trifida chromosomes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis divided all 274 NAC proteins into 20 subgroups together with NAC transcription factors (TFs) from Arabidopsis. There were 9 and 15 tandem duplication events in the I. triloba and I. trifida genomes, respectively, indicating an important role of tandem duplication in sweet potato gene expansion and evolution. Moreover, synteny analysis suggested that most NAC genes in the two diploid sweet potato species had a similar origin and evolutionary process. Gene expression patterns based on RNA-Seq data in different tissues and in response to various hormone, biotic or abiotic treatments revealed their possible involvement in organ development and response to various biotic/abiotic stresses. The expression of 36 NAC TFs, which were upregulated in the five tissues and in response to mannitol treatment, was also determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in hexaploid cultivated sweet potato exposed to drought stress. Those results largely corroborated the expression profile of mannitol treatment uncovered by the RNA-Seq data. Some significantly up-regulated genes related to drought stress, such as ItbNAC110, ItbNAC114, ItfNAC15, ItfNAC28, and especially ItfNAC62, which had a conservative spatial conformation with a closely related paralogous gene, ANAC019, may be potential candidate genes for a sweet potato drought tolerance breeding program. This analysis provides comprehensive and systematic information about NAC family genes in two diploid wild relatives of cultivated sweet potato, and will provide a blueprint for their functional characterization and exploitation to improve the tolerance of sweet potato to abiotic stresses.
Construction of an immune-related signature for predicting the ischemic events in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Li Shifu , Zhang Qian , Weng Ling , Li Jian
Published: October 2022

Background: Inflammatory responses have drawn more attention to atherosclerosis; however, the immune-related genes (IRGs) as a prognostic factor in atherosclerotic plaque remain to be fully elucidated. Here, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the IRGs could be identified as a reliable biomarker for predicting ischemic events in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: Two datasets GSE97210 and GSE21545 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The dataset GSE97210 was used to explore the significant pathways and differentially expressed IRGs (DEIRGs) between plaques and controls, which were further screened to identify the prognostic DEIRGs in the GSE21545 dataset. The identification of molecular subgroups with the prognostic gene expression patterns was achieved through nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering. Functional analyses including GO, KEGG, GSVA, and GSEA analyses, and immune analyses including xCell and ssGSEA algorithms were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The prognostic risk model was constructed using the LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results: A total of 796 DEIRGs (including 588 upregulated and 208 downregulated) were identified. Nine prognostic DEIRGs were further screened with univariate Cox regression analysis. Two clusters with different prognosis were grouped based on the prognostic DEIRGs. Immune infiltration analysis shows that cluster 2 with a better prognosis presented with a higher immune response than cluster 1. A prognostic model based on seven IRGs (IL2RA, NR4A2, DES, ERAP2, SLPI, RASGRP1, and AGTR2) was developed and verified. Consistent with the immune analysis of the cluster, the immune infiltration in the low-risk group with a better prognosis was also more active than that in the high-risk group. Finally, a nomogram based on the seven genes was constructed, which might have future implications in clinical care.

Conclusion: The expression of immune-related genes is correlated with the immune microenvironment of atherosclerotic patients and could be applied to predict the ischemic events in patients undergoing CEA accurately.
Muscles are barely required for the patterning and cell dynamics in axolotl limb regeneration
Authors: Hu Yan , Pan Xiangyu , Shi Yu , Qiu Yuanhui , Wang Liqun , Murawala Prayag , Liu Yanmei , Xing Wanjin , Tanaka Elly M. , Fei Ji-Feng
Published: October 2022

Regeneration of a complex appendage structure such as limb requires upstream and downstream coordination of multiple types of cells. Given type of cell may sit at higher upstream position to control the activities of other cells. Muscles are one of the major cell masses in limbs. However, the subtle functional relationship between muscle and other cells in vertebrate complex tissue regeneration are still not well established. Here, we use Pax7 mutant axolotls, in which the limb muscle is developmentally lost, to investigate limb regeneration in the absence of skeletal muscle. We find that the pattern of regenerated limbs is relative normal in Pax7 mutants compared to the controls, but the joint is malformed in the Pax7 mutants. Lack of muscles do not affect the early regeneration responses, specifically the recruitment of macrophages to the wound, as well as the proliferation of fibroblasts, another major population in limbs. Furthermore, using single cell RNA-sequencing, we show that, other than muscle lineage that is mostly missing in Pax7 mutants, the composition and the status of other cell types in completely regenerated limbs of Pax7 mutants are similar to that in the controls. Our study reveals skeletal muscle is barely required for the guidance of other cells, as well the patterning in complex tissue regeneration in axolotls, and provides refined views of the roles of muscle cell in vertebrate appendage regeneration.
The interconnected relationships between middle ear bulla size, cavitation defects, and chronic otitis media revealed in a syndromic mouse model
Authors: Fons Juan M. , Milmoe Natalie J. , Dack Michael R. G. , Joshi Leena , Thompson Hannah , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: October 2022

High incidence of chronic otitis media is associated with human craniofacial syndromes, suggesting that defects in the formation of the middle ear and associated structures can have a knock-on effect on the susceptibility to middle ear inflammation. Patients with branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome have several defects in the ear leading to both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, including otitis media. 40% of BOR syndrome cases are due to Eya1 haploinsufficiency, with mouse models affecting Eya1, mimicking many of the defects found in patients. Here, we characterize the onset, consequences, and underlying causes of chronic otitis media in Eya1 heterozygous mice. Cavitation defects were evident in these mice from postnatal day (P)11 onwards, with mesenchyme around the promontory and attic regions of the middle ear space. This mesenchyme was still prominent in adult Eya1 heterozygous mice, while the wild-type littermates had fully aerated ears from P14 onwards. MicroCT analysis highlighted a significantly smaller bulla, confirming the link between bulla size defects and the ability of the mesenchyme to retract successfully. Otitis media was observed from P14, often presenting unilaterally, resulting in hyperplasia of the middle ear mucosa, expansion of secretory cells, defects in the motile cilia, and changes in basal epithelial cell markers. A high incidence of otitis media was identified in older mice but only associated with ears with retained mesenchyme. To understand the impact of the environment, the mouse line was rederived onto a super-clean environment. Cavitation defects were still evident at early stages, but these generally resolved over time, and importantly, no signs of otitis media were observed at 6 weeks. In conclusion, we show that a small bulla size is closely linked to defects in cavitation and the presence of retained mesenchyme. A delay in retraction of the mesenchyme predates the onset of otitis media, making the ears susceptible to its development. Early exposure to OM appears to exacerbate the cavitation defect, with mesenchyme evident in the middle ear throughout the animal’s life. This highlights that permanent damage to the middle ear can arise as a consequence of the early onset of OM.
Magnitude of episiotomy practice and associated factors among women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Habtamu , Tamiru Dawit , Debella Adera , Getachew Alemeshet , Yohannes Ephrem , Lami Magarsa , Negash Abraham , Asfaw Henock , Ketema Indeshaw , Eyeberu Addis , Habte Sisay , Eshetu Bajrond , Getachew Tamirat , Mesfin Sinetibeb , Birhanu Bekelu , Heluf Helina , Kibret Haregeweyn , Negash Belay , Alemu Adisu , Dessie Yadeta , Balis Bikila
Published: October 2022

Background

Episiotomy is an intentional surgical incision made on the perineum with the aim of enlarging the introits during the second stage of labor or just before delivery of the baby. It sometimes also interferes with the mother's comfort during the postpartum period and has associated complications especially when it is done without indication. However, there is limited information regarding episiotomy practice in the study area.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of episiotomy practice and associated factors among women who gave birth at the Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 systematically selected mothers who gave birth at the Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, from 1 January to 30 December 2021. Datas were collected from delivery medical records using a pretested checklist. The extracted data were checked, coded, and entered into the Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to the STATA version 16 software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with episiotomy practice.P-values < 0.05 were considered to declare the presence of statistical significance.

Results

The overall prevalence of episiotomy practice was found to be 43.4 % (95% CI: 38.7, 48.9), and mediolateral was the most commonly practiced episiotomy type (41.4%). Parity [AOR: 6.2; 95% CI (3.8–17.6)], 1st min Apgar score [AOR: 1.6; 95% CI (1.04–2.67)], presence of maternal medical disease [AOR: 3.3; 95% CI (1.09–6.9)], and induced labor [AOR: 1.6; 95%CI (1.12, 4.13)] were significantly associated with the episiotomy practice.

Conclusion

The prevalence of episiotomy practice in the study area was high. Parity, presence of maternal medical disease, induction of labor, and 1st min APGAR score were significant factors associated with episiotomy practice. Considering the presence of appropriate indications or preventing unjustifiable indications, can help to reduce the current high practice rates.
The role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Beckley Mikayla A. , Shrestha Sadeep , Singh Keshav K. , Portman Michael A.
Published: October 2022

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis, especially of the coronary arteries, affecting children. Despite extensive research, much is still unknown about the principal driver behind the amplified inflammatory response. We propose mitochondria may play a critical role. Mitochondria serve as a central hub, influencing energy generation, cell proliferation, and bioenergetics. Regulation of these biological processes, however, comes at a price. Release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm acts as damage-associated molecular patterns, initiating the development of inflammation. As a source of reactive oxygen species, they facilitate activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Kawasaki disease involves many of these inflammatory pathways. Progressive mitochondrial dysfunction alters the activity of immune cells and may play a role in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease. Because they contain their own genome, mitochondria are susceptible to mutation which can propagate their dysfunction and immunostimulatory potential. Population-specific variants in mitochondrial DNA have also been linked to racial disparities in disease risk and treatment response. Our objective is to critically examine the current literature of mitochondria’s role in coordinating proinflammatory signaling pathways, focusing on potential mitochondrial dysfunction in Kawasaki disease. No association between impaired mitochondrial function and Kawasaki disease exists, but we suggest a relationship between the two. We hypothesize a framework of mitochondrial determinants that may contribute to ethnic/racial disparities in the progression of Kawasaki disease.
Regulation of autophagy fires up the cold tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Jin Zhicheng , Sun Xuefeng , Wang Yaoyao , Zhou Chao , Yang Haihua , Zhou Suna
Published: October 2022

Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic tumors resistant to traditional therapies. However, the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) results in a weak response to immunotherapy. Therefore, to realize the full potential of immunotherapy and obstacle barriers, it is essential to explore how to convert cold TME to hot TME. Autophagy is a crucial cellular process that preserves cellular stability in the cellular components of the TME, contributing to the characterization of the immunosuppressive TME. Targeted autophagy ignites immunosuppressive TME by influencing antigen release, antigen presentation, antigen recognition, and immune cell trafficking, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and components of TME, explore the mechanisms and functions of autophagy in the characterization and regulation of TME, and discuss autophagy-based therapies as adjuvant enhancers of immunotherapy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Efficacy and safety profile of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kang Qin , Chen Jing-si , Yang Huan
Published: October 2022

Background

Systemic therapy is an important treatment for psoriasis. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are new candidates for psoriasis therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDE4 inhibitors in psoriasis.

Method

Randomized clinical trials with PDE4 inhibitors vs placebos in patients with psoriasis were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to July 14, 2022. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022345700).

Results

18 studies were identified, 9 of which included moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, 2 mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, and 7 psoriatic arthritis. A total of 6036 patients were included. Only one oral PDE4 inhibitor, apremilast, met the inclusion criteria. Overall, compared with the placebo, apremilast was associated with higher response rates in PASI-75 (RR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.59-4.01), ScPGA of 0 or 1 (RR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.69-2.91), PPPGA of 0 or 1 (RR 2.33; 95%CI, 1.16-4.66), and a significant decrease in NPASI (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.33). There were no significant differences in serious adverse events. Subgroup analyses showed that significantly more patients achieved PASI-75 after 16 weeks of therapy with apremilast of 20 mg bid (RR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.01-3.95) and 30 mg bid (RR, 4.08; 95% CI, 3.12-5.33). Heterogeneity was not significant across studies.

Conclusion

Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, especially for difficult-to-treat sites.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier (CRD42022345700).
Assessment of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapy in K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis
Authors: Lopez-Santalla Mercedes , Conde Carmen , Rodriguez-Trillo Angela , Garin Marina I.
Published: October 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and cartilage/bone destruction with systemic comorbidities. Despite advances in understanding the aetiology of RA and novel biologic drugs, a substantial number of individuals with RA remain intolerant or resistant to these therapies. In this context, mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy has emerged as an innovative therapeutic alternative to address unresolved treatment issues for patients with RA thanks to the immunomodulatory properties of these cells. The majority of preclinical studies in MSC-based therapy have been conducted using the well-known collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model however due to its low incidence, the mouse strain restriction and the prolonged induction phase of collagen-induced arthritis, alternative experimental models of RA have been developed such as K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis (STIA), which mimics many of human RA features. In this study, we evaluate whether the K/BxN STIA model could be used as an alternative model to study the immunomodulatory potential of MSC-based therapy. Unexpectedly, our data suggest that adipose-derived MSC-based therapy is unsuitable for modulating the progression of K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis in mice despite the various experimental parameters tested. Based on the differences in the immune status and monocytic/macrophage balance among the different arthritic models, these results could help to identify the cellular targets of the MSCs and, most importantly to predict the RA patients that will respond positively to MSC-based therapy.
Intraoperative cell salvage as an effective intervention for postpartum hemorrhage—Evidence from a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lei Bo , Guo Min , Deng Xin , He Shujun , Lu Xin , Wang Yunjuan , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Promptly recovering blood loss is critical for PPH. Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is a method to collect and process red blood cells (RBCs) from the blood lost during surgery and transfuse them to the patient’s circulation during or immediately after surgery. Its effectiveness in reducing the demand for allogeneic blood transfusion has been proven, but its effectiveness and safety as a sole treatment for PPH during Cesarean sections are unclear. This is particularly important for patients who cannot or do not want to accept allogeneic blood transfusion.

Materials and methods

In this prospective randomized controlled study, patients with high risks of PPH were randomized into the ICS group or the control group, receiving ICS or allogeneic RBC transfusion if their hemoglobin level was less than 80 g/L during operation. Data collected include clinical examination, blood cell count, hemoglobin level, coagulation function, and plasma levels of fetal hemoglobin, tissue factor, and alpha-fetoprotein before and after fetal delivery and 0, 2, and 12 h after treatment. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

A total of 130 patients were enrolled, aged 33 ± 1 years with a mean gestation period of 37 ± 1 week. The most common cause of Cesarean section was placenta previa, followed by twin pregnancy, scarred uterus, preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal distress, and placenta accreta spectrum. Bleeding amount was similar between the two groups. The ICS group, compared to controls, had more efficient increases in levels of hemoglobin, RBC, and hematocrit (all p < 0.05). Coagulation function was maintained in the ICS group but reduced in controls 24 h after transfusion, indicated by significantly reduced fibrinogen level and prolonged prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (all p < 0.05). There was a transient but significant decrease in plasma tissue factor and alpha-fetoprotein levels and an increase in plasma fetal hemoglobin level with ICS treatment in the postpartum period. No adverse event occurred with ICS intervention.

Conclusion

ICS is an effective and safe intervention for patients with a high risk of PPH during elective or emergency Cesarean section. It can effectively clear tissue factors and alpha-fetoprotein but not fetal hemoglobin.
Identification of N7-methylguanosine related subtypes and construction of prognostic model in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Dong Hao , Chen Ling , Wang Yujie , Hao Zhibin , Zhang Yingyi , Jiao Yuan , Zhao Zhiyue , Peng Xiaobo , Zhan Xianbao
Published: October 2022

Background

N7-methylguanosine (m7G), one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications, can be present in tRNA, mRNA, and miRNA to mediate the progression of various tumors. However, the possible role of m7G in gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown.

Materials and Methods

In this study, SNVs (single nucleotide variations), CNVs (copy number variations), and methylation of m7G-related genes (m7GRGs) were analyzed. The relationship between them and the expression of m7GRGs and prognosis of GC patients was explored. Based on 13 prognostic-related m7GRGs, 567 GC samples were classified into three subtypes using the ConsensusClusterPlus package. we compared survival status, clinical traits, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), and potential biological pathways among the three subtypes. Then, patients were again grouped into different genetic subtypes based on the DEGs among the three subtypes. In addition, a prognostic m7GRG_Score was constructed using five risk genes applicable to patients of any age, gender and stage. We also assessed tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), cancer stem cell (CSC) index, sensitivity of antineoplastic drugs, efficacy of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy between high and low m7GRG_Score groups. Finally, we established a nomogram based on m7GRG_Score and tumor stage to enhance the clinical application of the model. miRNAs and lncRNAs that could regulate expression of risk genes were searched.

Results

SNVs, CNVs, and methylation of m7GRGs were associated with m7GRGs expression. However, they did not significantly affect the survival of GC patients. Our results also confirmed that patients in subtypes B and C and low m7GRG_Score groups had longer survival time, better clinical stage, more immune cell infiltration, fewer immune escape and dysfunction compared to subtype A and high m7GRG_Score groups. A low m7GRG_score was featured with increased microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), TMB, and efficacy of immunotherapy.

Conclusion

The m7GRG_Score model may become a beneficial tool for predicting prognosis and guiding personalized treatment in GC patients. These findings will improve our knowledge of m7G in GC and provide new methods for more effective treatment strategies.
Detection of anti-M. leprae antibodies in healthy children in China: A systematic review of Chinese literature
Authors: Zhou Zijie , Pierneef Louise , van Hooij Anouk , Geluk Annemieke
Published: October 2022

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) that mainly involves the skin and peripheral nerves, causing lifelong deformities and social stigma. As evident from the practically stable number of new cases reported worldwide during the past decade, transmission is still ongoing. On route to leprosy elimination, an appropriate tool is needed to monitor M. leprae transmission. M. leprae-specific antibodies indicate infection with M. leprae, but do not differentiate between present and past infection. Nevertheless, detection of M. leprae infection in young children per definition indicates recent infection. Hence, seroprevalence in young children can be used to monitor recent M. leprae transmission. Despite having eliminated leprosy in most parts of the country, studies on transmission conducted in China are not sufficiently reported in the English literature. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of Chinese literature describing serological studies in healthy children in (former) leprosy endemic areas in China, available in the Chinese databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database. From the 710 articles identified in these three Chinese databases, only four full-text articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria regarding sufficiently detailed descriptions of anti-M. leprae antibodies in healthy children. Two additional papers were identified through snowballing, resulting in a total of six articles considered for this review reporting quantitative serological data from three Chinese provinces between 1987 and 2003. All studies used ELISAs to quantify antibody levels. Seroprevalence in healthy children ranged from 7.93% (Yunnan) to 32.35% (Jiangsu). If the same method was used (in Jiangsu), direct comparison of studies at different time points indicated that decrease in disease prevalence (0.28 to 0.16 per 100,000) or new case detection rate (2.6 to 1.0 per 100,000) from 1987-1991 corresponded to decrease in anti-M. leprae antibody seroprevalence (30.86% to 22.61%) in healthy children. Thus, these findings are consistent with the previous finding that anti-M. leprae antibody seroprevalence in young children represents a surrogate indicator to monitor transmission.
Spatial and temporal characteristics analysis for land subsidence in Shanghai coastal reclamation area using PS-InSAR method
Authors: Li Dong , Li Bin , Zhang Yuxin , Fan Chao , Xu He , Hou Xiyong
Published: October 2022

In recent decades, large-scale reclamation projects have been performed in the intertidal flat area of Shanghai, China. Due to the self-weight consolidation of the foundation and dynamic load caused by human activities, the newly reclamation area will sink within a period of time after the land is formed. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out surface deformation monitoring for taking preventive measures in advance. In this research, the PS-InSAR technology, mostly used for urban subsidence monitoring, was applied to obtain the ground deformation information of Shanghai coastal area based on ENVISAT/ASAR (2007.07-2010.02) and Sentinel-1A (2017.07-2020.02) datasets. The results showed that: 1) Compared with ASAR data, the Sentinel-1A data could distinguish more coherent points and get more comprehensive deformation distribution characteristics. 2) Most high-coherent points were detected in artificial objects, especially airport runways, buildings, roads and seawalls. 3) There was obvious uneven land subsidence in the study area during the two monitoring periods, the PS points with high subsidence rates (<-20 mm/a) mainly distributed around Dishui Lake and artificial seawalls. 4) The ground subsidence velocity of the newly formed land gradually slowed down over times, with the average subsidence rate decreased from -10.45 mm/a to -4.94 mm/a. Our study proved that remote sensing monitoring for ground subsidence in reclaimed land could be realized based on PS-InSAR technology, which could provide the spatial distribution characteristics of subsidence in large-scale and long-term series and help the sustainable development of coastal engineering construction.
Sorption behavior and mechanisms of thallium to microplastics
Authors: Liu Min , Song Xiaocheng , Wang Qian , Li Shilei , Kou Siwang , Gao Zhenhui , Zhuang Wen
Published: October 2022

Thallium (Tl) is a metal of high toxicity, and the problem of Tl pollution is being faced globally. However, environmental data on Tl are still scarce and its biogeochemical behaviors remain mostly unclear. Studies have revealed the potential transport of other heavy metal by microplastics (MPs), but there is no report on the interactions between Tl and MPs yet. Therefore, we studied the adsorption of Tl by the three most commonly detected MPs, i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) in fresh and seawater. We considered the effects of particle size, pH and competitive cations on adsorption capacity. The results showed PS has the highest adsorption capacity for Tl which was mainly through surface complexation. PS showed the lowest crystallinity and had the most oxygen-containing functional groups among the studied MPs. The adsorption of Tl on PE and PP was dominated by physical adsorption. The adsorptions exhibited significant salinity and pH dependence. Dominant cations in seawater competed with Tl ions for adsorption sites on MPs. With the increase in pH, the deprotonation of the carboxyl functional groups on MPs was enhanced, which increased the effective adsorption sites and promoted the adsorption of Tl. However, the adsorption capacity of the studied MPs for Tl was much lower than the corresponding capacity of natural minerals (clay, iron and manganese oxides) previously reported. Therefore, MPs may not be the main factors affecting the environmental behavior of Tl. This study provides valuable information for the study of thallium’s environmental behavior and ecological risk assessment.
Starvation shrinks the mussel foot secretory glands and impairs the byssal attachment
Authors: Zheng Yi , Yang Yue-Ming , Xu Yue-Feng , Wang Yu-Qing , Shi Xue , Zheng Gao-Hai , Li Yi-Feng
Published: October 2022

Mussel is an economically and ecologically important species widely distributed throughout the world. The mussel adheres to the attachment substrate by secreting byssus external to the body. Various environmental and biological factors influence the process of byssus secretion, and the present study investigated the effect of starvation on byssal secretion in the hard-shelled mussel Mytilus coruscus. Histological changes in mussel foot secretory glands and gene expression of mussel foot proteins were also determined. The experimental setup consisted of starvation treatments for 7, 14 and 21 days, and the control groups. The results showed that the number of produced byssus was higher in the starvation group compared to the control (CTR) group, and the starvation group had a significantly higher of byssal shedding number from 6 days of starvation treatment onwards (p < 0.05). The byssal thread diameter was significantly reduced in all starvation treatment groups (p < 0.05). However, starvation treatment had no effect on the length of the byssal thread (p > 0.05). After 21 days of starvation treatment, the byssal thread volume was significantly lower than that of the CTR group (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in the breaking force of the byssal thread was observed after 14 and 21 days of starvation treatment (p < 0.05), along with an upward shift in the breakpoints. Starvation treatment significantly reduced the percentage of foot secretory glands area to total tissue (p < 0.05). The expression of the mussel foot protein genes (Mcfp-1P and Mcfp-1T) was significantly up-regulated at 7 days of starvation treatment (p < 0.05). These findings reveal that starvation weakens byssal thread performance by influencing mussel foot secretory glands, which increases the dislodgment risks of suspended-cultured mussels.
Siliceous Rhizaria abundances and diversity in the Mediterranean Sea assessed by combined imaging and metabarcoding approaches
Authors: Llopis Monferrer Natalia , Biard Tristan , Sandin Miguel M. , Lombard Fabien , Picheral Marc , Elineau Amanda , Guidi Lionel , Leynaert Aude , Tréguer Paul J. , Not Fabrice
Published: October 2022

Siliceous Rhizaria (polycystine radiolarians and phaeodarians) are significant contributors to carbon and silicon biogeochemical cycles. Considering their broad taxonomic diversity and their wide size range (from a few micrometres up to several millimetres), a comprehensive evaluation of the entire community to carbon and silicon cycles is challenging. Here, we assess the diversity and contribution of silicified Rhizaria to the global biogenic silica stocks in the upper 500 m of the oligotrophic North-Western Mediterranean Sea using both imaging (FlowCAM, Zooscan and Underwater Vision Profiler) and molecular tools and data. While imaging data (cells m-3) revealed that the most abundant organisms were the smallest, molecular results (number of reads) showed that the largest Rhizaria had the highest relative abundances. While this seems contradictory, relative abundance data obtained with molecular methods appear to be closer to the total biovolume data than to the total abundance data of the organisms. This result reflects a potential link between gene copies number and the volume of a given cell allowing reconciling molecular and imaging data. Using abundance data from imaging methods we estimate that siliceous Rhizaria accounted for up to 6% of the total biogenic silica biomass of the siliceous planktonic community in the upper 500m of the water column.