bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum NDRG3 and papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Wang Jun , Quan Jinxing , Liu Juxiang , Tian Limin , Dong Changhong
Published: December 2022

Background

In recent years, papillary thyroid carcinoma is considered to be one of the fastest increaseing cancer. NDRG family member 3 (NDRG3) has been proposed as a molecular marker of tumor, and is expected to be used in clinic.

Methods

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum NDRG3 expression in 81 papillary thyroid carcinoma cases, 75 benign thyroid nodules cases and 77 healthy control cases, respectively. Electrochemiluminescence method was applied to measure the levels of triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, thyrotropin, thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of NDRG3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma, benign thyroid nodules and normal tissues adjacent to cancer.

Results

The expression of serum triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, thyrotropin, thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody and NDRG3 were significantly different among benign thyroid nodules, papillary thyroid carcinoma cases and healthy control groups (P <0.001). Only the expression of serum NDRG3 was significantly different between benign thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid carcinoma groups (P <0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that NDRG3 was expressed in all three groups, the lowest in papillary thyroid carcinoma, the second in benign thyroid nodules, and the highest in normal tissues adjacent to cancer. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum NDRG3 was an independent protective factor for papillary thyroid carcinoma (OR =0.964, 95%CI =0.953 to 0.974, P <0.001). The ROC curve of non-papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed by serum NDRG3 showed the optimal cut-off value of 481.38 pg/ml, sensitivity of 72.4%, specificity of 90.1%, and the maximum area under the curve (AUC =0.902, 95%CI =0.863 to 0.940, P <0.001). The ROC curve of benign thyroid nodules diagnosed by serum NDRG3 showed the optimal critical value of 459.28 pg/ml, sensitivity of 81.3%, and specificity of 74.1% (AUC =0.863, 95%CI =0.808 to 0.919, P <0.001). The expression level of serum NDRG3 was significantly correlated with extrathyroid extensionand (P =0.007) and lymphatic metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (P =0.019).

Conclusions

The decrease of NDRG3 expression can not only differential diagnosis benign thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid carcinoma, but also serve as a molecular marker for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
On the relationship between collagen- and carbonate-derived carbon isotopes with implications for the inference of carnivore dietary behavior
Authors: DeSantis Larisa R. G. , Feranec Robert S. , Southon John , Cerling Thure E. , Harris John , Binder Wendy J. , Cohen Joshua E. , Farrell Aisling B. , Lindsey Emily L. , Meachen Julie , Robin O'Keefe Frank , Takeuchi Gary T.
Published: December 2022

Studies of Rancho La Brea predators have yielded disparate dietary interpretations when analyzing bone collagen vs. enamel carbonate—requiring a better understanding of the relationship between stable carbon isotopes in these tissues. Stable carbon isotope spacing between collagen and carbonate (Δca-co) has also been used as a proxy for inferring the trophic level of mammals, with higher Δca-covalues indicative of high carbohydrate consumption. To clarify the stable isotope ecology of carnivorans, past and present, we analyzed bone collagen (carbon and nitrogen) and enamel carbonate (carbon) of extinct and extant North American felids and canids, including dire wolves, sabertooth cats, coyotes, and pumas, supplementing these with data from African wild dogs and African lions. Our results reveal that Δca-covalues are positively related to enamel carbonate values in secondary consumers and are less predictive of trophic level. Results indicate that the foraging habitat and diet of prey affects Δca-coin carnivores, like herbivores. Average Δca-covalues in Pleistocene canids (8.7+/−1‰) and felids (7.0+/−0.7‰) overlap with previously documented extant herbivore Δca-covalues suggesting that trophic level estimates may be relative to herbivore Δca-covalues in each ecosystem and not directly comparable between disparate ecosystems. Physiological differences between felids and canids, ontogenetic dietary differences, and diagenesis at Rancho La Brea do not appear to be primary drivers of Δca-cooffsets. Environmental influences affecting protein and fat consumption in prey and subsequently by predators, and nutrient routing to tissues may instead be driving Δca-cooffsets in extant and extinct mammals.
A distinct M2 macrophage infiltrate and transcriptomic profile decisively influence adipocyte differentiation in lipedema
Authors: Wolf Stefan , Rannikko Jenna H. , Virtakoivu Reetta , Cinelli Paolo , Felmerer Gunther , Burger Anna , Giovanoli Pietro , Detmar Michael , Lindenblatt Nicole , Hollmén Maija , Gousopoulos Epameinondas
Published: December 2022

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder, characterized by the painful and disproportionate increase of the subcutaneous fat in the lower and/or upper extremities. While distinct immune cell infiltration is a known hallmark of the disease, its role in the onset and development of lipedema remains unclear. To analyze the macrophage composition and involved signaling pathways, anatomically matched lipedema and control tissue samples were collected intra-operatively from gender- and BMI-matched patients, and the Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) was used for Cytometry by Time-of-Flight (CyTOF) and RNA sequencing. The phenotypic characterization of the immune component of lipedema versus control SVF using CyTOF revealed significantly increased numbers of CD163 macrophages. To gain further insight into this macrophage composition and molecular pathways, RNA sequencing of isolated CD11b+ cells was performed. The analysis suggested a significant modification of distinct gene ontology clusters in lipedema, including cytokine-mediated signaling activity, interleukin-1 receptor activity, extracellular matrix organization, and regulation of androgen receptor signaling. As distinct macrophage populations are known to affect adipose tissue differentiation and metabolism, we evaluated the effect of M2 to M1 macrophage polarization in lipedema using the selective PI3Kγ inhibitor IPI-549. Surprisingly, the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells with conditioned medium from IPI-549 treated SVF resulted in a significant decreased accumulation of lipids in lipedema versus control SVF. In conclusion, our results indicate that CD163+ macrophages are a critical component in lipedema and re-polarization of lipedema macrophages can normalize the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in vitro evaluated by the cellular lipid accumulation. These data open a new chapter in understanding lipedema pathophysiology and may indicate potential treatment options.
Embryonic ILC-poiesis across tissues
Authors: Hernández-Torres Daniela Carolina , Stehle Christina
Published: December 2022

The family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), consisting of Group 1 ILCs (natural killer cells and ILC1), ILC2, and ILC3, are critical effectors of innate immunity, inflammation, and homeostasis post-natally, but also exert essential functions before birth. Recent studies during critical developmental periods in the embryo have hinted at complex waves of tissue colonization, and highlighted the breadth of multipotent and committed ILC progenitors from both classic fetal hematopoietic organs such as the liver, as well as tissue sites such as the lung, thymus, and intestine. Assessment of the mechanisms driving cell fate and function of the ILC family in the embryo will be vital to the understanding ILC biology throughout fetal life and beyond.
Damage protection in fruits: Comparative analysis of the functional morphology of the fruit peels of five Citrus species via quasi-static compression tests
Authors: Jentzsch Maximilian , Badstöber Marie-Christin , Umlas Franziska , Speck Thomas
Published: December 2022

Due to their special peel tissue, comprising a dense flavedo (exocarp), a less dense albedo (mesocarp), and a thin endocarp, most citrus fruits can withstand the drop from a tree or high shrub (relatively) undamaged. While most citrus fruit peels share this basic morphological setup, they differ in various structural and mechanical properties. This study analyzes how various properties in citrus peels of the pomelo, citron, lemon, grapefruit, and orange affect their compression behavior. We compare the structural and biomechanical properties (e.g., density, stress, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio) of these peels and analyze which properties they share. Therefore, the peels were quasi-statically compressed to 50% compression and analyzed with manual and digital image correlation methods. Furthermore, local deformations were visualized, illustrating the inhomogeneous local strain patterns of the peels. The lateral strain of the peels was characterized by strain ratios and the Poisson’s ratio, which were close to zero or slightly negative for nearly all tested peels. Our findings prove that—despite significant differences in stress, magnitude, distribution, and thickness - the tested peels share a low Poisson’s ratio meaning that the general peel structures of citrus species offer a promising inspiration for the development of energy dissipating cellular structure that can be used for damage protection.
Alterations in the rumen bacterial communities and metabolites of finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets supplemented with active dry yeast and yeast culture
Authors: Gao Kai , Geng Chunyin
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the effects of active dry yeast (ADY) and yeast culture (YC) supplementation on rumen bacteria and metabolites in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets using the full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Supplementation with ADY improved the alpha diversity and relative abundance of rumen bacteria, while YC only affected relative abundance of rumen bacteria at the genus level. Sixty-three differential metabolites were identified in rumen fluid after ADY supplementation, and 17 after YC. PICRUSt2 functional prediction showed that ADY supplementation improved the capacity of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, and energy metabolism in rumen bacteria (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the rumen differential metabolites following ADY supplementation were mainly related to Oligosphaera, Verruc, Mycoplasma, and Anaeroplasma. Supplementation with ADY was more effective than YC in remodeling the rumen bacterial flora structure and metabolite composition under high-concentrate diets.
Filamin A in platelets: Bridging the (signaling) gap between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: De Silva Enoli , Hong Felix , Falet Hervé , Kim Hugh
Published: December 2022

Platelets are anucleate cells that are essential for hemostasis and wound healing. Upon activation of the cell surface receptors by their corresponding extracellular ligands, platelets undergo rapid shape change driven by the actin cytoskeleton; this shape change reaction is modulated by a diverse array of actin-binding proteins. One actin-binding protein, filamin A (FLNA), cross-links and stabilizes subcortical actin filaments thus providing stability to the cell membrane. In addition, FLNA binds the intracellular portion of multiple cell surface receptors and acts as a critical intracellular signaling scaffold that integrates signals between the platelet’s plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. This mini-review summarizes how FLNA transduces critical cell signals to the platelet cytoskeleton.
The application of machine learning to imaging in hematological oncology: A scoping review
Authors: Kotsyfakis Stylianos , Iliaki-Giannakoudaki Evangelia , Anagnostopoulos Antonios , Papadokostaki Eleni , Giannakoudakis Konstantinos , Goumenakis Michail , Kotsyfakis Michail
Published: December 2022

Background

Here, we conducted a scoping review to (i) establish which machine learning (ML) methods have been applied to hematological malignancy imaging; (ii) establish how ML is being applied to hematological cancer radiology; and (iii) identify addressable research gaps.

Methods

The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The inclusion criteria were (i) pediatric and adult patients with suspected or confirmed hematological malignancy undergoing imaging (population); (ii) any study using ML techniques to derive models using radiological images to apply to the clinical management of these patients (concept); and (iii) original research articles conducted in any setting globally (context). Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria were used to assess diagnostic and segmentation studies, while the Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of observational studies.

Results

Of 53 eligible studies, 33 applied diverse ML techniques to diagnose hematological malignancies or to differentiate them from other diseases, especially discriminating gliomas from primary central nervous system lymphomas (n=18); 11 applied ML to segmentation tasks, while 9 applied ML to prognostication or predicting therapeutic responses, especially for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. All studies reported discrimination statistics, but no study calculated calibration statistics. Every diagnostic/segmentation study had a high risk of bias due to their case–control design; many studies failed to provide adequate details of the reference standard; and only a few studies used independent validation.

Conclusion

To deliver validated ML-based models to radiologists managing hematological malignancies, future studies should (i) adhere to standardized, high-quality reporting guidelines such as the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging; (ii) validate models in independent cohorts; (ii) standardize volume segmentation methods for segmentation tasks; (iv) establish comprehensive prospective studies that include different tumor grades, comparisons with radiologists, optimal imaging modalities, sequences, and planes; (v) include side-by-side comparisons of different methods; and (vi) include low- and middle-income countries in multicentric studies to enhance generalizability and reduce inequity.
Evidence of exhausted lymphocytes after the third anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose in cancer patients
Authors: Benitez Fuentes Javier David , Mohamed Mohamed Kauzar , de Luna Aguilar Alicia , Jiménez García Carlos , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , Fernandez-Arquero Miguel , Rodríguez de la Peña M Antonia , Garciía Bravo Laura , Jiménez Ortega Alejandro Francisco , Flores Navarro Paloma , Bartolome Arcilla Jorge , Alonso Arenilla Bárbara , Baos Muñoz Elvira , Delgado-Iribarren García-Campero Alberto , Montealegre Sanz María , Sanchez-Ramon Silvia , Perez Segura Pedro
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Evidence is scant regarding the long-term humoral and cellular responses Q7 triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines in cancer patients after repeated booster doses. The possibility of T-cell exhaustion following these booster doses in this population has not yet been fully studied and remains uncertain.

Methods

In this single-center prospective observational study, we explored the specific humoral and cellular response to S1 antigen in 36 patients with solid malignancies at baseline, and after the second and third doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine.

Results

A dual behavior was observed: 24 (66.7%) patients showed partial specific IFN-γ response after the second dose that was further enhanced after the third dose; and 11 (30.5%) already showed an optimal response after the second dose and experienced a marked fall-off of specific IFN-γ production after the third (4 patients negativization), which might suggest T cell exhaustion due to repetitive priming to the same antigen. One (2.8%) patient had persistently negative responses after all three doses. Seroconversion occurred in all patients after the second dose. We then studied circulating exhausted CD8+ T-cells in 4 patients from each of the two response patterns, those with increase and those with decrease in cellular response after the third booster. The patients with decreased cellular response after the booster had a higher expression of PD1+CD8+ and CD57+PD1+CD8+ exhausted T cells compared with those with an increased cellular response both in vivo and in vitro. The proportion of PD1+CD8+ and CD57+PD1+CD8+ exhausted T cells inversely correlated with IFN-γ production.

Discussion

Our preliminary data show that the two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine regimen was beneficial in all cancer patients of our study. An additional booster seems to be beneficial in suboptimal vaccine seroconverters, in contrast to maximal responders that might develop exhaustion. Our data should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and highlight the urgent need to validate our results in other independent and larger cohorts. Altogether, our data support the relevance of immunological functional studies to personalize preventive and treatment decisions in cancer patients.
Efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with HER2-low expression breast cancer: A real-world retrospective study
Authors: Tang Lingfeng , Li Zhenghang , Jiang Linshan , Shu Xiujie , Xu Yingkun , Liu Shengchun
Published: December 2022

Background

To characterize the clinicopathological features and evaluate the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) efficacy of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 905 breast cancer patients who received 4 cycles of thrice-weekly standard NACT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were retrospectively enrolled, including 685 cases with HER2-low expression and 220 cases with HER2-negative expression. Clinicopathological features were compared between patients with HER2-negative and HER2-low expression. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to find the independent factors of achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) after NACT.

Results

There were significant differences in stage_N (P = 0.014), histological grade (P = 0.001), estrogen receptor (ER) status (P < 0.001), progesterone receptor (PgR) status (P < 0.001), NACT regimens (P = 0.032) and NACT efficacy (P = 0.037) between patients with HER2-negative and HER2-low expression breast cancer. In subgroup analysis, histological grade (P = 0.032), ER (P = 0.002), Ki-67 (P < 0.001) and HER2 status (P = 0.025) were independent predictors of achieving a pCR in ER-positive breast cancer. And the nomogram for pCR in ER-positive breast cancer showed great discriminatory ability with an AUC of 0.795. The calibration curve also showed that the predictive ability of the nomogram was a good fit to actual observations. Then, in the analysis of ER-negative breast cancer, only stage_N (P = 0.001) and Ki-67 (P = 0.018) were independent influencing factors of achieving a pCR in ER-negative breast cancer.

Conclusion

HER2-low breast cancer was a different disease from HER2-negative breast cancer in clinicopathological features. Moreover, the NACT efficacy of HER2-low breast cancer patients was poorer.
Microstructural changes of white matter assessed with diffusional kurtosis imaging in extremely preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Guo Li-Min , Zhao Meng , Cai Yue , Li Na , Xu Xiao-quan , zhang Xuan , Zhang Jiu-Lou , Xie Qi-Lian , Li Si-si , Chen Xiao-Qing , Cui Shu-Dong , Lu Chao
Published: December 2022

Objective

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious neurological complication in premature infants. This study aimed to investigate the white matter impairments and neurodevelopmental outcomes of severe IVH in extremely preterm infants with gestation age less than 28 weeks.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the extremely preterm infants between 2017 and 2020. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III at 2 years of corrected age. Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) was employed to evaluate the microstructural changes in white matter tracts. Mean kurtosis (MK) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of DKI were measured in the brain regions including posterior limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC) and the corpus callosum at term equivalent age.

Results

Of 32 extremely preterm infants with severe IVH during the follow-up period, 18 cases were identified as neurodevelopmental impairments. The delay rates of motor and language were 58.4% and 52.7%. The cases with neurodevelopmental impairments had lower MK and FA values in both bilateral PLIC and the corpus callosum. The analysis of multivariable regression models predicting motor and language outcomes at 2 years of corrected age, showed that the decreases of MK values in both PLIC and the corpus callosum at the term equivalent age contributed to a significantly increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments (all p < 0.05). During follow-up period, obvious loss of nerve fiber bundles was observed with DKI tractography.

Conclusion

Motor and language abilities at age 2 years were associated with MK values of DKI at the term equivalent age in both PLIC and the corpus callosum of extremely preterm infants with severe IVH. The evaluation of white matter microstructural changes with MK values might provide feasible indicators of neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage.
Low-dose esketamine for the prevention of emergency agitation in children after tonsillectomy: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Qi , Fan Jiaming , Zhang Wangping
Published: December 2022

Background: Emergency agitation is a common postoperative complication in pediatric patients after general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a low dose of esketamine on emergency agitation in children following tonsillectomy.

Materials and Methods: Eighty children were recruited prospectively to this study and divided into the esketamine group and the control group (40 cases in each group). The induction and maintenance of anesthesia were the same in both groups. At the end of surgery, the esketamine group received 0.25 μg/kg esketamine, while the control group received the same volume of normal saline. The extubation time, time to eye opening, Ramsay sedation scale and time to discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) were recorded during post-anesthesia care unit. Postoperative complications, such as emergency agitation, respiratory depression, hypertension, tachycardia, nightmares, nausea, and vomiting, were also recorded.

Results: The incidence of emergency agitation was lower in the esketamine group compared with that in the control group (5% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.006). The time to eye opening was longer in the esketamine group than in the control group (17.2 ± 2.7 vs. 15.5 ± 2.3 min, p = 0.005). However, the extubation time and time to discharge from PACU were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion: Low-dose of esketamine decreases the incidence of emergency agitation in children after tonsillectomy without delaying extubation time and increasing the postoperative side effects. (www.chictr.org.cn, registration number: ChiCTR2100054178).
The giant escape neurons of crayfish: Past discoveries and present opportunities
Authors: Herberholz Jens
Published: December 2022

Crayfish are equipped with two prominent neural circuits that control rapid, stereotyped escape behaviors. Central to these circuits are bilateral pairs of giant neurons that transverse the nervous system and generate escape tail-flips in opposite directions away from threatening stimuli.
Whole-genome sequencing of a year-round fruiting jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) reveals high levels of single nucleotide variation
Authors: Islam Tofazzal , Afroz Nadia , Koh ChuShin , Hoque M. Nazmul , Rahman Md. Jillur , Gupta Dipali Rani , Mahmud Nur Uddin , Nahid Abdullah Al , Islam Rashedul , Bhowmik Pankaj K. , Sharpe Andrew G.
Published: December 2022

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is the national fruit of Bangladesh and produces fruit in the summer season only. However, jackfruit is not commercially grown in Bangladesh because of an extremely high variation in fruit quality, short seasonal fruiting (June-August) and susceptibility to abiotic stresses. Conversely, a year-round high yielding (ca. 4-fold higher than the seasonal variety) jackfruit variety, BARI Kanthal-3 developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) derived from a wild accession found in Ramgarh of Chattogram Hiltracts of Bangladesh, provides fruits from September to June. This study aimed to generate a draft whole-genome sequence (WGS) of BARI Kanthal-3 to obtain molecular insights including genes associated with year-round fruiting trait of this important unique variety. The estimated genome size of BARI Kanthal-3 was 1.04-gigabase-pair (Gbp) with a heterozygosity rate of 1.62%. De novo assembly yielded a scaffolded 817.7 Mb genome while a reference-guided approach, yielded 843 Mb of genome sequence. The estimated GC content was 34.10%. Variant analysis revealed that BARI Kanthal-3 included 5.7 M (35%) and 10.4 M (65%) simple and heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and about 90% of all these polymorphisms are in inter-genic regions. Through BUSCO assessment, 97.2% of the core genes were represented in the assembly with 1.3% and 1.5% either fragmented or missing, respectively. By comparing identified orthologous gene groups in BARI Kanthal-3 with five closely and one distantly related species of 10,092 common orthogroups were found across the genomes of the six species. The phylogenetic analysis of the shared orthogroups showed that A. heterophyllus was the closest species to BARI Kanthal-3 and orthogroups related to flowering time were found to be more highly prevalent in BARI Kanthal-3 compared to the other Arctocarpus spp. The findings of this study will help better understanding the evolution, domestication, phylogenetic relationships, year-round fruiting of this highly nutritious fruit crop as well as providing a resource for molecular breeding.
Images of bodies in mass and social media and body dissatisfaction: The role of internalization and self-discrepancy
Authors: Möri Michelle , Mongillo Federica , Fahr Andreas
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The study examines the influence on body dissatisfaction of viewed images of bodies transmitted over mass media and social media, as mediated by the internalization of body ideals through media and self-discrepancy (the difference between the perceived actual self and the perceived ideal self).

Method

In this study, the images of bodies individuals view in their everyday media diet are estimated using a newly developed pictorial scale for women (thinness) and men (muscularity). For participants, the perceived body image is formed through mass media (magazines, TV) and social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat). The self-discrepancy theory is then used to explain the effect of images of bodies in the media on the internalization of these body ideals and body dissatisfaction.

Results

Results show that Facebook and YouTube shape body ideals perceived to be prevalent in the media, negatively influencing internalization and self-discrepancy. Self-discrepancy, in turn, increases body dissatisfaction. However, for males, the perceived body ideals in the media did not affect body dissatisfaction, internalization, or self-discrepancy.

Discussion

These results emphasize the importance of combining and comparing mass and social media and differentiating between female and male concerns regarding body image.
Impact of human capital and social capital on employability of Chinese college students under COVID-19 epidemic—Joint moderating effects of perception reduction of employment opportunities and future career clarity
Authors: Shiyuan Yang , Jinxiu Yang , Jingfei Xu , Yuling Zhao , Longhua Yue , Houjian Li , Wei Li , Hao Cheng , Guorong He , Juan Chen
Published: December 2022

This research constructed a relationship model between human capital, social capital, and the employability of college students. With two moderating variables introduced, the perception reduction of employment opportunities under the COVID-19 epidemic and future career clarity, this research studied the direct impact of human capital and social capital on the employability of college students and boundary conditions. Research data from 810 employed Chinese college graduates shows that both human capital and social capital have a positive and significant impact on the employability; the perception reduction of employment opportunities under the COVID-19 epidemic negatively regulates the relationship between human capital and the employability of college students; the future career clarity positively regulates the relationship between human capital and the employability of college students; the perception reduction of employment opportunities under COVID-19 epidemic and the future career clarity jointly regulate the relationship between human capital, social capital and the employability of college students. These conclusions enrich the relevant theoretical and practical research on the employability of college students under the COVID-19 epidemic.
English learning burnout: Scale validation in the Chinese context
Authors: Liu Honggang , Zhong Yuchen
Published: December 2022

While there has been considerable research on learning burnout in educational psychology, it has received little attention in language education. To fill this gap, the present study aims at exploring the construct of English learning burnout (ELB) and examining the levels of this complex construct in a large sample of 1,213 Chinese senior high school students utilizing a 15-itemSenior High School English Learning Burnout Scale. A two-dimensional structure of ELB comprising exhaustion and demotivation was extracted by exploratory factor analysis and validated by confirmatory factor analysis. A descriptive analysis showed low levels of global ELB and exhaustion and a moderate level of demotivation. The findings suggest that teachers should be mindful of fostering students’ self-regulated strategies to alleviate their ELB.
Spatio-temporal evolution of the resilience of Chinese border cities
Authors: Sui Lili , Peng Fei , Wu Siyu
Published: December 2022

In China, border cities are developing in the direction of trade, investment, tourism, and regional diversification and becoming crucial for the national opening-up strategy and inter-regional exchange. In this study, we construct a comprehensive system for measuring and evaluating the resilience of border cities in China that also reveals the spatial and temporal characteristics of resilience. Three representative sample zones (Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest) are selected within the three major regions of China to analyze the regional differences in border city resilience and propose targeted coping strategies. The findings of this study are as follows. First, the spatial distribution of resilience in Chinese border cities varies significantly, with the overall resilience decreasing in the following order: Northeast China > Southwest China > Northwest China > North China > Tibetan China. Higher resilience of border cities is predominantly related to better economic foundations and advantages in border trade. Second, the resilience of China's border cities has increased significantly over the past decade, with highly resilient border cities concentrated in the northeastern part of China, the northern part of Xinjiang, and Guangxi Province. Moreover, high resilience generally spreads to surrounding low-resilience cities over time. Third, the spatial distribution and development trends of resilience levels differ among the three sample zones. Therefore, it is crucial to improve urban resilience according to the regional characteristics of each border city and its specific developmental stage.
Retrospective study on bovine clinical mastitis and associated milk loss during the month of its peak occurrence at the National Dairy Farm in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ameni Gobena , Bayissa Berecha , Zewude Aboma , Degefa Berhanu Adenew , Mohteshamuddin Khaja , Kalaiah Gopala , Alkalbani Meera Saeed , Eltahir Yassir Mohammed , Elfatih Hamad Mohamed , Tibbo Markos
Published: December 2022

Background

Commercial dairy establishments are relatively young in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and as a result, there is lack of epidemiological data on mastitis in dairy farms.

Methods

A retrospective data of seven years (2015–2021) were used to estimate the cumulative average monthly incidence rate of bovine clinical mastitis and evaluate associated milk loss at the National Dairy Farm. Data were extracted from the records of lactating dairy cows (n = 1300–1450) and analyzed using repeated measure and one-way ANOVA, non-parametric Spearman correlation, paired and unpaired t tests.

Results

The highest average cumulative monthly incidence rate was 49 cases per 1000 cows-year that was recorded in 2019 while the lowest was 19 cases per 1000 cows-year in 2021. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate of clinical mastitis significantly (p < 0.001) varied among the seven years. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate was associated with average monthly humidity (p < 0.01) and average monthly rainfall (p < 0.05); however, it was not associated with the average monthly temperature (p > 0.05). The average daily milk yield of cows with clinical mastitis (Mean ± SEM; 18.6 ± 0.54 kg) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than the average daily milk yield of clinical mastitis free cows (40.5 ± 0.29 kg). The largest average monthly milk loss due to clinical mastitis was 5% of the average total monthly milk production in 2019 while the lowest was 2% of the average total monthly milk production in 2021.

Conclusion

The result of the study indicated the direct influence of weather conditions such as increased rainfall and humidity, which caused an upsurge in the incidence rate of clinical mastitis, leading to an increased loss in milk and hence the economy of the dairy farm. Proactive preventive measures along with good dairy farm practices that help mitigate the impacts of harsh weather conditions are recommended.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Open Innovation Promote the Performance of Services SMEs: The Mediating Role of Cost Leadership
Authors: Chelliah Mahendra Kumar , Aravindan Kalisri Logeswaran , Muthaiyah Saravanan
Published: December 2022

In the 21st century, small and medium service firms face difficulty sustaining their performance. Additionally, the literature on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in SMEs is scarce. Moreover, the role of cost leadership strategy as a mediator lacks researchers’ attention. Therefore, this research aims to examine the relationship between EO and SMEs performance with the mediating role of cost leadership strategy. Based on the contingency theory, a theoretical model has been drawn. A survey approach with a questionnaire technique has been adapted to achieve the study objectives. The data were collected from 283 service SMEs in three states of Malaysia. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to analyze the empirical data. The study findings highlight that risk-taking and open innovation have no direct relationship with SMEs’ performance. However, through the mediation role of cost leadership, risk-taking and open innovation have a significant association with performance. Furthermore, the findings indicate that proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy have a positive and direct relationship with performance, whereas in the presence of cost leadership, competitive aggressiveness has a partial mediating effect. The empirical findings are helpful to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
Seed Priming Improves Biochemical and Physiological Performance of Wheat Seedlings under Low-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Kanjevac Milica , Bojović Biljana , Ćirić Andrija , Stanković Milan , Jakovljević Dragana
Published: December 2022

Wheat is a widely cultivated cereal throughout the world and stress caused by low temperatures significantly affects all stages of wheat development. Seed priming is an effective method to produce stress-resistant plants. This work was carried out to determine whether different priming methods (hormo-, halo-, osmo-, and hydropriming) can increase the resistance of wheat to low-temperature conditions (10 °C). The effect of priming on growth, as well as the biochemical and physiological performance of wheat seedlings were monitored. In general, priming had a significant stimulatory effect on the monitored characteristics. Hormo- and halopriming had a positive effect on the growth, vigor index, and total soluble protein content of wheat seedlings. Additionally, hormopriming reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in wheat seedlings compared to unprimed seeds. A dominant effect on antioxidant enzymes (superoxide-dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and pyrogallol peroxidase) was recorded after seed priming with KNO3. The effectiveness of priming was also confirmed through the increased content of phenolic compounds (including flavonoids), and total antioxidant activity. The HPLC analysis showed increased content of chlorogenic acid, catechin, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, sinapic acid, rutin, naringin, and quercetin in primed wheat seedlings compared to unprimed grown seedlings under low-temperature conditions with the best effects achieved by hormo- and hydropriming. It is concluded that seed priming can be regarded as a promising approach for increasing the resistance of wheat seedlings to low-temperature stress.
Leaching of Sulfadiazine and Florfenicol in an Entisol of a Chicken-Raising Orchard: Impact of Manure-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter
Authors: Gbadegesin Lanre Anthony , Liu Xinyu , Tang Xiangyu , Liu Chen , Cui Junfang
Published: December 2022

Antibiotic pollution from manured farmland soils is a major public concern, and their potential interaction with manure particles and/or manure–dissolved organic matter (DOM) often complicates their leaching behaviour. This study investigated the leaching of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and florfenicol (FFC) with manure-DOM in undisturbed field lysimeters and repacked soil columns under natural and simulated rainfall conditions. The results showed that manure-DOM reduced SDZ mass flux, but soil hydrological processes and heavy rainfall events led to accelerated leaching. FFC was more prone to leaching in a manured plot (0.48 µg m−2 h−1) compared to the control (0.12 µg m−2 h−1), suggesting DOM facilitated transport of FFC in the field lysimeter study via cotransport mechanisms favored by abundant macropores in the study site. In contrast, SDZ and FFC mobility were reduced in repacked soil columns under manure-DOM conditions, suggesting complexation and adsorption in matrix pores. Two kinetic site models and two-site nonequilibrium adsorption models revealed the existence of nonequilibrium conditions and kinetic sorption processes in the repacked column. FFC exhibited lower leaching potential compared to SDZ in both the repacked column and natural field conditions. Redundancy analyses revealed that FFC had a close relationship with humic-like components (C1 and C3), but SDZ was more related to the protein-like components (C2) of DOM. The presence of manure-DOM may decrease the ecological risks of highly mobile antibiotics under matrix flow through complexations and adsorption. However, a similar scenario in macroporous flow under heavy rainfalls may lead to accelerated leaching.
Effect of Qiling Jiaogulan Powder on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Arteriole Remodeling in Low-Temperature-Exposed Broilers
Authors: Yu Juan , Li Peng , Duan Zhibian , Liu Xingyou
Published: December 2022

Chinese herbal medicine plays an important role in regulating the nutritional metabolism of poultry and maintaining or improving normal physiological functions and animal health. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Qiling Jiaogulan Powder (QLJP) on pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arteriole remodeling in low temperature-exposed broilers. Seven-day-old Ross 308 broilers (n = 240) were reared adaptively to 14 days of age. The broilers were randomly divided into six groups: A control group (basal diet and normal feeding temperature); model group (basal diet); low-, medium- and high-dose QLJP groups (basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg QLJP); and L-Arg group (basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg L-arginine). Additionally, all the broilers, except the broilers in the control group, from the age of 14 days old, had a house temperature continuously lowered by 2 °C each day until it reached 12 °C at 21 days of age, and the low temperature was maintained until the end of the experiment. There were four replicates per group and 10 birds per replicate. The results showed that the structure of the lung tissue was clearer and basically intact in the broilers in the QLJP groups, with a small number of collagen fibers formed, and the content of hydroxyproline (HYP) was significantly reduced. QLJP improved pulmonary arteriole lesions, such as tunica media thickening, intimal hyperplasia, arterial wall hypertrophy, and lumen narrowing. QLJP reduced the relative media thickness (%) and relative medial area (%) of the pulmonary arteriole, and significantly decreased the expression level of the alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein in pulmonary arteriole, which alleviated pulmonary arteriole remodeling. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that QLJP treatment significantly reduced the gene and protein levels of transforming growth factor-beta l (TGF-β1) and Smad2 in the lung and downregulated the gene and protein levels of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). In conclusion, the results of our study suggested that dietary supplementation with QLJP improved pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arteriole remodeling by inhibiting the expression of genes related to the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway and inhibited the occurrence and development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in low-temperature-exposed broilers.
Adhesion Performance between Solid Waste and Bitumen Based on Surface Energy Theory
Authors: Sun Yu , Zhu Haoyu , Liao Jian , Zhang Rong , Huang Chongwei
Published: December 2022

Natural aggregates are gradually experiencing resource shortages and price accumulations with the rapid development rate of the highway construction industry. Therefore, new materials with social and economic benefits must be identified to replace natural aggregates. Limestone was selected as the representative of natural aggregates, and waste glass and waste ceramics were chosen as the representatives of solid waste in this article. This was undertaken to compare their physical and mechanical properties and the adhesion performance between bitumen and aggregates and to investigate the applicability of solid waste in asphalt pavement. The chemical and mineral compositions of these materials were tested by an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and an X-ray powder diffractometer. The adhesion performance between bitumen and aggregates was analyzed by establishing adhesion and spalling models based on surface energy theory. Results show that the sizes of glass and ceramics must be small, characteristics which are unsuitable for use in high-grade roads. Glass and ceramics are more adhesive to bitumen than limestone and are suitable for areas with a considerable amount of rainfall and insufficient drainage systems. This article can promote the recycling of glass and ceramics and also provide a research idea for verifying the suitability of other solid waste in asphalt pavement.
CFD–DEM Simulation of Dust Deposition on Solar Panels for Desert Railways
Authors: Zhang Jinghong , Li Xingcai , Wang Juan , Qiao Li
Published: December 2022

With the greening of the railway energy supply chain, large-scale photovoltaic power stations will be the best choice to integrate with the railways. Understanding the deposition mechanisms and rules of dust grains on photovoltaic panels is of great guiding significance for the operation of photovoltaic (PV) power stations. In this paper, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combined with the discrete element method (DEM), the dynamic dust deposition process on solar panels was simulated, and the flow field around solar panels and the movement of dust particles in the wind were calculated. The simulation results of clay particles (d = 10 mm) and fine sand particles (d = 100 mm) under different wind speeds showed that the clay particles could follow the air flow properly, and their deposition rate was only 4.6%, while the deposition rate of the fine sand particles was up to 32%, which was determined by the inflow wind speed and cohesion parameters. An image of the non-uniform distribution of particles on the panels was given in this paper for the first time. This will provide a basis for a more accurate assessment of the impact of dust accumulation on PV output in real-world environments. These results provide a critical reference for railway photovoltaic power supply development in desertification areas.
Exploring the Role of Attitudinal Factors in Electric Vehicle Timeshare Rentals Adoption
Authors: Wang Shunchao , Lin Qinghai , Zhou Ziyi , Nie Chunting
Published: December 2022

Electric vehicle timeshare rentals (EVTRs) have been recognized as promising solutions to growingly severe problems of traffic congestion, air pollution, and insufficient parking spaces. This study aims to explore the factors that affect the adoption of EVTRs. To achieve the research objective, the household survey is conducted to obtain the travelers’ attitudes towards their travel. Ten latent attitudinal factors are extracted based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The multi-index and multi-cause (MIMIC) method simultaneously estimates the correlations between the attitudinal factors. Two logit models with attitudinal factors or not are constructed to estimate the quantitative relationship between various factors and EVTR adoption. The results show that the accuracy of the mixed logit model with latent attitude variables is better than the binary logit model without attitude latent variables. This indicates that attitude latent factors could be well matched with the traveler’s travel behavior and could better reflect travelers’ travel demand. Perceived comfort, perceived efficient, subjective evaluation, use preference, and use willingness significantly impact EVTR use frequency. The inconvenience in travelers, rental stations, shared vehicles, and use modes have significant negative impacts. Finally, social pressure has no significant impact. Findings provide valuable insights regarding the efficient planning of the EVTR system and allow decision-makers to develop scientific and practical measures of EVTRs.