bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do smart city pilots affect the ESG performance of manufacturing firms? evidence from China
Authors: Tang Haisheng , Wang Jeng-Bang , Ou Chung-Ya 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The existing literature extensively covers factors influencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. However, there’s a lack of studies exploring the relationship between smart cities and ESG performance. This gap is surprising, particularly considering the significant role that governments in developing countries play in leading smart city initiatives.Methods: As the impact of smart city pilot (SCP) policies, initiated by governments, on the ESG performance of manufacturing firms lacks verification, our study leverages SCP as a quasi-experiment to examine the effects of smart city development on this performance. Data was collected from 2,229 listed manufacturing firms in China from 2009 to 2020.Results: Our findings indicate a substantial increase in ESG performance among manufacturing firms due to SCP implementation. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive influence of SCP is primarily advantageous for non-state-owned enterprises. Geographically, SCP significantly enhances corporate ESG performance in eastern and central China, with more muted effects observed in the western region. Two key mechanisms driving the enhancement of corporate ESG performance due to SCP are the promotion of green innovation investment and the improvement of internal control quality.Discussion: This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders in China and other emerging economies. It guides them in fortifying ESG performance, thereby facilitating sustainable corporate growth.
Environmental change induced by water engineering development dominates the global watershed sustainable development issues
Authors: Meng Zhu , Cheng-Qi Zhang , Qi Feng , Ju-Tao Zhang , Wei Liu , Ling-Ge Wang , Yuan-Yuan Xue , Ying-Qing Su 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Global watershed sustainable development has experienced world-wide threats from continuing anthropogenic stressors, and the need to deepen and broaden research encompassing the intersection in global environmental change as well as environmentally oriented watershed sustainable development (EOWSD) has been noticed. However, there is not yet a widely recognized cognition on the applicability and scope of various EOWSD issues, and the zoning of global EOWSD issues is remains uncertain despite it is crucial for achieving global watershed sustainable development.Methods: This research was conducted to both clarify the zoning and evolution of various EOWSD issues around the world, and differentiate the relative impacts on EOWSD of climate change and human activities. The global EOWSD issues were summarized from 62 watersheds around the world as 6 categories associated with different aspects of global watershed sustainability. And the partition method, in which the spatial and temporal variations of global summer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in summer were examined and the quantitative climate classification were conducted, indicates a clear and definite relationship between the zoning of EOWSD issues and 8 natural geographical zones. Meanwhile, we selected 34 watersheds either or both are the 100 most populous river basins and the 100 largest (by area) river basins in the world from the 62 watersheds to assess relative effects of human impact on watershed sustainability.Results: Results from the numerical analyses of baseline water stress (BWS) values, which was used to provide a robust measure of human impact and evaluate the impact and relative importance of human-induced changes on watershed sustainability, indicate that the human activities do not affect the zoning of EOWSD issues at global scale while the environmental change induced by water engineering development should be certain to affect that on the long-term.Discussion: Our findings present a new perspective to illustrate the relationship among global EOWSD, environmental change and human impacts, and will also provide a scientific basis on setting future emphasizes of global watershed sustainable development and furthering the related disciplines.
Functional traits and phylogeny jointly regulate the effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation on species spatial distribution
Authors: Wang Minghui , Liu Wande , Chen Zhaoquan , Li Shuaifeng , Huang Xiaobo , Hu Zihan , Shang Ruiguang 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionRevealing the spatial distribution pattern and formation mechanism of species in a community can provide important clues for community renewal, succession, and diversity maintenance mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, we employed spatial point process modeling to identify and quantify the processes contributing to the spatial distribution of species. Simultaneously, we explored the relationship between functional traits and species spatial distribution characteristics in conjunction with phylogenetic studies.ResultsThe results revealed that the LGCP model effectively described all species, indicating that the spatial pattern of species may be influenced by a combination of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation. Disparities in species spatial distribution were elucidated by characterizing functional traits, such as body size and resource conservation. Incorporating phylogenetic information enhanced the predictive capacity of functional traits in explaining species spatial distribution.DiscussionThis study underscores the significance of the joint effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation in generating species spatial distribution patterns. Integrating spatial point process models with considerations of functional traits and phylogeny proves to be an effective approach for comprehending the mechanisms governing species combinations.
Polyketide synthases mutation in tuberculosis transmission revealed by whole genomic sequence, China, 2011–2019
Authors: Wang Ting-Ting , Hu Yuan-Long , Li Yi-Fan , Kong Xiang-Long , Li Ya-Meng , Sun Ping-Yi , Wang Da-Xing , Li Ying-Ying , Zhang Yu-Zhen , Han Qi-Lin , Zhu Xue-Han , An Qi-Qi , Liu Li-Li , Liu Yao , Li Huai-Chen 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous studies have primarily focused on the transmissibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb. However, variations in virulence across Mtb lineages may also account for differences in transmissibility. In Mtb, polyketide synthase (PKS) genes encode large multifunctional proteins which have been shown to be major mycobacterial virulence factors. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the role of PKS mutations in TB transmission and assess its risk and characteristics.Methods: Whole genome sequences (WGSs) data from 3,204 Mtb isolates was collected from 2011 to 2019 in China. Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles were used for phylogenetic tree analysis. Putative transmission clusters (≤10 SNPs) were identified. To identify the role of PKS mutations in TB transmission, we compared SNPs in the PKS gene region between “clustered isolates” and “non-clustered isolates” in different lineages.Results: Cluster-associated mutations in ppsA, pks12, and pks13 were identified among different lineage isolates. They were statistically significant among clustered strains, indicating that they may enhance the transmissibility of Mtb.Conclusion: Overall, this study provides new insights into the function of PKS and its localization in M. tuberculosis. The study found that ppsA, pks12, and pks13 may contribute to disease progression and higher transmission of certain strains. We also discussed the prospective use of mutant ppsA, pks12, and pks13 genes as drug targets.
Lessons learned from rapid exome sequencing for 575 critically ill patients across the broad spectrum of rare disease
Authors: Marouane Abderrahim , Neveling Kornelia , Deden A. Chantal , van den Heuvel Simone , Zafeiropoulou Dimitra , Castelein Steven , van de Veerdonk Frank , Koolen David A. , Simons Annet , Rodenburg Richard , Westra Dineke , Mensenkamp Arjen R. , de Leeuw Nicole , Ligtenberg Marjolijn , Matthijsse Rene , Pfundt Rolph , Kamsteeg Erik Jan , Brunner Han G. , Gilissen Christian , Feenstra Ilse , de Boode Willem P. , Yntema Helger G. , van Zelst-Stams Wendy A. G. , Nelen Marcel , Vissers Lisenka E. L. M. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Rapid exome sequencing (rES) has become the first-choice genetic test for critically ill patients, mostly neonates, young infants, or fetuses in prenatal care, in time-sensitive situations and when it is expected that the genetic test result may guide clinical decision making. The implementation of rES has revolutionized medicine by enabling timely identification of genetic causes for various rare diseases. The utilization of rES has increasingly been recognized as an essential diagnostic tool for the identification of complex and undiagnosed genetic disorders.Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of our experiences with rES performed on 575 critically ill patients from various age groups (prenatal to adulthood), over a four-year period (2016–2019). These patients presented with a wide spectrum of rare diseases, including but not limited to neurological disorders, severe combined immune deficiency, and cancer.Results: During the study period, there was a significant increase in rES referrals, with a rise from a total of two referrals in Q1-2016 to 10 referrals per week in Q4-2019. The median turnaround time (TAT) decreased from 17 to 11 days in the period 2016–2019, with an overall median TAT of 11 days (IQR 8–15 days). The overall diagnostic yield for this cohort was 30.4%, and did not significantly differ between the different age groups (e.g. adults 22.2% vs children 31.0%; p-value 0.35). However, variability in yield was observed between clinical entities: craniofacial anomalies yielded 58.3%, while for three clinical entities (severe combined immune deficiency, aneurysm, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) no diagnoses were obtained.Discussion: Importantly, whereas clinical significance is often only attributed to a conclusive diagnosis, we also observed impact on clinical decision-making for individuals in whom no genetic diagnosis was established. Hence, our experience shows that rES has an important role for patients of all ages and across the broad spectrum of rare diseases to impact clinical outcomes.
Current vaccination status and safety of children with peripheral neuroblastoma in the real-world
Authors: Shen Heping , Xu Yuyang , Zhan Yuxuan , Liu Yan , Zhang Xuechao , Li Mingyan , Ji Chai 
Published: January 2024

Backgroundperipheral neuroblastic tumors (pNT) have high incidence and mortality, and infants are prone to various infectious diseases. The purpose of this study is to understand the immunization status of children with pNT in the real-world and the incidence of adverse reactions after vaccination, and to evaluate the feasibility of vaccination and the influencing factors of vaccination.MethodsChildren with pNT treated in the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University from January 1, 2011 to December 1, 2021 were included. By referring to medical records, the vaccination history of the national immunization program (NIP) vaccines and the occurrence of adverse events following immunization(AEFI), current status and safety of immunization in children with pNT in the real-world were analyzed.ResultsAmong 784 children with pNT, 394 were able to obtain the history of vaccination. The overall vaccination rate of NIP vaccines was 71.49% before chemotherapy and 37.67% after chemotherapy, and the recovery time of vaccination after treatment was 16.00 (6.00,24.00) months. Age, time of tumor diagnosis and disease classification were significantly correlated with vaccination. AEFI reported an incidence of 0.23‰.ConclusionThe vaccination rate of children with pNT is generally low, especially the vaccination rate after chemotherapy. The vaccination safety is good, children should be encouraged to immunize.
Identification of the shared genetic architecture underlying seven autoimmune diseases with GWAS summary statistics
Authors: Wang Yuping , Yang Yongli , Jia Xiaocan , Zhao Chenyu , Yang Chaojun , Fan Jingwen , Wang Nana , Shi Xuezhong 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe common clinical symptoms and immunopathological mechanisms have been observed among multiple autoimmune diseases (ADs), but the shared genetic etiology remains unclear.MethodsGWAS summary statistics of seven ADs were downloaded from Open Targets Genetics and Dryad. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was applied to estimate overall genetic correlations, bivariate causal mixture model (MiXeR) was used to qualify the polygenic overlap, and stratified-LDSC partitioned heritability to reveal tissue and cell type specific enrichments. Ultimately, we conducted a novel adaptive association test called MTaSPUsSet for identifying pleiotropic genes.ResultsThe high heritability of seven ADs ranged from 0.1228 to 0.5972, and strong genetic correlations among certain phenotypes varied between 0.185 and 0.721. There was substantial polygenic overlap, with the number of shared SNPs approximately 0.03K to 0.21K. The specificity of SNP heritability was enriched in the immune/hematopoietic related tissue and cells. Furthermore, we identified 32 pleiotropic genes associated with seven ADs, 23 genes were considered as novel genes. These genes were involved in several cell regulation pathways and immunologic signatures.ConclusionWe comprehensively explored the shared genetic architecture across seven ADs. The findings progress the exploration of common molecular mechanisms and biological processes involved, and facilitate understanding of disease etiology.
First screening of bacteria assemblages associated with the marine polychaete Melinna palmata Grube, 1870 and adjacent sediments
Authors: Menabit Selma , Lavin Paris , Begun Tatiana , Mureşan Mihaela , Teacă Adrian , Purcarea Cristina 
Published: January 2024

Bacteria associated with marine invertebrate play a fundamental role in the biology, ecology, development and evolution of their hosts. Although many studies have been focused on the microbial populations of benthic and pelagic habitats, little is known about bacteria colonizing tube-dwelling polychaete. In this context, the current study provided the first characterization of the Melinna palmata Grube, 1870 microbiome based on Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene of the polychaete tissue and proximate sediments collected from the Black Sea, Romania, along a 24.2 m – 45.4 m depth-gradient. The diversity, taxonomic composition and deduced functional profile of the tissue and sediments associated bacterial communities were compared and analyzed in relation with the environmental parameters. This polychaete harbored a distinct bacterial assemblage as compared to their sediments and independent on the depth of their habitat, including 8 phyla in tissues dominated by Proteobacteria, and 12 phyla in sediments majorly represented by Actinobacteriota, respectively. At order level, Synechococcales, Rhodobacterales and Actinomarinales were highly represented in the M. palmata microbiome, while Microtrichales, Anaerolineales and Caldilineales were mostly found in sediments. A significant correlation was observed between Cyanobacteria taxa and the dissolved oxygen concentrations in shallow waters impacted by the Danube inputs. Meanwhile, this phylum showed a positive correlation with Planctomycetota colonizing the invertebrate tissues, and a negative one with Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexi found in sediments. The deduced functional profile of these bacterial assemblages suggested the prevalence of the amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism for both analyzed matrices. This pioneering report on the M. palmata microbiome highlighted the environment contribution to bacterial species enrichment of the polychaete, and provided a glimpse on the putative role of microbial communities associated with this marine organism.
Assessing the impact of adopting a competency-based medical education framework and ACGME-I accreditation on educational outcomes in a family medicine residency program in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Baynouna AlKetbi Latifa , Nagelkerke Nico , AlZarouni Amal A. , AlKuwaiti Mariam M. , AlDhaheri Ruwaya , AlNeyadi Amna M. , AlAlawi Shamma S. , AlKuwaiti Mouza H. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCompetency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is now mandated by many graduate and undergraduate accreditation standards. Evaluating CBME is essential for quantifying its impact, finding supporting evidence for the efforts invested in accreditation processes, and determining future steps. The Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) family medicine residency program has been accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) since 2013. This study aims to report the Abu Dhabi program’s experience in implementing CBME and accreditation.ObjectivesCompare the two residents’ cohorts’ performance pre-and post-ACGME-I accreditation.Study the bi-annually reported milestones as a graduating residents’ performance prognostic tool.MethodsAll residents in the program from 2008 to 2019 were included. They are called Cohort one—the intake from 2008 to 2012, before the ACGME accreditation, and Cohort two—the intake from 2013 to 2019, after the ACGME accreditation, with the milestones used. The mandatory annual in-training exam was used as an indication of the change in competency between the two cohorts. Among Cohort two ACGME-I, the biannual milestones data were studied to find the correlation between residents’ early and graduating milestones.ResultsA total of 112 residents were included: 36 in Cohort one and 76 in Cohort two. In Cohort one, before the ACGME accreditation, no significant associations were identified between residents’ graduation in-training exam and their early performance indicators, while in Cohort two, there were significant correlations between almost all performance metrics. Early milestones are correlated with the graduation in-training exam score. Linear regression confirmed this relationship after controlling the residents’ undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA). Competency development continues to improve even after residents complete training at Post Graduate Year, PGY4, as residents’ achievement in PGY5 continues to improve.ConclusionImproved achievement of residents after the introduction of the ACGME-I accreditation is evident. Additionally, the correlation between the graduation in-training exam and graduation milestones, with earlier milestones, suggests a possible use of early milestones in predicting outcomes.
A biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial to determine the ED90 of intrathecal sufentanil combined with ropivacaine 2.5 mg for labor analgesia
Authors: Yin Qiaoli , Yu Bin , Hao Hua , Li Gang , Sun Junyan , Kong Hao , Deng Liqin 
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo determine the 90 percent effective dose (ED90) of intrathecal sufentanil combined with ropivacaine 2.5 mg for labor analgesia and observe its safety for parturients and neonates.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, double-blind, biased coin up-and-down study. We injected a fixed 2.5 mg ropivacaine combined with a designated dose of sufentanil intrathecally to observe the labor analgesic effect. The initial dose of sufentanil was assigned 1.0 μg, and the remaining doses were assigned as per the biased coin up-and-down method. The criterion of successful response was defined as VAS ≤ 30 mm after intrathecal injection at 10 min. Safety was evaluated in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes.ResultsThe ED90 dose of intrathecal sufentanil combined with ropivacaine 2.5 mg (0.1%, 2.5 mL) was 2.61 μg (95% CI, 2.44 to 2.70 μg) by isotonic regression. No respiratory depression, hypotension, or motor block was observed. Thirty-one (77.5%) parturients complained of pruritus, and 14 (35.0%) suffered nausea and vomiting. Three neonates reported a 1 min Apgar score of ≤7, and none reported a 5 min Apgar score of ≤7.ConclusionThe ED90 of intrathecal sufentanil combined with ropivacaine 2.5 mg for labor analgesia was 2.61 μg. The dose is safe for parturients and neonates.
The effect of incomplete blinking rate on corneal epithelial remodeling after trans-PRK surgery: a six-month study
Authors: Yang Fan , Cheng Huanmin , Zhao Shaozhen , Huang Yue 
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of incomplete blink rate on corneal epithelial thickness after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) surgery.MethodsTrans-PRK patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative incomplete blinking rates, namely rates ≤0.5 (41 right eyes, group A) and rates &gt;0.5 (65 right eyes, group B). We used anterior segment optical coherence tomography to measure the corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and lipiview to measure the number of blinks, incomplete blinking rate, and lipid layer thickness (LLT).ResultsIn both groups, CET decreased at 1 week and 1 month, and the thicknesses in the IT, T, and ST regions exceeded the preoperative levels. Three months after Trans-PRK, the thickness exceeded the preoperative levels and continued to increase during subsequent follow-ups. The blinking times and LLT in both groups decreased at 1 week and gradually increased but did not return to preoperative levels. Group A maintained an incomplete blinking rate of over 0.5 at all postoperative periods. The incomplete blinking rate of group B remained above 0.5 postoperatively, although there was an improvement compared with preoperative rates. Both groups showed a correlation between changes in CET and incomplete blinking rate. There was a correlation between changes in LLT and the incomplete blinking rate after surgery.ConclusionBoth groups showed uneven corneal epithelia thickening, which became more pronounced approaching the peripheral areas. In addition, changes in CET after surgery were positively correlated with the incomplete blinking rate in both patient groups. There was a negative correlation between postoperative LLT and incomplete blinking rate.