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Fulltext Clusterin and Its Isoforms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Potential as Biomarkers: A Comprehensive Review

Zhang Q, Teow JY, Kerishnan JP, Abd Halim AA, Chen Y

Biomedicines, 2023 May 16;11(5).
PMID: 37239129 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051458

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of head and neck cancer, ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Early detection using biomarkers significantly increases the 5-year survival rate of OSCC by up to 80-90%. Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a sulfated chaperonic glycoprotein expressed in all tissues and human fluids and has been reported to be a potential biomarker of OSCC. CLU has been implicated as playing a vital role in many biological processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle, etc. Abnormal CLU expression has been linked with the development and progression of cancers. Despite the fact that there are many studies that have reported the involvement of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC, the exact roles of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC carcinogenesis have not been fully explored. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of CLU structure and genetics and its correlation with OSCC tumorigenesis to better understand potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker development. The relationship between CLU and chemotherapy resistance in cancer will also be discussed to explore the therapeutic application of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC.
Fulltext The symmetric and asymmetric effects of climate change on rice productivity in Malaysia

Zhang Q, Akhtar R, Saif ANM, Akhter H, Hossan D, Alam SMA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 May;9(5):e16118.
PMID: 37251829 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16118

The current study aims to examine the symmetric and asymmetric effects of climate change (CC) on rice productivity (RP) in Malaysia. The Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) models were employed in this study. Time series data from 1980 to 2019 were collected from the World Bank and the Department of Statistics, Malaysia. The estimated results are also validated using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegration Regression (CCR). The findings of symmetric ARDL show that rainfall and cultivated area have significant and advantageous effects on rice output. The NARDL-bound test outcomes display that climate change has an asymmetrical long-run impact on rice productivity. Climate change has had varying degrees of positive and negative impacts on rice productivity in Malaysia. Positive changes in temperature and rainfall have a substantial and destructive impact on RP. At the same time, negative variations in temperature and rainfall have a substantial and positive impact on rice production in the Malaysian agriculture sector. Changes in cultivated areas, both positive and negative, have a long-term optimistic impact on rice output. Additionally, we discovered that only temperature affects rice output in both directions. Malaysian policymakers must understand the symmetric and asymmetric effects of CC on RP and agricultural policies that will promote sustainable agricultural development and food security.
Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Caregiver Burden In Breast Cancer Patients: The Mediating Role of Anxiety and Depression

Wang S, Zhang Q, Goh PH, Hu J, Liu X, Du J, et al.

J Clin Psychol Med Settings, 2023 Sep;30(3):645-653.
PMID: 36385422 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09927-z

Breast cancer impacts not only the physical and mental health of patients but also the people around them-especially their caregivers. This study examined the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and caregiver burden in breast cancer patients through the mediating pathway of anxiety and depression.
METHODS: A total of 236 breast cancer patients from China completed the Chinese Version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (PSS), the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Chinese version of the General Anxiety Symptoms Scale (GAD-7). In addition, caregivers of these breast cancer patients were surveyed by the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ).
RESULTS: Structural equation model showed that our model fitted well [χ2 /df = 1.966, TLI = 0.959, CFI = 0.994, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.065 (0-0.12)] and revealed that anxiety, but not depression, mediated the relationship between PTSS in breast cancer patients and caregiver burden.
CONCLUSION: The level of PTSS was positively correlated with anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, and the level of anxiety and depression was positively related to caregiver burden. The PTSS of patients positively predicted caregiver burden and this relationship appears to be mediated by the patient's anxiety.
Genetic Diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in Asia

Adhikari TB, Cruz C, Zhang Q, Nelson RJ, Skinner DZ, Mew TW, et al.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1995 Mar;61(3):966-71.
PMID: 16534980

Restriction fragment length polymorphism and virulence analyses were used to evaluate the population structure of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the rice bacterial blight pathogen, from several rice-growing countries in Asia. Two DNA sequences from X. oryzae pv. oryzae, IS1112, an insertion sequence, and avrXa10, a member of a family of avirulence genes, were used as probes to analyze the genomes of 308 strains of X. oryzae pv. oryzae collected from China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, and the Philippines. On the basis of the consensus of three clustering statistics, the collection formed five clusters. Genetic distances within the five clusters ranged from 0.16 to 0.51, and distances between clusters ranged from 0.48 to 0.64. Three of the five clusters consisted of strains from a single country. Strains within two clusters, however, were found in more than one country, suggesting patterns of movement of the pathogen. The pathotype of X. oryzae pv. oryzae was determined for 226 strains by inoculating five rice differential cultivars. More than one pathotype was associated with each cluster; however, some pathotypes were associated with only one cluster. Most strains from South Asia (Nepal and India) were virulent to cultivars containing the bacterial blight resistance gene xa-5, while most strains from other countries were avirulent to xa-5. The regional differentiation of clusters of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in Asia and the association of some pathotypes of X. oryzae pv. oryzae with single clusters suggested that strategies that target regional resistance breeding and gene deployment are feasible.
Mariculture structure adjustment to achieve China's carbon neutrality and mitigate climate change

Song C, Xiong Y, Jin P, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Ma Z, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2023 Oct 15;895:164986.
PMID: 37353016 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164986

China is responsible for the biggest shellfish and macroalgae production in the world. In this study, comprehensive methods were used to assess the CO2 release and sequestration by maricultured shellfish and macroalgae in China. Through considering CaCO3 production and CO2 release coefficient (Φ, moles of CO2 released per mole of CaCO3 formed) in different waters, we find that cultured shellfish released 0.741 ± 0.008 Tg C yr-1 through calcification based on the data of 2016-2020. In addition to calcification, maricultured shellfish released 0.580 ± 0.004 Tg C yr-1 by respiration. Meanwhile, shellfish sequestered 0.145 ± 0.001 and 0.0387 ± 0.0004 Tg C yr-1 organic carbon in sediments and shells, respectively. Therefore, the net released CO2 by maricultured shellfish was 1.136 ± 0.011 Tg C yr-1, which is about four times higher than that maricultured macroalgae could sequester (0.280 ± 0.010 Tg C yr-1). To achieve carbon neutrality within the mariculture system, shellfish culture may need to be restricted and meanwhile the expansion of macroalgae cultivation should be carried out. The mean carbon sequestration rate of seven kinds of macroalgae was 174 ± 6 g m-2 yr-1 while some cultivated macroalgae had higher CO2 sequestration rates, e.g. 356 ± 24 g C m-2 yr-1 for Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and 331 ± 17 g C m-2 yr-1 for Undaria pinnatifida. In scenario 0.5 (CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) sequesters 0.5 Gt CO2 per year), using macroalgae culture cannot achieve China's carbon neutrality by 2060 but in scenarios 1.0 and 1.5 (CCUS sequesters 1.0 and 1.5 Gt CO2 per year, respectively) it is feasible to achieve carbon neutrality using some macroalgae species with high carbon sequestration rates. This study provides important insights into how to develop mariculture in the context of carbon-neutrality and climate change mitigation.
Effects of a Rapid Response Team on Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Zhang Q, Lee K, Mansor Z, Ismail I, Guo Y, Xiao Q, et al.

Heart Lung, 2024;63:51-64.
PMID: 37774510 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.09.007

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread adoption of the rapid response team (RRT) by many hospitals, questions remain regarding their effectiveness in improving several aspects of patient outcomes, such as hospital mortality, cardiopulmonary arrests, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and length of stay (LOS).
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review to understand the rapid response team's (RRT) effect on patient outcomes.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and two trial registers. The studies published up to May 6, 2022, from the inception date of the databases were included. Two researchers filtered the title, abstract and full text. The Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were used separately for randomized and non-randomized controlled trials for quality appraisal.
RESULTS: Sixty-one eligible studies were identified, four randomized controlled trials(RCTs), four non-randomized controlled trials, six interrupted time-series(ITS) design , and 47 pretest-posttest studies. A total of 52 studies reported hospital mortality, 51 studies reported cardiopulmonary arrests, 18 studies reported unplanned ICU admissions and ten studies reported LOS.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review found the variation in context and the type of RRT interventions restricts direct comparisons. The evidence for improving several aspects of patient outcomes was inconsistent, with most studies demonstrating that RRT positively impacts patient outcomes.
Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in mollusks along the coast of South China

Wu H, Yu M, Huang J, Zhang Q, Yao R, Liu H, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2025 Jan;210:117317.
PMID: 39579595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117317

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are emerging pollutants and used extensively in industrial production as alternative to the traditional flame retardants. This study investigated the contamination characteristics and health risks of OPEs in 104 mollusks from 15 cities along the coastal region of South China. Σ8OPEs ranged from 48.2 to 1937 ng/g dw, with a mean value of 295 ng/g dw. TDCIPP, TCPP, and TCEP were the dominant OPEs. Different spatial distributions were observed, with higher concentrations in Guangdong Province. A statistically positive but non-significant linear correlation was found between the trophic level of mollusk and OPEs concentration. The trophic magnification factors were >1, suggesting that OPEs have the potential to biomagnify in mollusks. OPEs in mollusks pose low non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to consumers. This study provides an important basis for managing the safety risks associated with OPEs in mollusks.
Prognostic Factors Associated With Survival Distribution of Admission to Delayed Rapid Response Team Activation Among Deteriorating Patients: A Retrospective Study

Zhang Q, Lee K, Qian P, Mansor Z, Ismail I, Guo Y, et al.

J Adv Nurs, 2024 Nov 28.
PMID: 39607180 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16541

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of rapid response team delays, survival distribution of admission to rapid response team delay and its prognostic factors.
DESIGN: A retrospective single-centre study.
METHODS: Data on rapid response team activations from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022 were retrieved from electronic medical records at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China. All patients who met the eligibility criteria were included. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to analyse the data.
RESULTS: Out of 636 patients included, 18.4% (117) experienced a delay, with a median (interquartile range) of 8.5 (12) days from admission to rapid response team activation. Six significant prognostic factors were found to be associated with the higher hazard ratio of rapid response team delay, including call time (05:01 PM and 7:59 AM), emergency admission, a higher Modified Early Warning Score, an admission diagnosis of infection, a comorbidity of respiratory failure/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and the absence of lung infection.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of rapid response team delays was lower, and the days from admission to rapid response team delay was longer than in previous studies. Healthcare providers are suggested to prioritise the care of high-risk patient groups and provide proactive monitoring to ensure timely identification and management.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: Implementing artificial intelligence in continuous monitoring systems for high-risk patients is recommended. The findings help nurses anticipate potential delays in rapid response team activation, enabling better preparedness.
IMPACT: The study highlights the prevalence of rapid response team delays, timing from admission to rapid response team activation and six prognostic factors influencing delays. It could shape patient care and inform future research. Hospital administrators should review staffing, especially during night shifts, to minimise delays. Further qualitative research is needed to explore why nurses may delay rapid response team activation.
REPORTING METHOD: The STROBE checklist was adhered to when reporting this study. 'No patient or public contribution'.
Fulltext Merging the theory of planned behaviour and value-belief-norm theory to predict green hotel visit intention among Chinese university students: The case from Xuzhou, China

Wang L, Gong Y, Zhang Q, Sun R, Wong PPW, Zhou WW

Acta Psychol (Amst), 2024 Nov;251:104627.
PMID: 39632323 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104627

Few research studies attempt to merge the theory of planned behaviour and value-belief-norm theory in explaining consumers green hotels visits although they may deem to be complementary. This study attempts to merge both theories by investigating the relationships between the different aspects of values, attitudes, norms, perceived behavioural control, awareness of consequence, ascription of responsibility and intention. A total of 596 young responses were collected, and the results showed that altruistic value positively influenced subjective norm, extrinsic attitude and perceived behavioural control. Biospheric value positively influenced extrinsic attitude, intrinsic attitude and perceived behavioural control while collectivistic value positively influenced subjective norm, extrinsic attitude, and intrinsic attitude. A causal effect from extrinsic attitude and intrinsic attitude on awareness of consequence, then on ascription of responsibility, subsequently on personal norm, finally on intention had been found. Subjective norm positively influenced extrinsic attitude, intrinsic attitude, perceived behavioural control and personal norm. Furthermore, perceived behavioural control positively influenced intention. Lastly, theoretical and practical implications and limitations of the study were discussed accordingly.
Proteomic profile of edible bird's nest proteins

Liu X, Lai X, Zhang S, Huang X, Lan Q, Li Y, et al.

J Agric Food Chem, 2012 Dec 26;60(51):12477-81.
PMID: 23214475 DOI: 10.1021/jf303533p

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is made of the swiftlets' saliva, which has attracted rather more attention owing to its nutritious and medical properties. Although protein constitutes the main composition and plays an important role in EBN, few studies have focused on the proteomic profile of EBN. The purpose of this study was to produce a proteomic map and clarify common EBN proteins. Liquid-phase isoelectric focusing (LIEF) was combined with two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) for comprehensive analysis of EBN proteins. From 20 to 100 protein spots were detected on 2-DE maps of EBN samples from 15 different sources. The proteins were mainly distributed in four taxa (A, B, C, and D) according to their molecular mass. Taxa A and D both contained common proteins and proteins that may be considered another characteristic of EBN. Taxon A was identified using MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS and found to be homologous to acidic mammalian chitinase-like ( Meleagris gallopavo ), which is in glycosyl hydrolase family 18.
Novel cellular evidence of oviduct secretions in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis

Waqas MY, Lisi H, Yang P, Ullah S, Zhang L, Zhang Q, et al.

J Exp Zool A Ecol Genet Physiol, 2015 Nov;323(9):655-65.
PMID: 26350585 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1957

The oviduct is the location of fertilization and sperm storage. We examined the ultrastructure of the oviduct epithelium and its glandular secretions in the isthmus, uterus and vagina of Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis using light and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium in these segments is lined with ciliated, secretory and other cells; the first two cell types span the entire epithelium, with secretory cells being predominant. The ciliated cells are characterized by the presence of a secretory vacuole that releases apocrine secretions into the lumen, whereas the secretory cells contain typical biphasic granules with both dark and light aspects. The third type of cells observed have wider proximal portion, abundant mitochondria, vacuoles, and narrow nuclei. The storage of spermatozoa is restricted to the isthmus, uterus, and vagina. In addition, the gland cells show prominent features, including the presence of granules of different shapes, sizes, and electron densities. The synthesis of these granules is described for the first time in this study. Mitochondria appear to play an important role in the formation of dense granules, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and microfilaments may also play a role in the maturation of these dense granules. After completing the maturation process, these granules are released into the lumen of the gland cells.
Fulltext Deterioration of left ventricular systolic function in extended Pacing to Avoid Cardiac Enlargement (PACE) trial: the predictive value of early systolic dyssynchrony

Fang F, Luo XX, Zhang Q, Azlan H, Razali O, Ma Z, et al.

Europace, 2015 Oct;17 Suppl 2:ii47-53.
PMID: 26842115 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv130

Biventricular (BiV) pacing was superior to right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing at extended follow-up in the Pacing to Avoid Cardiac Enlargement (PACE) trial. Early pacing-induced systolic dyssynchrony (DYS) might be related to mid-term result. However, it remains unknown whether early pacing-induced DYS can predict long-term reduction of left ventricular (LV) systolic function.
Fulltext Effect of Huanglian Decoction on the Intestinal Microbiome in Stress Ulcer (SU) Mice

Zhang Q, Guo JJ, Yau YM, Wang YJ, Cheng YB, Tuo X, et al.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2021;2021:3087270.
PMID: 34603467 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3087270

Background: Stress ulcer (SU) is a serious gastrointestinal mucosal lesion under acute stress. Huanglian decoction is a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which has been used to treat digestive system diseases for thousands of years. Many clinical cases have proved that Huanglian decoction has a good effect on SU. Some studies have shown that the intestinal bacteria will be changed accordingly when the gastrointestinal mucosa is damaged. However, there are few published reports on the effect of the intestinal microbiome with SU mice that were treated by Huanglian decoction. In this study, we investigated the effect of the fecal microbiome in mice with SU by the 16S rDNA sequencing technology.
Methods: Male KM mice were induced by cold-restraint stress except for the normal control group and then treated by Huanglian decoction (Group HD) and Esomeprazole magnesium solution (Group ES) separately for 7 days. 16S rDNA sequencing technology analysis was applied to evaluate the changes of bacterial flora in mice feces. And, histopathological methods and molecular biological detection methods were also performed.
Results: Huanglian decoction could help to repair the gastric mucosal injury and regulate the relative content of TNF-α and IL-1β. Moreover, Huanglian decoction could increase the relative abundance of intestinal probiotics in the intestine of mice with SU, especially in Verrucomicrobiae and Akkermansia.
Conclusions: Huanglian decoction might effectively promote the repair of gastrointestinal mucosal injury and regulate the number and species of intestinal bacteria to maintain the stability of gastrointestinal microecology.
Fulltext Multiple Metal-Nitrogen Bonds Synergistically Boosting the Activity and Durability of High-Entropy Alloy Electrocatalysts

Zhao X, Cheng H, Chen X, Zhang Q, Li C, Xie J, et al.

J Am Chem Soc, 2024 Feb 07;146(5):3010-3022.
PMID: 38278519 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08177

The development of Pt-based catalysts for use in fuel cells that meet performance targets of high activity, maximized stability, and low cost remains a huge challenge. Herein, we report a nitrogen (N)-doped high-entropy alloy (HEA) electrocatalyst that consists of a Pt-rich shell and a N-doped PtCoFeNiCu core on a carbon support (denoted as N-Pt/HEA/C). The N-Pt/HEA/C catalyst showed a high mass activity of 1.34 A mgPt-1 at 0.9 V for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in rotating disk electrode (RDE) testing, which substantially outperformed commercial Pt/C and most of the other binary/ternary Pt-based catalysts. The N-Pt/HEA/C catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability in both RDE and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) testing. Using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements and theoretical calculations, we revealed that the enhanced ORR activity of N-Pt/HEA/C originated from the optimized adsorption energy of intermediates, resulting in the tailored electronic structure formed upon N-doping. Furthermore, we showed that the multiple metal-nitrogen bonds formed synergistically improved the corrosion resistance of the 3d transition metals and enhanced the ORR durability.
Fulltext Enhancement of Catalytic Activity on Crude Palm Oil Hydrocracking over SiO2/Zr Assisted with Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate

Hasanudin H, Asri WR, Mara A, Al Muttaqii M, Maryana R, Rinaldi N, et al.

ACS Omega, 2023 Jun 13;8(23):20858-20868.
PMID: 37323404 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01569

In this study, the catalytic activity of bifunctional SiO2/Zr catalysts prepared by template and chelate methods using potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHF) for crude palm oil (CPO) hydrocracking to biofuels was investigated. The parent catalyst was successfully prepared by the sol-gel method, followed by the impregnation of zirconium using ZrOCl2·8H2O as a precursor. The morphological, structural, and textural properties of the catalysts were examined using several techniques, including electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray with mapping, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size analyzer (PSA), N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared-pyridine, and total and surface acidity analysis using the gravimetric method. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of SiO2/Zr were affected by different preparation methods. The template method assisted by KHF (SiO2/Zr-KHF2 and SiO2-KHF catalysts) provides a porous structure and high catalyst acidity. The catalyst prepared by the chelate method assisted by KHF (SiO2/Zr-KHF1) exhibited excellent Zr dispersion toward the SiO2 surface. The modification remarkably enhanced the catalytic activity of the parent catalyst in the order SiO2/Zr-KHF2 > SiO2/Zr-KHF1 > SiO2/Zr > SiO2-KHF > SiO2, with sufficient CPO conversion. The modified catalysts also suppressed coke formation and resulted in a high liquid yield. The catalyst features of SiO2/Zr-KHF1 promoted high-selectivity biofuel toward biogasoline, whereas SiO2/Zr-KHF2 led to an increase in the selectivity toward biojet. Reusability studies showed that the prepared catalysts were adequately stable over three consecutive runs for CPO conversion. Overall, SiO2/Zr prepared by the template method assisted by KHF was chosen as the most prominent catalyst for CPO hydrocracking.
An immune-enhanced multivalent DNA nanovaccine to prevent H7 and H9 avian influenza virus in mice

Xu S, Lan H, Teng Q, Li X, Jin Z, Qu Y, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Aug 12;251:126286.
PMID: 37579904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126286

H7 avian influenza virus has caused multiple human infections and poses a severe public health threat. In response to the highly variable nature of AIVs, a novel, easily regenerated DNA vaccine has great potential in treating or preventing avian influenza pandemics. Nevertheless, DNA vaccines have many disadvantages, such as weak immunogenicity and poor in vivo delivery. To further characterize and solve these issues and develop a novel H7 AIV DNA vaccine with enhanced stability and immunogenicity, we constructed nine AIV DNA plasmids, and the immunogenicity screened showed that mice immunized with pβH7N2SH9 elicited stronger hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies than other eight plasmid DNAs. Then, to address the susceptibility to degradation and low transfection rate of DNA vaccine in vivo, we developed pβH7N2SH9/DGL NPs by encapsulating the pβH7N2SH9 within the dendrigraft poly-l-lysines nanoparticles. As expected, these NPs exhibited excellent physical and chemical properties, were capable of promote lymphocyte proliferation, and induce stronger humoral and cellular responses than the naked pβH7N2SH9, including higher levels of HI antibodies than naked pβH7N2SH9, as well as the production of cytokines, namely, IL-2, IFN-α. Taken together, our results suggest that the construction of an immune-enhanced H7-AIV DNA nanovaccine may be a promising strategy against most influenza viruses.
Fulltext Deposition, Characterization, and Modeling of Scandium-Doped Aluminum Nitride Thin Film for Piezoelectric Devices

Zhang Q, Chen M, Liu H, Zhao X, Qin X, Wang F, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Oct 27;14(21).
PMID: 34771961 DOI: 10.3390/ma14216437

In this work, we systematically studied the deposition, characterization, and crystal structure modeling of ScAlN thin film. Measurements of the piezoelectric device's relevant material properties, such as crystal structure, crystallographic orientation, and piezoelectric response, were performed to characterize the Sc0.29Al0.71N thin film grown using pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. Crystal structure modeling of the ScAlN thin film is proposed and validated, and the structure-property relations are discussed. The investigation results indicated that the sputtered thin film using seed layer technique had a good crystalline quality and a clear grain boundary. In addition, the effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 was up to 12.6 pC/N, and there was no wurtzite-to-rocksalt phase transition under high pressure. These good features demonstrated that the sputtered ScAlN is promising for application in high-coupling piezoelectric devices with high-pressure stability.
Blooms of diatom and dinoflagellate associated with nutrient imbalance driven by cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus in anaerobic sediments in Johor Strait (Malaysia)

Chai X, Li X, Hii KS, Zhang Q, Deng Q, Wan L, et al.

Mar Environ Res, 2021 Jul;169:105398.
PMID: 34171592 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105398

Coastal eutrophication is one of the pivotal factors driving occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), whose underlying mechanism remained unclear. To better understand the nutrient regime triggering HABs and their formation process, the phytoplankton composition and its response to varying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), physio-chemical parameters in water and sediment in Johor Strait in March 2019 were analyzed. Surface and sub-surface HABs were observed with the main causative species of Skeletonema, Chaetoceros and Karlodinium. The ecophysiological responses of Skeletonema to the low ambient N/P ratio such as secreting alkaline phosphatase, regulating cell morphology (volume; surface area/volume ratio) might play an important role in dominating the community. Anaerobic sediment iron-bound P release and simultaneous N removal by denitrification and anammox, shaped the stoichiometry of N and P in water column. The decrease of N/P ratio might shift the phytoplankton community into the dominance of HABs causative diatoms and dinoflagellates.
Fulltext Interferon Regulatory Factors IRF1 and IRF7 Directly Regulate Gene Expression in Bats in Response to Viral Infection

Irving AT, Zhang Q, Kong PS, Luko K, Rozario P, Wen M, et al.

Cell Rep, 2020 11 03;33(5):108345.
PMID: 33147460 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108345

Bat cells and tissue have elevated basal expression levels of antiviral genes commonly associated with interferon alpha (IFNα) signaling. Here, we show Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF1), 3, and 7 levels are elevated in most bat tissues and that, basally, IRFs contribute to the expression of type I IFN ligands and high expression of interferon regulated genes (IRGs). CRISPR knockout (KO) of IRF 1/3/7 in cells reveals distinct subsets of genes affected by each IRF in an IFN-ligand signaling-dependent and largely independent manner. As the master regulators of innate immunity, the IRFs control the kinetics and maintenance of the IRG response and play essential roles in response to influenza A virus (IAV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), Melaka virus/Pteropine orthoreovirus 3 Melaka (PRV3M), and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. With its differential expression in bats compared to that in humans, this highlights a critical role for basal IRF expression in viral responses and potentially immune cell development in bats with relevance for IRF function in human biology.
Fulltext Impact of perceived value in virtual brand communities on purchase intention of domestic electric vehicles

Wang ZX, Chee WM, Jantan AHB, Xia YH, Xue H, Ye MJ, et al.

Acta Psychol (Amst), 2024 Aug;248:104371.
PMID: 38908227 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104371

The consumption value seems to be insufficient to explain consumers' domestic electric vehicle purchase behaviour, especially in a highly competitive global environment. This study aims to investigate how consumer ethnocentrism and perceived interactivity influence consumption value and pro-environmental value, subsequently affecting attitude and intention. A total of 353 valid questionnaires were collected through convenience sampling in Xuzhou, China, and the partial least square (PLS) path modelling approach was performed to test the hypotheses. The results show that consumer ethnocentrism and perceived interactivity positively influence function value, emotional value, and social value; perceived interactivity also positively influences altruistic value, biospheric value, and collectivistic value. Function value, social value, and collectivistic value positively influence attitude; however, emotional value, altruistic value and biospheric value did not find a correlation with attitude. Furthermore, attitude positively influences intention to adopt domestic electric vehicles. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations were discussed accordingly.

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