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Fulltext Does structural social capital lead to proactive green innovation? a three-part serial mediation model

Gao X

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0301286.
PMID: 38578793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301286

Enhancing green innovation for business sustainability represents a pressing global challenge. In the context of the manufacturing industry, the relationship between proactive green innovation (PGI) and structural social capital (SSC) remains a profoundly under-researched area. Drawing upon the theories of social capital and dynamic capability (DC), this study investigated the relationship between SSC and PGI within manufacturing enterprises via three individual and sequential mediating factors, namely cognitive social capital (CSC), relational social capital (RSC), and DC. Adopting a cross-sectional quantitative design, this study collected survey data from 485 manufacturing sector employees in China using purposive sampling. Structural equation modeling analysis of the data revealed no significant direct impact of SSC on PGI, but a strong indirect impact through the sequential mediating influences of CSC, RSC, and DC. The findings suggests that PGI within manufacturing enterprises is not wholly shaped by SSC; rather, firm-level dynamic capabilities, characterized by a sequential mechanism, plays a crucial role in achieving PGI within these enterprises. This paper offers both theoretical and practical contributions and provides recommendations for future research based on its limitations.
Fulltext Innovative Practice of Multimusic Performance Culture Education of Core Literacy in Multimedia Environment

He S, He S, Gao X

J Environ Public Health, 2022;2022:9440849.
PMID: 35942144 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9440849

Under the framework of disciplinary knowledge integrating technology, the multimedia teaching application of music performance attracts a major opportunity for reflection and reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to explore the laws and experiences of music performance teachers' multimedia teaching applications under the framework of subject teaching knowledge integrating technology. Through the research to understand the classroom multimedia teaching application of music performance teachers, according to the research results, relevant strategies are put forward for the application of music performance teachers' classroom multimedia teaching, in order to effectively improve the classroom teaching effect of music performance teachers. This research mainly uses the classroom observation method and data statistical analysis method and takes 100 music video lessons of the National Educational Resources Public Service Platform as the survey object. A total of 100 teachers were observed and scored in the classroom through the compiled multimedia teaching observation table for music performance teachers, and then the data was analyzed to draw conclusions. The conclusions of this study are as follows: The multimedia application behaviors of the teachers of the excellent courses are different from those of the teachers of the daily classes. The two types of teachers have differences in the effectiveness of multimedia teaching application of music performance, and the scores of the practical application of information technology are uneven. The overall score of multimedia teaching applications of excellent course teachers is higher than that of daily course teachers, and the classroom teaching effect is better. In this regard, based on the observation and assessment of the effectiveness of multimedia teaching applications by two types of teachers, this paper puts forward some suggestions for music performance teachers to improve the effectiveness of multimedia teaching applications in classrooms from the aspect of teachers themselves and educational functions. It is hoped that it can provide some theoretical basis and practical materials for the personal and professional development of music performance teachers.
Fulltext Editorial: Roles of microbes in esophageal disease

Lee LH, Gao X, Sun G

Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2023;13:1339579.
PMID: 38094747 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1339579
Characterization of hbzE-encoded gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIMB 9867

Yeo CC, Tan CL, Gao X, Zhao B, Poh CL

Res. Microbiol., 2007 Sep;158(7):608-16.
PMID: 17720458

Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIMB 9867 (strain P25X) is known to synthesize two isofunctional gentisate 1,2-dioxygenases (GDO; EC 1.13.11.4) as well as other enzymes involved in the degradation of xylenols and cresols via the gentisate pathway. The hbzE gene encoding what is possibly the strictly inducible gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase II (GDO-II) was cloned, overexpressed and purified as a hexahistidine fusion protein from Escherichia coli. Active recombinant GDO-II had an estimated molecular mass of 150kDa and is likely a tetrameric protein with a subunit mass of approximately 40kDa, similar to the previously characterized gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase I (GDO-I) encoded by xlnE. However, GDO-II was unable to utilize gentisate that is substituted at the carbon-4 position, unlike GDO-I which had broader substrate specificity. GDO-II also possessed different kinetic characteristics when compared to GDO-I. The hbzE-encoded GDO-II shared higher sequence identities (53%) with GDOs from Ralstonia sp. U2 and Polaromonas naphthalenivorans CJ2, compared with only 35% identity with the xlnE-encoded GDO-I. The hbzE gene was found to be part of a cluster of nine genes including the putative regulatory gene designated hbzR, which encodes an LysR-type regulator and is divergently transcribed from the other genes of the hbzHIJKLFED cluster.
Nanomedicines guided nanoimaging probes and nanotherapeutics for early detection of lung cancer and abolishing pulmonary metastasis: Critical appraisal of newer developments and challenges to clinical transition

Gao X, Guo L, Li J, Thu HE, Hussain Z

J Control Release, 2018 12 28;292:29-57.
PMID: 30359665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.10.024

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer and primary cause of mortality among both men and women, worldwide. The most commonly employed diagnostic modalities for LC include chest X-ray (CXR), magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT-scan), and fused-positron-emitting-tomography-CT (PET-CT). Owing to several limitations associated with the use of conventional diagnostic tools such as radiation burden to the patient, misleading diagnosis ("missed lung cancer"), false staging and low sensitivity and resolution, contemporary diagnostic regimen needed to be employed for screening of LC. In recent decades, nanotechnology-guided interventions have been transpired as emerging nanoimaging probes for detection of LC at advanced stages, while producing signal amplification, better resolution for surface and deep tissue imaging, and enhanced translocation and biodistribution of imaging probes within the cancerous tissues. Besides enormous potential of nanoimaging probes, nanotechnology-based advancements have also been evidenced for superior efficacy for treatment of LC and abolishing pulmonary metastasis (PM). The success of nanotherapeutics is due to their ability to maximise translocation and biodistribution of anti-neoplastic agents into the tumor tissues, improve pharmacokinetic profiles of anti-metastatic agents, optimise target-specific drug delivery, and control release kinetics of encapsulated moieties in target tissues. This review aims to overview and critically discuss the superiority of nanoimaging probes and nanotherapeutics over conventional regimen for early detection of LC and abolishing PM. Current challenges to clinical transition of nanoimaging probes and therapeutic viability of nanotherapeutics for treatment for LC and PM have also been pondered.
Deciphering the molecular basis for photosynthetic parameters in Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) under drought stress

Gao X, Chai HH, Ho WK, Mayes S, Massawe F

BMC Plant Biol, 2023 May 30;23(1):287.
PMID: 37248451 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04293-w

BACKGROUND: Assessment of segregating populations for their ability to withstand drought stress conditions is one of the best approaches to develop breeding lines and drought tolerant varieties. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) is a leguminous crop, capable of growing in low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas. An F4 bi-parental segregating population obtained from S19-3 × DodR was developed to evaluate the effect of drought stress on photosynthetic parameters and identify QTLs associated with these traits under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions in a rainout shelter.
RESULTS: Stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and intracellular CO2 (Ci) were significantly reduced (p
Fulltext The Preparations of Fluorographene Nanosheets and Research in Tribological Properties in High Vacuum

Zhang L, Zhang Z, Gao X, Matlan SJ, Taha NA

Materials (Basel), 2023 May 24;16(11).
PMID: 37297063 DOI: 10.3390/ma16113929

In this study, fluorographene nanosheets (FG nanosheets) were prepared via the solvent-ultrasonic exfoliation method. The fluorographene sheets were observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The microstructure of the as-prepared FG nanosheets was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a thermal analyzer (TG). The tribological properties of FG nanosheets as an additive in ionic liquids in high vacuum were compared to that of ionic liquid (IL) with graphene (IL-G). The wear surfaces and transfer films were analyzed via an optical microscope, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that FG nanosheets can be obtained from the simple solvent-ultrasonic exfoliation method. The prepared G nanosheets are a sheet, and the longer the ultrasonic time is, the thinner the sheet is. Ionic liquids with FG nanosheets had low friction and a low wear rate under high vacuum conditions. The improved frictional properties were attributed to the transfer film of FG nanosheets and more formation film of Fe-F.
Editorial: 21st International Conference on Bioinformatics (InCoB 2022)-accelerating innovation to meet biological challenges: the role of bioinformatics

Khan AM, Singh H, Ranganathan S, Gojobori T, Gao X

Front Genet, 2024;15:1365223.
PMID: 38333618 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1365223
Fulltext Southernmost Asia is the source of Japanese encephalitis virus (genotype 1) diversity from which the viruses disperse and evolve throughout Asia

Gao X, Liu H, Wang H, Fu S, Guo Z, Liang G

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013;7(9):e2459.
PMID: 24069502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002459

Although a previous study predicted that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) originated in the Malaysia/Indonesia region, the virus is known to circulate mainly on the Asian continent. However, there are no reported systematic studies that adequately define how JEV then dispersed throughout Asia.
Garlic flavonoids alleviate H2 O2 induced oxidative damage in L02 cells and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by Bcl-2/Caspase pathway

Gao X, Yanan J, Santhanam RK, Wang Y, Lu Y, Zhang M, et al.

J Food Sci, 2021 Feb;86(2):366-375.
PMID: 33448034 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15599

Liver damage is a common liver disorder, which could induce liver cancer. Oral antioxidant is one of the effective treatments to prevent and alleviate liver damage. In this study, three flavonoids namely myricetin, isoquercitrin, and isorhamnetin were isolated and identified from Laba garlic. The isolated compounds were investigated on the protective effects against H2 O2 -induced oxidative damages in hepatic L02 cells and apoptosis inducing mechanism in hepatic cancer cells HepG2 by using MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blotting analysis. Myricetin, isoquercitrin, and isorhamnetin showed proliferation inhibition on HepG2 cells with IC50 value of 44.32 ± 0.213 µM, 49.68 ± 0.192 µM, and 54.32 ± 0.176 µM, respectively. While they showed low toxicity on normal cell lines L02. They could significantly alleviate the oxidative damage towards L02 cells (P < 0.05), via inhibiting the morphological changes in mitochondria and upholding the integrity of mitochondrial structure and function. The fluorescence intensity of L02 cells pre-treated with myricetin, isoquercitrin, and isorhamnetin (100 µM) was 89.23 ± 1.26%, 89.35 ± 1.43% and 88.97 ± 0.79%, respectively. Moreover, the flavonoids could induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells via Bcl-2/Caspase pathways, where it could up-regulate the expression of Bax and down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, pro-Caspase-3, and pro-Caspase-9 proteins in a dose dependent manner. Overall, the results suggested that the flavonoids from Laba garlic might be a promising candidate for the treatment of various liver disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flavonoids from Laba garlic showed selective toxicity towards HepG2 cells in comparison to L02 cells via regulating Bcl-2/caspase pathway. Additionally, the isolated flavonoids expressively barred the oxidative damage induced by H2 O2 in L02 cells. These results suggested that the flavonoids from laba garlic could be a promising agent towards the development of functional foods.
Antioxidant and antihypertensive effects of garlic protein and its hydrolysates and the related mechanism

Gao X, Xue Z, Ma Q, Guo Q, Xing L, Santhanam RK, et al.

J Food Biochem, 2020 02;44(2):e13126.
PMID: 31877235 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13126

Garlic protein (GP) was enzymatically hydrolyzed using pepsin and trypsin followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of GP and its hydrolysates. The antihypertensive effects of GP and its hydrolysates were determined in vivo. The results showed that GP and its hydrolysates namely GPH-P (pepsin) and GPH-T (trypsin) possessed appreciable antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities. The ACE inhibitory activity of GP, GPH-T, and GPH-P was in consistent with their antioxidant activities. GP and its hydrolysates offered significant protective effects against H2 O2 -induced oxidative damage (p
Antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity of various solvent fractions of I. obliquus and the preventive role of active fraction against H2 O2 induced damage in hepatic L02 cells as fungisome

Gao X, Santhanam RK, Xue Z, Jia Y, Wang Y, Lu Y, et al.

J Food Sci, 2020 Apr;85(4):1060-1069.
PMID: 32147838 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15084

Inonotus obliquus is a traditional mushroom well known for its therapeutic value. In this study, various solvent fractions of I. obliquus were preliminarily screened for their antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition properties. To improve the drug delivery, the active fraction (ethyl acetate fraction) of I. obliquus was synthesized into fungisome (ethyl acetate phophotidyl choline complex, EAPC) and its physical parameters were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ς potential analysis. Then normal human hepatic L02 cells was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of EAPC. The results showed that EA fraction possesses significant free radical scavenging, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition properties. FTIR, SEM, and HPLC analysis confirmed the fungisome formation. The particle size of EAPC was 102.80 ± 0.42 nm and the ς potential was -54.30 ± 0.61 mV. The percentage of drug entrapment efficiency was 97.13% and the drug release rates of EAPC in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid were 75.04 ± 0.29% and 93.03 ± 0.36%, respectively. EAPC was nontoxic to L02 cells, however it could selectively fight against the H2 O2 induced oxidative damage in L02 cells. This is the first study to provide scientific information to utilize the active fraction of I. obliquus as fungisome. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Inonotus obliquus (IO) is a traditional medicinal fungus. The extracts of IO have obvious antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of IO was encapsulated in liposomes to form EAPC. EAPC has a sustained-release effect. It has nontoxic to L02 cells and could protect L02 cells from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. This study could provide new ideas for the treatment of diabetes.
Applications of water blanching, surface contacting ultrasound-assisted air drying, and their combination for dehydration of white cabbage: Drying mechanism, bioactive profile, color and rehydration property

Tao Y, Han M, Gao X, Han Y, Show PL, Liu C, et al.

Ultrason Sonochem, 2019 May;53:192-201.
PMID: 30691995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.01.003

This work studied the influences of water blanching pretreatment (30 s), surface contacting ultrasound (492.3 and 1131.1 W/m2) assisted air drying, and their combination on drying kinetics and quality of white cabbage. Contacting sonication was performed by placing samples on an ultrasonic vibration plate, and the drying temperature was 60 °C. Through drying kinetic analysis and numerical simulation considering internal and external resistances and shrinkage, it was found that both blanching pretreatment and contacting sonication during drying intensified internal water diffusion and external water exchange to shorten cabbage drying time. Meanwhile, blanching pretreatment was more effective to enhance the drying process. The largest reduction of drying time (from 145 min to 24 min) was obtained when sequential blanching and contacting sonication at 1131.1 W/m2 were conducted. Dehydrated cabbages with blanching pretreatment were characterized by green color and high retention of vitamin C, while a severe loss of vitamin C was found in dried cabbages without blanching pretreatment. Moreover, although both blanching and contacting sonication shortened the drying time, the losses of phenolics, glucosinolates and resulting breakdown products were not alleviated. Contents of total phenolics, one glucosinolates (sinigrin) and one glucobrassicin breakdown product (indole-3-acetoritrile) in only air dried cabbages were significantly (p 
Fulltext Neuroprotective effect of YIAEDAER peptide against Parkinson's disease like pathology in zebrafish

Ren Q, Jiang X, Zhang S, Gao X, Paudel YN, Zhang P, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2022 Mar;147:112629.
PMID: 35030435 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112629

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). Current PD therapies merely provide symptomatic relief, lacking the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies against that could reverse the ongoing neurodegeneration. In the quest of exploring novel disease modifying therapeutic strategies, compounds from natural sources have gained much attention in recent days. YIAEDAER (Tyr-Ile-Ala-Glu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Arg) peptide is a multi-functional peptide isolated and purified from the visceral mass extract of Neptunea arthritica cumingii (NAC) with plethora of pharmacological activities, however its neuroprotective effect against MPTP induced PD model is not yet reported. We found YIAEDAER peptide co-treatment could suppressed the MPTP-induced locomotor impairment in zebrafish, ameliorates the MPTP induced degeneration of DA neurons, inhibited the loss of vasculature and loss of cerebral vessels, suppressed α-syn levels. Moreover, YIAEDAER peptide modulates several genes related to autophagy (α-syn, pink1, parkin, atg5, atg7, beclin1, ulk1b, ulk2, and ambra1a), and oxidative stress (sod1, sod2, gss, gpx4a, gsto2, and cat). Hence, our finding suggests that YIAEDAER peptide might be a potential therapeutic candidate against MPTP-induced PD like condition.
Fulltext The haptoglobin 2-2 genotype is associated with inflammation and carotid artery intima-media thickness

Dalan R, Liew H, Goh LL, Gao X, Chew DE, Boehm BO, et al.

Diab Vasc Dis Res, 2016 09;13(5):373-6.
PMID: 27190085 DOI: 10.1177/1479164116645247

The haptoglobin 2-2 genotype is associated with atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We examined the associations of the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype with C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and carotid artery intima-media thickness, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking status, body mass index, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and medications via logistic multivariate regression in 200 subjects (160 type 2 diabetes mellitus versus 40 healthy individuals). The prevalence of the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype was 58% (115/200), higher in the Indians than in Chinese (72% versus 45%, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype was associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [mean: 3.5 ± 3.9 versus 2.2 ± 2.6 mg/L (non-haptoglobin 2-2), p
Fulltext Molecular Mechanism of Citrate Efflux by the Mitochondrial Citrate Transporter CT in Filamentous Fungus Mucor circinelloides WJ11

Yang W, Dong S, Yang J, Mohamed H, Shah AM, Nazir Y, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2021;12:673881.
PMID: 34054781 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673881

The mitochondrial citrate transporter (MCT) plays an important role in citrate efflux from the mitochondria in eukaryotes, and hence provides a direct correlation between carbohydrate metabolism and lipid synthesis. Our previous studies on transporters confirmed the presence of two MCTs (TCT and CT) in oleaginous Mucor circinelloides WJ11 associated with high lipid accumulation. However, the molecular mechanism of citrate efflux from the mitochondria by MCT in M. circinelloides is still unclear. To study the citrate transport mechanism of CT, the citrate transporter gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, and its product was purified. The citrate transport activity of the protein was studied in CT reconstituted liposomes. Our results showed high efficiency of CT for [14C] citrate/citrate exchange with K m 0.01 mM at 25°C. Besides citrate, other molecules such as oxaloacetate, malate, fumarate, succinate aconitate, oxoadipate, isocitrate, and glutamate also promote citrate transport. In addition, the ct overexpression and knockout plasmids were constructed and transferred into M. circinelloides WJ11, and the mitochondria were isolated, and the transport activity was studied. Our findings showed that in the presence of 10 mM malate, the mitochondria of ct-overexpressing transformant showed 51% increase in the efflux rate of [14C] citrate, whereas the mitochondria of the ct-knockout transformant showed 18% decrease in citrate efflux compared to the mitochondria of wild-type WJ11. This study provided the first mechanistic evidence of citrate efflux from the mitochondria by citrate transporter in oleaginous filamentous fungus M. circinelloides, which is associated with high lipid accumulation.
Behavioral pathways explaining oral health disparity in children

Gao XL, Hsu CY, Xu YC, Loh T, Koh D, Hwarng HB

J Dent Res, 2010 Sep;89(9):985-90.
PMID: 20554887 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510372896

Policymakers' understanding of and ability to reduce health disparities are pivotal for health promotion worldwide. This study aimed to verify the behavioral pathways leading to oral health disparities. Oral examinations were conducted for 1782 randomly selected preschoolers (3-6 yrs), and 1576 (88.4%) participants were followed up after 12 months. Parents were surveyed on their knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practices (P) regarding their children's oral health homecare (infant feeding, diet, and oral hygiene) and dental attendance. Structural equation modeling substantiated the links between specific KAs and corresponding practices, while generic KA did not affect practices. KAP pathways partly explained the ethnic and socio-economic disparities in oral health. Deprivation had a direct effect (not mediated by KA) on dental attendance, but not on oral health homecare. Ethnicity directly influenced oral health homecare practices, but not dental attendance. These behavioral pathways, furthering our understanding of health disparity, may have practical implications for health promotion and policy-making.
Managing dental fear and anxiety in pediatric patients: A qualitative study from the public's perspective

Hamzah HS, Gao X, Yung Yiu CK, McGrath C, King NM

Pediatr Dent, 2014 Jan-Feb;36(1):29-33.
PMID: 24717706

PURPOSE:
Internet social media offers a rich source for soliciting the public's views on health issues. This qualitative research, using You-Tube as a platform, aimed to explore the public's perspectives on management of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in pediatric patients.

METHODS:
Using three keywords ("dental fear," "dental phobia," and "dental anxiety"), YouTube videos were searched. Twenty-seven videos related to DFA in children and adolescents were reviewed by three investigators, including a nondental layperson. Inductive thematic analysis was adopted for interpreting the data.

RESULTS:
Several strategies were considered useful for controlling DFA in pediatric patients, including: verbal and nonverbal communication to establish closeness and effective guidance (explanation, permission-seeking, reassurance, and negotiation); desensitization to dental settings and procedures; tell-show-do; positive reinforcement; distraction by imagination and thoughtful designs of clinic; and parental presence and support. Some self-coping strategies adopted by patients alleviated their DFA, such as self-reasoning and trust-building through long-term connection. Dentists' clinical competence, favorable treatment outcomes, and state-of-the-art devices and technologies (dental lasers, intraoral camera, and adapted anaesthesia method) contributed to reducing DFA.

CONCLUSIONS:
Authentic testimonials in YouTube videos endorsed and interpreted a variety of strategies adoptable by patients, parents, and dental professionals for managing children's and adolescents' dental fears and anxieties.
Counteracting mental fatigue for athletes: a systematic review of the interventions

Sun H, Soh KG, Mohammadi A, Toumi Z, Zhang L, Ding C, et al.

BMC Psychol, 2024 Feb 09;12(1):67.
PMID: 38336843 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01476-w

The deleterious effects of mental fatigue (MF) on athletes have been carefully studied in various sports, such as soccer, badminton, and swimming. Even though many researchers have sought ways to ameliorate the negative impact of MF, there is still a lack of studies that review the interventions used to counteract MF among athletes. This review aims to report the current evidence exploring the effects of interventions on MF and sport-specific performance, including sport-specific motor performance and perceptual-cognitive skills. Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDicus (EBSCOhost) were combed through to find relevant publications. Additionally, the references and Google Scholar were searched for any grey literature. For the current review, we included only randomized controlled trials that involved athletes, a primary task to induce MF, interventions to counter MF with comparable protocols, and the outcomes of sport-specific motor performance and perceptual-cognitive skill. The selection criteria resulted in the inclusion of 10 articles. The manipulations of autonomous self-control exertion, person-fit, nature exposure, mindfulness, and transactional direct current stimulation showed that positive interventions counteract MF and improve sport-specific performance in different domains, including strength, speed, skill, stamina, and perceptual-cognitive skills. The selected interventions could significantly counteract MF and improve subsequent sport-specific performance. Moreover, self-regulation and attention resources showed the importance of the potential mechanisms behind the relevant interventions.
Fulltext Molecular characterization of the viral structural protein genes in the first outbreak of dengue virus type 2 in Hunan Province, inland China in 2018

Guan J, He Z, Qin M, Deng X, Chen J, Duan S, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2021 Feb 10;21(1):166.
PMID: 33568111 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05823-3

BACKGROUND: An unexpected dengue outbreak occurred in Hunan Province in 2018. This was the first dengue outbreak in this area of inland China, and 172 cases were reported.
METHODS: To verify the causative agent of this outbreak and characterise the viral genes, the genes encoding the structural proteins C/prM/E of viruses isolated from local residents were sequenced followed by mutation and phylogenetic analysis. Recombination, selection pressure, potential secondary structure and three-dimensional structure analyses were also performed.
RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all epidemic strains were of the cosmopolitan DENV-2 genotype and were most closely related to the Zhejiang strain (MH010629, 2017) and then the Malaysia strain (KJ806803, 2013). Compared with the sequence of DENV-2SS, 151 base substitutions were found in the sequences of 89 isolates; these substitutions resulted in 20 non-synonymous mutations, of which 17 mutations existed in all samples (two in the capsid protein, six in the prM/M proteins, and nine in the envelope proteins). Moreover, amino acid substitutions at the 602nd (E322:Q → H) and 670th (E390: N → S) amino acids may have enhanced the virulence of the epidemic strains. One new DNA binding site and five new protein binding sites were observed. Two polynucleotide binding sites and seven protein binding sites were lost in the epidemic strains compared with DENV-2SS. Meanwhile, five changes were found in helical regions. Minor changes were observed in helical transmembrane and disordered regions. The 429th amino acid of the E protein switched from a histamine (positively charged) to an asparagine (neutral) in all 89 isolated strains. No recombination events or positive selection pressure sites were observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the genetic characteristics of epidemic strains in the first dengue outbreak in Hunan Province in inland China.
CONCLUSIONS: The causative agent is likely to come from Zhejiang Province, a neighbouring province where dengue fever broke out in 2017. This study may help clarify the intrinsic geographical relatedness of DENV-2 and contribute to further research on pathogenicity and vaccine development.

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