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  1. Fulltext Undergraduates' Negative Emotion and Academic Procrastination During COVID-19: Life Autonomy as a Mediator and Sense of School Belonging as a Moderator
    Tian X, Liu X, Xiao Z, Lin Q
    Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2023;16:3151-3169.
    PMID: 37584038 DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S413738
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate students' academic procrastination and negative emotions. It seeks to examine the relationship between negative affect and academic procrastination among university students, considering the mediating role of life autonomy and the moderating effect of a sense of school belonging.

    METHODS: The study sample consisted of 776 university students from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Data collection involved the use of the Negative Affect Scale, Academic Procrastination Scale, Life Autonomy Scale, and Sense of School Belonging Scale. SPSS version 26.0 and PROCESS V3.580 to conduct relationship analysis, test the mediation model (model 4) and the moderated mediating model (model 7).

    RESULTS: The findings revealed significant relationships among the variables. Negative emotions were negatively related with life autonomy and sense of school belonging, and positively related with academic procrastination. Academic procrastination showed a negative correlation with both life autonomy and sense of school belonging. Sense of school belonging exhibited a positive relationship with life autonomy. The study also identified life autonomy as a mediator in the relationship between negative emotions and academic procrastination. Additionally, the sense of school belonging moderated the initial segment of the negative emotion-life autonomy-academic procrastination pathway.

    DISCUSSION: This study contributes to a better understanding of the association between negative affect and academic procrastination. It highlights that negative emotions have a direct and indirect influence on academic procrastination through the mediating role of life autonomy. Moreover, the moderating role of sense of school belonging suggests that the relationship between negative affect and life autonomy is stronger when the sense of school belonging is weaker.

  2. Fulltext Donkey whey protein and peptides regulate gut microbiota community and physiological functions of D-galactose-induced aging mice
    Zhou X, Tian X, Song L, Luo L, Ma Z, Zhang F
    Food Sci Nutr, 2023 Feb;11(2):752-764.
    PMID: 36789044 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3111
    The prolongation of life span has attracted more and more attention in the current world. Gut microbiota is considered one of the most critical elements and is essential in regulating life span and quality. The effects of donkey whey protein (DWP) and donkey whey hydrolysate (DWPP) on physiological functions and gut microbiota of D-galactose-induced aging mice were investigated to find new strategies for resisting aging. Our results showed that DWP and DWPP could increase the body weight gain velocity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and thymus index, whereas decrease the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and improve the aging of the body in the liver congestion, oozy draw focal sclerosis of chronic inflammation. The effects of medium and high concentrations of DWP and low and medium concentrations of DWPP were the same as the vitamin C (Vc)-positive control group. It was found that both DWP and DWPP could change α-diversity; the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, whereas the relative abundance of Helicobacter and Stenotrophomonas decreased after being treated with DWP and DWPP. The correlation between intestinal microflora and physiological indexes showed that chao1, ACE, and observed species indexes in the α index were positively correlated with weight gain velocity, SOD activity, and thymus index. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus was positively correlated with SOD and thymus index but negatively correlated with MDA. The relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas was opposite to that of Lactobacillus. The Anaerobiospirillum, Fusobacterium, and Dubosiella had a significant positive correlation with the weight gain velocity. The study provided a deeper more profound understanding of the potential use of DWP and DWPP in senescence delays.
  3. Fulltext The relationship between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition among Chinese college students：A cross-lagged panel model
    Wang Y, Lu Y, Tian X, Liu Y, Ma W
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25060.
    PMID: 38314296 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25060
    Previous research has identified a negative association between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition among college students; however, the direction of this relationship remains divergent. This study utilized a cross-lagged panel model to elucidate the directionality of the relationship between mobile phone addiction and time management disposition. A total of 466 college students completed two measures at seven-month intervals. The findings revealed a prevalence of mobile phone addiction at 10.94 % and 13.73 % in the two surveys. Notably, both mobile phone addiction and time management disposition demonstrated stability over time. Furthermore, a discernible negative bidirectional relationship was observed between the two. The present findings underscore the importance of timely intervention for college students facing challenges in mobile phone usage and time management.
  4. Fulltext Machine learning in internet financial risk management: A systematic literature review
    Tian X, Tian Z, Khatib SFA, Wang Y
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0300195.
    PMID: 38625972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300195
    Internet finance has permeated into myriad households, bringing about lifestyle convenience alongside potential risks. Presently, internet finance enterprises are progressively adopting machine learning and other artificial intelligence methods for risk alertness. What is the current status of the application of various machine learning models and algorithms across different institutions? Is there an optimal machine learning algorithm suited for the majority of internet finance platforms and application scenarios? Scholars have embarked on a series of studies addressing these questions; however, the focus predominantly lies in comparing different algorithms within specific platforms and contexts, lacking a comprehensive discourse and summary on the utilization of machine learning in this domain. Thus, based on the data from Web of Science and Scopus databases, this paper conducts a systematic literature review on all aspects of machine learning in internet finance risk in recent years, based on publications trends, geographical distribution, literature focus, machine learning models and algorithms, and evaluations. The research reveals that machine learning, as a nascent technology, whether through basic algorithms or intricate algorithmic combinations, has made significant strides compared to traditional credit scoring methods in predicting accuracy, time efficiency, and robustness in internet finance risk management. Nonetheless, there exist noticeable disparities among different algorithms, and factors such as model structure, sample data, and parameter settings also influence prediction accuracy, although generally, updated algorithms tend to achieve higher accuracy. Consequently, there is no one-size-fits-all approach applicable to all platforms; each platform should enhance its machine learning models and algorithms based on its unique characteristics, data, and the development of AI technology, starting from key evaluation indicators to mitigate internet finance risks.
  5. Critical role of ARID3B in the expression of pro-apoptotic p53-target genes and apoptosis
    Pratama E, Tian X, Lestari W, Iseki S, Ichwan SJ, Ikeda MA
    Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2015 Dec;468(1-2):248-54.
    PMID: 26519881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.121
    ARID3A and ARID3B are transcriptional targets of p53. Recently, it has been reported that ARID3A plays a critical role in the transcriptional activation of pro-arrest p21 in response to DNA damage. However, the role of ARID3B in the p53 regulatory pathway remains poorly understood. Here we show that ARID3A and ARID3B specifically bind to putative ARID3-binding sites in p53 target genes in vitro and in vivo. ARID3B and, to a lesser extent, ARID3A silencing blocked transcriptional activation of pro-apoptotic p53 target genes, such as PUMA, PIG3, and p53. Furthermore, ectopic ARID3B, to a lesser extent, ARID3A expression activated the pro-apoptotic gene expression, and only ARID3B induced apoptosis. Finally, ARID3B but not ARID3A silencing blocked apoptosis induction following DNA damage. These results indicated that, although ARID3B and ARID3A share overlapping functions, ARID3B play a key role in the expression of pro-apoptotic p53-target genes and apoptosis.
  6. Influences of metal ions on microcystin-LR degradation capacity and dynamics in microbial distribution of biofilm collected from water treatment plant nearby Kasumigaura Lake
    Wang X, Utsumi M, Gao Y, Li Q, Tian X, Shimizu K, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2016 Mar;147:230-8.
    PMID: 26766360 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.12.067
    Microcystins-LR (MC-LR) which is a kind of potent hepatotoxin for humans and wildlife can be biodegraded by microbial community. In this study, the capacity of biofilm in degrading MC-LR was investigated with and without additional metal ions (Mn(2+), Zn(2+) and Cu(2+)) at the concentration of 1 mg L(-1). The results indicated that the degradation rate of MC-LR by biofilm was inhibited by introduced Mn(2+) and Cu(2+) during the whole culture period. MC-LR cannot be degraded until a period of culture time passed both in the cases with Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) (2 and 8 days for Zn(2+) and Cu(2+), respectively). The results of mlrA gene analysis showed that the abundance of MC-LR degradation bacteria (MCLDB) in the microbial community under Mn(2+) condition was generally lower than that under no additional metal ion condition. Meanwhile, a two days lag phase for the proliferation of MCLDB occurred after introducing Zn(2+). And a dynamic change of MCLDB from Cu(2+) inhibited species to Cu(2+) promoted species was observed under Cu(2+) condition. The maximum ratio of MCLDB to overall bacteria under various conditions during culture process was found to follow the tendency as: Cu(2+) > Zn(2+) ≈ no additional metal ion (Control) > Mn(2+), suggesting the adverse effect of Mn(2+), no obvious effect of Zn(2+) and positive effect of Cu(2+) on the distribution ratio of MCLDB over the biofilm.
  7. Microbial dynamics, metabolomic profiles, and the correlation between them during fermentation of serofluid dish
    Wei J, Ren W, Wang L, Liu M, Tian X, Ding G, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2020 Dec;100(15):5627-5636.
    PMID: 32712996 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10690
    BACKGROUND: Serofluid dish, a traditional Chinese fermented food, possesses unique flavors and health beneficial effects. These properties are likely due to the sophisticated metabolic networks during fermentation, which are mainly driven by microbiota. However, the exact roles of metabolic pathways and the microbial community during this process remain equivocal.

    RESULTS: Here, we investigated the microbial dynamics by next-generation sequencing, and outlined a differential non-targeted metabolite profiling in the process of serofluid dish fermentation using the method of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Lactobacillus was the leading genus of bacteria, while Pichia and Issatchenkia were the dominant fungi. They all accumulated during fermentation. In total, 218 differential metabolites were identified, of which organic acids, amino acids, sugar and sugar alcohols, fatty acids, and esters comprised the majority. The constructed metabolic network showed that tricarboxylic acid cycle, urea cycle, sugar metabolism, amino acids metabolism, choline metabolism, and flavonoid metabolism were regulated by the fermentation. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the leading fungi, Pichia and Issatchenkia, were linked to organic acids, amino acid and sugar metabolism, flavonoids, and several other flavor and functional components. Antibacterial tests indicated the antibacterial effect of serofluid soup against Salmonella and Staphylococcus.

    CONCLUSION: This work provides new insights into the complex microbial and metabolic networks during serofluid dish fermentation, and a theoretical basis for the optimization of its industrial production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

  8. A naturally evolved mutation (Ser-59-Gly) in glutamine synthetase confers glufosinate resistance in plants
    Zhang C, Yu Q, Han H, Yu C, Nyporko A, Tian X, et al.
    J Exp Bot, 2022 Jan 13.
    PMID: 35029685 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac008
    Glufosinate is an important and widely used non-selective herbicide active on a wide range of plant species. Resistance evolution to glufosinate in weedy plant species (including the global weed Eleusine indica) is underway. Here, we established the molecular basis of target-site glufosinate resistance in Eleusine indica. Full-length E. indica glutamine synthetase (GS) iso-genes (EiGS1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 and EiGS2) were cloned, and expression of EiGS1-1 and EiGS1-2 was higher than EiGS2. A novel point mutation resulting in a Ser-59-Gly substitution in EiGS1-1 was identified in glufosinate-resistant (R) plants. Rice calli and seedlings transformed with the mutant EiGS1-1 gene were resistant to glufosinate. Purified mutant EiGS1-1 expressed in yeast was more tolerant to glufosinate than the wild type (WT) variant. These transgenic results correlate with a more glufosinate-R GS in the crude tissue extract of R versus susceptible E. indica plants. Structural modelling of the mutant EiGS1-1 revealed that the Ser-59 is not directly involved in glufosinate binding but in contact with some important binding residues (e.g. Glu-297) and especially with Asp-56 that forms an intratoroidal contact interface. Importantly, the same Ser-59-Gly mutation was also found in geographically isolated glufosinate-R populations from Malaysia and China, suggesting parallel evolution of this resistance mutation.
  9. Fulltext Effects of different types and doses of whey protein on the physiological and intestinal flora in D-galactose induced aging mice
    Ma Z, Zhang F, Ma H, Chen X, Yang J, Yang Y, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(4):e0248329.
    PMID: 33857162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248329
    The elderly usually suffer from many diseases. Improving the quality of life of the elderly is an urgent social issue. In this present study, D-galactose treated aging mice models were used to reveal the effects of different animal sources and different doses of whey protein (WP) on the immune indexes organs and intestinal flora. A total of 9 groups were set up, including normal control (NC), negative control (NS), positive control (Vc), low-, medium- and high-doses of cow WP intervention groups (CL, CM and CH for short, correspondingly) and low-, medium- and high-doses of goat WP intervention groups (GL, GM and GH for short, correspondingly). The body weight gain, thymus/body weight ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, spleen immunoglobulins G (IgG), spleen interleukin-2 (IL-2) and spleen interleukin-2 (IL-6) were measured. Then, the intestinal contents were collected, and 16s genes of intestinal bacteria were sequenced to reveal the changes in bacterial flora structure. WP intervention significantly increased the weight gain, thymus/body ratio and SOD activity, but decrease the content of MDA. WP intervention increased some immune indicators. All the WP treated aging mice showed similar values of physiological indexes to that of the Vc group, even better. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Stenotrophomonas was increased and decreased, respectively, by both cow and goat WP. Lactobacillus may be involved in regulating the functional repair of organisms. In contrast, Stenotrophomonas might play a negative role in the immune and antioxidant capacity of the body. Combining physiological indicators and intestinal flora structure, low-concentration WP for cow and goat might be optimal for aging models.
  10. Genome characterization and taxonomy of Actinomyces acetigenes sp. nov., and Actinomyces stomatis sp. nov., previously isolated from the human oral cavity
    Tian X, Teo WFA, Wee WY, Yang Y, Ahmed H, Jakubovics NS, et al.
    BMC Genomics, 2023 Dec 04;24(1):734.
    PMID: 38049764 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09831-2
    BACKGROUND: Actinomyces strains are commonly found as part of the normal microflora on human tissue surfaces, including the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Understanding the diversity and characterization of Actinomyces species is crucial for human health, as they play an important role in dental plaque formation and biofilm-related infections. Two Actinomyces strains ATCC 49340 T and ATCC 51655 T have been utilized in various studies, but their accurate species classification and description remain unresolved.

    RESULTS: To investigate the genomic properties and taxonomic status of these strains, we employed both 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing and whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform with PE151 (paired-end) sequencing. Our analyses revealed that the draft genome of Actinomyces acetigenes ATCC 49340 T was 3.27 Mbp with a 68.0% GC content, and Actinomyces stomatis ATCC 51655 T has a genome size of 3.08 Mbp with a 68.1% GC content. Multi-locus (atpA, rpoB, pgi, metG, gltA, gyrA, and core genome SNPs) sequence analysis supported the phylogenetic placement of strains ATCC 51655 T and ATCC 49340 T as independent lineages. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and average amino acid identity (AAI) analyses indicated that both strains represented novel Actinomyces species, with values below the threshold for species demarcation (70% dDDH, 95% ANI and AAI). Pangenome analysis identified 5,731 gene clusters with strains ATCC 49340 T and ATCC 51655 T possessing 1,515 and 1,518 unique gene clusters, respectively. Additionally, genomic islands (GIs) prediction uncovered 24 putative GIs in strain ATCC 49340 T and 16 in strain ATCC 51655 T, contributing to their genetic diversity and potential adaptive capabilities. Pathogenicity analysis highlighted the potential human pathogenicity risk associated with both strains, with several virulence-associated factors identified. CRISPR-Cas analysis exposed the presence of CRISPR and Cas genes in both strains, indicating these strains might evolve a robust defense mechanism against them.

    CONCLUSION: This study supports the classification of strains ATCC 49340 T and ATCC 51655 T as novel species within the Actinomyces, in which the name Actinomyces acetigenes sp. nov. (type strain ATCC 49340 T = VPI D163E-3 T = CCUG 34286 T = CCUG 35339 T) and Actinomyces stomatis sp. nov. (type strain ATCC 51655 T = PK606T = CCUG 33930 T) are proposed.

  11. A Self-Assembled Metallomacrocycle Singlet Oxygen Sensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy
    Walker MG, Jarman PJ, Gill MR, Tian X, Ahmad H, Reddy PA, et al.
    Chemistry, 2016 Apr 18;22(17):5996-6000.
    PMID: 27000412 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201600852
    Although metal-ion-directed self-assembly has been widely used to construct a vast number of macrocycles and cages, it is only recently that the biological properties of these systems have begun to be explored. However, up until now, none of these studies have involved intrinsically photoexcitable self-assembled structures. Herein we report the first metallomacrocycle that functions as an intracellular singlet oxygen sensitizer. Not only does this Ru2 Re2 system possess potent photocytotoxicity at light fluences below those used for current medically employed systems, it offers an entirely new paradigm for the construction of sensitizers for photodynamic therapy.
  12. Comparison of common human respiratory pathogens among hospitalized children aged ≤ 6 years in Hainan Island, China, during spring and early summer in 2019-2021
    Mai W, Ren Y, Tian X, Al-Mahdi AY, Peng R, An J, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2023 Apr;95(4):e28692.
    PMID: 36946502 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28692
    The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related public health intervention measures have been reported to have resulted in the reduction of infections caused by influenza viruses and other common respiratory viruses. However, the influence may be varied in areas that have different ecological, economic, and social conditions. This study investigated the changing epidemiology of 8 common respiratory pathogens, including Influenza A (IFVA), Influenza B (IFVB), Respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), rhinovirus (RV), Human metapneumovirus Adenovirus, Human bocavirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, among hospitalized children during spring and early summer in 2019-2021 in two hospitals in Hainan Island, China, in the COVID-19 pandemic era. The results revealed a significant reduction in the prevalence of IFVA and IFVB in 2020 and 2021 than in 2019, whereas the prevalence of HRSV increased, and it became the dominant viral pathogen in 2021. RV was one of the leading pathogens in the 3 year period, where no significant difference was observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships among the circulating respiratory viruses. Large scale studies are needed to study the changing epidemiology of seasonal respiratory viruses to inform responses to future respiratory virus pandemics.
  13. Whole-transcriptome analysis reveals mechanisms underlying antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition by a malic acid combination (MAC) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    Song K, Chen L, Suo N, Kong X, Li J, Wang T, et al.
    PeerJ, 2023;11:e16476.
    PMID: 38084141 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16476
    BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly prevalent bacterial species known for its ability to cause various infections and its remarkable adaptability and biofilm-forming capabilities. In earlier work, we conducted research involving the screening of 33 metabolites obtained from a commercial source against two prevalent bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through screening assays, we discovered a novel malic acid combination (MAC) consisting of malic acid, citric acid, glycine, and hippuric acid, which displayed significant inhibitory effects. However, the precise underlying mechanism and the potential impact of the MAC on bacterial biofilm formation remain unknown and warrant further investigation.

    METHODS: To determine the antibacterial effectiveness of the MAC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we conducted minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to observe bacterial morphology and biofilm formation. We further performed a biofilm inhibition assay to assess the effect of the MAC on biofilm formation. Whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were employed to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism of the MAC. Additionally, the expression levels of differentially expressed genes were validated using the real-time PCR approach.

    RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the MAC against P. aeruginosa. SEM analysis revealed that the MAC can induce morphological changes in bacterial cells. The biofilm assay showed that the MAC could reduce biofilm formation. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed 1093 differentially expressed genes consisting of 659 upregulated genes and 434 downregulated genes, in response to the MAC treatment. Mechanistically, the MAC inhibited P. aeruginosa growth by targeting metabolic processes, secretion system, signal transduction, and cell membrane functions, thereby potentially compromising the survival of this human pathogen. This study provides valuable insights into the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the MAC, a synergistic and cost-effective malic acid combination, which holds promise as a potential therapeutic drug cocktail for treating human infectious diseases in the future.

  14. Fulltext A broadly neutralizing germline-like human monoclonal antibody against dengue virus envelope domain III
    Hu D, Zhu Z, Li S, Deng Y, Wu Y, Zhang N, et al.
    PLoS Pathog, 2019 06;15(6):e1007836.
    PMID: 31242272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007836
    Dengue is the most widespread vector-borne viral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) for which there are no safe, effective drugs approved for clinical use. Here, by using sequential antigen panning of a yeast antibody library derived from healthy donors against the DENV envelop protein domain III (DIII) combined with depletion by an entry defective DIII mutant, we identified a cross-reactive human monoclonal antibody (mAb), m366.6, which bound with high affinity to DENV DIII from all four DENV serotypes. Immunogenetic analysis indicated that m366.6 is a germline-like mAb with very few somatic mutations from the closest VH and Vλ germline genes. Importantly, we demonstrated that it potently neutralized DENV both in vitro and in the mouse models of DENV infection without detectable antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) effect. The epitope of m366.6 was mapped to the highly conserved regions on DIII, which may guide the design of effective dengue vaccine immunogens. Furthermore, as the first germline-like mAb derived from a naïve antibody library that could neutralize all four DENV serotypes, the m366.6 can be a tool for exploring mechanisms of DENV infection, and is a promising therapeutic candidate.
  15. A collective statement in support of saving pangolins
    Choo SW, Chong JL, Gaubert P, Hughes AC, O'Brien S, Chaber AL, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2022 Feb 14.
    PMID: 35176378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153666
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