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Can green location-oriented policies promote substantive green innovation by enterprises? Evidence from China’s National Eco-Industrial Demonstration Parks
Corporate green innovation is a key practice driving sustainable economic development. Exploring the effectiveness of green location-oriented policies in fostering substantial green innovation among micro-enterprises through a “point-to-area” approach holds practical importance. Drawing on the practice of China’s National Eco-Industrial Demonstration Parks (NEDPs) and utilizing data from A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen spanning the period from 2007 to 2022, this paper utilizes a staggered Difference-in-Differences methodology to examine the impact and mechanism of green location-oriented policies on corporate substantial green innovation. The study reveals that the establishment of NEDPs can stimulate substantial green innovation among corporations, with this finding retaining its validity after undergoing a series of robustness test. Analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the incentive effect of NEDPs on corporate substantial green innovation is mainly concentrated in enterprises with low strategic differentiation, low carbon emission performance, and those located in resource-based urban areas. Mechanism analysis indicates that NEDPs jointly promote substantial corporate green innovation mainly through the pressure effects of increased government environmental attention and corporate investment in research and experimental development as well as the incentive effects of green financial support and innovative talent agglomeration. This paper enriches the research on the antecedents of corporate green innovation behavior and provides new micro-level evidence for the effectiveness of green location-oriented policies. It is recommended that governments should con-tenuously strengthen green attention, increase green investment guidance, and cluster innovation factors to effectively promote corporate substantial green innovation.
Early grant success attracts more funding: study of 100,000 applicants hints at why
Risk factors analysis of 90-day mortality in patients with sepsis in intensive care unit
Background The incidence and mortality of sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) remain persistently high. This study primarily investigates the risk factors associated with the 90-day mortality in sepsis patients. Method This retrospective study included 123 sepsis patients admitted to a hospital in China from January 2015 to December 2018, clinical and abdominal CT data were compared between survivors and non-survivors, logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were performed on the abdominal CT data, Finally, survival curves for different skeletal muscle indices were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method. Result In the abdominal CT scan data, significant differences were observed between survivors and non-survivors in skeletal muscle density (SMD), skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT); Cox regression analysis revealed that higher skeletal muscle density (SMD) (HR = 0.953; 95% CI = 0.923–0.984; p = 0.003), skeletal muscle area (SMA) (HR = 0.986; 95% CI = 0.976–0.997; p = 0.011), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) (HR = 0.951; 95% CI = 0.917–0.985; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with lower 90-day mortality compared to non-survivors. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves demonstrated differences in survival based on the median skeletal muscle index (SMI). Conclusion Body composition parameters assessed by abdominal CT scans are highly associated with 90-day mortality in ICU patients with sepsis. Among them, SMD, SMA, and SMI are valuable prognostic factors.
Potentials of typical plant species from rewetted fenlands for the supply of strategic elements
Abstract Rewetting of peatlands requires the development of new biomass utilization pathways. The supply of strategic elements with key importance for the development of priority technologies, such as germanium (Ge), silicon (Si) and rare earth elements, from fenland plants is one option. To provide a first estimation of the potential, concentrations of strategic elements were determined in nine biomass samples covering typical fenland vegetation in northeast Germany. Subsequently, a simplified estimation of potential revenue from strategic element recovery was made. The analysed plant species can be classified as high or intermediate Si plant accumulators with highest contents of more than 16.0 g Si kg−1 dry mass (DM) in sedges and common reeds. Ge concentrations were lower with reed canary grass containing the highest amounts of 465.3 µg Ge kg−1 DM. Simultaneous acquisition of Ge and Si could provide higher total element yields and revenues of up to 500 $ ha−1. In contrast, the potentials for supplying rare earth elements appeared to be very low, with common reed containing the highest sum of rare earth elements of 437.4 µg kg−1 DM. Biomass from rewetted fenlands is capable of accumulating strategic elements. More knowledge is required to understand the factors affecting their accumulation.
Trends and cross-country inequalities in dengue, 1990–2021
Background The existing body of literature is deficient in the most recent data regarding the global perspective of dengue fever and its associated health inequities.Our aim is to assess the global burden of dengue fever and its health inequities from 1990 to 2021. Methods The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, organized by global health research institutions, is a comprehensive database and the largest-scale and most detailed scientific research to date. We utilized the GBD database for epidemiological trends, demographic analysis, epidemiological decomposition, cross-national inequality and predictive modeling for the global dengue burden up to 2051 were also performed. Results Globally, dengue fever incidence, prevalence, Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs), and mortality have risen with marked international disparities. From 1990 to 2021, Age-Standardized Rates (ASRs) for incidence and prevalence rose by 1.83% (95% CI: 1.58%–2.08%), and for DALYs and mortality by 1.33% (95% CI: 1.10%–1.57%) and 1.70% (95% CI: 1.45%–1.94%), respectively. Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model analysis showed a positive link between dengue fever incidence and age, with mortality spiking in those over 80. DALYs burden decomposition highlighted population growth as the key driver of global burden, yet impacts differed across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintiles. Dengue fever burden inequalities related to SDI have remained, with benefits shifting from poor to rich populations. Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model projections indicate stable incidence and prevalence ASRs, but declining DALYs and mortality ASRs, especially for females. Conclusion This study elucidates the changes in the burden of dengue fever against the backdrop of a burgeoning global population, severe aging, and pronounced health inequities across nations, quantifying these alterations and forecasting the trends in the disease burden over the next three decades. Concurrently, the research proposes effective measures for various countries and regions to mitigate health inequities.
Intra-individual comparison of appetitive trace and delay conditioning in humans across acquisition and extinction
Abstract Temporal contiguity between conditioned (CS) and unconditioned stimuli (US) is a crucial factor in Pavlovian learning, yet little is known about its role in appetitive conditioning and extinction. In a within-subject design, 60 participants underwent both a delay (DC) and trace conditioning (TC) session with partial reinforcement (75%) by monetary rewards (US) and varying interval between CS offset and US onset (DC: 0s; TC: 4s). In addition to self-report indices (reward expectancy, arousal, valence), psychophysiological markers (pupil dilation, heart-period and startle reflex modulation) were recorded during acquisition and extinction training. For most measures, significant differential conditioned responses emerged, irrespective of temporal contiguity, with no major differences observed between TC and DC during acquisition (except for potentially diminished startle attenuation in TC). Despite overall similar patterns in conditioned responding (with small to moderate effects on physiological measures), there was no intraindividual concordance between sessions, yet evidence for differential TC effects on extinction learning. Specifically, smaller reductions in differential reward expectancy, heart-period deceleration and startle modulation after extinction in TC suggested relatively diminished extinction learning. Conditioned pupil dilation (0–2 s after CS onset) remained comparatively stable. Taken together, our findings extend evidence of differences in underlying learning mechanisms between TC and DC to the context of reward learning.
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Integration of a brief, transdiagnostic psychological intervention in the care of adolescents and young adults with HIV in Kenya: Protocol for a cluster randomized clinical trial
Adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYH) are at greater risk for mental health conditions. Provision of mental health services to AYH is limited by an overburdened and untrained workforce, and psychological interventions ill-adapted for adolescent HIV care. Brief, transdiagnostic psychological interventions delivered in the HIV clinics may address some of these challenges. We will evaluate the PRO-ACT intervention in a hybrid type 1 cluster randomized clinical trial (NCT06247527) in 30 HIV clinics in 3 counties in Kenya. PRO-ACT is a cognitive behavioral therapy with 5 modules: Psychoeducation, Relaxation, prOblem-solving, behavioral Activation and Cognitive coping, delivered to AYH by trained health providers without specialist mental health training in 4–6 sessions within 6 months. We performed stratified randomization with matching to balance for county and facility size to assign 5 intervention (PRO-ACT) and 5 control (standard of care) clinics in each of the 3 counties. Screening of AYH ages 16−24 years will be conducted using the 9-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Up to 300 AYH with psychological distress (PHQ-9 score>4) will be enrolled in each arm. Further assessments will include the 5-item ASK suicide screening questions (ASQ), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), 20-item Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS)/PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), self-reported treatment adherence, and HIV viral loads. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at month 3, 6, 9 and 12. Mixed methods will be used to measure implementation outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and characterize determinants of implementation. Primary analysis of PRO-ACT effectiveness will be conducted at month 6 (near term treatment effect), and month 12 (treatment effect sustainability) comparing PHQ-9 mean scores between treatment and control groups. Secondary analyses will compare GAD-7, CATS/PCL-5, adherence and viral suppression between the groups. The study will inform integration efforts of holistic mental health services in HIV care.
Comparative assessment of standalone and hybrid deep neural networks for modeling daily pan evaporation in a semi-arid environment
Abstract Evaporation represents a fundamental hydrological cycle process that demands dependable methods to quantify its fluctuation to ascertain sustainable agriculture, irrigation systems, and overall water resource management. Meteorological variables such as relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and sunshine hours affect evaporation non-linearly, resulting in challenges while developing prediction models. To combat this, the study aimed to develop robust models for estimating evaporation in semi-arid environments by applying machine learning techniques. Daily meteorological datasets (from January 2000 to December 2010) for the above variables (input) were collected from the Sidi Yakoub meteorological station in the Wadi Sly basin, Algeria. Conventional deep neural network (DNN) coupled with support vector machine (SVM), Bayesian additive regression trees (BART), random subspace (RSS), M5 pruned, and random forest (RF) were used for developing prediction models using various input variable combinations. Model performances were compared using mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), determination coefficient (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient, and percentage bias (PBIAS). Results indicated comparatively better performance for hybrid models (DNN-SVM, DNN-BART, DNN-RSS, DNN-M5 pruned, and DNN-RF) than conventional models (standalone DNN). Among hybrid models, the DNN-SVM model outperformed others with high accuracy and performance and fewer statistical errors in the daily pan evaporation prediction during the testing phase (R²=0.65, RMSE = 3.00 mm, MAE = 2.13, NSE = 0.65, and PBIAS = 3.54). DNN-RF was in the second rank for the prediction with R2 of 0.64, RMSE of 3.00 mm, MAE of 2.16, NSE of 0.64, and PBIAS = 0.41. While the standalone DNN model gave the lowest results with MAE of 4.87, RMSE of 5.00 mm, and NRMSE of 0.65. The present framework’s success in Algeria’s Wadi Sly basin highlights its potential for scalable adoption in irrigation scheduling and drought resilience strategies, yielding implementable steps for policymakers, addressing climate-driven water scarcity. Future research should explore integrating real-time climate projections and socio-hydrological variables to improve predictive adaptability across diverse agroecological zones.
Food safety practice and its associated factors among household food handlers in Patuakhali, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Food safety practices play a crucial role in the prevention of foodborne diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study assessed food safety practices among household food handlers in Patuakhali, Bangladesh, and identified associated factors influencing these practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 randomly selected households, using structured interviews and direct observations. The findings revealed that only 46% of participants demonstrated good food safety practices, with notable deficiencies in proper handwashing techniques (36.7%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that secondary education (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.44, 5.59), government employment (AOR = 5.74; 95% CI: 1.24, 26.53), monthly income between 15,000 and 30,000 BDT (AOR = 4.50; 95% CI: 2.17, 9.31), and participation in food safety training (AOR = 5.01; 95% CI: 1.95, 12.90) were significantly associated with good food safety practices. Conversely, living in rural areas (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.67) and, being aged 39–58 years (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15–0.84) were associated with poor food safety practices. Addressing these factors, particularly socioeconomic disparities and offering targeted food safety education, could significantly improve public health outcomes and overall food safety practices.
Grandparental socioeconomic disadvantages and grandchild psychiatric disorders: the mediating role of parental socioeconomic and psychosocial factors
Abstract The aim of this study is to explore the association between grandparental socioeconomic disadvantages and grandchild psychiatric disorders, the role of parental socioeconomic and psychosocial factors in this association, as well as potential gender differences. We utilized a cohort study design using data from the Stockholm Birth Cohort Multigenerational Study, including 11,299 individuals born in 1953 (parental generation), their 22,598 parents (grandparental generation), and 24,707 adult children (grandchild generation). Grandparental and parental socioeconomic disadvantages, respectively, included low income, non-employment, and overcrowding. Parental psychosocial disadvantages included single parenthood, psychiatric disorders, and criminality. Psychiatric disorders in the grandchildren were reflected by hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders from age 18 to 30 (1986–2019). Analyses were performed within the Structural Equation Modeling framework. We found an association between grandparental socioeconomic disadvantages and grandchild psychiatric disorders (standardized total effect 0.155, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.099–0.211), which was mediated through parental psychosocial disadvantages (standardized mediating effect 0.101, 95% CI 0.073–0.130). The mediation was more pronounced via psychosocial disadvantages among mothers than fathers. These findings indicate that psychosocial disadvantages among parents, especially mothers, reflect an important mediating mechanism, and addressing such disadvantages may help mitigate social inequalities in mental health across generations.
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Iron deficiency causes aspartate-sensitive dysfunction in CD8+ T cells
Abstract Iron is an irreplaceable co-factor for metabolism. Iron deficiency affects >1 billion people and decreased iron availability impairs immunity. Nevertheless, how iron deprivation impacts immune cell function remains poorly characterised. We interrogate how physiologically low iron availability affects CD8+ T cell metabolism and function, using multi-omic and metabolic labelling approaches. Iron limitation does not substantially alter initial post-activation increases in cell size and CD25 upregulation. However, low iron profoundly stalls proliferation (without influencing cell viability), alters histone methylation status, gene expression, and disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential. Glucose and glutamine metabolism in the TCA cycle is limited and partially reverses to a reductive trajectory. Previous studies identified mitochondria-derived aspartate as crucial for proliferation of transformed cells. Despite aberrant TCA cycling, aspartate is increased in stalled iron deficient CD8+ T cells but is not utilised for nucleotide synthesis, likely due to trapping within depolarised mitochondria. Exogenous aspartate markedly rescues expansion and some functions of severely iron-deficient CD8+ T cells. Overall, iron scarcity creates a mitochondrial-located metabolic bottleneck, which is bypassed by supplying inhibited biochemical processes with aspartate. These findings reveal molecular consequences of iron deficiency for CD8+ T cell function, providing mechanistic insight into the basis for immune impairment during iron deficiency.
Genomic profiling in hidradenitis suppurativa: InterOmics pipeline for DNA-RNA sequencing highlights HLA variants, keratin-associated mutations and extracellular matrix alterations as contributing factors to HS pathogenesis
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disorder with a complex genetic and molecular basis. To advance its characterization, we applied InterOmics, a novel bioinformatics pipeline integrating whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), to saliva and skin biopsy samples from six HS patients. This approach enabled a comprehensive multiomics investigation, identifying disease-associated genetic variants and transcriptomic alterations. A key innovation of InterOmics is the Multiomics Variant Category, which classifies variants based on DNA and RNA data, capturing regulatory mechanisms such as allele-specific expression, RNA editing, nonsense-mediated decay, and gain-of-function mutations. Our findings highlight HLA gene variants and keratin-related mutations as potential contributors to HS pathogenesis. By bridging genomic and transcriptomic data, InterOmics enhances variant interpretation. This study underscores the power of multiomics-driven approaches in deciphering complex diseases, paving the way for precision medicine in HS.
Vincamine induces cytoprotective autophagy via regulation of ampk/mtor signaling pathway in gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats
Abstract Gentamicin (GET), a widely utilized aminoglycoside antibiotic for severe bacterial infections, is associated with significant hepatorenal toxicity. These adverse effects are frequently exacerbated by GET-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective efficacy of vincamine (VIN) against GET-induced hepatic and renal damage. 4 groups of adult male rats were assigned: normal control (received CMC), GET (100 mg/kg, i.p.), VIN (40 mg/kg, p.o.), and GET/VIN (received both VIN and GET) for 7 days. Liver and kidney function tests were performed. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified. To assess apoptosis, Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while cleaved caspase-3 protein levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological alterations were also examined. The implication of autophagy was assessed by detecting AMPK, beclin-1, LC3 and mTOR proteins. Our results indicated that VIN significantly attenuated GET-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mechanistically, VIN modulated apoptotic pathways by upregulating the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene and downregulating the pro-apoptotic Bax gene. Notably, VIN potently enhanced autophagy through modulation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, evidenced by the upregulation of beclin1 and LC3 levels. Histopathological analysis further corroborated these findings, demonstrating that VIN markedly reduced the tissue damage associated with GET administration. VIN demonstrates potential as a cytoprotective agent against GET-induced hepatorenal toxicity. The protective effect of VIN may be attributed to its capacity to modulate the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3-dependent apoptotic pathway and the AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy pathway.
Author Correction: Adaptive mechanisms of social and asocial learning in immersive collective foraging
Predictors of smoking abstinence among diabetic smokers: Evidence from the French national smoking cessation registry CDTnet
Evidence suggests that diabetic smokers are less likely to quit smoking when compared to non-diabetic smokers. This study aimed to determine predictors of abstinence among diabetic smokers attending smoking cessation services (SCSs) across France. We analysed data from 94,827 adult smokers registered in the French national smoking cessation registry (CDTnet) between 2007 and 2016. Participants attended ≥2 SCS visits, and one-month continued abstinence was confirmed by carbon monoxide measurement. Among 6,405 diabetic smokers, 33% achieved one-month continued abstinence, versus 38% among 88,422 non-diabetic smokers (p < 0.001). Positive predictors of abstinence among diabetic smokers included employment (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–1.89), ≥ 3 prior quit attempts (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.36–1.91), low nicotine dependence (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.13–1.78), prescription of combined nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.19–1.72) or varenicline (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.20–2.25), and ≥7 SCS consultations (OR, 4.47; 95% CI, 3.40–5.84). Conversely, negative predictors included history of myocardial infarction/angina (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70–0.96), chronic bronchitis/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69–0.91), anxiety (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.94), recent cannabis use (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50–0.90), and exclusive oral NRT use (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56–0.88). Overall, tailored cessation programs are crucial for enhancing cessation outcomes among diabetic smokers.