bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White adipose tissue as a target for cadmium toxicity
Authors: Attia Sarra Mohammed , Das Sandra Concepcion , Varadharajan Kavitha , Al-Naemi Hamda A.
Published: October 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal known as a toxic environmental pollutant. Cd exposure is threatening due to its bioaccumulation trait in living systems that exceeds 35 years without a beneficial biological role. Acute exposure to high Cd doses was reported to impact adipose tissue (AT) function adversely. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of low-dose chronic Cd exposure on the genes involved in adipose tissue (AT) functions. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a low Cd dose (15 mg/kg B.W./day) for 10 weeks. Then, three AT depots-subcutaneous AT (SUB-AT), abdominal AT (AB-AT), and retroperitoneal AT (REtrop-AT) were excised for Cd accumulation measures and gene expression analysis. Adiponectin and leptin gene expression levels were investigated as markers for adipocytes function and homeostasis. Our results showed that Cd accumulated in all the tested adipose depots, but SUB-AT was found to be the depot to most accumulate Cd. Also, it was exhibited that chronic exposure to low Cd doses altered the gene expression of adipocytokines. The levels of adiponectin and leptin mRNA expression were downregulated in all tested AT-depots after Cd exposure. The significant adverse effect on SUB-AT compared to other depots indicates different responses based on AT depots location toward Cd exposure. Collectively, these results suggest a toxic effect of Cd that influenced adipocyte function.
The Effects of sodium bicarbonate Ringer’s solution on acute kidney injury and the clinical outcomes after liver transplantation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Hao , Meng Gaige , Zuo Chunlong , Wang Jiang , Jin Shiyun , Chen Lijian , Zhang Ye
Published: October 2022

Background: Acute kidney injury is the most common complication after liver transplantation. Sodium bicarbonate Ringer’s solution is a new type of crystalloid solution that has been recently used in the clinical setting. Whether sodium bicarbonate Ringer’s solution reduces the occurrence of postoperative AKI and improves the clinical outcomes of liver transplantation patients is not clear.

Objective: To compare the effects of sodium bicarbonate Ringer’s solution versus normal saline on acute kidney injury and clinical outcomes following classic orthotopic liver transplantation.

Methods: Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to the sodium bicarbonate Ringers (BRS) group or the normal saline (NS) group. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation. The secondary outcomes included the rate of renal replacement therapy, length of mechanical ventilation, stay in the ICU, stay in the hospital after surgery and 30-day mortality. Other outcomes included the concentration of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, anion gap, lactate concentration and changes in chloride preoperatively and postoperatively.

Result: Sixty-two patients completed the trial and were analyzed, with 31 patients in each group. There was a significantly lower rate of postoperative acute kidney injury in the BRS group (14/31, 45.2%) than in the NS group (24/31, 77.4%), with a relative risk of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.38–0.90; p = 0.009). The severity of AKI in the BRS group was lower than that in the NS group (Z = -2.932, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference observed in the secondary outcomes. For other outcomes, the concentration of preoperative sodium was lower than postoperative sodium in the NS group (137.2 vs. 140.4, p = 0.009). The concentration of preoperative chloride was lower than that of postoperative chloride in the NS group (102.9 vs. 106.2, p < 0.001). The change in the concentration of chloride in the BRS group was lower than that in the NS group (1.6 vs. 4.7, p = 0.006).

Conclusion: Sodium bicarbonate Ringer’s solution reduced the incidence and severity of acute kidney injury after classic orthotopic liver transplantation.
Epilepsy treatment in neuro-oncology: A rationale for drug choice in common clinical scenarios
Authors: Sánchez-Villalobos José Manuel , Aledo-Serrano Ángel , Villegas-Martínez Irene , Shaikh Mohd Farooq , Alcaraz Miguel
Published: October 2022

Epilepsy represents a challenge in the management of patients with brain tumors. Epileptic seizures are one of the most frequent comorbidities in neuro-oncology and may be the debut symptom of a brain tumor or a complication during its evolution. Epileptogenic mechanisms of brain tumors are not yet fully elucidated, although new factors related to the underlying pathophysiological process with possible treatment implications have been described. In recent years, the development of new anti-seizure medications (ASM), with better pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects, has become a paradigm shift in many clinical scenarios in neuro-oncology, being able, for instance, to adapt epilepsy treatment to specific features of each patient. This is crucial in several situations, such as patients with cognitive/psychiatric comorbidity, pregnancy, or advanced age, among others. In this narrative review, we provide a rationale for decision-making in ASM choice for neuro-oncologic patients, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each drug. In addition, according to current literature evidence, we try to answer some of the most frequent questions that arise in daily clinical practice in patients with epilepsy related to brain tumors, such as, which patients are the best candidates for ASM and when to start it, what is the best treatment option for each patient, and what are the major pitfalls to be aware of during follow-up.
The Amazonian kambô frog Phyllomedusa bicolor (Amphibia: Phyllomedusidae): Current knowledge on biology, phylogeography, toxinology, ethnopharmacology and medical aspects
Authors: Nogueira Thais A. C. , Kaefer Igor Luis , Sartim Marco A. , Pucca Manuela B. , Sachett Jacqueline , Barros André L. , Júnior Moysés B. A. , Baía-da-Silva Djane C. , Bernarde Paulo S. , Koolen Hector H. F. , Monteiro Wuelton M.
Published: October 2022

Phyllomedusa bicolor (Phyllomedusidae), popularly known as the kambô in Brazil, is a tree frog that is widely distributed in South American countries and is known for producing a skin secretion that is rich in bioactive peptides, which are often used in indigenous rituals. The biological effects of the skin secretion were observed in the first studies with indigenous communities. Over the last six decades, researchers have been studying the chemical composition in detail, as well as the potential pharmacological applications of its constituents. For this reason, indigenous communities and health agents fear the misuse of the kambô, or the inappropriate use of the species, which can result in health complications or even death of users. This article seeks to provide a transdisciplinary review that integrates knowledge regarding the biology of P. bicolor, ethnoknowledge about the ritual of the kambô, and the chemistry and pharmacology of the skin secretion of this species, in addition to medical aspects of the indiscriminate use of the kambô. Furthermore, this review seeks to shed light on perspectives on the future of research related to the kambô.
Sky polarization pattern under multi-layer environment of atmosphere and sea fog
Authors: Fu Qiang , Liu Yang , Liu Nan , Si Linlin , Zhang Su , Zhan Juntong , Li Yingchao
Published: October 2022

The vertical polarization distribution pattern of sea fog multilayer media and skylight in the atmosphere is explored. To change the complicated maritime environment, the simplified double layer structure of the atmosphere and sea fog is employed, and the scattering coefficients of the uniform atmosphere and sea fog medium are derived using the Rayleigh and Mie scattering methods, respectively. Using the adding-doubling method (RT3) based on the vector radiation transmission equation, the transmission of radiation between the two layers of the medium is calculated to obtain the polarization distribution conditions of skylight, and the variation tendency of the polarization characteristics observed from the ground is studied for the downwelling radiation of sea fog on the meridian of the Sun. An indoor sea fog setting was employed to perform the polarization transmission test, and the relationship between humidity, light intensity transmittance, and polarization degree was explored. The data suggest that the Sun’s position gives the lowest degree of polarization (DOP), and that the maximum value is obtained when the angle between the solar altitude angle and the observed altitude angle is 90°. Short wavelength lasers have a higher influence on optical transmittance than long wavelength lasers do when humidity levels increase. The circular polarization effect of long wavelength laser is better in damp surroundings.
Mpemba-like effect protocol for granular gases of inelastic and rough hard disks
Authors: Megías Alberto , Santos Andrés
Published: October 2022

We study the conditions under which a Mpemba-like effect emerges in granular gases of inelastic and rough hard disks driven by a class of thermostats characterized by the splitting of the noise intensity into translational and rotational counterparts. Thus, granular particles are affected by a stochastic force and a stochastic torque, which inject translational and rotational energy, respectively. We realize that a certain choice of a thermostat of this class can be characterized just by the total intensity and the fraction of noise transferred to the rotational degree of freedom with respect to the translational ones. Firstly, Mpemba effect is characterized by the appearance of a crossing between the temperature curves of the considered samples. Later, an overshoot of the temperature evolution with respect to the steady-state value is observed and the mechanism of Mpemba effect generation is changed. The choice of parameters allows us to design plausible protocols based on these thermostats for generating the initial states to observe the Mpemba-like effect in experiments. In order to obtain explicit results, we use a well-founded Maxwellian approximation for the evolution dynamics and the steady-state quantities. Finally, theoretical results are compared with direct simulation Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics results, and a very good agreement is found.
Lasers for the observation of multiple order nuclear reactions
Authors: Burggraf Jeffrey , Zylstra Alex
Published: October 2022

Nuclear reaction rates become nonlinear with respect to flux (cm−2s−1) in extreme environments such as those found during stellar nucleosynthesis and terrestrial nuclear detonations. To observe these effects directly in the laboratory, extremely high particle fluences (cm−2) are necessary but not sufficient. Reactor-based neutron sources, such as the Institut Laue-Langevin’s high-flux neutron reactor, were previously the closest to meeting this challenge, albeit over ∼hour time scales. In ultra-high flux environments, where multiple reactions occur on picosecond time scales, nuclei are unable to return to their ground states between reactions; consequently, reactions take place on excited nuclei. To accurately model high-flux environments, data on the cross-sections of excited nuclear states are required, which differ significantly from those of ground states due to spin/parity effects. In order to replicate these effects in the laboratory, short high-fluence pulses on the order of the lifetime of a typical nuclear excited state (generally ≲1 ns) are required. Particle beams generated by high-intensity lasers are uniquely positioned to meet this need with the potential to produce fluences of 1017 protons/cm2 and 1022 neutrons/cm2 over a few pico-seconds or less. In addition to providing a quantitative analysis of the rates of multiple rapid reactions in general, the present work examines a number of laser-based experiments that could be conducted in the near future to observe multiple rapid reactions for laboratory-based astrophysics and the measurement of exotic cross-sections.
Validation of in silico biomarkers for drug screening through ordinal logistic regression
Authors: Jeong Da Un , Danadibrata Rakha Zharfarizqi , Marcellinus Aroli , Lim Ki Moo
Published: October 2022

Since the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiation, many studies have suggested various in silico features based on ionic charges, action potentials (AP), or intracellular calcium (Ca) to assess proarrhythmic risk. These in silico features are computed through electrophysiological simulations using in vitro experimental datasets as input, therefore changing with the quality of in vitro experimental data; however, research to validate the robustness of in silico features for proarrhythmic risk assessment of drugs depending on in vitro datasets has not been conducted. This study aims to verify the availability of in silico features commonly used in assessing the cardiac toxicity of drugs through an ordinal logistic regression model and three in vitro datasets measured under different experimental environments and with different purposes. We performed in silico drug simulations using the Tomek-Ohara Rudy (ToR-ORD) ventricular myocyte model and computed 12 in silico features comprising six AP features, four Ca features, and two ion charge features, which reflected the effect and characteristics of each in vitro data for CiPA 28 drugs. We then compared the classific performances of ordinal logistic regressions according to these 12 in silico features and used in vitro datasets to validate which in silico feature is the best for assessing the proarrhythmic risk of drugs at high, intermediate, and low levels. All 12 in silico features helped determine high-risky torsadogenic drugs, regardless of the in vitro datasets used in the in silico simulation as input. In the three types of in silico features, AP features were the most reliable for determining the three Torsade de Pointes (TdP) risk standards. Among AP features, AP duration at 50% repolarization (APD50) was the best when individually using in silico features per in vitro dataset. In contrast, the AP repolarization velocity (dVm/dtMax_repol) was the best when merging all in silico features computed through three in vitro datasets.
Genetic insights into non-syndromic Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Althali Nouf J. , Hentges Kathryn E.
Published: October 2022

Congenital heart defects (CHD) include structural abnormalities of the heart or/and great vessels that are present at birth. CHD affects around 1% of all newborns worldwide. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most prevalent cyanotic congenital cardiac abnormality, affecting three out of every 10,000 live infants with a prevalence rate of 5–10% of all congenital cardiac defects. The four hallmark characteristics of TOF are: right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and overriding aorta. Approximately 20% of cases of TOF are associated with a known disease or chromosomal abnormality, with the remaining 80% of TOF cases being non-syndromic, with no known aetiology. Relatively few TOF patients have been studied, and little is known about critical causative genes for non-syndromic TOF. However, rare genetic variants have been identified as significant risk factors for CHD, and are likely to cause some cases of TOF. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update on well-characterized genes and the most recent variants identified for non-syndromic TOF.
Transcriptome analysis reveals differential effects of beta-cypermethrin and fipronil insecticides on detoxification mechanisms in Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Luo Yuanyuan , Sheikh Umer Ayyaz Aslam , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Khan Muhammad Musa , Imran Muhammad , Hafeez Muhammad , Ghani Muhammad Imran , Lei Nie , Xu Yijuan
Published: October 2022

Insecticide resistance poses many challenges in insect pest control, particularly in the control of destructive pests such as red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). In recent years, beta-cypermethrin and fipronil have been extensively used to manage invasive ants, but their effects on resistance development in S. invicta are still unknown. To investigate resistance development, S. invicta was collected from populations in five different cities in Guangdong, China. The results showed 105.71- and 2.98-fold higher resistance against fipronil and beta-cypermethrin, respectively, in the Guangzhou population. The enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase, carboxylases, and glutathione S-transferases significantly increased with increasing beta-cypermethrin and fipronil concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 117 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the BC-ck vs. BC-30 treatments (39 upregulated and 78 downregulated), 109 DEGs in F-ck vs. F-30 (33 upregulated and 76 downregulated), and 499 DEGs in BC-30 vs. F-30 (312 upregulated and 187 downregulated). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that DEGs associated with insecticide resistance were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, the AMPK signaling pathway, the insulin signaling pathway, carbon metabolism, peroxisomes, fatty acid metabolism, drug metabolism enzymes and the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. Furthermore, we found that DEGs important for insecticide detoxification pathways were differentially regulated under both insecticide treatments in S. invicta. Comprehensive transcriptomic data confirmed that detoxification enzymes play a significant role in insecticide detoxification and resistance development in S. invicta in Guangdong Province. Numerous identified insecticide-related genes, GO terms, and KEGG pathways indicated the resistance of S. invicta workers to both insecticides. Importantly, this transcriptome profile variability serves as a starting point for future research on insecticide risk evaluation and the molecular mechanism of insecticide detoxification in invasive red imported fire ants.
Euphorbia species latex: A comprehensive review on phytochemistry and biological activities
Authors: Benjamaa Rania , Moujanni Abdelkarim , Kaushik Neha , Choi Eun Ha , Essamadi Abdel Khalid , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar
Published: October 2022

The genus Euphorbia includes about 2,000 species commonly widespread in both temperate and tropical zones that contain poisonous milky juice fluid or latex. Many species have been used in traditional and complementary medicine for the treatment of various health issues such as dropsy, paralysis, deafness, wounds, warts on the skin, and amaurosis. The medicinal applications of these species have been attributed to the presence of various compounds, and most studies on Euphorbia species have focused on their latex. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on chemical composition and biological activities of the latex from various species of the genus Euphorbia. Our aim was to explore the applications of latex extracts in the medical field and to evaluate their ethnopharmacological potential. The databases employed for data collection, are obtained through Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus, from 1983 to 2022. The bibliographic data indicate that terpenoids are the most common secondary metabolites in the latex. Furthermore, the latex has interesting biological properties and pharmacological functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, free radical scavenger, cytotoxic, tumor, anti-inflammatory, healing, hemostatic, anti-angiogenic, insecticidal, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities. However, the role of other components in the latex, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, remains unknown, which limits the application of the latex. Future studies are required to optimize the therapeutic use of latex extracts.
Latitudinal trends in the structure, similarity and beta diversity of plant communities invaded by Alternanthera philoxeroides in heterogeneous habitats
Authors: Wu Hao , Dong Sijin , Rao Benqiang
Published: October 2022

Variations in latitudinal gradients could lead to changes in the performance and ecological effects of invasive plants and thus may affect the species composition, distribution and interspecific substitution of native plant communities. However, variations in structure, similarity and beta (β) diversity within invaded communities across latitudinal gradients in heterogeneous habitats remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a two-year field survey along 21°N to 37°N in China, to examine the differential effects of the amphibious invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides on native plant communities in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. We compared the differences in the invasion importance value (IV), species distribution, community similarity (Jaccard index and Sorenson index) and β diversity (Bray−Curtis index and βsim index) between terrestrial and aquatic communities invaded by A. philoxeroides, as well as analyzed their latitudinal trends. We found that the IV of A. philoxeroides and β diversity in aquatic habitats were all significantly higher than that of terrestrial, while the terrestrial habitat had a higher community similarity values. The aquatic A. philoxeroides IV increased with increasing latitude, while the terrestrial IV had no significant latitudinal trend. With increasing latitude, the component proportion of cold- and drought-tolerant species in the terrestrial communities increased, and the dominant accompanying species in the aquatic communities gradually changed from hygrophytes and floating plants to emerged and submerged plants. In addition, the aquatic communities had lower community similarity values and higher β diversity in higher latitudinal regions, while terrestrial communities had the opposite parameters in these regions. Our study indicates that the bioresistance capacities of the native communities to invasive A. philoxeroides in heterogeneous habitats are different; A. philoxeroides invasion leads to higher community homogenization in terrestrial habitats than in aquatic habitats, and terrestrial communities experience more severe homogenization in higher latitudinal regions. These findings are crucial for predicting the dynamics of invasive plant communities under rapid global change.
Heterologous biosynthesis of isobavachalcone in tobacco based on in planta screening of prenyltransferases
Authors: Guo Lirong , Zhao Wei , Wang Yan , Yang Yu , Wei Cuimei , Guo Jian , Dai Jianye , Hirai Masami Yokota , Bao Aike , Yang Zhigang , Chen Haijuan , Li Yimeng
Published: October 2022

Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a prenylated chalcone mainly distributed in some Fabaceae and Moraceae species. IBC exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. In this study, we attempted to construct the heterologous biosynthesis pathway of IBC in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Four previously reported prenyltransferases, including GuILDT from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, HlPT1 from Humulus lupulus, and SfILDT and SfFPT from Sophora flavescens, were subjected to an in planta screening to verify their activities for the biosynthesis of IBC, by using tobacco transient expression with exogenous isoliquiritigenin as the substrate. Only SfFPT and HlPT1 could convert isoliquiritigenin to IBC, and the activity of SfFPT was higher than that of HlPT1. By co-expression of GmCHS8 and GmCHR5 from Glycine max, endogenous isoliquiritigenin was generated in tobacco leaves (21.0 μg/g dry weight). After transformation with a multigene vector carrying GmCHS8, GmCHR5, and SfFPT, de novo biosynthesis of IBC was achieved in transgenic tobacco T0 lines, in which the highest amount of IBC was 0.56 μg/g dry weight. The yield of IBC in transgenic plants was nearly equal to that in SfFPT transient expression experiments, in which substrate supplement was sufficient, indicating that low IBC yield was not attributed to the substrate supplement. Our research provided a prospect to produce valuable prenylflavonoids using plant-based metabolic engineering.
MdMYB52 regulates lignin biosynthesis upon the suberization process in apple
Authors: Xu Xuan , Guerriero Gea , Berni Roberto , Sergeant Kjell , Guignard Cedric , Lenouvel Audrey , Hausman Jean-Francois , Legay Sylvain
Published: October 2022

Our previous studies, comparing russeted vs. waxy apple skin, highlighted a MYeloBlastosys (Myb) transcription factor (MdMYB52), which displayed a correlation with genes associated to the suberization process. The present article aims to assess its role and function in the suberization process. Phylogenetic analyses and research against Arabidopsis thaliana MYBs database were first performed and the tissue specific expression of MdMYB52 was investigated using RT-qPCR. The function of MdMYB52 was further investigated using Agrobacterium-mediated transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. An RNA-Seq analysis was performed to highlight differentially regulated genes in response MdMYB52. Transcriptomic data were supported by analytical chemistry and microscopy. A massive decreased expression of photosynthetic and primary metabolism pathways was observed with a concomitant increased expression of genes associated with phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis, cell wall modification and senescence. Interestingly key genes involved in the synthesis of suberin phenolic components were observed. The analytical chemistry displayed a strong increase in the lignin content in the cell walls during MdMYB52 expression. More specifically, an enrichment in G-Unit lignin residues was observed, supporting transcriptomic data as well as previous work describing the suberin phenolic domain as a G-unit enriched lignin-like polymer. The time-course qPCR analysis revealed that the observed stress response, might be explain by this lignin biosynthesis and by a possible programmed senescence triggered by MdMYB52. The present work supports a crucial regulatory role for MdMYB52 in the biosynthesis of the suberin phenolic domain and possibly in the fate of suberized cells in russeted apple skins.
Optimizing self-pollinated crop breeding employing genomic selection: From schemes to updating training sets
Authors: Sabadin Felipe , DoVale Julio César , Platten John Damien , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: October 2022

Long-term breeding schemes using genomic selection (GS) can boost the response to selection per year. Although several studies have shown that GS delivers a higher response to selection, only a few analyze which stage GS produces better results and how to update the training population to maintain prediction accuracy. We used stochastic simulation to compare five GS breeding schemes in a self-pollinated long-term breeding program. Also, we evaluated four strategies, using distinct methods and sizes, to update the training set. Finally, regarding breeding schemes, we proposed a new approach using GS to select the best individuals in each F2 progeny, based on genomic estimated breeding values and genetic divergence, to cross them and generate a new recombination event. Our results showed that the best scenario was using GS in F2, followed by the phenotypic selection of new parents in F4. For TS updating, adding new data every cycle (over 768) to update the TS maintains the prediction accuracy at satisfactory levels for more breeding cycles. However, only the last three generations can be kept in the TS, optimizing the genetic relationship between TS and the targeted population and reducing the computing demand and risks. Hence, we believe that our results may help breeders optimize GS in their programs and improve genetic gain in long-term schemes.
Subcellular distribution and chemical forms of manganese in Daucus carota in relation to its tolerance
Authors: Kuang Xueshao , Wang Wumin , Hu Jiayao , Liu Wensheng , Zeng Wenbin
Published: October 2022

Daucus carota is a biennial herb of the Umbelliferae family, which is a candidate plant for the phytoremediation of Mn pollution. To reveal the mechanism of this plant to adapt to Mn stress, plant growth, anatomical structure, Mn accumulation characteristic, Mn subcellular distribution, and chemical forms of D. carota under six Mn2+ concentrations by pot culture experiments were studied. The results showed that with the rising Mn concentrations, the total dry weight and leaf area of D. carota increased firstly and then decreased, while the specific leaf area increased. The thickness of the main vein, upper epidermis, and lower epidermis; the thickness of the palisade tissue; and the thickness of the spongy tissue of the leaves increased firstly and then decreased. The Mn content in the aboveground and underground parts of D. carota increased, and the values of the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were higher than 1. The Mn existing in the cell wall and soluble components accounted for the largest proportion, and the proportion of Mn in the cell wall increased with increasing concentrations of Mn. In addition, Mn mainly existed in ethanol extraction state, deionized water extraction state, and sodium chloride extraction state. The results showed that D. carota could alleviate the damage caused by high manganese concentration by storing most of manganese in the cell wall and vacuole and existing in the form of low-activity state.
Multi-environment genomic prediction for soluble solids content in peach (Prunus persica)
Authors: Hardner Craig M. , Fikere Mulusew , Gasic Ksenija , da Silva Linge Cassia , Worthington Margaret , Byrne David , Rawandoozi Zena , Peace Cameron
Published: October 2022

Genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) is a common phenomenon influencing genetic improvement in plants, and a good understanding of this phenomenon is important for breeding and cultivar deployment strategies. However, there is little information on G × E in horticultural tree crops, mostly due to evaluation costs, leading to a focus on the development and deployment of locally adapted germplasm. Using sweetness (measured as soluble solids content, SSC) in peach/nectarine assessed at four trials from three US peach-breeding programs as a case study, we evaluated the hypotheses that (i) complex data from multiple breeding programs can be connected using GBLUP models to improve the knowledge of G × E for breeding and deployment and (ii) accounting for a known large-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) improves the prediction accuracy. Following a structured strategy using univariate and multivariate models containing additive and dominance genomic effects on SSC, a model that included a previously detected QTL and background genomic effects was a significantly better fit than a genome-wide model with completely anonymous markers. Estimates of an individual’s narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability for SSC were high (0.57–0.73 and 0.66–0.80, respectively), with 19–32% of total genomic variance explained by the QTL. Genome-wide dominance effects and QTL effects were stable across environments. Significant G × E was detected for background genome effects, mostly due to the low correlation of these effects across seasons within a particular trial. The expected prediction accuracy, estimated from the linear model, was higher than the realised prediction accuracy estimated by cross-validation, suggesting that these two parameters measure different qualities of the prediction models. While prediction accuracy was improved in some cases by combining data across trials, particularly when phenotypic data for untested individuals were available from other trials, this improvement was not consistent. This study confirms that complex data can be combined into a single analysis using GBLUP methods to improve understanding of G × E and also incorporate known QTL effects. In addition, the study generated baseline information to account for population structure in genomic prediction models in horticultural crop improvement.
BioClay nanosheets infused with GA3 ameliorate the combined stress of hexachlorobenzene and temperature extremes in Brassica alboglabra plants
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel , Khan Tanveer Alam , Shahzad Sharoon , Ullah Sami , Shahzadi Iqra , Ali Aamir , Akram Waheed , Yasin Nasim Ahmad , Yusuf Mohammad
Published: October 2022

Environmental pollutants and climate change are the major cause of abiotic stresses. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is an airborne and aero-disseminated persistent organic pollutants (POP) molecule causing severe health issues in humans, and temperature extremes and HCB in combination severely affect the growth and yield of crop plants around the globe. The higher HCB uptake and accumulation by edible plants ultimately damage human health through the contaminated food chain. Hence, confining the passive absorbance of POPs is a big challenge for researchers to keep the plant products safer for human consumption. BioClay functional layered double hydroxide is an effective tool for the stable delivery of acidic molecules on plant surfaces. The current study utilized gibberellic acid (GA3) impregnated BioClay (BioClayGA) to alleviate abiotic stress in Brassica alboglabra plants. Application of BioClayGA mitigated the deleterious effects of HCB besides extreme temperature stress in B. alboglabra plants. BioClayGA significantly restricted HCB uptake and accumulation in applied plants through increasing the avoidance efficacy (AE) up to 377.61%. Moreover, the exogenously applied GA3 and BioClayGA successfully improved the antioxidative system, physiochemical parameters and growth of stressed B. alboglabra plants. Consequently, the combined application of BioClay and GA3 can efficiently alleviate low-temperature stress, heat stress, and HCB toxicity.
JustDeepIt: Software tool with graphical and character user interfaces for deep learning-based object detection and segmentation in image analysis
Authors: Sun Jianqiang , Cao Wei , Yamanaka Takehiko
Published: October 2022

Image processing and analysis based on deep learning are becoming mainstream and increasingly accessible for solving various scientific problems in diverse fields. However, it requires advanced computer programming skills and a basic familiarity with character user interfaces (CUIs). Consequently, programming beginners face a considerable technical hurdle. Because potential users of image analysis are experimentalists, who often use graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in their daily work, there is a need to develop GUI-based easy-to-use deep learning software to support their work. Here, we introduce JustDeepIt, a software written in Python, to simplify object detection and instance segmentation using deep learning. JustDeepIt provides both a GUI and a CUI. It contains various functional modules for model building and inference, and it is built upon the popular PyTorch, MMDetection, and Detectron2 libraries. The GUI is implemented using the Python library FastAPI, simplifying model building for various deep learning approaches for beginners. As practical examples of JustDeepIt, we prepared four case studies that cover critical issues in plant science: (1) wheat head detection with Faster R-CNN, YOLOv3, SSD, and RetinaNet; (2) sugar beet and weed segmentation with Mask R-CNN; (3) plant segmentation with U2-Net; and (4) leaf segmentation with U2-Net. The results support the wide applicability of JustDeepIt in plant science applications. In addition, we believe that JustDeepIt has the potential to be applied to deep learning-based image analysis in various fields beyond plant science.
Leaf chlorophyll parameters and photosynthetic characteristic variations with stand age in a typical desert species (Haloxylon ammodendron)
Authors: He Xiao-hui , Si Jian-hua , Zhou Dong-meng , Wang Chun-lin , Zhao Chun-yan , Jia Bing , Qin Jie , Zhu Xing-lin
Published: October 2022

As a desert shrub, Haloxylon ammodendron combines ecological, economic, and social benefits and plays an important role in the ecological conservation of arid desert areas. Understanding its physiological characteristics and its mechanism of light energy utilization is important for the conservation and utilization of H. ammodendron. Therefore, we selected five stands (5-, 11-, 22-, 34-, and 46-year-old) of H. ammodendron as research objects in the study and measured their photosynthetic light response curves by a portable open photosynthesis system (Li-6400) with a red-blue light source (6400-02B). Then, we measured the leaf chlorophyll parameters in the laboratory, calculated the photosynthetic characteristics by using Ye Zipiao’s photosynthetic model, analyzed their variation patterns across stand ages, and explored the relationships between leaf chlorophyll parameters and photosynthetic characteristics. The results showed that leaf chlorophyll parameters and photosynthetic characteristics of H. ammodendron at different stand ages were significantly different. Chl content, Pnmax, and LUEmax of H. ammodendron were V-shaped with the increase of stand age. The 5-year-old H. ammodendron was in the rapid growth period, synthesized more Chl a+b content (8.47 mg g−1) only by using a narrower range of light, and the Pnmax and LUEmax were the highest with values of 36.21 μmol m−2 s−1 and 0.0344, respectively. For the 22-year-old H. ammodendron, due to environmental stress, the values of Chl a+b content, Pnmax, and LUEmax were the smallest and were 2.64 mg g−1, 25.73 μmol m−2 s−1, and 0.0264, respectively. For the older H. ammodendron, its Chl content, Pnmax, and LUEmax were not significantly different and tended to stabilize but were slightly higher than those of the middle-aged H. ammodendron. On the other hand, the other photosynthetic parameters did not show significant variation patterns with stand age, such as Rd, AQE, LSP, LCP, and IL-sat. In addition, we found that the relationships between Chl a+b content and Pnmax and between Chl a+b content and LUEmax were highly correlated, except for the older H. ammodendron. Thus, using leaf chlorophyll content as a proxy for photosynthetic capacity and light use efficiency should be considered with caution. This work will provide a scientific reference for the sustainable management of desert ecosystems and vegetation restoration in sandy areas.
Molecular characterization of the genome-wide BOR transporter family and their responses to boron conditions in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Wang Yuquan , Niu Zhipeng , Hu Xigui , Wu Xiaojun , Yang Zijun , Hao Chenyan , Zhou Mengxue , Yang Shumin , Dong Na , Liu Mingjiu , Ru Zhengang
Published: October 2022

Boron (B) deficiency is an agricultural problem that causes significant yield losses in many countries. B transporters (BORs) are responsible for B uptake and distribution and play important roles in yield formation. A comprehensive analysis of the BOR family members in common wheat is still lacking. In the present study, to clarify the molecular characterization and response to B status, genome-wide TaBOR genes and expression patterns were investigated. Fourteen TaBOR genes were identified in common wheat by a homology search. The corresponding phylogenetic tree indicated that 14 TaBOR genes were separately classified into subfamilies of TaBOR1, TaBOR3, and TaBOR4. All TaBOR genes had 12–14 extrons and 11–13 introns. Most TaBOR proteins contained 10 conserved motifs, and motifs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 constituted the conserved bicarbonate (HCO3–) domain. Fourteen TaBOR genes were mapped on 13 chromosomes mainly distributed in the first, third, fifth, and seventh homologous groups. The promoters of TaBOR genes consisted of phytohormones, light responses, and stress-related cis-elements. GO analysis indicated that TaBOR genes were enriched in terms of transmembrane transport and ion homeostasis. TaBOR genes showed diverse expression profiles in different tissues. The members of the TaBOR1 subfamily showed high expression in grains, leaves, roots, stems, and spikes, but members of the TaBOR4 subfamily were highly expressed only in spikes and grains. RT–qPCR indicated that TaBOR1-5A, TaBOR1-5B, and TaBOR1-5D were induced by low B concentrations and had much higher expression in roots than in shoots. TaBOR3-3A, TaBOR3-3B, TaBOR3-3D, TaBOR4-1A, TaBOR4-1B, TaBOR4-1D, and TaBOR3-4B were induced by low and high B concentrations and had high expression in roots and shoots. TaBOR3-4D and TaBOR3-7B were upregulated by low and high B concentrations, respectively, but had expression only in roots. Our results provide basic information on the TaBOR family, which is beneficial for elucidating the functions of TaBOR genes to overcome the problem of B deficiency.
Perceived Covid-19-crisis intensity and family supportive organizational perceptions as antecedents of parental burnout: A study conducted in Italy in March/April 2021 and 2022
Authors: Redaelli Marta , van Engen Marloes L. , André Stéfanie
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent perceived Covid-19-crisis intensity (PCCI) leads to the experience of parental burnout (PB), a syndrome characterized by exhaustion, emotional detachment from one’s own children and a sense of inefficacy in the role as parent. Furthermore, the mediating role of work–family conflict (WFC) is examined. The buffering effect of family supportive organizational perceptions during the pandemic (FSOP-p) on the relationship between work–family conflict and parental burnout is also explored. Data were collected in March–April 2021 and March/April 2022. In spring 2021, 222 Italian working parents with at least one minor child living at home filled out the questionnaire. Data from 2021 showed that PCCI was positively related to the experience of parental burnout. Moreover, WFC mediated this relationship. No significant interaction effect was found for FSOP-p; however it was found that FSOP-p is negatively related to PCCI and WFC, and indirectly to parental burnout. In spring 2022, we examined whether there were changes in PCCI, WFC, and FSOP-p in a sample of 83 Italian parents. Moreover, for the second data collection we examine the tensions experienced by parents in their families about vaccination and infection precaution measures (e.g., Covid-19 vaccination passport). The results are different in 2022; the effect of PCCI on parental burnout is now completely mediated by the amount of WFC. It seems that now we go ‘back to normal’ and homeworking has become more optional for many, there is still an effect of PCCI on WFC, but no longer directly on parental burnout. Furthermore, the prevalence of PCCI in 2022 is lower than in 2021, while WFC and FSOP-p are not significantly different between the two timepoints. As family supportive organizational perceptions reduce the level of perceived Covid-19 intensity, organizations are urged to develop practices of support and to create a supportive environment.
Coronavirus pandemic impact on bank performance
Authors: Xiazi Xing , Shabir Mohsin
Published: October 2022

This study examines the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic on the performance of the banking sector. Our sample consists of 1,575 banks in 85 countries from 2020Q1 to 2021Q4. The findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly decreased bank performance. Moreover, the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the bank’s performance depends on the bank’s and country-specific aspects. The adverse effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on bank performance is higher in smaller, undercapitalized, and less diversified banks. At the same time, a better institutional environment and financial development have significantly increased the strength and resilience of banks. The results are quite robust to using the alternative bank performance measures and estimation techniques. These findings provide practical implications for regulators and policymakers in the face of unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID-19 epidemics.
Tennis vs padel: Precompetitive anxiety as a function of gender and competitive level
Authors: Rodríguez-Cayetano Alberto , Hernández-Merchán Félix , Manuel De Mena-Ramos José , Sánchez-Muñoz Antonio , Pérez-Muñoz Salvador
Published: October 2022

The main objective of this research is to analyze the level of anxiety and precompetitive self-confidence of tennis and padel players and to check the influence of gender and competitive level in each of the sports. Four hundred and twenty-three tennis and padel players, with a mean age of 15.40 (± 3.43) years, participated in the study. Of the total number of players surveyed, 291 were padel players and 132 were tennis players. The Spanish version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R) in the Spanish version was used to measure the level of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence between 30 and 35 min before the start of the match. The general results showed that the level of self-confidence of padel players is higher of tennis players. In relation to gender, female tennis players showed a higher level of precompetitive anxiety than male players, while, in padel, it was the opposite. In terms of competitive level, U14 players had the highest level of self-confidence and the lowest level of precompetitive anxiety. When comparing both sports, female tennis players show a higher level of state-anxiety than female padel players and U14 tennis players are the ones who showed a higher level of self-confidence. This study shows how precompetitive anxiety is one of the most important psychological variables in relation to sport performance and how it can vary according to gender and competitive level.
Chinese English teachers’ occupational intention during distance education: The role of burnout and job-related stress
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: October 2022

Since turnover intention has a negative impact on teachers’ productivity, a bulk of educational research has studied the personal, organizational, and emotional predictors of this construct. Nevertheless, the predictive function of burnout and job-related stress as two emotional factors has been less attended to by scholars. To address this gap, the current empirical study explored the role of burnout and job-related stress in Chinese English teachers’ turnover intention during distance education. In doing so, three pre-designed questionnaires were distributed among 221 Chinese teachers. Having collected the needed data, the researcher analyzed the datasets through the Pearson correlation test and multiple regression analysis. As a result of the correlation test, positive, direct relationships were found between burnout, job-related stress, and teacher turnover intention. Moreover, the results of the regression analysis evinced the significant role of burnout and job-related stress in predicting Chinese English teachers’ turnover intention. The implications of the results are thoroughly discussed.