bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals a Different Proteomic Profile in Pediatric Patients With T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma or T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Veltri Giulia , Lovisa Federica , Cortese Giuliana , Pillon Marta , Carraro Elisa , Cesaro Simone , Provenzi Massimo , Buffardi Salvatore , Francescato Samuela , Biffi Alessandra , Buldini Barbara , Conter Valentino , Serafin Valentina , Mussolin Lara
Published: July 2022

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) arise from the transformation of precursor T-cells sharing common morphological and immunophenotypic features. Despite this, T-LBL and T-ALL show different genomic/transcriptomic profiles and whether they represent two distinct disease entities or variant manifestations of the same disease is still a matter of debate. In this work, we performed a Reverse Phase Protein Array study on T-LBL and T-ALL samples and demonstrated that they are characterized by a different phosphoproteomic profile. Indeed, T-LBLs showed the hyperactivation of FAK/ERK1/2 and AKT/mTOR pathways, whereas JAK/STAT pathway was significantly hyperphosphorylated in T-ALLs. Moreover, since the only criteria for discriminating T-LBL from T-ALL is blasts’ infiltration below 25% in the bone marrow and lymphoma patients can present with a percentage of blasts close to this cut-off, a biomarker that could help distinguishing the two diseases would be of great help for the clinical diagnosis and treatment decision. Pursuing this aim, we identified a proteomic signature of six proteins whose expression/activation was able to discriminate stage IV T-LBL from T-ALL. Moreover, we demonstrated that AKT hyperphosphorylation alone was able to distinguish stage IV T-LBL from both T-ALL and stage III T-LBL. Concluding, these data demonstrate that T-ALL and T-LBL bear different phosphoproteomic profiles, further sustaining the hypothesis of the two disease as different entities and paving the way for the identification of new biomarkers able to distinguish stage IV T-LBL from T-ALL disease, so far based only on BM involvement criteria.
Controversial Role of the Immune Checkpoint OX40L Expression on Platelets in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Rittig Susanne M. , Lutz Martina S. , Clar Kim L. , Zhou Yanjun , Kropp Korbinian N. , Koch André , Hartkopf Andreas D. , Hinterleitner Martina , Zender Lars , Salih Helmut R. , Maurer Stefanie , Hinterleitner Clemens
Published: July 2022

In conventional T cells, OX40 has been identified as a major costimulating receptor augmenting survival and clonal expansion of effector and memory T cell populations. In regulatory T cells, (Treg) OX40 signaling suppresses cellular activity and differentiation. However, clinical trials investigating OX40 agonists to enhance anti-tumor immunity, showed only limited success so far. Here we show that platelets from breast cancer patients express relevant levels of OX40L and platelet OX40L (pOX40L) inversely correlates with platelet-expressed immune checkpoint molecules GITRL (pGITRL) and TACI (pTACI). While high expression of pOX40L correlates with T and NK cell activation, elevated pOX40L levels identify patients with higher tumor grades, the occurrence of metastases, and shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). Of note, OX40 mRNA levels in breast cancer correlate with enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic, immune-suppressive, and tumor-promoting mRNA gene signatures. Our data suggest that OX40L on platelets might play counteracting roles in cancer and anti-tumor immunity. Since pOX40L reflects disease relapse better than the routinely used predictive markers CA15-3, CEA, and LDH, it could serve as a novel biomarker for refractory disease in breast cancer.
A Preoperative Scoring System to Predict the Risk of Inadequate Lymph Node Count in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Chunlin , Liu Yunxiao , Hu Hanqing , Wang Guiyu
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a preoperative scoring system to stratify rectal cancer (RC) patients with different risks of inadequate lymph node examination.

Methods

A total of 1,375 stage I–III RC patients between 2011 and 2020 from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were included in the retrospective study and randomly divided into a development set (n = 688) and a validation set (n = 687). The logistic regression model was used to determine independent factors contributing to lymph node count (LNC) < 12. A preoperative scoring system was constructed based on beta (β) coefficients. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to test model discrimination.

Results

Preoperative significant indicators related to LNC < 12 included age, tumor size, tumor location, and CEA. The AUCs of the scoring system for development and validation sets were 0.694 (95% CI = 0.648–0.741) and 0.666 (95% CI = 0.615–0.716), respectively. Patients who scored 0–2, 3–4, and 5–6 were classified into the low-risk group, medium-risk group, and high-risk group, respectively.

Conclusions

The preoperative scoring system could identify RC patients with high risk of inadequate lymphadenectomy accurately and further provide a reference to perform preoperative lymph node staining in targeted patients to reduce the difficulty of meeting the 12-node standard, with the purpose of accurate tumor stage and favorable prognosis.
The Role of Osteopontin in Tumor Progression Through Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Tan Yuying , Zhao Lei , Yang Yong-Guang , Liu Wentao
Published: July 2022

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphorylated protein. It is widely involved in solid tumor progression, such as intensification of macrophage recruitment, inhibition of T-cell activity, aggravation of tumor interstitial fibrosis, promotion of tumor metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and angiogenesis. Most of these pathologies are affected by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs have been extensively characterized, including their subsets, phenotypes, activation status, and functions, and are considered a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. This review focuses on the interaction between OPN and TAMs in mediating tumor progression. We discuss the strategies for targeting OPN and TAMs to treat cancer and factors that may affect the therapeutic outcomes of blocking OPN or depleting TAMs. We also discuss the role of cancer cell- vs. TAM-derived OPN in tumorigenesis, the mechanisms of how OPN affects TAM recruitment and polarization, and why OPN could mediate anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects, as well as previously reported discrepancies.
Cellular Pathogenesis of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Insights From Drosophila and Human-Engineered Skin Models
Authors: Shin Grace Ji-eun , Abaci Hasan Erbil , Smith Madison Christine
Published: July 2022

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly prevalent and complex condition arising from chemotherapy cancer treatments. Currently, there are no treatment or prevention options in the clinic. CIPN accompanies pain-related sensory functions starting from the hands and feet. Studies focusing on neurons in vitro and in vivo models significantly advanced our understanding of CIPN pathological mechanisms. However, given the direct toxicity shown in both neurons and non-neuronal cells, effective in vivo or in vitro models that allow the investigation of neurons in their local environment are required. No single model can provide a complete solution for the required investigation, therefore, utilizing a multi-model approach would allow complementary advantages of different models and robustly validate findings before further translation. This review aims first to summarize approaches and insights from CIPN in vivo models utilizing small model organisms. We will focus on Drosophila melanogaster CIPN models that are genetically amenable and accessible to study neuronal interactions with the local environment in vivo. Second, we will discuss how these findings could be tested in physiologically relevant vertebrate models. We will focus on in vitro approaches using human cells and summarize the current understanding of engineering approaches that may allow the investigation of pathological changes in neurons and the skin environment.
Practice Summary of Antimicrobial Therapy for Commonly Encountered Conditions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Ting Joseph Y. , Autmizguine Julie , Dunn Michael S. , Choudhury Julie , Blackburn Julie , Gupta-Bhatnagar Shikha , Assen Katrin , Emberley Julie , Khan Sarah , Leung Jessica , Lin Grace J. , Lu-Cleary Destiny , Morin Frances , Richter Lindsay L. , Viel-Thériault Isabelle , Roberts Ashley , Lee Kyong-soon , Skarsgard Erik D. , Robinson Joan , Shah Prakesh S.
Published: July 2022

Neonates are highly susceptible to infections owing to their immature cellular and humoral immune functions, as well the need for invasive devices. There is a wide practice variation in the choice and duration of antimicrobial treatment, even for relatively common conditions in the NICU, attributed to the lack of evidence-based guidelines. Early decisive treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials is the preferred clinical choice for treating sick infants with possible bacterial infection. Prolonged antimicrobial exposure among infants without clear indications has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and increased drug resistance. Herein, we review and summarize the best practices from the existing literature regarding antimicrobial use in commonly encountered conditions in neonates.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Ameliorated Bavachin-Induced Renal Fibrosis via Suppressing Bip/eIF2α/CHOP Signaling-Mediated EMT
Authors: Ni Yu-Hao , Deng Hui-Fang , Zhou Lei , Huang Cong-Shu , Wang Ning-Ning , Yue Lan-Xin , Li Gao-Fu , Yu Hui-Jing , Zhou Wei , Gao Yue
Published: July 2022

The nephrotoxicity of Fructus Psoraleae, an effective traditional Chinese medicine for vitiligo treatment, has been reported. As one of the main toxic components in Fructus Psoraleae, bavachin (BV) was considered to be related to Fructus Psoraleae-caused adverse outcomes, but the direct evidence and molecular mechanism underlying BV-induced nephrotoxicity are not well elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to confirm whether BV would cause toxic effects on the kidney and explore the possible mode of action. Our results demonstrated that days’ treatment with 0.5 μM BV indeed caused obvious renal fibrosis in the zebrafish kidney. The obvious E- to N-cadherin switch and the expressions of proteins promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed in BV-treated human renal tubular epithelial and zebrafish kidneys. In addition, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Bip/eIF2α/CHOP-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) were caused by BV, both of which could be reversed by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Also, blocking ER stress-caused cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload with 4-PBA notably alleviated BV-induced alterations in key molecular events related to EMT and renal fibrosis. Furthermore, of the natural compounds subjected to screening, ginsenoside Rb1 significantly downregulated BV-induced ER stress by inhibiting ROS generation and following the activation of Bip/eIF2α/CHOP signaling in HK2 cells. Subsequently, BV-triggered EMT and renal fibrosis were both ameliorated by ginsenoside Rb1. In summary, our findings suggested that BV-induced ROS promoted the appearance of EMT and renal fibrosis mainly via Bip/eIF2α/CHOP-mediated ER stress. This ER stress-related toxic pathway might be a potential intervention target for BV-caused renal fibrosis, and ginsenoside Rb1 would be a promising drug against BV- or Fructus Psoraleae-induced nephrotoxicity.
Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Associated With Drug Hypersensitivity and Epstein–Barr Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Xing-Yu , Wang Cong , Chen Shizhi , Tian Mingyuan , Wang Xin , Zhang Lili
Published: July 2022

Background: Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a new subtype of type 1 diabetes, first proposed by Japanese scholars in 2000. Herein, the functions of the islets are rapidly destroyed. Its pathogenesis is related to viral infection. Most people have been infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and many people have also suffered from drug hypersensitivity, however, few cases of FT1DM which were caused by both of the two conditions have been reported. Thus, below, we describe one such valuable case.

Case Summary: The plasma glucose levels of a 73‐year‐old man diagnosed with drug-induced dermatitis showed a sudden increase (42 mmol/L) during methylprednisolone therapy. The urine ketone test was positive. The glycated hemoglobin level was 7%, endogenous insulin secretion decreased significantly, and the islet-related autoantibodies were negative. The patient was diagnosed with FT1DM. The lymphocyte EBV-DNA showed high copies numbers. The general condition of the patient improved after symptomatic treatment with insulin. However, the systemic allergic reaction aggravated after the use of iodinated contrast agents, prednisone, and thymic pentapeptide. The re-test for EBV-DNA showed significantly high relative levels, thus indicating the presence of EBV infection. We think that drug hypersensitivity and EBV infection together led to FT1DM in this case. After an indication for multiple daily insulin therapy, the patient’s blood glucose was quickly controlled and he was discharged on the 38th-day post-admission.

Conclusion: FT1DM is a rare case, however, drug hypersensitivity and EBV infection are not rare in the population. This is a rare case of FT1DM caused by drug hypersensitivity reaction and EBV infection. Through this case report, we emphasize the importance of the relationship between drug hypersensitivity, EBV infection and FT1DM and vigilance for the occurrence of FT1DM among hypersensitive individuals in clinical practice.
Gingerol-Enriched Ginger Supplementation Mitigates Neuropathic Pain via Mitigating Intestinal Permeability and Neuroinflammation: Gut-Brain Connection
Authors: Shen Chwan-Li , Wang Rui , Yakhnitsa Vadim , Santos Julianna Maria , Watson Carina , Kiritoshi Takaki , Ji Guangchen , Hamood Abdul Naji , Neugebauer Volker
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests an important role of the gut-brain axis in the development of neuropathic pain (NP). We investigated the effects of gingerol-enriched ginger (GEG) on pain behaviors, as well as mRNA expressions of inflammation via tight junction proteins in GI tissues (colon) and brain tissues (amygdala, both left and right) in animals with NP.

Methods: Seventeen male rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, spinal nerve ligation (SNL, pain model), and SNL+0.375% GEG (wt/wt in diet) for 4 weeks. Mechanosensitivity was assessed by von Frey filament tests and hindpaw compression tests. Emotional responsiveness was measured from evoked audible and ultrasonic vocalizations. Ongoing spontaneous pain was measured in rodent grimace tests. Intestinal permeability was assessed by the lactulose/D-mannitol ratio in urine. The mRNA expression levels of neuroinflammation (NF-κB, TNF-α) in the colon and amygdala (right and left) were determined by qRT-PCR. Data was analyzed statistically.

Results: Compared to the sham group, the SNL group had significantly greater mechanosensitivity (von Frey and compression tests), emotional responsiveness (audible and ultrasonic vocalizations to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimuli), and spontaneous pain (rodent grimace tests). GEG supplementation significantly reduced mechanosensitivity, emotional responses, and spontaneous pain measures in SNL rats. GEG supplementation also tended to decrease SNL-induced intestinal permeability markers. The SNL group had increased mRNA expression of NF-κB and TNF-α in the right amygdala and colon; GEG supplementation mitigated these changes in SNL-treated rats.

Conclusion: This study suggests GEG supplementation palliated a variety of pain spectrum behaviors in a preclinical NP animal model. GEG also decreased SNL-induced intestinal permeability and neuroinflammation, which may explain the behavioral effects of GEG.
Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Renal Fibrosis: Cordyceps and Related Products
Authors: Tan Wei , Wang Yunyan , Dai Hongmei , Deng Junhui , Wu Zhifen , Lin Lirong , Yang Jurong
Published: July 2022

At present, there is no effective drug for the treatment of renal fibrosis; in particular, a safe and effective treatment for renal fibrosis should be established. Cordyceps has several medical effects, including immunoregulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and may prevent kidney, liver, and heart diseases. Cordyceps has also been reported to be effective in the treatment of renal fibrosis. In this paper, we review the potential mechanisms of Cordyceps against renal fibrosis, focusing on the effects of Cordyceps on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, regulation of autophagy, reduction of extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. We also discuss relevant published clinical trials and meta-analyses. Available clinical studies support the possibility that Cordyceps and related products provide benefits to patients with chronic kidney diseases as adjuvants to conventional drugs. However, the existing clinical studies are limited by low quality and significant heterogeneity. The use of Cordyceps and related products may be a potential strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Randomized controlled trial studies with good methodological quality, favorable experimental design, and large sample size are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps.
Phase-Shifting Common-Path Polarization Self-Interferometry for Evaluating the Reconstruction of Holograms Displayed on a Phase-Only Display
Authors: Nabadda Esther , García-Martínez Pascuala , Sánchez-López María del Mar , Moreno Ignacio
Published: July 2022

In this work we apply a phase-shifting interferometry (PSI) to evaluate the reconstruction of complex-valued holograms displayed onto a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM). The interferometer is vibration-free since it uses a common-path polarization arrangement based on the SLM itself, which is used simultaneously to display the hologram and to apply the phase-shifting values. The change from the hologram display configuration to the interferometer configuration involves only a rotation of a polarizer. The continuous phase modulation provided by the SLM allows using PSI with arbitrary phase bias values. Several examples are demonstrated by generating different combinations of modes with an efficient on-axis hologram encoding technique.
Broadband Coherent Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum Generation in All-Chalcogenide Microstructured Fiber With All-Normal Dispersion
Authors: Xiao Kun , Ye Yudong , Min Rui
Published: July 2022

We demonstrated numerically the generation of broadband, coherent supercontinuum (SC) spectra in the mid-infrared region using dispersion-engineered all-chalcogenide microstructured fibers (MOFs). The 1-cm-long hexagonal fiber can be made with Ge11.5As24S64.5 glass as a low-refractive-index material embedded in a Ge11.5As24Se64.5 glass matrix. By optimizing the structural parameters, we determined a broad and flat all-normal-dispersion characteristic up to 14 μm. A highly coherent broadband SC with an intensity greater than −3 dB in the range from 5973 to 8695 nm is obtained when the fiber is pumped by a 7 μm laser with pulse duration of 50 fs and peak power of 6 kW. Flat-top SC of −30 dB level can be observed utilizing identical pump pulse parameters, covering wavelengths from 3823 to 13577 nm (>1.5 octaves). This broadband coherent MIR SC source can be applied in frequency metrology, optical coherence tomography, biomedical imaging, and few-cycle pulse compression.
Resource-Efficient Use of Modern Processor Architectures For Numerically Solving Cardiac Ionic Cell Models
Authors: Hustad Kristian Gregorius , Cai Xing
Published: July 2022

A central component in simulating cardiac electrophysiology is the numerical solution of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, also called cardiac ionic cell models, that describe cross-cell-membrane ion transport. Biophysically detailed cell models often require a considerable amount of computation, including calls to special mathematical functions. This paper systematically studies how to efficiently use modern multicore CPUs for this costly computational task. We start by investigating the code restructurings needed to effectively enable compiler-supported SIMD vectorisation, which is the most important performance booster in this context. It is found that suitable OpenMP directives are sufficient for achieving both vectorisation and parallelisation. We then continue with an evaluation of the performance optimisation technique of using lookup tables. Due to increased challenges for automated vectorisation, the obtainable benefits of lookup tables are dependent on the hardware platforms chosen. Throughout the study, we report detailed time measurements obtained on Intel Xeon, Xeon Phi, AMD Epyc and two ARM processors including Fujitsu A64FX, while attention is also paid to the impact of SIMD vectorisation and lookup tables on the computational accuracy. As a realistic example, the benefits of performance enhancement are demonstrated by a 109-run ensemble on the Oakforest-PACS system, where code restructurings and SIMD vectorisation yield an 84% reduction in computing time, corresponding to 63,270 node hours.
Multimodal Strategies for the Diagnosis and Management of Refractory Congestion. An Integrated Cardiorenal Approach
Authors: Rodríguez-Espinosa Diana , Guzman-Bofarull Joan , De La Fuente-Mancera Juan Carlos , Maduell Francisco , Broseta José Jesús , Farrero Marta
Published: July 2022

Refractory congestion is common in acute and chronic heart failure, and it significantly impacts functional class, renal function, hospital admissions, and survival. In this paper, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiorenal syndrome and the interplay between heart failure and chronic kidney disease are reviewed. Although the physical exam remains key in identifying congestion, new tools such as biomarkers or lung, vascular, and renal ultrasound are currently being used to detect subclinical forms and can potentially impact its management. Thus, an integrated multimodal diagnostic algorithm is proposed. There are several strategies for treating congestion, although data on their efficacy are scarce and have not been validated. Herein, we review the optimal use and monitorization of different diuretic types, administration route, dose titration using urinary volume and natriuresis, and a sequential diuretic scheme to achieve a multitargeted nephron blockade, common adverse events, and how to manage them. In addition, we discuss alternative strategies such as subcutaneous furosemide, hypertonic saline, and albumin infusions and the available evidence of their role in congestion management. We also discuss the use of extracorporeal therapies, such as ultrafiltration, peritoneal dialysis, or conventional hemodialysis, in patients with normal or impaired renal function. This review results from a multidisciplinary view involving both nephrologists and cardiologists.
The Combining Ability for Grain Yield and Some Related Characteristics in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Normal and Water Stress Conditions
Authors: Abd El-Aty Mohamed S. , Katta Youssef S. , El-Abd Abd El Moaty B. , Mahmoud Samiha M. , Ibrahim Omar M. , Eweda Mohamed A. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , AbuQamar Synan F. , El-Tarabily Khaled A. , El-Tahan Amira M.
Published: July 2022

Drought is considered a major threat to rice production. This study aimed to determine the effects of drought stress on the estimates of heterosis and the combining ability of rice genotypes for the number of days to 50% heading, plant height, number of panicles per plant, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain yield per plant. Field experiments were conducted at the Rice Research and Training Center, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt, during the rice-growing season in 2018 and 2019. Eight rice genotypes (Giza178, Giza179, Sakha106, Sakha107, Sakha108, WAB1573, NERICA4, and IET1444) were crossed in a half-diallel cross in the rice-growing season in 2018, which yielded a wide range of variability in numerous agronomic traits and drought tolerance measurements. In 2019, these parents and their 28 F1 crosses were produced by employing a three-replication randomized complete block design under normal and water stress conditions. The results showed remarkable differences across the studied genotypes under normal and water stress conditions. Under both conditions, Sakha107 was the best general combiner for earliness and short stature. Giza179 and Sakha108 were the best general combiners for grain yield per plant and one or more of its characteristics. Furthermore, in both normal and water stress conditions, Giza179 exhibited the highest general combining ability effects for all attributes that were evaluated. Under normal and water stress conditions, the Giza179 × Sakha107 cross demonstrated substantial and desirable specific combining ability effects on all the examined traits, which suggested that it could be considered for use in rice hybrid breeding programs. Therefore, we recommend that these vital indirect selection criteria to be considered for improving rice grain yield under drought conditions.
Superior Haplotypes for Early Root Vigor Traits in Rice Under Dry Direct Seeded Low Nitrogen Condition Through Genome Wide Association Mapping
Authors: Anandan Annamalai , Panda Siddharth , Sabarinathan S. , Travis Anthony J. , Norton Gareth J. , Price Adam H.
Published: July 2022

Water and land resources have been aggressively exploited in the recent decades to meet the growing demands for food. The changing climate has prompted rice scientists and farmers of the tropics and subtropics to adopt the direct seeded rice (DSR) system. DSR system of rice cultivation significantly reduces freshwater consumption and labor requirements, while increasing system productivity, resource use efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Early root vigor is an essential trait required in an ideal DSR system of rice cultivation to ensure a good crop stand, adequate uptake of water, nutrients and compete with weeds. The aus subpopulation which is adapted for DSR was evaluated to understand the biology of early root growth under limited nitrogen conditions over two seasons under two-time points (14 and 28 days). The correlation study identified a positive association between shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The genome-wide association study was conducted on root traits of 14 and 28 days with 2 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using an efficient mixed model. QTLs over a significant threshold of p < 0.0001 and a 10% false discovery rate were selected to identify genes involved in root growth related to root architecture and nutrient acquisition from 97 QTLs. Candidate genes under these QTLs were explored. On chromosome 4, around 30 Mbp are two important peptide transporters (PTR5 and PTR6) involved in mobilizing nitrogen in the root during the early vegetative stage. In addition, several P transporters and expansin genes with superior haplotypes are discussed. A novel QTL from 21.12 to 21.46 Mb on chromosome 7 with two linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks governing root length at 14 days were identified. The QTLs/candidate genes with superior haplotype for early root vigor reported here could be explored further to develop genotypes for DSR conditions.
Controlled Induction of Parthenogenesis in Transgenic Rice via Post-translational Activation of PsASGR-BBML
Authors: Sidhu Gurjot Singh , Conner Joann A. , Ozias-Akins Peggy
Published: July 2022

Modern plant breeding programs rely heavily on the generation of homozygous lines, with the traditional process requiring the inbreeding of a heterozygous cross for five to six generations. Doubled haploid (DH) technology, a process of generating haploid plants from an initial heterozygote, followed by chromosome doubling, reduces the process to two generations. Currently established in vitro methods of haploid induction include androgenesis and gynogenesis, while in vivo methods are based on uni-parental genome elimination. Parthenogenesis, embryogenesis from unfertilized egg cells, presents another potential method of haploid induction. PsASGR-BABY BOOM-like, an AP2 transcription factor, induces parthenogenesis in a natural apomictic species, Pennisetum squamulatum (Cenchrus squamulatus) and PsASGR-BBML transgenes promote parthenogenesis in several crop plants, including rice, maize, and pearl millet. The dominant nature of PsASGR-BBML transgenes impedes their use in DH technology. Using a glucocorticoid-based post-translational regulation system and watering with a 100 μM DEX solution before anthesis, PsASGR-BBML can be regulated at the flowering stage to promote parthenogenesis. Conditional expression presents a novel opportunity to use parthenogenetic genes in DH production technology and to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying parthenogenetic embryogenesis.
“Dare to Share”: Improving Information Sharing and Risk Assessment in Multiteam Systems Managing Offender Probation
Authors: Waring Sara , Taylor Ellise , Giles Susan , Almond Louise , Gidman Vincent
Published: July 2022

Managing offenders released from prison requires a multiteam system (MTS) approach, with teams from across police, probation, and other criminal justice agencies. However, public inquiries highlight current approaches are impaired by poor information sharing that compromises risk assessment and recall decisions, which can allow serious further offences to occur. Little research has focused on the causes of these information sharing difficulties. The current study draws on the perspectives and experiences of probation and police officers to improve understanding of causes of information sharing difficulties. The research is conducted within the context of a new enhanced information sharing ‘Direct Access’ initiative implemented in one region of the UK (Devon and Cornwall) that permits probation to directly access police information technology systems. This provides a novel opportunity to cross validate MTS theory to the real-world context of offender management and considers what works in practise to overcome information sharing challenges. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with police (N = 4) and probation (N = 7) officers. Thematic analysis revealed six themes: i) information sharing difficulties and impact; ii) causes of information sharing difficulties; iii) impact of ‘Direct Access’ on information sharing practices; iv) workload inequality; v) training; and vi) evolution of ‘Direct Access’. Overall, findings highlight that information sharing difficulties are causes by not knowing what information to request or share, limited resources, lack of clarity about General Data Protection Regulation and concern about consequences of breaching this. These barriers can result in delays and failures to share information, which hinders the accuracy of risk assessments and ability to safeguard. Findings also highlight that providing statutory partners with ‘Direct Access’ to I.T systems can improve the relevance and timeliness of information. However, ‘daring to share’ is not enough to address trust issues without also clarifying expectations regarding information use and perceived workload inequalities.
Compared With Girls, Boys' Psychological Symptoms Are More Likely to Be Influenced by Lifestyle in Chinese Middle School Students
Authors: Lu Jinkui , Tan Chun , Zhou Jianfeng , Sha Mian , Xu Yongli , Qiu Jianhua , Liu Ningling
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To explore the relationship between Chinese middle school students' lifestyles and psychological symptoms and compare the differences between genders.

Method

Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 14,356 students aged 13–18 years from 8 cities in China were selected as participants. The Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents was used to estimate psychological symptoms. Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between lifestyle and psychological symptoms.

Results

The psychological symptom detection rate of Chinese middle school students was 21.37%. The detection rate of psychological symptoms for boys was 22.1%, which was significantly higher than for girls (20.64%, χ2 = 4.608, P < 0.05). According to the Logistic regression analysis, factors that have a positive correlation with the demonstration of psychological symptoms (P < 0.01) include: how the students go to school (by foot or on the vehicle) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07–1.25); inadequate time for sleep (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.28–1.72); video watching time ≥2 h/d (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13–1.39); never exercise (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.07–2.76); never participate in extracurricular exercises (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.27–1.66); have breakfast occasionally (OR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.22–1.50); never have breakfast (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.62–2.24); always have snacks (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13–1.44); always drink sugared beverages (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22–1.55); picky with food occasionally (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11–1.33).

Conclusions

There was a positive correlation between unhealthy lifestyle and the occurrence of psychological symptoms, and boys are more easily influenced by lifestyles than girls.
How Behavioral Branding Affects Brand Equity
Authors: Lieven Theo
Published: July 2022

Maintaining and increasing brand equity is the top priority for most brand managers. This includes not only the areas of public relations and advertising, but also the way in which sales staff communicates regarding the brand. According to behavioral branding, the brand should be strengthened by the brand fit of the employees. To date, research and practice have developed more intuitive and heuristic methods for evaluating employee behavior and its impact on the brand. In this article, behavior will be operationalized and measured by personality and sales encounter experience. The method is based on Heider’s balance theory explaining the occurrence of cognitive dissonance in case of unbalanced states in triads, here the brand, the customer, and the salesperson. Findings show how discrepancies in personal behavior led to discrepancies in brand equities before and after the sales encounter.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of IoT for E-Learning in Higher Educational Institutes in Developing Countries
Authors: Madni Syed Hamid Hussain , Ali Javed , Husnain Hafiz Ali , Masum Maidul Hasan , Mustafa Saad , Shuja Junaid , Maray Mohammed , Hosseini Samira
Published: July 2022

The internet of things (IoT) is an emerging paradigm of educational applications and innovative technology in the current era. While capabilities are increasing day by day, there are still many limitations and challenges to utilizing these technologies within E-Learning in higher educational institutes (HEIs). The IoT is well-implemented in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Japan, and China but not in developing countries, including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Few studies have investigated the adoption of IoT in E-Learning within developing countries. Therefore, this research aims to examine the factors influencing IoT adoption for E-Learning to be utilized in HEIs. Further, an adoption model is proposed for IoT-based E-Learning in the contexts of developing countries and provides recommendations for enhancing the IoT adoption for E-Learning in HEIs. The IoT-based E-Learning model categorizes these influencing factors into four groups: individual, organizational, environmental, and technological. Influencing factors are compared along with a detailed description in order to determine which factors should be prioritized for efficient IoT-based E-Learning in HEIs. We identify the privacy (27%), infrastructure readiness (24%), financial constraints (24%), ease of use (20%), support of faculty (18%), interaction (15%), attitude (14%), and network and data security (14%), as the significant E-Learning influencing factors on IoT adoption in HEIs. These findings from the researcher's perspective will show that the national culture has a significant role in the individual, organizational, technological, and environmental behavior toward using new technology in developing countries.
The Influence Mechanism of Interaction Quality in Live Streaming Shopping on Consumers’ Impulsive Purchase Intention
Authors: Li Guangming , Jiang Yue , Chang Liting
Published: July 2022

As an emerging mode of online shopping, live streaming shopping has the characteristics of high interactivity. Live streaming shopping has achieved many positive results, but it leads to the phenomenon of consumers’ impulsive purchase. To analyze the reasons for impulsive purchase intention, we can make up for the lack of attention paid to this issue. Therefore, this study explores the influence mechanism of interaction quality between anchors and consumers on consumers’ emotion and impulsive purchase intention from the perspective of interaction quality combined with cognitive evaluation theory. A total 407 samples were collected by a questionnaire survey to test the research model. The results showed that: interaction quality (responsiveness, professionalism, informativeness, and personalization) had a significantly positive impact on consumers’ emotion; consumers’ emotion played a mediating role between interaction quality and impulsive purchase intention; consumers’ extroverted personality significantly negatively moderated the relationship between professionalism, informativeness and consumers’ emotion. This study can provide theoretical basis and reference for enterprises and anchors to carry out marketing activities and consumers’ rational consumption.
Impact of Managerial Reputation and Risk-Taking on Enterprise Innovation Investment From the Perspective of Social Capital: Evidence From China
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhao Shukuan , Shao Dong , Fan Xueyuan , Zhang Bochen
Published: July 2022

China’s enterprises established in the emerging economy are relatively short of technological innovation resources; therefore, these enterprises need to make use of managerial reputation to break through organizational boundaries in order to obtain richer social capital and reshape their technological creativity to cope with the complex and a changeable international economic situation. This corporate phenomenon also serves as the key for China’s economy to advance to the stage of high-quality development. Based on the panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2016, this paper adopts the Heckman two-stage evaluation model to empirically study the impact of managerial reputation on enterprise innovation activities, the moderating role of corporate governance, and the mediating role of risk taking. From the standpoint of social capital, the findings indicate that managerial reputation promotes enterprise innovation investment. The mechanism test reveals that this correlation is realized through the mediating role of risk taking. Furthermore, the promotion effect of management reputation on enterprise innovation investment is stronger when the enterprises adopt the CEO duality, the larger board size, higher management ownership, and stronger equity restriction. The conclusions of this study confirm the important role of social capital in enterprise innovation in the context of the Chinese economy. The study implications also enrich and expand the research on the influencing factors of enterprise innovation investment that focus on the managerial reputation and provide important business inspiration for enterprises to build reputation management strategy and promote the transformation and upgrading of local enterprises.
Risk Factors Associated With Increased Anxiety Sensitivity in Children and Adolescents in Northwest China During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Jin Qiaoyan , Ma Wenxian , Zhang Yang , Wang Huiyuan , Hao Juanjuan , Geng Yan , Zhong Bo , Li Jing , Hou Wei , Lu Shemin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A large body of evidence has revealed that the sudden outbreak of public health emergencies induces dramatic effects on the mental health of the general public. We aimed to investigate the level of anxiety sensitivity and its risk factors in children and adolescents from northwest China during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in early 2020.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted through the Wenjuanxing platform using a convenience sampling method between 18 and 26 February 2020. The self-designed questionnaire contained sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) scale. The data from 1,091 valid questionnaires from students aged 9–17 years were analyzed using ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and binary logistic regression.

Results

The average CASI scores were 11.47 ± 6.631, and 642 students (58.9%) had prominent anxiety sensitivity. Gender, education level, family members participating in anti-COVID-19 work, getting ill and needing medical help during the lockdown, feeling afraid or having heart palpitations on hearing things associated with COVID-19, believing that COVID-19 would have adverse impacts on themselves or their family in the future, and fear of infection were identified as significant factors for elevated levels of anxiety sensitivity (p < 0.05). We established a multiple linear regression model for the anxiety sensitivity score. Risk factors found for anxiety sensitivity in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown included studying in secondary or high school, becoming ill during the pandemic, feeling afraid or experiencing rapid heartbeat or palpitations on hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic, thinking that COVID-19 would have an adverse impact on themselves or their family in the future, and fear of infection.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic and home quarantine, scores measuring the prevalence of anxiety sensitivity in children and adolescents from northwest China were elevated. We should develop measures that especially target possible risk factors to intervene against and prevent anxiety sensitivity in children and adolescents in both the current and future pandemics.
The Effect of Education Model in Physical Education on Student Learning Behavior
Authors: Chu Yongchao , Chen Chang , Wang Guoquan , Su Fuzhi
Published: July 2022

This research explores the effect of the sports education model implemented in physical education on college students' learning motivation and outcomes. The sports education model was compared with traditional physical education teaching as a control group. Participants were 60 college students in two classes. The ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) Learning Motivation Scale, the Physical Education Affection Scale and a learning sheet were used for pre- and post-test comparison. Quantitative analysis was carried out on the post-test data using a dependent sample t-test and an independent sample t-test. The study found that: (1) the students in the sports education model group showed clear progress in learning motivation, affection, cognition and behavior, whereas the students in the traditional physical education group showed clear progress in cognition but no significant improvement in learning motivation, affection or behavior; (2) the sports education model group is clearly superior to the traditional physical education group in terms of learning motivation, affection, cognition, and behavior. This research shows that students are highly receptive to the sports education model, with a positive attitude and a high degree of motivation to learn to actively change their sports behavior. The sports education model brings several benefits: (1) it is an effective teaching method; (2) students' sense of responsibility, leadership and participation can be improved; (3) the preliminary homework and course structure descriptions take more time to compose, but can better guide students' motivation for learning physical education and can enhance teachers' professional growth.
Associations of Childhood Maltreatment With Suicidal Behavior Among Chinese Adolescents: Does It Differ Based on Gender and Biological Rhythm?
Authors: Xie Yang , Xu Huiqiong , Wang Baolin , Wu Xiaoyan , Tao Shuman , Wan Yuhui , Tao Fangbiao
Published: July 2022

Background

The impact of biological rhythm disorder (BRD) on the association of childhood maltreatment (CM) and suicidal behavior in adolescents remains unclear. CM increases the risk of suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal planning (SP), and suicidal attempts (SAs). There is less investigation on gender differences in CM's effects on suicidal behavior. It is unknown whether the impacts vary with different levels of BRD.

Aims

To identify gender differences in CM's effects on suicidal behavior and to investigate these impacts at different levels of BRD.

Method

The analysis is based on data from 7,986 adolescents recruited from three cities in China between October and December 2019. All participants, aged 14.7 ± 2 years, filled out standard questionnaires involving CM, BRD, and suicidal behavior.

Results

A total of 22.9, 10.8, and 4.7% of the adolescents reported SI/SP/SAs in the past year. Girls are more likely to engage in SI and SP when exposed to the highest level of CM; boys are more likely to engage in SAs than girls. A significant relationship between moderate levels of CM and SI/SP/SAs was only observed in girls exposed to low BRD. Moderate CM is only significantly associated with SI in boys exposed to low BRD. The percentage of low-BRD adolescents who experienced high CM was 31.4%, whereas 58% of high-BRD adolescents experienced high CM in SI. Adolescents with high BRD were more likely to experience high levels of CM in SP and SAs.

Conclusions

Adolescents at high risk of suicidal behavior in relation to CM should be targeted accordingly. Improving biological rhythm in adolescents who experience CM could help prevent them from engaging in suicidal behavior.