bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dealing With Diversity in Psychology: Science and Ideology
Authors: Roberts Steven Othello
Published: April 2024

In the spirit of America’s Shakespeare, August Wilson (1997), I have written this article as a testimony to the conditions under which I, and too many others, engage in scholarly discourse. I hope to make clear from the beginning that although the ideas presented here are not entirely my own—as they have been inherited from the minority of scholars who dared and managed to bring the most necessary, unpalatable, and unsettling truths about our discipline to the broader scientific community—I do not write for anyone but myself and those scholars who have felt similarly marginalized, oppressed, and silenced. And I write as a race scholar, meaning simply that I believe that race—and racism—affects the sociopolitical conditions in which humans, and scholars, develop their thoughts, feelings, and actions. I believe that it is important for all scholars to have a basic understanding of these conditions, as well as the landmines and pitfalls that define them, as they shape how research is conducted, reviewed, and disseminated. I also believe that to evolve one’s discipline into one that is truly robust and objective, it must first become diverse and self-aware. Any effort to suggest otherwise, no matter how scholarly it might present itself, is intellectually unsound.
A Simplified Preoperative Radiographic Assessment for Metatarsus Adductus Associated With Hallux Valgus
Authors: McAleer Jody P. , DeCarbo William T. , Santrock Robert D. , Hatch Daniel J. , Dayton Paul , Smith W. Bret
Published: April 2024

Radiographic measurements for the assessment of metatarsus adductus (MTA) have a broad range of interpretation without a consensus regarding surgical indications. The “Plumbline” (PL) radiographic assessment method helps identify MTA and determines if physical space is available to align the first metatarsal to the longitudinal foot axis without the need to realign the lesser metatarsals. Forty-five neutral weight-bearing anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs of patients scheduled for surgical intervention for isolated hallux valgus (HV) or combined MTA/HV deformities were reviewed. The cohort was grouped based on the presence of MTA using a Sgarlato’s angle (SA) of 15°, with 23 patients in the HV-only group and 22 patients in the MTA group. A mean preoperative SA of 8.7° (SD: 2.1; range: 5.4-13.4) and 26.6° (SD: 5.1; range: 18.2-36) were found in the HV-only and MTA groups, respectively. Subjects with an SA ≤ 15° (N = 22) were found to have a negative PL (100%) and subjects with an SA > 15° (N = 23) displayed a positive PL (100%). The PL technique provided a simple method and clear visual reference for determining the presence of MTA in HV patients without the need to measure traditional radiographic angles.

Level of Evidence: Retrospective, Level IV, Diagnostic
Chronic Cannabis Use in Everyday Life: Emotional, Motivational, and Self-Regulatory Effects of Frequently Getting High
Authors: Inzlicht Michael , Sparrow-Mungal Taylor Bridget , Depow Gregory John
Published: April 2024

Approximately 200 million people consume cannabis annually, with a significant proportion of them using it chronically. Using experience sampling, we describe the effects of chronically getting high on emotions, motivation, effort, and self-regulation in everyday life. We queried chronic users ( N = 260) 5 times per day over 7 days (3,701 observations) to assess immediate effects of getting high and longer term, between-person effects. Getting high was associated with more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions. Contrary to stereotypes, we observed minimal effects on motivation or objective effort willingness. However, getting high was associated with lower scores on facets of conscientiousness. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of a weed hangover. Relative to less frequent users, very frequent users exhibited more negative emotions dispositionally, but they were more motivated. They also reported less self-control and willpower. As attitudes about cannabis are changing, our findings provide a rich description of its chronic use.
Arachnoid cyst in the pediatric patient: What the radiologist needs to know
Authors: Krishnan Venkatram , Jaganathan Sriram , Baker Andrew , Jayappa Sateesh , Murphy Janice , Glasier Charles , Choudhary Arabinda , Albert Gregory , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu
Published: April 2024

Arachnoid cysts are the most common incidentally discovered intracranial lesions on imaging and the most common cystic intracranial lesions. They may be developmental or secondary. A relative lack of recent literature and any comprehensive radiological review on arachnoid cysts has led to a general lack of awareness among radiologists of symptomatic or complicated arachnoid cysts. This is particularly concerning in pediatric patients. While arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic in most cases, they can cause clinical symptoms in a minority of cases, especially when they occur in unusual sites. These include intraventricular locations where they may cause hydrocephalus, the basal cisterns where they may compress cranial nerves, the cerebellopontine angle where they have to be differentiated from a number of cystic lesions, the cavum septum pellucidum or cavum velum interpositum, the choroid fissure where they can entrap the temporal horn and compress the hippocampus, the posterior fossa where they need to be differentiated from other posterior fossa cystic lesions, and within the spinal canal where there is a concern for cord or nerve root compression. Larger cysts are more prone to complications such as mass effect, hemorrhage, and rupture. Hemorrhage and rupture often present with acute symptoms. Ruptured cysts lose their characteristic imaging appearance and can mimic several ominous pathologies. It therefore becomes vital to accurately diagnose these cases as complications of pre-existing arachnoid cysts for appropriate management. A detailed review of all diagnostic imaging aspects of arachnoid cysts will help fill in the existing information void on this important entity.
Primary Care Utilization, Preventative Screening, and Control of Metabolic Syndrome in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Flynn Sarah J. , Saxena Varun , Brandman Danielle
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Patients with pre-transplant metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are at high risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) after liver transplant. While many patients are co-managed by a transplant team, most preventative screening and MetS management may occur in the primary care setting. We aimed to evaluate primary care utilization by MASH liver transplant recipients as well as MetS screening and control.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review that included adults who underwent liver transplant for MASH or cryptogenic cirrhosis at a single institution from January 2010 to December 2016, had available primary care data, and at least 36-months of follow-up post-transplant. Measures included primary care utilization, adherence to screening guidelines, and control of MetS. We used Fischer’s exact test to explore the association of primary care utilization with screening and control.

Results:

A total of 37 patients met inclusion criteria with 366 visits reviewed. The median time to first visit was 68 days post-transplant and patients had a median of 9 total visits. Few patients met screening guidelines for diabetes (8.1%) or hyperlipidemia (10.8%). The percentage of patients with control of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia decreased over the 36-month follow-up period. Primary care utilization was not associated with adherence to screening recommendations for diabetes ( P = .141) or hyperlipidemia ( P = .103). Higher primary care utilization was not associated with control of hypertension ( P = .107), diabetes ( P = .871), or hyperlipidemia ( P = .999).

Conclusion:

More research is needed to investigate barriers to screening and management of MetS conditions in this high-risk patient population in the primary care setting as well as to optimize post-transplant care coordination.
Development of a Risk Assessment Tool for Social Services Using a Modified Delphi Technique
Authors: Ferri-Fuentevilla Elena , Muñoz Moreno Rocío , Vallejo Andrada Ana , Vázquez Aguado Octavio
Published: April 2024

The pandemic caused by covid-19 has revealed an enormous vulnerability in health, economic and social terms. We are facing a new unprecedented environmental and socioeconomic reality, which poses a challenge for risk control and management. This forces a methodological effort to be made in all areas in the creation of models for the prevention and prediction of existing impacts, risks, and potential threats. In Social Services’ field, we propose a tool that will allow, on the one hand, to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the Social Services system and, on the other hand, to evaluate the areas with the highest socioeconomic risk in the post-COVID scenario. The modified Delphi technique has been used to reach a consensus on a proposal of 37 indicators with a group of experts, which in the final phase resulted in 34. To our knowledge, this represents the first risk assessment tool in social services designed specifically for use at local level. The proposed tool can help determine the situation of municipal social services in relation to risk, assessing weaknesses and improving the capacity of the system.
Does Institutional Ownership Moderate the Relationship Between Audit Committee Composition and Audit Report Lag: Evidence From Saudi
Authors: Ghazi H Sulimany Hamid
Published: April 2024

This research explores the moderating effect of institutional ownership on the relationship between audit committee attributes and audit report lag. The paper sampled data from 102 Saudi non-financial listed firms from 2012 to 2021. The data was analyzed using a fixed effect regression, while the generalized method of moments approach (GMM) was employed for robustness check. The research finding strongly suggests that the audit committee size may increase audit report lag. In contrast, it was found that audit committee independence and financial expertise may reduce audit report lag. In addition, the interaction effect reveals that the impact of audit committee financial expertise and the committee meetings on reducing audit report lag may be higher as institutional shareholding rises. Thus, the outcome validates the agency theory perspective that the active monitoring of institutional investors may shape firms’ internal governance systems. More importantly, the finding implies that firms should prefer a smaller audit size with a higher ratio of independent directors and financial experts to improve financial reporting quality. They should also embrace institutional shareholding to reduce audit report lag. Thus, lowering audit report lag may mitigate information disparity between firms and prospective investors, reducing agency conflicts and boosting firm value.
Probabilistic Graph Model Based Recommendation Algorithm for Material Selection in Self-directed Learning
Authors: Qiu Zhiyong , Cui Yingjin
Published: April 2024

Faced the vast amount of information, choosing the appropriate materials is a prerequisite for effective self-directed learning. The recommendation algorithm is a kind of intelligent technology that can accurately locate the required information which the users care about most. However, many recommendation techniques experience can not be trained adequately in scenarios with small sample data and extremely sparse ratings. Moreover, DLRAs (Deep learning based Recommendation Algorithms) require high hardware support. The probabilistic graph (PG) can effectively represent the implicit complex relations among nodes, but it still has the problem of sparse data sensitivity. Therefore, we propose a Matrix-Factorization-based Probabilistic Graph Model for Recommendation Algorithm (MF-PGMRA): By matrix-factorizing the sparse rating matrix, the users and items are mapped to the user/item spaces, respectively; We employ the inner product to data-enhance and overcome the problems of sparse data and cold start; Then, we build Probabilistic Graph to construct the “user-item” latent spaces and estimate the probability distribution based on expectation maximization (EM), so as to predict the ratings; Finally, we built a library management system with the recommendation module to highlight the benefits of MF-PGMRA for students’ subject learning. According to a questionnaire, we confirmed that the students are satisfied with the system from four aspects of speed, accuracy, usability and convenience, which can confirm that the library management system based on MF-PGMRA can efficiently and accurately recommend suitable materials for students from the huge amount of learning materials to improve students’ self-directed learning efficiency.
Impact of Climate on Stress Ultrasound Findings of the Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament in Professional Baseball Pitchers: An 18-Year Study
Authors: Hanna Adeeb Jacob , Fliegel Brian E. , Sonnier John Hayden , Sherman Matthew B. , Ciccotti Michael G. , Jack Robert A. , Cohen Steven B.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary soft tissue stabilizer to valgus stress in the elbow and is placed under this valgus stress during the throwing motion. Although there are known risk factors for UCL injury, it is unknown whether the UCL undergoes adaptive changes in athletes from different climates.

Purpose:

To compare elbow stress ultrasound (SUS) findings between professional baseball pitchers from warm climates versus cold climates and assess significant differences in adaptive and morphologic changes in the UCL.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Dynamic SUS evaluations were performed over 18 years on the dominant and nondominant arms of 643 professional pitchers from warm and cold climates as determined by the player's country/state of origin. Studies were compared with respect to relative UCL thickness ( dominant arm vs nondominant arm), relative glenohumeral joint laxity ( joint space distance under stress vs joint space distance at rest), and the presence of morphologic changes such as tears or calcifications. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed to compare the progression of SUS findings over 3 years in players with sequential yearly data.

Results:

Players from warmer climates had significantly greater relative UCL thicknesses than players from colder climates (1.75 vs 1.50 mm, respectively; P = .047). There were no differences between these 2 groups in terms of relative ulnohumeral joint laxity ( P = .201), presence of morphologic changes ( P = .433), 3-year progression of relative UCL thickness ( P = .748), or relative joint laxity ( P = .904).

Conclusion:

Professional pitchers from warm climates had a greater side-to-side difference in UCL thickness between the dominant and nondominant arms. This may be due to the potential for year-round throwing among baseball players from warm climates. There was no difference in laxity, thickness progression, laxity progression, or the presence of additional morphologic changes.
Organizational Communication Patterns as Predictors of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Citizenship Motives
Authors: Hesse Colin , Mikkelson Alan C.
Published: April 2024

Organizational communication patterns were used to predict the extent to which employees engaged in organizational citizenship behaviors. Both job satisfaction and citizenship motives were examined as potential mediators in the relationship between organizational communication patterns and organizational citizenship behaviors. Using a census-matched nationally representative sample ( N = 378) data were collected from participants from a variety of industries and organizations. As predicted, the conversation and positive conformity orientations positively predicted organizational citizenship behaviors. The negative conformity dimension negatively predicted in-role and organizational citizenship behaviors but counter to the prediction was a positive predictor of individual citizenship behaviors in the path analysis. Citizenship motives served as a full or partial mediator for both the positive conformity and conversation orientations relationship with organizational citizenship behaviors; however, job satisfaction did not act as a mediator for any of the relationships between organizational communication patterns and organizational citizenship behaviors.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 at a Selected Regional Hospital in Namibia
Authors: Ashipala Daniel. O. , Kaihoto Christine , Munangatire Takaedza
Published: April 2024

Introduction

As the threat of COVID-19 continues, new evidence and knowledge of the disease is coming to light, thus it is critical to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the control and prevention of COVID-19 infections.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the KAP of nurses regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 at a selected regional hospital in Namibia.

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was used to quantify and measure the relationships between the demographic variables and the key variables of KAP regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. A total of 101 respondents were conveniently sampled. Data were collected online and analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results

The mean scores were: knowledge 26.8 (83.8%), attitude 44.8 (70%), and practice 46.8 (78%). The Pearson's correlation showed that the practice score was positively correlated to the attitude score (r = 0.556, p < 0.01), while the independent samples t-test showed that gender, COVID-19 status, and nurse status had no effect on knowledge, attitude, or practices (p > 0.05). There was a significant mean difference in the attitude scores between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated nurses: t (86.251) = 2.974, p ≤ 0.05, as well as in the practice scores: t (98.956) = 1.989, p < −0.05. Multiple linear regression indicated that the regression model was statistically significant (F = 2.536, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.145).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that some of the nurses had inadequate KAP related to the prevention and control of COVID-19. Consequently, these nurses need more intensive training to ensure that they display a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding the virus. This will both safeguard the nurses and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Glue-Assisted Retinopexy for Retinal Detachments Study Report 2: Fibrin Glue As a Surgical Adjunct in Complex Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Desai Arjun , Bhopalka Ankit Kumar , Tyagi Mudit , Sharma Sumant Vinayak , Takkar Brijesh
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To present the successful application of fibrin glue as a surgical adjunct in the management of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: In this retrospective case series, fibrin glue was used as a surgical adjunct in 5 cases of complex RRD. In each case, standard pars plana vitrectomy and laser retinopexy were performed by the same surgeon. Fibrin glue was used intraoperatively as a tamponade to seal the breaks because the isolated use of conventional tamponade agents was not feasible given the variable nature of the complex RRDs, the anatomy of the eye, or an inability to maintain postoperative positioning. Results: In 1 patient previously treated for a large corneoscleral tear, fibrin glue was used to seal a large iatrogenic retinal break caused by a fragmatome-related surge that led to a quadrantic RD. In 2 patients treated for combined RRD, fibrin glue was used with silicone oil to manage recurrent RRD with incompletely drained thick subretinal fluid and blood. In 2 other cases, fibrin glue was applied to manage RRD in congenital aniridia with advanced glaucoma and aphakia. In all cases, retinal attachment without serious adverse effects was attained over a follow-up ranging from 4 to 6 months. Conclusions: Fibrin glue is an effective, safe surgical adjunct in complex RRD. It can be used to transiently seal a retinal break when use of a conventional tamponade agent is not possible or not sufficient alone.
Approaches for supporting youth dually involved in child protection and youth justice systems: An international policy analysis
Authors: Ball Rubini , Baidawi Susan , FitzGerald Anthony
Published: April 2024

The high representation of children involved across both child protection and youth justice systems remains a pressing concern. Contributing factors include unnecessary police intervention for behavioural difficulties in residential care, and deficient systems integration particularly between child protection and youth justice. Policy reforms in the past 15–20 years have aimed to prevent and address this concern across jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The study offers an updated review and analysis of these policies, targeting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field. Examination of selected available policies identified four main strategies utilised: joint practice protocols, policies aimed at reducing the criminalisation of children in out-of-home care, crossover court lists, and specialised practice models like the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM). There is promising evidence for some approaches, notably the CYPM, however, most suffer from a lack of implementation and outcomes evaluation, insufficient diversity considerations, and minimal inclusion of lived experience in design and implementation. Findings suggest future policy reforms should prioritise the development of whole-of-government strategies, involve children's perspectives, emphasise prevention, restorative and diversionary responses, multi-agency collaboration, ongoing support for implementation, and rigorous evaluation.
Healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in England
Authors: Adamou Marios , Abner Sophia , Egger Peter , Venerus Alessandra , Lucrezi Gianluca , Mota Mariana , Charlton Jeremy , Unadkat Minesh , Meadowcroft Simon , Eksteen-Ramsden Christine
Published: April 2024

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is generally widely under-recognised and undertreated in adults. Real world evidence is needed to characterise healthcare resource utilisation and economic burden of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in England.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used primary care medical records (Clinical Practice Research Datalink – Aurum) linked to secondary care data (hospital episode statistics). Patients were indexed on their first-ever record of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, made during adulthood, between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2018. Healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs were compared 18-months before and after diagnosis.

Results

2236 patients were included; mood disorders and anxiety were recorded in 47.1% and 46.2%, respectively. In 2153 patients with available data for both periods, mean total healthcare resource utilisation cost per patient was £408.6 (95% CI £264.4–£552.8) higher in the post- versus pre-index period (p < 0.001). The mean prescriptions cost per patient doubled (£322.5 versus £614.5) and represented the largest proportional cost increase post-diagnosis compared to other healthcare resource utilisation costs measured.

Discussion

An attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis in adulthood ensures patients receive appropriate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid anxiety and depression. Total healthcare resource utilisation costs appeared to increase post attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis; however, further studies are required to confirm this. This cost increase should be set in the context of multiple societal benefits likely to accrue from the effective management of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A tomato NAC transcription factor, SlNAP1, directly regulates gibberellin-dependent fruit ripening
Authors: Li Changxia , Hou Xuemei , Zhao Zongxi , Liu Huwei , Huang Panpan , Shi Meimei , Wu Xuetong , Gao Rong , Liu Zhiya , Wei Lijuan , Li Yihua , Liao Weibiao
Published: April 2024

In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the ripening of fruit is regulated by the selective expression of ripening-related genes, and this procedure is controlled by transcription factors (TFs). In the various plant-specific TF families, the no apical meristem (NAM), Arabidopsis thaliana activating factor 1/2 (ATAF1/2), and cup-shaped cotyledon 2 (CUC2; NAC) TF family stands out and plays a significant function in plant physiological activities, such as fruit ripening (FR). Despite the numerous genes of NAC found in the tomato genome, limited information is available on the effects of NAC members on FR, and there is also a lack of studies on their target genes. In this research, we focus on SlNAP1, which is a NAC TF that positively influences the FR of tomato. By employing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, compared with the wild type (WT), we generated slnap1 mutants and observed a delay in the ethylene production and color change of fruits. We employed the yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays to confirm that SlNAP1 directly binds to the promoters of two crucial genes involved in gibberellin (GA) degradation, namely SlGA2ox1 and SlGA2ox5, thus activating their expression. Furthermore, through a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) and luciferase (LUC) assays, we established an interaction between SlNAP1 and SlGID1. Hence, our findings suggest that SlNAP1 regulates FR positively by activating the GA degradation genes directly. Additionally, the interaction between SlNAP1 and SlGID1 may play a role in SlNAP1-induced FR. Overall, our study provides important insights into the molecular mechanisms through which NAC TFs regulate tomato FR via the GA pathway.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Rice Diversity Panel Reveals New QTLs for Tolerance to Water Deficit Under the Egyptian Conditions
Authors: Ghazy Mohamed I. , EL-Naem Sabry A. , Hefeina Ahmed G. , Sallam Ahmed , Eltaher Shamseldeen
Published: April 2024

Drought has a significant impact on rice yield by restricting the crop's ability to grow and develop. Producing rice cultivars adapted to water deficit conditions is still the main interest of rice breeders and geneticists. To address this challenge, a set of 413 highly diverse rice populations were evaluated under normal and water deficit conditions for two growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. High genetic variation was found among genotypes for all studied traits. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.82 (panicle length) to 0.95 (plant height). Sterility percentage (SET%) was the most trait affected by water deficit in two growing seasons. 22 Rice genotypes were classified as drought tolerant in both years. Genome-wide association mapping was performed for all traits in the two growing seasons under both conditions using a total of 700,000 SNPs. The GWAS results revealed important and major SNPs associated with all traits. 26 Significant SNPs with stable allele effects were found to be associated with yield traits under water deficit conditions in both years. The results of this study provided rice genotypes that can be adapted under water deficit conditions and important stable SNP markers that can be used for marker-assisted selection after validation in different genetic backgrounds.
Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression of C2H2 zinc finger gene family in Opisthopappus species under salt stress
Authors: Zhou Xiaojuan , Gao Ting , Zhang Yimeng , Han Mian , Shen Yuexin , Su Yu , Feng Xiaolong , Wu Qi , Sun Genlou , Wang Yiling
Published: April 2024

Background

The C2H2 zinc finger protein family plays important roles in plants. However, precisely how C2H2s function in Opisthopappus (Opisthopappus taihangensis and Opisthopappus longilobus) remains unclear.

Results

In this study, a total of 69 OpC2H2 zinc finger protein genes were identified and clustered into five Groups. Seven tandem and ten fragment repeats were found in OpC2H2s, which underwent robust purifying selection. Of the identified motifs, motif 1 was present in all OpC2H2s and conserved at important binding sites. Most OpC2H2s possessed few introns and exons that could rapidly activate and react when faced with stress. The OpC2H2 promoter sequences mainly contained diverse regulatory elements, such as ARE, ABRE, and LTR. Under salt stress, two up-regulated OpC2H2s (OpC2H2-1 and OpC2H2-14) genes and one down-regulated OpC2H2 gene (OpC2H2-7) might serve as key transcription factors through the ABA and JA signaling pathways to regulate the growth and development of Opisthopappus species.

Conclusion

The above results not only help to understand the function of C2H2 gene family but also drive progress in genetic improvement for the salt tolerance of Opisthopappus species.
Genome-wide characterization of DNA methyltransferase family genes implies GhDMT6 improving tolerance of salt and drought on cotton
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Bai Zhigang , He Yunxin , Wang Ning , Sun Liangqing , Li Yongqi , Yin Zujun , Wang Xiaoge , Zhang Binglei , Han Mingge , Lu Xuke , Chen Xiugui , Wang Delong , Wang Junjuan , Wang Shuai , Guo Lixue , Chen Chao , Feng Keyun , Ye Wuwei
Published: April 2024

Background

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mode of genomic DNA modification and plays a vital role in maintaining epigenetic content and regulating gene expression. Cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase (C5-MTase) are the key enzymes in the process of DNA methylation. However, there is no systematic analysis of the C5-MTase in cotton so far, and the function of DNMT2 genes has not been studied.

Methods

In this study, the whole genome of cotton C5-MTase coding genes was identified and analyzed using a bioinformatics method based on information from the cotton genome, and the function of GhDMT6 was further validated by VIGS experiments and subcellular localization analysis.

Results

33 C5-MTases were identified from three cotton genomes, and were divided into four subfamilies by systematic evolutionary analysis. After the protein domain alignment of C5-MTases in cotton, 6 highly conserved motifs were found in the C-terminus of 33 proteins involved in methylation modification, which indicated that C5-MTases had a basic catalytic methylation function. These proteins were divided into four classes based on the N-terminal difference, of which DNMT2 lacks the N-terminal regulatory domain. The expression of C5-MTases in different parts of cotton was different under different stress treatments, which indicated the functional diversity of cotton C5-MTase gene family. Among the C5-MTases, the GhDMT6 had a obvious up-regulated expression. After silencing GhDMT6 with VIGS, the phenotype of cotton seedlings under different stress treatments showed a significant difference. Compared with cotton seedlings that did not silence GhDMT6, cotton seedlings silencing GhDMT6 showed significant stress resistance.

Conclusion

The results show that C5-MTases plays an important role in cotton stress response, which is beneficial to further explore the function of DNMT2 subfamily genes.
Investigating foliar application of bulk and nanoparticles titanium dioxide on fennel productivity to mitigate the negative effects of saline irrigation water
Authors: Ahmed Aisha M. A. , Khalid Khalid A. , Zaki Faten S. A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Fennel essential oils are fragrance compounds used in food and pharmaceutical sectors. One of the major impediments to expansion of fennel farming in Egypt's reclamation areas is saline water. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) or TiO2 nano particles (TiO2NP) can be utilized to boost the yield of aromatic plants cultivated under saline irrigation water. Saline water, particularly which contains sodium chloride can harm fennel plant; consequently, it was predicted that fennel production would fail in Egypt's reclaimed area, where the primary source of irrigation is groundwater consisting sodium chloride. This study sought to help fennel respond to sodium chloride by applying Ti forms to their leaves in order to reduce the detrimental effects of sodium chloride on them for expanding their production in the newly reclamation areas as a natural source of essential oil. Ti forms were applied as foliar application at 0, 0.1, 0.2 TiO2, 0.1 TiO2NP, and 0.2 TiO2NP, mM under irrigation with fresh water (0.4 dS m−1), or saline water (51.3 mM or 4.7 dS m−1).

Results

Plants exposed to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under fresh water resulted in the maximum values of morphological characters, estragole, oxygenated monoterpenes and photosynthetic pigments; while those subjected to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under saline water gave the greatest values of essential oil, proline, antioxidant enzymes and phenols. The greatest amounts of soluble sugars were recorded with 0.2 mM TiO2NP irrigated with saline water. Plants subjected to 0 mM TiO2 under saline water produced the greatest values of flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde.

Conclusion

To mitigate the negative effects of salty irrigation water on fennel plant production, TiO2NP application is suggested as a potential strategy.
Biochemical characterization of acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase2 from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and its potential effect on LC-PUFAs biosynthesis in planta
Authors: Klińska-Bąchor Sylwia , Demski Kamil , Gong Yangmin , Banaś Antoni
Published: April 2024

Background

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belonging to ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-LC-PUFAs), are essential components of human diet. They are mainly supplemented by marine fish consumption, although their native producers are oleaginous microalgae. Currently, increasing demand for fish oils is insufficient to meet the entire global needs, which puts pressure on searching for the alternative solutions. One possibility may be metabolic engineering of plants with an introduced enzymatic pathway producing ω3-LC-PUFAs.

Result

In this study we focused on the acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase2b (PtDGAT2b) from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, an enzyme responsible for triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis via acyl-CoA-dependent pathway. Gene encoding PtDGAT2b, incorporated into TAG-deficient yeast strain H1246, was used to confirm its activity and conduct biochemical characterization. PtDGAT2b exhibited a broad acyl-CoA preference with both di-16:0-DAG and di-18:1-DAG, whereas di-18:1-DAG was favored. The highest preference for acyl donors was observed for 16:1-, 10:0- and 12:0-CoA. PtDGAT2b also very efficiently utilized CoA-conjugated ω-3 LC-PUFAs (stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid and EPA). Additionally, verification of the potential role of PtDGAT2b in planta, through its transient expression in tobacco leaves, indicated increased TAG production with its relative amount increasing to 8%. Its co-expression with the gene combinations aimed at EPA biosynthesis led to, beside elevated TAG accumulation, efficient accumulation of EPA which constituted even 25.1% of synthesized non-native fatty acids (9.2% of all fatty acids in TAG pool).

Conclusions

This set of experiments provides a comprehensive biochemical characterization of DGAT enzyme from marine microalgae. Additionally, this study elucidates that PtDGAT2b can be used successfully in metabolic engineering of plants designed to obtain a boosted TAG level, enriched not only in ω-3 LC-PUFAs but also in medium-chain and ω-7 fatty acids.
Identification and characterization of functionally relevant SSR markers in natural Dalbergia odorifera populations
Authors: Xu Jieru , Wang Yue , Wu Kunlin , Chen Jinhui
Published: April 2024

Background

Dalbergia odorifera is a rare and precious rosewood specie, which is valued for its amber tones, abstract figural patterns, and impermeability to water and insects. However, the information on genetic diversity and marker-assisted selection breeding of D. odorifera is still limited. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are an ideal tool for genetic diversity analysis and marker-assisted molecular breeding for complex traits.

Results

Here, we have developed SSR markers within candidate genes and used them to explore the genetic diversity among D. odorifera germplasm resources. A total of 635 SSR loci were identified. The proportions of mono-, di- and tri-nucleotide repeat motifs were 52.28%, 22.99% and 21.42%, respectively. From these, a total of 114 SSR primers were synthesized, of which 24 SSR markers displayed polymorphism (polymorphic information content (PIC) > 0.25). Subsequently, these polymorphic markers were used for the genetic diversity analysis of 106 D. odorifera individuals from 11 natural populations. According to the genetic diversity analysis of D. odorifera natural populations, the average observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.500, the average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.524, and the average Shannon’s information index (I) was 0.946. These indicated that the natural populations had moderate genetic diversity. AMOVA analysis showed that 5% of the total variation was within the individuals of a population, whereas 95% of the variation was among the individuals of the populations, indicating a high degree of genetic variation between populations. On the basis of their genetic structures, these populations could be divided into four groups.

Conclusions

Our study provides important experimental resources for genetic studies and assists in the program of molecular breeding of D. odorifera wood formation.
Attitudes to ageing mediates the relationship between perception of age-friendly city and life satisfaction among middle-aged and older people in Macao: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Che Sok Leng , Lei Wai In , Hung Tan , Leong Sok Man
Published: April 2024

Background

Societal attitudes toward ageing play a significant role in shaping one’s ageing experience, and an age-friendly environment can potentially enhance the life satisfaction of older individuals. The objective of this study is to examine the role of attitudes to ageing as mediators in the association between the perception of an age-friendly city and life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Using the tools of Age-Friendly City (AFC) criteria, Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ) to measure psychosocial loss, psychological growth, and physical change, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to assess the level of life satisfaction among community-dwelling middle-aged and older people in Macao. Multiple mediation analysis was performed to test the mediation effect.

Results

A total of 543 participants were included in this study. The average score of AFC was 4.25, the total scores of psychosocial loss, physical change, and psychological growth were 24.06, 29.00, and 26.94 respectively. The total score of SWLS was 24.06. There was a partial mediation of attitudes to ageing in the relationship between perception of age-friendly city and life satisfaction. The mediation effect explained 56.1% of the total effect of AFC to life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The development of an age-friendly city can help improve the public’s view on ageing, and thus improve their life satisfaction. It is important for government to consider the improvement of people’s attitudes to ageing when developing policies regarding AFC.
Informal carers’ experiences in everyday life and the use of digital assistive technology for time management in persons with dementia or mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Baudin K. , Sundström A. , Lindner H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Digital assistive technology (DAT) may support time management in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but research on DAT for time management is limited. We aimed to explore how everyday could be supported by DAT for time management in persons with dementia or MCI from informal carers’ perspectives. This study focused on a DAT device for time management called MEMOplanner (MMP).

Method

Using a mixed-methods design, we utilized the Time-Proxy© questionnaire and a study-specific interview guide to investigate the perspectives of informal carers (n = 8) regarding the use of MMP by individuals with dementia or MCI.

Result

The MMP was helpful in keeping track of time and activity. It helped to maintain an active lifestyle and facilitated communication. However, the MMP did not reduce the need for assistance from the informal carers, and it took time to learn the different functions of the device. Further research into employing a more extensive array of DAT for time management or other areas to assist individuals with dementia will yield valuable insights into enhancing and sustaining a higher quality of life despite cognitive decline.
Expression of STAT3 and hypoxia markers in long-term surviving malignant glioma patients
Authors: Dvorakova Katerina , Skarkova Veronika , Vitovcova Barbora , Soukup Jiri , Vosmikova Hana , Pleskacova Zuzana , Skarka Adam , Bartos Michael Christian , Krupa Petr , Kasparova Petra , Petera Jiri , Rudolf Emil
Published: April 2024

Background

Glioblastoma is a malignant and aggressive type of central nevous system malignancy characterized by many distinct biological features including extensive hypoxia. Hypoxia in glioblatoma associates with complex signaling patterns including activation of several pathways such as MAPK, PI3K-AKT/mTOR and IL-6/JAK/STAT3 with the master regulator HIF-1, which in turn drive particular tumor behaviors determining, in the end, treatment outcomes and patients fate. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the expression of selected hypoxia related factors including STAT3 in a small set of long-term surviving glioma patients.

Methods

The expression of selected hypoxia related factors including STAT3 was evaluated in a time series of formalin fixed paraffin embedded and cryopreserved glioma samples from repeatedly resected patients. In addition, comparative studies were also conducted on primary glioma cells derived from original patient samples, stabilized glioma cell lines and tumor-xenograft mice model. Obtained data were correlated with clinical findings too.

Results

Glioblastoma samples of the analyzed patients displayed heterogeneity in the expression of hypoxia- related and EMT markers with most interesting trend being observed in pSTAT3. This heterogeneity was subsequently confirmed in other employed models (primocultures derived from glioblastoma tissue resections, cryopreserved tumor specimens, stabilized glioblastoma cell line in vitro and in vivo) and concerned, in particular, STAT3 expression which remained stable. In addition, subsequent studies on the role of STAT3 in the context of glioblastoma hypoxia demonstrated opposing effects of its deletion on cell viability as well as the expression of hypoxia and EMT markers.

Conclusions

Our results suport the importance of STAT3 expression and activity in the context of hypoxia in malignant glioblastoma long-term surviving glioma patients while emphasizing heterogeneity of biological outcomes in varying employed tumor models.
Sociodemographic and environmental characteristics associated with thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in community-dwelling residents of a rural town in Japan: analyses from a perspective of accompanying problems
Authors: Morikawa Kozue , Nomura Kyoko , Onozawa Daisuke , Sasaki Hisanaga , Morikawa Yoshiki
Published: April 2024

Objective

Suicide prevention has been focused on primary prevention as a group rather than individuals. However, we aimed to identify sociodemographic and environmental characteristics of individuals with suicidal thoughts among rural residents in Japan.

Methods

In 2015, a cross-sectional home visit survey was conducted in a rural town in Akita Prefecture. A total of 1,844 residents aged ≥ 20 years (response rate, 65%) answered a self-administered questionnaire about suicidal thoughts in the past one month. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate sociodemographic and environmental characteristics associated with suicidal thoughts in models with accompanying problems for human relations problems (HRP), health problems (HP), and financial problems (FP), or with no accompanying problems.

Results

In total, 218 (men 9.4%, women 13.8%) had suicidal thoughts with accompanying problems for HRP (n = 104), HP (n = 112), and FP (n = 72). The risk characteristics were Kessler Psychological Distress Scale scores ≥ 9 in models with HRP, HP, and FP or with no accompanying problems; being a woman and current smoking with no accompanying problems; absence of a person for help in a model of FP; and absence of family member for help in a model of HRP or with no accompanying problems. The mitigating factor were being optimistic (a domain of resilience skills identified by factor analysis) in models of HRP, HP, and FP or with no accompanying problems; being aged 70–79 and being aged ≥ 80 in a model of HRP.

Conclusions

Suicidal thoughts among rural residents in Japan were associated with multifactorial sociodemographic and environmental characteristics.
Effect of arsenic on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Rui , Duan Min , Zong Dongsheng , Li Zuojing
Published: April 2024

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of pregnancy associated with numerous adverse outcomes. There may be a potential link between GDM and arsenic (As) exposure, but this hypothesis remains controversial. This meta-analysis summarizes the latest studies evaluating the association between As and GDM.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up to September 2023 was performed. The pooled estimates with 95% CIs were presented using forest plots. Estimates were calculated with random effects models, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to address heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 13 eligible studies involving 2575 patients with GDM were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that women exposed to As had a significantly increased risk of GDM (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.95, P = 0.007). Subgroup analyses suggested that the heterogeneity might be attributed to the years of publication. In addition, sensitivity analysis confirmed the robust and reliable results.

Conclusions

This analysis suggested that women exposed to As have a greater risk of GDM. However, the significant heterogeneity across studies requires careful interpretation.

Registration

The PROSPERO registration ID is CRD42023461820.