bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Location May Independently Predict Survival in Patients With M0 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis
Authors: Li Kai , Le Xiang , Wang Jianqing , Fan Caibin , Sun Jian
Published: July 2022

Background

To determine the association between tumor location and both clinicopathological characteristics and the survival of patients with M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP).

Methods

Data of 455 patients diagnosed with M0 SCCP between 1975 and 2018 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the United States National Cancer Institute. The effects of tumor location on overall survival (OS) and penile carcinoma-specific survival (PCSS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the impact of tumor location on PCSS.

Results

SCCP was more likely to occur in the prepuce or glans (90%). Although no significant difference was observed between the OS of patients with M0 SCCP in the prepuce or glans and those with M0 SCCP in the body of the penis (p = 0.307), the former had better PCSS (p = 0.024). Moreover, M0 SCCP in the prepuce or glans was also significantly associated with better PCSS in patients with advanced age (age ≥ 60 years, p = 0.011), other ethnicities (p = 0.003), T2–T4 stage (p = 0.036), larger tumors (≥3 cm, p = 0.001), no regional lymph nodes removed (p = 0.044), and radical surgery (p = 0.027). Multivariate analysis confirmed that tumor location is an independent prognostic factor for patients with M0 SCCP [hazard ratio (HR) 1.881, p = 0.026].

Conclusions

Tumor location is an independent prognostic factor for patients with M0 SCCP, and tumors in the prepuce or glans portend better PCSS.
Growth hormone receptor antagonism downregulates ATP-binding cassette transporters contributing to improved drug efficacy against melanoma and hepatocarcinoma in vivo
Authors: Basu Reetobrata , Qian Yanrong , Mathes Samuel , Terry Joseph , Arnett Nathan , Riddell Trent , Stevens Austin , Funk Kevin , Bell Stephen , Bokal Zac , Batten Courtney , Smith Cole , Mendez-Gibson Isaac , Duran-Ortiz Silvana , Lach Grace , Mora-Criollo Patricia Alexandra , Kulkarni Prateek , Davis Emily , Teaford Elizabeth , Berryman Darlene E. , List Edward O. , Neggers Sebastian , Kopchick John J.
Published: July 2022

Knockdown of GH receptor (GHR) in melanoma cells in vitro downregulates ATP-binding cassette-containing (ABC) transporters and sensitizes them to anti-cancer drug treatments. Here we aimed to determine whether a GHR antagonist (GHRA) could control cancer growth by sensitizing tumors to therapy through downregulation of ABC transporters in vivo. We intradermally inoculated Fluc-B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells into GHA mice, transgenic for a GHR antagonist (GHRA), and observed a marked reduction in tumor size, mass and tumoral GH signaling. Moreover, constitutive GHRA production in the transgenic mice significantly improved the response to cisplatin treatment by suppressing expression of multiple ABC transporters and sensitizing the tumors to the drug. We confirmed that presence of a GHRA and not a mere absence of GH is essential for this chemo-sensitizing effect using Fluc-B16-F10 allografts in GH knockout (GHKO) mice, where tumor growth was reduced relative to that in GH-sufficient controls but did not sensitize the tumor to cisplatin. We extended our investigation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using human HCC cells in vitro and a syngeneic mouse model of HCC with Hepa1-6 allografts in GHA mice. Gene expression analyses and drug-efflux assays confirm that blocking GH significantly suppresses the levels of ABC transporters and improves the efficacy of sorafenib towards almost complete tumor clearance. Human patient data for melanoma and HCC show that GHR RNA levels correlate with ABC transporter expression. Collectively, our results validate in vivo that combination of a GHRA with currently available anti-cancer therapies can be effective in attacking cancer drug resistance.
Repeated Awake Surgical Resection(s) for Recurrent Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas: Why, When, and How to Reoperate?
Authors: Duffau Hugues
Published: July 2022

Early maximal surgical resection is the first treatment in diffuse low-grade glioma (DLGG), because the reduction of tumor volume delays malignant transformation and extends survival. Awake surgery with intraoperative mapping and behavioral monitoring enables to preserve quality of life (QoL). However, because of the infiltrative nature of DLGG, relapse is unavoidable, even after (supra)total resection. Therefore, besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the question of reoperation(s) is increasingly raised, especially because patients with DLGG usually enjoy a normal life with long-lasting projects. Here, the purpose is to review the literature in the emerging field of iterative surgeries in DLGG. First, long-term follow-up results showed that patients with DLGG who underwent multiple surgeries had an increased survival (above 17 years) with preservation of QoL. Second, the criteria guiding the decision to reoperate and defining the optimal timing are discussed, mainly based on the dynamic intercommunication between the glioma relapse (including its kinetics and pattern of regrowth) and the reactional cerebral reorganization—i.e., mechanisms underpinning reconfiguration within and across neural networks to enable functional compensation. Third, how to adapt medico-surgical strategy to this individual spatiotemporal brain tumor interplay is detailed, by considering the perpetual changes in connectome. These data support early reoperation in recurrent DLGG, before the onset of symptoms and before malignant transformation. Repeat awake resection(s) should be integrated in a global management including (neo)adjuvant medical treatments, to enhance long-lasting functional and oncological outcomes. The prediction of potential and limitation of neuroplasticity at each step of the disease must be improved to anticipate personalized multistage therapeutic attitudes.
Towards Sustainable Open Heart Surgery in Zimbabwe
Authors: Machawira Simukayi Percy , Muteweye Wilfred , Mutetwa Emmerson , Kajese Shield
Published: July 2022

Open heart surgery has become more readily available worldwide, especially in the West, whilst it remains elusive for the majority of the people in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular. Efforts to provide the service began in the 1950s and open heart surgery became a regular service from 1989 to 2003. From 1997, Zimbabwe went through a phase of political and economic turmoil resulting in the disruption of meaningful service. This study seeks to make the case for prioritization of domestic resources toward open heart surgery, taken as learning from African countries that faced a similar predicament such as Ghana but who have since been able to sustain their programs. To ensure the success of the program, the following are necessary: the requisite personnel, equipment, consumables, and competitive remuneration. The plan is to work with Government, the private sector, and other players to harness resources toward sustainable open heart surgery in Zimbabwe.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Clubfoot Treated With the Ponseti Method: A Short-Term Outcome Study
Authors: Zhang Jiangchao , Wang Ningqing , Lv Haixiang , Liu Zhenjiang
Published: July 2022

Objective

To quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method for the correction of clubfoot, we decided to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate changes in the tarsal bone relationship.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of fifteen children with clubfeet who were treated with the Ponseti method. MRI studies were obtained using a 3.0T Machine (GE Healthcare, United States). T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were acquired in the standard anatomic sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes. For the measurement, the best slice that clearly demonstrated the anatomy was chosen. Sagittal talocalcaneal angle, sagittal tibiocalcaneal angle, coronal tibiocalcaneal angle, transverse talar neck angle, transverse talonavicular angle, and transverse talocalcaneal angle were measured. The eighteen corrected clubfeet were compared with the twelve unilateral normal feet at clinical and radiological levels using a Pirani scoring system and MRI, respectively.

Results

In total, 15 cases (twelve boys and three girls) with clubfeet were examined by using MRI. Twelve cases had unilateral and three had bilateral involvement (eleven left clubfeet and seven right clubfeet), giving a total of eighteen clubfeet when compared with twelve normal feet. The mean age of patients at examination was 47.7 months (8–96 months). The recovery of the corrected clubfoot in these patients met the goals of Ponseti treatment (functional, normal looking, pain-free, and plantigrade foot). Before Ponseti treatment, the mean Pirani score of clubfoot was 5.5 (5–6). During this follow-up, the Pirani score was 0.07 (0–0.05). The results of the MRI indicated that only the transverse talonavicular angle showed a significant difference between the treated clubfeet and the normal feet (p < 0.001). One case had dorsal talonavicular subluxation in the sagittal plane and had the lateral subluxation of the navicular in the transverse plane, which has never been reported in previous studies.

Conclusion

Although the appearance and function of clubfoot were recovered well after the Ponseti method, the results of MRI indicated that the Ponseti method successfully corrected the varus, cavus, and equinus deformities and incompletely corrected the adduction deformity regarding transverse talonavicular angle. At the same time, the Ponseti method may cause dorsal talonavicular subluxation in the sagittal plane and lateral subluxation of the navicular in the transverse plane on MRI.
Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab Biosimilars Compared With Reference Biologics in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Zhang Shengzhao , Xu Ting , Zhan Mei , Chen Chen , Zhang Chenyu
Published: July 2022

Background: Bevacizumab biosimilars are slowly making their way into cancer treatment, but the data on their efficacy and safety in cancer patients are still poor. We systematically summarized the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab biosimilars in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: This review searched CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Embase, and Cochrane Library (Ovid) for randomized controlled trials of bevacizumab biosimilars treated in adults with advanced NSCLC or metastatic CRC. A pairwise meta-analysis and a Bayesian network meta-analysis based on the random-effect model were performed to summarize the evidence. We rated the certainty of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

Results: Ten eligible trials with a total of 5526 patients were included. Seven trials (n = 4581) were for the NSCLC population, while three trials (n = 945) were for patients with CRC. According to the pairwise meta-analysis, the efficacy (objective response rate: risk ratio (RR) 0.98 [0.92–1.04], p = 0.45; progression-free survival: hazard ratio (HR) 1.01 [0.92–1.10], p = 0.85; and overall survival: HR 1.06 [0.94–1.19], p = 0.35) and safety (incidence of grade 3–5 adverse events: odds ratio (OR) 1.03 [0.91–1.16], p = 0.65) of bevacizumab biosimilars performed no significant difference with reference biologics in patients with NSCLC as well as metastatic CRC patients (objective response rate: RR 0.97 [0.87–1.09], p = 0.60; overall survival: HR 0.94 [0.70–1.25], p = 0.66; incidence of grade 3–5 adverse events: OR 0.78 [0.59–1.02], p = 0.73). Network estimates displayed 7 types of bevacizumab biosimilars in the medication regime of NSCLC patients who had no significant difference among each other in terms of efficacy and safety. The certainty of the evidence was assessed as low to moderate. Three types of biosimilars were found to be clinically equivalent to each other in the patients with CRC, which were evaluated with very low to moderate certainty.

Conclusion: In patients with advanced NSCLC or metastatic CRC, the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab biosimilars were found to be comparable with those of reference biologics and each other.
Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis L.) Leaves Improve Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy via Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Kim Young In , Kim Min Jung , Hahm Jeong-Hoon , Seo Hyo Deok , Ha Tae Youl , Jung Chang Hwa , Ahn Jiyun
Published: July 2022

Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by reduced muscle function and size. Oxidative stress contributes to muscle atrophy but can be treated with antioxidants. This study investigated the antioxidant activity of a castor oil plant leaf (Ricinus communis L.) extract (RC) and its effects on muscle atrophy. Rutin was identified as the major compound among the thirty compounds identified in RC via LC-MS/MS and was found to inhibit dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Rutin-rich RC showed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and efficiently reduced the DEX-induced myotube atrophy and mitochondrial oxidative damage in C2C12 cells. RC supplementation prevented the loss of muscle function and muscle mass in DEX-administered mice and ameliorated DEX-induced oxidative stress via Nrf2 signaling. Taken together, both RC and rutin ameliorated muscle atrophy and helped in maintaining redox homeostasis; hence, rutin-rich RC could be a promising functional food that is beneficial for muscle health.
Qing`e Pill Inhibits Osteoblast Ferroptosis via ATM Serine/Threonine Kinase (ATM) and the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Primary Osteoporosis
Authors: Hao Jian , Bei Jiaxin , Li Zhenhan , Han Mingyuan , Ma Boyuan , Ma Pengyi , Zhou Xianhu
Published: July 2022

Osteoporosis (OP) is an aging-related disease that is the main etiology of fragility fracture. Qing’e Pill (QEP) is a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) consisting of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Psoralea corylifolia L., Juglans regia L., and Allium sativum L. QEP has an anti-osteoporosis function, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, online databases were employed to determine the chemical compounds of QEP and potential target genes in osteoporosis. Potential pathways associated with genes were defined by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. A compound–target–disease network was constructed. Hub genes screened through Cytoscape were intersected with the FerrDB database. The potential key genes were validated in HFOB 1.19 cells, and rat models were ovariectomized through Western blot, RT-qPCR, ELISA, HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence analyses. The intersection targets of QEP and osteoporosis contained 121 proteins, whereas the target–pathway network included 156 pathways. We filtered five genes that stood out in the network analysis for experimental verification. The experiments validated that QEP exerted therapeutic effects on osteoporosis by inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting cell survival via the PI3K/AKT pathway and ATM. In conclusion, combining the application of network analysis and experimental verification may provide an efficient method to validate the molecular mechanism of QEP on osteoporosis.
Nootkatone, a Sesquiterpene Ketone From Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus, Ameliorates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver by Regulating AMPK and MAPK Signaling
Authors: Yong Zhang , Zibao Huang , Zhi Zhou , Ning Ma , Ruiqi Wang , Mimi Chen , Xiaowen He , Lin Dong , Zhixuan Xia , Qiang Liu , Weiying Lu , Xiaopo Zhang
Published: July 2022

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming more common due to lifestyle changes. A long-term high-fat and high-glucose diet induces glycolipid metabolism disorders in the liver, which results in the development of MAFLD. To date, there is no specific clinically useful therapeutics for this disease. Natural products or synthetic compounds were screened and investigated to find effective agents for treating MAFLD. In this study, nootkatone (Nok), a natural sesquiterpene ketone isolated from Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus, was explored for its potential to treat MAFLD, and underlying mechanisms were studied. Our results show that Nok dramatically ameliorated the disordered lipid and glucose metabolism in MAFLD mice, decreased fat accumulation in hepatic tissue, and improved liver injury. Inflammation, metabolic disorder, and oxidative stress were ameliorated in liver tissue based on RNA-seq transcriptome comparison between a Nok-treated group and an MAFLD model group. Furthermore, Nok significantly activated AMPK activity and inhibited MAPK activity, especially the p38 and JNK signaling pathways, in vivo based on western blot analysis. The pharmaceutical effects and potential signaling pathways impacted by Nok were also investigated in L02 cells. Nok significantly promoted the consumption of glucose and decreased the deposition of triglycerides in vitro. The p-AMPKα level was notably upregulated by Nok, indicating dramatic AMPK activation. In addition, Nok decreased the levels of p-ERK1/2, p-p38, and p-JNK. Nok also inhibited the activation of MAPK signaling and, thus, alleviated MAFLD development. Our results suggest that Nok may be useful in treating MAFLD. Nok may ameliorate MAFLD by regulating glycolipid metabolism disorders by activating AMPK and inhibiting MAPK activity. Collectively, this study suggests that Nok is an effective compound for the treatment of MAFLD.
Clemastine Promotes Differentiation of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells Through the Activation of ERK1/2 via Muscarinic Receptors After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Tong Lu-Yao , Deng Yong-Bing , Du Wei-Hong , Zhou Wen-Zhu , Liao Xin-Yu , Jiang Xue
Published: July 2022

The recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) is closely associated with the obstruction of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation, which ultimately induces the inability to generate newly formed myelin. To address the concern, drug-based methods may be the most practical and feasible way, possibly applying to clinical therapies for patients with SCI. In our previous study, we found that clemastine treatment preserves myelin integrity, decreases the loss of axons, and improves functional recovery in the SCI model. Clemastine acts as an antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (muscarinic receptor, MR) identified from a string of anti-muscarinic drugs that can enhance oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin wrapping. However, the effects of clemastine on OPC differentiation through MRs in SCI and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. To explore the possibility, a rat model of SCI was established. To investigate if clemastine could promote the differentiation of OPCs in SCI via MR, the expressions of OPC and mature OL were detected at 7 days post injury (dpi) or at 14 dpi. The significant effect of clemastine on encouraging OPC differentiation was revealed at 14 dpi rather than 7 dpi. Under pre-treatment with the MR agonist cevimeline, the positive role of clemastine on OPC differentiation was partially disrupted. Further studies indicated that clemastine increased the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and the expressions of transcription factors, Myrf and Olig2. To determine the relationship among clemastine, ERK1/2 signaling, specified transcription factors, and OPC differentiation, the ERK1/2 signaling was disturbed by U0126. The inhibition of ERK1/2 in SCI rats treated with clemastine decreased the expressions of p-ERK 1/2, Myrf, Olig2, and mature OLs, suggesting that ERK1/2 is required for clemastine on promoting OPC differentiation and that specified transcription factors may be affected by the activity of ERK1/2. Moreover, the impact of clemastine on modulating the level of p-ERK 1/2 was restricted following cevimeline pre-injecting, which provides further evidence that the role of clemastine was mediated by MRs. Altogether, our data demonstrated that clemastine, mediated by MRs, promotes OPC differentiation under the enhancement of Myrf and Olig2 by activating ERK1/2 signaling and suggests a novel therapeutic prospect for SCI recovery.
Ruxolitinib as an Effective and Steroid-Sparing First-Line Treatment in Newly Diagnosed BOS Patients After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Xiaoli , Shen Yuyan , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Lining , Hao Mengze , Zhao Fei , Zhang Rongli , Wei Jialin , Feng Sizhou , He Yi , Jiang Erlie , Han Mingzhe
Published: July 2022

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a life-threatening pulmonary complication of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this study, we retrospectively identified seven patients newly diagnosed with BOS post HSCT and analyzed the outcomes in those patients treated with ruxolitinib as a first-line treatment. All seven patients achieved symptom responses within 2 weeks after ruxolitinib administration. Three months after treatment, five patients (71.43%) achieved a CR, and two (28.57%) achieved a PR. The overall response rate (ORR) was 100%. In addition, the steroid therapy was determined within 2 months after ruxolitinib treatment, indicating ruxolitinib as a steroid-sparing agent. We also found that ruxolitinib was well-tolerated and safe in treating newly diagnosed BOS. According to our results, ruxolitinib would be a promising and safe option in newly diagnosed BOS post HSCT.
Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region—A Review
Authors: Tsioutsiou Efthymia Eleni , Amountzias Vaios , Vontzalidou Argyro , Dina Evanthia , Stevanović Zora Dajić , Cheilari Antigoni , Aligiannis Nektarios
Published: July 2022

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.
Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Fatty Liver: Lessons From Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ferdouse Afroza , Clugston Robin D.
Published: July 2022

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major public health issue that significantly contributes to human morbidity and mortality, with no FDA-approved therapeutic intervention available. The health burden of ALD has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been associated with a spike in alcohol abuse, and a subsequent increase in hospitalization rates for ALD. A key knowledge gap that underlies the lack of novel therapies for ALD is a need to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to ALD initiation, particularly with respect to hepatic lipid accumulation and the development of fatty liver, which is the first step in the ALD spectrum. The goal of this review is to evaluate the existing literature to gain insight into the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated fatty liver, and to synthesize alcohol’s known effects on hepatic lipid metabolism. To achieve this goal, we specifically focus on studies from transgenic mouse models of ALD, allowing for a genetic dissection of alcohol’s effects, and integrate these findings with our current understanding of ALD pathogenesis. Existing studies using transgenic mouse models of ALD have revealed roles for specific genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolic pathways including fatty acid uptake, mitochondrial β-oxidation, de novo lipogenesis, triglyceride metabolism, and lipid droplet formation. In addition to reviewing this literature, we conclude by identifying current gaps in our understanding of how alcohol abuse impairs hepatic lipid metabolism and identify future directions to address these gaps. In summary, transgenic mice provide a powerful tool to understand alcohol’s effect on hepatic lipid metabolism and highlight that alcohol abuse has diverse effects that contribute to the development of alcohol-associated fatty liver disease.
Identification and Characterization of Long Non-coding RNA in Tomato Roots Under Salt Stress
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Zhongyu , Wang Baike , Wang Juan , Xu Ruiqiang , Yang Tao , Huang Shaoyong , Wang Huan , Yu Qinghui
Published: July 2022

As one of the most important vegetable crops in the world, the production of tomatoes was restricted by salt stress. Therefore, it is of great interest to analyze the salt stress tolerance genes. As the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) lack the ability of protein-coding, but they can play crucial roles in plant development and response to abiotic stresses by regulating gene expression. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the roles of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomatoes. Therefore, we selected wild tomato Solanum pennellii (S. pennellii) and cultivated tomato M82 to be materials. By high-throughput sequencing, 1,044 putative lncRNAs were identified here. Among them, 154 and 137 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in M82 and S. pennellii, respectively. Through functional analysis of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), some genes were found to respond positively to salt stress by participating in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, ethylene (ETH) signaling pathway, and anti-oxidation process. We also construct a salt-induced lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network to dissect the putative mechanisms of high salt tolerance in S. pennellii. We analyze the function of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomato roots at the genome-wide levels for the first time. These results will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomatoes from the perspective of lncRNAs.
The Population Structure of a Globe Artichoke Worldwide Collection, as Revealed by Molecular and Phenotypic Analyzes
Authors: Rau Domenico , Attene Giovanna , Rodriguez Monica , Baghino Limbo , Pisanu Anna Barbara , Sanna Davide , Acquadro Alberto , Portis Ezio , Comino Cinzia
Published: July 2022

The knowledge of the organization of the domesticated gene pool of crop species is an essential requirement to understand crop evolution, to rationalize conservation programs, and to support practical decisions in plant breeding. Here, we integrate simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis and phenotypic characterization to investigate a globe artichoke collection that comprises most of the varieties cultivated worldwide. We show that the cultivated gene pool of globe artichoke includes five distinct genetic groups associated with the major phenotypic typologies: Catanesi (which based on our analysis corresponds to Violetti di Provenza), Spinosi, Violetti di Toscana, Romaneschi, and Macau. We observed that 17 and 11% of the molecular and phenotypic variance, respectively, is between these groups, while within groups, strong linkage disequilibrium and heterozygote excess are evident. The divergence between groups for quantitative traits correlates with the average broad-sense heritability within the groups. The phenotypic divergence between groups for both qualitative and quantitative traits is strongly and positively correlated with SSR divergence (FST) between groups. All this implies a low population size and strong bottleneck effects, and indicates a long history of clonal propagation and selection during the evolution of the domesticated gene pool of globe artichoke. Moreover, the comparison between molecular and phenotypic population structures suggests that harvest time, plant architecture (i.e., plant height, stem length), leaf spininess, head morphology (i.e., head shape, bract shape, spininess) together with the number of heads per plant were the main targets of selection during the evolution of the cultivated germplasm. We emphasize our findings in light of the potential exploitation of this collection for association mapping studies.
Identification and Comprehensive Evaluation of Resistant Weeds Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Xia Fulin , Quan Longzhe , Lou Zhaoxia , Sun Deng , Li Hailong , Lv Xiaolan
Published: July 2022

Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in weed management. However, the widespread use of atrazine has concurrently accelerated the evolution of weed resistance mechanisms. Resistant weeds were identified early to contribute to crop protection in precision agriculture before visible symptoms of atrazine application to weeds in actual field environments. New developments in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms and sensor technologies promote cost-effective data collection by collecting multi-modal data at very high spatial and spectral resolution. In this study, we obtained multispectral and RGB images using UAVs, increased available information with the help of image fusion technology, and developed a weed spectral resistance index, WSRI = (RE-R)/(RE-B), based on the difference between susceptible and resistant weed biotypes. A deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) was applied to evaluate the potential for identifying resistant weeds in the field. Comparing the WSRI introduced in this study with previously published vegetation indices (VIs) shows that the WSRI is better at classifying susceptible and resistant weed biotypes. Fusing multispectral and RGB images improved the resistance identification accuracy, and the DCNN achieved high field accuracies of 81.1% for barnyardgrass and 92.4% for velvetleaf. Time series and weed density influenced the study of weed resistance, with 4 days after application (4DAA) identified as a watershed timeframe in the study of weed resistance, while different weed densities resulted in changes in classification accuracy. Multispectral and deep learning proved to be effective phenotypic techniques that can thoroughly analyze weed resistance dynamic response and provide valuable methods for high-throughput phenotyping and accurate field management of resistant weeds.
Adapting to Adversity: Effects of COVID-19 on Parenting in Chile
Authors: Pérez J. Carola , Aldoney Daniela , Vivanco-Carlevari Anastassia , Coo Soledad , Guzmán Eugenio J. , Silva Jaime R.
Published: July 2022

The pandemic outbreak in March 2020 and its associated sanitary regulations and restrictions triggered an abrupt and significant change for society in general and for families’ organization in particular. In Chile, the Santiago Metropolitan District was under a strict lockdown that involved the closure of the entire educational system. From a systemic-family stress perspective, the impact of these changes might have consequences not only for each individual family member, but for the parental dynamic and, consequently, for children’s well-being. This paper presents the results of a follow-up study showing changes in self-reported parental depression and the perceived home organization of mothers and fathers assessed at three different moments: before the pandemic, at the initial outbreak, and after 1 month of strict lockdown. Relevant moderators were explored using linear mixed models to understand the within-subject changes in mothers’ and fathers’ self-reports across the different assessment times. Financial strain, personality traits of self-criticism and dependency, previous parent–child quality interaction, recent major stressful events, and number of children are highlighted as relevant factors that moderate changes in home chaos and parental mental health perception. Significant risks and protective factors are described for fathers and mothers. The use of pre-pandemic measures as baseline levels enabled the identification of personal and family characteristics that were related to better outcomes. The results help increase our understanding of the sanitary regulations’ impacts on the family system and identify vulnerability indicators that should be considered.
Dynamic Computational Theory Construction and Simulation for the Dynamic Relationship Between Challenge Stressors and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Li , Bu Qiong
Published: July 2022

This study explores the dynamic feature of organizational citizenship behaviors under the condition of challenge stressors, as this has not been addressed by previous research. Combining the cybernetic theory of stress and social exchange theory, this study builds a dynamic computational model regarding the circular causality between challenge stressors and organizational citizenship behaviors. By conducting a series of simulation experiments, we validated and demonstrated important questions regarding organizational citizenship behaviors. Specifically, when both the initial value of challenge stressors and the importance of challenge appraisal are higher, organizational citizenship behaviors tend to show a sharped inverted U shape (i.e., organizational citizenship behaviors increase and decrease rapidly) at the early stage. When both the equilibrium level of job satisfaction and the initial value of challenge stressors are higher, organizational citizenship behaviors will show an inverted N shape over time. The number and frequency of assigned challenge tasks have an interactive effect on the accumulation of organizational citizenship behaviors within a period. Our theory contributes to identifying the dynamic relationship between challenge stressors and organizational citizenship behaviors. Findings from dynamic computational theory can offer suggestions for managers to encourage employees’ engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors.
Burnout Among Medical Staff 1 Year After the Beginning of the Major Public Health Emergency in Wuhan, China
Authors: Fu Wenning , Liu Yifang , Zhang Keke , Zhang Pu , Zhang Jun , Peng Fang , Bai Xue , Mao Jing , Zou Li
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Wuhan is the city where coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported and developed into a pandemic. However, the impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic on medical staff burnout remains limited. We aimed to identify the prevalence and major determinants of burnout among medical staff 1 year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,602 medical staff from three hospitals in Wuhan, China, were included from November 1–28, 2021. Chi-square tests were conducted to compare the prevalence of burnout across groups based on sociodemographic and professional characteristics. A multivariate analysis was performed using a forward stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

Approximately 37.39% of the medical staff experienced burnout 1 year after COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional exhaustion (EE) was the most common symptom of burnout, with 1,422 (88.76%) participants reporting a severe EE. Burnout was associated with insufficient social support and “neutral” or “dissatisfied” patient-physician relationships. Respondents who participated in the care of COVID-19 patients had a higher risk of burnout symptoms than those who did not participate. In particular, mental resilience was negatively associated with burnout among the medical staff.

Conclusion

Nearly two-fifths of the participants had symptoms of burnout, with reduced personal accomplishment being the predominant symptom 1 year after COVID-19. Healthcare organizations should regularly measure and monitor burnout among the medical staff. In addition, creating positive work environments and improving the mental resilience of medical staff may be effective ways to reduce burnout.
Does Servant Leadership Stimulate Work Engagement? The Moderating Role of Trust in the Leader
Authors: Zhou Guangya , Gul Rani , Tufail Muhammad
Published: July 2022

A positive leadership style can promote work engagement. Using social exchange theory, this study examines the impact of employee leadership styles on work engagement. In addition, the link also considered the mitigating role of trust in leaders. Preliminary data were collected from the educational and non-educational staff of the Business Management Sciences and Education Department at different universities. We collected responses from 242 employees from selected universities using the purposive sampling technique. We tested the proposed hypothesis using linear regression. Research has shown that there is a positive link between employee leadership and work engagement. When trust in leaders as facilitators was introduced, the relationship between leadership and work engagement was relaxed to increase trust in leaders. Practical and theoretical contributions to the study were provided with recommendations for further study.
Evaluating Users’ Emotional Experience in Mobile Libraries: An Emotional Model Based on the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance Emotion Model and the Five Factor Model
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xie Dan , Zhou Ruoxin , Wang Ning , Yang Bin
Published: July 2022

As a part of user experience, user emotion has rarely been studied in mobile libraries. Specifically, with the proposed emotional model in combination with the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) Emotion Model and the Five Factor Model (FFM), we evaluate user emotions on the mobile library’s three IS features (i.e., user interface, interaction quality, and service environment). An experience procedure with three tasks has been designed to collect data. 50 participants were enrolled, and they were asked to fill in questionnaires right after the experience. The correlations among the PAD emotions were examined. Specifically, users have a low perception of pleasure (P), high perception of arousal (A), and low perception of dominance (D). However, these three emotional states were not always significantly correlated with each other. This study extends mobile library research by focusing on users’ emotional experience. Specifically, the detailed PAD emotions have been examined. This study provides a new approach for application developers and managers to evaluate the user experience of an application.
What Works for Whom: Patients' Psychological Resources and Vulnerabilities as Common and Specific Predictors of Working Alliance in Different Psychotherapies
Authors: Heinonen Erkki , Knekt Paul , Lindfors Olavi
Published: July 2022

Background

Across different types of psychotherapy, one of the most robust predictors of better therapeutic outcomes is a good working alliance between patient and therapist. Yet there is little comparative research on whether particular patients more likely achieve a better alliance in certain treatments which represent particular therapeutic approaches or durations.

Methods

326 patients suffering from depressive and/or anxiety disorder were randomized into two short-term (solution-focused or psychodynamic) and one long-term (psychodynamic) therapy models. Treatments lasted ~7 and 36 months, respectively. Before randomization, patients were assessed with the interview-based Suitability for Psychotherapy Scale and filled Childhood Family Atmosphere and Life Orientation Test questionnaires. Patients filled Working Alliance Inventory after 3rd therapy session and at end of treatment; the long-term therapy patients, additionally, at 7 months' time point. Linear regression models were used.

Results

Greater psychological resources (e.g., capacity for self-reflection, affect regulation, flexible interaction) had little effect on alliance during the course of the short-term therapies. However, they did predict better working alliances at end of long-term as opposed to short-term therapy. Childhood adversities impacted alliances already at 7 months.

Conclusions

Although patients with certain qualities achieve better alliances in long-term as opposed to short-term therapies, apparently the theoretical orientation of therapy makes little difference. For patients with childhood adversities, differences between long-term (psychodynamic) treatment vs. various brief therapy models may be particularly salient.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Peptide and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Riser Manessa , Norrholm Seth Davin
Published: July 2022

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with isoforms consisting of either 27 or 38 amino acids. PACAP is encoded by the adenylate cyclase activating peptide gene, ADCYAP1, in humans and the highly conserved corresponding rodent gene, Adcyap1. PACAP is known to regulate cellular stress responses in mammals. PACAP is robustly expressed in both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. The activity of PACAP and its selective receptor, PAC1-R, has been characterized within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic division of the peripheral nervous system, two critical neurobiological systems mediating responses to stressors and threats. Findings from previous translational, empirical studies imply PACAP regulation in autonomic functions and high expressions of PACAP and PAC1 receptor in hypothalamic and limbic structures, underlying its critical role in learning and memory, as well as emotion and fear processing. The current review summarizes recent findings supporting a role of PACAP/PAC1-R regulation in key brain areas that mediate adaptive behavioral and neurobiological responses to environmental stressors and maladaptive reactions to stress including the development of fear and anxiety disorders.
Rule of Law, Happiness, and Human Health: Mechanisms and Effects
Authors: Lin Ling , Tao Ran , Zafar Quratulain , Mahmood Chaudhry Kashif
Published: July 2022

Human health is an important concern that gradually exists in sustainable development goals. The key aim of this study is to examine the impacts of the rule of law on happiness and health using a time series data of China over the data period 1998–2020. The empirical analysis utilizes the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to find out the short and long-run effects. Findings reveal that the rule of law stimulates happiness and human health in the long-run. More internet and GDP enhance happiness and human health in the long-run. The results also showed that health expenditure and education could not boost happiness and health in the long run, but unemployment's negative effect on health. Policymakers may use our empirical results to determine applicable policies to increase human health across China provinces.
Genesis and Evolution of NASA’s Satellite Ocean Color Program
Authors: McClain Charles R. , Franz Bryan A. , Werdell P. Jeremy
Published: July 2022

We recount, based on our involvements in NASA ocean color flight projects, the chronology of technical challenges, lessons learned, and key developments over the past 40 + years of NASA satellite ocean color, beginning with the Nimbus-7/Coastal Zone Color Scanner, that have led to the upcoming Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. Topics include the evolution of 1) satellite ocean color and field bio-optical data access, 2) satellite sensor capabilities, i.e., CZCS to PACE’s hyperspectral Ocean Color Imager, OCI, 3) atmospheric corrections, 4) pre- and post-launch sensor characterization and calibration, 5) bio-optical algorithms, 6) in situ-derived radiometry and photosynthetic pigment data measurement quality, and 7) applications of hyperspectral satellite observations.
The Technique of Mobilization of the Colon for Pull-Through Procedure in Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Bilal Ruslan , Ospanov Marat , Dzhenalayev Damir , Olkhovik Yuri , Khamitov Medet , Kozhakhmetov Arman , Satbekov Rauan , Abetova Dina
Published: July 2022

Background

In patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD), persistent obstructive symptoms may develop after surgery. The causes of mechanical obstruction may be a retraction of the pulled-through bowel due to insufficient mobilization of the mesentery or impaired blood supply in the area of the coloanal anastomosis in the case of excessive ligation of the supplying vessels. Leakage and stenosis are formidable complications and require repeated surgical intervention.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe our experience and short-term results of the developed method: mobilization of the descending colon for its pull-through during the surgical treatment of the children with HD, which allows ensuring good mobility to the descending colon and maintaining blood supply at the same time.

Methods

The medical records of 20 patients with rectosigmoid HD, who underwent parietal mobilization of the descending colon with preservation of the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligation of the left colon artery, were reviewed. This method is aimed at increasing the mobility of the brought-down bowel and maintaining the blood supply to the distal part of the brought-down bowel not only from the superior mesenteric artery but also from the lower one.

The SPSS Statistics 26.0 package was used for statistical analysis. To describe the analyzed data with a normal distribution, the mean values and the error of the mean were used. To determine the differences, Student’s t-test was used, and the differences were considered significant at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

In all patients, the postoperative period was uneventful, without complications. The patients were discharged for outpatient treatment on average on the seventh day after the surgery. In all cases, there were no signs of anastomotic leakage or stricture on follow-up after 6–12 months.

Conclusion

The method of mobilization of the colon in the rectosigmoid form of HD, parietal mobilization of the descending part of the colon preserving the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligating the left colon artery, can reduce the risk of complications by eliminating the tension of the descending colon.