bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates uremic cardiomyopathy by regulating PI3K/PKB/mTOR-mediated overactive autophagy in 5/6 nephrectomy mice
Authors: Feng Jianan , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: December 2022

The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays important physiological and pathological roles in the cardiovascular system. However, the involvement of H2S in recovery from uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of H2S in UCM. A UCM model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy in 10-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, H2S donor), L-cysteine [L-Cys, cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) substrate], and propargylglycine (PPG, CSE inhibitor). Treatment of H9C2 cardiomyocytes utilized different concentrations of uremic serum, NaHS, PPG, and PI3K inhibitors (LY294002). Mouse heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Pathological changes in mouse myocardial tissue were identified using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8. The protein expressions of CSE, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-PKB, PKB, p-mTOR, mTOR, and autophagy-related markers (Beclin-1, P62, and LC3) were detected using Western blotting. We found that NaHS and L-Cys treatment attenuated myocardial disarray, fibrosis, and left ventricular dysfunction in UCM mice. These abnormalities were further aggravated by PPG supplementation. Enhanced autophagy and decreased phosphorylation of PI3K, PKB, and mTOR protein expression by UCM were altered by NaHS and L-Cys treatment. In vitro, uremic serum increased overactive autophagy and decreased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, PKB, and mTOR in cardiomyocytes, which was substantially exacerbated by endogenous H2S deficiency and attenuated by pre-treatment with 100 µm NaHS. However, the protective effects of NaHS were completely inhibited by LY294002. These findings support a protective effect of H2S exerted against UCM by reducing overactive autophagy through activation of the PI3K/PKB/mTOR pathway.
The role of angiogenesis in melanoma: Clinical treatments and future expectations
Authors: Wu Zhuzhu , Bian Yifei , Chu Tianjiao , Wang Yuman , Man Shuai , Song Yongmei , Wang Zhenguo
Published: December 2022

The incidence of melanoma has increased rapidly over the past few decades, with mortality accounting for more than 75% of all skin cancers. The high metastatic potential of Melanoma is an essential factor in its high mortality. Vascular angiogenic system has been proved to be crucial for the metastasis of melanoma. An in-depth understanding of angiogenesis will be of great benefit to melanoma treatment and may promote the development of melanoma therapies. This review summarizes the recent advances and challenges of anti-angiogenic agents, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, human recombinant Endostatin, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. We hope to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms, clinical research progress, and future research directions of melanoma.
The effect of a long-term treatment with cannabidiol-rich hemp extract oil on the adenosinergic system of the zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat atrium
Authors: Viczjan Gabor , Szilagyi Anna , Takacs Barbara , Ovari Ignac , Szekeres Reka , Tarjanyi Vera , Erdei Tamas , Teleki Vanda , Zsuga Judit , Szilvassy Zoltan , Juhasz Bela , Varga Balazs , Gesztelyi Rudolf
Published: December 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD), the most extensively studied non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, has been attracting a lot of interest worldwide owing to its numerous beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect that CBD exerts on the adenosinergic system of paced left atria isolated from obese type Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, maintained on diabetogenic rat chow, received 60 mg/kg/day CBD or vehicle via gavage for 4 weeks. We found that N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a relatively stable and poorly transported A1 adenosine receptor agonist, elicited a significantly weaker response in the CBD-treated group than in the vehicle-treated one. In contrast, adenosine, a quickly metabolized and transported adenosine receptor agonist, evoked a significantly stronger response in the CBD-treated group than in the vehicle-treated counterpart (excepting its highest concentrations). These results can be explained only with the adenosine transport inhibitory property of CBD (and not with its adenosine receptor agonist activity). If all the effects of CBD are attributed to the interstitial adenosine accumulation caused by CBD in the myocardium, then a significantly increased adenosinergic activation can be assumed during the long-term oral CBD treatment, suggesting a considerably enhanced adenosinergic protection in the heart. Considering that our results may have been influenced by A1 adenosine receptor downregulation due to the chronic interstitial adenosine accumulation, an adenosinergic activation smaller than it seemed cannot be excluded, but it was above the CBD-naïve level in every case. Additionally, this is the first study offering functional evidence about the adenosine transport inhibitory action of CBD in the myocardium.
Naringin attenuates fructose-induced NAFLD progression in rats through reducing endogenous triglyceride synthesis and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Pengnet Sirinat , Sumarithum Phinsuda , Phongnu Nuttaphong , Prommaouan Sakdina , Kantip Napapas , Phoungpetchara Ittipon , Malakul Wachirawadee
Published: December 2022

Background: Excessive fructose consumption causes hepatic lipid accumulation via increased triglyceride (TG) synthesis, leading to the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). Naringin, a flavanone glycoside found in citrus fruit, has antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of naringin on fructose-induced NAFLD in rats and the possible underlying mechanism.

Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were given 10% (w/v) fructose in drinking water for 12 weeks. Naringin (100 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats for the last 4 weeks of fructose overload. After 12 weeks of treatment, the hepatic lipid content was determined. In addition, the expression of proteins involved in de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and TG synthesis as well as antioxidant and inflammatory mediators in the liver were examined by western blot analysis.

Results: Treatment of fructose-fed rats with naringin significantly decreased the hepatic TG and cholesterol content as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. Naringin treatment also decreased the hepatic expression of carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and nuclear SREBP-1c (nSREBP-1c) as well as enzymes involved in DNL (acetyl CoA carboxylase [ACC] and fatty acid synthase [FAS]) and an enzyme involved in TG synthesis (glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 [GPAT-1] and diacylglycerol acyltransferase2 [DGAT2]) in fructose-fed rats. In addition, naringin induced a significant decrease in the hepatic expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Furthermore, naringin administration restored the expression of the antioxidant mediators nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the liver of fructose-fed rats.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that oral administration of naringin protects against fructose-induced hepatic steatosis by decreasing DNL and TG synthesis. In addition, naringin could prevent NAFLD progression via targeting the Nrf2/HO-1 and the NF-κB/TNF-α pathways.
Protective potential of hydroxysafflor yellow A in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury: An overview of evidence from experimental studies
Authors: Yu Lu , Jin Zhe , Li Mincheng , Liu Huifang , Tao Jie , Xu Chuan , Wang Liwei , Zhang Qiujuan
Published: December 2022

Ischemic stroke, mostly caused by thromboembolic or thrombotic arterial occlusions, is a primary leading cause of death worldwide with high morbidity and disability. Unfortunately, no specific medicine is available for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury due to its limitation of therapeutic window. Hydroxysafflor yellow A, a natural product extracted from Carthamus tinctorius, has been extensively investigated on its pharmacological properties in cerebrovascular diseases. However, review focusing on the beneficial role of HSYA against cerebral I/R injury is still lacking. In this paper, we reviewed the neuroprotective effect of HSYA in preclinical studies and the underlying mechanisms involved, as well as clinical data that support the pharmacological activities. Additionally, the sources, physicochemical properties, biosynthesis, safety and limitations of HSYA were also reviewed. As a result, HSYA possesses a wide range of beneficial effects against cerebral I/R injury, and its action mechanisms include anti-excitotoxicity, anti-oxidant stress, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, attenuating BBB leakage and regulating autophagy. Collectively, HSYA might be applied as one of the promising alternatives in ischemic stroke treatment.
TJ-M2010-5, a novel CNS drug candidate, attenuates acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through the MyD88/NF-κB and ERK pathway
Authors: Li Zeyang , Zhao Minghui , Zhang Xiaoqian , Lu Yiran , Yang Yang , Xie Yalong , Zou Zhimiao , Zhou Liang , Shang Runshi , Zhang Limin , Jiang Fengchao , Du Dunfeng , Zhou Ping
Published: December 2022

Background: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) inevitably occurs after vascular recanalization treatment for ischemic stroke. The accompanying inflammatory cascades have a major impact on outcome and regeneration after ischemic stroke. Evidences have demonstrated that TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling contributes to CIRI. This study aimed to investigate the druggability of MyD88 in the central nervous system (CNS) and the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the MyD88 inhibitor TJ-M2010-5 on CIRI.

Methods: A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used to simulate CIRI in mice. BV-2 cells were stimulated with oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) or lipopolysaccharide, and SH-SY5Y cells were induced by OGD/R in vitro. Neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction volumes were evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to measure neuronal damage and apoptosis in the brain. The anti-neuroinflammatory effect of TJ-M2010-5 was evaluated by analyzing the expression of inflammatory cytokines, activation of microglia, and infiltration of peripheral myeloid cells. The expression of proteins of the MyD88/NF-κB and ERK pathway was detected by Simple Western. The concentrations of TJ-M2010-5 in the blood and brain were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results: The cerebral infarction volume decreased in mice treated with TJ-M2010-5, with the most prominent decrease being approximately 80% of the original infarction volume. Neuronal loss and apoptosis were reduced following TJ-M2010-5 treatment. TJ-M2010-5 inhibited the infiltration of peripheral myeloid cells and the activation of microglia. TJ-M2010-5 also downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the MyD88/NF-κB and ERK pathway. Furthermore, TJ-M2010-5 showed good blood-brain barrier permeability and no neurotoxicity.

Conclusion: TJ-M2010-5 has an excellent therapeutic effect on CIRI as a novel CNS drug candidate by inhibiting excessive neuroinflammatory responses.
Perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients on the role of the pharmacist in TB management in Pakistan: A qualitative study
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Munir Kiran , Malik Iram , Al-Worafi Yaser Mohammed , Mushtaq Irem , Ahmad Nafees
Published: December 2022

Background: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is the second major cause of death from infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of TB may help to curb the disease burden.

Objective: The objective of this study was to outline the perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients regarding the potential role of pharmacists in TB management in Pakistan.

Method: This was a large-scale qualitative study conducted at the Chest Disease Unit (CDU) of the Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and patients recruited using a mix of convenient and snowball sampling. The sample size was decided through standard saturation point criteria. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed to draw conclusions using a thematic analysis approach.

Results: Analysis of the data yielded 19 categories and seven themes. Physicians considered pharmacists qualified healthcare professionals, whereas patients considered them merely dispensers. Inventory management and dispensing of medicines were considered as major responsibilities of pharmacists. Physicians were extremely overburdened and wanted to delegate certain duties to pharmacists, subject to their prior extensive trainings. However, most of the physicians were unaware of the legal scope of pharmacy practice in Pakistan. With regard to the potential duties of pharmacists, physicians, pharmacists, and patients (patients—upon explaining the potential roles during the interview) endorsed monitoring, counseling, medicine brand selection, dose adjustment, inventory management, dispensing, and polypharmacy assessment as their potential roles. In view of all stakeholders, the rationale for integrating pharmacists in TB management included overburdened physicians, sub-standard patient care, medication safety issues, and patient dissatisfaction. The healthcare professionals highlighted that the major barriers to integrating pharmacists within the TB management system were limited interest of regulatory authorities and policy makers, followed by inadequate training and experience-driven questionable competency of pharmacists.

Conclusion: The study participants acknowledged the potential role of pharmacists in TB management. However, it was emphasized that healthcare policy makers should devise strategies to overcome the underlying barriers before assigning medicine-related clinical roles to pharmacists.
A review of underwater acoustic metamaterials for underwater acoustic equipment
Authors: Zhu Zhenjing , Hu Ning , Wu Junyi , Li Wenxin , Zhao Jiabao , Wang Maofa , Zeng Fanzong , Dai Huajie , Zheng Yongju
Published: December 2022

Researchers use underwater acoustic equipment to explore the unknown ocean environment, which is one of the important means to understand and utilize the ocean. For underwater acoustic equipment, the application of underwater acoustic metamaterials is the premise to ensure and improve the performance of underwater acoustic communication, acoustic stealth, and sonar detection. Due to the limitations of mass density law and high hydrostatic pressure, traditional underwater acoustic materials cannot effectively absorb low-frequency sound waves and have low efficiency of elastic energy conversion. The sound absorption effect is poor under low frequency and high hydrostatic pressure. In recent years, with the development of acoustic metamaterials technology, all kinds of underwater acoustic metamaterials have also been proposed. Compared with sound waves propagating in the air, underwater sound is more difficult to control than air sound with the same frequency, so the design of underwater acoustic metamaterials is more complicated. This paper reviews the basic characteristics, development history of sound absorption, sound insulation decoupling, and underwater acoustic guided metamaterials, then the existing problems and the future development direction of underwater acoustic metamaterials are discussed.
The interaction of TRPV1 and lipids: Insights into lipid metabolism
Authors: Abdalla Shtaywy S. , Harb Amani A. , Almasri Ihab M. , Bustanji Yasser K.
Published: December 2022

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a non-selective ligand-gated cation channel with high permeability for Ca2+, has received considerable attention as potential therapeutic target for the treatment of several disorders including pain, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia. In particular, TRPV1 regulates lipid metabolism by mechanisms that are not completely understood. Interestingly, TRPV1 and lipids regulate each other in a reciprocal and complex manner. This review surveyed the recent literature dealing with the role of TRPV1 in the hyperlipidemia-associated metabolic syndrome. Besides TRPV1 structure, molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of TRPV1 on lipid metabolism such as the involvement of uncoupling proteins (UCPs), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, peroxisome proliferation-activated receptors (PPAR), sterol responsive element binding protein (SREBP), and hypoxia have been discussed. Additionally, this review extends our understanding of the lipid-dependent modulation of TRPV1 activity through affecting both the gating and the expression of TRPV1. The regulatory role of different classes of lipids such as phosphatidylinositol (PI), cholesterol, estrogen, and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), on TRPV1 has also been addressed.
Acute effects of maximal versus submaximal hurdle jump exercises on measures of balance, reactive strength, vertical jump performance and leg stiffness in youth volleyball players
Authors: Hammami Raouf , Ben Ayed Karim , Abidi Manel , Werfelli Hanen , Ajailia Amira , Selmi Walid , Negra Yassine , Duncan Michael , Rebai Haithem , Granacher Urs
Published: December 2022

Background: Although previous research in pediatric populations has reported performance enhancements following long-term plyometric training, the acute effects of plyometric exercises on measures of balance, vertical jump, reactive strength, and leg stiffness remain unclear. Knowledge on the acute effects of plyometric exercises (i.e., maximal versus submaximal hurdle jumps) help to better plan and program warm-up sessions before training or competition.

Objectives: To determine the acute effects of maximal vs. submaximal hurdle jump exercise protocols executed during one training session on balance, vertical jump, reactive strength, and leg stiffness in young volleyball players.

Materials and methods: Thirty male youth volleyball players, aged 12–13 years, performed two plyometric exercise protocols in randomized order. In a within-subject design, the protocols were conducted under maximal (MHJ; 3 sets of 6 repetitions of 30-cm hurdle jumps) and submaximal (SHJ; 3 sets of 6 repetitions of 20-cm hurdle jumps) hurdle jump conditions. Pre- and post-exercise, balance was tested in bipedal stance on stable (firm) and unstable surfaces (foam), using two variables [center of pressure surface area (CoP SA) and velocity (CoP V)]. In addition, the reactive strength index (RSI) was assessed during countermovement maximal jumping and leg stiffness during side-to-side submaximal jumping. Testing comprised maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ).

Results: Significant time-by-condition interactions were found for CoP SA firm (p < .0001; d = 0.80), CoP SA foam (p < .0001; d = 0.82), CoP V firm (p < .0001; d = 0.85), and CoP V foam (p < .0001; d = 0.83). Post-hoc analyses showed significant improvements for all balance variables from pretest to posttest for MHJ but not SHJ. All power tests displayed significant time-by-group interactions for countermovement jumps (p < .05; d = 0.42), RSI (p < .0001; d = 1.58), and leg stiffness (p < .001; d = 0.78). Post-hoc analyses showed significant pre-post CMJ (p < .001, d = 1.95) and RSI (p < .001, d = 5.12) improvements for MHJ but not SHJ. SHJ showed larger pre-post improvements compared with MHJ for leg stiffness (p < .001; d = 3.09).

Conclusion: While the MHJ protocol is more effective to induce acute performance improvements in balance, reactive strength index, and vertical jump performance, SHJ has a greater effect on leg stiffness. Due to the importance of postural control and muscle strength/power for overall competitive performance in volleyball, these results suggest that young volleyball players should implement dynamic plyometric protocols involving maximal and submaximal hurdle jump exercises during warm-up to improve subsequent balance performance and muscle strength/power.
Functional identification of purine permeases reveals their roles in caffeine transport in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Zhang Yazhen , Wei Kang , Guo Lingling , Lei Yuping , Cheng Hao , Chen Changsong , Wang Liyuan
Published: December 2022

Caffeine is a characteristic secondary metabolite in tea plants. It confers tea beverage with unique flavor and excitation effect on human body. The pathway of caffeine biosynthesis has been generally established, but the mechanism of caffeine transport remains unclear. Here, eight members of purine permeases (PUPs) were identified in tea plants. They had diverse expression patterns in different tissues, suggesting their broad roles in caffeine metabolism. In this study, F1 strains of "Longjing43" ♂ × "Baihaozao" ♀ and different tea cultivars were used as materials to explore the correlation between caffeine content and gene expression. The heterologous expression systems of yeast and Arabidopsis were applied to explore the function of CsPUPs. Correlation analysis showed that the expressions of CsPUP1, CsPUP3.1, and CsPUP10.1 were significantly negatively correlated with caffeine content in tea leaves of eight strains and six cultivars. Furthermore, subcellular localization revealed that the three CsPUPs were not only located in plasma membrane but also widely distributed as circular organelles in cells. Functional complementation assays in yeast showed that the three CsPUPs could partly or completely rescue the defective function of fcy2 mutant in caffeine transport. Among them, transgenic yeast of CsPUP10.1 exhibited the strongest transport capacity for caffeine. Consistent phenotypes and functions were further identified in the CsPUP10.1-over-expression Arabidopsis lines. Taken together, it suggested that CsPUPs were involved in caffeine transport in tea plants. Potential roles of CsPUPs in the intracellular transport of caffeine among different subcellular organelles were proposed. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the PUP genes and new insights for caffeine metabolism in tea plants.
Genome-wide characterization of FK506-binding proteins, parvulins and phospho-tyrosyl phosphatase activators in wheat and their regulation by heat stress
Authors: Suri Anantika , Singh Harpreet , Kaur Kirandeep , Kaachra Anish , Singh Prabhjeet
Published: December 2022

Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases) are ubiquitous proteins which are essential for cis-trans isomerisation of peptide bonds preceding the proline residue. PPIases are categorized into four sub-families viz., cyclophilins, FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), parvulins and protein phosphatase 2A phosphatase activators (PTPAs). Apart from catalysing the cis-trans isomerization, these proteins have also been implicated in diverse cellular functions. Though PPIases have been identified in several important crop plants, information on these proteins, except cyclophilins, is scanty in wheat. In order to understand the role of these genes in wheat, we carried out genome-wide identification using computational approaches. The present study resulted in identification of 71 FKBP (TaFKBP) 12 parvulin (TaPar) and 3 PTPA (TaPTPA) genes in hexaploid wheat genome, which are distributed on different chromosomes with uneven gene densities. The TaFKBP and TaPar proteins, besides PPIase domain, also contain additional domains, indicating functional diversification. In silico prediction also revealed that TaFKBPs are localized to ER, nucleus, chloroplast and cytoplasm, while the TaPars are confined to cytoplasm and nucleus. The TaPTPAs, on the contrary, appear to be present only in the cytoplasm. Evolutionary studies predicted that most of the TaFKBP, TaPar and TaPTPA genes in hexaploid wheat have been derived from their progenitor species, with some events of loss or gain. Syntenic analysis revealed the presence of many collinear blocks of TaFKBP genes in wheat and its sub-genome donors. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that expression of TaFKBP and TaPar genes is regulated differentially by heat stress, suggesting their likely involvement in thermotolerance. The findings of this study will provide basis for further functional characterization of these genes and their likely applications in crop improvement.
Estimating yield in commercial wheat cultivars using the best predictors of powdery mildew and rust diseases
Authors: Naseri Bita
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This four-year research determined the best predictors of black, brown and yellow rusts and powdery mildew development in different wheat cultivars and planting dates across 282 experimental field plots.

Methods

Parameters estimated by exponential (for black rust and powdery mildew) and Gaussian (for brown and yellow rusts) models, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), and maximum disease severity were considered as disease progress curve elements. Factor analysis determined the most predictive variables among 19 indicators in order to describe wheat yield.

Results

According to principal component analysis (PCA), 11 selected wheat diseases and yield predicators accounted for 60% of total variance in datasets. This PCA test described four principal components involving these selected predictors. Next, multivariate regression model, which developed according to four independent principal components, justified a noticeable part of yield variability over and within growing seasons.

Discussion

Present findings may improve accuracy of future studies to examine seasonal patterns of powdery mildew and rusts, predict wheat yield and develop integrative disease management programs.
Reference genes identification for qRT-PCR normalization of gene expression analysis in Cucumis sativus under Meloidogyne incognita infection and Pseudomonas treatment
Authors: Ji Tingting , Ma Si , Liang Meiting , Wang Xueyun , Gao Lihong , Tian Yongqiang
Published: December 2022

qRT-PCR is a common and key technical means to study gene expression in biological research. However, reliability and accuracy of quantification by qRT-PCR is entirely dependent on the identification of appropriate reference genes. Cucumber as an economical vegetable is widely cultivated worldwide and is subject to serious nematode infection, especially from M. incognita. Plant could employ beneficial soil bacteria in the rhizosphere to enhance plant adaptability to various stresses. In this study, the optimal reference genes in cucumber under M. incognita stress and Pseudomonas treatment were calculated and confirmed. A total of thirteen candidate reference genes were identified across three different treatments. Of these, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper programs combined RefFinder software identified EF1 and UBI are the most suitable reference gene in the root knot and whole root of cucumber infected M. incognita, respectively, and CACS is the most suitable reference gene in the whole root of cucumber treated by Pseudomonas. The work first validated the most suitable reference genes for the normalization gene expression in cucumber by nematode infected or Pseudomonas inoculated, and these results would facilitate the further research on M. incognita or Pseudomonas soil rhizosphere microbe interaction with cucumber.
Characterization of plasma membrane proteins in stylosanthes leaves and roots using simplified enrichment method with a nonionic detergent
Authors: Yang Liyun , Gao Jing , Gao Mengze , Jiang Lingyan , Luo Lijuan
Published: December 2022

Plant plasma membranes (PMs) play an important role in maintaining the stability of the intracellular environment and exchanging information with the external environment. Therefore, deciphering dynamics of PM proteome provides crucial information for elucidating cellular regulation in response to diverse stimuli. In the study, we developed a simplified method for enriching PM proteins in leaf and root tissues of a tropical forage Stylosanthes by combining differential centrifugation and Brij-58 treatment. Both immunoblot analysis and mass spectrometry demonstrated that the representation and abundance of PM proteins were increased in the enrichment fraction, and the contamination of other organellar proteins was decreased. A total of 426 and 388 proteins were predicted to be PM proteins in leaves and roots, respectively. Functional analysis classified these PM proteins into six major categories (transporter, enzyme, receptor, membrane structure protein, vesicular trafficking and chaperone), and orthologs of many PM proteins regulating the responses to abiotic and biotic stresses have been detected. In addition, the sequence analysis, subcellular localization and gene expression analyses of a newly identified receptor-like kinase, SgRKL1, has been performed. Together, these results show that the simplified PM enrichment method can be successfully applied to different plant tissue types and to study the dynamics of PM proteome of Stylosanthes in response to multiple stresses.
PpERF1b-like enhances lignin synthesis in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) ‘hard-end’ fruit
Authors: Jin Xiaoshan , Cheng Chenxia , Qi Qi , Zhou Suping , Wang Caihong , Zhang Yong , Sun Chao , Wang Yuling , Dang Ruihong , Yang Shaolan
Published: December 2022

The hard-end is a disorder of pear fruit, however, the mechanisms underlying its development remain unknown. In this study, we found that the hard-end fruit contained a higher transcript abundance level of ethylene-response factor 1b-like (PpERF1b-like) and released more ethylene compared to normal pear. In the ethephon treated normal fruit, flesh tissues accumulated more lignin together with elevated expression of PpERF1b-like. Overexpressing PpERF1b-like transiently in fruit and stably in callus increased lignin accumulation and the expression of lignin biosynthesis genes; the opposite results were observed in fruit showing repressed expression of PpERF1b-like. These results confirmed the role of PpERF1b-like in promoting hard-end formation through promoting lignin synthesis. This study provided valuable information for further clarifying the regulation of hard-end formation in pear.
Association between workaholism, vital exhaustion, and hair cortisol concentrations among teachers: A longitudinal study testing the moderation effect of neuroticism
Authors: Wettstein Alexander , Schneider Sandra , Jenni Gabriel , Holtforth Martin grosse , Tschacher Wolfgang , La Marca Roberto
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Workaholism in teachers is characterized by the willingness to work until exhausted and may be associated with various adverse health outcomes as well as high economic costs. The present study examines the association between workaholism, vital exhaustion (VE), and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as indicators of chronic stress. In addition, this study explores the moderating role of the personality trait neuroticism on the relationship between workaholism and chronic stress indicators, i.e., VE and HCC.

Methods

Forty-two Swiss teachers (28 females; Mage = 39.66, SD = 11.99) completed questionnaires assessing VE (Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire), workaholism (Measure of Coping Capacity Questionnaire), and neuroticism (Big-Five Inventory). Together with VE, HCC was assessed twice, with a one year lag.

Results

Both workaholism and neuroticism were positively associated with VE at both time points but not with HCC. Moderation analyses revealed a positive relationship between workaholism and VE in teachers with high neuroticism, while no such association was observed in teachers with low neuroticism. No associations were found between self-reports and HCC.

Discussion

These findings emphasize the importance of considering individual characteristics when investigating VE. Further research is necessary to investigate the applicability of HCC as a biomarker of chronic stress in the context of work.
Examine the parenting style effect on the academic achievement orientation of secondary school students: The moderating role of digital literacy
Authors: Hassan Mehdi , Malik Asma Seemi , Sang Guoyuan , Rizwan Muhammad , Mushtaque Iqra , Naveed Shaheryar
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the study was to determine the association between parenting styles (authoritative and permissive) and students’ self-efficacy (LSE), self-regulatory learning (SRL), and academic accomplishment orientation of secondary school students in Punjab, Pakistan. The study also investigated the effect of digital learning as a moderating variable in the relationship between SRL and academic achievement oriented, as well as between learner self-efficacy (LSE) and academic achievement among secondary school students. The study was conducted with (N = 720) secondary school students of Punjab Pakistan. In the current research cross sectional design was used, and multistage sampling was used to draw a sample from the population. The results from the study, it is found that the authoritative parenting style has a weak association with LSE and a strong association with SRL. Permissive parenting styles have low associations with SRL and have a high association with LSE as compared to authoritarian parenting. Furthermore, when compared to students from permissive parenting, secondary students from authoritarian parenting have higher SRL and a higher academic achievement orientation. Results revealed that that digital literacy significantly moderate with LSE to influence the academic achievement orientation, while digital literacy significantly interacts with SRL to highly influence the academic achievement orientation of secondary school students.
Experiencing authenticity to environmentally responsible behavior: Assessing the effects of perceived value, tourist emotion, and recollection on industrial heritage tourism
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wei Chen , Nie Lingyue
Published: December 2022

As an important part of cultural heritage, industrial heritage has important cultural, historical and economic values. There are many studies on authentic experience in industrial heritage sites, but the studies on responsible behavior of authentic experience to environment of industrial heritages are still lacking. Therefore, this study takes Nanjing Quarry Park as the research object and S-O-R theory as the theoretical basis, after combing the literature on five aspects of authentic experience, perceived value, emotion, tourists’ recollection and environmentally responsible behavior, the authors made questionnaires and conducted field research, the authentic data of tourists’ authentic experience in Nanjing Quarry Park were obtained by questionnaire and analyzed, and the research model of responsible environmental behavior of authentic experience in industrial heritage scenic spots was constructed. In conclusion, this study found that authentic experience and perceived value can induce positive and negative emotions in tourists, and then produce memories, and act on environmentally responsible behavior. Emotion plays a part of mediating role in authentic experience, perceived value, recollection and environmentally responsible behavior. Positive emotion and perceived value have significant positive effects on recollection and tourists’ responsible behavior, while negative emotion and perceived value have significant negative effects on recollection, there was no significant negative effect on responsible behavior of environment. Authentic experience is an important antecedent of emotion.
RETRACTED: Physical exercise and psychological health of rural left-behind children: An experiment from China
Authors: Qijie Jiang , Yin Li , Liping Li
Published: December 2022

Background

How to promote the health (especially mental health) growth of left-behind children has become a hot social issue. Physical exercise is usually considered as a positive role in improving the physical and mental health of children, which can be considered to be integrated into the living environment of left-behind children.

Objective

To discuss the changes of left-behind children in psychological health before and after the exercise-based intervention, thus providing a practical approach to improve the psychological growth of this disadvantaged group.

Methods

An exercise-based social intervention experiment was designed and conducted in a township middle school in China, and 200 left-behind children with relatively low psychological health participated in the experiment.

Results

Physical exercise had positive effects on rural left-behind children’s sense of hope, self-esteem, self-efficiency, and self-concept, and it seems that the positive effects are durative due to the optimization of living environment. There was no significant difference in the psychological promotion effect of different programs (football and table tennis) on left-behind children. Hope, self-esteem, and self-efficiency significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and self-concept of left-behind children.

Conclusion

Physical exercise contributes to promoting the development of rural left-behind children’s positive psychology such as hope, self-esteem, self-efficiency, and thus relieving the negative psychology caused by long-term parental-child separation and improving self-concept.
Factors that protect against poor sleep quality in an adult lifespan sample of non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White adults during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hokett Emily , Arunmozhi Aditi , Campbell Jessica , Duarte Audrey
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Stress in relation to the Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic (i.e., COVID-19, COVID stress) may be linked with poor sleep quality. The association between stress that is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic and sleep quality has been understudied, particularly in racially diverse people across the adult lifespan. Here, we investigated self-reported sleep quality in relation to COVID stress and factors that may protect against experiencing poor sleep quality from high COVID stress, including social support and religiosity.

Method

We recruited non-Hispanic Black (n = 73) and non-Hispanic White (n = 178) participants across the adult lifespan (18–76 years) using an online, cross-sectional design during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2021–June 2021). We asked participants to report information regarding demographics (age, race/ethnicity, years of education), sleep (sleep quality, sleep habits), and positive (social support, religious activities) and negative (events of discrimination, depression, general stress, COVID stress) psychosocial factors.

Results

Across age and racial groups, better sleep habits were associated with better sleep quality, and higher COVID stress was linked to poorer sleep quality. Black participants reported higher quality sleep than White participants (p = 0.006). They also endorsed greater private and internal religiosity (p’s < 0.001). Across racial groups, moderation analyses revealed a protective effect of religiosity against poor sleep (p’s < 0.006). Specifically, individuals with high religious activity and high COVID stress did not experience poor sleep quality, but individuals with low religious activity and high COVID stress demonstrated poor sleep quality. These results remained significant when controlling for general stress.

Discussion

Protective factors, such as religiosity, may mitigate the negative associations between high COVID stress and poor sleep quality.
Chinese senior primary school students’ civic literacy and its affecting factors
Authors: Yao Yao , Cai Lian-Yu , Oubibi Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Measuring the current situation of civic literacy of senior primary school students (grade 5 and 6) and exploring its affecting factors is the basis for improving the effectiveness of civic education at this stage.

Methods

The research developed the measurement questionnaire through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and other methods. It then was distributed nationwide online through stratified and cluster sampling, through which 1642 valid questionnaires were finally collected. The study took mean analysis, difference analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis.

Results

The statistical results eventually showed the civic literacy of China’s senior primary school students is, on the whole, at a comparatively high level. Chinese scholars Zhang Jiajun and Xu Jiao combined the particularity of civic literacy to divide it into four dimensions and the performance of the four dimensions of civic literacy is revealed to be: civic affection > civic cognition > civic competence > civic behavior. Further, a significant difference exists in students’ civic literacy by gender (girls’ civic literacy scores M = 299.53, SD = 28.15, N = 785 are significantly higher than the boys’ civic literacy scores M = 293.18, SD = 32.25, N = 857, t = 4.263, p < 0.01), and whether they have been student leaders (those students who served as student leaders M = 304.33, SD = 26.57, N = 649 those who were not student leaders M = 290.86, SD = 31.69, N = 984, t = 9.272, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The family social economic status (SES) and school education were significantly positively correlated with students’ civic literacy. Based on this, primary schools should implement educational compensation for cultivating civic literacy among the socioeconomically disadvantaged senior primary school students and carry out civic education according to the specific conditions of civic literacy of senior students.
Secondhand smoke is positively associated with pre-frailty and frailty in non-smoking older adults
Authors: Fu Zhenmei , Zhou Tian , Dong Fanghong , Li Mengchi , Lin Xuechun , Ma Weixia , Song Yuting , Ge Song
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Either exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) or frailty has been linked to adverse health outcomes in nonsmoking adults. However, their relationship is rarely studied. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between serum cotinine level and frailty status among non-smoking older adults.

Method

The study population consisted of 2,703 older adults aged ≥60 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. Non-smokers were included based on (1) a serum cotinine level ≤ 10 ng/mL and 2) a response of “no” to the question, “Do you currently smoke?” Frailty status was measured based on the Fried Phenotype and had three groups- robust, pre-frailty, and frailty. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between serum cotinine level quartile and frailty status, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and systolic blood pressure.

Results

About half of the participants (median age 70.0 years, range 64–78) were female (53.6%), non-Hispanic White (48.3%), and completed some college and above (50.1%). Multinomial logistic regression with a reference group being those in the 1st quantile (the lowest) of serum cotinine level showed that participants in the 4th quartile (the highest) of serum cotinine level had increased odds of pre-frailty vs. robust (OR 1.522, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.060, 2.185, P = 0.023) as well as increased odds of frailty vs. robust (OR 2.349, 95% CI 1.081, 5.107, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Higher serum cotinine level is associated with increased risk of pre-frailty and frailty versus robust in non-smoking older adults. Prevention and reduction of SHS in older adults may help protect them from developing pre-frailty or frailty.
The Global Burden of Disease attributable to low physical activity and its trends from 1990 to 2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Xu Yuan-Yi , Xie Jin , Yin Hao , Yang Fang-Fang , Ma Chun-Ming , Yang Bao-Yi , Wan Rui , Guo Bin , Chen Li-Dian , Li Song-Lin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Low physical activity (LPA) is associated with several major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the global burden and trends in disease attributable to LPA (DALPA) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Annual age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and death rates of DALPA [all-cause and five specific causes (ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, colon and rectal cancer, and breast cancer)] by sex, age, geographical region and social deprivation index (SDI) score from 1990 to 2019 were available from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the changing trend. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to explore the relationship between DALYs/death rates of DALPA and sociodemographic factors.

Results

Globally, in 2019, the age-standardized DALYs and death rates of DALPA were 198.42/100,000 (95% UI: 108.16/100,000–360.32/100,000) and 11.10/100,000 (95% UI: 5.66/100,000–19.51/100,000), respectively. There were 15.74 million (8.51–28.61) DALYs and 0.83 million (0.43–1.47) deaths attributable to LPA. Overall, age-standardized DALYs and death rates presented significant downward trends with EAPCs [−0.68% (95% CI: −0.85– −0.50%) for DALYs and −1.00% (95% CI: −1.13– −0.86%) for deaths] from 1990 to 2019. However, age-standardized DALYs and death rates of diabetes mellitus attributable to LPA were substantially increased [EAPC: 0.76% (95% CI: 0.70–0.82%) for DALYs and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.21–0.51%) for deaths]. In the 15–49 age group, DALPA presented significant upward trends [EAPC: 0.74% (95% CI: 0.58–0.91%) for DALYs and 0.31% (95% CI: 0.1–0.51%) for deaths]. The GLM revealed that higher gross domestic product and current health expenditure (% of GDP) were negatively associated with DALYs and death rates of DALPA.

Conclusion

Although global age-standardized DALYs and death rates of DALPA presented downward trends, they still cause a heavy burden worldwide. These rates showed upward trends in the diabetic and 15–49 age groups, which need more attention and health interventions.
Acupuncture therapy for radiotherapy-induced adverse effect: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Tong , Fu Chengwei , Deng Yiran , Huang Wanping , Wang Jieyu , Jiao Yang
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of different acupuncture therapies for radiotherapy-induced adverse effects (RIAEs) and find out the optimal scheme.

Methods

Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected from inception to June 2020 from 9 bibliographic databases. The risk of bias evaluation of the analyzed literature was carried out using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Network meta-analysis was mainly performed using STATA 14.2 and OpenBUGS 3.2.3 by figuring out the network diagrams, league figures, and SUCRA values.

Results

A total of 41 studies with 3,011 participants reported data suitable for network meta-analysis. There was a low to moderate risk of bias in twenty of the articles. ST36 was the most widely prescribed acupoint. Based on network meta-analysis, four outcome indicators were described, namely, acupuncture + medication ranked first in treating radiation enteritis, moxibustion + medication ranked first in preventing radiotherapy-induced leukopenia, acupuncture + medication ranked first in preventing radioactive oral mucositis, and acupuncture ranked first in improving the stimulated salivary flow rate of radioactive xerostomia.

Conclusion

The findings of the network meta-analysis manifested that acupuncture therapy combined with medication has superiority in most RIAEs, both reducing incidence and relieving symptoms. However, high-quality studies are still needed to provide conclusive evidence.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020-7-0054/, identifier: INPLASY202070054.