bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Programming in Patients With Parkinson's Disease After Deep Brain Stimulation: Safe, Effective, and Economical
Authors: Nie Pan , Zhang Jibo , Yang Xin , Shao Yuyang , Zhang Xiuming , Liu Wen , Fu Kai , Chen Jincao , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficiency, and cost expenditure of remote programming in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) after deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods

A total of 74 patients who underwent DBS at the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between June 2018 and June 2020 were enrolled in this study. There were 27 patients in the remote programming group and 47 patients in the outpatient programming group. Clinical data, programming efficiency, adverse events, expenditure, and satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 36 times of remote programming were performed on the 27 patients in the remote programming group, and four had mild adverse events during programming, and the adverse events disappeared within 1 week. The satisfaction questionnaire showed that 97.3% of the patients were satisfied with the surgical effect. The patients in the remote programming group (88.9%) were more likely to receive long-term programming after DBS than the patients in the outpatient programming group (74.5%). The Parkinsonism symptoms improved in both programming groups. The majority (18/27) of patients in the remote programming group lived away from the programming center, while the majority (27/47) of patients in the outpatient programming group lived in Wuhan, where the programming center was located (P = 0.046). The cost per patient per programming was US$ 43.5 in the remote programming group and $59.5 (56–82.7) in the outpatient programming group (P < 0.001). The median time cost for each visit was 30 min (25–30) in the remote programming group and 150 min (135–270.0) in the outpatient programming group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Remote programming is safe and effective after DBS in patients with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, it reduces expenditure and time costs for patients and achieves high satisfaction, particularly for patients living far from programming centers.
Long Term Survivals in Aggressive Primary Brain Malignancies Treated With an Adjuvant Ketogenic Diet
Authors: Schwartz Kenneth A. , Noel Mary , Nikolai Michele , Olson Lawrence K. , Hord Norman G. , Zakem Micheal , Clark Justin , Elnabtity Mohamed , Figueroa Bryan , Chang Howard T.
Published: May 2022

Aggressive primary brain tumors (APBT) glioblastoma multiforme and grade IV astrocytoma are treated with multimodality treatments that include surgery to remove as much tumor as possible without sacrificing neurological function followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy usually temozolomide. Survivals in adults are in the range of 8–16 months. The addition of a ketogenic diet (KD) to rodents with transplanted brain tumors increased survival in nine of 11 animals to over 299 days compared to survival in untreated controls of 33 days and radiation only controls of 38 days. We treated humans with APBT with standard of care neurosurgery immediately followed by 6 weeks of an adjuvant ketogenic diet concurrent with radiation therapy and temozolomide. Twice daily measurements of blood ketones and glucose were recorded and the patients' diet was modified toward the goal of maintaining blood ketone levels approaching 3 mM. Of the nine patients who completed the protocol three younger patients age 32, 28, and 22 at enrollment are alive and employed with clinically stable disease and brain images 74, 58, and 52 months since diagnosis. All the six older patients mean age 55 have died with disease progression detected on average 8 months after Dx. In conclusion: 1. It is possible to implement and maintain dietary induced ketosis in patients with APBT; 2. The longer survivals observed in younger patients treated with KD need to be confirmed in larger studies that should be focused on younger patients possibly under age 40.
Dietary Patterns vs. Dietary Recommendations
Authors: De Cosmi Valentina , Mazzocchi Alessandra , Milani Gregorio P. , Agostoni Carlo
Published: May 2022

Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) are important for developing labeling laws, identifying populations at risk of over- or under-consumption, and promoting public health interventions. However, the process of developing DRVs is quite complex, and they should not be viewed as recommendations ready to use or goals for individuals. Rather, they require interpretation by professionals and can form the basis of dietary advice. On the other hand, focusing on foods rather than macronutrients can assist individuals in understanding a healthy diet by taking into consideration many variables that may help compliance with a healthy dietary style. Evolution, tradition within specific geographical and historical contexts, taste, economic affordability, season-associated local dietary resources, and lifestyle may all explain the increasing popularity of dietary patterns that are highly successful today. Three models (the Mediterranean, New Nordic, and Japanese) have been recently characterized for geographical setting and food composition, as well as the associated lifestyle. Of note, all these three models rely on pyramids sharing a large basis made up of local vegetal resources and a top of red meats (allowed in many cases, but in limited amounts), thus allowing for the urgent demand of sustainability for the planet's health. This mini-review aimed to summarize the meaning of DRVs and to describe the dietary patterns that better contemplate health, diet diversity, and sustainability.
Multi-Omics Analysis of Glioblastoma and Glioblastoma Cell Line: Molecular Insights Into the Functional Role of GPR56 and TG2 in Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ganesh Raksha A. , Sonpatki Pranali , Naik Divya , John Arivusudar Everad , Sathe Gajanan , Lakshmikantha Akhila , Chandrachari Komal Prasad , Bauer Lea , Knäuper Vera , Aeschlimann Daniel , Venkatraaman Krishnan , Shah Nameeta , Sirdeshmukh Ravi
Published: May 2022

G protein-coupled receptor 56 (GPR56/ADGRG1) is an adhesion GPCR with an essential role in brain development and cancer. Elevated expression of GPR56 was observed in the clinical specimens of Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly invasive primary brain tumor. However, we found the expression to be variable across the specimens, presumably due to the intratumor heterogeneity of GBM. Therefore, we re-examined GPR56 expression in public domain spatial gene expression data and single-cell expression data for GBM, which revealed that GPR56 expression was high in cellular tumors, infiltrating tumor cells, and proliferating cells, low in microvascular proliferation and peri-necrotic areas of the tumor, especially in hypoxic mesenchymal-like cells. To gain a better understanding of the consequences of GPR56 downregulation in tumor cells and other molecular changes associated with it, we generated a sh-RNA-mediated GPR56 knockdown in the GBM cell line U373 and performed transcriptomics, proteomics, and phospho-proteomics analysis. Our analysis revealed enrichment of gene signatures, pathways, and phosphorylation of proteins potentially associated with mesenchymal (MES) transition in the tumor and concurrent increase in cell invasion and migration behavior of the GPR56 knockdown GBM cells. Interestingly, our analysis also showed elevated expression of Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) - a known interactor of GPR56, in the knockdown cells. The inverse expression of GPR56 and TG2 was also observed in intratumoral, spatial gene expression data for GBM and in GBM cell lines cultured in vitro under hypoxic conditions. Integrating all these observations, we propose a putative functional link between the inverse expression of the two proteins, the hypoxic niche and the mesenchymal status in the tumor. Hypoxia-induced downregulation of GPR56 and activation of TG2 may result in a network of molecular events that contribute to the mesenchymal transition of GBM cells, and we propose a putative model to explain this functional and regulatory relationship of the two proteins.
Quantification of the Landscape for Revealing the Underlying Mechanism of Intestinal-Type Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Chong , Wang Jin
Published: May 2022

Gastric cancer is a daunting disease with a tragic impact on global health. It is the fourth most common cancer and has become the second most frequent cause of cancer death in recent times. According to the Lauren classification, gastric cancer can be classified into two types: intestinal and diffuse. Intestinal-type gastric cancer (IGC) is more common in elderly people, and atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) have been proven to be the main premalignant causes of intestinal-type gastric cancer. In turn, Helicobacter pylori infection has been identified as the most significant cause of AG and IM. In this study, we determine the mechanism of IGC progression and how H. pylori infection induces IGC. Through researching the relevant literature, we identified the key genes associated with gastric cancer and the specific genes associated with IGC. We then use hese genes to build up a gene regulatory network for IGC. Based on this gene regulatory network, we quantify the IGC landscape. Within this landscape, there are three stable states, which are classified as the normal, AG, and gastric cancer states. Through landscape topography, we can determine the biological features and progression process of IGC. To investigate the influence of H. pylori infection on IGC, we simulated different degrees of H. pylori infection. As the H. pylori infection becomes more serious, the landscape topography changes accordingly. A fourth state, named the intestinal metaplasia (IM) state, emerges on the landscape and is associated with a very high risk of developing gastric cancer. The emergence of this state is due to the interactions/regulations among genes. Through variations in the landscape topography, we can determine the influence of H. pylori infection on IGC. Finally, we use global sensitivity analysis to research the regulations most sensitive to IGC prevention or therapies. This study presents a new approach and a novel model with which to explore the mechanism of IGC. The simulations of different degrees of H. pylori infection can provide us with a systematic view of IGC progression. The key regulations found can give us some insight and guidance for clinical trials and experimental studies.
Deciphering the Role of Shugoshin-Like Protein 1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Analysis and In Vitro Study
Authors: Yuan Yixiao , Wang Juan , Zhang Dahang , Tang Lin , Duan Lincan , Jiang Xiulin
Published: May 2022

Shugoshin-like protein 1 (SGO1) has been characterized in its function in correct cell division and its role in centrosome cohesion in the nucleus. However, the underlying biological function and potential mechanisms of SGO1 driving the progression of lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. In this study, we found that SGO1 was increased in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Upregulation of SGO1 expression was correlated with poor overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with LUAD. ROC curve analysis suggested that the AUC value of SGO1 was 0.983. Correlation analysis showed that SGO1 expression was related to immune infiltration in LUAD. Meanwhile, a potential ceRNA network was constructed to identify the lncRNA-MIR4435-2HG/miR-125a-5p/SGO1 regulatory axis in LUAD. Finally, we determine that SGO1 regulated the cell proliferation and cell apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma in vitro. In conclusion, our data suggested that SGO1 could be a novel prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma.
Survival of Children With Pulmonary Embolism Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Kim John S. , Barrett Cindy S. , Hyslop Robert W. , Buckvold Shannon M. , Gist Katja M.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to describe the demographics and in-hospital mortality of children (<18 years) from 2007 to 2018 supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for a primary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization database. Fifty-six patients were identified and 54 were included in this analysis. A total of 33 patients (61%) survived. No differences in demographics or ECMO details (duration, mode, and support type) were found between survivors and non-survivors. When ECMO complications were compared, pulmonary bleeding occurred more frequently in non-survivors (23.8%, n = 5) compared to survivors (n = 0) (p = 0.006).
Effects of Aspirin Therapy on Bypass Efficacy and Survival of Patients Receiving Direct Cerebral Revascularization
Authors: Xiang Yanxiao , Zhang Ping , Zhao Peng , Sun Tao , Wang Fei , He Yiming , Wang Donghai , Liu Anchang
Published: May 2022

Background: Both patency maintenance and neoangiogenesis contribute to cerebrovascular bypass efficacy. However, the combined impact of the aforementioned two indicators on postoperative revascularization following superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass has been less well elucidated. Meanwhile, there is a paucity of evidence with conflicting results about postoperative aspirin therapy.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the correlation between aspirin use and STA-MCA bypass efficacy, including patency, postoperative neoangiogenesis, and follow-up outcomes.

Methods: A total of 181 MMD patients (201 procedures) undergoing STA-MCA bypass at our institution (2017–2019) were retrospectively reviewed. The bypass efficacy level and postoperative complications were compared between aspirin and non-aspirin groups.

Results: Among 95 PS-matched pairs, the aspirin group presented a significantly more favorable bypass efficacy than the non-aspirin group [odds ratio (OR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–4.61; p = 0.026]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the profound impact of aspirin as an independent predictor of bypass efficacy [adjusted OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.34–6.68; p = 0.009]. A remarkable negative correlation was found between bypass efficacy and the rate of ischemic complications (Phi = −0.521). Postoperative aspirin therapy was associated with a non-significant trend toward a lower incidence of ischemic events [OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.23–2.19; p = 0.580]. No significant difference in bleeding rates was observed between aspirin and control groups [OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.12–8.48; p = 1.000].

Conclusion: Among patients undergoing STA-MCA bypass procedures, bypass efficacy is a good predictor of follow-up outcomes. Postoperative aspirin therapy can improve patency, neoangiogenesis, and overall bypass efficacy, thereby protecting against postoperative ischemic complications.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier CTR2100046178.
Scoparone Improves Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Alleviating JNK/Sab Signaling Pathway-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Xu Jiaoya , Huang Ping , Yang Lili , Liu Yang , Li Yiping , Wang Jue , Song Haiyan , Zheng Peiyong
Published: May 2022

The activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) specifically combined with SH3 domain-binding protein 5 (Sab) may mediate damage to the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Whether mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the JNK/Sab signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the lipotoxic injury of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains a lack of evidence. Scoparone, a natural compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs, has the potential for liver protection and lipid metabolism regulation. However, the effect of scoparone on NASH induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) as well as its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The HepG2 and Huh7 cells with/without Sab-knockdown induced by palmitic acid (PA) were used to determine the role of JNK/Sab signaling in mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular lipotoxic injury. To observe the effect of scoparone on the lipotoxic injured hepatocytes, different dose of scoparone together with PA was mixed into the culture medium of HepG2 and AML12 cells to incubate for 24 h. In addition, male C57BL/6J mice were fed with an HFD for 22 weeks to induce the NASH model and were treated with scoparone for another 8 weeks to investigate its effect on NASH. Molecules related to JNK/Sab signaling, mitochondrial function, and lipotoxic injury were detected in in vitro and/or in vivo experiments. The results showed that PA-induced activation of JNK/Sab signaling was blocked by Sab knockdown in hepatocytes, which improved mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, hepatosteatosis, cell viability, and apoptosis. Scoparone demonstrated a similar effect on the PA-induced hepatocytes as Sab knockdown. For the NASH mice, treatment with scoparone also downregulated the activation of JNK/Sab signaling, improved histopathological changes of liver tissues including mitochondrial number and morphology, lipid peroxide content, hepatosteatosis and inflammation obviously, as well as decreased the serum level of lipid and transaminases. Taken together, this study confirms that activation of the JNK/Sab signaling pathway-induced mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of NASH. Scoparone can improve the lipotoxic liver injury partially by suppressing this signaling pathway, making it a potential therapeutic compound for NASH.
Direct Contraction Force Measurements of Engineered Cardiac Tissue Constructs With Inotropic Drug Exposure
Authors: Koivisto Maria , Mosallaei Milad , Toimela Tarja , Tuukkanen Sampo , Heinonen Tuula
Published: May 2022

Contractility is one of the most crucial functions of the heart because it is directly related to the maintenance of blood perfusion throughout the body. Both increase and decrease in contractility may cause fatal consequences. Therefore, drug discovery would benefit greatly from reliable testing of candidate molecule effects on contractility capacity. In this study, we further developed a dual-axis piezoelectric force sensor together with our human cell–based vascularized cardiac tissue constructs for cardiac contraction force measurements. The capability to detect drug-induced inotropic effects was tested with a set of known positive and negative inotropic compounds of isoprenaline, milrinone, omecamtiv mecarbil, propranolol, or verapamil in different concentrations. Both positive and negative inotropic effects were measurable, showing that our cardiac contraction force measurement system including a piezoelectric cantilever sensor and a human cell–based cardiac tissue constructs has the potential to be used for testing of inotropic drug effects.
Supplementation With Spirulina Reduces Infarct Size and Ameliorates Cardiac Function in a Pig Model of STEMI
Authors: Vilahur Gemma , Sutelman Pablo , Ben-Aicha Soumaya , Mendieta Guiomar , Radiké Monika , Schoch Leonie , Casaní Laura , Borrell-Pagés María , Padro Teresa , Badimon Lina
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Spirulina is an algae known to ameliorate cardiometabolic disorders and with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. We investigated, in a highly translatable animal model, whether oral supplementation with spirulina protects against the deleterious effects triggered by ST-elevation MI (STEMI).

Methods: Pigs were fed a regular diet supplemented with spirulina (1 g/animal/bid) or placebo-control for 10 days. Thereafter, animals were subjected to 1.5 h percutaneous balloon-induced coronary occlusion (STEMI) followed by 2.5 h reperfusion and then sacrificed. We assessed infarct size and cardiac function. Blood samples and infarcted and remote myocardial tissue were obtained.

Results: Spirulina supplementation reduced infarct size by 64%, increased myocardial salvage by 18%, and improved cardiac function by 30% vs. controls (p < 0.05). These benefits were associated with attenuation in DNA-oxidative damage and apoptotic markers and increased iNOS in the infarcted myocardium, higher AMPK activation in the remote myocardium, and lower myocardial MCP-1 expression. Systemically, spirulina attenuated Cox-2 expression in STEMI-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhanced TNF-α release acutely post-STEMI. Additionally, spirulina decreased weight gain progression over time (p < 0.05) without changes in lipids, glucose, liver or kidney parameters.

Conclusion: A 10-day supplementation with spirulina exerts cardioprotection in a preclinical setting of STEMI by limiting cardiac damage and improving ventricular contractility through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
Characterization of the Kinematic Evolution of the Hongshiyan Landslide Using the Material Point Method
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Rubin , Xu Weiya , Wang Yunzi , Yan Long
Published: May 2022

In 2014, a landslide disaster occurred at Hongshiyan in Ludian County, Yunnan Province, China, causing the landslide-dames in Niulanjiang River. Scholars have studied the characteristics and causal mechanisms of this landslide and obtained substantial results. However, the kinematic evolution characteristics of the landslide remain relatively unclear. To resolve this problem, we introduced the Material Point Method (MPM) to study large-scale deformations for simulation analysis. The results showed that the movement of the slide body could be divided into three stages: accelerated sliding, decelerated sliding, and stabilizing. The velocity field and displacment field of the slide body is closely related to its spatial distribution. The velocity and displacement of the surface part higher than that of the shallow part. The internal friction angle and friction coefficient significantly affected the kinematic characteristics of landslide. The decrease in the internal friction angle and friction coefficient reduced the energy consumed by the friction between particles and between the particles and the sliding bed, raising the landslide velocity and displacement.
Klotho Polymorphism in Association With Serum Testosterone and Knee Strength in Women After Testosterone Administration
Authors: Ekström Lena , Knutsson Jona Elings , Stephanou Christina , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén
Published: May 2022

Administration of testosterone (T) is associated with increased serum T concentrations and improved physical performance in women. However, the inter-individual variation in T concentrations after T treatment is large and may in part be due to genetic variations. Serum T, as well as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (A) and the T/A ratio have been suggested as promising doping biomarkers for testosterone intake. Here, polymorphisms in androgen metabolic enzyme genes have been investigated in healthy women prior to and after 10 weeks administration of testosterone cream. Klotho is a protein that has been associated with anaerobic strength and here a genetic variation in klotho gene was studied in relation to performance as measured by isokinetic knee strength, as well as to serum androgen disposition. The AKR1C3 genotype (rs12529) was associated with serum T levels at baseline, whereas serum concentrations post T treatment did not differ between genotypes. The SLCO2B1 (rs12422149) and UGT2B17 deletion polymorphisms were not associated with serum concentration of either T, DHT or A. The klotho polymorphism (rs9536314) was associated with serum concentrations of both total T and T/A ratio after T administration. Individuals with the GT genotype increased T concentrations and T/A ratio more than women homozygous for the T allele. No significant difference in the association of klotho genotype with knee muscle strength was observed between placebo and T treatment. However, individuals homozygous for the T allele showed higher isometric mean torque scores at exit than GT subjects after T administration. This is the first time a genotype has been associated with androgen concentrations after T administration and muscle strength in women. Our results imply that subjects with a polymorphism in klotho may be more prone to detection using serum T and A as biomarkers.
Mimicking Metabolic Disturbance in Establishing Animal Models of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Li Hui , Xia Yi-Yuan , Xia Chun-Lei , Li Zheng , Shi Yi , Li Xiao-Bo , Zhang Jun-Xia
Published: May 2022

Heart failure (HF), the terminal state of different heart diseases, imposed a significant health care burden worldwide. It is the last battlefield in dealing with cardiovascular diseases. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a type of HF in which the symptoms and signs of HF are mainly ascribed to diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle, whereas systolic function is normal or near-normal. Compared to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF have made limited progress, partly due to the lack of suitable animal models for translational studies in the past. Given metabolic disturbance and inflammatory burden contribute to HFpEF pathogenesis, recent years have witnessed emerging studies focusing on construction of animal models with HFpEF phenotype by mimicking metabolic disorders. These models prefer to recapitulate the metabolic disorders and endothelial dysfunction, leading to the more detailed understanding of the entity. In this review, we summarize the currently available animal models of HFpEF with metabolic disorders, as well as their advantages and disadvantages as tools for translational studies.
Combined GWAS and Transcriptome Analyses Provide New Insights Into the Response Mechanisms of Sunflower Against Drought Stress
Authors: Wu Yang , Shi Huimin , Yu Haifeng , Ma Yu , Hu Haibo , Han Zhigang , Zhang Yonghu , Zhen Zilong , Yi Liuxi , Hou Jianhua
Published: May 2022

Sunflower is one of the most important oil crops in the world, and drought stress can severely limit its production and quality. To understand the underlying mechanism of drought tolerance, and identify candidate genes for drought tolerance breeding, we conducted a combined genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA-seq analysis. A total of 226 sunflower inbred lines were collected from different regions of China and other countries. Eight phenotypic traits were evaluated under control and drought stress conditions. Genotyping was performed using a Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) approach. A total of 934.08 M paired-end reads were generated, with an average Q30 of 91.97%. Based on the 243,291 polymorphic SLAF tags, a total of 94,162 high-quality SNPs were identified. Subsequent analysis of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and population structure in the 226 accessions was carried out based on the 94,162 high-quality SNPs. The average LD decay across the genome was 20 kb. Admixture analysis indicated that the entire population most likely originated from 11 ancestors. GWAS was performed using three methods (MLM, FarmCPU, and BLINK) simultaneously. A total of 80 SNPs showed significant associations with the 8 traits (p < 1.062 × 10−6). Next, a total of 118 candidate genes were found. To obtain more reliable candidate genes, RNA-seq analysis was subsequently performed. An inbred line with the highest drought tolerance was selected according to phenotypic traits. RNA was extracted from leaves at 0, 7, and 14 days of drought treatment. A total of 18,922 differentially expressed genes were obtained. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in the branched-chain amino acid catabolic process, while the down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in the photosynthesis-related process. Six DEGs were randomly selected from all DEGs for validation; these genes showed similar patterns in RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analysis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8167. Through the integration of the genome-wide association study and the RNA-sequencing, 14 candidate genes were identified. Four of them (LOC110885273, LOC110872899, LOC110891369, LOC110920644) were abscisic acid related protein kinases and transcription factors. These genes may play an important role in sunflower drought response and will be used for further study. Our findings provide new insights into the response mechanisms of sunflowers against drought stress and contribute to further genetic breeding.
New Insights Into the Local Auxin Biosynthesis and Its Effects on the Rapid Growth of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
Authors: Bai Yucong , Cai Miaomiao , Mu Changhong , Cheng Wenlong , Zheng Huifang , Cheng Zhanchao , Li Juan , Mu Shaohua , Gao Jian
Published: May 2022

Auxin plays a crucial regulatory role in higher plants, but systematic studies on the location of auxin local biosynthesis are rare in bamboo and other graminaceous plants. We studied moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), which can grow up to 1 m/day and serves as a reference species for bamboo and other fast-growing species. We selected young tissues such as root tips, shoot tips, young culm sheaths, sheath blades, and internode divisions for local auxin biosynthesis site analysis. IAA immunofluorescence localization revealed that auxin was similarly distributed in different stages of 50-cm and 300-cm bamboo shoots. Shoot tips had the highest auxin content, and it may be the main site of auxin biosynthesis in the early stage of rapid growth. A total of 22 key genes in the YUCCA family for auxin biosynthesis were identified by genome-wide identification, and these had obvious tissue-specific and spatio-temporal expression patterns. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that the localization of YUCCA genes was highly consistent with the distribution of auxin. Six major auxin synthesis genes, PheYUC3-1, PheYUC6-1, PheYUC6-3, PheYUC9-1, PheYUC9-2, and PheYUC7-3, were obtained that may have regulatory roles in auxin accumulation during moso bamboo growth. Culm sheaths were found to serve as the main local sites of auxin biosynthesis and the auxin required for internode elongation may be achieved mainly by auxin transport.
TAIM: Tool for Analyzing Root Images to Calculate the Infection Rate of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Muta Kaoru , Takata Shiho , Utsumi Yuzuko , Matsumura Atsushi , Iwamura Masakazu , Kise Koichi
Published: May 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) infect plant roots and are hypothesized to improve plant growth. Recently, AMF is now available for axenic culture. Therefore, AMF is expected to be used as a microbial fertilizer. To evaluate the usefulness of AMF as a microbial fertilizer, we need to investigate the relationship between the degree of root colonization of AMF and plant growth. The method popularly used for calculation of the degree of root colonization, termed the magnified intersections method, is performed manually and is too labor-intensive to enable an extensive survey to be undertaken. Therefore, we automated the magnified intersections method by developing an application named “Tool for Analyzing root images to calculate the Infection rate of arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi: TAIM.” TAIM is a web-based application that calculates the degree of AMF colonization from images using automated computer vision and pattern recognition techniques. Experimental results showed that TAIM correctly detected sampling areas for calculation of the degree of infection and classified the sampling areas with 87.4% accuracy. TAIM is publicly accessible at http://taim.imlab.jp/.
Enhancing HR Frequency for Precise Genome Editing in Plants
Authors: Chen Hao , Neubauer Matthew , Wang Jack P.
Published: May 2022

Gene-editing tools, such as Zinc-fingers, TALENs, and CRISPR-Cas, have fostered a new frontier in the genetic improvement of plants across the tree of life. In eukaryotes, genome editing occurs primarily through two DNA repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). NHEJ is the primary mechanism in higher plants, but it is unpredictable and often results in undesired mutations, frameshift insertions, and deletions. Homology-directed repair (HDR), which proceeds through HR, is typically the preferred editing method by genetic engineers. HR-mediated gene editing can enable error-free editing by incorporating a sequence provided by a donor template. However, the low frequency of native HR in plants is a barrier to attaining efficient plant genome engineering. This review summarizes various strategies implemented to increase the frequency of HDR in plant cells. Such strategies include methods for targeting double-strand DNA breaks, optimizing donor sequences, altering plant DNA repair machinery, and environmental factors shown to influence HR frequency in plants. Through the use and further refinement of these methods, HR-based gene editing may one day be commonplace in plants, as it is in other systems.
Safeguarding Reimagined: Centering Athletes’ Rights and Repositioning Para Sport to Chart a New Path
Authors: Tuakli-Wosornu Yetsa A. , Kirby Sandra L.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Para sport has much to teach the broader sports world about safeguarding and athlete protections. By centering athletes’ human rights and underlining the rights-based philosophical underpinnings of the Paralympic Movement, we outline how sport can be safer to all players, coaches, and other participants.

Methods

We address global Human Rights conventions and their application to Para and non-disabled sport. Safe Sport is positioned as a matter of human rights. The nature of interpersonal violence that human beings experience within and outside sport is discussed. The intersectionality of vulnerable identities (related to gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, etc.) is reviewed in some detail.

Results

Rights violations in Para and non-disabled sport illustrate both individual and organizational vulnerabilities. Individual- and organizational-level drivers of abuse, as well as various modes and types of abuse observed in Para sport, are relevant in all sport settings and should be centered in global sport safeguarding work. The rights-based core of Para and similar sports movements, exemplifies this.

Conclusion

From a Para-informed vantage point, we issue a call to action, where interpersonal violence in sport is reduced by leveraging relevant elements of the Paralympic Movement. This call asks all sport participants to reject a purely capitalist approach to sport and follow a Para sport paradigm; which embodies human achievement (including sporting success), reflects human rights and inherent human dignity, and requires a higher standard of behaviour.
Signifying the Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Turnover Intension: The Mediating Role of Work-Related Stress and Moderating Role of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Xue Jinli , Wang Hao , Chen Meng , Ding Xiujuan , Zhu Mengting
Published: May 2022

Human capital plays a significant role in an organization’s advancement. In recent years, emerging work-related psychological issues have become a critical factor, demanding considerable attention from management. As such, this study measures the role of job satisfaction in work-related stress and employees’ turnover intentions. There is a mediating relationship between work-related stress—such as emotional exhaustion, work engagement, role conflict, and psychosocial risks—and turnover intentions. The study used primary data collection techniques to gather data and purposive sampling to analyze the data. The study’s sample size consisted of 270 employees working in Chinese organizations. SmartPLS software was used to test the research hypothesis. The study results show the mediating role of work-related stress and moderating role of employees’ job satisfaction. Accordingly, the study provides implications for managers, encouraging them to take the necessary steps in controlling the turnover rate by enhancing employees’ morale (i.e., job satisfaction) and work engagement.
Paradoxical Reasoning: An fMRI Study
Authors: Belekou Antigoni , Papageorgiou Charalabos , Karavasilis Efstratios , Tsaltas Eleftheria , Kelekis Nikolaos , Klein Christoph , Smyrnis Nikolaos
Published: May 2022

Paradoxes are a special form of reasoning leading to absurd inferences in contrast to logical reasoning that is used to reach valid conclusions. A functional MRI (fMRI) study was conducted to investigate the neural substrates of paradoxical and deductive reasoning. Twenty-four healthy participants were scanned using fMRI, while they engaged in reasoning tasks based on arguments, which were either Zeno’s like paradoxes (paradoxical reasoning) or Aristotelian arguments (deductive reasoning). Clusters of significant activation for paradoxical reasoning were located in bilateral inferior frontal and middle temporal gyrus. Clusters of significant activation for deductive reasoning were located in bilateral superior and inferior parietal lobe, precuneus, and inferior frontal gyrus. These results confirmed that different brain activation patterns are engaged for paradoxical vs. deductive reasoning providing a basis for future studies on human physiological as well as pathological reasoning.
COVID-19: A Source of Stress and Depression Among University Students and Poor Academic Performance
Authors: Jiang Zuopeng , Jia Xuhong , Tao Ran , Dördüncü Hazar
Published: May 2022

Current research examines how COVID-19 has impacted the daily life of students, specifically personal and academic aspects. The authors investigated the role of academic and family stress caused by COVID-19 on students' depression levels and the subsequent impact on their academic performance based on Lazarus' cognitive appraisal theory of stress. The non-probability convenience sampling technique has been used to collect data from undergraduate and postgraduate students using a modified questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. This study used structural equation modeling to examine the link between stress, depression, and academic performance during COVID-19. It was confirmed that educational and family stress significantly leads to depression among students, negatively affecting their academic performance and learning outcomes. This research provides valuable information to parents, educators, and other stakeholders concerned about their children's education and performance.
Changes in Indices of Steatosis and Fibrosis in Liver Grafts of Living Donors After Weight Reduction
Authors: Choi Jaehyuk , Choi YoungRok , Hong Su young , Suh Sanggyun , Hong Kwangpyo , Han Eui Soo , Lee Jeong-Moo , Hong Suk Kyun , Yi Nam-Joon , Lee Kwang-Woong , Suh Kyung-Suk
Published: May 2022

Background

A short-term weight reduction program for potential living donors was introduced to reduce the extent of hepatic steatosis prior to liver transplantation. We aimed to investigate changes in non-invasive hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices among those who completed the program.

Methods

Among 1,950 potential living liver donors between January 2011 and May 2019, 160 living donors joined the weight reduction program. The prospectively collected clinical data of these potential liver donors were analyzed retrospectively. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis scores were determined using the fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and compared to MR spectroscopy (MRS) fat fraction results before and after weight reduction.

Results

Thirty-nine potential living donors who had undergone MRS both before and after weight reduction were included in the analysis. Their body weight decreased from 78.02 ± 10.89 kg to 72.36 ± 10.38 kg over a mean of 71.74 ± 58.11 days. FLI, HSI, and MRS values decreased significantly from 41.52 ± 19.05 to 24.53 ± 15.93, 39.64 ± 3.74 to 35.06 ± 3.82, and 12.20 ± 4.05 to 6.24 ± 3.36, respectively. No significant decreases in NFS were observed. There was a significant correlation between the extent of HSI change and the extent of MRS change (R2 value = 0.69, P < 0.001), although there was no correlation between MRS and FLI.

Conclusion

The weight reduction program significantly improved non-invasive indices of hepatic steatosis over a short period. HSI may allow for prediction of simple decreases in hepatic steatosis.
Olecranon With Concomitant Radial Head Fracture: A Case Series of Fifteen Patients
Authors: Ditsios Konstantinos , Pitsilos Charalampos , Katsimentzas Triantafyllos , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Christidis Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Pericles
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Simultaneous olecranon and radial head fractures are rare injuries and due to this factor, the outcome of the selected therapy is not widely studied. The aim of this study is to report and evaluate the functional outcome of the surgical treatment of simultaneous olecranon and radial head fractures.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study of fifteen patients with concomitant olecranon and radial head fractures presenting to our orthopedic department between 2015 and 2020. Olecranon fractures were classified by Mayo classification and radial head fractures by Mason classification and were managed appropriately. Main outcome measures include range of elbow extension-flexion, pronation-supination, Broberg and Morrey rating system score, and quickDASH score.

Results

Our study included 6 females and 9 males with a mean age of 50 (r, 25–73). The mean of follow-up was 31 months (r, 3–51). Olecranon fractures were fixed with tension band with K-Wires or intramedullary compression screw or locking plate. Radial head fractures were fixed with headless compression screws or mini plate or replaced (radial head arthroplasty). Postoperatively, an average 115° extension-flexion arc and 135° pronation-supination arc was noted. The mean Broberg and Morrey rating system score was 78 and the mean quick DASH score was 25, indicating a good result. Two cases of heterotopic ossification were present and no nonunion was noted.

Conclusion

Surgical management of concomitant olecranon and radial head fractures with appropriate technique can result in the restoration of a functional movement arc and a satisfactory outcome.
3D Imaging Segmentation and 3D Rendering Process for a Precise Puncture Strategy During PCNL – a Pilot Study
Authors: Durutović Otaš , Filipović Aleksandar , Milićević Katarina , Somani Bhaskar , Emiliani Esteban , Skolarikos Andreas , Janković Milica M.
Published: May 2022

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is frequently used as the first-line treatment of large and complex stones. The key point for successful complex stone removal with minimal risk of complications is to establish the most appropriate access route. Understanding the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of kidney stones and renal collecting systems is crucial for planning and creating an optimal access route. By using a 3D volume segmentation tool a more accurate approach to the renal collecting system and stone treatment could be planned. The objective of this study was assessing the impact of 3D software in getting the desired access.
Antibiotic Therapy for Difficult-to-Treat Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Practical Approach
Authors: van den Bogaart Lorena , Manuel Oriol
Published: May 2022

Lung transplant recipients are at higher risk to develop infectious diseases due to multi-drug resistant pathogens, which often chronically colonize the respiratory tract before transplantation. The emergence of these difficult-to-treat infections is a therapeutic challenge, and it may represent a contraindication to lung transplantation. New antibiotic options are currently available, but data on their efficacy and safety in the transplant population are limited, and clinical evidence for choosing the most appropriate antibiotic therapy is often lacking. In this review, we provide a summary of the best evidence available in terms of choice of antibiotic and duration of therapy for MDR/XDR P. aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Mycobacterium abscessus complex and Nocardia spp. infections in lung transplant candidates and recipients.
Inhibitory Effects of High-Hydrostatic-Pressure Processing on Growth and Histamine Formation of Histamine-Forming Bacteria in Yellowfin Tuna Meat during Storage
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsiung , Hsieh Ching-Yu , Lee Yi-Chen , Ou Tsung-Yin , Chang Tien-Hsiang , Lee Shih-Hsiung , Tseng Chih-Hua , Tsai Yung-Hsiang
Published: May 2022

In the research, we evaluated the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the growth and histamine formation of histamine-forming bacteria (HFB) in yellowfin tuna meat during storage. Tuna meat samples inoculated with the individual HFB species Morganella morganii and Photobacterium phosphoreum were subjected to HPP treatment at 250, 350, 450, and 550 MPa for 5 min, and the changes in bacterial count, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) content, pH, and histamine content during storage at 4 and 15 °C were analyzed. The results indicate that the bacterial counts of the HFB species decreased significantly with increasing pressure, and HFB became undetectable in the samples treated at 450 and 550 MPa. At a storage temperature of 15 °C, the bacterial counts of both HFB species in the control group and samples subjected to HPP treatment at 250 and 350 MPa increased significantly with storage time. The bacterial counts of M. morganii in the samples stored at 4 °C decreased, whereas those of P. phosphoreum increased gradually owing to its psychrophilic nature. HPP treatment (>250 MPa) inhibited the increases in pH and TVBN content of the samples stored at 15 °C and delayed histamine formation in the samples during storage; these effects were more significant as the pressure during HPP treatment was increased.
ECIS Based Electric Fence Method for Measurement of Human Keratinocyte Migration on Different Substrates
Authors: Hung Yu-Han , Chiu Wei-Chih , Fuh Shyh-Rong , Lai Yi-Ting , Tung Tse-Hua , Huang Chun-Chung , Lo Chun-Min
Published: May 2022

Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) is an impedance-based, real-time, and label-free measuring system for monitoring cellular activities in tissue culture. Previously, ECIS wound healing assay has been used to wound cells with high electric current and monitor the subsequent cell migration. In this study, we applied ECIS electric fence (EF) method, an alternative to electrical wounding, to assess the effects of different surface coatings on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) migration. The EF prevents inoculated cells from attaching or migrating to the fenced electrode surface while maintaining the integrity of the surface coating. After the EF is turned off, cells migrate into the cell-free area, and the increase in measured impedance is monitored. We cultured HaCaT cells on gold electrodes without coating or coated with poly-L-lysin (PLL), poly-D-lysine (PDL), or type-I collagen. We quantified migration rates according to the different slopes in the impedance time series. It was observed that either poly-L-lysine (PLL) or poly-D-lysine (PDL) limits cell adhesion and migration rates. Furthermore, the surface charge of the coated substrate in the culture condition positively correlates with the cell adhesion and migration process. Our results indicate that the EF method is useful for determining cell migration rates on specific surface coatings.