bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel TAF-Related Signature Based on ECM Remodeling Genes Predicts Glioma Prognosis
Authors: Wang Lin-jian , Lv Peipei , Lou Yongli
Published: April 2022

The composition and abundance of immune and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) dramatically affect prognosis. Infiltration of immunosuppressive tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) is a hallmark of glioma. However, the mechanisms regulating TAF infiltration and the prognostic value of TAF-related genes in glioma remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed TAF infiltration by Estimating the Proportion of Immune and Cancer cells (EPIC) algorithm based on multiple glioma databases, including Glioblastoma and low-grade glioma merged cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA GBMLGG) cohort, the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) #325 cohort, and the CGGA #693 cohort. TAF infiltration was increased in glioblastoma (GBM), and elevated TAF infiltration predicted poorer survival in gliomas. Gene enrichment analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between low-grade glioma (LGG) and GBM were significantly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling-related signaling, which may contribute to immune escape and resistance to immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). To identify co-expression modules and candidate hub genes that may be associated with TAF infiltration, we performed weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of DEGs. Afterward, univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen the positive prognostic hub genes. Finally, a high-efficacy prediction signature was constructed based on the expression of S100A4, PLAUR, and EMP3. The signature correlated with the abundance of TAF infiltration in glioma and was an independent risk factor for glioma. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the TAF-related signature was a valuable prognostic biomarker in glioma and provided potential targets for integrative therapy of gliomas.
Mastocytosis: Fertility and Pregnancy Management in a Rare Disease
Authors: Ferrari Jacqueline , Benvenuti Pietro , Bono Elisa , Fiorelli Nicolas , Elena Chiara
Published: April 2022

Mastocytosis encompasses a subset of rare diseases, characterized by the presence and accumulation of abnormal neoplastic MC in various organ systems, including skin, bone marrow, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. Clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous, as they result from both MC mediator release and MC organ infiltration. Both pregnancy, a lifetime dominated by huge physiological changes, and labor can provide triggers that could induce worsening of mastocytosis symptoms. On the other hand, mastocytosis has relevant implications in obstetric management and prenatal care during all the pregnancy. In this review article, current knowledge about the impact of mastocytosis on fertility and pregnancy outcome will be reviewed and discussed, with the aim to provide clinical practice guidance for the evaluation and management of pregnancy and delivery in patients with cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis.
Prognostic Factors for 10-Year Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Cancer Receiving Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lai Quirino , Viveiros Andre , Iesari Samuele , Vitale Alessandro , Mennini Gianluca , Onali Simona , Hoppe-Lotichius Maria , Colasanti Marco , Manzia Tommaso M. , Mocchegiani Federico , Spoletini Gabriele , Agnes Salvatore , Vivarelli Marco , Tisone Giuseppe , Ettorre Giuseppe M. , Mittler Jens , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Rossi Massimo , Cillo Umberto , Schaefer Benedikt , Lerut Jan P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Long-term survival after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) continues to increase along with the modification of inclusion criteria. This study aimed at identifying risk factors for 5- and 10-year overall and HCC-specific death after LT.

Methods

A total of 1,854 HCC transplant recipients from 10 European centers during the period 1987–2015 were analyzed. The population was divided in three eras, defined by landmark changes in HCC transplantability indications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the significance of independent risk factors for survival.

Results

Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 68.1% and 54.4%, respectively. Two-hundred forty-two patients (13.1%) had HCC recurrence. Five- and 10-year recurrence rates were 16.2% and 20.3%. HCC-related deaths peaked at 2 years after LT (51.1% of all HCC-related deaths) and decreased to a high 30.8% in the interval of 6 to 10 years after LT. The risk factors for 10-year OS were macrovascular invasion (OR = 2.71; P = 0.001), poor grading (OR = 1.56; P = 0.001), HCV status (OR = 1.39; P = 0.001), diameter of the target lesion (OR = 1.09; P = 0.001), AFP slope (OR = 1.63; P = 0.006), and patient age (OR = 0.99; P = 0.01). The risk factor for 10-year HCC-related death were AFP slope (OR = 4.95; P < 0.0001), microvascular (OR = 2.13; P < 0.0001) and macrovascular invasion (OR = 2.32; P = 0.01), poor tumor grading (OR = 1.95; P = 0.001), total number of neo-adjuvant therapies (OR = 1.11; P = 0.001), diameter of the target lesion (OR = 1.11; P = 0.002), and patient age (OR = 0.97; P = 0.001). When analyzing survival rates in function of LT era, a progressive improvement of the results was observed, with patients transplanted during the period 2007–2015 showing 5- and 10-year death rates of 26.8% and 38.9% (vs. 1987–1996, P < 0.0001; vs. 1997–2006, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

LT generates long-term overall and disease-free survival rates superior to all other oncologic treatments of HCC. The role of LT in the modern treatment of HCC becomes even more valued when the follow-up period reaches at least 10 years. The results of LT continue to improve even when prudently widening the inclusion criteria for transplantation. Despite the incidence of HCC recurrence is highest during the first 5 years post-transplant, one-third of them occur later, indicating the importance of a life-long follow-up of these patients.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 and the Effects of Meteorological Factors in Hospitalized Children With Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Xu Ming , Yue Wei , Song Xinyue , Zeng Luyao , Liu Li , Zheng Jinwei , Chen Xiaofang , Lv Fangfang , Wen Shunhang , Zhang Hailin
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between meteorological factors and Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) infection among hospitalized children.

Methods

All hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections were tested for viral pathogens and enrolled, at the second affiliated hospital of Wenzhou medical university, between 2008 and 2017. Meteorological data were directly obtained from Wenzhou Meteorology Bureau's nine weather stations and expressed as the mean exposure for each 10-day segment (average daily temperatures, average daily relative humidity, rainfall, rainfall days, and wind speed). The correlation between meteorological factors and the incidence of HPIV-3 was analyzed, with an autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), generalized additive model (GAM), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO).

Results

A total of 89,898 respiratory specimens were tested with rapid antigen tests, and HPIV-3 was detected in 3,619 children. HPIV-3 was detected year-round, but peak activities occurred most frequently from March to August. The GAM and LASSO-based model had revealed that HPIV-3 activity correlated positively with temperature and rainfall day, but negatively with wind speed. The ARIMA (1,0,0)(0,1,1) model well-matched the observed data, with a steady R2 reaching 0.708 (Ljung-Box Q = 21.178, P = 0.172).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that temperature, rainfall days, and wind speed have significant impacts on the activity of HPIV-3. GAM, ARIMA, and LASSO-based models can well predict the seasonality of HPIV-3 infection among hospitalized children. Further understanding of its mechanism would help facilitate the monitoring and early warning of HPIV-3 infection.
TLR4 Gene Polymorphisms Interaction With Ascaris Infection in Severe RSV Bronchiolitis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Lindarte Erika Fernanda , Polack Fernando P.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The identification of gene-environment interactions allows the recognition of groups with higher risk of morbidity. This study evaluated the interaction between the presence of TLR4 gene polymorphisms and Ascaris infection with severe bronchiolitis in a tropical Colombian region.

Methods

We included all infants younger than 24 months hospitalized due to bronchiolitis in Hospital centers in the county of Rionegro, Colombia. To identify interaction between severe bronchiolitis and presence of TLR4 polymorphisms and Ascaris infection, we used log-binomial regression.

Results

Four hundred and seventeen infants were hospitalized due to bronchiolitis, of which 115 (27%) had severe bronchiolitis. In infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) acute infection and positive anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated to low risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 0.09, CI 95% 0.01–0.48). Conversely, in infants RSV negative with negative anti-Ascaris IgE, TLR4 Asp299Gly was associated with an increased risk of severe bronchiolitis (OR 14.5, CI 95% 2.2–96).

Conclusion

In our population there is an interaction between the presence of severe bronchiolitis, TLR4 Asp299Gly and Ile399Thr polymorphisms, anti-Ascaris IgE levels and RSV. This association should be evaluated in other populations to elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of severe bronchiolitis.
Methods to Assess Adult and Adolescent Patients’ Adherence to Antimalarial Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Heloísa Ferreira Pinto , Guaraldo Lusiele , Pedro Renata Saraiva , Damasceno Luana Santana , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Brasil Patrícia
Published: April 2022

Malaria is a curable disease for which early diagnosis and treatment, together with the elimination of vectors, are the principal control tools. Non-adherence to antimalarial treatment may contribute to therapeutic failure, development of antimalarial resistance, introduction or resurgence of malaria in non-endemic areas, and increased healthcare costs. The literature describes several methods to directly or indirectly assess adherence to treatment, but no gold standard exists. The main purpose of this review is to systematize the methods used to assess patient adherence to antimalarial treatment. A systematic review was performed, in accordance with the PRISMA statement, of the following databases: LILACS, EMBASE, PUBMED, COCHRANE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, and OPENGREY, through 14 December 2021. A snowball search was also performed by screening the references of the included studies as well as those cited in relevant reviews. Inclusion criteria were reporting assessment of the patient’s adherence to antimalarials in individuals with laboratory diagnosis of malaria, the description of antimalarials prescribed, and adherence estimates. Exclusion criteria were studies exclusively about directly observed therapy, studies of populations ≤12 yo and guidelines, commentaries, reviews, letters, or editorials. Study quality was assessed using MINORS and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Proportions were calculated to measure frequencies considering the number of articles as the denominator. Twenty-one studies were included in this review. Most of them (76.5%) assessed adherence to falciparum malaria treatment. Seventeen studies (80.9%) used a combination of methods. The methods described were pill counts, self-reports, biological assays, use of electronic pillboxes, and clinical cure. It was possible to identify different adherence classifications for all the methods used. Our review found that indirect methods like pill counts and self-reports are the most commonly used. Combining an method that gives solid proof of the ingestion of medication and a method that completes the research with information regarding factors, beliefs or barrier of adherence seems to be the best approach. Future studies of antimalarial treatment should standardize adherence classifications, and collect data on the types and causes of nonadherence, which can contribute to the development of tools to promote medication adherence.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020148054, identifier CRD42020148054
Antiplatelet Therapy in Atherothrombotic Diseases: Similarities and Differences Across Guidelines
Authors: Jourdi Georges , Marquis-Gravel Guillaume , Martin Anne-Céline , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Godier Anne , Gaussem Pascale
Published: April 2022

Antiplatelet therapy, mainly consisting of aspirin and P2Y12 receptor antagonists, is the cornerstone of the pharmacological treatment and prevention of atherothrombotic diseases. Its use, especially in secondary cardiovascular prevention, has significantly improved patient clinical outcomes in the last decades. Primary safety endpoint (i.e., bleeding complications) remain a major drawback of antiplatelet drugs. National and international societies have published and regularly updated guidelines for antiplatelet therapy aiming to provide clinicians with practical recommendations for a better handling of these drugs in various clinical settings. Many recommendations find common ground between international guidelines, but certain strategies vary across the countries, particularly with regard to the choice of molecules, dosage, and treatment duration. In this review, we detail and discuss the main antiplatelet therapy indications in the light of the different published guidelines and the significant number of recently published clinical trials and meta-analyses and highlight the areas that deserve further investigation in order to improve antiplatelet therapy in patients with atherothrombotic diseases.
An Automated Quantification Tool for Angiogenic Sprouting From Endothelial Spheroids
Authors: Kannan Pavitra , Schain Martin , Lane David P.
Published: April 2022

The process of sprouting angiogenesis can be measured in vitro using endothelial cells in sprouting assays such as the fibrin bead assay and the spheroid-based assay. While the technical aspects of these sprouting assays have been well-optimized, the analysis aspects have been limited to manual methods, which can be time-consuming and difficult to reproduce. Here, we developed an automated analysis tool called AQuTAS to quantify sprouting parameters from the spheroid-based sprouting assay. We trained and validated the algorithm on two subsets of data, and tested its sensitivity by measuring changes in sprouting parameters over a range of concentrations of pro- and antiangiogenic compounds. Our results demonstrate that the algorithm detects known differences in sprouting parameters in endothelial spheroids treated with pro- and antiangiogenic compounds. Moreover, it is sensitive to biological changes that are ≥40%. Among the five quantified parameters, cumulative sprout length is likely the most discriminative parameter for measuring differences in sprouting behavior because it had the highest effect size (>1.5 Cohen’s d). In summary, we have generated an automated tool that quantifies sprouting parameters from the spheroid-based assay in a reproducible and sensitive manner.
Abnormal Magnetoresistance Transport Properties of van der Waals Antiferromagnetic FeNbTe2
Authors: Qi Bao-tao , Guo Jun-Jie , Miao Ying-qing , Zhong Mian-zeng , Li Bo , Luo Zi-yan , Wang Xi-guang , Nie Yao-zhuang , Xia Qing-lin , Guo Guang-hua
Published: April 2022

The emergence of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnetic materials has attracted enormous attention due to their novel physical phenomena and potential application in the fields of spintronics and information storage technology. Here, we systematically study the magnetic and transport properties of a van der Waals antiferromagnetic material, FeNbTe2. The magnetic and magnetoresistance measurements verified its antiferromagnetic properties, spin glass state, and negative magnetoresistance effect at lower temperatures. In addition, the measurement results of transport also show the existence of angle-dependent anisotropic magnetoresistance in a wide temperature range and anisotropic magnetoresistance inversion in a certain temperature range.
Background Noise Suppression of Optical Sectioning Structured Illumination Microscopy via Fourier Domain Reconstruction
Authors: Dang Shipei , Qian Jia , Peng Tong , Bai Chen , Min Junwei , Wang Haixia , Yao Baoli , Dan Dan
Published: April 2022

Optical sectioning structured illumination microscopy (OS-SIM) has been attracting considerable interest in fast 3D microscopy. The reconstruction of optical sectioning images in the conventional method employs the root-mean-square (RMS) algorithm in the spatial domain, which is prone to residual background noise. To overcome this problem, we propose a Fourier domain based optical sectioning image reconstruction algorithm (termed Fourier-OS-SIM), which has an improved background noise suppression capability compared to the RMS algorithm. The experimental results verified the feasibility and the effectiveness of the algorithm. The improved performance of the Fourier-OS-SIM may find more applications in biomedical or industrial fields.
Tissue Flossing Around the Thigh Does Not Provide Acute Enhancement of Neuromuscular Function
Authors: Paravlic Armin H. , Segula Jure , Drole Kristina , Hadzic Vedran , Pajek Maja , Vodicar Janez
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, various methods are used for acute performance enhancement. The most recent of these is tissue flossing, which is becoming increasingly popular for both performance enhancement and rehabilitation. However, the effects of flossing on athletic performance have not been clearly demonstrated, which could be due to differences in the methodology used. In particular, the rest periods between the end of the preconditioning activity and the performance of the criterion task or assessment tools varied considerably in the published literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of applying tissue flossing to the thigh on bilateral countermovement jump performance and contractile properties of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle. Nineteen recreational athletes (11 males; aged 23.1 ± 2.7 years) were randomly assigned to days of flossing application (3 sets for 2 min of flossing with 2 min rest between sets) with preset experimental pressure (EXP = 95 ± 17.4 mmHg) or control condition (CON = 18.9 ± 3.5 mmHg). The first part of the measurements was performed before and after warm-up consisting of 5 min of cycling followed by dynamic stretching and specific jumping exercises, while the second part consisted of six measurement points after flossing application (0.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 min). The warm-up improved muscle response time (VL = -5%), contraction time (VL = -3.6%) muscle stiffness (VL = 17.5%), contraction velocity (VL = 23.5%), jump height (13.9%) and average power (10.5%). On the contrary, sustain time, half-relaxation time and take-off velocity stayed unaltered. Flossing, however, showed negative effects for muscle response time (F = 18.547, p < 0.001), contraction time (F = 14.899, p < 0.001), muscle stiffness (F = 8.365, p < 0.001), contraction velocity (F = 11.180, p < 0.001), jump height (F = 14.888, p < 0.001) and average power (F = 13.488, p < 0.001), whereas sustain time, half-relaxation time and take-off velocity were unaffected until the end of the study protocol regardless of condition assigned and/or time points of the assessment. It was found that the warm-up routine potentiated neuromuscular function, whereas the flossing protocol used in the current study resulted in fatigue rather than potentiation. Therefore, future studies aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship of different configurations of preconditioning activities on neuromuscular function are warranted.
Insulin Therapy is Associated With Increased Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in a Rodent Model of Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Adel Fadi W. , Zheng Ye , Wan Siu-Hin , Greason Christie , Pan Shuchong , Ameenuddin Syed , Chen Horng H.
Published: April 2022

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising. DM is a risk factor for developing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Insulin, commonly used to treat DM, is associated with further worsening of such outcomes. Yet, the pathophysiology of the adverse properties of insulin on the heart remains poorly defined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the biological effects of insulin on the heart in DM, which we tested in vivo in a diabetic rat model and in vitro on human cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: controls (n = 17), untreated diabetics (UDM, n = 15), and insulin-treated diabetics (IDM, n = 9). Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin. Insulin pumps in IDM and saline pumps in UDM and controls were implanted for 4 weeks before tissue collection. Separately, cultures of human cardiomyocytes (AC16) and human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF) were treated with insulin to assess apoptosis and fibrosis, respectively. In rats, insulin partially rescued the DM-associated weight loss while fully restoring euglycemia. However, IDM had 2 × the rate of LV fibrosis (p < 0.0001) compared to UDM, and triple the rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis compared to controls (p < 0.05). Similarly, in vitro, insulin triggered apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in AC16 cells, and it increased fibrosis and upregulated SMAD2 in HCF to levels comparable to Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1. Therefore, we conclude that insulin therapy is associated with increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Longer studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of insulin on cardiac structure and function.
Effects of Fallow Management Practices on Soil Water, Crop Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat Monoculture System: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Adil Muhammad , Zhang Shaohong , Wang Jun , Shah Adnan Noor , Tanveer Mohsin , Fiaz Sajid
Published: April 2022

Winter wheat monoculture is a predominant cropping system for agricultural production in dry areas. However, fallow management effects on soil water conservation and crop yield and water use have been inconsistent among studies. We selected 137 studies and performed a meta-analysis to test the effects of tillage and mulching during the fallow period on precipitation storage efficiency (PSE), soil water storage at wheat planting (SWSp), crop yield, evapotranspiration (ET), and water use efficiency (WUE). Compared to conventional tillage (CT), conservation tillage during fallow period overall increased PSE, SWSp and wheat yield by 31.0, 6.4, and 7.9%, respectively, but did not affect ET and WUE. No tillage (NT) had a better performance on soil water conservation during fallow period but a similar effect on wheat yield and WUE compared to reduced tillage (RT) and subsoil tillage (ST). Compared to no mulching, fallow mulching practices overall increased PSE by 19.4%, but had a non-significant impact on SWSp, wheat yield, and ET. Compared to straw mulching, film mulching, and stubble mulching during fallow period, cover cropping as a biological mulching decreased SWSp, wheat yield, and WUE significantly. Wheat WUE was improved by straw mulching but not affected by film mulching and stubble mulching. Strong interactions between tillage method and mulching practices were found for most variables. NT with fallow mulching or with no mulching exhibited a greater impact on soil water conservation during fallow period compared to other combinations. The effects of tillage and mulching during fallow period on soil water conservation and wheat yield and water use also varied with soil and climatic conditions. Overall, NT in combination with straw mulching significantly increased SWSp, PSE, wheat yield, and WUE and can be the best fallow management practice for winter wheat production in varying edaphic and climatic conditions.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal a Potential Mechanism to Improve Soybean Resistance to Anthracnose
Authors: Zhu Longming , Yang Qinghua , Yu Xiaomin , Fu Xujun , Jin Hangxia , Yuan Fengjie
Published: April 2022

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum, leads to large-scale reduction in quality and yield in soybean production. Limited information is available regarding the molecular mechanisms of resistance to anthracnose in soybean. We conducted a transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analysis of pods from two soybean lines, “Zhechun No. 3” (ZC3) and ZC-2, in response to C. truncatum infection. Factors contributing to the enhanced resistance of ZC-2 to anthracnose compared with that of ZC3, included signal transduction (jasmonic acid, auxin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Ca2+ signaling), transcription factors (WRKY and bHLH), resistance genes (PTI1, RPP13, RGA2, RPS6, and ULP2B), pathogenesis-related genes (chitinase and lipid transfer protein), and terpenoid metabolism. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that terpenoid metabolism responded more promptly and more intensely to C. truncatum infection in ZC-2 than in ZC3. In vitro antifungal activity and resistance induction test confirmed that jasmonic acid, auxin signaling and terpenoids played important roles in soybean resistance to anthracnose. This research is the first study to explore the molecular mechanisms of soybean resistance to anthracnose. The findings are important for in-depth analysis of molecular resistance mechanisms, discovery of resistance genes, and to expedite the breeding of anthracnose-resistant soybean cultivars.
Induction and Characterization of Tetraploid Through Zygotic Chromosome Doubling in Eucalyptus urophylla
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wang Jianzhong , Qiu Bingfa , Ma Zhongcai , Lu Te , Kang Xiangyang , Yang Jun
Published: April 2022

Improvements in plant growth can bring great benefits to the forest industry. Eucalyptus urophylla is an important plantation species worldwide, and given that ploidy increases are often associated with plant phenotype changes, it was reasoned that its polyploidization may have good prospects and great significance toward its cultivation. In this study, the zygotic development period of E. urophylla was observed through paraffin sections, and a correlation between the development time of flower buds after pollination and the zygotic development period was established. On this basis, it was determined that the 25th day after pollination was the appropriate time for a high temperature to induce zygotic chromosome doubling. Then tetraploid E. urophylla was successfully obtained for the first time through zygotic chromosome doubling induced by high temperature, and the appropriate conditions were treating flower branches at 44°C for 6 h. The characterization of tetraploid E. urophylla was performed. Chromosome duplication brought about slower growing trees with thicker leaves, larger cells, higher net photosynthetic rates, and a higher content of certain secondary metabolites. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms for the variation in the tetraploid’s characteristics were studied. The qRT-PCR results showed that genes mediating the tetraploid characteristics showed the same change trend as those of the characteristics, which verified that tetraploid trait variation was mainly caused by gene expression changes. Furthermore, although the tetraploid had no growth advantage compared with the diploid, it can provide important germplasm resources for future breeding, especially for the creation of triploids.
Biomass, Radiation Use Efficiency, and Nitrogen Utilization of Ratoon Rice Respond to Nitrogen Management in Central China
Authors: Zheng Chang , Wang Yuechao , Yang Desheng , Xiao Sen , Sun Yating , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Wang Fei
Published: April 2022

Ratoon rice is proposed as a promising way to improve rice productivity via increasing harvest frequency. Nitrogen (N) is the most effective in promoting the development and growth of ratoon plants. However, limited information is available on how different N management practices affect the biomass production of the ratoon crop (RC) through influencing canopy light interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and N utilization. Field experiments were conducted in central China in 2016 and 2017 to examine the effects of N management practices on the biomass accumulation of RC and the underlying physiological mechanisms. The N rates (100 vs. 200 kg N ha−1) in the main crop (MC) had a small and inconsistent effect on the biomass accumulation of RC. N application at 15 days after heading of MC for promoting bud development (Nbud, 100 kg N ha–1) increased total biomass production of RC by 17.2–19.1%, due to the improvements in both pre- and post-heading biomass production during the ratoon season (BPratoon). N application at 1–2 days after harvesting of MC for promoting the growth of regenerated tillers (Ntiller, 100 kg N ha–1) increased total biomass production of RC by 7.8–15.9% due to the improvements in post-heading BPratoon alone or both pre- and post-heading BPratoon. The differences in BPratoon caused by Nbud and Ntiller were associated with crop growth rate, leaf area index, RUE, and N uptake of RC. Total N uptake of RC was improved by Nbud through increasing stubble N content at harvest of MC and by Ntiller through increasing plant N uptake during the ratoon season. N use efficiency for BPratoon was reduced by Ntiller but not by Nbud. These results suggest that both Nbud and Ntiller play important roles in improving biomass production in RC, although Nbud was more efficient than Ntiller.
Short Term Effects of Inner Engineering Completion Online Program on Stress and Well-Being Measures
Authors: Upadhyay Preeti , Joshi Akshaj , Mishra Isha , Kelly Lauren , Novack Lena , Hariri Sepideh , Kveraga Kestutis , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a major disruptor of routine life, resulting in increased stress and predisposing people to negative outcomes, such as insomnia, anxiety and hopelessness. Mind-body interventions have improved concentration, emotional balance, and positive emotions, with an enhanced sense of productivity, and self-confidence. We therefore hypothesized that exposure to an online mind-body intervention, “Inner Engineering Completion Online (IECO),” would reduce stress and promote well-being.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled participants registered for the IECO courses, which for the first time were delivered remotely, online. Participants learned a 21-min meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya during the course, which incorporates controlled breathing and mediation techniques. Each enrolled participant was asked to complete self-reported electronic surveys at three key time points: at the time of consent, immediately after completing IECO, and 6 weeks after IECO completion. Effects of IECO practice were assessed using four well-validated neuropsychological scales: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Positive Emotion/Relationship/Engagement Scale (PERMA) Profiler, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A Signed Rank test was used to analyze the survey data and P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 375 participants interested in participation, 164 participants were eligible. Sixty-eight participants completed surveys at all time points and were identified as compliant participants. The baseline median score for PSS in compliant participants (n = 95) was 13.5 (IQR 9, 18); immediate post-IECO median PSS score was 12 (IQR 8, 16) demonstrating a 1.5 unit decrease in PSS scores (p-value = 0.0023). Similarly, comparing PSS scores in compliant participants (n = 68) for immediate Post IECO [11.5 (IQR 8, 15.5)] to PSS scores at six weeks [8 (IQR 4.5, 12.5)] showed a statistically significant 3.5-unit decrease, indicating a reduction in stress upon routine practice of the intervention (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Incorporating the remotely delivered mind-body intervention Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya into daily life via the IECO program over as few as 6 weeks produced a significant stress reduction, improvement in sleep quality and mindfulness.

Clinical Trial Registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04189146].
High Organization-Based Self-Esteem Is Associated With Lower Risk of Depressive Symptoms Among University Athletes
Authors: Noguri Ryusei , Kawata Yujiro , Yamaguchi Shinji , Shibata Nobuto , Ota Tsuneyoshi
Published: April 2022

As depressive symptoms can impair athletes’ healthy competitive life and lead to a decline in performance, it is necessary to identify and prevent these symptoms. Organization-based self-esteem is one of the factors that influence the mental health of the members of an organization. It has been found that employees with high organization-based self-esteem have good mental health. However, the relationship between organization-based self-esteem and mental health has not yet been investigated in athletes. Therefore, we aimed to develop an organization-based self-esteem scale for university athletes (Study I) and investigate the relationship between organization-based self-esteem and depressive symptoms (Study II). Study I included subsample A: 210 university athletes (average age 19.6 ± 0.64 years) and subsample B: 371 university athletes (average age 19.4 ± 0.90), who responded to the newly developed Organization-Based Self-Esteem Scale for University Athletes (OBSE-UA), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Sports Commitment Scale. To confirm the reliability of the developed scale, 2 weeks later they responded to the OBSE-UA again. In Study II, the participants were 232 university athletes (average age 19.5 ± 1.10 years), who completed the OBSE-UA developed in Study I and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. In Study I, we extracted a one-factor structure with six items for the OBSE-UA using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Sufficient validity and reliability were confirmed by examining the relationship between organization-based self-esteem and sports commitment scale and retest methods, respectively. In Study II, athletes with high organization-based self-esteem showed a 0.33 time lower risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, compared to athletes with low organization-based self-esteem.
No Influence of Emotional Faces or Autistic Traits on Gaze-Cueing in General Population
Authors: Uono Shota , Egashira Yuka , Hayashi Sayuri , Takada Miki , Ukezono Masatoshi , Okada Takashi
Published: April 2022

The present study addressed the controversial issue of whether autistic traits in the general population are associated with the automatic and fundamental aspects of joint attention through eye gaze. Specifically, we examined whether the degree of autistic traits is associated with the magnitude of reflexive attention orienting in the direction of another’s eye gaze embedded in neutral and emotional (angry, fearful, and happy) faces. The cue stimuli changed gaze direction and facial expressions simultaneously. Participants were asked to detect a target that appeared at the left or right of the cue stimuli. The results revealed a robust gaze-cueing effect, such that the reaction time to the target was shorter under the gazed-at-target condition than under the non-gazed-at-target condition. However, emotional expressions did not modulate the gaze-cueing effect. Furthermore, individual differences in autistic traits and emotional characteristics (social anxiety, alexithymia, and emotional disturbances) did not influence the magnitude of the gaze-cueing effect. Although the ability to orient attention in the direction of another’s gaze is a fundamental function of social development, the gaze-cueing effect measured in a controlled experiment might not be an elaborate representation of the current social cognitive function, at least in typically developing adults.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Management of Food Intake in the United Kingdom During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Randall Tennessee , Mellor Chloe , Wilkinson Laura L.
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted dietary quality through increased emotional eating and extended time spent at home, as well as instances of panic buying due to uncertainty over food availability. We recruited an opportunistic sample of 40 adults living in the United Kingdom (Female = 25; Mean age = 41.9 years) (SD = 14.4) without any prior history of eating disorders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in June 2020 and focused on the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on eating habits and experiences of panic buying. The data were transcribed and organized using the softwares Otter and Quirkos, respectively. Reflexive thematic analysis identified positive and negative changes to eating habits. Overall, themes highlighted that effective organization was vital to manage food purchases and consumption due to a reduced shopping frequency. However, overconsumption frequently occurred due to boredom and ease of accessing energy dense foods, which had negative implications for weight and body image. After indulging, participants attempted to revert to prior eating habits and adhere to a nutritious diet. Many also expressed the importance of having enough food to feed families, which was often reported as a reason for buying extra supplies. Understanding the long-term impacts of changes to eating habits that account for the novel coronavirus context is required to preserve health and prevent unintended changes to weight.
Serious Games as a Method for Enhancing Learning Engagement: Student Perception on Online Higher Education During COVID-19
Authors: Arias-Calderón Manuel , Castro Javiera , Gayol Silvina
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has enforced social isolation in many countries worldwide, which forced teachers at all levels of education, including the university context, to adapt new teaching strategies. This study presents a method developed in this regard, that is, serious games were used as a complement to synchronous online classes to ensure the continuity of pedagogical activities in a physiology course at Universidad Andrés Bello, Chile. Using serious games is a strategy in the field of gamification, which is a commonly used learning strategy for online teaching as necessitated by COVID-19. This study is quantitative in nature and conducted a questionnaire survey on 108 second-year undergraduate nursing students to determine their perception about this innovation. The results demonstrate that the students well valued the proposed pedagogical innovative model in terms of motivation and engagement. Moreover, they reported that the model can serve as a meaningful learning experience. These perceptions suggest that the model is an efficient strategy for implementing the physiology curricula in the context of online teaching. Moreover, the results imply that the model should be applied to other courses and disciplines in the undergraduate program and provide support that it is a valid strategy for face-to-face teaching. Lastly, the finding points to the potential of the model to be explored as a learning strategy in the age of education post-COVID-19.
Teacher Motivation and Burnout of English-as-a-Foreign-Language Teachers: Do Demotivators Really Demotivate Them?
Authors: Sato Masatoshi , Fernández Castillo Francisca , Oyanedel Juan Carlos
Published: April 2022

This study examined the relationships between teacher motivation (TM) and perceived burnout of English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teachers in Chile. A particular focus was given to demotivators and their impact on TM and burnout. The impact of COVID-19 was considered. Given that EFL teachers tend to be second language (L2) learners of English themselves, the study also investigated how TM and L2 motivation interact with each other. The participants were 154 school-level teachers with a range of backgrounds (teaching experience, geographic areas, and school sectors). In the questionnaire, four scales were included: (a) autonomous motivation for teaching; (b) demotivators; (c) perceived burnout; and (d) L2 motivation. Fifteen teachers were interviewed in order to triangulate the survey results. Structural equation modeling showed that TM negatively predicted perceived burnout, suggesting that it can counter teachers’ emotional exhaustion and their perceived lack of personal accomplishment. Demotivators predicted TM positively, albeit weakly. L2 motivation was found to be only weakly related to TM. Qualitative findings indicated that teaching experience mediated the role that demotivators played in relation to TM. Experienced teachers, especially those who held intrinsic motivation to teach, channeled the impact of demotivators, including those relating to the pandemic, to a positive motivational force to teach. The study implies the importance of considering teachers as agents and devising an educational system in which their mental health is prioritized.
Maladaptive Daydreaming: Epidemiological Data on a Newly Identified Syndrome
Authors: Soffer-Dudek Nirit , Theodor-Katz Nitzan
Published: April 2022

Background

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a recently identified psychological disorder, characterized by excessively and addictively engaging in vivid, narrative, intensely emotional fantasy activity, at times with the aid of music and/or repetitive movements, causing distress and functional impairment. Over 100,000 self-diagnosed individuals are active online and thousands of them have been researched; yet there are no studies using clinical interviews on large, systematic general (non-MD) samples, to assess the estimated prevalence of this suggested disorder, and establish norms for its main psychometric tool.

Methods

Four independent Israeli samples (three student samples, and one sample representing the general Jewish-Israeli population; total N = 1,023) self-reported MD. In two samples, those exceeding the cutoff score for suspected MD were invited for a structured clinical interview.

Results

The skewness of most items of the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16) supports the notion of MD as a binary construct rather than a normally distributed trait. In the community sample, 4.2% exceeded the cutoff for suspected MD. Rates were higher when focusing on the young adult age group or student samples (5.5–8.5%), suggesting a likely age effect. Following clinical interviews, only 60% of interviewed respondents met criteria for diagnosis, suggesting a true point-prevalence of 2.5% in the Israeli-Jewish population.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic clinical evaluation of the prevalence of MD. In an Israeli sample, a point-prevalence of 2.5% was found, like several other internalizing psychiatric syndromes. This result, along with the Non-normal nature of item distribution, both support the validity of MD as a psychological disorder, which should be considered as a potential addition to future psychiatric diagnostic manuals.
Transformation Beyond COVID-19: Accessibility in Lived Experience Involvement in Research Post Pandemic. Experience, Reflections and Future Direction From the Closing the Gap Network and OWLS Study
Authors: Walker Lauren , Crosland Suzanne , Johnston Gordon , Peckham Emily J.
Published: April 2022

Research literature published during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the loss of involvement opportunities for people with lived experience during the pandemic as well as the vital role lived experience advisors play at all times, including highlighting unseen aspects of the impacts of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, researchers from the Closing the Gap Network (CtG) at the University of York worked to expand and diversify patient and public involvement (PPI) whist working on a study exploring the impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on those with the most severe forms of mental ill health. CtG had a strong record of patient and public involvement pre-pandemic and researchers wanted to ensure that this continued during the pandemic. This paper describes the experience of lived experience involvement during the pandemic from multiple perspectives and makes recommendations for future involvement models, accessibility and recommendations for future research.
Trends in HIV Prevalence and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Male Students Who Have Sex With Men From 2016 to 2020 in Nanjing, China: Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Wu Sushu , Fu Xuezhen , Ding Jie , Xu Wenjiong , Li Xin , Shi Hongjie , Qiao Mengkai , Zhu Zhengping
Published: April 2022

Background

The growing HIV epidemic among student men who have sex with men (MSM) necessitates immediate attention from public health. In China, male students who have sex with men (SMSM) were also at an increasing risk of HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in HIV prevalence, HIV-related risk behaviors, and HIV testing, as well as analyze the factors associated with HIV infection among SMSM in Nanjing.

Methods

Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaire interviews and laboratory testing in Nanjing. The participants were recruited among SMSM by snowball sampling and internet-recruited convenience sampling annually from 2016 to 2020. The self-report data primarily included demographics, HIV knowledge, HIV-related behaviors, and HIV testing, while the laboratory test results of HIV and syphilis were collected. Linear-by-linear chi-square test was used to analyze the trends of HIV/syphilis prevalence and its risk behaviors. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the factors associated with HIV infection.

Results

During the 5 years from 2016 to 2020, a total of 775 SMSM were recruited in our survey (220, 112, 171, 142, and 120, respectively). The HIV prevalence was 5.2, 6.3, 5.3, 7.0, and 8.3%, without a significant increasing trend (P = 0.277). Syphilis prevalence fluctuated from 5.7% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2020, without a significant decreasing trend (P = 0.318). The proportion of consistent condom use in anal intercourse (48.5 to 56.2%, P < 0.05), and HIV testing in the past 12 months (51.0 to 59.2%, P < 0.05) were increasing. A remarkable growing trend has been reported in the percentage of MSM with more than one male sex partner (46.2 to 59.2%, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that HIV testing in the past 12 months was a protective factor against HIV infection. MSM who had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 6 months, recreational drug use, and currently syphilis infection were risk factors for HIV infection.

Conclusions

We observed stable HIV/ syphilis prevalence, increasing consistent condom use, increasing HIV testing rate, and increasing multiple male sex partners dramatically among SMSM in China. The original comprehensive intervention measures should be continuously strengthened for the subgroup. To satisfy the current HIV prevention requirements, new biological interventions should be introduced and carried out as major components of combination prevention programs.