bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is a Ketogenic Diet Superior to a High-Fat, High-Cholesterol Diet Regarding Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis?
Authors: Liu Chin-Yu , Chang Ting-Chia , Lin Shyh-Hsiang , Tsao Chih-Wei
Published: February 2022

The study aimed to determine effects of a ketogenic diet on metabolic dysfunction, testicular antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, inflammation, and spermatogenesis in a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-induced obese mice model. Forty-two male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a normal diet (NC group) or a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet (HFC group) for 16 weeks, and mice from the HFC group were later randomly divided into two groups: the first were maintained on the original HFC diet, and the second were fed a medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT)-based ketogenic diet for 8 weeks (KD group). A poor semen quality was observed in the HFC group, but this was eliminated by the ketogenic diet. Both the HFC and KD groups exhibited enhanced apoptosis protein expressions in testis tissue, including caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, and higher inflammation protein expressions, including TNF-α and NF-κB. However, the KD group exhibited a statistically-significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and an increased glutathione peroxidase level as compared with the HFC group. The HFC diet induced obesity in mice, which developed body weight gain, abnormal relative organ weights, metabolic dysfunction, and liver injury. Overall, the results showed that a ketogenic diet attenuated oxidative stress and improved the semen quality reduced by the HFC diet.
Nutritional Improvement of Gluten-Free Breadsticks by Olive Cake Addition and Sourdough Fermentation: How Texture, Sensory, and Aromatic Profile Were Affected?
Authors: Caponio Giusy Rita , Difonzo Graziana , de Gennaro Giuditta , Calasso Maria , De Angelis Maria , Pasqualone Antonella
Published: February 2022

There is a growing need for gluten-free bakery products with an improved nutritional profile. Currently, gluten-free baked goods deliver low protein, fiber, and mineral content and elevated predicted glycaemic index (pGI). Olive cake (OC), a by-product from virgin olive oil extraction, is an excellent natural source of unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and bioactive molecules, including polyphenols and tocopherols. In this framework, this study aimed at using two selected lactic acid bacteria and a yeast for increasing the antioxidant features and the phenol profile of the gluten-free breadsticks fortified with OC with the perspective of producing a functional food. Control (CTR) samples were prepared and compared with fermented ones (fCTR). Samples were added with either non-fermented OC (nfOC) or fermented for 12 and 20 h (fOC-12 and fOC-20). Our results showed that the predicted glycemic index (pGI) was influenced by both OC addition and sourdough fermentation. In fact, the lowest value of pGI was found in fOC-12, and hydrolysis index and pGI values of samples with OC (fOC-12 and nfOC) were statistically lower than fCTR. Both OC addition and fermentation improved the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of breadsticks. The most pronounced increase in hardness values was observed in the samples subjected to sourdough fermentation as evidenced both from texture profile analysis and sensory evaluation. Moreover, in most cases, the concentration of the detected volatile compounds was reduced by fermentation. Our work highlights the potential of OC to be upcycled in combination with fermentation to produce gluten-free breadsticks with improved nutritional profile, although additional trials are required to enhance textural and sensory profile.
Therapeutic Targeting of Minimal Residual Disease to Prevent Late Recurrence in Hormone-Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: Challenges and New Approaches
Authors: Cescon David W. , Kalinsky Kevin , Parsons Heather A. , Smith Karen Lisa , Spears Patricia A. , Thomas Alexandra , Zhao Fengmin , DeMichele Angela
Published: February 2022

While the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed at a curable stage, approximately 20% of women will experience recurrence at a distant site during their lifetime. These metastatic recurrences are incurable with current therapeutic approaches. Over the past decade, the biologic mechanisms underlying these recurrences have been elucidated, establishing the existence of minimal residual disease in the form of circulating micrometastases and dormant disease, primarily in the bone marrow. Numerous technologies are now available to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) after breast cancer treatment, but it is yet unknown how to best target and eradicate these cells, and whether clearance of detectable disease prior to the formation of overt metastases can prevent ultimate progression and death. Clinical trials to test this hypothesis are challenging due to the rare nature of MRD in the blood and bone marrow, resulting in the need to screen a large number of survivors to identify those for study. Use of prognostic molecular tools may be able to direct screening to those patients most likely to harbor MRD, but the relationship between these predictors and MRD detection is as yet undefined. Further challenges include the lack of a definitive assay for MRD with established clinical utility, difficulty in selecting potential interventions due to limitations in understanding the biology of MRD, and the emotional impact of detecting MRD in patients who have completed definitive treatment and have no evidence of overt metastatic disease. This review provides a roadmap for tackling these challenges in the design and implementation of interventional clinical trials aimed at eliminating MRD and ultimately preventing metastatic disease to improve survival from this disease, with a specific focus on late recurrences in ER+ breast cancer.
Mechanism of Lethal Skin Toxicities Induced by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors and Related Treatment Strategies
Authors: Li Yanping , Fu Ruoqiu , Jiang Tingting , Duan Dongyu , Wu Yuanlin , Li Chen , Li Ziwei , Ni Rui , Li Li , Liu Yao
Published: February 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are widely used to treat various types of cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer. Adverse reactions such as skin toxicity, interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, ocular toxicity, hypomagnesemia, stomatitis, and diarrhea may occur during treatment. Because the EGFR signaling pathway is important for maintaining normal physiological skin function. Adverse skin reactions occurred in up to 90% of cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors, including common skin toxicities (such as papulopustular exanthemas, paronychia, hair changes) and rare fatal skin toxicities (e.g., Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis). This has led to the dose reduction or discontinuation of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of cancer. Recently, progress has been made about research on the skin toxicity of EGFR inhibitors. Here, we summarize the mechanism of skin toxicity caused by EGFR inhibitors, measures to prevent severe fatal skin toxicity, and provide reference for medical staff how to give care and treatment after adverse skin reactions.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in LEP and LEPR Associated With Breast Cancer Risk: Results From a Multicenter Case–Control Study in Chinese Females
Authors: Li Liang , Meng Xingchen , Liu Liyuan , Xiang Yujuan , Wang Fei , Yu Lixiang , Zhou Fei , Zheng Chao , Zhou Wenzhong , Cui Shude , Tian Fuguo , Fan Zhimin , Geng Cuizhi , Cao Xuchen , Yang Zhenlin , Wang Xiang , Liang Hong , Wang Shu , Jiang Hongchuan , Duan Xuening , Wang Haibo , Li Guolou , Wang Qitang , Zhang Jianguo , Jin Feng , Tang Jinhai , Li Liang , Zhu Shiguang , Zuo Wenshu , Ye Chunmiao , Yin Gengshen , Ma Zhongbing , Huang Shuya , Yu Zhigang
Published: February 2022

Background

Leptin (LEP) plays a physiological role through its specific receptor (LEPR) and is involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Our current study aimed at determining the influence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for LEP and LEPR on breast cancer risk.

Methods

In the present study, 963 breast cancer cases and 953 controls were enrolled. Five SNPs of LEP and two of LEPR were chosen to evaluate the correlation of selected SNPs with breast cancer susceptibility among women in northern and eastern China. Analyses were further stratified by body mass index (BMI), waist–hip rate (WHR), estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor status. The expression patterns of risk variant-associated genes were detected by expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis with eQTLGen and The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

Results

There were significant differences between breast cancer cases and control groups in the menopausal status and family history of breast cancer. Two SNPs (rs1137101 and rs4655555) of the LEPR gene decreased overall breast cancer risk, and other five SNPs showed no significant association with breast cancer risk. rs1137101 (GA vs. GG; adjusted OR = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.578–0.894, p = 0.003) and rs4655555 (TT vs. AA; adjusted OR = 0.574, 95% CI = 0.377–0.873, p = 0.009) significantly decreased breast cancer risk after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. In subgroup analyses, the GA and GA + AA genotypes of LEPR rs1137101 associated with decreased breast cancer risk in the subgroup of BMI ≤ 24 kg/m2 or WHR ≥ 0.85 after Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, we found that the expressions of rs4655555-associated gene LEPR and leptin receptor overlapping transcript (LEPROT) were upregulated in breast cancer tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, and a higher expression of LEPR in tumor tissues was correlated with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients using The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) data.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the polymorphisms rs1137101 and rs4655555 located in the LEPR gene decreased breast cancer risk in Chinese females, which might be a research-worthy bio-diagnostic marker and applied for early prediction and risk assessment of breast cancer.
Assessing Post-Treatment Pathologic Tumor Response in Female Genital Tract Carcinomas: An Update
Authors: Inzani Frediano , Arciuolo Damiano , Angelico Giuseppe , Santoro Angela , Travaglino Antonio , D’Alessandris Nicoletta , Scaglione Giulia , Valente Michele , Cianfrini Federica , Raffone Antonio , Zannoni Gian Franco
Published: February 2022

In the last decades, several new therapeutic strategies have been introduced in the field of gynecologic oncology. These include neoadjuvant chemotherapy for high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma, hormonal fertility-sparing strategies for endometrial cancer, pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) for surgically incurable peritoneal metastasis, and neoadjuvant treatments for locally advanced cervical carcinomas. All these recent advances lead to the development of novel scoring systems for the evaluation of pathological response related to specific treatments. In this regard, pathological evaluation of the morphological modifications related to these treatments and the definition of a tumor regression grading score have been introduced in clinical practice in order to achieve a more efficient prognostic stratification of patients affected by gynecological malignancies. The aim of the present paper is to provide a detailed review on the post-treatment pathological scoring systems in patients affected by gynecological malignancies.
Molecular Pathways in Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Minireview of New Insights
Authors: Fortarezza Francesco , Pezzuto Federica , Marzullo Andrea , Cavone Domenica , Romano Daniele Egidio , d’Amati Antonio , Serio Gabriella , Vimercati Luigi
Published: February 2022

Mesothelioma is a rare malignant neoplasm with poor survival. It mainly affects the pleura (90%) but can arise in all serous cavities: peritoneum (5-10%), pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis (<1%). The onset of pleural mesothelioma is strictly related to asbestos exposure with a long latency time. The causal link with asbestos has also been suggested for peritoneal mesothelioma, while the importance of exposure in the onset of pericardial and tunica vaginalis testis mesotheliomas is not well known. Mesothelioma remains an aggressive and fatal disease with a five-year mortality rate higher than 95%. However, new therapeutic approaches based on molecular-targeted and immunomodulatory therapies are being explored but have conflicting results. In this context, the identification of critical targets appears mandatory. Awareness of the molecular and physiological changes leading to the neoplastic degeneration of mesothelial cells and the identification of gene mutations, epigenetic alterations, gene expression profiles and altered pathways could be helpful for selecting targetable mechanisms and molecules. In this review, we aimed to report recent research in the last 20 years focusing on the molecular pathways and prognostic factors in peritoneal mesothelioma and their possible diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Role of Corticosteroids in Drug-Induced Liver Injury. A Systematic Review
Authors: Björnsson Einar S. , Vucic Vesna , Stirnimann Guido , Robles-Díaz Mercedes
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Apart from cessation of the implicated agent leading to drug-induced liver injury (DILI), there is no standard therapy for DILI. Corticosteroids have been used in DILI, although their efficacy is unclear. Published data showed either beneficial effects or no improvement associated with steroid therapy. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of DILI.

Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, searching for the terms: “corticosteroids” and “drug-induced liver injury”. Observation studies were included, but case reports excluded.

Results: A total of 24 papers were retrieved. Most of these were observational studies on the effects of corticosteroids in moderate/severe DILI (n = 8), reports on the corticosteroid treatment in patients with drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis (DI-AIH) (n = 5), and effects of corticosteroids in drug-induced fulminant acute liver failure (ALF, n = 2). Furthermore, treatment of corticosteroids in patients with liver injury due to check point inhibitors (CPIs) was addressed in nine studies. In moderate/severe DILI, six out of eight studies suggested steroid treatment to be beneficial, whereas two studies showed negative results. All five observational studies on the effects of corticosteroids in DI-AIH showed good therapeutic response with rapid and long lasting effects after discontinuation of corticosteroids and without evidence of relapse. Steroid therapy was not associated with improved overall survival in patients with drug-induced fulminant ALF. CPIs-induced liver injury was found to improve spontaneously in 33–50% without corticosteroids, and the rate of patients who were treated responded to steroids in 33–100% (mean 72%).

Conclusions: The majority of studies analyzing the effects of corticosteroids in moderate/severe DILI have demonstrated beneficial effects. However, this was not the case in drug-induced fulminant ALF. Patients with DI-AIH had an excellent response to corticosteroids. The majority of those with CPIs-induced liver injury responded to corticosteroids; however, patients without treatment usually recovered spontaneously. The observational design and comparison with historical controls in these studies makes it very difficult to draw conclusions on the efficacy of corticosteroids in DILI. Therefore, there is a strong need for a randomized controlled trial to properly assess the role of corticosteroids in DILI.
Knowledge Gaps in the Pharmacokinetics of Therapeutic Proteins in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Meibohm Bernd
Published: February 2022

Therapeutic proteins such as monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives, fusions proteins, hormone analogs and enzymes for replacement therapy are an ever-growing mainstay in our pharmacopoeia. While a growing number of these medications are developed for and used in younger and younger pediatric patients, knowledge gaps in the basic understanding of the molecular and physiologic processes governing the disposition of these compounds in the human body and their modulation by age and childhood development are a hindrance to the effective and timely development and clinical use of these compounds, especially in very young pediatric patient populations. This is particularly the case for the widespread lack of information on the ontogeny and age-associated expression and function of receptor systems that are involved in the molecular processes driving the pharmacokinetics of these compounds. This article briefly highlights three receptor systems as examples, the neonatal Fc receptor, the asialoglycoprotein receptor, and the mannose receptor. It furthermore provides suggestions on how these gaps should be addressed and prioritized to provide the field of pediatric clinical pharmacology the urgently needed tools for a more effective development and clinical utilization of this important class of drugs with rapidly evolving importance as cornerstone in pediatric pharmacotherapy.
Identity Determinants of the Translocation Signal for a Type 1 Secretion System
Authors: Spitz Olivia , Erenburg Isabelle N. , Kanonenberg Kerstin , Peherstorfer Sandra , Lenders Michael H. H. , Reiners Jens , Ma Miao , Luisi Ben F. , Smits Sander H. J. , Schmitt Lutz
Published: February 2022

The toxin hemolysin A was first identified in uropathogenic E. coli strains and shown to be secreted in a one-step mechanism by a dedicated secretion machinery. This machinery, which belongs to the Type I secretion system family of the Gram-negative bacteria, is composed of the outer membrane protein TolC, the membrane fusion protein HlyD and the ABC transporter HlyB. The N-terminal domain of HlyA represents the toxin which is followed by a RTX (Repeats in Toxins) domain harboring nonapeptide repeat sequences and the secretion signal at the extreme C-terminus. This secretion signal, which is necessary and sufficient for secretion, does not appear to require a defined sequence, and the nature of the encoded signal remains unknown. Here, we have combined structure prediction based on the AlphaFold algorithm together with functional and in silico data to examine the role of secondary structure in secretion. Based on the presented data, a C-terminal, amphipathic helix is proposed between residues 975 and 987 that plays an essential role in the early steps of the secretion process.
Astrocytic MicroRNA in Ageing, Inflammation, and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Chu Aimee J. , Williams Joanna M.
Published: February 2022

Astrocytes actively regulate numerous cell types both within and outside of the central nervous system in health and disease. Indeed, astrocyte morphology, gene expression and function, alongside the content of astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs), is significantly altered by ageing, inflammatory processes and in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the relevant emerging literature focussed on perturbation in expression of microRNA (miRNA), small non-coding RNAs that potently regulate gene expression. Synthesis of this literature shows that ageing-related processes, neurodegenerative disease-associated mutations or peptides and cytokines induce dysregulated expression of miRNA in astrocytes and in some cases can lead to selective incorporation of miRNA into ADEVs. Analysis of the miRNA targets shows that the resulting downstream consequences of alterations to levels of miRNA include release of cytokines, chronic activation of the immune response, increased apoptosis, and compromised cellular functioning of both astrocytes and ADEV-ingesting cells. We conclude that perturbation of these functions likely exacerbates mechanisms leading to neuropathology and ultimately contributes to the cognitive or motor symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. This field requires comprehensive miRNA expression profiling of both astrocytes and ADEVs to fully understand the effect of perturbed astrocytic miRNA expression in ageing and neurodegenerative disease.
Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training Combined With Regular Tennis Training Program on Sprint and Change of Direction of Children
Authors: Wang Zhi-Hai , Pan Rui-Cheng , Huang Meng-Ru , Wang Dan
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (NMT) on sprint and the ability to change direction for children who are between the ages of 7 and 8 and beginning to play tennis.

Methods

Thirty-two participants were randomized into a training group (TG; n = 16) and a control group (CG; n = 16). All participants attended tennis classes twice a week for a continuous 8 weeks. In addition, the TG received NMT (e.g., 20-m sprints, running at four corners, rope ladder drills, etc.), which progressed in difficulty every 2 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements, including a 30-m sprint test, a 5–10–5 test, and a 3 × 10 m shuttle run test, were assessed by a Smartspeed laser timing gate system, while the spider agility test was evaluated with a stopwatch.

Results

Two-way repeated measures ANOVA found significant differences in the interaction between time and group among variables measured. Results were as follows: time in the 30 m sprint (F = 13.467, 95% CI = 7.163–7.506, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.310, Δ = 0.42 s); 5–10–5 test (F = 13.975, 95% CI = 8.696–9.017, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.318, Δ = 0.78 s); 3 × 10 m shuttle run (F = 7.605, 95% CI = 11.213–11.642, p = 0.01, η2p = 0.202, Δ = 0.77 s); and spider agility test (F = 34.555, 95% CI = 28.258–29.670, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.535, Δ = 3.96 s). The results demonstrated a greater decrease in sprint and change of direction (COD) time among the TG than the CG from pre-intervention to post-intervention.

Conclusion

A regular tennis training combined with NMT program could produce greater improvement in a player’s sprint and ability to change direction when introduced to childhood tennis beginners in a sensitive period, compared to tennis class intervention only.
Towards Sensor-Based Phenotyping of Physical Barriers of Grapes to Improve Resilience to Botrytis Bunch Rot
Authors: Herzog Katja , Schwander Florian , Kassemeyer Hanns-Heinz , Bieler Evi , Dürrenberger Markus , Trapp Oliver , Töpfer Reinhard
Published: February 2022

Botrytis bunch rot is one of the economically most important fungal diseases in viticulture (aside from powdery mildew and downy mildew). So far, no active defense mechanisms and resistance loci against the necrotrophic pathogen are known. Since long, breeders are mostly selecting phenotypically for loose grape bunches, which is recently the most evident trait to decrease the infection risk of Botrytis bunch rot. This study focused on plant phenomics of multiple traits by applying fast sensor technologies to measure berry impedance (ZREL), berry texture, and 3D bunch architecture. As references, microscopic determined cuticle thickness (MSCT) and infestation of grapes with Botrytis bunch rot were used. ZREL hereby is correlated to grape bunch density OIV204 (r = −0.6), cuticle thickness of berries (r = 0.61), mean berry diameter (r = −0.63), and Botrytis bunch rot (r = −0.7). However, no correlation between ZREL and berry maturity or berry texture was observed. In comparison to the category of traditional varieties (mostly susceptible), elite breeding lines show an impressive increased ZREL value (+317) and a 1-μm thicker berry cuticle. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on LGs 2, 6, 11, 15, and 16 were identified for ZREL and berry texture explaining a phenotypic variance of between 3 and 10.9%. These QTLs providing a starting point for the development of molecular markers. Modeling of ZREL and berry texture to predict Botrytis bunch rot resilience revealed McFadden R2 = 0.99. Taken together, this study shows that in addition to loose grape bunch architecture, berry diameter, ZREL, and berry texture values are probably additional parameters that could be used to identify and select Botrytis-resilient wine grape varieties. Furthermore, grapevine breeding will benefit from these reliable methodologies permitting high-throughput screening for additional resilience traits of mechanical and physical barriers to Botrytis bunch rot. The findings might also be applicable to table grapes and other fruit crops like tomato or blueberry.
Stromal Protein Chloroplast Development and Biogenesis1 Is Essential for Chloroplast Development and Biogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chen Weijie , Huang Jingang , Chen Shiwei , Zhang Lin , Rochaix Jean-David , Peng Lianwei , Xin Qiang
Published: February 2022

Although numerous studies have been carried out on chloroplast development and biogenesis, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still largely elusive. Here, we characterized a chloroplast stromal protein Chloroplast Development and Biogenesis1 (CDB1). The knockout cdb1 mutant exhibits a seedling-lethal and ivory leaf phenotype. Immunoblot and RNA blot analyses show that accumulation of chloroplast ribosomes is compromised in cdb1, resulting in an almost complete loss of plastid-encoded proteins including the core subunits of the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) RpoB and RpoC2, and therefore in impaired PEP activity. Orthologs of CDB1 are found in green algae and land plants. Moreover, a protein shows high similarity with CDB1, designated as CDB1-Like (CDB1L), is present in angiosperms. Absence of CDB1L results in impaired embryo development. While CDB1 is specifically located in the chloroplast stroma, CDB1L is localized in both chloroplasts and mitochondria in Arabidopsis. Thus, our results demonstrate that CDB1 is indispensable for chloroplast development and biogenesis through its involvement in chloroplast ribosome assembly whereas CDB1L may fulfill a similar function in both mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Diversity in Fruit Morphology and Nutritional Composition of Juglans mandshurica Maxim in Northeast China
Authors: Li Zhixin , Wang Weihuai , Zhang Haixiao , Liu Jinhong , Shi Baoying , Dai Weizhao , Liu Kewu , Zhang Hanguo
Published: February 2022

Although Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim) is widely distributed in northeast China, very few studies had been reported on its diversity among different populations. We surveyed 12 J. mandshurica populations in their native habitats across the northeast region of China and profiled 13 fruit morphological traits. We found a large degree of variations for these traits, especially for fruit weight (coefficient of variation, or CV of 22.00%), nut weight (CV of 19.42%), and kernel weight (CV of 19.89%). Statistical analysis showed that a large portion of the total variation can be attributed to within-population variation (66.64%), followed by random error (20.96%). We also comprehensively quantified the nutritional composition including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and micronutrients. Similar to fruit morphological traits, we found large variation for most kernel components, which mostly can be explained by within-population variation. Further correlation analysis revealed the dependence of some morphological and nutritional traits on key geographical and ecological factors such as latitude, accumulated temperature, and day length. For instance, a significant positive correlation was found between fruit dimensions and equivalent latitude and precipitation, indicating that such factors should be considered for breeding. Taken together, our data provided a rich dataset for characterizing the variation among J. mandshurica populations and a foundation for selective breeding.
Wheat-Net: An Automatic Dense Wheat Spike Segmentation Method Based on an Optimized Hybrid Task Cascade Model
Authors: Zhang Jiajing , Min An , Steffenson Brian J. , Su Wen-Hao , Hirsch Cory D. , Anderson James , Wei Jian , Ma Qin , Yang Ce
Published: February 2022

Precise segmentation of wheat spikes from a complex background is necessary for obtaining image-based phenotypic information of wheat traits such as yield estimation and spike morphology. A new instance segmentation method based on a Hybrid Task Cascade model was proposed to solve the wheat spike detection problem with improved detection results. In this study, wheat images were collected from fields where the environment varied both spatially and temporally. Res2Net50 was adopted as a backbone network, combined with multi-scale training, deformable convolutional networks, and Generic ROI Extractor for rich feature learning. The proposed methods were trained and validated, and the average precision (AP) obtained for the bounding box and mask was 0.904 and 0.907, respectively, and the accuracy for wheat spike counting was 99.29%. Comprehensive empirical analyses revealed that our method (Wheat-Net) performed well on challenging field-based datasets with mixed qualities, particularly those with various backgrounds and wheat spike adjacence/occlusion. These results provide evidence for dense wheat spike detection capabilities with masking, which is useful for not only wheat yield estimation but also spike morphology assessments.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Genes in Triticeae Species Reveals That TaSHMT3A-1 Regulates Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Hu Ping , Song Puwen , Xu Jun , Wei Qichao , Tao Ye , Ren Yueming , Yu Yongang , Li Dongxiao , Hu Haiyan , Li Chengwei
Published: February 2022

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) plays a pivotal role in cellular one-carbon, photorespiration pathways and it influences the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the function of SHMT proteins in wheat remains largely unexplored. In the present study, SHMT genes in five Triticeae species, Oryza sativa, and four dicotyledon species were identified based on whole genome information. The origin history of the target gene was traced by micro-collinearity analysis. Gene expression patterns of TaSHMTs in different tissues, various biotic stresses, exogenous hormones, and two biotic stresses were determined by Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The function of the selected TaSHMT3A-1 was studied by barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing in common wheat Bainong207. A total of 64 SHMT members were identified and further classified into two main classes based on the structure of SHMT proteins. The gene structure and motif composition analyses revealed that SHMTs kept relatively conserved within the same subclasses. Interestingly, there was a gene, TdSHMT7B-1, on chromosome 7B of Triticum dicoccoides, but there was no SHMT gene on chromosome 7 of other analyzed Triticeae species; TdSHMT7B-1 had fewer exons and conserved motifs than the genes in the same subclass, suggesting that the gene of TdSHMT7B-1 has a notable evolutionary progress. The micro-collinearity relationship showed that no homologs of TaSHMT3A-1 and its two neighboring genes were found in the collinearity region of Triticum urartu, and there were 27 genes inserted into the collinearity region of T. urartu. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results showed that TaSHMT3A-1 was responsive to abiotic stresses (NaCl and cold), abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and hydrogen peroxide. Significantly, upon Fusarium graminearum infection, the expression of TaSHMT3A-1 was highly upregulated in resistant cultivar Sumai3. More importantly, silencing of TaSHMT3A-1 compromises Fusarium head blight resistance in common wheat Bainong207. Our new findings suggest that the TaSHMT3A-1 gene in wheat plays an important role in resistance to Fusarium head blight. This provides a valuable reference for further study on the function of this gene family.
Psychological Distress and Homesickness Among Sudanese Migrants in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hamid Abdalla A. R. M.
Published: February 2022

Migration is a global phenomenon growing in scope, and it can be associated with negative emotions such as sense of impending loss, fear of the unknown, and anxiety about those left at home. The objective of this exploratory study was to examine psychological distress and homesickness among Sudanese migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants were 1444 Sudanese migrants (Mage = 40.20; SD = 10.98). The Second Version of the Dundee Relocation Inventory was used to assess homesickness, and the 28-item General Health Questionnaire was used to measure psychological distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, and social dysfunction. The results showed that older age and longer duration of residence in the UAE were associated with lower levels of homesickness, psychological distress, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Further, homesickness was associated with higher psychological distress, somatic symptoms, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Women and unemployed migrants had higher psychological distress, somatic symptoms, and depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with men and those employed, respectively. Being unmarried was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and homesickness, while those married or divorced/widowed showed lower levels of depressive symptoms and homesickness. It was concluded that there is a need to tackle unemployment among migrants in the UAE and address family reunion issues.
Mental-Imagery-Based Mnemonic Training: A New Kind of Cognitive Training
Authors: Luan Xiaoyu , Kawasaki Yayoi , Chen Qi , Sugimori Eriko
Published: February 2022

We investigated the immediate and maintenance effects of mental-imagery-based mnemonic training on improving youths’ working memory, long-term memory, arithmetic and spatial abilities, and fluid intelligence. In Experiment 1, 26 Chinese participants (15 boys, 11 girls) aged 10–16 years were divided into an experimental group that received 8 days of mental-imagery-based mnemonic training and a no-contact control group. Participants completed pre-, post-, and three follow-up tests (3, 6, and 12 months after the pre-test). In Experiment 2, 54 Chinese children (28 boys, 26 girls), all 12 years old, were divided into experimental and control groups. Participants completed pre-, post-, and follow-up tests (three months after the pre-test). Results showed that the training significantly affected long-term memory-related task performance but no effects were observed on working memory, arithmetic or spatial ability, or fluid intelligence-related tasks. Moreover, the effect of the training on long-term memory lasted up to one year; the more frequently the training was used, the more effective it was. A content analysis of the feedback submitted by parents of participants in Experiment 2 three months after the training showed that the children used the strategy more for memorizing content such as Chinese and English, as well as for musical scores. Furthermore, there was also the possibility that the training improved abilities and academic performance such as concentration and math performance. Our results provide a basis for the further exploration of mental-imagery-based mnemonic training as a novel training modality.
Use of Apology Strategies in Emails by Chinese Learners of English: Evidence Based on Naturally Occurring Data
Authors: Chen Ying , Lu Qi , Wei Yuxuanjing
Published: February 2022

Using a data set of 30 authentic institutional emails written by Chinese college students to their native English teacher, this article investigates the frequency and combinations of apology strategies used by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in natural contexts. Drawing on the coding framework adapted from previous studies, this article carries out a fine-grained analysis of apology behaviors of Chinese EFL learners when they offended their teacher for various reasons. Results revealed that the most frequently used strategy was illustrative force indicating devices (IFIDs), and “IFIDs + taking on responsibility” ranked the most frequent combination. Among IFID sub-strategies, an expression of regret had the highest frequency. In addition, a new strategy—request for a chance to repair—was identified, which was used by Chinese learners to show their respectful and pious attitude when a more serious offense was made to their teacher. Findings from the study indicate that Chinese EFL learners tend to use culture-specific apology strategies in academic contexts. This study has pedagogical implications for EFL pragmatics instruction in Chinese contexts and also second language pragmatics instruction tailored for native Chinese learners in English-speaking countries.
Exploring Teacher Reflection in the English as a Foreign Language Context: Testing Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance
Authors: Xiaojing Xing , Badakhshan Ebrahim , Fathi Jalil
Published: February 2022

The current study aimed to verify the multidimensional factor structure of teacher reflection and to examine the psychometric properties of a widely used teacher reflection scale using a large-scale representative dataset of 1,611 practicing Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Furthermore, the measurement invariance of the hypothesized,a priorisix-factor model of teacher reflection as measured by the adapted scale was assessed across gender and educational degree in Mplusprogram. In addition, the differences in latent factor means of the same groups were examined. The result of confirmatory factor analysis revealed that teacher reflection was a multidimensional construct, encompassing six underlying factors. Overall, the adapted teacher reflection scale based on the 6-factor model showed an overall good fit. The results also indicated metric and scalar invariance which manifests that the factors underlying the adapted scale had an identical theoretical structure across educational degree/gender groups. Finally, there were significant factor mean differences in reflection components across gender and educational degree groups. A discussion of the results and their implications ensue.
The Use of Deep Learning-Based Gesture Interactive Robot in the Treatment of Autistic Children Under Music Perception Education
Authors: Zhang Yiyao , Zhang Chao , Cheng Lei , Qi Mingwei
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to apply deep learning to music perception education. Music perception therapy for autistic children using gesture interactive robots based on the concept of educational psychology and deep learning technology is proposed. First, the experimental problems are defined and explained based on the relevant theories of pedagogy. Next, gesture interactive robots and music perception education classrooms are studied based on recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Then, autistic children are treated by music perception, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to collect the music perception effect and disease diagnosis results of children. Due to significant advantages of signal feature extraction and classification, RNN is used to analyze the EEG of autistic children receiving different music perception treatments to improve classification accuracy. The experimental results are as follows. The analysis of EEG signals proves that different people have different perceptions of music, but this difference fluctuates in a certain range. The classification accuracy of the designed model is about 72–94%, and the average classification accuracy is about 85%. The average accuracy of the model for EEG classification of autistic children is 85%, and that of healthy children is 84%. The test results with similar models also prove the excellent performance of the design model. This exploration provides a reference for applying the artificial intelligence (AI) technology in music perception education to diagnose and treat autistic children.
Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Social Exclusion in Transgender Women: Psychometric Properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire
Authors: Liu Yujie , Wang Rongxi , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Xu Lulu , Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Liu Shangbin , Chen Hui , Chen Yingjie , Jin Lian , Wang Ying , Cai Yong
Published: February 2022

Transgender women (TGW) experience serious psychiatric problems and high suicide rates. According to the interpersonal theory of suicide, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness play major roles in suicidality and can be measured by the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ). However, no study has validated the use of the INQ in TGW. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the INQ among TGW. We recruited 198 TGW (mean age 38.47 years) from Shenyang, China, using snowball sampling. The construct validity of the INQ was assessed through factor analysis, and convergent and divergent validity were examined through a structural equation model with other psychosocial factors. The construct validation analysis supported a three-factor model (perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and social exclusion) with satisfactory fit indices: χ2/df = 1.54, RMSEA = 0.052, CFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.916, SRMR = 0.053. The thwarted belongingness was significantly associated with self-esteem and social support, and the social exclusion was significantly associated with loneliness, depression, entrapment, and defeat, suggesting satisfactory convergent and divergent validity for the three-factor model. The present findings indicate that for TGW, high social exclusion is important in assessing perceived interpersonal needs, while the notable deviation from previous two-factor model warrants further study.
Effects of Temporal Characteristics on Pilots Perceiving Audiovisual Warning Signals Under Different Perceptual Loads
Authors: Peng Xing , Jiang Hao , Yang Jiazhong , Shi Rong , Feng Junyi , Liang Yaowei
Published: February 2022

Our research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of auditory, visual, and audiovisual warning signals for capturing the attention of the pilot, and how stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA) in audiovisual stimuli affect pilots perceiving the bimodal warning signals under different perceptual load conditions. In experiment 1 of the low perceptual load condition, participants discriminated the location (right vs. left) of visual targets preceded by five different types of warning signals. In experiment 2 of high perceptual load, participants completed the location task identical to a low load condition and a digit detection task in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) stream. The main effect of warning signals in two experiments showed that visual and auditory cues presented simultaneously (AV) could effectively and efficiently arouse the attention of the pilots in high and low load conditions. Specifically, auditory (A), AV, and visual preceding auditory stimulus by 100 ms (VA100) increased the spatial orientation to a valid position in low load conditions. With the increase in visual perceptual load, auditory preceding the visual stimulus by 100 ms (AV100) and A warning signals had stronger spatial orientation. The results are expected to theoretically support the optimization design of the cockpit display interface, contributing to immediate flight crew awareness.
Local Prefrontal Cortex TMS-Induced Reactivity Is Related to Working Memory and Reasoning in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Redondo-Camós María , Cattaneo Gabriele , Perellón-Alfonso Ruben , Alviarez-Schulze Vanessa , Morris Timothy P. , Solana-Sanchez Javier , España-Irla Goretti , Delgado-Gallén Selma , Pachón-García Catherine , Albu Sergiu , Zetterberg Henrik , Tormos Josep M. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Bartres-Faz David
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a crucial role in cognition, particularly in executive functions. Cortical reactivity measured with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with Electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) is altered in pathological conditions, and it may also be a marker of cognitive status in middle-aged adults. In this study, we investigated the associations between cognitive measures and TMS evoked EEG reactivity and explored whether the effects of this relationship were related to neurofilament light chain levels (NfL), a marker of neuroaxonal damage.

Methods

Fifty two healthy middle-aged adults (41–65 years) from the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative cohort underwent TMS-EEG, a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and a blood test for NfL levels. Global and Local Mean-Field Power (GMFP/LMFP), two measures of cortical reactivity, were quantified after left prefrontal cortex (L-PFC) stimulation, and cognition was set as the outcome of the regression analysis. The left inferior parietal lobe (L-IPL) was used as a control stimulation condition.

Results

Local reactivity was significantly associated with working memory and reasoning only after L-PFC stimulation. No associations were found between NfL and cognition. These specific associations were independent of the status of neuroaxonal damage indexed by the NfL biomarker and remained after adjusting for age, biological sex, and education.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that TMS evoked EEG reactivity at the L-PFC, but not the L-IPL, is related to the cognitive status of middle-aged individuals and independent of NfL levels, and may become a valuable biomarker of frontal lobe-associated cognitive function.
University Students' Online Learning During COVID-19: The Role of Grit in Academic Performance
Authors: Sulla Francesco , Aquino Antonio , Rollo Dolores
Published: February 2022

The governmental restriction due to COVID-19 pandemic led to Italian Universities moving teaching from face-to-face, to online. This represented an unexpected transition from traditional learning to what can be considered “e-learning.” This, together with the psychological distress that may be associated with the experience of lockdown, might have affected students' performance. It was hypothesised that grit may be a protective factor in such situations. Indeed, compared to their less “gritty” peers, individuals with higher levels of grit are expected to exhibit greater persistence in the pursuit of goals despite setbacks. Within educational contexts, grit is portrayed as a potentially important influence on outcomes such as achievement level, retention and probability of graduation. A longitudinal study was conducted using an online survey in order to assess the moderated mediation effect of grit on students' achievement. One hundred seventy-six undergraduate students from two universities in the north of Italy participated in the survey. The results showed that grit affects students' grades in final exams; perceived self-efficacy in the management of complex problems had a mediation effect on grades, while psychological distress moderated the first part of the mediation process. These novel findings extended our knowledge regarding the role of grit in academic performance investigating for the first time the role of self-efficacy and psychological distress in a learning carried out entirely online.