bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety Symptoms of Adult PWE and Caregivers in a Tertiary Center
Authors: João Rafael Batista , Nogueira Mateus Henrique , Morita-Sherman Márcia Elisabete , Alvim Marina Koutsodontis Machado , Johnny Steven , Pereira Haryton , Pinheiro Hildete Prisco , Cendes Fernando , Yasuda Clarissa Lin
Published: March 2022

Background

Although several studies have emphasized the association between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, fewer have investigated the impact of epilepsy on caregivers' emotional status, mainly in adult people with epilepsy (PWE). Here we investigated depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and anxiety symptoms in a large group of adult PWE and their caregivers.

Methods

We analyzed symptoms of depression [with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)], suicidal ideation (with BDI-II item 9), and anxiety symptoms (with the Beck Anxiety Inventory) in a large group of adult PWE [N = 548 (60% women; median age 41)] and caregivers [N = 191 (72% women; median age 47)] from a Brazilian tertiary center, considering sociodemographic and clinical aspects. We also applied the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile to assess anti-seizure drugs adverse events.

Results

While the presence (p = 0.026) (and intensity, p = 0.007) of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (p = 0.02) were higher in PWE compared to caregivers, the proportion of clinical anxiety symptoms (p = 0.32) (and the intensity, p = 0.13) was similar in both groups. Although the rates of suicidal ideation were higher in focal epilepsy (20%), both generalized genetic epilepsy and caregivers also presented elevated frequencies (11%) of suicidal ideation. The analyses of 120 patient-caregiver dyads revealed that the intensity of depressive symptoms in PWE (but not anxiety) correlated with the intensity of depressive (r = 0.35; p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.25; p = 0.01) symptoms in their caregivers. In the multivariate analyses of PWE, focal epilepsy (compared to GGE) was associated with clinical depressive symptoms (odds ratio, OR 2.1) and suicidal ideation (OR 3.2), while recurrent seizures (compared to the seizure-free group) were associated with suicidal ideation (OR 2.6) and anxiety symptoms (OR 2.1). Also, caregivers with anxiety symptoms were 8 times more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms, and those with depressive symptoms were 8 times more likely to present anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that specific attention for the caregivers' mental health is as essential as PWE. There is an urgent need for more studies involving caregivers to identify their emotional distress and provide adequate treatment.
A Systematic Review of Mobile Stroke Unit Among Acute Stroke Patients: Time Metrics, Adverse Events, Functional Result and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Chen Jieyun , Lin Xiaoying , Cai Yali , Huang Risheng , Yang Songyu , Zhang Gaofeng
Published: March 2022

Background

Mobile stroke unit (MSU) is deployed to shorten the duration of ischemic stroke recognition to thrombolysis treatment, thus reducing disability, mortality after an acute stroke attack, and related economic burden. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the clinical trial and economic literature focusing on various outcomes of MSU compared with conventional emergency medical services (EMS).

Methods

An electronic search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, OVID Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials) from 1990 to 2021. In these trials, patients with acute stroke were assigned to receive either MSU or EMS, with clinical and economic outcomes. First, we extracted interested data in the pooled population and conducted a subgroup analysis to examine related heterogeneity. We then implemented a descriptive analysis of economic outcomes. All analyses were performed with R 4.0.1 software.

Results

A total of 22,766 patients from 16 publications were included. In total 7,682 (n = 33.8%) were treated in the MSU and 15,084 (n = 66.2%) in the conventional EMS. Economic analysis were available in four studies, of which two were based on trial data and the others on model simulations. The pooled analysis of time metrics indicated a mean reduction of 32.64 min (95% confidence interval: 23.38–41.89, p < 0.01) and 28.26 minutes (95% CI: 16.11–40.41, p < 0.01) in the time-to-therapy and time-to-CT completion, respectively in the MSU. However, there was no significant difference on stroke-related neurological events (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.70–1.27, p = 0.69) and in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.83–1.50, p = 0.48) between the MSU and EMS. The proportion of patients with modified Ranking scale (mRS) of 0–2 at 90 days from onset was higher in the MSU than EMS (p < 0.05). MSU displayed favorable benefit-cost ratios (2.16–6.85) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ($31,911 /QALY and $38,731 per DALY) comparing to EMS in multiple economic publications. Total cost data based on 2014 USD showed that the MSU has the highest cost in Australia ($1,410,708) and the lowest cost in the USA ($783,463).

Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis of current research suggests that MUS, compared with conventional EMS, has a better performance in terms of time metrics, safety, long-term medical benefits, and cost-effectiveness.
Modeling Brain Volume Using Deep Learning-Based Physical Activity Features in Patients With Dementia
Authors: Park Bumhee , Choi Byung Jin , Lee Heirim , Jang Jong-Hwan , Roh Hyun Woong , Kim Eun Young , Hong Chang Hyung , Son Sang Joon , Yoon Dukyong
Published: March 2022

There is a proven correlation between the severity of dementia and reduced brain volumes. Several studies have attempted to use activity data to estimate brain volume as a means of detecting reduction early; however, raw activity data are not directly interpretable and are unstructured, making them challenging to utilize. Furthermore, in the previous research, brain volume estimates were limited to total brain volume and the investigators were unable to detect reductions in specific regions of the brain that are typically used to characterize disease progression. We aimed to evaluate volume prediction of 116 brain regions through activity data obtained combining time-frequency domain- and unsupervised deep learning-based feature extraction methods. We developed a feature extraction model based on unsupervised deep learning using activity data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset (n = 14,482). Then, we applied the model and the time-frequency domain feature extraction method to the activity data of the Biobank Innovations for chronic Cerebrovascular disease With ALZheimer’s disease Study (BICWALZS) datasets (n = 177) to extract activity features. Brain volumes were calculated from the brain magnetic resonance imaging of the BICWALZS dataset and anatomically subdivided into 116 regions. Finally, we fitted linear regression models to estimate each regional volume of the 116 brain areas based on the extracted activity features. Regression models were statistically significant for each region, with an average correlation coefficient of 0.990 ± 0.006. In all brain regions, the correlation was > 0.964. Particularly, regions of the temporal lobe that exhibit characteristic atrophy in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease showed the highest correlation (0.995). Through a combined deep learning-time-frequency domain feature extraction method, we could extract activity features based solely on the activity dataset, without including clinical variables. The findings of this study indicate the possibility of using activity data for the detection of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Cerebral Blood Flow Pattern Changes in Unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Haimei , Liu Bing , Gao Wenwen , Yang Aocai , Lv Kuan , Xia Hui , Zhang Wenwei , Yu Hongwei , Liu Jian , Liu Xiuxiu , Wang Yige , Han Honglei , Ma Guolin
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study analyzed the differences in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) between unilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) patients and healthy controls (HCs). We also investigated CBF differences in auditory-related areas in patients with left- and right-sided SSNHL (lSSNHL and rSSNHL) and HCs. We further explore the correlation between unilateral SSNHL characteristics and changes in the CBF.

Methods

36 patients with unilateral SSNHL (15 males and 21 females, 40.39 ± 13.42 years) and 36 HCs (15 males and 21 females, 40.39 ± 14.11 years) were recruited. CBF images were collected and analyzed using arterial spin labeling (ASL). CereFlow software was used for the post-processing of the ASL data to obtain the CBF value of 246 subregions within brainnetome atlas (BNA). The Two-sample t-test was used to compare CBF differences between SSNHL patients and HCs. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the CBF difference of auditory-related areas among the three groups (lSSNHL, rSSNHL, and HCs). Then, the correlation between CBF changes and specific clinical characteristics were calculated.

Results

The SSNHL patients exhibited decreased CBF in the bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG, MFG_7_1 and MFG_7_3), the contralateral precentral gyrus (PrG, PrG_6_3) and the bilateral superior parietal lobule (SPL, bilateral SPL_5_1, SPL_5_2, and ipsilateral SPL_5_4), p < 0.0002. Compared with HCs, unilateral SSNHL patients exhibited increased rCBF in the bilateral orbital gyrus (OrG, OrG_6_5), the bilateral inferior temporal gyrus (ITG, contralateral ITG_7_1 and bilateral ITG_7_7), p < 0.0002. lSSNHL showed abnormal CBF in left BA21 caudal (p = 0.02) and left BA37 dorsolateral (p = 0.047). We found that the CBF in ipsilateral MFG_7_1 of SSNHL patients was positively correlated with tinnitus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (r = 0.485, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our preliminary study explored CBF pattern changes in unilateral SSNHL patients in auditory-related areas and non-auditory areas, suggesting that there may exist reduced attention and some sensory compensation in patients with SSNHL. These findings could advance our understanding of the potential pathophysiology of unilateral SSNHL.
Psychological Correlates of Excessive Healthy and Orthorexic Eating: Emotion Regulation, Attachment, and Anxious-Depressive-Stress Symptomatology
Authors: Strahler Jana , Wachten Hanna , Neuhofer Shanna , Zimmermann Peter
Published: March 2022

Orthorexia nervosa, the pathological obsession with eating healthy, shares risks and significant comorbidity with other mental disorders. Based on a behavioral conceptualization of the overlap, emotion regulation, attachment style, and anxious-depressive-stress symptomatology are prominent but insufficiently researched endophenotypes for orthorexia nervosa. This study aimed at identifying ways in which difficulties in emotion regulation and attachment-related anxiety and avoidance become apparent in orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia. Additionally, the moderating role of anxious, depressive, and stress symptoms was explored. A convenience sample of 399 adults (266 women) completed questionnaires to measure orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia, difficulties in emotion regulation, partnership-related bond, and anxious-depressive-stress symptomatology. The healthy orthorexia subscale was negatively associated with lack of emotional awareness but no other subscale of difficulties in emotion regulation or attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. Orthorexia nervosa scores were positively linked to difficulties in emotion regulation as well as attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. Multiple linear regression indicated non-acceptance of emotional responses and impulse control difficulties to be the strongest predictors for orthorexia nervosa. Both subscales also mediated the effects of attachment style on orthorexia nervosa with anxious-depressive-stress symptomatology moderating some of these effects. Individuals with higher orthorexia nervosa tendencies showed difficulties in emotion regulation, a common feature also of affective and eating disorders. Improvement in understanding the psychological features of orthorexia nervosa can enable a better differentiation from other disorders, advances in the development of treatment approaches and treatment planning, and outlines directions for future research on mechanisms.
P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Protects Against Retinoblastoma Through Regulating USP22/SIRT1/SOST Axis
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Wan Jianfeng , Liu Fei , Liu Yang , Wang Lina , Zhao Sidi , Wu Tong , Sun Fengyuan
Published: March 2022

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy in children. It has been previously reported that p38 MAPK is related to the pathogenesis of RB. Here we aim at investigating how p38 MAPK affected RB progression through mediating USP22/SIRT1/SOST axis. In this study, Thirty-two cases of RB and normal retinal tissues were collected. The expression of p38 MAPK, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (P-p38 MAPK), USP22, SIRT1 and SOST in clinical tissues and cells was measured using RT-qPCR, IHC assay or western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8. Apoptosis rate of cells was examined by flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated using scratch test. Cell invasion ability was examined by Transwell assay. Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) was utilized to measure the deubiquitination of USP22 on SIRT1. In vivo, mice were respectively injected with plasmids and the tumor growth as well as the tumor weight were detected. Results showed that p38 MAPK, P-p38 MAPK and SOST were poorly expressed in RB tissues and cells whereas USP22 and SIRT1 were overly expressed. P-p38 MAPK inhibited the expression of USP22, and overexpression of USP22 eliminated the inhibitory roles of P-p38 MAPK on tumor growth, as well as cell proliferation, migration and invasion. USP22 stabilized and promoted the expression of SIRT1 through its deubiquitination function. Silencing the expression of SIRT1 contributed to boosted expression of SOST, thus suppressing the growth of tumor cells. Collectively, the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK regulates the SIRT1/SOST axis to protect against RB via silencing USP22. The findings present some cues for a further approach to RB.
Roles of lncRNAs Mediating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in HCC
Authors: Xu Yating , Yu Xiao , Sun Zongzong , He Yuting , Guo Wenzhi
Published: March 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Due to the absence of early diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic approaches, distant metastasis and increasing recurrence rates are major difficulties in the clinical treatment of HCC. Further understanding of its pathogenesis has become an urgent goal in HCC research. Recently, abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was identified as a vital regulator involved in the initiation and development of HCC. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to obviously impact cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC. This article reviews specific interactions, significant mechanisms and molecules related to HCC initiation and progression to provide promising strategies for treatment.
Effects of Preserving the Pulmonary Vagus Nerve Branches on Cough After Pneumonectomy During Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Gu Shaorui , Wang Wenli , Wang Xishi , Wu Kaiqin , Zhang Xin , Xie Shiliang , Zhou Yongxin
Published: March 2022

Background

Cough is one of the most common complications of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The vagus nerve plays an important role in pulmonary inflammation and the cough reflex. In this study, we attempted to reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic cough and other complications by preserving the pulmonary vagus nerve branches.

Patients and Methods

This study was a randomized controlled double-blinded trial of subjects and observers. A total of 158 NSCLC patients were enrolled. We randomly assigned 79 patients to Group A (pulmonary branch of vagus nerve preservation group) and 79 cases to Group B (conventional surgical treatment group). In the final analysis, 72 patients from Group A and 69 patients from Group B were included. The main outcome measure of the study was the occurrence of CAP or other postoperative complications within five weeks. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT03921828).

Results

There was no significant difference in preoperative general clinical data between the two groups. No death during the perioperative period occurred in either of the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of lymph nodes sent for examination, number of cases transferred to ICU after operation, postoperative catheterization time, or postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in other pulmonary and cardiovascular complications between the two groups, including pulmonary infection (2.78% vs. 8.70%, P = 0.129), atelectasis (1.39% vs. 0%, P = 0.326), pleural effusion (2.78% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.585), persistent pulmonary leakage (2.78% vs. 2.90%, P = 0.965), arrhythmia (2.78% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.585), and heart failure (0% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.305). The incidence of CAP in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B (13.89% vs. 30.43%, P = 0.018). The LCQ-MC scores in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B at two and five weeks after operation (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for postoperative CAP were surgical side (right lung), surgical lung lobe (upper lobe), preservation of pulmonary branch of the vagus nerve during operation, and duration of anesthesia.

Conclusions

Preserving the pulmonary vagus nerve branches during VATS in patients with stage IA1-2 NSCLC can reduce the incidence of postoperative CAP.
Infectious Complications in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Undergoing CD19-CAR T Cell Therapy
Authors: Maron Gabriela M. , Hijano Diego R. , Epperly Rebecca , Su Yin , Tang Li , Hayden Randall T. , Naik Swati , Karol Seth E. , Gottschalk Stephen , Triplett Brandon M. , Talleur Aimee C.
Published: March 2022

CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has changed the treatment paradigm for pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, data on the associated infectious disease challenges in this patient population are scarce. Knowledge of infections presenting during treatment, and associated risk factors, is critical for pediatric cellular therapy and infectious disease specialists as we seek to formulate effective anti-infective prophylaxis, infection monitoring schemas, and empiric therapy regimens. In this work we describe our institutional experience in a cohort of 38 pediatric and AYA patients with CD19-positive malignancy treated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide) followed by a single infusion of CD19-CAR T cells (total infusions, n=39), including tisagenlecleucel (n=19; CD19/4-1BB) or on an institutional clinical trial (n=20; CD19/4-1BB; NCT03573700). We demonstrate that infections were common in the 90 days post CAR T cells, with 19 (50%) patients experiencing a total of 35 infections. Most of these (73.7%) occurred early post infusion (day 0 to 28; infection density of 2.36 per 100 patient days-at-risk) compared to late post infusion (day 29 to 90; infection density 0.98 per 100 patient days-at-risk), respectively. Bacterial infections were more frequent early after CAR T cell therapy, with a predominance of bacterial blood stream infections. Viral infections occurred throughout the post infusion period and included primarily systemic reactivations and gastrointestinal pathogens. Fungal infections were rare. Pre-infusion disease burden, intensity of bridging chemotherapy, lymphopenia post lymphodepleting chemotherapy/CAR T cell infusion and development of CAR-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (carHLH) were all significantly associated with either infection density or time to first infection post CAR T cell infusion. A subset of patients (n=6) had subsequent CAR T cell reinfusion and did not appear to have increased risk of infectious complications. Our experience highlights the risk of infections after CD19-CAR T cell therapy, and the need for continued investigation of infectious outcomes as we seek to improve surveillance, prophylaxis and treatment algorithms.
Endothelial Damage in Sepsis: The Importance of Systems Biology
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Acevedo Lorena , Santana Carolina Ramírez , Acosta Yeny , Diana Ampudia , Monsalve M. , Carcillo Joseph A.
Published: March 2022

The early diagnosis and appropriate stratification of sepsis continues to be one of the most important challenges in modern medicine. Single isolated biomarkers have not been enough to improve diagnostic and prognostic strategies and to progress toward therapeutic goals. The information generated by the human genome project has allowed a more holistic approach to the problem. The integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in sepsis has allowed us to progress in the knowledge of new pathways which are pathophysiologically involved in this disease. Thus, we have understood the importance of and complex interaction between the inflammatory response and the endothelium. Understanding the role of important parts of the microcirculation, such as the endothelial glycocalyx and its interaction with the inflammatory response, has provided early recognition elements for clinical practice that allow the rational use of traditional medical interventions in sepsis. This comprehensive approach, which differs from the classical mechanistic approach, uses systems biology to increase the diagnostic and prognostic spectrum of endothelial damage biomarkers in sepsis, and to provide information on new pathways involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. This, in turn, provides tools for perfecting traditional medical interventions, using them at the appropriate times according to the disease's pathophysiological context, while at the same time discovering new and improved therapeutic alternatives. We have the challenge of transferring this ideal scenario to our daily clinical practice to improve our patients' care. The purpose of this article is to provide a general description of the importance of systems biology in integrating the complex interaction between the endothelium and the inflammatory response in sepsis.
Parental Regret Following Decision to Revise Circumcision
Authors: Bar-Yaakov Noam , Mano Roy , Ekstein Margaret , Savin Ziv , Dekalo Snir , Ben-Chaim Jacob , Bar-Yosef Yuval
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Revision surgery for the removal of excess foreskin after circumcision is a common procedure. The decision regret scale (DRS) is a validated questionnaire which assesses regret after medical decision making. The aim was to evaluate parental regret by means of the DRS and querying about factors associated with regret about deciding to revise their child's circumcision.

Patients and Methods

Included were all pediatric patients who underwent revision of neonatal circumcision in a single center between 2010 and 2016. Excluded were children who underwent revision for reasons other than excess foreskin, those who underwent additional surgical procedures during the same anesthetic session, and those who had undergone previous penile surgery other than circumcision. Response to the DRS questionnaire was by a telephone call with the patient's parent. Regret was classified as none (a score of 0), mild (1–25), or moderate-to-strong (26–100). Surgical and baseline demographic data were obtained from the departmental database and compared between the no regret and regret groups.

Results

Of the 115 revisions of circumcisions performed during the study period, 52 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and the parents of 40 (77%) completed the DRS questionnaire. Regret was reported by 11/40 [28%: nine as mild (23%) and two as moderate-to-strong (5%)]. The average age of the child in the regret group was 17 months compared to 18 months in the no regret group (p = 0.27). The median weight percentile was 43% in both groups. Surgical variables, including anesthesia type (caudal vs. no block, p = 0.65), suture type (polyglactin vs. poliglecaprone, p = 0.29), operation time (28 vs. 25 min, p = 0.59), and anesthesia time (55 vs. 54 min, p = 0.57) were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Regret for deciding upon revision surgery for removal of excess foreskin post-circumcision was reported by 27.5% of parents of children who underwent revision. No clinical, surgical, or demographic characteristics predicted parental decisional regret.
Phenotypic Responses of Some Functional Traits in Four Native Perennial Grass Species Grown on Fly Ash Dump and Native Soil
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Babu Cherukuri Raghvendra
Published: March 2022

Functional response traits of four perennial grass species (Imperata cylindrica, Cenchrus ciliaris, Sporobolus diander, and Cynodon dactylon) growing on the fly ash dump and referral site having native soil were evaluated with the objective of selecting species suitable for rapid development of vegetation cover on the fly ash dumps. All the four species showed spectacular plastic responses in functional traits of plants grown on the fly ash dump and are induced by habitat and hence are adaptive. The traits associated with the root system such as root length, spread, the volume of the substratum occupied by the root system, and root biomass showed greater plasticity than the traits of the shoot system such as shoot biomass, the mean number of tillers per clump, and mean height of tillers. For instance, for all the grass species, the ratio of root/shoot biomass was higher for fly ash grown plants as compared to that of plants grown in native soil. The highest ratio was recorded for C. dactylon (5.61 ± 2.36) and I. cylindrica (5.37 ± 2.36) whereas the lowest ratio was recorded for C. ciliaris (1.87 ± 0.44). This suggests greater allocation of resources to root than to shoot by the species for space exploitative growth that enables them to acquire nutrients from nutritionally poor and unfavorable substratum like fly ash dump. Such a strategy enables species to establish and regenerate on barren areas that include fly ash dumps. The higher root length, spread, biomass, and root/shoot ratio in plants of all the species grown on fly ash as compared to plants grown on the native soil substantiate that plasticity in functional traits enabled the species to adapt to stressed habitats. The plastic responses observed are specific to the trait, specific to the species, and specific to the environment. This is evident by the quantitative differences in the responses between traits within a species, between species, and between habitats. The phenotypic plasticity induced by the fly ash altered the relationships between functional traits of the plants. This is evident by the marked differences in the r-values for different character associations between plants grown on fly ash dump and native soil. The results suggest that all the four grass species evaluated can be used for the rapid development of vegetation cover on the fly ash dumps to mitigate environmental contamination.
Pearl Millet Aquaporin Gene PgPIP2;6 Improves Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Reddy Palakolanu Sudhakar , Dhaware Mahamaya G. , Sivasakthi Kaliamoorthy , Divya Kummari , Nagaraju Marka , Sri Cindhuri Katamreddy , Kavi Kishor Polavarapu Bilhan , Bhatnagar-Mathur Pooja , Vadez Vincent , Sharma Kiran K.
Published: March 2022

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.] is an important cereal crop of the semiarid tropics, which can withstand prolonged drought and heat stress. Considering an active involvement of the aquaporin (AQP) genes in water transport and desiccation tolerance besides several basic functions, their potential role in abiotic stress tolerance was systematically characterized and functionally validated. A total of 34 AQP genes from P. glaucum were identified and categorized into four subfamilies, viz., plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nodulin-26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), and small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs). Sequence analysis revealed that PgAQPs have conserved characters of AQP genes with a closer relationship to sorghum. The PgAQPs were expressed differentially under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and progressive drought stresses where the PgPIP2;6 gene showed significant expression under high VPD and drought stress. Transgenic tobacco plants were developed by heterologous expression of the PgPIP2;6 gene and functionally characterized under different abiotic stresses to further unravel their role. Transgenic tobacco plants in the T2 generations displayed restricted transpiration and low root exudation rates in low- and high-VPD conditions. Under progressive drought stress, wild-type (WT) plants showed a quick or faster decline of soil moisture than transgenics. While under heat stress, PgPIP2;6 transgenics showed better adaptation to heat (40°C) with high canopy temperature depression (CTD) and low transpiration; under low-temperature stress, they displayed lower transpiration than their non-transgenic counterparts. Cumulatively, lower transpiration rate (Tr), low root exudation rate, declined transpiration, elevated CTD, and lower transpiration indicate that PgPIP2;6 plays a role under abiotic stress tolerance. Since the PgPIP2;6 transgenic plants exhibited better adaptation against major abiotic stresses such as drought, high VPD, heat, and cold stresses by virtue of enhanced transpiration efficiency, it has the potential to engineer abiotic stress tolerance for sustained growth and productivity of crops.
Calcium Nanoparticles Impregnated With Benzenedicarboxylic Acid: A New Approach to Alleviate Combined Stress of DDT and Cadmium in Brassica alboglabra by Modulating Bioacummulation, Antioxidative Machinery and Osmoregulators
Authors: Mubeen Samavia , Shahzadi Iqra , Akram Waheed , Saeed Wajid , Yasin Nasim Ahmad , Ahmad Aqeel , Shah Anis Ali , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Alamri Saud
Published: March 2022

At present, the alleviation of stress caused by climate change and environmental contaminants is a crucial issue. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) and an organochlorine, which causes significant health problems in humans. The stress caused by cadmium (Cd) and the toxicity of DDT have direct effects on the growth and yield of crop plants. Ultimately, the greater uptake and accumulation of DDT by edible plants affects human health by contaminating the food chain. The possible solution to this challenging situation is to limit the passive absorption of POPs into the plants. Calcium (Ca) is an essential life component mandatory for plant growth and survival. This study used impregnated Ca (BdCa) of benzenedicarboxylic acid (Bd) to relieve abiotic stress in plants of Brassica alboglabra. BdCa mitigated the deleterious effects of Cd and reduced DDT bioaccumulation. By increasing the removal efficacy (RE) up to 256.14%, BdCa greatly decreased pollutant uptake (Cd 82.37% and DDT 93.64%) and supported photosynthetic machinery (86.22%) and antioxidant enzyme defenses (264.73%), in applied plants. Exogenously applied Bd also successfully improved the antioxidant system and the physiochemical parameters of plants. However, impregnation with Ca further enhanced plant tolerance to stress. This novel study revealed that the combined application of Ca and Bd could effectively relieve individual and combined Cd stress and DDT toxicity in B. alboglabra.
Identification of the LOX Gene Family in Peanut and Functional Characterization of AhLOX29 in Drought Tolerance
Authors: Mou Yifei , Sun Quanxi , Yuan Cuiling , Zhao Xiaobo , Wang Juan , Yan Caixia , Li Chunjuan , Shan Shihua
Published: March 2022

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a gene family of nonheme iron-containing dioxygenases that play important roles in plant development and defense responses. To date, a comprehensive analysis of LOX genes and their biological functions in response to abiotic stresses in peanut has not been performed. In this study, a total of 72 putative LOX genes were identified in cultivated (Arachis hypogaea) and wild-type peanut (Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis) and classified into three subfamilies: 9-LOX, type I 13-LOX and type II 13-LOX. The gene structures and protein motifs of these peanut LOX genes were highly conserved among most LOXs. We found that the chromosomal distribution of peanut LOXs was not random and that gene duplication played a crucial role in the expansion of the LOX gene family. Cis-acting elements related to development, hormones, and biotic and abiotic stresses were identified in the promoters of peanut LOX genes. The expression patterns of peanut LOX genes were tissue-specific and stress-inducible. Quantitative real-time PCR results further confirmed that peanut LOX gene expression could be induced by drought, salt, methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid treatments, and these genes exhibited diverse expression patterns. Furthermore, overexpression of AhLOX29 in Arabidopsis enhanced the resistance to drought stress. Compared with wide-type, AhLOX29-overexpressing plants showed significantly decreased malondialdehyde contents, as well as increased chlorophyll degradation, proline accumulation and superoxide dismutase activity, suggesting that the transgenic plants exhibit strengthened capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent membrane damage. This systematic study provides valuable information about the functional characteristics of AhLOXs in the regulation of abiotic stress responses of peanut.
Exogenous Melatonin Alleviates Alkaline Stress by Removing Reactive Oxygen Species and Promoting Antioxidant Defence in Rice Seedlings
Authors: Lu Xuping , Min Weifang , Shi Yafei , Tian Lei , Li Peifu , Ma Tianli , Zhang Yinxia , Luo Chengke
Published: March 2022

Saline-alkali stress seriously restricts rice growth, development, and production in northern China. The damage of alkaline stress on rice is much greater than that of salt due to ion toxicity, osmotic stress, and especially high pH. As a signal molecule, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT) mediates many physiological processes in rice and participates in protecting rice from abiotic stress. The potential mechanism of exogenous melatonin-mediated alkaline stress tolerance is still largely unknown. In this study, the effects of melatonin on the morphological change, physiological property, and corresponding genes expression in rice seedlings were analyzed under alkaline stress (20 mmol L−1, pH 9.55). The results showed that the expression levels of MT synthesis genes (TDC2,T5H,SNAT,ASMT1, andASMT2) were induced by both exogenous MT and alkaline stress treatment. The cell membrane was protected by MT, and the MT furtherly play role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The scavenging of ROS by melatonin is attributed to the coupling of the improvement of redox homeostasis and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant content by upregulating the transcriptional levels of antioxidase genes. In the meantime, MT pretreatment promoted the accumulation of free proline, sucrose, and fructose by regulating theOsP5CS,OsSUS7, andOsSPS1gene expression level and increased chlorophyll content upregulating the expression of chlorophyll synthesis-related genes. Ultimately, the alleviating effect of exogenous melatonin on alkaline stress was reflected in increasing the leaf relative water content (RWC) and root-shoot ratio and reducing the leaf tip wilt index (TWI) through a series of physiological and biochemical changes. Melatonin pretreatment changed the expression level of MT synthesis genes which might contribute to MT synthesis in rice, consequently, activated the ROS scavenging system and alleviating the damage of alkaline stress on rice seedlings. Our study comprehensively understands the alleviating effect of exogenous melatonin on rice under alkaline stress.
Factor Structure and Convergent Validity of the Short Version of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire in Patients With Anxiety Disorder and Healthy Controls
Authors: Altmann Uwe , Brenk-Franz Katja , Strauss Bernhard , Petrowski Katja
Published: March 2022

The short version of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BPEQ-12) assesses the partner-related attachment dimensions fear of rejection, readiness for self-disclosure, and conscious need for care. The presented study investigated the factor structure in two samples and evaluated the convergent validity of scales. The sample included N = 175 patients with panic disorder and/or agoraphobia and N = 143 healthy controls. Besides, the BPEQ, the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were assessed as well, and the Adult Attachment Prototype Rating (AAPR) was conducted. A confirmatory factor analysis of the three factor model (using a WLSMV estimator) revealed an acceptable model fit for the entire sample, patients and controls in terms of low RMSEA and SRMR (< 0.08) and high CFI and TLI (> 0.95). We found metric, scalar, and strict measurement invariance for the presence of anxiety disorder (ΔCFI ≤ –0.01 and ΔRMSEA ≥ 0.01). However, only for fear of rejection and readiness for self-disclosure the reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s α > 0.7), and convergent validity in terms of large correlations (r > 0.7) with the ECR scales was found in both samples. The scale conscious need for care had a questionable reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.6) and correlated only slightly with ECR-R scales. We conclude that fear of rejection and readiness for self-disclosure of the BPEQ-12 are reliable and valid scales for measuring partner-related attachment in healthy and clinical samples.
Public Health Graduates' Perceptions of the Educational Environment Measured by the DREEM
Authors: Xu Fang-Rong , Yang Yang
Published: March 2022

Objective

Students' perceptions of the educational environment have a significant impact on their behavior and academic progress. This study aims to measure medical graduates' perception of the educational environment within the School of Public Health at Wuhan University in China.

Methods

The survey was conducted by emails sent to 119 graduates, and 93 valid questionnaires were returned. The DREEM was used to assess the medical graduates' satisfaction with the educational environment.

Results

The average score on the scale was 126.02 (±18.27). The scoring rate of the areas ranged between 61.06 and 67.11%. The area with the highest score was “perception of teachers.” The area with the lowest score was “academic self-perception.” No difference was found between genders. Except for “perception of atmosphere,” the total scores and other areas showed differences in graduation time.

Conclusion

The educational environment at the School of Public Health at Wuhan University was satisfactory. The program contributed to the graduates' later careers. The information obtained in this study identified some areas for improvement.
Schistosomiasis Among Female Migrants in Non-endemic Countries: Neglected Among the Neglected? A Pilot Study
Authors: Roure Sílvia , Pérez-Quílez Olga , Vallès Xavier , Valerio Lluís , López-Muñoz Israel , Soldevila Laura , Torrella Ariadna , Fernández-Rivas Gema , Chamorro Anna , Clotet Bonaventura
Published: March 2022

Background

Schistosomiasis among migrant populations in Europe is an underdiagnosed infection, yet delayed treatment may have serious long-term consequences. In this study we aimed to characterize the clinical manifestations of Schistosoma infection among migrant women, and the degree of underdiagnosis.

Methods

We carried out a prospective cross-sectional study among a migrant population living in the North Metropolitan Barcelona area and coming from schistosomiasis-endemic countries. We obtained clinical, laboratory and socio-demographic data from electronic clinical records, as well as information about years of residence and previous attendance at health services. Blood sample was obtained and schistosomiasis exposure was assessed using a specific ELISA serological test.

Results

Four hundred and five patients from schistosomiasis-endemic regions were screened, of whom 51 (12.6%) were female. Seropositivity prevalence was 54.8%, but considering women alone we found a prevalence of 58.8% (30 out of 51). The median age of the 51 women was 41.0 years [IQR (35–48)] and the median period of residence in the European Union was 13 years [IQR (10–16)]. Schistosoma-positive women (N = 30) showed a higher prevalence of gynecological signs and symptoms compared to the seronegative women (96.4 vs. 66.6%, p = 0.005). Among seropositive women, the median number of visits to Sexual and Reproductive Health unit prior to diagnosis of schistosomiasis was 41 [IQR (18–65)].

Conclusion

The high prevalence of signs and symptoms among seropositive women and number of previous visits suggest a high rate of underdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis of Schistosoma infection, particularly female genital schistosomiasis, among migrant females.
The Value(s) of Vaccination: Building the Scientific Evidence According to a Value-Based Healthcare Approach
Authors: Calabro' Giovanna Elisa , Carini Elettra , Tognetto Alessia , Giacchetta Irene , Bonanno Ester , Mariani Marco , Ricciardi Walter , de Waure Chiara
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To provide a new value-based immunization approach collating the available scientific evidence on the topic.

Methods

Four value pillars (personal, allocative, technical, and societal) applied to vaccination field were investigated. A systematic literature review was performed querying three database from December 24th, 2010 to May 27th, 2020. It included studies on vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) that mentioned the term value in any part and which were conducted in advanced economies. An in-depth analysis was performed on studies addressing value as key element.

Results

Overall, 107 studies were considered. Approximately half of the studies addressed value as a key element but in most of cases (83.3%) only a single pillar was assessed. Furthermore, the majority of papers addressed the technical value by looking only at classical methods for economic assessment of vaccinations whereas very few dealt with societal and allocative pillars.

Conclusions

Estimating the vaccinations value is very complex, even though their usefulness is certain. The assessment of the whole value of vaccines and vaccinations is still limited to some domains and should encompass the wider impact on economic growth and societies.
Does Advanced Human Capital Structure Provide Positive Feedback on Public Health? Evidence From China
Authors: Wang Tian-Hui , Lu Jin
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the relationship of advanced human capital structure with public health applying the panel threshold regression model in China. The empirical results highlight that the advanced human capital structure has a non-linear single threshold effect on population health indicators. The health-promoting effect of advanced human capital structure is significantly weaker when exceeding the threshold. These asymmetric effects are strongly related to the response of China's health policies. The promotion effect of the advanced human capital structure on public health has significant heterogeneity in different regions. There is a single threshold value in the eastern and central regions, but the threshold value and facilitation effect are different. However, the western region has no threshold. The heterogeneity effects are caused by the different levels of advanced human capital structure. Governments should adopt appropriate public health policies according to the development characteristics of different regions.
Use of Frame Running for Adolescent Athletes With Movement Challenges: Study of Feasibility to Support Health and Participation
Authors: Sukal-Moulton Theresa , Egan Tara , Johnson Larke , Lein Crystal , Gaebler-Spira Deborah
Published: March 2022

Children and adolescents with movement challenges have lower instances of physical activity and longer time spent in sedentary behaviors compared to children with typical development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a sport-based youth development running program modified for accessibility using a running frame and to evaluate initial evidence for its efficacy on endurance and functional strength. We completed four 8-week seasons (2–3 times per week) in a combination of 3 different formats by season: online remote (winter and spring), in person in a community park (winter, spring, and summer), and in person in an afterschool setting (autumn). Participants included 13 athletes (average age 14.46 years, range 8–18 years, 4 females), who collectively completed 22 season blocks. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (n = 10), arthrogryposis (n = 1), Dandy-Walker malformation (n = 1), and transverse myelitis (n = 1). In all settings, participants engaged in activities of social emotional learning, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle strengthening in a progressive manner. We found that each season format was feasible to administer with high attendance rates (76–97%) and positive qualitative feedback from athletes. In addition, promising average improvements in motor performance across a season (6 min frame running test, 170 m; timed up and go test, 8.44 s; five times sit to stand, 14.1 s; and Goal Attainment Scale, t = 65.01) were identified in the pilot data of this non-randomized cohort. Training in any of the proposed settings with an overall goal of completing a community race in a running frame is feasible and warrants further study.
Sensing Technologies for Measuring Grain Loss during Harvest in Paddy Field: A Review
Authors: Bomoi Muhammad Isa , Nawi Nazmi Mat , Abd Aziz Samsuzana , Mohd Kassim Muhamad Saufi
Published: March 2022

A combine harvester has been widely employed for harvesting paddy in Malaysia. However, it is one of the most challenging machines to operate when harvesting grain crops. Improper handling of a combine harvester can lead to a significant amount of grain loss. Any losses during the harvesting process would result in less income for the farmers. Grain loss sensing technology is automated, remote, and prospective. It can help reduce grain losses by increasing harvesting precision, reliability, and productivity. Monitoring and generating real-time sensor data can provide effective combine harvester performance and information that will aid in analyzing and optimizing the harvesting process. Thus, this paper presents an overview of the conventional methods of grain loss measurements, the factors that contribute to grain losses, and further reviews the development and operation of sensor components for monitoring grain loss during harvest. The potential and limitations of the present grain loss monitoring systems used in combine harvesting operations are also critically analyzed. Several strategies for the adoption of the technology in Malaysia are also highlighted. The use of this technology in future harvesting methods is promising as it could lead to an increase in production, yield, and self-sufficiency to meet the increasing demand for food globally.