bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular subtyping of Blastocystis sp. detected in patients at a large tertiary referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Munsaka Gilbert , Hayashida Kyoko , Mubemba Benjamin , Simulundu Edgar , Mulunda Namwiinga , Pule Ruth , Sianongo Sandie , Makuluni Marina , Muleya Walter , Changula Katendi , Chitanga Simbarashe , Mutengo Mable
Published: October 2022

Background

Blastocystis sp. is a common enteric eukaryote of humans whose pathogenicity is still debatable. However, a number of reported Blastocystis colonization associated with enteric disease exist. In Zambia, presence of the pathogen has previously been reported in children. However, the molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis colonization remains unclarified in Zambia.

Methods and results

Archived stool samples submitted for routine parasitological diagnosis at Zambia’s largest tertiary referral hospital positive for Blastocystis sp. by microscopic examination were selected for the study. Subtyping of the Blastocystis was done based on polymerase chain reactions (PCR) amplification, sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the 18S small subunit (SSU) rDNA gene. Four subtypes, ST1 (allele 4), ST2 (allele 12), ST3 (allele 34, 36, 37, 38, 39) and ST6 (allele 122), were identified by molecular procedures in the study, with some Zambian sequences showing close relationships with those detected in non-human primates and common rats.

Conclusions

The study revealed the circulation of multiple Blastocystis subtypes ST1, 20% (9/45), ST2, 15% (7/45), ST3 24.4% (11/45), and ST6, 2.2% (1/45) in the study population. The close clustering of some Zambian sequences with those detected from animals suggests the possibility of the presence of both anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission cycles in the country. Further studies in animal populations are recommended for a better understanding of the epidemiology of Blastocystis and for implementation of effective evidence-based control strategies.
Genome-wide identification of XTH genes in Liriodendron chinense and functional characterization of LcXTH21
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Zong Yaxian , Tu Zhonghua , Yang Lichun , li Wei , Cui Zhengkun , Hao Ziyuan , Li Huogen
Published: October 2022

Liriodendron chinense is a relic tree species of the family Magnoliaceae with multiple uses in timber production, landscape decoration, and afforestation. L. chinense often experiences drought stress in arid areas. However, the molecular basis underlying the drought response of L. chinense remains unclear. Many studies have reported that the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family plays an important role in drought stress resistance. Hereby, to explore the drought resistance mechanism of L. chinense, we identify XTH genes on a genome-wide scale in L. chinense. A total of 27 XTH genes were identified in L. chinense, and these genes were classified into three subfamilies. Drought treatment and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that six LcXTH genes significantly responded to drought stress, especially LcXTH21. Hence, we cloned the LcXTH21 gene and overexpressed it in tobacco via gene transfer to analyze its function. The roots of transgenic plants were more developed than those of wild-type plants under different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration, and further RT-qPCR analysis showed that LcXTH21 highly expressed in root compared to aboveground organs, indicating that LcXTH21 may play a role in drought resistance through promoting root development. The results of this study provide new insights into the roles of LcXTH genes in the drought stress response. Our findings will also aid future studies of the molecular mechanisms by which LcXTH genes contribute to the drought response.
Genome-wide association studies reveal novel QTLs, QTL-by-environment interactions and their candidate genes for tocopherol content in soybean seed
Authors: Yu Kuanwei , Miao Huanran , Liu Hongliang , Zhou Jinghang , Sui Meinan , Zhan Yuhang , Xia Ning , Zhao Xue , Han Yingpeng
Published: October 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is an efficient method to detect quantitative trait locus (QTL), and has dissected many complex traits in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Although these results have undoubtedly played a far-reaching role in the study of soybean biology, environmental interactions for complex traits in traditional GWAS models are frequently overlooked. Recently, a new GWAS model, 3VmrMLM, was established to identify QTLs and QTL-by-environment interactions (QEIs) for complex traits. In this study, the GLM, MLM, CMLM, FarmCPU, BLINK, and 3VmrMLM models were used to identify QTLs and QEIs for tocopherol (Toc) content in soybean seed, including δ‐Tocotrienol (δ‐Toc) content, γ‐Tocotrienol (γ‐Toc) content, α‐Tocopherol (α‐Toc) content, and total Tocopherol (T-Toc) content. As a result, 101 QTLs were detected by the above methods in single-environment analysis, and 57 QTLs and 13 QEIs were detected by 3VmrMLM in multi-environment analysis. Among these QTLs, some QTLs (Group I) were repeatedly detected three times or by at least two models, and some QTLs (Group II) were repeatedly detected only by 3VmrMLM. In the two Groups, 3VmrMLM was able to correctly detect all known QTLs in group I, while good results were achieved in Group II, for example, 8 novel QTLs were detected in Group II. In addition, comparative genomic analysis revealed that the proportion of Glyma_max specific genes near QEIs was higher, in other words, these QEIs nearby genes are more susceptible to environmental influences. Finally, around the 8 novel QTLs, 11 important candidate genes were identified using haplotype, and validated by RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR analysis. In summary, we used phenotypic data of Toc content in soybean, and tested the accuracy and reliability of 3VmrMLM, and then revealed novel QTLs, QEIs and candidate genes for these traits. Hence, the 3VmrMLM model has broad prospects and potential for analyzing the genetic structure of complex quantitative traits in soybean.
Non-destructive monitoring of amylose content in rice by UAV-based hyperspectral images
Authors: Wang Fumin , Yi Qiuxiang , Xie Lili , Yao Xiaoping , Zheng Jueyi , Xu Tianyue , Li Jiale , Chen Siting
Published: October 2022

Amylose content (AC) is an important indicator for rice quality grading. The rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology provides rich spectral and spatial information on observed objects, making non-destructive monitoring of crop quality possible. To test the potential of UAV-based hyperspectral images in AC estimation, in this study, observations on five rice cultivars were carried out in eastern China (Zhejiang province) for four consecutive years (from 2017 to 2020). The correlations between spectral and textural variables of UAV-based hyperspectral images at different growth stages (booting, heading, filling, and ripening) and AC (%) were analyzed, and the linear regression models based on spectral variables alone, textural variables alone, and combined spectral and textural variables were established. The results showed that the sensitive bands (P< 0.001) to AC were mainly centered in the green (536∽568 nm) and red regions (630∽660nm), with spectral and textural variables at the ripening stage giving the highest negative correlation coefficient of -0.868 and -0.824, respectively. Models based on combined spectral and textural variables give better estimation than those based on spectral or textural variables alone, characterized by less variables and higher accuracy. The best models using spectral or textural variables alone both involved three growth stages (heading, filling, and ripening), with root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.01% and 1.04%, respectively, while the models based on combined spectral and textural variables have RMSE of 1.04% 0.844% with only one (ripening stage) or two (ripening and filling stages) growth stages involved. The combination of spectral and textural variables of UAV-based hyperspectral images is expected to simplify data acquisition and enhance estimation accuracy in remote sensing of rice AC.
Supplementation of nitric oxide and spermidine alleviates the nickel stress-induced damage to growth, chlorophyll metabolism, and photosynthesis by upregulating ascorbate–glutathione and glyoxalase cycle functioning in tomato
Authors: Qin Cheng , Shen Jie , Ahanger Mohammad Abass
Published: October 2022

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of exogenously applied nitric oxide (NO; 50 µM) and spermidine (Spd; 100 µM) in alleviating the damaging effects of Ni (1 mM NiSO46H2O) toxicity on the growth, chlorophyll metabolism, photosynthesis, and mineral content in tomato. Ni treatment significantly reduced the plant height, dry mass, and the contents of glutamate 1-semialdehyde, δ-amino levulinic acid, prototoporphyrin IX, Mg–prototoporphyrin IX, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids; however, the application of NO and Spd alleviated the decline considerably. Supplementation of NO and Spd mitigated the Ni-induced decline in photosynthesis, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Ni caused oxidative damage, while the application of NO, Spd, and NO+Spd significantly reduced the oxidative stress parameters under normal and Ni toxicity. The application of NO and Spd enhanced the function of the antioxidant system and upregulated the activity of glyoxalase enzymes, reflecting significant reduction of the oxidative effects and methylglyoxal accumulation. Tolerance against Ni was further strengthened by the accumulation of proline and glycine betaine due to NO and Spd application. The decrease in the uptake of essential mineral elements such as N, P, K, and Mg was alleviated by NO and Spd. Hence, individual and combined supplementation of NO and Spd effectively alleviates the damaging effects of Ni on tomato.
The influence of the order and congruency of correct and erroneous worked examples on learning and (meta-)cognitive load
Authors: Wesenberg Lukas , Krieglstein Felix , Jansen Sebastian , Rey Günter Daniel , Beege Maik , Schneider Sascha
Published: October 2022

Several studies highlight the importance of the order of different instructional methods when designing learning environments. Correct but also erroneous worked examples are frequently used methods to foster students’ learning performance, especially in problem-solving. However, so far no study examined how the order of these example types affects learning. While the expertise reversal effect would suggest presenting correct examples first, the productive failure approach hypothesizes the reversed order to be learning-facilitating. In addition, congruency of subsequent exemplified problems was tested as a moderator of the effect of order on learning. For example, with arithmetic tasks, congruent problems target exactly the same calculation while incongruent problems refer to different calculations. Following cascade theory, a model of cognitive skill acquisition, presenting correct examples first should be more effective when the subsequent exemplified problems are different. To test the (conflicting) hypotheses, 83 university students were assigned to one of the four conditions in a 2 (correct vs. erroneous example first) × 2 (same vs. different exemplified problems) between-subject design. Learners navigated through a slideshow on the topic of Vedic mathematics consisting of explicit instruction, worked examples differing in terms of the experimental condition, and transfer problems. Although no main or interaction effects were found regarding students’ learning performance, mediational analysis offered support for the expertise reversal effect, as it indicated that there is a significant indirect effect of order via mental load on learning. Presenting correct examples first and erroneous examples second resulted in a lower mental load, which in turn was associated with better learning performance. In contrast, presenting erroneous examples first and correct examples second resulted in a more accurate self-assessment of learning performance. These findings offer first insights into the question of how the presentation order of different example types impacts learning and provide practical recommendations for the design of educational media. Results are discussed in light of the ongoing debate regarding the question if less guided instructional methods should precede or succeed more guided methods.
Bat Use of Hollows in California’s Old-Growth Redwood Forests: From DNA to Ecology
Authors: Armstrong Amon J. , Walker Faith M. , Sobek Colin J. , Sanville Cheri J. , Martin Stephanie L. , Szewczak Joseph M.
Published: October 2022

The loss of roosting resources, either through disturbance or removal, negatively affects bats. Identifying sensitive species and determining roost requirements are critical components in conserving their habitat. Cavity-roosting bats on the North Coast of California are known to use hollows in large redwood trees. In this study, we examined the factors determining the use of basal tree hollows by different bat species at eight redwood forest sites in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties, California. Bat guano was collected from 179 basal hollow roosts from 2017 to 2018, and guano mass was used as an index of roosting activity. Nine bat species and one species group were identified by analysis of DNA in guano. We made a total of 253 identifications from 83 hollows into the 10 species categories. The most prevalent species were Myotis californicus (California myotis; 28.5% of all identifications), the Myotis evotis-Myotis thysanodes group (17.4%), Corynorhinus townsendii (17.0%), and Myotis volans (15.0%). We evaluated the extent to which habitat variables at the scales of the hollow, vicinity, and site influenced the level of roost use. The correlations between guano mass and habitat variables were examined using generalized additive mixed models. At the hollow scale, guano mass increased with ceiling height above the opening. At the vicinity scale, guano mass increased with less cover of small trees. At the site scale, there was no association between guano mass and distance to foraging areas, elevation, or the number of nearby hollows. These tree hollow roost preferences can inform land managers when planning the management and conservation of redwood forests.
Genotype-to-Protein Map and Collective Adaptation in a Viral Population
Authors: Villanueva Ariadna , Secaira-Morocho Henry , Seoane Luis F. , Lázaro Ester , Manrubia Susanna
Published: October 2022

Viral populations are large and highly heterogeneous. Despite the evolutionary relevance of such heterogeneity, statistical approaches to quantifying the extent to which viruses maintain a high genotypic and/or phenotypic diversity have been rarely pursued. Here, we address this issue by analyzing a nucleotide-to-protein sequence map through deep sequencing of populations of the Qβ phage adapted to high temperatures. Tens of thousands of different sequences corresponding to two fragments of the gene coding for the viral replicase were recovered. A diversity analysis of two independent populations consistently revealed that about 40% of the mutations identified caused changes in protein amino acids, leading to an almost complete exploration of the protein neighborhood of (non-silent) mutants at a distance of one. The functional form of the empirical distribution of phenotype abundance agreed with analytical calculations that assumed random mutations in the nucleotide sequence. Our results concur with the idea that viral populations maintain a high diversity as an efficient adaptive mechanism and support the hypothesis of universality for a lognormal distribution of phenotype abundances in biologically meaningful genotype–phenotype maps, highlighting the relevance of entropic effects in molecular evolution.
Evaluation of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Using Clinical-Ultrasound Radiomic Machine Learning-Based Model
Authors: Agyekum Enock Adjei , Ren Yong-Zhen , Wang Xian , Cranston Sashana Sashakay , Wang Yu-Guo , Wang Jun , Akortia Debora , Xu Fei-Ju , Gomashie Leticia , Zhang Qing , Zhang Dongmei , Qian Xiaoqin
Published: October 2022

We aim to develop a clinical-ultrasound radiomic (USR) model based on USR features and clinical factors for the evaluation of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This retrospective study used routine clinical and US data from 205 PTC patients. According to the pathology results, the enrolled patients were divided into a non-CLNM group and a CLNM group. All patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 143) and a validation cohort (n = 62). A total of 1046 USR features of lesion areas were extracted. The features were reduced using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) with stratified 15-fold cross-validation. Several machine learning classifiers were employed to build a Clinical model based on clinical variables, a USR model based solely on extracted USR features, and a Clinical-USR model based on the combination of clinical variables and USR features. The Clinical-USR model could discriminate between PTC patients with CLNM and PTC patients without CLNM in the training (AUC, 0.78) and validation cohorts (AUC, 0.71). When compared to the Clinical model, the USR model had higher AUCs in the validation (0.74 vs. 0.63) cohorts. The Clinical-USR model demonstrated higher AUC values in the validation cohort (0.71 vs. 0.63) compared to the Clinical model. The newly developed Clinical-USR model is feasible for predicting CLNM in patients with PTC.
Metabolic Pathways, Enzymes, and Metabolites: Opportunities in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kumar Rishabh , Mishra Anurag , Gautam Priyanka , Feroz Zainab , Vijayaraghavalu Sivakumar , Likos Eviania , Shukla Girish , Kumar Munish
Published: October 2022

Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to proliferate and produce tumor biomass under a nutrient-deficient microenvironment and the stress of metabolic waste. A cancer cell adeptly undergoes a variety of adaptations in metabolic pathways and differential expression of metabolic enzyme genes. Metabolic adaptation is mainly determined by the physiological demands of the cancer cell of origin and the host tissue. Numerous metabolic regulators that assist cancer cell proliferation include uncontrolled anabolism/catabolism of glucose metabolism, fatty acids, amino acids metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs, and many regulatory enzymes and genes. Using this paradigm, we review the current understanding of metabolic reprogramming in tumors and discuss the new strategies of cancer metabolomics that can be tapped into for cancer therapeutics.
Spiking Neural Network Based on Multi-Scale Saliency Fusion for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Fu Qiang , Dong Hongbin
Published: October 2022

Deep neural networks have been successfully applied in the field of image recognition and object detection, and the recognition results are close to or even superior to those from human beings. A deep neural network takes the activation function as the basic unit. It is inferior to the spiking neural network, which takes the spiking neuron model as the basic unit in the aspect of biological interpretability. The spiking neural network is considered as the third-generation artificial neural network, which is event-driven and has low power consumption. It modulates the process of nerve cells from receiving a stimulus to firing spikes. However, it is difficult to train spiking neural network directly due to the non-differentiable spiking neurons. In particular, it is impossible to train a spiking neural network using the back-propagation algorithm directly. Therefore, the application scenarios of spiking neural network are not as extensive as deep neural network, and a spiking neural network is mostly used in simple image classification tasks. This paper proposed a spiking neural network method for the field of object detection based on medical images using the method of converting a deep neural network to spiking neural network. The detection framework relies on the YOLO structure and uses the feature pyramid structure to obtain the multi-scale features of the image. By fusing the high resolution of low-level features and the strong semantic information of high-level features, the detection precision of the network is improved. The proposed method is applied to detect the location and classification of breast lesions with ultrasound and X-ray datasets, and the results are 90.67% and 92.81%, respectively.
Water Purification and Electrochemical Oxidation: Meeting Different Targets with BDD and MMO Anodes
Authors: Snowdon Monika R. , Rathod Shasvat , Fattahi Azar , Khan Abrar , Bragg Leslie M. , Liang Robert , Zhou Norman , Servos Mark R.
Published: October 2022

The complex composition of natural organic matter (NOM) can affect drinking water treatment processes, leading to perceptible and undesired taste, color and odor, and bacterial growth. Further, current treatments tackling NOM can generate carcinogenic by-products. In contrast, promising substitutes such as electrochemical methods including electrooxidation (EO) have shown safer humic acid and algae degradation, but a formal comparison between EO methods has been lacking. In this study, we compared the Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode electrolysis performance for Suwannee River NOM degradation using mixed-metal oxide (MMO) anodes under different pH (6.5 and 8.5) representative of the high and low ranges for acidity and alkalinity in wastewater and applied two different current densities (10 and 20 mA cm−2). BDD anodes were combined with either BDD cathodes or stainless steel (SS) cathodes. To characterize NOM, we used (a) total organic compound (TOC), (b) chemical oxygen demand (COD), (c) specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA), and (d) specific energy consumption. We observed that NOM degradation differed upon operative parameters on these two electrodes. BDD electrodes performed better than MMO under stronger current density and higher pH and proved to be more cost-effective. BDD-SS electrodes showed the lowest energy consumption at 4.4 × 103 kWh kg COD−1. while obtaining a TOC removal of 40.2%, COD of 75.4% and SUVA of 3.4 at higher pH and current. On the contrary, MMO produced lower TOC, COD and SUVA at the lower pH. BDD electrodes can be used in surface water as a pre-treatment in combination with some other purification technologies to remove organic contaminants.
Management of Forest Pests and Diseases
Authors: Choi Won Il , Park Young-Seuk
Published: October 2022

The occurrence patterns of forest insect pests and diseases have been altered by global events such as climate change. Recent developments in improved monitoring methods and tools for data analyses provide new opportunities to understand the causes and consequences of such changes. Using a variety of management tools, forest pest management programs can mitigate the influence of global changes on forest health. The goal of this Special Issue is to improve our understanding of the root causes of changes that have induced global changes. Fifteen papers are included in this Special Issue, covering several issues in forest pest management. One paper reviews the causes of Korean oak wilt, and another paper discusses fourteen invasive tree pests in Russia. The remaining thirteen papers cover issues related to the monitoring and management of forest pests. These studies provide a better understanding of the causes of change in the patterns of forest pests under the influence of global changes. These reviews also contribute to the development of forest-pest-management strategies to mitigate such impacts on forests due to global changes.
Conservation of Tree Species Richness in a Traditional Agroforestry Landscape in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Makhubele Lucky , Chirwa Paxie W. , Sheppard Jonathan P. , Tshidzumba Ratsodo P. , Araia Mulugheta G. , Kahle Hans-Peter
Published: October 2022

Tree species richness is a critical element concerning trees on farms, on communal land and in protected areas to support biodiversity and socio-economic livelihoods in traditional agroforestry landscapes. Tree species richness is directly linked to the use of provisioning ecosystem services and to management practices in traditional agroforestry landscapes. The study aimed to investigate the link between socio-ecological and conservation strategies regarding tree species richness in traditional agroforestry landscapes. The study was conducted in the Damani, Thenzheni, Tshiombo and Tshipako villages located in Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. The data were collected using a mixed method approach combining forestry inventory and focus group discussion. The study recorded a total number of 126 tree species: 83 communal-land-hosted species, 68 species of trees on farms and 81 species in the protected areas. The indigenous species Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn. was the most cited (62%) by interviewees, with a primary use for wild fruits, followed by Pteleopsis myrtifolia (M.A. Lawson) Engl. & Diels. (57%) for fuelwood, Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don (36%) for traditional medicine and Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F.Wight (12%) for fodder. Species richness was found to be commonly driven by provisioning ecosystem services with trees on farms and on communal land. Distance was found to be major driving factor of species richness in protected areas. This study found that the local people have no conservation strategy and practices targeting the enhancement of tree species richness in the traditional agroforestry landscape. This study advocates for the establishment of a conservation strategic framework for restoring tree species richness by targeting traditional agroforestry landscapes.
Summer and Fall Extreme Fire Weather Projected to Occur More Often and Affect a Growing Portion of California throughout the 21st Century
Authors: Rother David E. , De Sales Fernando , Stow Doug , McFadden Joseph P.
Published: October 2022

Annual burned area has increased in California over the past three decades as a result of rising temperatures and a greater atmospheric demand for moisture, a trend that is projected to continue throughout the 21st century as a result of climate change. Here, we implement a bias-correction and statistical downscaling technique to obtain high resolution, daily meteorological conditions for input into two fire weather indices: vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and the Canadian Fire Weather Index System (FWI). We focus our analysis on 10 ecoregions that together account for the diverse range of climates, ecosystems, topographies, and vegetation types found across the state of California. Our results provide evidence that fire weather conditions will become more extreme and extend into the spring and fall seasons in most areas of California by 2100, extending the amount of time vegetation is exposed to increased atmospheric demand for moisture, and heightening the overall risk for the ignition and spread of large wildfire. The ecoregion-level spatial scale adopted for this study increases the spatial specificity of fire weather information, as well as the resolution with which fire and land managers can implement strategies and counter-measures when addressing issues related to climate change.
Bioimpedance and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Are Not Equivalent Technologies: Comparing Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass
Authors: Lopes Sofia , Fontes Tatiana , Tavares Rejane Giacomelli , Rodrigues Luis Monteiro , Ferreira-Pêgo Cíntia
Published: October 2022

Bioimpedance (BIA) is the most frequently used technology for body composition assessment at a daily clinical level, mostly due to its low price and user-friendly operation. However, many doubts persist regarding its physiological meaning and applicability. The present study aimed to compare one BIA system and the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for the characterization of body composition in a previously selected cohort of healthy adult participants. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study included a final sample of 121 participants, 93 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 28.26 ± 9.72 years old and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.68 ± 3.13 kg/m2. Statistics involved paired t-tests and agreement analysis by the Bland-Altman method. BIA underestimated the percent body fat (%BF) by 5.56% and overestimated Fat-Free Mass (FFM) by 2.90 kg. A strong positive correlation between both technologies was found for FFM (r = 0.980) and the %BF (r = 0.932), but the disagreement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Although DXA and BIA seem to correlate, these technologies are not congruent. Therefore, the risk of (mis)interpretation and bias is clear with BIA, potentially impacting the nutritional planning of clinical dietitians and the further results of its patients.
When You Can’t Play Sports: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Motivational and Emotional Experiences in Coach-Athlete Dyads
Authors: Fonteyn Marieke , Loeys Tom
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletes’ and coaches’ experiences. Following the Dualistic Model of Passion and the Self-determination Theory, the objectives of this study were to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions affected athletes’ and coaches’ passion experiences, emotional experiences and basic psychological needs while engaging in their sport activities. Furthermore, the relationship between passion and emotional experiences as well as between passion and the basic psychological needs were explored; (2) Methods: 87 coach-athlete dyads, active at the recreational or competitive level in an individual sport, participated in the study. Using a cross-sectional dyadic design, athletes and coaches reported separately on their passion experience, emotional experiences and basic psychological needs in the previous two weeks; (3) Results: In total, 30 dyads were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while 57 were not. Athletes’ obsessive passion as well coaches’ negative affect were larger in impacted dyads, while athletes’ positive affect was lower in that group compared to the not-impacted group. Moderated Actor–Partner Interdependence Models revealed that coaches’ obsessive passion was more strongly related to their negative affect in coach–athlete dyads that were not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic than in dyads that were impacted. Furthermore, the harmonious passion of coaches was more strongly associated with athletes’ need satisfaction and need frustration in impacted dyads, while also the athletes’ harmonious passion in impacted dyads was more strongly associated with coaches’ need satisfaction; (4) Conclusions: Less positive outcomes and more negative outcomes were observed in both athletes and coaches that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic may have suppressed the negative effects of coaches’ obsessive passion on their negative affect, but strengthened the positive impact of coaches’ harmonious passion on the athletes’ need satisfaction and vice versa.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Multi-Ethnic, High-Risk Population: Adequacy of Screening for Diabetes Mellitus 6 Weeks after Delivery
Authors: Agarwal Mukesh M. , Lal Madan , Vyas Chintan D.
Published: October 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy is a marker for future type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, a meticulous follow-up after delivery can help identify women at risk for T2DM. In a cohort of 5504 pregnant women, the postpartum follow-up of all 1043 women with GDM for hyperglycemia in a multi-ethnic, high-risk Arab population was investigated. The prevalence of GDM was 18.9%. A total of 265 (25.4%) women returned for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 4–6 weeks after delivery, with more South Asian than Arab women (p < 0.01). The other factors associated with return were (a) family history of T2DM, (b) lower basic metabolic index, (c) higher abortions and (d) lower gravida (p < 0.05), all with minimal effect. An abnormal postpartum OGTT was statistically associated with previous GDM history and hypoglycemic drug treatment, although these effects were small. Overall, the follow-up of women with GDM postpartum was dismal, ethnicity being the major factor influencing return. Urgent public measures are needed to educate women with GDM about follow-up highlighting (a) risk awareness for T2DM and (b) a healthy lifestyle after childbirth—if we are to turn the tide on the epidemic of T2DM plaguing the Arab world.
The Results of Orthopaedic Medical Examinations in Adolescent Amateur Weightlifters
Authors: Yokoe Takuji , Tajima Takuya , Yamaguchi Nami , Nagasawa Makoto , Morita Yudai , Chosa Etsuo
Published: October 2022

Few studies have reported injuries and physical characteristics in adolescent weightlifters. The purpose of this study was to report the results of orthopaedic medical examinations in adolescent amateur weightlifters that were performed cross-sectionally from 2012 to 2019. The orthopaedic medical examination included physical examinations, generalized joint laxity, muscle and joint tightness, static alignment, muscle volume of the lower extremities, and medial longitudinal arch of the foot (the height from the tip of the navicular tubercle to the ground surface). A questionnaire survey regarding pain in the spine and lower extremities was also performed. A total of 99 adolescent weightlifters were included (male/female, 71/28; mean age, 16.2 ± 0.2 years). A total of 9.1% had received orthopaedic treatments, with spine injuries being the most prevalent. Of those who had not received orthopaedic treatments, 31.1% had pain in the spine or lower extremities (for >4 weeks). There were no significant gender differences in the incidence of pain or positive findings of physical examinations. Female weightlifters had a more reduced dorsiflexion of the ankle joint than male weightlifters (p = 0.02). Male weightlifters had a lower flexibility of the quadriceps than female weightlifters. The results of orthopaedic medical examinations in this study may help clinicians and young weightlifters to prevent injuries in competitive weightlifting.
Influence of Professional Values on Attitudes towards Professional Ethics in Future Physical Therapy Professionals
Authors: Marques-Sule Elena , Baxi Heta , Arnal-Gómez Anna , Cortés-Amador Sara , Sheth Megha
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze the influence of professional values on attitudes towards professional ethics, as well as the influence of sociodemographic variables on attitudes and professional values in future physical therapy professionals. A total of 231 physical therapy students (53% women; mean age 22.30 (SD = 5.13 years; age range 18–49)) participated. Attitudes towards professional ethics (Attitudes Questionnaire towards Professional Ethics in Physical Therapy) and professional values (Axiological Estimation of Professional Values Questionnaire) were analyzed. Linear regressions were conducted to examine: (i) the statistical prediction of attitudes as a dependent variable, with professional values as independent variables; (ii) whether sociodemographic variables had a relationship with attitudes or professional values. Professional values explained 6.5% of the variance of attitudes towards professional ethics (F(1,230) = 16.08, p < 0.001)). In regard to sociodemographic characteristics, age explained 3% of the variance of attitudes (F(1,230) = 7.11, p < 0.01) and presence of relatives in healthcare explained 1.9% of the variance in professional values (F(1,230) = 4.35, p < 0.05)). These results suggest that an increased awareness of professional values is essential to maximizing the attitudes towards professional ethics in future physical therapy professionals in order to improve their future daily clinical practices.
Identification of Key Genes during Ethylene-Induced Adventitious Root Development in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Deng Yuzheng , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Meiling , Wei Lijuan , Liao Weibiao
Published: October 2022

Ethylene (ETH), as a key plant hormone, plays critical roles in various processes of plant growth and development. ETH has been reported to induce adventitious rooting. Moreover, our previous studies have shown that exogenous ETH may induce plant adventitious root development in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). However, the key genes involved in this process are still unclear. To explore the key genes in ETH-induced adventitious root development, we employed a transcriptome technique and revealed 1415 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 687 DEGs up-regulated and 728 DEGs down-regulated. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, we further identified critical pathways that were involved in ETH-induced adventitious root development, including carbon metabolism (starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and fatty acid degradation), secondary metabolism (phenylalanine metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis) and plant hormone signal transduction. In carbon metabolism, ETH reduced the content of sucrose, glucose, starch, the activity of sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose–phosphate synthase (SPS) and hexokinase (HK), and the expressions of CsHK2, pyruvate kinase2 (CsPK2), and CsCYP86A1, whereas it enhanced the expressions of β-amylase 1 (CsBAM1) and β-amylase 3 (CsBAM3). In secondary metabolism, the transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (CsPAL) and flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase (CsF3′M) were negatively regulated, and that of primary-amine oxidase (CsPAO) was positively regulated by ETH. Additionally, the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and the expressions of auxin and ETH signaling transduction-related genes (auxin transporter-like protein 5 (CsLAX5), CsGH3.17, CsSUAR50, and CsERS) were suppressed, whereas the abscisic acid (ABA) content and the expressions of ABA and BR signaling transduction-related genes (CsPYL1, CsPYL5, CsPYL8, BRI1-associated kinase 1 (CsBAK1), and CsXTH3) were promoted by ETH. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of these genes were confirmed by real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). These results indicate that genes related to carbon metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and plant hormone signaling transduction are involved in ETH-induced adventitious root development. This work identified the key pathways and genes in ETH-induced adventitious rooting in cucumber, which may provide new insights into ETH-induced adventitious root development and will be useful for investigating the molecular roles of key genes in this process in further studies.
Changes in the Immune Cell Repertoire for the Treatment of Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Nakamura Kenta , Okuyama Ryuhei
Published: October 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been used for the treatment of various types of cancers, including malignant melanoma. Mechanistic exploration of tumor immune responses is essential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. Since tumor immune responses are based on antigen-specific immune responses, investigators have focused on T cell receptors (TCRs) and have analyzed changes in the TCR repertoire. The proliferation of T cell clones against tumor antigens is detected in patients who respond to treatment with ICIs. The proliferation of these T cell clones is observed within tumors as well as in the peripheral blood. Clonal proliferation has been detected not only in CD8-positive T cells but also in CD4-positive T cells, resident memory T cells, and B cells. Moreover, changes in the repertoire at an early stage of treatment seem to be useful for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. Further analyses of the repertoire of immune cells are desirable to improve and predict the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs.
Mitochondrial Role in Oncogenesis and Potential Chemotherapeutic Strategy of Mitochondrial Infusion in Breast Cancer
Authors: Patel Prisha S. , Castelow Christopher , Patel Disha S. , Bhattacharya Syamal K. , Kuscu Cem , Kuscu Canan , Makowski Liza , Eason James D. , Bajwa Amandeep
Published: October 2022

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive cancers diagnosed amongst women with a high rate of treatment failure and a poor prognosis. Mitochondria have been found to be key players in oncogenesis and tumor progression by mechanisms such as altered metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and evasion of apoptosis. Therefore, mitochondrial infusion is an area of interest for cancer treatment. Studies in vitro and in vivo demonstrate mitochondrial-mediated reduction in glycolysis, enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), reduction in proliferation, and an enhancement of apoptosis as effective anti-tumor therapies. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysregulation and infusion in malignancies, such as TNBC.
Interleukin-22 Exerts Detrimental Effects on Salivary Gland Integrity and Function
Authors: Zhou Jing , Onodera Shoko , Hu Yang , Yu Qing
Published: October 2022

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) affects epithelial tissue function and integrity in a context-dependent manner. IL-22 levels are elevated in salivary glands of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients, but its role in the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. The objective of this study is to elucidate the impact of IL-22 on salivary gland tissue integrity and function in murine models. We showed that IL-22 levels in sera and salivary glands increased progressively in female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, accompanying the development of SS. Administration of IL-22 to the submandibular glands of NOD mice prior to the disease onset reduced salivary secretion and induced caspase-3 activation in salivary gland tissues, which were accompanied by alterations in multiple genes controlling tissue integrity and inflammation. Similarly, IL-22 administration to submandibular glands of C57BL/6 mice also induced hyposalivation and caspase-3 activation, whereas blockade of endogenous IL-22 in C57BL/6 mice treated with anti-CD3 antibody mitigated hyposalivation and caspase-3 activation. Finally, IL-22 treatment reduced the number of viable C57BL/6 mouse submandibular gland epithelial cells cultured in vitro, indicating a direct impact of this cytokine on these cells. We conclude that IL-22 exerts a detrimental impact on salivary gland tissues.
Ultra-Short Polarization Rotator Based on Flat-Shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber Filled with Liquid Crystal
Authors: Liu Rui , Wu Tiesheng , Wang Yiping , Liu Zhihui , Cao Weiping , Yang Dan , Yang Zuning , Liu Yan , Zhong Xu
Published: October 2022

In this study we demonstrate a high-performance polarization rotator (PR) based on flat-shaped photonic crystal fiber. The flat surfaces of the fiber are plated on gold films as electrodes, and the core of the structure is filled with liquid crystal. The polarization rotation characteristics of the flat-shaped fiber can be effectively adjusted by applying external voltage. The optical properties are analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). The results show that the magnitude of the modulation voltage is closely related to the thickness of the flat fiber. When the fiber thickness is 20 μm, only 100 V is required to achieve the highest PR performance. In the wavelength of the 1.55 μm band (~200 nm bandwidth), the conversion length of the PR is only 3.99 μm, the conversion efficiency is close to 100%, and the minimum crosstalk value is −26.2 dB. The presented PR, with its excellent performance, might enable promising applications in the communication system and the photonic integrated circuits.
Preparation of Paclitaxel-Encapsulated Bio-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Efficacy against Cervical Cancer
Authors: Menon Soumya , Jayakodi Santhoshkumar , Yadav Kanti Kusum , Somu Prathap , Isaq Mona , Shanmugam Venkat Kumar , Chaitanyakumar Amballa , Basavegowda Nagaraj
Published: October 2022

The potentiality of nanomedicine in the cancer treatment being widely recognized in the recent years. In the present investigation, the synergistic effects of chitosan-modified selenium nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX-chit-SeNPs) were studied. These selenium nanoparticles were tested for drug release analysis at a pH of 7.4 and 5.5, and further characterized using FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM to confirm their morphology, and the encapsulation of the drug was carried out using UPLC analysis. Quantitative evaluation of anti-cancer properties was performed via MTT analysis, apoptosis, gene expression analysis, cell cycle arrest, and over-production of ROS. The unique combination of phytochemicals from the seed extract, chitosan, paclitaxel, and selenium nanoparticles can be effectively utilized to combat cancerous cells. The production of the nanosystem has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and have unique characteristics, and can be utilized for improving future diagnostic approaches.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (R,R)-Blumenol B and d9-(R,R)-Blumenol B
Authors: Tan Shi Min , Rees Shaun W. P. , Jelley Rebecca E. , Wang Jin , Fedrizzi Bruno , Barker David
Published: October 2022

C13-norisoprenoids are of particular importance to grapes and wines, as these molecules influence wine aroma and have been shown to significantly contribute to the distinct character of various wine varieties. Blumenol B is a putative precursor to a number of important wine aroma compounds, including the well-known compounds theaspirone and vitispirane. The enantioselective synthesis of (R,R)-blumenol B from commercially available 4-oxoisophorone was achieved using a short and easily scaleable route, which was then successfully applied to the synthesis of poly-deuterated d9-blumenol B.
Guaianolide Derivatives from the Invasive Xanthium spinosum L.: Evaluation of Their Allelopathic Potential
Authors: Baldi Sylvain , Bradesi Pascale , Muselli Alain
Published: October 2022

Ziniolide, xantholide B (11α-dihydroziniolide), and 11β-dihydroziniolide, three sesquiterpene lactones with 12,8-guaianolide skeletons, were identified as volatile metabolites from the roots of Xanthium spinosum L., an invasive plant harvested in Corsica. Essential oil, as well as hydrosol and hexane extracts, showed the presence of guaianolide analogues. The study highlights an analytical strategy involving column chromatography, GC-FID, GC-MS, NMR (1D and 2D), and the hemi-synthesis approach, to identify compounds with incomplete or even missing spectral data from the literature. Among them, we reported the 1H- and 13C-NMR data of 11β-dihydroziniolide, which was observed as a natural product for the first time. As secondary metabolites were frequently involved in the dynamic of the dispersion of weed species, the allelopathic effects of X. spinosum root’s volatile metabolites were assessed on seed germination and seedling growth (leek and radish). Essential oil, as well as hydrosol- and microwave-assisted extracts inhibited germination and seedling growth; root metabolite phytotoxicity was demonstrated. Nevertheless, the phytotoxicity of root metabolites was demonstrated with a more marked selectivity to the benefit of the monocotyledonous species compared to the dicotyledonous species. Ziniolide derivatives seem to be strongly involved in allelopathic interactions and could be the key to understanding the invasive mechanisms of weed.