bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA USP2-AS1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Enhancing YBX1-Mediated HIF1α Protein Translation Under Hypoxia
Authors: Chen Shi-Ping , Zhu Gui-Qi , Xing Xiao-Xia , Wan Jing-Lei , Cai Jia-Liang , Du Jun-Xian , Song Li-Na , Dai Zhi , Zhou Jian
Published: May 2022

Recently, the role of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and development has received increasing attention, but the mechanism underlying lncRNAs-mediated tumor growth in the hypoxic microenvironment of solid tumors remains obscure. Using RNA sequencing, 25 hypoxia-related lncRNAs were found to be upregulated in HCC, of which lncRNA USP2-AS1 were significantly increased under hypoxia. We further confirmed that USP2-AS1 was significantly upregulated in liver cancer using FISH assay and that USP2-AS1 was associated with advanced liver cancer and increased tumor size. Furthermore, overexpression of USP2-AS1 under hypoxia dramatically increased HCC proliferation and clone formation, whereas the opposite results were observed after USP2-AS1 knockdown. We also found that overexpression of USP2-AS1 increased migration and invasion of HCC cells, while USP2-AS1 knockdown led to the opposite effect. In addition, USP2-AS1 knockdown can increase the efficacy of lenvatinib in our mice tumor xenograft model. Our findings also suggest that USP2-AS1 could increase the protein level of HIF1α by enhancing YBX1 protein binding to HIF1α mRNA under hypoxia and the therapeutic effect of lenvatinib can be enhanced by combination with HIF1α inhibitors in liver cancer.
Complete Response After Pre-Operative Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumour: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Yang Huiru , Xin Yujing , Yang Yi , Lu Haizhen , Zhou Xiang
Published: May 2022

Background

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumours (PHNET) are extremely rare. Currently, no evidence-based guidelines are available for PHNET treatment, especially for unresectable tumours.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 43-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with complaints of backache for more than 1 month. The imaging examination showed a 5.5×5.3 cm lesion in the liver and no extrahepatic lesions, which was confirmed as a grade 2 PHNET by the pathological results and exclusion of non-hepatic origins. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation revealed that the lesion was an unresectable primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumour (uPHNET) but could be potentially treated by conversion surgery. The patient was initially administered four cycles of chemotherapy with temozolomide, 5-fluorouracil, and ondansetron, and was evaluated as stable disease (SD) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1). Because of the limited clinical benefit of chemotherapy, the patient subsequently underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) treatment, which reduced the tumour size and converted uPHNET to resectable tumours. A complete response (CR) was achieved after surgery, and the patient has been disease-free.

Conclusions

This case was reported by a patient with uPHNET who benefited from the pre-operative TACE, providing a potentially effective management strategy for refractory tumours.
Single-Cell Proteomics Analysis of Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma and Associated Brain Metastases
Authors: Pejovic Tanja , Abate Pierre-Valérien , Ma Hongli , Thiessen Jaclyn , Corless Christopher L. , Peterson Abigail , Allard-Chamard Hugues , Labrie Marilyne
Published: May 2022

Between 2% and 6% of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients develop brain metastases (brain mets), which are incurable and invariably result in death. This poor outcome is associated with a lack of established guidelines for the detection and treatment of brain mets in EOC patients. In this study, we characterize an unusual case of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) that metastasized to the brain. Using a spatially oriented single-cell proteomics platform, we compared sequential biopsies of a primary tumor with a peritoneal recurrence and brain mets. We identified several targetable oncogenic pathways and immunosuppressive mechanisms that are amplified in the brain mets and could be involved in the progression of LGSOC to the brain. Furthermore, we were able to identify cell populations that are shared between the primary tumor and the brain mets, suggesting that cells that have a propensity for metastasis to the brain could be identified early during the course of disease. Taken together, our findings further a path for personalized therapeutic decisions in LGSOC.
Case Report: A Novel Non-Canonical Splice Site Variant (c.1638+7T>C) in TRPM6 Cause Primary Homagnesemia With Secondary Hocalcemia
Authors: Song Jiayu , Lei Juan , Zhang Jianxia , Zhang Aiqing , Gan Weihua , Zheng Bixia , Wang Chunli , Gong Jing
Published: May 2022

Objective

Primary hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia (HSH) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the TRPM6 gene encoding the epithelial magnesium channel. It is characterized by hypomagnesemia and secondary hypocalcemia associated with neurological symptoms. Here, we aimed to investigate the genetic defects of the TRPM6 gene found in a girl from China.

Methods

The genomic DNA of the proband and the parents was extracted for whole-exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing was further performed to validate the candidate variants. Subsequently, the TRPM6 gene deletion was verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiment. The effect of the variant on mRNA splicing was analyzed through a minigene splice assay and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) in vitro.

Results

The proband presented with the symptoms of generalized seizures, tetany, and muscle spasms, which were refractory to anticonvulsant treatment. Phenotypic data indicated that the patient had hypomagnesemia, poor parathyroid hormone response, and resultant hypocalcemia. The trio whole-exome sequencing identified that the proband carried compound heterozygous variants in the TRPM6 gene, a paternally derived exon 6 deletion, and a maternally derived splicing variant (c.1638+7T>C) in exon 14. The minigene splice assay confirmed that the c.1638+7T>C variant resulted in exon 14 skipping, which caused the alteration of TRPM6 mRNA splicing.

Conclusion

Our results support that the compound heterozygous variants in TRPM6 are responsible for HSH in this patient. A novel pathogenic splicing variant (c.1638+7T>C) in the intron 14 disturbs the normal TRPM6 mRNA splicing, suggesting that the non-classical splice variant plays a critical role in HSH. This variant is essential for future effective genetic diagnosis.
Saikosaponin d Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Negatively Regulating the ROS/NLRP3 Inflammasome Through Activating the ERβ Pathway
Authors: Zhang Kehui , Lin Liubing , Zhu Yingying , Zhang Na , Zhou Meng’en , Li Yong
Published: May 2022

Background and aims: Saikosaponin d (SSd) has a steroidal structure and significant anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying SSd’s inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis.

Methods: Wild-type and estrogen receptor knockout (ERKO) mice were treated with CCl4 to establish liver fibrosis mouse models. The effects of SSd on hepatic fibrogenesis were studied in these mouse models. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were activated by H2O2 to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. The establishment of the models and the degrees of inflammation and liver tissue fibrosis were evaluated by detecting changes in serum liver enzymes and liver histopathology. The expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression and significance of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins were explored by RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. The mitochondrial ROS-related indexes were evaluated by MitoSOX Red.

Results: In wild-type and ERKO mice treated with CCl4, the fluorescence expression of mitochondrial ROS was up-regulated, while the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content were decreased, suggesting that the mitochondria were damaged. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, TGF-β, TIMP-1, MMP-2, and Vimentin) in liver tissue increased. Furthermore, the above indexes showed the same expression trend in activated HSCs. In addition, the peripheral serum ALT and AST levels increased in CCl4-induced liver injury model mice. And HE staining showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of model mice. Picric acid-Sirius staining and Masson staining showed that there was significant collagen fibrous tissue deposition in mice liver sections. IHC and WB detection confirmed that the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 increased. Liver fibrosis scores were also elevated. Then, after SSd intervention, the expression of ROS in wild-type mice and αERKO mice decreased, mitochondrial membrane potential recovered, ATP level increased, NLRP3 inflammasome and fibrosis indexes decreased, liver enzyme levels decreased, and liver pathology showed liver inflammation. The damage and collagen deposition were significantly relieved, the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was decreased, and the fibrosis score was also decreased. More importantly, the effect of SSd in alleviating liver injury and liver fibrosis had no effect on βERKO mice.

Conclusion: SSd alleviated liver fibrosis by negatively regulating the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome through activating the ERβ pathway. By establishing liver fibrosis models using wild-type and ERKO mice, we demonstrated that SSd could alleviate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome axis through activating the ERβ pathway.
Memantine Attenuates Cocaine and neuroHIV Neurotoxicity in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Du Congwu , Hua Yueming , Clare Kevin , Park Kicheon , Allen Craig P. , Volkow Nora D. , Hu Xiu-Ti , Pan Yingtian
Published: May 2022

Individuals with substance use disorder are at a higher risk of contracting HIV and progress more rapidly to AIDS as drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, potentiate the neurotoxic effects of HIV-associated proteins including, but not limited to, HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) and the envelope protein Gp120. Neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration are hallmarks of HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs), which are hypothesized to occur secondary to excitotoxicity from NMDA-induced neuronal calcium dysregulation, which could be targeted with NMDA antagonist drugs. Multiple studies have examined how Gp120 affects calcium influx and how cocaine potentiates this influx; however, they mostly focused on single cells and did not analyze effects in neuronal and vascular brain networks. Here, we utilize a custom multi-wavelength imaging platform to simultaneously study the neuronal activity (detected using genetically encoded Ca2+indicator, GcaMP6f, expressed in neurons) and hemodynamic changes (measured by total hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin within the tissue) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of HIV-1 Tg rats in response to cocaine and evaluate the effects of the selective NMDA antagonist drug memantine on cocaine and HIV neurotoxicity compared to those of non-HIV-1 Tg animals (controls). Our results show that memantine improved cocaine-induced deficit in cerebral blood volume while also attenuating an abnormal increase of the neuronal calcium influx and influx duration in both control rats and HIV-1 Tg rats. Cocaine-induced neuronal and hemodynamic dysregulations were significantly greater in HIV-1 Tg rats than in control rats. With memantine pretreatment, HIV-1 Tg rats showed attenuated cocaine’s effects on neuronal and hemodynamic responses, with responses similar to those observed in control rats. These imaging results document an enhancement of neuronal Ca2+influx, hypoxemia, and ischemia with cocaine in the PFC of HIV-1 Tg rats that were attenuated by memantine pretreatment. Thus, the potential utility of memantine in the treatment of HAND and of cocaine-induced neurotoxicity deserves further investigation.
A Leukocyte Migration Assay Assists Understanding of Interleukin-1β-Induced Leukocyte Migration Into Preterm Mouse Uterus
Authors: Lee Han , Patel Vaishvi , Onushko Meghan , Fang Xin , Chemtob Sylvain , Olson David
Published: May 2022

Neutrophils and other leukocytes invade the mouse uterus at term birth, which is normal for activating the uterus for labor. To better understand the regulation of this migration at term and interleukin (IL)-1β—induced preterm birth, we developed a mouse leukocyte migration assay (mLMA) and used it with rytvela, an IL-1 receptor allosteric antagonist. The mLMA uses term peripheral blood leukocytes that migrate in a Boyden chamber in response to a chemoattractant. We tested several mouse uterine tissues after homogenization and sedimentation of debris for chemoattractant activity. The most active chemoattractant homogenate came from the mouse lower uterus on gestational day (GD) 18.5. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that 99% of the cells that migrate are neutrophils. IL-1β administered on GD 16 stimulated neutrophil migration and invasion into the uterus and the fetal brain along with preterm birth on GD 17. Preterm birth and the increased leukocyte invasion of the maternal uterus and fetal brain were all blocked by the co-administration of rytvela. To test where the site of IL-1β action might be, we examined the potency of lower uterine chemoattractant and the activation of leukocytes following IL-1β +/- rytvela administration. IL-1β did not increase lower uterus homogenate chemoattractant activity, but it significantly (p < 0.05) increased leukocyte activation as defined by cytokine and chemokine expression. Rytvela blocked this activation of leukocytes by IL-1β. We conclude that IL-1β stimulates preterm birth in mice by increasing leukocyte activation leading to increased uterine and fetal brain leukocyte invasion.
Grey Relational Analysis-Based Fault Prediction for Watercraft Equipment
Authors: Feng Shasha , Chen Zijian , Guan Qunsheng , Yue Jingtao , Xia Chengyi
Published: May 2022

In this study, we aim to investigate the fault prediction for watercraft equipment by using grey relational analysis. At first, the healthy degree model of watercraft equipment is proposed, and then two main theorems are derived to determine the health condition criteria for equipment. Lastly, the relevant simulation results are provided to verify the validity and accuracy of the healthy degree model. Current results can be helpful to effectively design the supporting mode of watercraft equipment and realize the transformation of watercraft equipment support from planned maintenance to predictive maintenance.
Mitochondrial Respiration-Dependent ANT2-UCP2 Interaction
Authors: Schiffer Tomas A. , Löf Liza , Gallini Radiosa , Kamali-Moghaddam Masood , Carlström Mattias , Palm Fredrik
Published: May 2022

Adenine nucleotide translocases (ANTs) and uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are known to facilitate proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, it remains to be unravelled whether UCP2/3 contribute to significant amount of proton leak in vivo. Reports are indicative of UCP2 dependent proton-coupled efflux of C4 metabolites from the mitochondrial matrix. Previous studies have suggested that UCP2/3 knockdown (KD) contributes to increased ANT-dependent proton leak. Here we investigated the hypothesis that interaction exists between the UCP2 and ANT2 proteins, and that such interaction is regulated by the cellular metabolic demand. Protein-protein interaction was evaluated using reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation and in situ proximity ligation assay. KD of ANT2 and UCP2 was performed by siRNA in human embryonic kidney cells 293A (HEK293A) cells. Mitochondrial and cellular respiration was measured by high-resolution respirometry. ANT2-UCP2 interaction was demonstrated, and this was dependent on cellular metabolism. Inhibition of ATP synthase promoted ANT2-UCP2 interaction whereas high cellular respiration, induced by adding the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP, prevented interaction. UCP2 KD contributed to increased carboxyatractyloside (CATR) sensitive proton leak, whereas ANT2 and UCP2 double KD reduced CATR sensitive proton leak, compared to UCP2 KD. Furthermore, proton leak was reduced in double KD compared to UCP2 KD. In conclusion, our results show that there is an interaction between ANT2-UCP2, which appears to be dynamically regulated by mitochondrial respiratory activity. This may have implications in the regulation of mitochondrial efficiency or cellular substrate utilization as increased activity of UCP2 may promote a switch from glucose to fatty acid metabolism.
Turbulent Intensity of Blood Flow in the Healthy Aorta Increases With Dobutamine Stress and is Related to Cardiac Output
Authors: Sundin Jonathan , Bustamante Mariana , Ebbers Tino , Dyverfeldt Petter , Carlhäll Carl-Johan
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The blood flow in the normal cardiovascular system is predominately laminar but operates close to the threshold to turbulence. Morphological distortions such as vascular and valvular stenosis can cause transition into turbulent blood flow, which in turn may cause damage to tissues in the cardiovascular system. A growing number of studies have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the extent and degree of turbulent flow in different cardiovascular diseases. However, the way in which heart rate and inotropy affect turbulent flow has not been investigated. In this study we hypothesized that dobutamine stress would result in higher turbulence intensity in the healthy thoracic aorta.

Method: 4D flow MRI data were acquired in twelve healthy subjects at rest and with dobutamine, which was infused until the heart rate increased by 60% when compared to rest. A semi-automatic segmentation method was used to segment the thoracic aorta in the 4D flow MR images. Subsequently, flow velocity and several turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) parameters were calculated in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta and whole thoracic aorta.

Results: With dobutamine infusion there was an increase in heart rate (66 ± 9 vs. 108 ± 13 bpm, p < 0.001) and stroke volume (88 ± 13 vs. 102 ± 25 ml, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was an increase in Peak Average velocity (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 m/s, p < 0.001, Peak Max velocity (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 m/s, p < 0.001), Peak Total TKE (2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 8.0 ± 2.2 mJ, p < 0.001), Peak Median TKE (36 ± 7 vs. 93 ± 24 J/m3, p = 0.002) and Peak Max TKE (176 ± 33 vs. 334 ± 69 J/m3, p < 0.001). The relation between cardiac output and Peak Total TKE in the whole thoracic aorta was very strong (R2 = 0.90, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: TKE of blood flow in the healthy thoracic aorta increases with dobutamine stress and is strongly related to cardiac output. Quantification of such turbulence intensity parameters with cardiac stress may serve as a risk assessment of aortic disease development.
Taste Receptor Cells Generate Oscillating Receptor Potentials by Activating G Protein-Coupled Taste Receptors
Authors: Nakao Yoshiki , Tateno Katsumi , Ohtubo Yoshitaka
Published: May 2022

The receptor potentials of taste receptor cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that taste receptor cells generate oscillating depolarization (n = 7) with action potentials in response to sweet, bitter, umami, and salty taste substances. At a lower concentration of taste substances, taste receptor cells exhibited oscillations in membrane potentials with a low frequency and small magnitude of depolarization. Although the respective waves contained no or 1–2 action potentials, the taste receptor cells generated action potentials continuously in the presence of taste stimuli. Both the frequency and magnitude of oscillations increased when the concentration was increased, to 0.67–1.43 Hz (n = 3) and Δ39–53 mV (n = 3) in magnitude from −64.7 ± 4.2 to −18.7 ± 5.9 mV, which may activate the ATP-permeable ion channels. In contrast, a sour tastant (10-mM HCl) induced membrane depolarization (Δ19.4 ± 9.5 mV, n = 4) with action potentials in type III taste receptor cells. Interestingly, NaCl (1 M) taste stimuli induced oscillation (n = 2) or depolarization (Δ10.5 ± 5.7 mV at the tonic component, n = 9). Our results indicate that the frequency and magnitude of oscillations increased with increasing taste substance concentrations. These parameters may contribute to the expression of taste “thickness.”
The Less Well-Known Little Brothers: The SLC9B/NHA Sodium Proton Exchanger Subfamily—Structure, Function, Regulation and Potential Drug-Target Approaches
Authors: Anderegg Manuel A. , Gyimesi Gergely , Ho Tin Manh , Hediger Matthias A. , Fuster Daniel G.
Published: May 2022

The SLC9 gene family encodes Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs), a group of membrane transport proteins critically involved in the regulation of cytoplasmic and organellar pH, cell volume, as well as systemic acid-base and volume homeostasis. NHEs of the SLC9A subfamily (NHE 1–9) are well-known for their roles in human physiology and disease. Much less is known about the two members of the SLC9B subfamily, NHA1 and NHA2, which share higher similarity to prokaryotic NHEs than the SLC9A paralogs. NHA2 (also known as SLC9B2) is ubiquitously expressed and has recently been shown to participate in renal blood pressure and electrolyte regulation, insulin secretion and systemic glucose homeostasis. In addition, NHA2 has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease, the most common inherited kidney disease in humans. NHA1 (also known as SLC9B1) is mainly expressed in testis and is important for sperm motility and thus male fertility, but has not been associated with human disease thus far. In this review, we present a summary of the structure, function and regulation of expression of the SLC9B subfamily members, focusing primarily on the better-studied SLC9B paralog, NHA2. Furthermore, we will review the potential of the SLC9B subfamily as drug targets.
Mode of Application of Peracetic Acid-Based Disinfectants has a Minimal Influence on the Antioxidant Defences and Mucosal Structures of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Parr
Authors: Carletto Danilo , Furtado Francisco , Zhang Junjie , Asimakopoulos Alexandros G. , Eggen Maia , Verstege Gerhardus C. , Faggio Caterina , Mota Vasco C. , Lazado Carlo C.
Published: May 2022

Peracetic acid (PAA) is an oxidative disinfectant with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and low environmental impact. In this study, we investigated the physiological impacts of PAA application in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr reared in freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems over a 4-week period. PAA at a target concentration of 1 mg/L was administered either in pulse (every 3 days) or continuous. The group that did not receive PAA served as a control. Fish tissue samples were collected for histology, gene expression, and biochemical analyses at day 0 and after 2 and 4 weeks of exposure. The expression of genes encoding for antioxidant defence in the olfactory organs, skin, and gills changed during the trial, but the temporal effects were more pronounced than inter-treatment impacts. The glutathione group of antioxidant genes was more responsive to PAA. In most cases, an upregulation was observed. Significantly lower levels of reactive oxygen species were identified in the plasma and skin mucus of the two PAA-exposed groups at week 4; nonetheless, significantly increased levels of total antioxidant capacity were only observed in the skin mucus of fish from the continuous treatment group. Additional markers of oxidative stress (i.e., 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine and o,o'-dityrosine) were analysed in the skin, gills, liver, and dorsal fins. These markers were unaffected by the two PAA treatments. Sporadic reversible structural alterations were observed in the three mucosal organs; the changes were time-dependent, and the effects of PAA treatment were minimal. The number of mucous cells varied over time but not within treatments except in the skin of the pulse group at week 4 where a reduction was observed. The ratio of acidic and neutral mucous cells in the skin and gills were affected by PAA treatments especially in the pulse group. Overall, this study revealed that Atlantic salmon parr mobilised mucosal and systemic antioxidant defences against the oxidative disinfectant PAA, but it was evident that the mode of application did not impose a strong influence. The minimal effects of PAA application on the indicators of health and welfare underscore the potential use of PAA as a routine disinfectant in recirculating aquaculture systems.
Constrained Nonlinear and Mixed Effects Integral Differential Equation Models for Dynamic Cell Polarity Signaling
Authors: Xiao Zhen , Brunel Nicolas , Tian Chenwei , Guo Jingzhe , Yang Zhenbiao , Cui Xinping
Published: May 2022

Polar cell growth is a process that couples the establishment of cell polarity with growth and is extremely important in the growth, development, and reproduction of eukaryotic organisms, such as pollen tube growth during plant fertilization and neuronal axon growth in animals. Pollen tube growth requires dynamic but polarized distribution and activation of a signaling protein named ROP1 to the plasma membrane via three processes: positive feedback and negative feedback regulation of ROP1 activation and its lateral diffusion along the plasma membrane. In this paper, we introduce a mechanistic integro-differential equation (IDE) along with constrained semiparametric regression to quantitatively describe the interplay among these three processes that lead to the polar distribution of active ROP1 at a steady state. Moreover, we introduce a population variability by a constrained nonlinear mixed model. Our analysis of ROP1 activity distributions from multiple pollen tubes revealed that the equilibrium between the positive and negative feedbacks for pollen tubes with similar shapes are remarkably stable, permitting us to infer an inherent quantitative relationship between the positive and negative feedback loops that defines the tip growth of pollen tubes and the polarity of tip growth.
Functional Characterization of Soybean Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase 3 in Yeast and Soybean
Authors: Xue Jinai , Gao Huiling , Xue Yinghong , Shi Ruixiang , Liu Mengmeng , Han Lijun , Gao Yu , Zhou Yali , Zhang Fei , Zhang Haiping , Jia Xiaoyun , Li Runzhi
Published: May 2022

Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) function as the key rate-limiting enzymes in de novo biosynthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG) by transferring an acyl group from acyl-CoA to sn-3 of diacylglycerol (DAG) to form TAG. Here, two members of the type 3 DGAT gene family, GmDGAT3-1 and GmDGAT3-2, were identified from the soybean (Glycine max) genome. Both of them were predicted to encode soluble cytosolic proteins containing the typical thioredoxin-like ferredoxin domain. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that GmDGAT3-2 expression was much higher than GmDGAT3-1's in various soybean tissues such as leaves, flowers, and seeds. Functional complementation assay using TAG-deficient yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant H1246 demonstrated that GmDGAT3-2 fully restored TAG biosynthesis in the yeast and preferentially incorporated monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), especially oleic acid (C18:1) into TAGs. This substrate specificity was further verified by fatty-acid feeding assays and in vitro enzyme activity characterization. Notably, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) data showed that heterogeneous expression of GmDGAT3-2 resulted in a significant increase in seed oil and C18:1 levels but little change in contents of protein and starch compared to the EV-transformed tobacco plants. Taken together, GmDGAT3-2 displayed a strong enzymatic activity to catalyze TAG assembly with high substrate specificity for MUFAs, particularly C18:1, playing an important role in the cytosolic pathway of TAG synthesis in soybean. The present findings provide a scientific reference for improving oil yield and FA composition in soybean through gene modification, further expanding our knowledge of TAG biosynthesis and its regulatory mechanism in oilseeds.
Response of Physiological, Reproductive Function and Yield Traits in Cultivated Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Under Heat Stress
Authors: Devi Poonam , Jha Uday Chand , Prakash Vijay , Kumar Sanjeev , Parida Swarup Kumar , Paul Pronob J. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Sharma Kamal Dev , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Nayyar Harsh
Published: May 2022

Under global climate change, high-temperature stress is becoming a major threat to crop yields, adversely affecting plant growth, and ultimately resulting in significant yield losses in various crops, including chickpea. Thus, identifying crop genotypes with increased heat stress (HS) tolerance is becoming a priority for chickpea research. Here, we assessed the response of seven physiological traits and four yield and yield-related traits in 39 chickpea genotypes grown in normal-sown and late-sown environments [to expose plants to HS (>32/20°C) at the reproductive stage] for two consecutive years (2017–2018 and 2018–2019). Significant genetic variability for the tested traits occurred under normal and HS conditions in both years. Based on the tested physiological parameters and yield-related traits, GNG2171, GNG1969, GNG1488, PantG186, CSJ515, RSG888, RSG945, RVG202, and GNG469 were identified as promising genotypes under HS. Further, ten heat-tolerant and ten heat-sensitive lines from the set of 39 genotypes were validated for their heat tolerance (32/20°C from flowering to maturity) in a controlled environment of a growth chamber. Of the ten heat-tolerant genotypes, GNG1969, GNG1488, PantG186, RSG888, CSJ315, and GNG1499 exhibited high heat tolerance evidenced by small reductions in pollen viability, pollen germination, and pod set %, high seed yield plant–1 and less damage to membranes, photosynthetic ability, leaf water status, and oxidative processes. In growth chamber, chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, pollen germination, and pollen viability correlated strongly with yield traits. Thus, GNG1969, GNG1488, PantG186, RSG888, CSJ315, and GNG1499 genotypes could be used as candidate donors for transferring heat tolerance traits to high-yielding heat-sensitive varieties to develop heat-resilient chickpea cultivars.
PanaxGDB: A Comprehensive Platform for Panax
Authors: Lin Yuan , Hao Bing , Lu Ying Chun , Dong Yang , Li Ying , Zhang Guang Hui , Yang Zi Jiang , Xiang Gui Sheng , Liu Guan Ze , Li Xue Jiao , Zhu Qin , Yang Qing Hui , Li Xu Zhen , Yang Sheng Chao
Published: May 2022

The genus Panax is a valuable natural medicinal source used worldwide that contains high levels of triterpenoid saponins with extensive pharmacological activities. In past decades, molecular biotechnology and breeding techniques have been respectively used to generate omics data and information on cultivars primarily from Panax ginseng (ginseng), Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) to biosynthesize valuable saponins, improve product quality, and conduct cost-controlled cultivation. Although much data have been produced, there are concerns that redundant data might be generated and that relatively scattered data might be overlooked. Therefore, many scientists desire a reliable, comprehensive omics database of the Panax genus that could save time and promote integrated analysis. Therefore, to provide all-inclusive, reliable, and valuable information on the Panax genus, PanaxGDB, an open comprehensive database that integrates data on omics and information on varieties, was established. The database contains information on nearly 600 compounds from 12 Panax species, draft genomic sequences with annotations and gene expression levels, single nucleotide polymorphisms, genome-wide association analysis based on agronomic traits, globally collected germplasm information, summaries, omics data of the Panax genus, and online versatile analytic tools. The Panax genus database will be updated when new data are released to continue serving as a central portal to boost research on the biology and functions of Panax. PanaxGDB is available at: http://panaxGDB.ynau.edu.cn.
A Conserved Long Intergenic Non-coding RNA Containing snoRNA Sequences, lncCOBRA1, Affects Arabidopsis Germination and Development
Authors: Kramer Marianne C. , Kim Hee Jong , Palos Kyle R. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Lyons Eric , Beilstein Mark A. , Nelson Andrew D. L. , Gregory Brian D.
Published: May 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an increasingly studied group of non-protein coding transcripts with a wide variety of molecular functions gaining attention for their roles in numerous biological processes. Nearly 6,000 lncRNAs have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana but many have yet to be studied. Here, we examine a class of previously uncharacterized lncRNAs termed CONSERVED IN BRASSICA RAPA (lncCOBRA) transcripts that were previously identified for their high level of sequence conservation in the related crop species Brassica rapa, their nuclear-localization and protein-bound nature. In particular, we focus on lncCOBRA1 and demonstrate that its abundance is highly tissue and developmental specific, with particularly high levels early in germination. lncCOBRA1 contains two snoRNAs domains within it, making it the first sno-lincRNA example in a non-mammalian system. However, we find that it is processed differently than its mammalian counterparts. We further show that plants lacking lncCOBRA1 display patterns of delayed germination and are overall smaller than wild-type plants. Lastly, we identify the proteins that interact with lncCOBRA1 and propose a novel mechanism of lincRNA action in which it may act as a scaffold with the RACK1A protein to regulate germination and development, possibly through a role in ribosome biogenesis.
Intersectional Invisibility in Women’s Diversity Interventions
Authors: Wong Chuk Yan E. , Kirby Teri A. , Rink Floor , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: May 2022

Many diversity interventions for women are ineffective. One reason for this may be that the field that diversity interventions are usually based on, the social sciences, often do not consider intra-group differences among women. Specifically, differences by racialization may be excluded from such diversity interventions. The present research examines whether racially marginalized women have different diversity interventions needs than White women, and whether organizations are less likely to represent those needs (i.e., intersectional invisibility). Across an open-ended coding (n = 293) and a ranking study (n = 489), Black women noted a need to incorporate intersectional differences, Asian women prioritized methods to address challenges to their authority, and White women indicated a need to address agency perceptions. Improving work-life balance and networks was a shared concern among participants, though we theorized different racially gendered reasons for why these intervention needs are relevant to each group. In Study 3 (n = 92 organizations), we analyzed organizations’ websites using word count and textual analysis. Organizations— including the Education, Science, and Research sector— most readily advocated for women through enhancing agency. They were also less likely to mention dealing with perceptions of excessive agency or addressing intersectional considerations. The organizations broadly mentioned other marginalized groups besides women, but rarely did they do so intersectionality. Taken together, our findings demonstrate different intervention priorities across differently racialized groups. We found evidence of intersectional invisibility where organizations were more likely to address agency-enhancing intervention needs while failing to include other intervention needs relevant for Black women and Asian women. We discuss the implications of these findings for organizations, in general, as well as potential implications for the field of academic social sciences.
Unpacking the Emotional Experiences of Learners in a Blended Learning Context
Authors: Zhao Shurong , Song Junxia
Published: May 2022

Understanding the relationship between emotion and learning behavior is conducive to learners’ well-being and effective learning. However, previous studies only regarded emotion as an additional variable, and there lacked specific research on academic emotion in the blended learning (BL) context. BL is characterized by systematic integration of online and face-to-face (F2F) learning, hence leading to special emotional experiences. What is the emotional experience of learners in online learning? What is it like face-to-face? Does the connection between the two have an impact on learners’ emotional experience? In order to address these questions and explore the emotional profiles of learners in BL context, this study constructs a typical BL context in a Chinese university, and conducts questionnaire and focus group interviews with 89 participants at the end of the semester. Data analysis showed that learners’ emotions of face-to-face classes are more intense than those of online learning, both positive and negative. As to positive emotions, paired-sample t-test shows that mean values of feeling of challenge, comfort, sense of community, satisfaction, enthusiasm and interest in F2F are significantly higher than those of online learning. About negative emotions, stress, embarrassment, tension and frustration of F2F are significantly stronger than those of online learning, while boredom and disappointment of online learning are more intense than those for F2F section. Theme analysis identified 11 influencing factors of academic emotions, among which degree of difficulty, readiness before class, workload, and interaction are unique to BL and deserve special attention. These findings help form a picture of learners’ academic emotions in BL context. It also provides practical reference for BL course design, so as to inspire emotions which are conducive to effective and in-depth learning.
Hyper-Sensitivity to Pitch and Poorer Prosody Processing in Adults With Autism: An ERP Study
Authors: Haigh Sarah M. , Brosseau Pat , Eack Shaun M. , Leitman David I. , Salisbury Dean F. , Behrmann Marlene
Published: May 2022

Individuals with autism typically experience a range of symptoms, including abnormal sensory sensitivities. However, there are conflicting reports on the sensory profiles that characterize the sensory experience in autism that often depend on the type of stimulus. Here, we examine early auditory processing to simple changes in pitch and later auditory processing of more complex emotional utterances. We measured electroencephalography in 24 adults with autism and 28 controls. First, tones (1046.5Hz/C6, 1108.7Hz/C#6, or 1244.5Hz/D#6) were repeated three times or nine times before the pitch changed. Second, utterances of delight or frustration were repeated three or six times before the emotion changed. In response to the simple pitched tones, the autism group exhibited larger mismatch negativity (MMN) after nine standards compared to controls and produced greater trial-to-trial variability (TTV). In response to the prosodic utterances, the autism group showed smaller P3 responses when delight changed to frustration compared to controls. There was no significant correlation between ERPs to pitch and ERPs to prosody. Together, this suggests that early auditory processing is hyper-sensitive in autism whereas later processing of prosodic information is hypo-sensitive. The impact the different sensory profiles have on perceptual experience in autism may be key to identifying behavioral treatments to reduce symptoms.
Plasma Orexin-A Levels in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Shaoli , Zhang Ruili , Hu Shaohua , Lai Jianbo
Published: May 2022

Background

Orexins are polypeptides regulating appetite, sleep-wake cycle, and cognition functions, which are commonly disrupted in patients with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia show a decreased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and midline-anterior thalamus, and orexin can directly activate the axon terminal of cells within the prefrontal cortex and selectively depolarize neurons in the midline intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus. To address the relationship between orexin and schizophrenia, this study performed a meta-analysis on the alteration of plasma orexin-A levels in patients with schizophrenia.

Method

We searched eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from 1998 to September 3, 2021. A total of 8 case-control studies were included in the meta-analyses, providing data on 597 patients with schizophrenia and 370 healthy controls. The Stata version 16.0 software was used to calculate the Hedges's adjusted g with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The plasma orexin-A levels were not altered in subjects with schizophrenia (n = 597) when compared to healthy controls (n = 370). Subgroup analyses of gender (male and female vs. only male), country (China vs. other countries), medication (medication vs. non-medication), and the measurement of plasma orexin-A (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay vs. radioimmunoassay) revealed heterogeneity ranging from 30.15 to 98.15%, but none showed a significant alteration of plasma orexin-A levels in patients with schizophrenia. Heterogeneity was lower in the other countries and radioimmunoassay subgroup, while other subgroups remained to be highly heterogeneous. No significant evidence of publication bias was found either in Begg's test or the Egger's test.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis indicated that patients with schizophrenia did not show abnormal plasma levels of orexin-A.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021283455, identifier: CRD42021283455.
Between Sympathy, Fascination, and Powerlessness. The Experiences of Health Professionals During the Medical Monitoring of a Hunger Strike Among Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Vanobberghen Rita , Lafaut Dirk , Louckx Fred , Devroey Dirk , Vandevoorde Jan
Published: May 2022

In 2014, a group of undocumented migrants started a hunger strike in Brussels. The medical monitoring was mainly done by young, committed health professionals with no prior experience of medical monitoring of people on hunger strike. Following the hunger strike, two focus groups were organized to assess the experiences of the health professionals during the medical monitoring of the hunger strike. Their main motivation for assisting was wanting to help the people on hunger strike but they were also curious about the living conditions among undocumented migrants and the reasons behind starting the strike. They were puzzled by the paradox of hunger strikers putting their life at risk in order to get a better life and obtain a residence permit. They felt conflicted about their own role as a caregiver: they did not know how to deal with patients who did not comply with medical advice, they struggled to build a relationship of mutual trust and feared that they would end up being instrumentalized by the hunger strikers or their environment. Afterwards, some of the health professionals were deeply touched by the experience and there were reports of symptoms of secondary traumatic stress such as re-experiencing and avoidance. During the focus group's discussions, the respondents made suggestions on how to improve the medical monitoring in the event of any future hunger strikes.
Detection and Genetic Correlation Analysis of Diarrhea Cases and Norovirus in Oysters in Yantai, China
Authors: Sun Zhenlu , Niu Peihua , Jin Miao , Gao Qiao , Wang Ji , Ma Xuejun
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the correlation between Norovirus (NoV), diarrhea, and raw oysters from the eastern coastal areas of Yantai, Shandong, China.

Methods

Marine oysters were selected from the three aquatic markets in Laishan district, Yantai City, in March 2019. Meanwhile, 100 fecal samples were collected from patients with diarrhea from the same areas during the same period. Nucleic acids were extracted from these samples and detected by employing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for NoV GI/GII. The VP1 gene of the coat protein of NoV was amplified by semi-nested RT-PCR and sequenced. Sequence comparison of VP1 was performed with BioEdit software, and the evolutionary tree was constructed with Mega7.0 software.

Results

Of the 151 oysters, 42 (27.8%) were positive for NoV. Among them, 32 (21.2%) were GII-positive, 10 (6.6%) were GI-positive, and one GI VP1 sequence was obtained in the oyster samples. Of 100 fecal samples from patients with diarrhea, 38 were GII-positive and 17 were GI-positive. Totally, 19 GII VP 1 sequences and eight GI VP 1 sequences were obtained. Two G1 VP 1 sequences in two fecal samples showed 98.7% nucleotide sequence identity and 99.1% amino acid sequence identity G1 VP 1 acquired in the oyster sample.

Conclusions

The results suggest that oysters may be responsible for the spread of NoV in Yantai, Shandong province, China.
Association Between Dimensions of Professional Burnout and Turnover Intention Among Nurses Working in Hospitals During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in Iran Based on Structural Model
Authors: Karimi Leila , Raei Mehdi , Parandeh Akram
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study was done to assess the dimensions of professional burnout and turnover intention among nurses working in hospitals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Iran based on a structural model.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed among 170 nurses working in two referral hospitals of COVID-19 in Tehran Province, Iran, from September to December 2020. Data were collected using the sociodemographic form, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Turnover Intention Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS and Amos software version 22 using independent t-test, ANOVA, and structural equation model.

Results

The mean scores for burnout in emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment dimensions were 25.38 ± 7.55, 9.47 ± 4.40, and 34.94 ± 7.80, respectively, moreover for the turnover intention, the score was 6.51 ± 3.17. The reduced personal accomplishment was identified as a positive predictor of turnover intention (p = 0.01). Work position and interest in attending the organization were significantly correlated with the turnover intention (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is an immediate need to prepare nurses to cope better with the COVID-19 outbreak. Work-related stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in nurses' burnout and turnover intention. Identifying and managing the factors related to professional burnout will make it possible to prevent the nurses' turnover intention in such critical situations.