bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Specific Environmental Impacts on Initiation and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Leffler Jonatan , Trend Stephanie , Gorman Shelley , Hart Prue H.
Published: February 2022

The immunological mechanisms that contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) differ between males and females. Females are 2–3 times more likely to develop MS compared to males, however the reason for this discrepancy is unknown. Once MS is established, there is a more inflammatory yet milder form of disease in females whereas males generally suffer from more severe disease and faster progression, neural degradation, and disability. Some of these differences relate to genetics, including genetic control of immune regulatory genes on the X-chromosome, as well as immune modulatory properties of sex hormones. Differences in MS development may also relate to how sex interacts with environmental risk factors. There are several environmental risk factors for MS including late-onset Epstein Barr virus infection, low serum vitamin D levels, low UV radiation exposure, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Most of these risk factors impact males and females differently, either due to biological or immunological processes or through behavioral differences. In this review, we explore these differences further and focus on how the interaction of environmental risk factors with sex hormones may contribute to significantly different prevalence and pathology of MS in males and females.
Effects of Excess Iron on the Retina: Insights From Clinical Cases and Animal Models of Iron Disorders
Authors: Shahandeh Ali , Bui Bang V. , Finkelstein David I. , Nguyen Christine T. O.
Published: February 2022

Iron plays an important role in a wide range of metabolic pathways that are important for neuronal health. Excessive levels of iron, however, can promote toxicity and cell death. An example of an iron overload disorder is hemochromatosis (HH) which is a genetic disorder of iron metabolism in which the body’s ability to regulate iron absorption is altered, resulting in iron build-up and injury in several organs. The retina was traditionally assumed to be protected from high levels of systemic iron overload by the blood-retina barrier. However, recent data shows that expression of genes that are associated with HH can disrupt retinal iron metabolism. Thus, the effects of iron overload on the retina have become an area of research interest, as excessively high levels of iron are implicated in several retinal disorders, most notably age–related macular degeneration. This review is an effort to highlight risk factors for excessive levels of systemic iron build-up in the retina and its potential impact on the eye health. Information is integrated across clinical and preclinical animal studies to provide insights into the effects of systemic iron loading on the retina.
Plausible Mechanism of Sham Acupuncture Based on Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kim Tae-Hun , Lee Myeong Soo , Birch Stephen , Alraek Terje
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sham acupuncture was developed to be used as an inert control intervention in clinical trials of acupuncture. However, controversies exist regarding the validity of sham acupuncture. In this systematic review (SR) of acupuncture trials, we assessed whether serum biomarkers showed significant differences after sham and verum acupuncture treatments.

Methods

Any acupuncture clinical trials that evaluated serum biomarker changes between sham acupuncture and verum acupuncture were included in this review. Relevant literature was searched in the PubMed database, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) database from inception until June 2021. The Cochrane risk of bias was assessed. Summary effect estimates for each biomarker between groups were calculated with a random effect model.

Results

From 51 sham acupuncture trials, we found that there were no significant differences in most of the 36 serum biomarkers after sham acupuncture and verum acupuncture needling. Only VEGF, IG-E, TNF-a, NGF, GABA, NPY, and VIP serum levels were identified as being different between the groups. The overall risk of bias of the included studies and the limited numbers of studies for meta-analysis do not strongly support the results of this SR.

Conclusion

Sham acupuncture techniques might have similar effects on biomarkers as the so-called “real acupuncture” techniques, which indicates that sham acupuncture, as an inert intervention similar to a placebo drug, needs to be reconsidered.

Systematic Review PROSPERO Registration

identifier [CRD42021260889].
Association Between Dietary Zinc Intake and Metabolic Syndrome. A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Ding Jun , Liu Qi , Liu Ze , Guo Hongbin , Liang Jieyu , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2022

Background

Epidemiological studies have investigated the association between dietary zinc intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, their results are conflicting. This meta-analysis was therefore employed to investigate the associations further.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was employed by using the electronic database of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to November 2021. The pooled relative risk (RR) of MetS for the highest vs. lowest dietary zinc intake category, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) of dietary zinc intake for MetS vs. control subjects as well as their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

A total of 13 observational studies (18,073 participants) were identified in this meta-analysis. The overall multi-variable adjusted RR demonstrated that the dietary zinc intake was inversely associated with MetS (RR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.61 to 0.93; P = 0.009). The subgroup analysis confirmed such findings in cross-sectional (RR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.55 to 0.87; P = 0.002), NCEP-ATP III (RR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.48 to 0.84; P = 0.002), adult (RR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.62 to 0.96; P = 0.02), dietary recall method (RR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.55 to 0.87; P = 0.002), and >500 sample-sized study (RR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.64 to 0.99; P = 0.002), respectively. On the other hand, the overall combined WMD showed that the dietary zinc intake in MetS was also lower than that in control subjects (WMD = −0.21, 95%CI: −0.42 to 0.00; P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the dietary zinc intake is negatively associated with MetS. However, due to the limitation of available evidence. More well-designed prospective cohort studies are still needed.
Unraveling the Genetics of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: An Ongoing Challenge
Authors: Brosens Erwin , Peters Nina C. J. , van Weelden Kim S. , Bendixen Charlotte , Brouwer Rutger W. W. , Sleutels Frank , Bruggenwirth Hennie T. , van Ijcken Wilfred F. J. , Veenma Danielle C. M. , Otter Suzan C. M. Cochius-Den , Wijnen Rene M. H. , Eggink Alex J. , van Dooren Marieke F. , Reutter Heiko Martin , Rottier Robbert J. , Schnater J. Marco , Tibboel Dick , de Klein Annelies
Published: February 2022

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital structural anomaly in which the diaphragm has not developed properly. It may occur either as an isolated anomaly or with additional anomalies. It is thought to be a multifactorial disease in which genetic factors could either substantially contribute to or directly result in the developmental defect. Patients with aneuploidies, pathogenic variants or de novo Copy Number Variations (CNVs) impacting specific genes and loci develop CDH typically in the form of a monogenetic syndrome. These patients often have other associated anatomical malformations. In patients without a known monogenetic syndrome, an increased genetic burden of de novo coding variants contributes to disease development. In early years, genetic evaluation was based on karyotyping and SNP-array. Today, genomes are commonly analyzed with next generation sequencing (NGS) based approaches. While more potential pathogenic variants are being detected, analysis of the data presents a bottleneck—largely due to the lack of full appreciation of the functional consequence and/or relevance of the detected variant. The exact heritability of CDH is still unknown. Damaging de novo alterations are associated with the more severe and complex phenotypes and worse clinical outcome. Phenotypic, genetic—and likely mechanistic—variability hampers individualpatient diagnosis, short and long-term morbidity prediction and subsequent care strategies. Detailed phenotyping, clinical follow-up at regular intervals and detailed registries are needed to find associations between long-term morbidity, genetic alterations, and clinical parameters. Since CDH is a relatively rare disorder with only a few recurrent changes large cohorts of patients are needed to identify genetic associations. Retrospective whole genome sequencing of historical patient cohorts using will yield valuable data from which today's patients and parents will profit Trio whole genome sequencing has an excellent potential for future re-analysis and data-sharing increasing the chance to provide a genetic diagnosis and predict clinical prognosis. In this review, we explore the pitfalls and challenges in the analysis and interpretation of genetic information, present what is currently known and what still needs further study, and propose strategies to reap the benefits of genetic screening.
Case Report: Reinterpretation and Reclassification of ARSB:p.Arg159Cys Variant Identified in an Emirati Patient With Hearing Loss Caused by a Pathogenic Variant in the CDH23 Gene
Authors: Al Dhahouri Nahid , Ali Amanat , Hertecant Jozef , Al-Jasmi Fatma
Published: February 2022

Arylsulfatase B is an enzyme present in the lysosomes that involves in the breakdown of large sugar molecules known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Arylsulfatase B chemically modifies two GAGs, namely, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, by removing the sulfate group. Mutations in the gene encoding the arylsulfataseB enzyme causes lysosomal storage disorder, mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI), or Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome. In this study, we report a case of congenital hearing loss with mild pigmentary changes in the retina, indicative of Usher syndrome, and a missense variant reported as likely pathogenic for MPS VI. Sequencing results identified a pathogenic missense variant p.Arg1746Gln in the CDH23 gene. However, another missense variant ARSB:p.Arg159Cys was reported as likely pathogenic to the treating physician. Mutations in ARSB gene have been associated with MPS VI. Subsequently, ARSB enzyme activity was found low twice in dried blood spot (DBS), suggestive of MPS VI. The patient did not have the clinical features of MPS VI, but considering the wide clinical spectrum, progressive nature of MPS VI, and the fact that a treatment for MPS VI is available to prevent disease progression, further biochemical, enzymatic, and in silico studies were performed to confirm the pathogenicity of this variant. In silico tools predicted this variant to be pathogenic. However, the results of urine and serum GAGs and ARSB enzyme levels measured from patient's fibroblast were found normal. Based on clinical and biochemical findings, ARSB:p.Arg159Cys is likely benign and did not support the diagnosis of MPS VI. However, CDH23:p.Arg1746Gln, a pathogenic variant, supports the underlying cause of hearing loss. This study highlights the importance of a robust correlation between genetic results and clinical presentation, and biochemical and enzymatic studies, to achieve a differential diagnosis.
A Regression Model to Predict Linezolid Induced Thrombocytopenia in Neonatal Sepsis Patients: A Ten-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Duan Lufen , Zhou Qin , Feng Zongtai , Zhu Chenqi , Cai Yan , Wang Sannan , Zhu Meiying , Li Jingjing , Yuan Yunlong , Liu Xin , Sun Jiantong , Yang Zuming , Tang Lian
Published: February 2022

Background: Linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia (LIT) is the main factor limiting the clinical application of linezolid (LZD). The incidence and risk factors of LIT in neonatal patients were possibly different from other populations based on pathophysiological characteristics. The purpose of this study was to establish a regression model for predicting LIT in neonatal sepsis patients.

Methods: We retrospectively included 518 patients and divided them into the LIT group and the non-LIT group. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors related to LIT, and a regression model was established. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the model’s predictive value. We prospectively collected 39 patients’ data to validate the model and evaluate the effect of LZD pharmacokinetics on LIT.

Results: Among the 518 patients, 103 patients (19.9%) developed LIT. The Kaplan–Meier plot revealed that the overall median time from the initiation of LZD treatment to the onset of LIT in preterm infants was much shorter when compared with term infants [10 (6, 12) vs. 13 (9.75, 16.5), p = 0.004]. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors of LIT were lower weight at medication, younger gestational ages, late-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, mechanical ventilation, longer durations of LZD treatment, and lower baseline of platelet level. We established the above seven-variable prediction regression model and calculated the predictive probability. The ROC curve showed that the predicted probability of combined body weight, gestational age, duration of LZD treatment, and baseline of platelet had better sensitivity (84.4%), specificity (74.2%), and maximum AUC (AUC = 0.873). LIT occurred in 9 out of 39 patients (23.1%), and the accuracies of positive and negative predictions of LIT were 88.9 and 76.7%, respectively. Compared with the non-LIT patients, the LIT patients had higher trough concentration [11.49 (6.86, 15.13) vs. 5.51 (2.80, 11.61) mg/L; p = 0.028] but lower apparent volume of distribution (Vd) [0.778 (0.687, 1.421) vs. 1.322 (1.099, 1.610) L; p = 0.010].

Conclusion: The incidence of LIT was high in neonatal sepsis patients, especially in preterm infants. LIT occurred earlier in preterm infants than in term infants. The regression model of seven variables had a high predictive value for predicting LIT. LIT was correlated with higher trough concentration and lower Vd.
Cannabidiol Inhibits Multiple Ion Channels in Rabbit Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Isaev Dmytro , Shabbir Waheed , Dinc Ege Y. , Lorke Dietrich E , Petroianu Georg , Oz Murat
Published: February 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant, has been shown to exert anti-nociceptive, anti-psychotic, and anti-convulsant effects and to also influence the cardiovascular system. In this study, the effects of CBD on major ion currents were investigated using the patch-clamp technique in rabbit ventricular myocytes. CBD inhibited voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels with IC50 values of 5.4 and 4.8 µM, respectively. In addition, CBD, at lower concentrations, suppressed ion currents mediated by rapidly and slowly activated delayed rectifier K+ channels with IC50 of 2.4 and 2.1 µM, respectively. CBD, up to 10 μM, did not have any significant effect on inward rectifier IK1 and transient outward Ito currents. The effects of CBD on these currents developed gradually, reaching steady-state levels within 5–8 min, and recoveries were usually slow and partial. Hill coefficients higher than unity in concentration-inhibition curves suggested multiple CBD binding sites on these channels. These findings indicate that CBD affects cardiac electrophysiology by acting on a diverse range of ion channels and suggest that caution should be exercised when CBD is administered to carriers of cardiac channelopathies or to individuals using drugs known to affect the rhythm or the contractility of the heart.
Evaluation of JQ1 Combined With Docetaxel for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Cells in 2D- and 3D-Culture Systems
Authors: Xu Yipeng , Pachnikova Gabriela , Przybilla Dorothea , Schäfer Reinhold , Cui Yingying , Zhou Dan , Chen Zihao , Zhao An , Keilholz Ulrich
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is dependent on coupled androgen-androgen receptor (AR) signaling for growth and progression. Significant efforts have been made in this research field, as hormonal therapies have greatly improved the survival of patients with metastatic PCa (mPCa). The drug treatment agent JQ1, which potently abrogates bromodomain 4 (BRD4) localization to the AR target loci and therefore significantly impairs AR-mediated gene transcription, is a potent therapeutic option for patients with advanced PCa. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of JQ1 combined with docetaxel on PCa cells in vitro for the first time. Furthermore, the 3D spheroid culture system was modeled to more accurately simulate the response of PCa cells to drugs.

Methods: We established and measured 3D LNCaP spheroids in vitro in order to evaluate the susceptibility of 2D- and 3D-cultured LNCaP cells exposed to the same anti-cancer drug.

Results: We demonstrated that JQ1 was an effective drug for promoting cell inhibition after docetaxel treatment in 2D- and 3D- cultured LNCaP cells. Inhibition of 3D cultured formation in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in docetaxel or JQ1 alone. Under the same conditions of drug solubility, the drug resistance of 3D spheroids was significantly higher than that of 2D cells. Moreover, dmax and lg volume were suitable parameters for LNCaP cells/spheroid size displaying and evaluating cell viability.

Conclusion: 3D cultured spheroids of PCa are an effective tool for studying PCa drug trials. JQ1 combined with docetaxel may be an effective treatment for advanced PCa. This combination therapy strategy deserves further evaluation in clinical trials.
Effect of Physical Exercise Under Different Intensity and Antioxidative Supplementation for Plasma Superoxide Dismutase in Healthy Adults: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Yining , Liang Minjun , Ugbolue Ukadike C. , Fekete Gusztáv , Gu Yaodong
Published: February 2022

Background

The dynamic balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation in the body’s internal environment has a significant meaning for human health. Physical exercise and antioxidative supplementation could affect the balance of oxidation and anti-oxidation systems. The evidence on the effects of physical exercise and antioxidative supplementation is mixed.

Aims

To identify the effects of physical exercise, antioxidative supplementation, and their combination on the dynamic balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation in different subgroups of healthy adults.

Methods

All studies which reported randomized controlled trials with healthy participants were screened and included from the databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Ovid. All participants were reclassified according to their different daily life activities. All physical exercise interventions were reclassified according to the intensity. The effect size would be calculated in percent or factor units from the mean level change with its associated random-effect variance.

Result

There were 27 studies included in this review. The agreement between authors by using The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool reached a kappa-value of 0.72. Maintaining a regular physical exercise routine in an appropriate intensity would be beneficial to the body’s anti-oxidative potential. Anti-oxidative supplementation could have some positive but limited effects on the body’s anti-oxidative status and complex interaction with physical exercise.

Conclusion

Keeping a regular physical exercise routine and gradually increasing its intensity according to the individual’s daily life activity might be a better choice to maintain and enhancing the body’s antioxidation potential, only using anti-oxidative supplementation is not recommended. More research is needed to explore the best combination protocol.

Registration Number

CRD42021241995.
Temporal Trends in Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Heart Failure and Diabetes
Authors: Ali Bassem , Dargham Soha , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Jneid Hani , Abi Khalil Charbel
Published: February 2022

Aims

We aimed to assess temporal trends in outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with diabetes and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and compared both groups.

Methods

Data from the National Inpatient Sample was analyzed between 2005 and 2017. We assessed hospitalizations rate and in-hospital mortality, ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiogenic shock (CS), ischemic stroke, acute renal failure (ARF), and revascularization strategy. Socio-economic outcomes consisted of the length of stay (LoS) and total charges/stay.

Results

Hospitalization rate steadily decreased with time in STEMI patients with diabetes and HFrEF. Mean age (SD) decreased from 71 ± 12 to 67 ± 12 (p < 0.01), while the prevalence of comorbidities increased. Mortality was stable (around 9%). However, VT, VF, AF, CS, ischemic stroke, and ARF significantly increased with time. In STEMI patients with HFpEF and diabetes, the hospitalization rate significantly increased with time while mean age was stable. The prevalence of comorbidities increased, mortality remained stable (around 4%), but VF, ischemic stroke, and ARF increased with time. Compared to patients with HFrEF, HFpEF patients were 2 years older, more likely to be females, suffered from more cardio-metabolic risk factors, and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. However, HFpEF patients were less likely to die [adjusted OR = 0.635 (0.601-0.670)] or develop VT [adjusted OR = 0.749 (0.703-0.797)], VF [adjusted OR = 0.866 (0.798-0.940)], ischemic stroke [adjusted OR = 0.871 [0.776-0.977)], and CS [adjusted OR = 0.549 (0.522-0.577)], but more likely to develop AF [adjusted OR = 1.121 (1.078-1.166)]. HFpEF patients were more likely to get PCI but less likely to get thrombolysis or CABG. Total charges per stay increased by at least 2-fold in both groups. There was a slight temporal reduction over the study period in the LoS of the HFpEF.

Conclusion

While hospitalizations for STEMI in patients with diabetes and HFpEF followed an upward trend, we observed a temporal decrease in those with HFrEF. Mortality was unchanged in both HF groups despite the temporal increase in risk factors. Nevertheless, HFpEF patients had lower in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events, except for AF.
Integration of Small RNA and Transcriptome Sequencing Reveal the Roles of miR395 and ATP Sulfurylase in Developing Seeds of Chinese Kale
Authors: Tang Weiling , Zhao Yijiao , Zeng Jiajing , Li Zunwen , Fu Zhenlin , Yang Mengyu , Zeng Donglin , Chen Xiaodong , Lai Zhongxiong , Wang-Pruski Gefu , Guo Rongfang
Published: February 2022

Seed development is closely related to plant production and reproduction, and MicroRNAs (miRNA) is widely involved in plant development including seed development. Chinese kale, as a Brassicaceae vegetable, mainly depends on seed for proper reproduction. In the present study, Chinese kale seed and silique at different stages were selected to establish small RNA (sRNA) libraries including silique wall sRNA libraries at torpedo-embryo stage (PC), silique wall sRNA libraries at cotyledonary-embryo stage (PD), seed sRNA libraries at torpedo-embryo stage (SC), and seed sRNA libraries at cotyledonary-embryo stage (SD). The results showed that miRNA expressed differentially in the seeds and corresponding siliques at different stages. To further clarify the functional mode of miRNA in the process of seed development, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed on target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs, and these target genes were mainly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, primary and secondary metabolic pathways. After joint analysis with the transcriptome change of the corresponding period, miR156-SPL10/SPL11, miR395-APS3, and miR397-LAC2/LAC11 modules were identified to be directly involved in the development of Chinese kale seeds. What’s more, modified 5′RLM-RACE and Agrobacteria-mediated Chinese kale transient transformation suggest miR395b_2 is involved in sulfur metabolism during seed development by regulating its target gene APS3.
Plant Responses Underlying Timely Specialized Metabolites Induction of Brassica Crops
Authors: Doghri Maroua , Rodríguez Víctor Manuel , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Francisco Marta
Published: February 2022

A large subset of plant stress-signaling pathways, including those related with chemical defense production, exhibit diurnal or circadian oscillations. However the extent to which diurnal or circadian time influences the stress mediated accumulation of plant specialized metabolites remains largely unknown. Because plant responses to physical stress (e.g., wounding) is considered a common component of mounting a response against a broad range of environmental stresses, including herbivory, we have utilized mechanical wounding as the stress stimulus to determine the direct contribution of time of day on the induced defenses of Brassica crops. We analyzed glucosinolates (GSLs) from leaves of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and turnip greens (Brassica rapa) following exposure to mechanical wounding at dawn (ZT0), mid-day (ZT4), and dusk (ZT8). Several GSLs differentially accumulated and their changes depended upon the time of day at wounding was performed. This response varied considerably between species. In a parallel experiment, we investigated whether diurnal activation of Brassica phytochemicals in response to wounding might prime plants against herbivore attack. Results showed that maximal response of plant chemical defense against larvae of the generalist pest Mamestra brassicae occurred at ZT0 in broccoli and ZT8 in turnip greens. Metabolome analysis for global trends of time dependent compounds showed that sulfur-containing phytochemicals, GSL hydrolysis products, auxin-signaling components, and other metabolites activators of plant disease resistance (nicotinamide and pipecolate) had important contributions to the responses of M. brassicae feeding behavior in broccoli at morning. Overall, the findings in this study highlight a significant role for time of day in the wound stress responsive metabolome, which can in turn affect plant-herbivore interactions.
FLOWERING LOCUS T2 Promotes Shoot Apex Development and Restricts Internode Elongation via the 13-Hydroxylation Gibberellin Biosynthesis Pathway in Poplar
Authors: Gómez-Soto Daniela , Allona Isabel , Perales Mariano
Published: February 2022

The adaptation and survival of boreal and temperate perennials relies on the precise demarcation of the growing season. Seasonal growth and development are defined by day length and temperature signals. Under long-day conditions in spring, poplar FLOWERING LOCUS T2 (FT2) systemically induces shoot growth. In contrast, FT2 downregulation induced by autumnal short days triggers growth cessation and bud set. However, the molecular role of FT2 in local and long-range signaling is not entirely understood. In this study, the CRISPR/Cas9 editing tool was used to generate FT2 loss of function lines of hybrid poplar. Results indicate that FT2 is essential to promote shoot apex development and restrict internode elongation under conditions of long days. The application of bioactive gibberellins (GAs) to apical buds in FT2 loss of function lines was able to rescue bud set. Expression analysis of GA sensing and metabolic genes and hormone quantification revealed that FT2 boosts the 13-hydroxylation branch of the GA biosynthesis pathway in the shoot apex. Paclobutrazol treatment of WT leaves led to limited internode growth in the stem elongation zone. In mature leaves, FT2 was found to control the GA 13-hydroxylation pathway by increasing GA2ox1 and reducing GA3ox2 expression, causing reduced GA1 levels. We here show that in poplar, the FT2 signal promotes shoot apex development and restricts internode elongation through the GA 13-hydroxylation pathway.
Construction of a Novel Female Sterility System for Hybrid Rice
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Xiaoqiong , Wu Wenbin , Yu Weilin , Li Shichuan , Luo Di , Wang Tianjie , Zhu Qian , Chen Lijuan , Lee Dongsun
Published: February 2022

The main constraints of current hybrid rice technology using male sterility (MS) are the low yield and high labor costs of hybrid rice seed (HRS) production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative new hybrid rice technology. Fortunately, we discovered a unique spontaneous sporophytic female-sterile rice mutant controlled by a single recessive locus in the nucleus. Because female-sterile mutant lines cannot produce any selfed-seeds but their pollen has totally normal functions, female sterility (FS) lines may be considered ideal pollen donors to replace the female-fertile pollen donor parent lines currently used in the HRS production. In this study, a genetically engineered FS-based system was constructed to propagate a pure transgene-free FS line using a bentazon herbicide screening. Additionally, the ability of the FS + MS (FM)-line system, with mixed plantings of FS and MS lines, to produce HRS was tested. The pilot field experiment results showed that HRS of the FM-line system was more efficient compared with the conventional FS to MS strip planting control mode. Thus, this study provides new insights into genetic engineering technology and a promising strategy for the utilization of FS in hybrid rice.
Unraveling the Glucosylation of Astringency Compounds of Horse Chestnut via Integrative Sensory Evaluation, Flavonoid Metabolism, Differential Transcriptome, and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Yin Qinggang , Wei Yiding , Han Xiaoyan , Chen Jingwang , Gao Han , Sun Wei
Published: February 2022

The seeds of Chinese horse chestnut are used as a source of starch and escin, whereas the potential use of whole plant has been ignored. The astringency and bitterness of tea produced from the leaves and flowers were found to be significantly better than those of green tea, suggesting that the enriched flavonoids maybe sensory determinates. During 47 flavonoids identified in leaves and flowers, seven flavonol glycosides in the top 10 including astragalin and isoquercitrin were significantly higher content in flowers than in leaves. The crude proteins of flowers could catalyze flavonol glucosides' formation, in which three glycosyltransferases contributed to the flavonol glucosylation were screened out by multi-dimensional integration of transcriptome, evolutionary analyses, recombinant enzymatic analysis and molecular docking. The deep exploration for flavonol profile and glycosylation provides theoretical and experimental basis for utilization of flowers and leaves of Aesculus chinensis as additives and dietary supplements.
Comparative Physiology and Transcriptome Analysis of Young Spikes in Response to Late Spring Coldness in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Jiang Gang , Hassan Muhammad A. , Muhammad Noor , Arshad Muhammad , Chen Xiang , Xu Yonghan , Xu Hui , Ni Qianqian , Liu Binbin , Yang Wenkang , Li Jincai
Published: February 2022

Late spring coldness (LSC) is critical for wheat growth and development in the Huang-Huai valleys of China. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms for young spikes responding to low temperature (LT) stress during anther connective tissue formation phase (ACFP). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with low temperature, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of wheat cultivars Xinmai26 (XM26: cold-sensitive) and Yannong19 (YN19: cold-tolerant) using RNA-seq data. Over 4000 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under low temperature conditions (T1: 4°C) and freezing conditions (T2: −4°C) compared with control (CK: 16°C). The number of DEGs associated with two cultivars at two low temperature treatments (T1: 4°C and T2: −4°C) were 834, 1,353, 231, and 1,882 in four comparison groups (Xinmai26-CK vs. Xinmai26-T1, Xinmai26-CK vs. Xinmai26-T2, Yannong19-CK vs. Yannong19-T1, and Yannong19-CK vs. Yannong19-T2), respectively. Furthermore, to validate the accuracy of RNA-seq, 16 DEGs were analyzed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Several transcriptome changes were observed through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway functional enrichment analysis in plant hormone signal transduction, circadian rhythm-plant, and starch and sucrose metabolism under low temperature. In addition, 126 transcription factors (TFs), including AP2-ERF, bHLH, WRKY, MYB, HSF, and members of the bZIP family, were considered as cold-responsive. It is the first study to investigate DEGs associated with low temperature stress at the transcriptome level in two wheat cultivars with different cold resistance capacities. Most likely, the variations in transcription factors (TFs) regulation, and starch and sucrose metabolism contribute to different cold resistance capacities in the two cultivars. Further, physiological activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble sugar (SS), and sucrose contents were evaluated to investigate the negative impacts of low temperature in both cultivars. These findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of plant responses to low temperature and potential candidate genes that required for improving wheat’s capacity to withstand low temperature stress.
Site-Specific Sequence Exchange Between Homologous and Non-homologous Chromosomes
Authors: Yin Qian , Li Ruyu , Ow David W.
Published: February 2022

Transgene integration typically takes place in an easy-to-transform laboratory variety before the transformation event is introgressed through backcrosses to elite cultivars. As new traits are added to existing transgenic lines, site-specific integration can stack new transgenes into a previously created transgenic locus. In planta site-specific integration minimizes the number of segregating loci to assemble into a breeding line, but cannot break genetic linkage between the transgenic locus and nearby undesirable traits. In this study, we describe an additional feature of an in planta gene-stacking scheme, in which the Cre (control of recombination) recombinase not only deletes transgenic DNA no longer needed after transformation but also mediates recombination between homologous or non-homologous chromosomes. Although the target site must first be introgressed through conventional breeding, subsequent transgenes inserted into the same locus would be able to use Cre-mediated translocation to expedite a linkage drag-free introgression to field cultivars.
Why Narcissism Reduces Distress: The Consequences of Narcissistic Intellectual Self-Confidence
Authors: Leniarska Maria , Zajenkowski Marcin
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between grandiose narcissism and the feeling of distress. We referred to the narcissistic admiration and rivalry model. We hypothesized that people with high narcissistic admiration would experience less distress and fear and that intellectual self-confidence would account for this relationship. We examined two dimensions of grandiose narcissism using Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, self-assessed intelligence, and various aspects of distress in two studies. In Study 1 (N = 170), we assessed distress (with the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire), related to performance in an intelligence test (Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices), and in Study 2 (N = 258) we measured fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In both studies, narcissistic admiration was inversely related to distress/fear, and this relationship was fully mediated by self-assessed intelligence. Narcissistic rivalry was unrelated to both distress and self-assessed intelligence. These findings emphasize the importance of self-views related to intelligence for those with high narcissistic admiration. In particular, intellectual self- confidence plays an important role in reducing distress among narcissists.
Intuition as Emergence: Bridging Psychology, Philosophy and Organizational Science
Authors: Adinolfi Paola , Loia Francesca
Published: February 2022

Accelerating environmental uncertainty and the need to cope with increasingly complex market and social demands, combine to create high value for the intuitive approach to decision-making at the strategic level. Research on intuition suffers from marked fragmentation, due to the existence of disciplinary silos based on diverse, apparently irreconcilable, ontological and epistemological assumptions. Not surprisingly, there is no integrated interdisciplinary framework suitable for a rich account of intuition, contemplating how affect and cognition intertwine in the intuitive process, and how intuition scales up from the individual to collective decision-making. This study contributes to the construction of a broad conceptual framework, suitable for a multi-level account of intuition and for a fruitful dialogue with distant research areas. It critically discusses two mainstream conceptualizations of intuition which claim to be grounded in a cross-disciplinary consensus. Drawing on the complexity paradigm, it then proposes a conceptualization of intuition as emergence. Finally, it explores the theoretical and practical implications.
The Emotional Dimension of Value: A Proposal for Its Quantitative Measurement
Authors: Ruiz-Roqueñi Maite
Published: February 2022

The first goal of this paper is to develop a theoretical and practical framework which can help to measure the emotional value generated by organizations in quantitative terms. Its second goal is to use data obtained from the UCAN (Union of Food and Agriculture Cooperatives of Navarre) in Spain as a case study to illustrate the quantification of the emotional value generated, with a view to factoring that value into a social accounting system. Ever greater recognition of the social role of organizations in recent years has led to a need for a consistent definition of the concept of socio-emotional value, and for instruments that can be used to measure that value in terms of generic social accounting. Taking the current lack of standardization in such models and instruments, especially those that deal with emotional value as its starting point, the paper proposes a new instrument for measuring that value quantitatively in such a way as to overcome some of the limitations of earlier proposals. The underlying perspective is that the monetary values identified in market and non-market transactions do not accurately account for all the value generated for different stakeholders, and that adjustments are required through a correction factor applied to the value variables identified. The quantification of the socio-emotional value generated by an organization is seen as a more comprehensive indicator of its performance, given that it provides more information and takes into account the value generated for stakeholders as a whole in all dimensions.
The Role of EFL Teachers' Optimism and Commitment in Their Work Engagement: A Theoretical Review
Authors: Dong Yan , Xu Jieping
Published: February 2022

Teachers' emotional states such as optimism and commitment have long been approved influential in second/foreign language education. Although many correlational investigations have been conducted on teacher optimism and commitment, their interaction and kinship with teachers' work engagement have been largely ignored in the literature. Considering this situation, the present mini-review aims to present the theoretical underpinnings, definitions, dimensions, and conceptualizations of these three important variables taken from positive psychology. Moreover, the present review can offer a number of practical implications for EFL teachers, teacher educators, program designers, school principals, and L2 researchers, and raise their awareness of the impact of inner emotions on teachers' academic performance. Finally, research gaps and future directions are provided for eager researchers to run similar and complementary studies in EFL contexts.
Neurobiological Correlates of Fatherhood During the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sobral Mónica , Pacheco Francisca , Perry Beatriz , Antunes Joana , Martins Sara , Guiomar Raquel , Soares Isabel , Sampaio Adriana , Mesquita Ana , Ganho-Ávila Ana
Published: February 2022

During the postpartum period, the paternal brain suffers extensive and complex neurobiological alterations, through the experience of father–infant interactions. Although the impact of such experience in the mother has been increasingly studied over the past years, less is known about the neurobiological correlates of fatherhood—that is, the alterations in the brain and other physiological systems associated with the experience of fatherhood. With the present study, we aimed to perform a scoping review of the available literature on the genetic, neuroendocrine, and brain correlates of fatherhood and identify the main gaps in the current knowledge. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched for eligible studies on paternal neuroplasticity during the postpartum period, over the past 15 years. Reference lists of relevant key studies and reviews were also hand-searched. The research team independently screened the identified studies based on the established inclusion criteria. Extracted data were analyzed using tables and descriptive synthesis. Among the 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria, the vast majority pertained to neuroendocrine correlates of fatherhood (n = 19), followed by brain activity or connectivity (n = 7), association studies of candidate genes (n = 2), and brain structure correlates (n = 1). Collectively, studies published during the past 15 years suggest the existence of significant endocrine (testosterone, oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol levels) and neurofunctional alterations (changed activity in several brain networks related to empathy and approach motivation, emotional processing and mentalizing, emotion regulation, dorsal attention, and default mode networks) as a result of fatherhood, as well as preliminary evidence of genetic variability accounting for individual differences during the postpartum period in fathers. No studies were so far published evaluating epigenetic mechanisms associated with the paternal brain, something that was also the focus of the current review. We highlight the need for further research that examines neuroplasticity during the experience of fatherhood and that considers both the interplay between hormones and simultaneous assessment of the different biomarkers (e.g., associations between hormones and neural activity); data collection protocols and assessment times should also be refined.
Dopamine in Autism Spectrum Disorders—Focus on D2/D3 Partial Agonists and Their Possible Use in Treatment
Authors: Mandic-Maravic Vanja , Grujicic Roberto , Milutinovic Luka , Munjiza-Jovanovic Ana , Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica
Published: February 2022

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders characterized by impairment in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. ASD etiology is very complex, including the effect of both genetic and environmental factors. So far, no specific treatment for the core symptoms of ASD has been developed, although attempts have been made for the treatment of repetitive behavior. The pharmacological treatment is aimed at treating non-specific symptoms such as irritability and aggression. Recent studies pointed out to the possible role of altered dopamine signaling in mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal circuits in ASD. In addition, several research pointed out to the association of dopamine receptors polymorphism and ASD, specifically repetitive and stereotyped behavior. In this paper, we will provide a review of the studies regarding dopamine signaling in ASD, existing data on the effects of D2/D3 partial agonists in ASD, possible implications regarding their individual receptor profiles, and future perspectives of their possible use in ASD treatment.
Expanding Access to Social Support in Primary Care via Telemedicine: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fipps David C. , Vickers Kristin S. , Bergstedt Beth , Williams Mark D.
Published: February 2022

The coronavirus pandemic quickly exposed the need for efficient and widespread implementation of telehealth services. Additionally, it further unveiled the impact of social and environmental barriers to healthcare in underserved, rural populations. This in-practice pilot study tested the utility of a geographically centralized social worker providing services between a patient and a primary care provider via telecommunication at two high volume rural outpatient family practice clinics. Outcome measures included patient and provider satisfaction. Twenty-two telehealth social work encounters occurred spanning both adult and pediatric patients. Data collected from patients, primary care providers, and social work staff revealed positive feedback. The data from our small pilot study demonstrated that social work triage delivered via a tablet was an acceptable and valued resource in busy primary care practices.
Mediating Effect of Sleep Disorder Between Low Mental Health Literacy and Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students: The Roles of Gender and Grade
Authors: Hu Jie , Wang Jun , Li Danlin , Huang Xuexue , Xue Yanni , Jia Liyuan , Zhang Zhixian , Wan Yuhui , Song Xianbing , Wang Rui , Fang Jun , Sun Yehuan , Zhang Shichen
Published: February 2022

Objective

In this study, we aimed to disentangle the mediating effect of sleep disorder between mental health literacy (MHL) and depressive symptoms in Chinese medical students, especially focusing on the impact of gender and grade.

Methods

Pooled longitudinal data of 5,504 medical students was collected between November 2019 and June 2020 to assess the MHL, sleep disorder and mental health of medical students in Anhui province, China. Mediation analyses were tested by using bootstrapping procedures.

Results

Sleep disorder were negatively correlated with adequate MHL, but positively correlated with depressive symptoms. The relationships between MHL and depressive symptoms were mediated by sleep disorder in total samples and the indirect effect accounted for 13.59% of the total effect. However, the ratio was 20.82% in female students, whereas no mediating effect was found in the male students. Moreover, the ratio was found higher in freshmen (15.11%) than that in sophomores (11.56%).

Conclusion

Improving the sleep disorder by enhancing MHL is an effective way to reduce depressive symptoms in Chinese medical students. Further investigations elaborately considered by using more gender-balanced population with higher grade and lower level of education.