bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peribacillus castrilensis sp. nov.: A Plant-Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Species Isolated From a River Otter in Castril, Granada, Southern Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel , Reina José Carlos , Sampedro Inmaculada , Llamas Inmaculada , Martínez-Checa Fernando
Published: June 2022

A strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, endospore-forming, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterial strain N3T was isolated from the feces of a river otter in Castril (Granada, southern Spain). It is halotolerant, motile, and catalase-, oxidase-, ACC deaminase-, and C4- and C8-lipase-positive. It promotes tomato plant growth and can reduce virulence in Erwinia amylovora CECT 222T and Dickeya solani LMG 25993T through interference in their quorum-sensing systems, although other antagonistic mechanisms could also occur. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence as well as the phenotypic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that the strain N3T is a novel species of the genus Peribacillus, with the highest 16S rRNA sequence similar to that of Bacillus frigoritolerans DSM 8801T (99.93%) and Peribacillus simplex DSM 1321T (99.80%). Genomic digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the strain N3T and Bacillus frigoritolerans DSM 8801T and Peribacillus simplex was 12.8 and 69.1%, respectively, and the average nucleotide identity (ANIb) of strain N3T and Bacillus frigoritolerans DSM 8801T and Peribacillus simplex was 67.84 and 93.21%, respectively. The genomic G + C content was 40.3 mol%. Its main cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. Using 16S rRNA phylogenetic and in silico phylogenomic analyses, together with the chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, we demonstrated that the type strain N3T (=CECT 30509T = LMG 32505T) is a novel species of the genus Peribacillus and the name Peribacillus castrilensis sp. nov. is proposed.
KLU/CYP78A5, a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Identified via Fox Hunting, Contributes to Cuticle Biosynthesis and Improves Various Abiotic Stress Tolerances
Authors: Kajino Takuma , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Oshima Yoshimi , Nakamura Akiyoshi , Narushima Jumpei , Yaguchi Yukio , Yotsui Izumi , Sakata Yoichi , Taji Teruaki
Published: June 2022

Acquired osmotolerance after salt stress is widespread among Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) accessions. Most salt-tolerant accessions exhibit acquired osmotolerance, whereas Col-0 does not. To identify genes that can confer acquired osmotolerance to Col-0 plants, we performed full-length cDNA overexpression (FOX) hunting using full-length cDNAs of halophyte Eutrema salsugineum, a close relative of Arabidopsis. We identified EsCYP78A5 as a gene that can confer acquired osmotolerance to Col-0 wild-type (WT) plants. EsCYP78A5 encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and the Arabidopsis ortholog is known as KLU. We also demonstrated that transgenic Col-0 plants overexpressing AtKLU (AtKLUox) exhibited acquired osmotolerance. Interestingly, KLU overexpression improved not only acquired osmotolerance but also osmo-shock, salt-shock, oxidative, and heat-stress tolerances. Under normal conditions, the AtKLUox plants showed growth retardation with shiny green leaves. The AtKLUox plants also accumulated higher anthocyanin levels and developed denser cuticular wax than WT plants. Compared to WT plants, the AtKLUox plants accumulated significantly higher levels of cutin monomers and very-long-chain fatty acids, which play an important role in the development of cuticular wax and membrane lipids. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by osmotic or heat stress was reduced in AtKLUox plants compared to WT plants. These findings suggest that KLU is involved in the cuticle biosynthesis, accumulation of cuticular wax, and reduction of ER stress induced by abiotic stresses, leading to the observed abiotic stress tolerances.
The Role of Interspecific Hybridisation in Adaptation and Speciation: Insights From Studies in Senecio
Authors: Wong Edgar L. Y. , Hiscock Simon J. , Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: June 2022

Hybridisation is well documented in many species, especially plants. Although hybrid populations might be short-lived and do not evolve into new lineages, hybridisaiton could lead to evolutionary novelty, promoting adaptation and speciation. The genusSenecio(Asteraceae) has been actively used to unravel the role of hybridisation in adaptation and speciation. In this article, we first briefly describe the process of hybridisation and the state of hybridisation research over the years. We then discuss various roles of hybridisation in plant adaptation and speciation illustrated with examples from differentSeneciospecies, but also mention other groups of organisms whenever necessary. In particular, we focus on the genomic and transcriptomic consequences of hybridisation, as well as the ecological and physiological aspects from the hybrids’ point of view. Overall, this article aims to showcase the roles of hybridisation in speciation and adaptation, and the research potential ofSenecio, which is part of the ecologically and economically important family, Asteraceae.
Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals a Regulatory Network of ZmCCT During Maize Resistance to Gibberella Stalk Rot at the Early Stage
Authors: Tang Bozeng , Zhang Zhaoheng , Zhao Xinyu , Xu Yang , Wang Li , Chen Xiao-Lin , Wang Weixiang
Published: June 2022

Gibberella stalk rot (GSR) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the most devastating diseases in maize; however, the regulatory mechanism of resistance to GSR remains largely unknown. We performed a comparative multi-omics analysis to reveal the early-stage resistance of maize to GSR. We inoculated F. graminearum to the roots of susceptible (Y331) and resistant (Y331-ΔTE) near-isogenic lines containing GSR-resistant gene ZmCCT for multi-omics analysis. Transcriptome detected a rapid reaction that confers resistance at 1–3 hpi as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) response to GSR. Many key properties were involved in GSR resistance, including genes in photoperiod and hormone pathways of salicylic acid and auxin. The activation of programmed cell death-related genes and a number of metabolic pathways at 6 hpi might be important to prevent further colonization. This is consistent with an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics that resistant-mediated gene expression reprogramming exhibited a dynamic pattern from 3 to 6 hpi. Further metabolomics analysis revealed that the amount of many chemical compounds was altered in pathways associated with the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and the phenylalanine metabolism, which may play key roles to confer the GSR resistance. Taken together, we generated a valuable resource to interpret the defense mechanism during early GSR resistance.
Transcriptional and Metabolic Responses of Maize Shoots to Long-Term Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Xiong Wangdan , Wang Yujian , Guo Yongzhen , Tang Wei , Zhao Yiran , Yang Guofeng , Pei Yuhe , Chen Jingtang , Song Xiyun , Sun Juan
Published: June 2022

Potassium is important for plant growth and crop yield. However, the effects of potassium (K+) deficiency on silage maize biomass yield and how maize shoot feedback mechanisms of K+ deficiency regulate whole plant growth remains largely unknown. Here, the study aims to explore the maize growth, transcriptional and metabolic responses of shoots to long-term potassium deficiency. Under the K+ insufficiency condition, the biomass yield of silage maize decreased. The transcriptome data showed that there were 922 and 1,107 differential expression genes in DH605 and Z58, respectively. In the two varieties, 390 differently expressed overlapping genes were similarly regulated. These genes were considered the fundamental responses to K+ deficiency in maize shoots. Many stress-induced genes are involved in transport, primary and secondary metabolism, regulation, and other processes, which are involved in K+ acquisition and homeostasis. Metabolic profiles indicated that most amino acids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and alkaloids were accumulated in shoots under K+ deficiency conditions and part of the sugars and sugar alcohols also increased. It revealed that putrescine and putrescine derivatives were specifically accumulated under the K+ deficiency condition, which may play a role in the feedback regulation of shoot growth. These results confirmed the importance of K+ on silage maize production and provided a deeper insight into the responses to K+ deficiency in maize shoots.
Plant-Mediated Behavioural Avoidance of a Weevil Towards Its Biological Control Agent
Authors: Shields Morgan W. , Wratten Steve D. , Phillips Craig B. , Van Koten Chikako , Goldson Stephen L.
Published: June 2022

New Zealand pastures largely comprising Lolium ryegrass species (Poales: Poaceae) are worth $19.6B and are subject to major pest impacts. A very severe pest is the Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This has been previously suppressed by the importation biological control agent, Microctonus hyperodae Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, this suppression has recently declined and is subject to investigation. It has been hypothesised that grass type influences the parasitism avoidance behaviour by the weevil and thus parasitism rates. This study explored the hypothesis using three common pasture grasses: a diploid Lolium perenne x Lolium multiflorum hybrid ryegrass (cv. Manawa), a tetraploid Italian ryegrass L. multiflorum Lam. (cv. Tama), and a diploid perennial ryegrass L. perenne L. (cv. Samson). The described laboratory-based microcosm methodology determined the extent of weevil avoidance behaviour on each of these three grasses when subjected to the parasitoid. Such reaction was gauged by the extent of reduced weevil on-plant presence and feeding compared to the control populations. In the absence of the parasitoid, the hybrid cv. Manawa ryegrass is as highly favoured by the weevil as the tetraploid cv. Tama. On diploid cv. Samson, feeding is considerably less. In the presence of the parasitoid, weevils on the tetraploid cv. Tama plants showed little avoidance activity in response to the parasitoid and it can be argued that the benefits of staying on this plant outweighed the possibility of parasitism. Conversely and surprisingly, in the parasitoid’s presence, weevils on diploid cv. Manawa showed very strong avoidance behaviour leading to levels of exposure similar to those found on the less-preferred diploid cv. Samson. These findings reflect how weevil parasitism rates have declined in most Lolium grasses, particularly diploids, since the 1990s, but not in the tetraploid L. multiflorum. This contribution supports the hypothesis that the decline in weevil parasitism rates has been the result of rapid evolution arising from parasitoid-induced selection pressure and the countervailing effect of the nutritional quality of the host plants.
Impact of Seasonal and Organ-Related Fluctuations on the Anthelmintic Properties and Chemical Profile of Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl Extracts
Authors: Oliveira Marta , Lima Caroline Sprengel , Llorent-Martínez Eulogio J. , Hoste Hervé , Custódio Luísa
Published: June 2022

The use of plants and their metabolites stands as a promising option to tackle parasitic infections by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in integrated control strategies. Still, the influence of environmental and phenological factors, and their interactions, in the wild on the metabolomics and biological properties of target plant species, is often disregarded. In this work, we hypothesized that variations in the anthelmintic (AH) properties and chemical composition of extracts from the salt tolerant species Cladium mariscus L. Pohl (sawgrass) may be influenced by seasonal factors and organ-parts. To test this hypothesis, acetone/water extracts were prepared from dried biomass obtained from aerial organs collected from sawgrass in consecutive seasons and tested against Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis by the larval exsheathment inhibition assay (LEIA) and egg hatching inhibition assay (EHIA). To ascertain the role of plant organ, the activity of leaves and inflorescences extracts from summer samples was compared. The role of polyphenols in the anthelmintic activity depending on GINs and fluctuations across seasons and plant organs was assessed using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), coupled with an in-depth chemical profiling analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography completed with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MSn). Main differences in anthelmintic activities were observed for summer and autumn samples, for both assays. Moreover, inflorescences’ extracts were significantly more active than those from leaves against both parasite species on EHIA and against H. contortus on LEIA. Application of PVPP totally inhibit the AH effects based on EHIA and only partly for LEIA. Non-treated PVPP extracts were predominantly composed of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, luteolin and glycosylated flavonoids, while two flavonoid glycosides were quantified in all PVPP-treated samples. Thus, the activity of such compounds should be further explored, although some unknown metabolites remain to be identified. This study reinforces the hypothesis of the AH potential of sawgrass and of its polyphenolic metabolites uses as nutraceutical and/or phytotherapeutic drugs.
The Influence of Person–Job Fit on Health Status and Depression Among Chinese Domestic Workers: Mediating Effect of the Employer–Employee Relationship
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Jilili Maitixirepu , Wang Ruolin , Liu Linping , Yang Anuo
Published: June 2022

Domestic workers usually perform manual work in households. Unlike fixed work, their work tends to be individualized and atomized. Their person–job fit and relationship with employers might exert some influence on their health, both physical and psychological. This quantitative study explores the association between person–job fit, health status, and depressive symptoms among Chinese domestic workers by identifying the employer–employee relationship as a mediator. Data is collected from a survey of Chinese domestic workers conducted in four cities of Nanjing, Wuxi, Guangzhou, and Foshan (N = 1,003) in 2019. We test our theoretical model by conducting structural equation modeling. The results show that demand–ability fit is indirectly related to heath status and depressive symptoms via the employer–employee relationship. Need–supply fit is significantly associated with health status and depressive symptoms both directly (70% for health status and 72% for depressive symptoms, separately) and indirectly, via the mediating effect of the employer–employee relationship (30% for health and 28% for depressive symptoms, separately). Our findings suggest that appropriate policy and vocational training should be implemented to improve the health status of Chinese domestic workers.
Masochist or Murderer? A Discourse Analytic Study Exploring Social Constructions of Sexually Violent Male Perpetrators, Female Victims-Survivors and the Rough Sex Defense on Twitter
Authors: Sowersby Chelsea-Jade , Erskine-Shaw Marianne , Willmott Dominic
Published: June 2022

“Rough sex” can be considered an act of sexual violence that is consensual or non-consensual, often resulting in bodily harm and in rare cases, fatalities. Therough sex defenseis typically advanced by male perpetrators in an effort to portray a sexual encounter as consensual, to avoid criminal sanctions for causing injury or death. Public attitudes toward this defense are often reflected on social media following high profile cases and appear to echo dominant discourses that reinforce widely held sexual violence stereotypes. Therefore, this study aims to deconstruct public attitudes surrounding the rough sex defense. Namely, how female victims/survivors and male perpetrators of sexual violence are constructed online, whilst exploring the wider implications upon society. NVivo12 NCapture software was used to collect a sample of 1000 tweets mentioning the terms “rough sex” or “rough sex defense.” Data were examined using Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), underpinned by a social constructionist perspective, to elicit emergent discourses. Findings indicate that Twitter allowed women to resist harmful victim-blaming discourses and constrained binary identities. Opposingly, men were constructed as sexually entitled predators, yet resisted these subject positions by advocating support for male victims/survivors. Additional analyses examine account holders’ constructions of British Parliamentarians (MP’s) and their campaigns against the rough sex defense. These constructions demonstrated a cultural, heteronormative and victim-blaming understanding of sexual violence, which calls for legislative clarity.
Associations Between Achievement Goal Orientations, Preferred Learning Practices, and Motivational Evaluations of Learning Environment Among Finnish Military Reservists
Authors: Pulkka Antti-Tuomas , Budlong Laura
Published: June 2022

In this study, it was examined whether individuals' self-efficacy, preferred forms in learning, and evaluations of the learning environment vary as a function of their goal orientation profiles. It was also explored whether the preferred forms in learning played a role in this association. The participants were 177 reservists of Finnish Defense Forces participating in rehearsal training exercises. Four homogeneous groups based on goal orientation profiles were found: mastery oriented (n = 47, 26.5%), success-performance oriented (n = 49, 27.7%), indifferent (n = 43, 24.3%), and avoidance oriented (n = 38, 21.5%). The mastery-oriented group and the success-performance-oriented group reported higher levels in self-efficacy, legislative form in learning, and mastery goal structure when compared to the avoidance-oriented group or to the indifferent group. The avoidance-oriented group reported elevated levels of perceived strain and performance goal structure in comparison to the mastery-oriented group. Controlling the learners' preferences for different forms in learning revealed some slight differences in the observed pattern of between-group differences regarding perceptions of performance goal structure and self-efficacy. Controlling for the legislative form of learning diminished the difference between the mastery-oriented and the avoidance-oriented groups in perceptions of performance goal structure, and controlling for the executive form of learning revealed differences between success-performance oriented and the indifferent and the avoidance oriented. The role of the learning environment in highlighting certain types of activities in learners' choices and the relevance of this regarding their goal preferences are discussed.
Analyzing the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Environmental Performance: Mediating Roles of Environmental Strategy and Environmental Outcomes
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Bian Weijun
Published: June 2022

This study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance, utilizing data from 415 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China as a case study. We found that CSR has a direct and significant impact on environmental performance (EP) and is positively correlated to environmental strategy (ES) and environmental outcomes (EO), both of which improve environmental performance, i.e., they serve as a significant mediating factor between CSR and environmental performance. Our study will help general managers and policy maker of SMEs, provides a beneficial model for managing CSR, ES, and EO to achieve sustainable environmental performance. Specifically, it can assist general managers of SMEs in strengthening their internal resources such as CSR, ES, and EO in order to improve long-term environmental performance.
The Impact of Consumers’ Loneliness and Boredom on Purchase Intention in Live Commerce During COVID-19: Telepresence as a Mediator
Authors: Peng Chen , Liu Zhikun , Lee Jong-Yoon , Liu Shanshan , Wen Fang
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the relationship between consumer loneliness, boredom, telepresence, influencer-brand image congruence and purchase intention by investigating consumers of live commerce during the COVID-19 period. With the help of an online survey website, survey data was gathered on 550 Chinese customers who experienced live commerce shopping in China. Although previous studies have shown that consumer boredom and loneliness have an impact on purchase intention, the mechanism of influence remains unclear. As a result, additional research is needed to study the link between boredom and loneliness and customer purchase intention. Consumers’ purchase intention was influenced by their feelings of loneliness and boredom. Telepresence played a mediating role in the impact of loneliness and boredom on purchase intention. Influencer-brand image congruence played a moderating role in the impact of consumers’ boredom on purchase intention. The study results contribute to the research of factors impacting consumers’ purchase intention. In addition, this study can help live commerce merchants better understand the impact factors of consumers’ purchase intention and contribute to the development of live commerce.
The Influence of Long Working Hours, Occupational Stress, and Well-Being on Depression Among Couriers in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Hong Yu , Zhang Yixin , Xue Panqi , Fang Xinglin , Zhou Lifang , Wei Fang , Lou Xiaoming , Zou Hua
Published: June 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the association between long working hours, occupational stress, depression, and well-being, and to explore the intermediary effect of occupational stress and well-being between working hours and depression among couriers in Zhejiang, China.

Methods:

The study used a cluster random sampling method to select 1,200 couriers from mainstream express companies in Zhejiang, China. The data were collected and analyzed using the Core Occupational Stress Scale (COSS) to measure occupational stress, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to evaluate depression, and the World Health Organization five-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scale to assess well-being. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationship among the variables.

Results:

The phenomenon of long working hours (75.1%) was quite common among couriers in Zhejiang, China. Working hours had a direct positive effect on depression (β = 0.008, p < 0.001) and on occupational stress (β = 0.009, p < 0.001), and working hours had a negative effect on well-being (β = −0.013, p < 0.001). Occupational stress had a direct positive effect on depression (β = 0.272, p < 0.001), but well-being had no significant direct effect on depression. Working hours had an indirect effect on depression through the mediating effect of occupational stress while the mediating effect of well-being was not found.

Conclusion:

Long working hours is associated with occupational stress, well-being, and depression. Our results confirmed that working hours, occupational stress, and well-being were strong predicators of depression. Working hours had a significant indirect effect on depression via occupational stress. The result of this study showed that decreasing working hours and reducing occupational stress would be effective for couriers to prevent depression. However, more studies are needed to verify the relationship between working hours and depression.
Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder After Flood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Golitaleb Mohamad , Mazaheri Elaheh , Bonyadi Mahtab , Sahebi Ali
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Flood as the most common kind of the natural disasters has unpleased short, medium, and long-term consequences on the victims’ welfare, relationships, and physical and mental health. One of the most common mental health disorders in these victims is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of PTSD on the flood victims.

Methods

Data resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, Google Scholar, conference and congress papers, key journals, the reference list of selected articles as well as systematic reviews were searched to identify studies that reported the prevalence of PTSD in flood victims. Random Effect Model was used to perform meta-analysis of the studies. Cochran test and I2 indicator were used to explore heterogeneity between the studies. Publication bias of the study was evaluated using Begg’test. Data were analyzed by STATA (version 14) software.

Results

After a comprehensive search, 515 papers were extracted. After eliminating duplicates and final screening, 23 studies were selected and entered the meta-analysis phase after qualitative evaluation. The results showed that the prevalence of PTSD in flood victims is 29.48% (95% CI: 18.64–40.31, I2 = 99.3%, p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of PTSD is relatively high in the flood victims. So, it is necessary to take preventive, supportive, therapeutic and effective actions for them.
Process-Oriented Measurement of Emotion Regulation: General and Specific Associations With Psychosocial Adjustment and Well-Being in (Pre-)Adolescence
Authors: Rueth Jana-Elisa , Lohaus Arnold
Published: June 2022

The development of emotion regulation (ER) is associated with children’s and adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment and well-being. In this regard, previous studies have examined the role of different ER strategies, which can be characterized as being functional (e.g., reappraisal, problem solving) or dysfunctional (e.g., suppression, rumination). Based on the process model of emotion regulation, the strategies can also be classified according to their temporal position within the emotion generative process, with five families of ER strategies being proposed: situation selection, situation modification, attentional deployment, cognitive change, and response modulation. This study aimed to examine the role of ER for adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment (internalizing and externalizing problems, prosocial behavior) and well-being. First, associations were investigated on a more general level by distinguishing between functional and dysfunctional ER. Second, relations were examined on a more specific level by additionally distinguishing between the five families of ER strategies as suggested in the process model of ER. Questionnaire self-reports of N = 1,727 German children and adolescents (55% girls) aged 9–18 years (M = 13.03, SD = 1.75) collected in schools were analyzed. Path analyses showed that more functional and less dysfunctional ER in general is associated with fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and higher well-being. Prosocial behavior was only positively related to functional but not dysfunctional ER. Analyses of associations on the level of specific categories of ER strategies generally showed a similar pattern, but in part indicated differential associations with the dependent variables: Internalizing problems were particularly associated with functional situation selection, dysfunctional cognitive change, and dysfunctional response modulation. Externalizing problems were associated with functional situation selection and response modulation, as well as numerous dysfunctional strategies, none of which were particularly salient. Similarly, numerous rather than single specific associations emerged between prosocial behavior and the five categories of functional ER strategies. Well-being was particularly associated with functional situation selection and dysfunctional cognitive change. Overall, a more precise assessment of ER, as implemented in this study, could not only advance research in this field, but can also be helpful in planning and evaluating prevention and intervention programs.
Impaired Oxygenation of the Prefrontal Cortex During Verbal Fluency Task in Young Adults With Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidality: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Choi JongKwan , Jeong Bumseok , Fava Maurizio , Mischoulon David , Park Mi Jin , Kim Hyun Soo , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: June 2022

Background

Few previous studies have focused on prefrontal activation in young adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Materials and Methods

A total of 59 healthy controls (HCs), 35 patients with MDD but without suicidality, and 25 patients with MDD and suicidality, between the ages of 18–34 years, were enrolled. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels of the prefrontal cortex at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, were evaluated using a protocol consisting of three consecutively repeated trials of rest, speech, and verbal fluency test (VFT) via fNIRS. MDD was diagnosed and suicidality was evaluated based on Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results

Oxy-Hb levels were impaired in patients with MDD compared with HCs (p = 0.018 for left prefrontal cortex; p = 0.021 for right ventromedial prefrontal cortex; p = 0.002 for left frontopolar cortex). Among the three groups including HCs, MDD without suicidality, and MDD with suicidality, prefrontal oxygenation was most decreased in MDD patients with suicidality. A significantly impaired prefrontal oxygenation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) was detected after adjusting for covariates in MDD patients with suicidality, compared to those without suicidality.

Conclusion

Impaired prefrontal oxygenation during cognitive execution may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for suicidality in young adult patients with MDD.
Healthcare Utilization Under a Comprehensive Public Welfare Program: Evidence From Japan
Authors: Yuda Michio
Published: June 2022

The public assistance system in Japan provides detailed and comprehensive livelihood support for low-income families with various needs. As one example, and the beneficiaries of the public welfare program in Japan can receive the same medical treatments as those insured of the universal public health insurance without any financial burdens. This system has greatly contributed to maintaining and improving the health of public assistance beneficiaries but may cause excessive healthcare utilization: moral hazard. This study uses a large sample taken from two nationally representative claim data for public assistance and public health insurance patients to estimate the magnitude of moral hazard effect in basic outpatient utilization. The results of the fixed-effect regression analysis utilizing the concept of pseudo panel data analysis and those of propensity score matching show that the average treatment effect of public assistance assignment on healthcare utilization is significantly positive. Specifically, public assistance assignment increases monthly healthcare expenditure by 17.5 to 22.9 percent and the monthly number of doctor visits by 23.1 to 27.8 percent, respectively. In addition, the average treatment effects on the treated are also significantly positive, suggesting that monthly healthcare expenditure significantly decreases by 22.7 to 25.0 percent and the number of visits by 27.6 to 29.7 percent, respectively, when imposing a copayment on public assistance beneficiaries. However, the estimated price elasticity based on these results is very small, approximately −0.02, indicating that the level of copayment rate has little effect on the intensive margin of outpatient healthcare utilization.
Rapid Implementation of Telegenetic Counseling in the COVID-19 and Swedish Healthcare Context: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Pestoff Rebecka , Johansson Peter , Danielsson Henrik , Neher Margit , Gunnarsson Cecilia
Published: June 2022

This study reports the process and preliminary findings of rapid implementation of telegenetic counseling in the context of Swedish healthcare and COVID-19 pandemic, from both a patient and a provider perspective. Fourty-nine patients and 6 healthcare professionals were included in this feasibility study of telegenetic counseling in a regional Department of Clinical Genetics in Sweden. Telegenetic counseling is here defined as providing genetic counseling to patients by video (n = 30) or telephone (n = 19) appointments. Four specific feasibility aspects were considered: acceptability, demand, implementation, and preliminary efficacy. Several measures were used including the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale 24 (collected pre- and post-counseling); the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; a short study specific evaluation and Visiba Care evaluations, all collected post-counseling. The measures were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the preliminary results show a high level of acceptance and demand, from both patients and providers. Results also indicate successful initial implementation in the regional Department of Clinical Genetics and preliminary efficacy, as shown by significant clinically important improvement in patients' empowerment levels.
Global Trends of Stem Cell Precision Medicine Research (2018–2022): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Liu Muge , Yang Fan , Xu Yingbin
Published: June 2022

Background

Stem cells are a group of cells that can self-renew and have multiple differentiation capabilities. Shinya Yamanaka first discovered a method to convert somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells in 2006. Stem cell therapy can be summarized into three aspects (regenerative treatment, therapy targeted at stem cells, and establishment of disease models). Disease models are mainly established by induced pluripotent stem cells, and the research of stem cell precision medicine has been promising in recent years. Based on the construction of 3D, patient-specific disease models from pluripotent induced stem cells, proper research on disease development and treatment prognosis can be realized. Bibliometric analysis is an efficient way to quickly understand global trends and hotspots in this field.

Methods

A literature search of stem cell precision medicine research from 2018 to 2022 was carried out using the Web of Science Core Collection.VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, and CiteSpace software programs were employed to perform the bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 552 publications were retrieved from 2018 to 2022. Annual publication outputs trended upward and reached a peak of 172 in 2021. The United States contributed the most publications (160, 29.0%) to the field, followed by China (63, 11.4%) and Italy (60, 10.9%). International academic collaborations were active. CANCERS was considered the most productive journal with 18 documents. NATURE was the most co-cited journal with 1860 times citations. The most cited document was entitled “Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cardiovascular Disease Modeling and Precision Medicine: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association” with 9 times local citations. “ precision medicine” (n = 89, 12.64%), “personalized medicine” (n = 72, 10.23%), “stem cells” (n = 43, 4.40%), and “induced pluripotent stem cells” (n = 41, 5.82%), “cancer stem cells” (n = 31, 4%), “organoids” (n = 26, 3.69%) were the top 6 frequent keywords.

Conclusion

The present study performs a comprehensive investigation concerning stem cell precision medicine (2018–2022) for the first time. This research field is developing, and a deeper exploration of 3D patient-specific organoid disease models is worth more research in the future.
Dietary Eugenol Nanoemulsion Potentiated Performance of Broiler Chickens: Orchestration of Digestive Enzymes, Intestinal Barrier Functions and Cytokines Related Gene Expression With a Consequence of Attenuating the Severity of E. coli O78 Infection
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa , Eldemery Fatma , Metwally Aya Sh. , Abd-Allah Ehab M. , Mohamed Dalia T. , Ismail Tamer Ahmed , Hamed Thoria A. , Al Sadik Gehan M. , Neamat-Allah Ahmed N. F. , Abd El-Hamid Marwa I.
Published: June 2022

Recently, the use of essential oils (EOs) or their bioactive compounds encapsulated by nanoparticles as alternative supplements for in-feed antimicrobials is gaining attention, especially in organic poultry production. Focusing on eugenol, its incorporation into the nanoformulation is a novel strategy to improve its stability and bioavailability and thus augment its growth-boosting and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, we explored eugenol nanoemulsion activities in modulating growth, digestive and gut barrier functions, immunity, cecal microbiota, and broilers response to avian pathogenic E. coli challenge (APEC) O78. A total of 1,000 one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into five groups; negative control (NC, fed basal diet), positive control (PC), and 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg eugenol nanoemulsion supplemented groups. All groups except NC were challenged with APEC O78 at 14 days of age. The results showed that birds fed eugenol nanoemulsion displayed higher BWG, FI, and survivability and most improved FCR over the whole rearing period. Birds fed 400 mg/kg of eugenol nanoemulsion sustained a higher growth rate (24% vs. PC) after infection. Likely, the expression of digestive enzymes' genes (AMY2A, CCK, CELA1, and PNLIP) was more prominently upregulated and unaffected by APEC O78 challenge in the group fed eugenol nanoemulsion at the level of 400 mg/kg. Enhanced gut barrier integrity was sustained post-challenge in the group supplemented with higher levels of eugenol nanoemulsion as evidenced by the overexpression of cathelicidins-2, β-defensin-1, MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, CLDN-1, and FABP-2 genes. A distinct modulatory effect of dietary eugenol nanoemulsion was observed on cytokine genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) expression with a prominent reduction in the excessive inflammatory reactions post-challenge. Supplementing eugenol nanoemulsion increased the relative cecal abundance of Lactobacillus species and reduced Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteriods counts. Notably, a prominent reduction in APEC O78 loads with downregulation of papC, iroN, iutA, and iss virulence genes and detrimental modifications in E. coli morphological features were noticed in the 400 mg/kg eugenol nanoemulsion group at the 3rd-week post-challenge. Collectively, we recommend the use of eugenol nanoemulsion as a prospective targeted delivery approach for achieving maximum broilers growth and protection against APEC O78 infection.
Case Report: Anti-GABAA Receptor Encephalitis in a Dog
Authors: Huenerfauth Enrice I. , Bien Christian G. , Bien Corinna , Volk Holger A. , Meyerhoff Nina
Published: June 2022

Autoantibodies against neurotransmitter receptors detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum are increasingly recognized in people with human autoimmune encephalitis causing severe neurological deficits, such as seizures and behavioral abnormalities. This case report describes the first encephalitis associated with antibodies against the γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor (GABAAR) in a dog. A young male intact Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was presented with recent onset of initial multiple generalized tonic-clonic seizures progressing into a status epilepticus. Interictally, he showed alternating stupor and hyperexcitability, ataxia, pleurothotonus and circling behavior to the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed breed-specific anatomical abnormalities. Standard CSF analysis was unremarkable. Despite treatment with multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs) seizures and behavior abnormalities sustained. Immunotherapy with dexamethasone was started on the fifth day after disease manifestation. This led to rapid improvement of clinical signs. An extensive antibody search in CSF and serum demonstrated a neuropil staining pattern on a tissue-based assay compatible with GABAAR antibodies. The diagnosis was confirmed by binding of serum and CSF antibodies to GABAAR transfected Human Embryonic Kidney cells. The serum titer was 1:320, the CSF titer 1:2. At the control visit 4.5 weeks after start of immunotherapy, the dog was clinically normal. The GABAAR antibody titer in serum had strongly decreased. The antibodies were no longer detectable in CSF. Based on clinical presentation and testing for GABAAR binding antibodies, this describes the first veterinary patient with an anti-GABAAR encephalitis with a good outcome following ASM and corticosteroid treatment.
Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Dietary Inclusion Differentially Modulates the Antioxidant, Inflammatory, and Histopathological Responses of Normal and Aeromonas hydrophila-Infected Mono-Sex Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: El-Kassas Seham , Aljahdali Nesreen , Abdo Safaa E. , Alaryani Fatima S. , Moustafa Eman M. , Mohamed Radi , Abosheashaa Wesam , Abdulraouf Esraa , Helal Mohamed Atef , Shafi Manal E. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , El-Naggar Karima , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to detect the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf powder dietary inclusion on the antioxidant and innate immune responses of mono-sex Nile tilapia fingerlings. A total of 180 fingerlings were allocated in a random method into three groups with triplicate each. One group (1st group) received the control diet (basal diet (BD) free of moringa) and the other groups (2nd and 3rd) fed BD containing M. oleifera leaf powder at 5 and 10% of the diet, respectively. After 6 weeks of feeding, fish were randomly redistributed into four replicates and rested for 24 h. Then, each fish in the first two replicates was injected with 0.2 mL of PBS, while the others were injected with 0.2 mL of A. hydrophila suspension (1.8 × 106 CFU/mL). Healthy fish fed on M. oleifera leaf powder showed enhanced immune response manifested by significant increases in phagocytic and lysozyme activities with a marked H/L ratio (P < 0.05). In addition, significant alterations of the lymphocytic and heterophilic population in circulation with increasing infiltration in tissue such as the spleen were noticed. Also, M. oleifera significantly upregulated the antioxidants, CAT and GPx, proinflammatory cytokines, IL1-β, IL-8, and IFN-γ relative mRNA levels. On the other hand, following A. hydrophila challenging conditions, M. oleifera caused downregulations of IL1-β, IL-8, and IFN-γ transcription levels, and also lowered the CAT and GPx mRNA levels. In addition, a marked reduction of leukocytic infiltration plus a significant improvement of the degenerative changes in intestinal architecture has occurred. So, M. oleifera leaf powder can be included in the fish diet to enhance immune response under normal health conditions and lower the infection-associated inflammatory response.
Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer—Professional Guideline 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer
Authors: Polgár Csaba , Kahán Zsuzsanna , Ivanov Olivera , Chorváth Martin , Ligačová Andrea , Csejtei András , Gábor Gabriella , Landherr László , Mangel László , Mayer Árpád , Fodor János
Published: June 2022

The international radiotherapy (RT) expert panel has revised and updated the RT guidelines that were accepted in 2020 at the 4th Hungarian Breast Cancer Consensus Conference, based on new scientific evidence. Radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is indicated in ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0), as RT decreases the risk of local recurrence (LR) by 50–60%. In early stage (stage I-II) invasive breast cancer RT remains a standard treatment following BCS. However, in elderly (≥70 years) patients with stage I, hormone receptor-positive tumour, hormonal therapy without RT can be considered. Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) and for selected cases accelerated partial breast irradiation are validated treatment alternatives to conventional WBI administered for 5 weeks. Following mastectomy, RT significantly decreases the risk of LR and improves overall survival of patients who have 1 to 3 or ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes. In selected cases of patients with 1 to 2 positive sentinel lymph nodes axillary dissection can be substituted with axillary RT. After neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) followed by BCS, WBI is mandatory, while after NST followed by mastectomy, locoregional RT should be given in cases of initial stage III–IV and ypN1 axillary status.
Test and Analysis on Friction Characteristics of Major Cotton Stalk Cultivars in Xinjiang
Authors: Zhang Bingcheng , Liang Rongqing , Li Jiali , Li Yaping , Meng Hewei , Kan Za
Published: June 2022

The friction characteristic parameters of cotton stalks are important basic physical parameters required to establish the crushing mechanics model and study the separation machinery of film residue mixtures. In this paper, the friction characteristics of cotton stalks were studied using response surface methodology, and the influence of the variation in contact materials, sampling location, and moisture content on the static sliding friction coefficient (μs) and stable static rolling angle (φs) were analyzed. The results show that the contact materials, sampling location, and moisture content significantly influence the μs and φs. When the contact material is cotton stalk bark, the μs and φs values of cotton stalks are maximum. When the sampling location of the cotton stalk changes from top to bottom, the μs increases and φs decreases, respectively, while the moisture content has an opposite influence on the μs and the φs. The model coefficient of the μs and the φs indicates that the influencing factors have a high degree of explanation for the influence on the μs and φs. This study on the friction characteristics of cotton stalks can provide theoretical references and basic parameters for the separation technology research and equipment development of film residue mixtures.
An Approach to Conceptualisation and Semantic Knowledge: Some Preliminary Observations
Authors: Götzsche Hans
Published: June 2022

The paper below takes up the question of whether it is possible to transfer the notion of ‘semantic knowledge’—as a human process of making language generate and confer meanings—to machines, which have as one of their properties the capability of handling high amounts of information. This issue is presented in an extended introduction to the paper’s account of and solutions to this intricate problem. Thereafter, the theoretical notion of ‘knowledge’ is considered in its philosophical, and thereby scientific, context, and the basis of its modern import is pointed to being Immanuel Kant’s deliberations on a priori vs. a posteriori knowledge. The author’s solution to the predicament of modern ideas about knowledge is the proposed theory of Occurrence Logic, invented by the author, which abandons truth-values from valid reasoning, and this approach is briefly accounted for. It presupposes a theoretical model of human cognitive systems, and the author has such a model under development which, in the future, may be able to solve the question of what ‘semantic knowledge’ actually is. So far, the theoretical account in this paper points to the critical issue of whether natural language semantics can be grasped as words explaining words or must include the connection between words and objects in the world. The author is in favour of the last option. This leads to the question of the functions of the human brain as the organ connecting words with the outer world. The idea of the so-called ‘predictive brain’ is referred to as a possible solution to the brain/cognition issue, and the paper concludes with a suggestion that an emulation of the interaction between the mentioned cognitive systems may cast some new light on the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Benefits of Combined Phage–Antibiotic Therapy for the Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Literature Review
Authors: Diallo Kevin , Dublanchet Alain
Published: June 2022

With the increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, more and more therapeutic failures are being reported worldwide. The market for antibiotics is now broken due to the high cost of developing new molecules. A promising solution to bacterial resistance is combined phage–antibiotic therapy, a century-old method that can potentiate existing antibiotics by prolonging or even restoring their activity against specific bacteria. The aim of this literature review was to provide an overview of different phage–antibiotic combinations and to describe the possible mechanisms of phage–antibiotic synergy.