bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term risk and predictors of cerebrovascular events following sepsis hospitalization: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arero Amanuel Godana , Vasheghani-Farahani Ali , Tigabu Bereket Molla , Arero Godana , Ayene Beniyam Yimam , Soltani Danesh
Published: November 2022

Background

Long-term risk and predictors of cerebrovascular events following sepsis hospitalization have not been clearly elucidated. We aim to determine the association between surviving sepsis hospitalization and cerebrovascular complications in adult sepsis survivors.

Method

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane library, and Google scholar for studies published from the inception of each database until 31 August 2022.

Results

Of 8,601 screened citations, 12 observational studies involving 829,506 participants were analyzed. Surviving sepsis hospitalization was associated with a significantly higher ischemic stroke [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.45 (95% CI, 1.23–1.71), I2 = 96], and hemorrhagic stroke [aHR 2.22 (95% CI, 1.11–4.42), I2 = 96] at maximum follow-up compared to non-sepsis hospital or population control. The increased risk was robust to several sensitivity analyses. Factors that were significantly associated with increased hazards of stroke were: advanced age, male gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Only diabetes mellites [aHR 1.80 (95% CI, 1.12–2.91)], hypertension [aHR 2.2 (95% CI, 2.03–2.52)], coronary artery disease [HR 1.64 (95% CI, 1.49–1.80)], and new-onset atrial fibrillation [aHR 1.80 (95% CI, 1.42–2.28)], were associated with > 50% increase in hazards.

Conclusion

Our findings showed a significant association between sepsis and a subsequent risk of cerebrovascular events. The risk of cerebrovascular events can be predicated by patient and sepsis-related baseline variables. New therapeutic strategies are needed for the high-risk patients.
Morphological, physiological, and transcriptional responses of the freshwater diatom Fragilaria crotonensis to elevated pH conditions
Authors: Zepernick Brittany N. , Niknejad David J. , Stark Gwendolyn F. , Truchon Alexander R. , Martin Robbie M. , Rossignol Karen L. , Paerl Hans W. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: November 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the toxin-producing cyanobacteriaMicrocystisspp., can increase water column pH. While the effect(s) of these basified conditions on the bloom formers are a high research priority, how these pH shifts affect other biota remains understudied. Recently, it was shown these high pH levels decrease growth and Si deposition rates in the freshwater diatomFragilaria crotonensisand natural Lake Erie (Canada-US) diatom populations. However, the physiological mechanisms and transcriptional responses of diatoms associated with these observations remain to be documented. Here, we examinedF. crotonensiswith a set of morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic tools to identify cellular responses to high pH. We suggest 2 potential mechanisms that may contribute to morphological and physiological pH effects observed inF. crotonensis. Moreover, we identified a significant upregulation of mobile genetic elements in theF. crotonensisgenome which appear to be an extreme transcriptional response to this abiotic stress to enhance cellular evolution rates–a process we have termed “genomic roulette.” We discuss the ecological and biogeochemical effects high pH conditions impose on fresh waters and suggest a means by which freshwater diatoms such asF. crotonensismay evade high pH stress to survive in a “basified” future.
Surviving the host: Microbial metabolic genes required for growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in physiologically-relevant conditions
Authors: Belanger Corrie R. , Dostert Melanie , Blimkie Travis M. , Lee Amy Huei-Yi , Dhillon Bhavjinder Kaur , Wu Bing Catherine , Akhoundsadegh Noushin , Rahanjam Negin , Castillo-Arnemann Javier , Falsafi Reza , Pletzer Daniel , Haney Cara H. , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: November 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, like other pathogens, adapts to the limiting nutritional environment of the host by altering patterns of gene expression and utilizing alternative pathways required for survival. Understanding the genes essential for survival in the host gives insight into pathways that this organism requires during infection and has the potential to identify better ways to treat infections. Here, we used a saturated transposon insertion mutant pool of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 and transposon insertion sequencing (Tn-Seq), to identify genes conditionally important for survival under conditions mimicking the environment of a nosocomial infection. Conditions tested included tissue culture medium with and without human serum, a murine abscess model, and a human skin organoid model. Genes known to be upregulated during infections, as well as those involved in nucleotide metabolism, and cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthesis, etc., were required for survival in vivo- and in host mimicking conditions, but not in nutrient rich lab medium, Mueller Hinton broth (MHB). Correspondingly, mutants in genes encoding proteins of nucleotide and cobalamin metabolism pathways were shown to have growth defects under physiologically-relevant media conditions, in vivo, and in vivo-like models, and were downregulated in expression under these conditions, when compared to MHB. This study provides evidence for the relevance of studying P. aeruginosa fitness in physiologically-relevant host mimicking conditions and identified metabolic pathways that represent potential novel targets for alternative therapies.
Molecular mechanism of GylR-mediated regulation of glycerol metabolism in Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585
Authors: Zhang Chaobo , Zhao Youbao , Li Zilong , Wang Weishan , Huang Ying , Pan Guohui , Fan Keqiang
Published: November 2022

Glycerol is a readily available and low-cost simple polyol compound, which can be used as a carbon source for microorganisms to produce various value-added products. Understanding the underlying regulatory mechanism in glycerol metabolism is critical for making better use of glycerol for diverse applications. In a few reported Streptomyces strains, the glycerol utilization gene cluster (glp operon) was shown to be regulated by the IclR family transcriptional regulator GylR. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism mediated by GylR has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we first analyzed the available Actinobacteria genomes in the NCBI Genome database, and found that the glp operon-like gene clusters are conserved in Streptomyces and several other genera of Actinobacteria. By taking Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585 as a model system, we identified that GylR represses the expressions of glp operon and gylR by directly binding to their promoter regions. Both glycerol-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate can induce the dissociation of GylR from its binding sequences. Furthermore, we identified a minimal essential operator site (a palindromic 18-bp sequence) of GylR-like regulators in Streptomyces. Our study for the first time reported the binding sequences and effector molecules of GylR-like proteins in Streptomyces. The molecular regulatory mechanism mediated by GylR presumably exists widely in Streptomyces. Our findings would facilitate the design of glycerol utilization pathways for producing valuable products. Moreover, our study provided new basic elements for the development of glycerol-inducible regulatory tools for synthetic biology research in the future.
The performance evaluation of the state-of-the-art EEG-based seizure prediction models
Authors: Ren Zhe , Han Xiong , Wang Bin
Published: November 2022

The recurrent and unpredictable nature of seizures can lead to unintentional injuries and even death. The rapid development of electroencephalogram (EEG) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has made it possible to predict seizures in real-time through brain-machine interfaces (BCI), allowing advanced intervention. To date, there is still much room for improvement in predictive seizure models constructed by EEG using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). But, the most critical issue is how to improve the performance and generalization of the model, which involves some confusing conceptual and methodological issues. This review focuses on analyzing several factors affecting the performance of seizure prediction models, focusing on the aspects of post-processing, seizure occurrence period (SOP), seizure prediction horizon (SPH), and algorithms. Furthermore, this study presents some new directions and suggestions for building high-performance prediction models in the future. We aimed to clarify the concept for future research in related fields and improve the performance of prediction models to provide a theoretical basis for future applications of wearable seizure detection devices.
Bio-mimetic high-speed target localization with fused frame and event vision for edge application
Authors: Lele Ashwin Sanjay , Fang Yan , Anwar Aqeel , Raychowdhury Arijit
Published: November 2022

Evolution has honed predatory skills in the natural world where localizing and intercepting fast-moving prey is required. The current generation of robotic systems mimics these biological systems using deep learning. High-speed processing of the camera frames using convolutional neural networks (CNN) (frame pipeline) on such constrained aerial edge-robots gets resource-limited. Adding more compute resources also eventually limits the throughput at the frame rate of the camera as frame-only traditional systems fail to capture the detailed temporal dynamics of the environment. Bio-inspired event cameras and spiking neural networks (SNN) provide an asynchronous sensor-processor pair (event pipeline) capturing the continuous temporal details of the scene for high-speed but lag in terms of accuracy. In this work, we propose a target localization system combining event-camera and SNN-based high-speed target estimation and frame-based camera and CNN-driven reliable object detection by fusing complementary spatio-temporal prowess of event and frame pipelines. One of our main contributions involves the design of an SNN filter that borrows from the neural mechanism for ego-motion cancelation in houseflies. It fuses the vestibular sensors with the vision to cancel the activity corresponding to the predator's self-motion. We also integrate the neuro-inspired multi-pipeline processing with task-optimized multi-neuronal pathway structure in primates and insects. The system is validated to outperform CNN-only processing using prey-predator drone simulations in realistic 3D virtual environments. The system is then demonstrated in a real-world multi-drone set-up with emulated event data. Subsequently, we use recorded actual sensory data from multi-camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU) assembly to show desired working while tolerating the realistic noise in vision and IMU sensors. We analyze the design space to identify optimal parameters for spiking neurons, CNN models, and for checking their effect on the performance metrics of the fused system. Finally, we map the throughput controlling SNN and fusion network on edge-compatible Zynq-7000 FPGA to show a potential 264 outputs per second even at constrained resource availability. This work may open new research directions by coupling multiple sensing and processing modalities inspired by discoveries in neuroscience to break fundamental trade-offs in frame-based computer vision1.
Intermittent hypoxia conditioning as a potential prevention and treatment strategy for ischemic stroke: Current evidence and future directions
Authors: Yuan Honghua , Liu Jia , Gu Yuhang , Ji Xunming , Nan Guangxian
Published: November 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Owing to the aging population and unhealthy lifestyles, the incidence of cerebrovascular disease is high. Vascular risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Therefore, in addition to timely and effective reperfusion therapy for IS, it is crucial to actively control these risk factors to reduce the incidence and recurrence rates of IS. Evidence from human and animal studies suggests that moderate intermittent hypoxia (IH) exposure is a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate common vascular risk factors and comorbidities. Given the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IS, effective treatment must focus on reducing injury in the acute phase and promoting repair in the recovery phase. Therefore, this review discusses the preclinical perspectives on IH conditioning as a potential treatment for neurovascular injury and highlights IH pre and postconditioning strategies for IS. Hypoxia conditioning reduces brain injury by increasing resistance to acute ischemic and hypoxic stress, exerting neuroprotective effects, and promoting post-injury repair and regeneration. However, whether IH produces beneficial effects depends not only on the hypoxic regimen but also on inter-subject differences. Therefore, we discuss the factors that may influence the effectiveness of IH treatment, including age, sex, comorbidities, and circadian rhythm, which can be used to help identify the optimal intervention population and treatment protocols for more accurate, individualized clinical translation. In conclusion, IH conditioning as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, systemic, and multi-targeted intervention can not only reduce brain damage after stroke but can also be applied to the prevention and functional recovery of IS, providing brain protection at different stages of the disease. It represents a promising therapeutic strategy. For patients with IS and high-risk groups, IH conditioning is expected to develop as an adjunctive clinical treatment option to reduce the incidence, recurrence, disability, and mortality of IS and to reduce disease burden.
Kinetic pupillary size using Pentacam in myopia
Authors: Li Kaixiu , Li Xiaoqi , Wang Qun , Wang Liqiang , Huang Yifei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To compare if the kinetic pupillary changes differs between high myopia (HM) and low/moderate myopia by Pentacam.

Setting

Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China.

Design

Comparative study.

Methods

In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 44 eyes of 44 patients were recruited in the Refractive Surgery Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital. Eyes were divided into two groups according to the refractive error: low/moderate myopia (22 eyes; −2.99 ± 1.09 D) and HM (22 eyes, −12.93 ± 3.44 D). At the beginning of the experiment, we made trials of scanning one false pupil by Pentacam. All patients underwent the Pentacam examination three times. Pupillary diameters (PD) during the scan process and other parameters were measured using the Pentacam. Coefficient variations of PD (CV) during the different scanning periods were analyzed comparatively between the two groups.

Results

Pentacam once time output 25 Scheimpflug images, with 13 ones during the period from 1st to 1.5th s and 12 ones during the period from 2.5th to 3rd s after the scanning onset. For the spatial order on all the 25 meridians, 13 Scheimpflug images came out when the Pentacam rotated from 60° to 153°meridians and the remaining 12 Scheimpflug images from 161° to 245° meridians. Among pupillary parameters, no statistical significance existed in PD25, PD13, and PD12 (pupil diameter’s mean from all, former 13 and remaining 12 of 25 Scheimpflug images, respectively) (P > 0.05) between the two groups. However, there were statistically significant differences in CV25 and CV13 (coefficient variation of the pupil diameters from all and former 13 of 25 images, respectively) (P < 0.001), with no statistical significance in CV12 (coefficient variation of the pupil diameters from remaining 12 of 25 images) between both groups.

Conclusion

Twenty-five Scheimpflug images on Pentacam had the temporal and the spatial orders. CV in eyes with HM was lower than that in eyes with low/moderate myopia in a certain period of the Pentacam scan. Kinetic pupillary size in HM changed more slowly than that in low/moderate myopia during some scanning period analogous to the phasic response of the pupil reflex.
Assessment and referral of patients with short stature by primary care physicians in the Arabian gulf region: Current perspectives from a regional survey
Authors: Kaplan W. , Al Amiri E. , Attia N. , Al Basiri I. , Romany I. , Al Shehri E. , Al Twaim A. , Al Yaarubi S. , Deeb A.
Published: November 2022

Children with short stature are frequently referred late to pediatric endocrinologists in the Arabian Gulf region. This is likely a contributing factor to late initiation of treatment despite current evidence suggesting that children with short stature have better outcomes with earlier treatment. This delay in referral could be due to a lack of identification or proper assessment of short stature by front-line physicians. To analyze the assessment and perception of short stature in this group of physicians, an expert group of pediatric endocrinologists developed and disseminated an anonymous online survey of 22 multiple choice questions amongst general pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and family medicine physicians in the Arabian Gulf region. Of the 640 respondents, 450 completed the survey (70.3% completion rate). While most surveyed physicians use the correct definition for short stature in children, only 24% reported a consistent use of a wall-mounted stadiometer. Of the respondents, 50% or less would consider referring clinical conditions other than growth hormone (GH) deficiency or idiopathic short stature, 41% would refer a child with short stature as soon as height dropped below the 5th percentile, 57% considered GH a treatment option for short stature, and only 60% consider GH treatment safe. The results of this survey demonstrate knowledge gaps in short stature assessment and referral that need to be addressed through education on short stature amongst target physicians, and lay groundwork for future recommendations to address those gaps in the Arabian Gulf region.
Mission-critical tasks for assessing risks from vestibular and sensorimotor adaptation during space exploration
Authors: Clément Gilles , Moudy Sarah C. , Macaulay Timothy R. , Bishop Michael O. , Wood Scott J.
Published: November 2022

To properly assess the risk induced by vestibular and sensorimotor adaptation during exploration missions, we examined how long-duration stays on the International Space Station affect functional performance after gravity transitions. Mission-critical tasks that challenge the balance and the locomotion control systems were assessed: i.e., sit-to-stand, recovery-from-fall, tandem-walk, and walk-and-turn. We assessed 19 astronauts, including 7 first-time flyers and 12 experienced flyers, before their flight, a few hours after landing, and then 1 day and 6–11 days later. Results show that adaptation to long-term weightlessness causes deficits in functional performance immediately after landing that can last for up to 1 week. No differences were observed between first-time and experienced astronaut groups. These data suggest that additional sensorimotor-based countermeasures may be necessary to maintain functional performance at preflight levels when landing on planetary surfaces after a long period in weightlessness.
Evolution and ontogeny of bacteriocytes in insects
Authors: Alarcón Mauricio E. , Polo Priscila G. , Akyüz Sevim Nur , Rafiqi Ab. Matteen
Published: November 2022

The ontogenetic origins of the bacteriocytes, which are cells that harbour bacterial intracellular endosymbionts in multicellular animals, are unknown. During embryonic development, a series of morphological and transcriptional changes determine the fate of distinct cell types. The ontogeny of bacteriocytes is intimately linked with the evolutionary transition of endosymbionts from an extracellular to an intracellular environment, which in turn is linked to the diet of the host insect. Here we review the evolution and development of bacteriocytes in insects. We first classify the endosymbiotic occupants of bacteriocytes, highlighting the complex challenges they pose to the host. Then, we recall the historical account of the discovery of bacteriocytes. We then summarize the molecular interactions between the endosymbiont and the host. In addition, we illustrate the genetic contexts in which the bacteriocytes develop, with examples of the genetic changes in the hosts and endosymbionts, during specific endosymbiotic associations. We finally address the evolutionary origin as well as the putative ontogenetic or developmental source of bacteriocytes in insects.
Treating exertional heat stroke: Limited understanding of the female response to cold water immersion
Authors: Hutchins Kate P. , Minett Geoffrey M. , Stewart Ian B.
Published: November 2022

According to an expansive body of research and best practice statements, whole-body cold water immersion is the gold standard treatment for exertional heat stroke. However, as this founding evidence was predominantly drawn from males, the current guidelines for treatment are being applied to women without validation. Given the recognised differences in thermal responses experienced by men and women, all-encompassing exertional heat stroke treatment advice may not effectively protect both sexes. In fact, recent evidence suggests that hyperthermic women cool faster than hyperthermic men during cold water immersion. This raises the question of whether overcooling is risked if the present guidelines are followed. The current mini-review examined the literature on women’s response to cold water immersion as a treatment for exertional heat stroke and aimed to clarify whether the current guidelines have appropriately considered research investigating women. The potential implications of applying these guidelines to women were also discussed.
The importance of dystrophin and the dystrophin associated proteins in vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Kaplan Katherine M. , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: November 2022

This review details the role of dystrophin and the dystrophin associated proteins (DAPs) in the vascular smooth muscle. Dystrophin is most comprehensively studied in the skeletal muscle due to serious symptoms found related to the skeletal muscle of patients with muscular dystrophy. Mutations in the dystrophin gene, or DAPs genes, result in a wide range of muscular dystrophies. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin is known to act to as a cytoskeletal stabilization protein and protects cells against contraction-induced damage. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin stabilizes the plasma membrane by transmitting forces generated by sarcomeric contraction to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Dystrophin is a scaffold that binds the dystroglycan complex (DGC) and has many associated proteins (DAPs). These DAPs include sarcoglycans, syntrophins, dystroglycans, dystrobrevin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and caveolins. The DAPs provide biomechanical support to the skeletal or cardiac plasma membrane during contraction, and loss of one or several of these DAPs leads to plasma membrane fragility. Dystrophin is expressed near the plasma membrane of all muscles, including cardiac and vascular smooth muscle, and some neurons. Dystrophic mice have noted biomechanical irregularities in the carotid arteries and spontaneous motor activity in portal vein altered when compared to wild type mice. Additionally, some studies suggest the vasculature of patients and animal models with muscular dystrophy is abnormal. Although the function of dystrophin and the DAPs in vascular smooth muscle is not thoroughly established in the field, this review makes the point that these proteins are expressed, and important and further study is warranted.
Surface electromyographic activity of the erector spinae and multifidus during arm- and leg-ergometer exercises in young healthy men
Authors: Shima Daichi , Nishimura Yukihide , Hashizaki Takamasa , Minoshima Yuta , Yoshikawa Tatsuya , Umemoto Yasunori , Kinoshita Tokio , Kouda Ken , Tajima Fumihiro , Kamijo Yoshi-Ichiro
Published: November 2022

Objectives:Ergometer exercise was considered a new loading method that can be used for participants who are unable to assume the core strengthening exercise posture commonly used to strengthen the erector spinae and multifidus. This study aimed to investigate with healthy participants whether arm and leg ergometers could be used for core strengthening exercises and whether different exercise sites would affect the results.

Methods:The study was conducted with 15 healthy adult male participants aged 20–35 years. The intervention consisted of arm- and leg-ergometer exercises performed by the participants. The exercise protocol consisted of three 1-min sessions (rest, 50W, and 100 W), which were measured consecutively. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was measured during the sessions. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the erector spinae and multifidus was also measured, during which sEMG was measured. The sEMG during ergometer exercise was calculated as a percentage of the MVC (calculated as % MVC). The root mean square (RMS) was recorded from the sEMG activity. Muscle activity of the erector spinae and multifidus was compared between ergometer exercises and between intensity levels. Heart rate (HR) was recorded by electrocardiogram.

Results:In the arm-ergometer exercise, the % MVC values of the erector spinae were 6.3 ± 3.1, 10.9 ± 5.4, and 16.9 ± 8.3% at rest, 50 W, and 100 W conditions, respectively. The multifidus was 4.6 ± 2.9, 9.2 ± 5.6, and 12.6 ± 7.6% at rest, 50 W, and 100 W conditions, respectively. The respective % MVC values during the leg-ergometer exercise were 3.8 ± 1.7, 7.2 ± 3.8, and 10.4 ± 4.0% at rest, 50 W, and 100 W conditions, respectively. Leg-ergometer exercises were 2.6 ± 2.1, 6.9 ± 5.7, and 10.3 ± 6.8% at rest, 50 W, and 100 W conditions, respectively. The activities of the two muscles increased at comparable levels with increased workload in both types of exercises (p< 0.01, each). HR increased with the increased workload and the increase was larger during arm-than leg-ergometer exercises.

Conclusion:These results demonstrate that both arm- and leg-ergometer exercises are potentially alternative methods for erector spinae and multifidus training for healthy participants. Further research is needed to target elderly.
Eddy covariance measurement-based differences in annual evapotranspiration between forests and grasslands in China
Authors: Fan Renxue , Sun Mingyu , Zhu Xianjin , Wang Qiufeng
Published: November 2022

Annual evapotranspiration (AET), the total water vapor loss to the atmosphere during a year, is a vital process of global water cycles and energy cycles. Revealing the differences in AET values and spatial variations between forests and grasslands would benefit for understanding AET spatial variations, which serves as a basis for regional water management. Based on published eddy covariance measurements in China, we collected AET values from 29 forests and 46 grasslands, and analyzed the differences in AET values and spatial variations between forests and grasslands in China. The results showed that forests had a significant higher AET (645.98 ± 232.73 kgH2O m-2 yr-1) than grasslands (359.31 ± 156.02 kgH2O m-2 yr-1), while the difference in AET values between forests and grasslands was not significant after controlling mean annual precipitation (MAP) relating factors. The effects of latitude and mean annual air temperature (MAT) on AET spatial variations differed between forests and grassland, while AET of forests and grasslands both exhibited increasing trends with similar rates along the increasing MAP, aridity index (AI), soil water content (SW), and leaf area index. The comprehensive effects of multiple factors on AET spatial variations differed between forests and grasslands, while MAP both played a dominating role. The effects of other factors were achieved through their close correlations with MAP. Therefore, forests and grasslands under similar climate had comparable AET values. AET responses to MAP were comparable between ecosystem types. Our findings provided a data basis for understanding AET spatial variation over terrestrial ecosystems of China or globally.
Are cell wall traits a component of the succulent syndrome?
Authors: Fradera-Soler Marc , Leverett Alistair , Mravec Jozef , Jørgensen Bodil , Borland Anne M. , Grace Olwen M.
Published: November 2022

Succulence is an adaptation to low water availability characterised by the presence of water-storage tissues that alleviate water stress under low water availability. The succulent syndrome has evolved convergently in over 80 plant families and is associated with anatomical, physiological and biochemical traits. Despite the alleged importance of cell wall traits in drought responses, their significance in the succulent syndrome has long been overlooked. Here, by analyzing published pressure–volume curves, we show that elastic adjustment, whereby plants change cell wall elasticity, is uniquely beneficial to succulents for avoiding turgor loss. In addition, we used comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP) to assess the biochemical composition of cell walls in leaves. Across phylogenetically diverse species, we uncover several differences in cell wall biochemistry between succulent and non-succulent leaves, pointing to the existence of a ‘succulent glycome’. We also highlight the glycomic diversity among succulent plants, with some glycomic features being restricted to certain succulent lineages. In conclusion, we suggest that cell wall biomechanics and biochemistry should be considered among the characteristic traits that make up the succulent syndrome.
Plant root suberin: A layer of defence against biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Chen Anle , Liu Tong , Wang Zhou , Chen Xinping
Published: November 2022

Plant roots have important functions, such as acquiring nutrients and water from the surrounding soil and transporting them upwards to the shoots. Simultaneously, they must be able to exclude potentially harmful substances and prevent the entry of pathogens into the roots. The endodermis surrounds the vascular tissues and forms hydrophobic diffusion barriers including Casparian strips and suberin lamella. Suberin in cell walls can be induced by a range of environmental factors and contribute to against biotic and abiotic threats. Tremendous progress has been made in biosynthesis of suberin and its function, little is known about the effect of its plasticity and distribution on stress tolerance. In field conditions, biotic and abiotic stress can exist at the same time, and little is known about the change of suberization under that condition. This paper update the progress of research related to suberin biosynthesis and its function, and also discuss the change of suberization in plant roots and its role on biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance.
Ectopic overexpression of mulberry MnT5H2 enhances melatonin production and salt tolerance in tobacco
Authors: Zhu Baozhong , Zheng Sha , Fan Wei , Zhang Meirong , Xia Zhongqiang , Chen Xuefei , Zhao Aichun
Published: November 2022

Soil salinization severely inhibits plant growth and has become one of the major limiting factors for global agricultural production. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) plays an important role in regulating plant growth and development and in responding to abiotic stresses. Tryptamine-5-hydroxylase (T5H) is an enzyme essential for the biosynthesis of melatonin in plants. Previous studies have identified the gene MnT5H for melatonin synthesis in mulberry (Morus notabilis), but the role of this gene in response to salinity stress in mulberry is remain unclear. In this study, we ectopically overexpressed MnT5H2 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and treated it with NaCl solutions. Compared to wild-type (WT), melatonin content was significantly increased in the overexpression-MnT5H2 tobacco. Under salt stress, the expression of NtCAT, NtSOD, and NtERD10C and activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and the content of proline (Pro) in the transgenic lines were significantly higher than that in WT. The Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in transgenic tobacco was significantly lower than that of WT. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco seedlings exhibited faster growth in media with NaCl. This study reveals the changes of melatonin and related substance content in MnT5H2-overexpressing tobacco ultimately lead to improve the salt tolerance of transgenic tobacco, and also provides a new target gene for breeding plant resistance to salt.
Comparative transcriptomic profiling of peach and nectarine cultivars reveals cultivar-specific responses to chilled postharvest storage
Authors: Muto Antonella , Bruno Leonardo , Madeo Maria Letizia , Ludlow Richard , Ferrari Michele , Stimpson Louise , LoGiudice Claudio , Picardi Ernesto , Ferrante Antonio , Pasti Luisa , Müller Carsten T. , Chiappetta Adriana Ada Ceverista , Rogers Hilary J. , Bitonti Maria Beatrice , Spadafora Natasha Damiana
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch,) and nectarine fruits (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, var nectarine), are characterized by a rapid deterioration at room temperature. Therefore, cold storage is widely used to delay fruit post-harvest ripening and extend fruit commercial life. Physiological disorders, collectively known as chilling injury, can develop typically after 3 weeks of low-temperature storage and affect fruit quality.

Methods

A comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify regulatory pathways that develop before chilling injury symptoms are detectable using next generation sequencing on the fruits of two contrasting cultivars, one peach (Sagittaria) and one nectarine, (Big Top), over 14 days of postharvest cold storage.

Results

There was a progressive increase in the number of differentially expressed genes between time points (DEGs) in both cultivars. More (1264) time point DEGs were identified in ‘Big Top’ compared to ‘Sagittaria’ (746 DEGs). Both cultivars showed a downregulation of pathways related to photosynthesis, and an upregulation of pathways related to amino sugars, nucleotide sugar metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction with ethylene pathways being most affected. Expression patterns of ethylene related genes (including biosynthesis, signaling and ERF transcription factors) correlated with genes involved in cell wall modification, membrane composition, pathogen and stress response, which are all involved later during storage in development of chilling injury.

Discussion

Overall, the results show that common pathways are activated in the fruit of ‘Big Top’ nectarine and ‘Sagittaria’ peach in response to cold storage but include also differences that are cultivar-specific responses.
Transcriptomic and splicing changes underlying tomato responses to combined water and nutrient stress
Authors: Ruggiero Alessandra , Punzo Paola , Van Oosten Michael James , Cirillo Valerio , Esposito Salvatore , Costa Antonello , Maggio Albino , Grillo Stefania , Batelli Giorgia
Published: November 2022

Tomato is a horticultural crop of high economic and nutritional value. Suboptimal environmental conditions, such as limited water and nutrient availability, cause severe yield reductions. Thus, selection of genotypes requiring lower inputs is a goal for the tomato breeding sector. We screened 10 tomato varieties exposed to water deficit, low nitrate or a combination of both. Biometric, physiological and molecular analyses revealed different stress responses among genotypes, identifying T270 as severely affected, and T250 as tolerant to the stresses applied. Investigation of transcriptome changes caused by combined stress in roots and leaves of these two genotypes yielded a low number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in T250 compared to T270, suggesting that T250 tailors changes in gene expression to efficiently respond to combined stress. By contrast, the susceptible tomato activated approximately one thousand and two thousand genes in leaves and roots respectively, indicating a more generalized stress response in this genotype. In particular, developmental and stress-related genes were differentially expressed, such as hormone responsive factors and transcription factors. Analysis of differential alternative splicing (DAS) events showed that combined stress greatly affects the splicing landscape in both genotypes, highlighting the important role of AS in stress response mechanisms. In particular, several stress and growth-related genes as well as transcription and splicing factors were differentially spliced in both tissues. Taken together, these results reveal important insights into the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating tomato adaptation to growth under reduced water and nitrogen inputs.
Improving fluid intelligence of children through working memory training: The role of inhibition control
Authors: Wang Lei , Sheng Ang , Chang Lei , Zhou Renlai
Published: November 2022

Intelligence is strongly associated with working memory. Working memory training can improve fluid intelligence, but the underlying mechanism requires further investigation. Because inhibition control may play a key role in working memory training, this study investigated this process from an electrophysiological perspective. In total, 40 children aged 9 to 11 years were enrolled and randomly divided into a training group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The training group received 20 days of working memory training, whereas the control group did not receive any training. Before and after the training period, all participants were tested using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), and electrophysiological indicators were recorded while they performed go/no-go and Stroop tasks. The results revealed that relative to the control group, the training group had significantly improved RSPM scores in the test conducted after their training. For the go/no-go tasks, the training group exhibited a significant decrease in N2 amplitude, a significant increase in P3 amplitude, a significant decrease in theta band energy, and an improvement in response inhibition ability. No significant change was observed for the Stroop task. Correlation analysis revealed that an improvement in individual response inhibition can positively predict an improvement in fluid intelligence. These results suggest that working memory training enhances the fluid intelligence of children by enhancing their response inhibition ability.
CEOs' early-life disaster experience and corporate earnings quality: Focusing on the Great Chinese Famine
Authors: Zhao Yang , Hu Jun , Liu Lang
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to examine the impact of CEOs' early-life disaster experiences on corporate earnings quality. We proxy the disaster experience with whether CEOs lived through the Great Chinese Famine and the famine intensity they experienced. The results indicate that CEOs' early-life famine experience is significantly positively associated with corporate earnings quality, and the famine effects are more obvious for CEOs who experienced the famine at adolescent ages. Further tests show that the famine experience effects are more pronounced in companies with high investor protection and cross-listing and with CEOs who have a relatively high level of education or background in economic management. The findings suggest CEOs would bear the imprint of an adverse early-life experience, which has risk aversion and learning effects on their decision making in corporate earnings information disclosure.
Processing figurative language: Evidence from native and non-native speakers of English
Authors: Alkhammash Reem
Published: November 2022

In recent research on figurative phrases, factors (e.g., familiarity, transparency, meaning, and decomposability) have played a significant influence on how native and non-native English speakers (various L1 and L1 Arabic) acquire, process, and comprehend figurative language. These factors are not always described and operationalized precisely and are frequently considered autonomous. This study explores these factors in terms of language users’ ratings and their abilities to accurately infer meaning from a variety of familiar English and translated idioms and novel metaphors. A total of 123 participants from various language groups engaged in this study. The findings showed that familiarity is a strong predictor of transparency. In the ability to infer the meaning correctly, the best-fit model included an interaction between transparency and familiarity. The findings showed that guessing the meaning correctly led to a greater increase in the scores of transparency and decomposability. We explore how these factors work together to enable speakers to infer the meaning of both known and new figurative words at various levels. These results have significant implications for the learning and teaching of figurative phrases in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context, as they indicate variables that may make a figurative phrase valuable in terms of teaching time and effort.
Neuroanatomical correlates of individual differences in the object choice task in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Hopkins William D. , Mulholland Michele M. , Mareno Mary Catherine , Webb Sarah J. Neal , Schapiro Steven J.
Published: November 2022

Declarative and imperative joint attention or joint engagement are important milestones in human infant development. These have been shown to be a significant predictor of later language development and are impaired in some individuals with, or at risk for, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Comparatively, while chimpanzees and other great apes have been reported to engage in imperative joint attention, evidence of declarative joint attention remains unclear based on existing studies. Some have suggested that differences in methods of assessing joint attention may have an influence on performance in nonhuman primates. Here, we report data on a measure of receptive joint attention (object choice task) in a sample of captive chimpanzees. Chimpanzees, as a group, performed significantly better than chance. By contrast, when considering individual performance, there was no significant difference in the number of those who passed and those who failed. Using quantitative genetic analyses, we found that performance on the object choice task was not significantly heritable nor were there any significant effects of sex, rearing history, or colony. Lastly, we found significant differences in gray matter covariation, between those who passed or failed the task. Those who passed contributed more to gray matter covariation in several brain regions within the social brain network, consistent with hypotheses regarding the importance of these regions in human and nonhuman primate social cognition.
The influence of local government competition on residents’ perceptions of social fairness—Evidence from China
Authors: Yi Junling , Li Jingling
Published: November 2022

Social fairness has been one of the important issues and pursuits in the course of human history since ancient times, and the promotion of social fairness has become a social consensus. Based on the data from the years 2013, 2015, and 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), an ordered probit model was constructed for empirical testing to explore the effect of local government competition on residents’ perceptions of social fairness and its internal mechanism. The research results show that: (1) Local government competition expands residents’ perceptions of social unfairness. (2) Local government competition increases residents’ perceptions of social unfairness through the paths of increasing residents’ income disparity, crowding out the supply of basic government public goods, and increasing corruption. (3) Local government competition has a significant negative effect on the perceptions of social fairness of the middle-income as well as the high-income but does not affect the low-income. The inhibitory effect of local government competition on the perceptions of social fairness of residents in urban as well as eastern regions is more significant than that in rural and central and western regions. This study has important practical implications for promoting common prosperity to build a harmonious, fair, and democratic modern welfare state and improving the governance capacity of local governments.
Exploring life with autism: Quality of Life, daily functioning and compensatory strategies from childhood to emerging adulthood: A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Øverland Elisabeth , Hauge Åshild Lappegard , Orm Stian , Pellicano Elizabeth , Øie Merete Glenne , Skogli Erik Winther , Andersen Per Normann
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study aims to investigate self-perceived quality of life, daily functioning, and the use of compensatory strategies in emerging adults with autism1.

Methods and analysis

Participants will be recruited from the Lillehammer Neurodevelopmental 10-year follow-up study (LINEUP), with the aim of 15 individual in-depth interviews. Subsequently, two focus groups with clinicians will be invited to reflect on the themes found in the individual interviews. All interviews will be recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics in South-East Norway. The findings will be disseminated to academic and clinical audiences through journal articles and conference presentations. To reach the broader autistic and autism communities, the findings will be shared with the Autism Society at national and local meetings, in their membership magazine, and on their social media channel.
Comparison of 10 obesity-related indices for predicting hypertension based on ROC analysis in Chinese adults
Authors: Lee Xiaohan , Gao Yanan , Zhang Yuting , Feng Yong , Gao Linna , Wang Aiwen , Jiang Yongbao , Huang Huiming
Published: November 2022

Objective

To compare the predictive performance of the percentage body fat (PBF), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist–hip ratio (WHR), waist–height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and conicity index (CI) for identifying hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,801 adults (1,499 men and 1,302 women) aged 18 to 81 in Ningbo, China. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis and multiple non-parametric Z tests were used to compare the areas under the curve (AUC). The maximum Youden's indices were used to determine the optimal cut-off points of 10 obesity-related indices (ORI) for hypertension risk.

Results

The AUC of all the indices were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AUC of all the indices in men and women were 0.67–0.73 and 0.72–0.79, respectively. Further non-parametric Z tests showed that WHR had the highest AUC values in both men [0.73 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.76)] and women (0.79 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.83)], and several central ORI (men: WHR, WC, BRI, AVI, and CI, 0.71–0.73; women: WC, WHR, and AVI, 0.77–0.79) were higher than general ORI (PBF and BMI, 0.68 in men; 0.72–0.75 in women), with adjusted P < 0.05. The optimal cut-off points for identifying hypertension in men and women were as follows: PBF (23.55%, 32.55%), BMI (25.72 kg/m2, 23.46 kg/m2), HC (97.59 cm, 94.82 cm), WC (90.26 cm, 82.78 cm), WHR (0.91, 0.88), WHtR (0.51, 0.55), ABSI (0.08 m7/6/kg2/3, 0.08 m7/6/kg2/3), BRI (4.05, 4.32), AVI (16.31 cm2, 13.83 cm2), and CI (1.23 m2/3/kg1/2, 1.27 m2/3/kg1/2). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that all indices were statistically significant (P < 0.05) with the adjusted ORs (per 1-SD increase) at 1.39–2.06 and ORs (over the optimal cut-off points) at 1.80–2.64.

Conclusions

All 10 ORI (PBF, BMI, HC, WC, WHR, WHtR, ABSI, BRI, AVI, and CI) can effectively predict hypertension, among which WHR should be recommended as the best predictor. Central ORI (WHR, WC, and AVI) had a better predictive performance than general ORIs (PBF and BMI) when predicting the risk of hypertension.