bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world evidence on efmoroctocog alfa in patients with haemophilia A: A systematic literature review of treatment experience in Europe
Authors: Blatný Jan , Nielsen Emma Munk , Reitzel Signe Baattrup , McMillan Annabell Cajus , Danø Anne , Bystrická Linda , Kragh Nana , Klamroth Robert
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The real‐world effectiveness of the efmoroctocog alfa (recombinant FVIII Fc fusion protein, a rFVIIIFc) has been investigated in numerous studies, however, currently, there exists no comprehensive collection of the existing real‐world evidence (RWE) on the performance of prophylactic use of rFVIIIFc.

Aim

The aims of this systematic literature study were to identify, review, evaluate and collate the RWE of prophylactic rFVIIIFc for patients with haemophilia A reported in Europe.

Methods

We searched Medline and Embase from 2014 to February 2022 to identify publications reporting the effectiveness of rFVIIIFc in patients with haemophilia A. The outcomes of interest were annualised bleeding rates (ABR, AjBR, AsBR), injection frequency, factor consumption, adherence, development of inhibitors and quality‐of‐life measures.

Results

46 eligible publications (eight full‐text articles) were included. rFVIIIFc showed a low ABR in patients with haemophilia A. Studies assessing treatment switching from a standard half‐life (SHL) treatment to rFVIIIFc found that the ABR and consumption were reduced in most patients. Studies assessing rFVIIIFc effectiveness reported a median ABR between 0.0 and 2.0 with median injections per week ranging between 1.8 and 2.4 and median doses between 60 and 105 IU/kg/week. Of the studies assessing inhibitor development, only one study reported an incidence of a low titre inhibitor, and no patients developed clinically significant inhibitors.

Conclusion

rFVIIIFc prophylaxis treatment results in a low ABR across studies in patients with haemophilia A in a European real‐world setting, which correlates with findings from clinical trials assessing the efficacy of rFVIIIFc in patients with haemophilia A.
Interleukin‐21 receptor gene polymorphism (rs2285452 A/G) is associated with susceptibility to Behçet's disease
Authors: Lahmar Rajaa , Chabchoub Elyes , Zemni Ramzi , Anis Mzabi , Ghannouchi Neirouz , Slama Foued Ben Hadj
Published: May 2023

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic auto inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Recently, the dysregulation of interleukin‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) has been incriminated in different autoimmune and auto‐inflammatory diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes. Herein, we aimed to investigate the association of two Il‐21R gene polymorphisms with BD. IL‐21R rs2214537 and IL‐21R rs2285452 genotypings were investigated in a cohort of 110 adult patients with BD and 116 age and gender unmatched healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction with newly designed primers. IL‐21R rs2285452 genotypes and alleles distribution were statistically different between patients with BD and controls. GA and AA genotypes carrying the minor A allele were more frequent in patients with BD than in healthy controls (37.3% and 11.8% vs. 23.3% and 3.4%, respectively). The minor A allele was associated with an increased BD risk (odds ratios = 2.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.214.87, p = .005). IL‐21R rs2214537 GG genotype was found to be associated with susceptibility to BD in the recessive model (GG vs. CC + CG; p = .046, OR =  1.91, 95% CI =  1.003.650. IL‐21R rs2285452 and IL‐21R rs2214537 were not in linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.42). The AG haplotype was more frequently observed in patients with BD than in controls (0.247 vs. 0.056, p =  .0001). This study for the first time reports the association of IL‐21R rs2285452 and IL‐21R rs2214537 with BD. Functional studies are required to elucidate the exact role of these genetic variants.
Development and psychometric validation of the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse
Authors: Baris Veysel Karani , Intepeler Seyda Seren , Unal Aysun
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study's aim is to develop and psychometrically assess the Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse.

Background

Evaluation of the effects of sickness presenteeism on nurses' performance and productivity is important for healthcare quality.

Design

This was an instrument development and validation study.

Methods

Scale items were created based on literature review and qualitative research. Data were collected from 619 nurses between October and December 2021. The factor structure of the scale was determined by explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis performed with different sample groups. Convergent and discriminant validity were investigated, and reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's α values, adjusted item‐total correlation, composite‐reliability and split‐half reliability.

Results

Explanatory factor analysis showed that Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse consisted of four sub‐dimensions and 21 items and explained 57.9% of the total variance. This factor structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent and discriminant validity was confirmed. The total Cronbach's α value of the scale was calculated as 0.928, with Cronbach's α values of the sub‐dimensions calculated as 0.815–0.903; composite reliability values were calculated as 0.804–0.903.

Conclusions

The Sickness Presenteeism Scale‐Nurse is a valid and reliable measurement instrument that can be used to evaluate the effect of nurses' sickness presenteeism behaviour on job performance.
DACH1 regulates macrophage activation and tumour progression in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Wenjing , Xu Licheng , Cao Jing , Ge Jingchun , Liu Xinyu , Liu Pengyan , Teng Yujian , Wang Shunpeng , Sun Yanan , Liu Ming , Tian Linli
Published: May 2023

Dachshund family transcription factor 1 (DACH1) has been shown to exhibit a tumour‐suppressive role in a number of human cancers. However, the role of DACH1 in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) and its function in the tumour microenvironment (TME) are still not clear. Crosstalk between cancer cells and tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) mediates tumour progression in HPSCC. The expression of DACH1, CD86 and CD163 was detected in 71 matched HPSCC–non‐cancerous tissue pairs using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and IHC analysis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were monitored by colony formation, Transwell and EdU incorporation assays. ChIP‐qPCR and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeting relationships between DACH1 and IGF‐1. Stably transfected HPSCC cells were co‐cultured with MΦ macrophages to assess macrophage polarization and secretory signals. DACH1 was decreased in HPSCC tissues and was indicative of a poor prognosis for HPSCC patients. Decreased DACH1 expression in HPSCC was associated with fewer CD86+ TAMs and more CD163+ TAMs. Knockdown of DACH1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of FaDu cells via Akt/NF‐κB/MMP2/9 signalling. Additionally, DACH1 was found to directly bind to the promoter region of IGF‐1 to downregulate the secretion of IGF‐1, which inhibited TAMs polarization through the IGF‐1R/JAK1/STAT3 axis. Furthermore, in nude mice, the effects of DACH1 inhibition on tumour progression and M2‐like TAMs polarization were confirmed. These findings suggest that IGF‐1 is a critical downstream effector of DACH1 that suppresses cell migration and invasion and inhibits TAMs polarization. DACH1 could be a therapeutic target and prognostic marker for HPSCC.
Service users' perceptions of recovery from recent‐onset psychosis and their long journey to and through psychiatric treatment
Authors: Temesgen Worku Animaw , Chien Wai Tong , Li Yan , Valimaki Maritta Anneli , Bressington Daniel
Published: May 2023

A growing body of evidence highlights that individuals' understanding of mental illness and recovery influences their mental health care preferences. Journeys to psychiatric care settings vary across regions with different socio‐economic and developmental characteristics. However, these journeys in low‐income African countries have not been well explored. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to describe service users' journeys to and through psychiatric treatment and explore their conceptualizations of recovery from recent‐onset psychosis. Nineteen adults with recent‐onset psychosis were recruited from three hospitals in Ethiopia for an individual semi‐structured interview. Data from in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Participants' conceptualizations of recovery are summarized into four themes; “domination over the disturbance of psychosis”, “complete medical treatment course and stay normal”, “stay active in life with optimal functioning”, and “reconcile with the new reality and rebuild hope and life”. These perceptions of recovery were reflected in their accounts of the long and hurdled journey to and through conventional psychiatric care settings. Participants' perceptions of psychotic illness, treatment, and recovery seemed to result in delayed or limited care in conventional treatment settings. Misunderstandings about only requiring a limited period/course of treatment for a full and permanent recovery should be addressed. Clinicians should work alongside traditional beliefs about psychosis to maximize engagement and promote recovery. Integrating conventional psychiatric treatment with spiritual/traditional healing services may make an important contribution to early treatment initiation and improving engagement.
The symptom experience of newly diagnosed Chinese patients with Crohn's disease: A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Chen Lingxi , Zhou Yunxian
Published: May 2023

Aims

To longitudinally explore the symptom experience of Chinese patients with Crohn's disease within the first year following their diagnosis.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative study.

Method

Eighteen newly diagnosed Chinese patients with Crohn's disease were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted at four time points: soon after diagnosis, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐diagnosis. Data were collected between January 2021 and February 2022. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis of each time point. Afterwards, the data of each time point were compared longitudinally. COREQ checklist was followed.

Results

Three themes and eight sub‐themes were formed through analysis: feelings towards symptoms (symptoms make me feel uneasy, symptoms make me feel inferior and symptoms make me feel helpless); acceptability of symptoms (difficult to accept, have to accept, be able to accept); functions of symptoms (assessing disease conditions and treatment effects, warning of disease management).

Conclusions

Overall, the negative emotions related to symptoms gradually decreased over time, and the patient's acceptance of symptoms increased within the first year following diagnosis. In addition, when the disease was in remission after treatment, the warning function of symptoms gradually weakened.

Impact

The process of how patients accept their symptoms found in this study provides a basis for nurses to improve patients' acceptance of symptoms and reduce their symptom‐related negative emotions. This study also emphasizes the phenomenon that patients gradually ignore some symptoms with their increased acceptance level, which warrants additional health education to strengthen their awareness of self‐management.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this study. Patients contributed only to the data collection and member checking.
Sleep disturbances are associated with pain intensity and pain‐related functional interference in patients experiencing orofacial pain
Authors: Thimma Ravindranath Priya , Smith Jared G. , Niloofar Rasooli Nia , Ebelthite Candice , Renton Tara
Published: May 2023

Background

Sleep and pain have a reciprocal relationship, interacting with psychosocial aspects including depression, anxiety, somatization and significant stressful events.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess patients with oro‐facial pain (OFP) and related sleep disturbances and determine the strongest psychosocial correlates.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of anonymized data of consecutive patients with OFP {January 2019 and February 2020} were analysed. Diagnostic and Axis‐II data were integrated to assess the relationship between sleep disturbances, measured using Chronic Pain Sleep Inventory, and demographic factors, clinical comorbidities, recent stressful events, pain severity and pain‐ and psychological‐related function.

Results

Five out of six patients with OFP were presented with pain‐related sleep disturbances. Sleep problems were enhanced in patients with primary oro‐facial headache compared with other OFP conditions. However, once the level of pain intensity and interference was accounted for, primary headache, was not a significant correlate of pain‐related sleep disturbances. Multivariate analysis revealed (average) pain severity and pain interference were both significantly associated with sleep problems. There were also significant independent associations of sleep problems with somatization levels and reported experience of recent stressful events.

Conclusion

Identifying sleep problems as a part of OFP management may be beneficial and could result in better management outcomes.
DNA damage‐inducible transcript 3 deficiency promotes bone resorption in murine periodontitis models
Authors: Luo Yao , Yang Beining , Dong Wei , Yu Wenqian , Jia Meie , Wang Jiawei
Published: May 2023

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of supporting structures of the teeth. DNA damage‐inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) plays crucial roles in cell survival and differentiation. DDIT3 regulates bone mass and osteoclastogenesis in femur. However, the role of DDIT3 in periodontitis has not been elucidated. This research aimed to explore the role and mechanisms of DDIT3 in periodontitis.

Methods

DDIT3 gene knockout (KO) mice were generated using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Experimental periodontitis models were established to explore the role of DDIT3 in periodontitis. The expression of DDIT3 in periodontal tissues was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The alveolar bone phenotypes were observed by micro‐CT and stereomicroscopy. The inflammation levels and osteoclast activity were examined by histological staining, immunostaining, and qRT‐PCR. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated to confirm the effects of DDIT3 on osteoclast formation and function in vitro.

Results

The increased expression of DDIT3 in murine inflamed periodontal tissues was detected. DDIT3 knockout aggravated alveolar bone loss and enhanced expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in murine periodontitis models. Increased osteoclast formation and higher expression levels of osteoclast‐specific markers were observed in the inflamed periodontal tissues of KO mice. In vitro, DDIT3 deficiency promoted the formation of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive multinucleated osteoclasts and the bone resorption activity of mature osteoclasts.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that DDIT3 deletion aggravated alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis through enhanced inflammatory reactions and osteoclastogenesis. The anti‐inflammation and the inhibition of bone loss by DDIT3 in murine periodontitis provides a potential novel therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.
Modelling metabolic performance in paediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing: A case–control study
Authors: de Sousa Francisco Alves , Rios Pinho Marta , Nóbrega Pinto Ana , Coutinho Miguel Bebiano , Caldas Afonso Alberto , Magalhães Manuel Ferreira
Published: May 2023

Paediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB) has a considerable impact on cardiovascular physiology, but the consequences on children's basal metabolism and response to exercise are far from being known. The objective was to propose model estimations for paediatric OSDB metabolism at rest and during exercise. A retrospective case–control analysis of data from children submitted to otorhinolaryngology surgery was performed. The heart rate (HR) was measured, while oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure (EE) at rest and during exercise were obtained using predictive equations. The results for the patients with OSDB were compared with controls. A total of 1256 children were included.A total of 449 (35.7%) had OSDB. The patients with OSDB showed a significantly higher resting heart rate (94.55 ± 15.061 bpm in OSDB vs. 92.41 ± 15.332 bpm in no‐OSDB,p = 0.041). The children with OSDB showed a higher VO2at rest (13.49 ± 6.02 mL min−1kg−1in OSDB vs. 11.55 ± 6.83 mL min−1kg−1in no‐OSDB,p = 0.004) and a higher EE at rest (67.5 ± 30.10 cal min−1kg−1in OSDB vs. 57.8 + 34.15 cal min−1kg−1in no‐OSDB,p = 0.004). At maximal exercise, patients with OSDB showed a lower VO2max (33.25 ± 5.82 mL min−1kg−1in OSDB vs. 34.28 ± 6.71 in no‐OSDB,p = 0.008) and a lower EE (166.3 ± 29.11 cal min−1kg−1in OSDB vs. 171.4 ± 33.53 cal min−1kg−1in no‐OSDB,p= 0.008). The VO2/EE increment with exercise (Δ VO2and Δ EE) was lower in OSDB for all exercise intensities (p = 0.009). This model unveils the effect of paediatric OSDB on resting and exercise metabolism. Our findings support the higher basal metabolic rates, poorer fitness performance, and cardiovascular impairment found in children with OSDB.
Longitudinal associations between insomnia, cannabis use and stress among US veterans
Authors: Davis Jordan P. , Prindle John , Saba Shaddy K. , Castro Carl A. , Hummer Justin , Canning Liv , Pedersen Eric R.
Published: May 2023

Insomnia is highly prevalent among military veterans, with rates nearly double that of civilian populations. Insomnia typically co‐occurs with other psychological problems, including substance use (e.g. cannabis) and perceived stress. Much of the research focused on insomnia, stress and cannabis use explores cannabis as a sleep aid and a mechanism for stress relief. However, recent theoretical and empirical evidence suggests a dynamic interplay between insomnia, cannabis use and perceived stress, yet few longitudinal studies exist. Using a sample of 1105 post‐9/11 veterans assessed over four time points across 12 months, we used latent difference score modelling to examine proportional change between insomnia, perceived stress and cannabis use. Results revealed a complex interplay between all three constructs. In particular, we show that higher prior levels of insomnia are associated with greater increases in perceived stress, and greater prior levels of stress are associated with greater increases in cannabis use. Perhaps more importantly, our results also point to cannabis use as a catalyst for greater increases in both stress and insomnia severity. Our results suggest there may be both benefits and costs of cannabis use among veterans. Specifically, for veterans who experience chronic sleep problems, perceived stress may become overwhelming, and the benefit of stress reduction from increased cannabis use may come at the cost of increasing insomnia symptomology.
Crafting and collecting cyanotypes: Anna Atkins's Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions
Authors: Franchi Sophia
Published: May 2023

This essay reads Anna Atkins's Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions (1843–1853) as an example of Victorian imitative art by reading it through the lens of Victorian domestic handicraft. It does so in order to resituate Atkins's work within the history of scientific visualization and to contribute to the increasing complexity scholars of visual culture and of the scientific image have added to prevailing accounts of the rise of the “objective” scientific image in the nineteenth‐century. Building on the work of historians of photography, art, science, and literature, it argues that her cyanotypes point toward an alternative history of scientific image as a form of craft and collection that resonates with recent calls in the study of the scientific image and scientific practices to move “beyond representation.”
Temporary versus permanent disability: A dynamic incentives model
Authors: Giannoccolo Pierpaolo , Platoni Silvia
Published: May 2023

This article extends previous disability models in a different and more detailed framework that contemplates both temporary and permanent disability. By introducing different degrees of disability, the paper contributes to the recent debate among empirical scholars on the growth of disability insurance programmes in several OECD countries. This approach allows us to analyse, and consequently compare, the consumption paths of able, temporarily disabled, and permanently disabled workers. Furthermore, in a numerical simulation, the analysis demonstrates that the system of dynamic incentives should adapt the disability benefits to the different disability statuses.
Essential role of the CD docking motif of MPK4 in plant immunity, growth, and development
Authors: Siodmak Anna , Shahul Hameed Umar F. , Rayapuram Naganand , Völz Ronny , Boudsocq Marie , Alharbi Siba , Alhoraibi Hanna , Lee Yong‐Hwan , Blilou Ikram , Arold Stefan T. , Hirt Heribert
Published: May 2023

MAPKs are universal eukaryotic signaling factors whose functioning is assumed to depend on the recognition of a common docking motif (CD) by its activators, substrates, and inactivators.

We studied the role of the CD domain of Arabidopsis MPK4 by performing interaction studies and determining the ligand‐bound MPK4 crystal structure.

We revealed that the CD domain of MPK4 is essential for interaction and activation by its upstream MAPKKs MKK1, MKK2, and MKK6. Cys181 in the CD site of MPK4 was shown to become sulfenylated in response to reactive oxygen species in vitro. To test the function of C181 in vivo, we generated wild‐type (WT) MPK4‐C181, nonsulfenylatable MPK4‐C181S, and potentially sulfenylation mimicking MPK4‐C181D lines in the mpk4 knockout background. We analyzed the phenotypes in growth, development, and stress responses, revealing that MPK4‐C181S has WT activity and complements the mpk4 phenotype. By contrast, MPK4‐C181D cannot be activated by upstream MAPKK and cannot complement the phenotypes of mpk4.

Our findings show that the CD motif is essential and is required for activation by upstream MAPKK for MPK4 function. Furthermore, growth, development, or immunity functions require upstream activation of the MPK4 protein kinase.
Phloem development
Authors: Hardtke Christian S.
Published: May 2023

The evolution of the plant vascular system is a key process in Earth history because it enabled plants to conquer land and transform the terrestrial surface. Among the vascular tissues, the phloem is particularly intriguing because of its complex functionality. In angiosperms, its principal components are the sieve elements, which transport phloem sap, and their neighboring companion cells. Together, they form a functional unit that sustains sap loading, transport, and unloading. The developmental trajectory of sieve elements is unique among plant cell types because it entails selective organelle degradation including enucleation. Meticulous analyses of primary, so‐called protophloem in the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem have revealed key steps in protophloem sieve element formation at single‐cell resolution. A transcription factor cascade connects specification with differentiation and also orchestrates phloem pole patterning via noncell‐autonomous action of sieve element‐derived effectors. Reminiscent of vascular tissue patterning in secondary growth, these involve receptor kinase pathways, whose antagonists guide the progression of sieve element differentiation. Receptor kinase pathways may also safeguard phloem formation by maintaining the developmental plasticity of neighboring cell files. Our current understanding of protophloem development in the A. thaliana root has reached sufficient detail to instruct molecular‐level investigation of phloem formation in other organs.
Optimal graft size in pediatric living donor liver transplantation: How are children different from adults?
Authors: Kasahara Mureo , Sakamoto Seisuke
Published: May 2023

Background

Pediatric liver transplantation is an established treatment for end‐stage liver disease in children. However, it is still posing relevant challenges, such as optimizing the graft selection according to the recipient size. Unlike adults, small children tolerate large‐for‐size grafts and insufficient graft volume might represent an issue in adolescents when graft size is disproportionate.

Methods

Graft‐size matching strategies over time were examined in pediatric liver transplantation. This review traces the measures/principles put in place to prevent large‐for‐size or small‐for‐size grafts in small children to adolescents with a literature review and an analysis of the data issued from the National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.

Results

Reduced left lateral segment (LLS; Couinaud's segment II and III) was widely applicable for small children less than 5 kg with metabolic liver disease or acute liver failure. There was significantly worse graft survival if the actual graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) was less than 1.5% in the adolescent with LLS graft due to the small‐for‐size graft. Children, particularly adolescents, may then require larger GRWR than adults to prevent small‐for‐size syndrome. The suggested ideal graft selections in pediatric LDLT are: reduced LLS, recipient body weight (BW) < 5.0 kg; LLS, 5.0 kg ≤ BW < 25 kg; left lobe (Couinaud's segment II, III, IV with middle hepatic vein), 25 kg ≤ BW < 50 kg; right lobe (Couinaud's segment V, VI, VII, VIII without middle hepatic vein), 50 kg ≤ BW. Children, particularly adolescents, may then require larger GRWR than adults to prevent small‐for‐size syndrome.

Conclusion

Age‐appropriate and BW‐appropriate strategies of graft selection are crucial to secure an excellent outcome in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.
Extraversion Probably Does Not Cause Political Participation. Evidence from Two Genetically Informed Designs
Authors: Ahlskog Rafael
Published: May 2023

A substantial literature in political psychology has emphasized the importance of personality traits for understanding differences in political participation. One such trait is extraversion. However, the causal status of this relationship is complicated by a number of issues, not least genetic confounding stemming from the heritability of both personality traits and political participation. This study confirms the well‐established naive relationship between extraversion and participation, but goes on with (a) a discordant MZ twin design and (b) a new approach using measured genetic variation, or a polygenic index, in the given trait (extraversion) to assess the causal nature of this relationship. First, utilizing variation in extraversion and participation within identical twin pairs shows that twins with higher extraversion do not participate more. Second, random variation within fraternal twin pairs in a polygenic index of extraversion does predict trait extraversion, but does not predict political participation. In summary, previously identified associations between extraversion and political participation are not likely to be causal, but instead reflect common underlying familial factors.
Histone H3K9 acetylation modulates gene expression of key enzymes in the flavonoid and abscisic acid pathways and enhances drought resistance of sea buckthorn
Authors: Li Jiayi , Wei Jihua , Song Yating , Chen Ning , Ni Bingbing , Zhang Jianguo , He Caiyun
Published: May 2023

The effect of histone H3K9 acetylation modification on gene expression and drought resistance in drought‐resistant tree species is not clear. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) method, this study obtained nine H3K9 acetylated protein‐interacting DNAs from sea buckthorn seedlings, and the ChIP sequencing result predicted about 56,591, 2217 and 5119 enriched region peaks in the control, drought and rehydration comparative groups, respectively. Gene functional analysis of differential peaks from three comparison groups revealed that 105 pathways were involved in the drought resistance process, and 474 genes were enriched in the plant hormone signaling transduction pathways. Combined ChIP‐seq and transcriptome analysis revealed that six genes related to abscisic acid synthesis and signaling pathways, 17 genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, and 15 genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis were positively regulated by H3K9 acetylation modification under drought stress. Under drought stress conditions, the content of abscisic acid and the expression of related genes were significantly up‐regulated, while the content of flavonoids and the expression of key enzymes involved in their synthesis were largely down‐regulated. Meanwhile, after exposure to histone deacetylase inhibitors (trichostatin A), the change of abscisic acid and flavonoids content and their related gene expression were slowed down under drought stress. This study will provide an important theoretical basis for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of histone acetylation modifications in sea buckthorn drought resistance.
A stratagem for primary root elongation under moderate salt stress in the halophyte Schrenkiella parvula
Authors: Şekerci Keriman , Higashitani Nahoko , Ozgur Rengin , Uzilday Baris , Higashitani Atsushi , Turkan Ismail
Published: May 2023

Schrenkiella parvula, an Arabidopsis‐related halophyte, grows around Lake Tuz (Salt) in Turkey and can survive up to 600 mM NaCl. Here, we performed physiological studies on the roots of S. parvula and A. thaliana seedlings cultivated under a moderate salt condition (100 mM NaCl). Interestingly, S. parvula germinated and grew at 100 mM NaCl, but germination did not occur at salt concentrations above 200 mM. In addition, primary roots elongated much faster at 100 mM NaCl, while being thinner with fewer roots hair, than under NaCl‐free conditions. Salt‐induced root elongation was due to epidermal cell elongation, but meristem size and meristematic DNA replication were reduced. The expression of genes related to auxin response and biosynthesis was also reduced. Application of exogenous auxin abolished the changes in primary root elongation, suggesting that auxin reduction is the main trigger for root architectural changes in response to moderate salinity in S. parvula. In A. thaliana seeds, germination was maintained up to 200 mM NaCl, but post‐germination root elongation was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, primary roots did not promote elongation even under fairly low salt conditions. Compared to A. thaliana, cell death and ROS content in primary roots of salt‐stressed plants were significantly lower in S. parvula. These changes in the roots of S. parvula seedlings may be an adaptive strategy to reach lower salinity by advancing into deeper soils, while being impaired by moderate salt stress.
Transcription factors TgbHLH42‐1 and TgbHLH42‐2 positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.)
Authors: Hu Xianmei , Sun Tianxiao , Liang Zehui , Zhang Hengbin , Fu Qiang , Wang Yanping , Chan Zhulong , Xiang Lin
Published: May 2023

The floral coloration of tulip flowers is one of the most prominent traits contributing to its high ornamental value. The molecular mechanisms of petal coloration remain elusive in tulip species. In this study, we performed comparative metabolome and transcriptome analyses using four tulip cultivars with distinguished petal colors. Four types of anthocyanins were identified, including cyanidin derivatives and pelargonidin derivatives. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 22,303 differential expressed genes (DEGs) from the four cultivars, and 2589 DEGs were commonly regulated in three comparison groups (colored vs. white cultivar), including anthocyanins biosynthesis‐related genes and regulatory transcription factors. Two basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors, TgbHLH42‐1 and TgbHLH42‐2, with differential expression levels among cultivars and petal developmental stages, have high homology to TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (AtTT8) of Arabidopsis. The anthocyanins accumulation in TgbHLH42‐1 overexpressing (OE) seedlings was markedly greater than that in wild‐type seedlings in the presence of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), but not for TgbHLH42‐2 OE seedlings. Both TgbHLH42‐1 and TgbHLH42‐2 restored pigmentation defects in tt8 mutant seeds after complementation assay. TgbHLH42‐1 could interact with MYB protein AtPAP1 to synergistically activate the transcription of AtDFR, whereas TgbHLH42‐2 failed to. Silencing TgbHLH42‐1 or TgbHLH42‐2 individually could not, but simultaneously silencing both TgbHLH42 could reduce the anthocyanin in tulip petals. These results indicate that TgbHLH42‐1 and TgbHLH42‐2 function partially redundantly to positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis during tulip petal coloration.
Photo‐oxidative stress leading to oxylipin accumulation may trigger drought‐induced leaf abscission in olive trees
Authors: Villadangos Sabina , González Carmen , Munné‐Bosch Sergi
Published: May 2023

Olive trees shed their leaves under severe drought as a defence mechanism. Foliar drought‐induced abscission is a programmed process occurring in a differentiated cell layer at the base of the petiole. Considering the antioxidant properties of vitamin E and its interplay with lipid peroxidation‐derived jasmonates in abiotic stress responses, we hypothesized about their possible role in abscission signaling by forming a jasmonates‐increasing basipetal gradient along the leaf up to the abscission zone. We exposed young olives trees to water withdrawal for 21 days, after which five leaf sections, from the apex to the petiole, were sampled on both attached and detached leaves of irrigated and water‐stressed trees. We found that prolonged drought stress resulted in a sharp reduction in the photosystem II efficiency, chlorophyll and vitamin E contents in leaves, leading to photo‐oxidative stress, reflected by the increase in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the content of chloroplast‐derived oxylipins and phytohormones, such as jasmonoyl‐isoleucine and salicylic acid, increased. At the same time, α‐tocopherol decreased in the petiole of water‐stressed attached leaves, suggesting a conditioning for the abscission process to occur. Although no differences were observed in petioles from attached and detached leaves, the dropped ones showed higher oxidative stress in the leaf blade. It is concluded that redox signaling through oxylipins accumulation may trigger leaf abscission in drought‐stressed olive trees. Mechanical stress is, however, additionally needed to execute leaf abscission once the abscission zone is properly conditioned.
Relations among self‐control, hope, and psychological adjustment: A two‐wave longitudinal mediation study
Authors: Deniz M. Engin , Satici Seydi Ahmet , Okur Sinan , Satici Begüm
Published: May 2023

While the relationships between self‐control, hope, and psychological adjustment have been examined in cross‐sectional studies, the fact that these variables have not been considered together in any longitudinal research creates a gap in the literature. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationships between self‐control, hope, and psychological adjustment. Specifically, a cross‐lagged panel study in two waves was conducted to examine whether hope mediated the association between self‐control and psychological adjustment using a Turkish college sample (N = 349). The results revealed that hope had a significant mediation effect in the longitudinal association between self‐control and psychological adjustment. In this direction, self‐control indirectly predicts psychological adjustment through hope. This longitudinal study reveals that having self‐control may have a positive influence on a person's level of hope and that hope may be a significant predictor of individual psychological adjustment.
Are commercial genetic injury tests premature?
Authors: Collins Malcolm , September Alison V.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Several direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies have emerged that claim to be able to test for susceptibility for musculoskeletal injuries. Although there are several publications on the emergence of this industry, none have critically evaluated the evidence for the use of genetic polymorphisms in commercial tests. The aim of this review was to identify, where possible, the polymorphisms and to evaluate the current scientific evidence for their inclusion.

Results

The most common polymorphisms included COL1A1 rs1800012, COL5A1 rs12722, and GDF5 rs143383. The current evidence suggests that it is premature or even not viable to include these three polymorphisms as markers of injury risk. A unique set of injury‐specific polymorphisms, which do not include COL1A1, COL5A1, or GDF5, identified from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) is used by one company in their tests for 13 sports injuries. However, of the 39 reviewed polymorphisms, 22 effective alleles are rare and absent in African, American, and/or Asian populations. Even when informative in all populations, the sensitivity of many of the genetic markers was low and/or has not been independently validated in follow‐up studies.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests it is premature to include any of the reviewed polymorphisms identified by GWAS or candidate gene approaches in commercial genetic tests. The association of MMP7 rs1937810 with Achilles tendon injuries, and SAP30BP rs820218 and GLCCI1 rs4725069 with rotator cuff injuries does warrant further investigation. Based on current evidence, it remains premature to market any commercial genetic test to determine susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries.
Why beliefs are not dispositional stereotypes
Authors: Moore Andrew Garford , Botterill George
Published: May 2023

In a series of papers, Schwitzgebel has attempted to revive the dispositionalist account of belief by tweaking it a little and claiming a previously unconsidered advantage over representationalism. The tweaks are to include phenomenal and cognitive responses, in addition to overt behaviour, in the manifestations of a given belief; and to soften the account of dispositions by allowing for dispositional stereotypes. The alleged advantage is that dispositionalism can deal with what Schwitzgebel calls cases of in‐between belief, whereas representationalism cannot. In this paper we argue that Schwitzgebel's attempted improvements do not succeed and that, as an account of belief, dispositionalism is seen to be unsatisfactory. The case for this verdict also enables the representationalist position to be enhanced by drawing attention to the diversity of formats in which beliefs are stored.
Natural variations in the Sl‐AKR9 aldo/keto reductase gene impact fruit flavor volatile and sugar contents
Authors: Li Xiang , Tieman Denise , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R. , Klee Harry J.
Published: May 2023

The unique flavors of different fruits depend upon complex blends of soluble sugars, organic acids, and volatile organic compounds. 2‐Phenylethanol and phenylacetaldehyde are major contributors to flavor in many foods, including tomato. In the tomato fruit, glucose, and fructose are the chemicals that most positively contribute to human flavor preferences. We identified a gene encoding a tomato aldo/keto reductase, Sl‐AKR9, that is associated with phenylacetaldehyde and 2‐phenylethanol contents in fruits. Two distinct haplotypes were identified; one encodes a chloroplast‐targeted protein while the other encodes a transit peptide‐less protein that accumulates in the cytoplasm. Sl‐AKR9 effectively catalyzes reduction of phenylacetaldehyde to 2‐phenylethanol. The enzyme can also metabolize sugar‐derived reactive carbonyls, including glyceraldehyde and methylglyoxal. CRISPR‐Cas9‐induced loss‐of‐function mutations in Sl‐AKR9 significantly increased phenylacetaldehyde and lowered 2‐phenylethanol content in ripe fruit. Reduced fruit weight and increased soluble solids, glucose, and fructose contents were observed in the loss‐of‐function fruits. These results reveal a previously unidentified mechanism affecting two flavor‐associated phenylalanine‐derived volatile organic compounds, sugar content, and fruit weight. Modern varieties of tomato almost universally contain the haplotype associated with larger fruit, lower sugar content, and lower phenylacetaldehyde and 2‐phenylethanol, likely leading to flavor deterioration in modern varieties.
The TOPLESS corepressor regulates developmental switches in the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens that were critical for plant terrestrialisation
Authors: Causier Barry , McKay Mary , Hopes Tayah , Lloyd James , Wang Dapeng , Harrison C. Jill , Davies Brendan
Published: May 2023

The plant‐specific TOPLESS (TPL) family of transcriptional corepressors is integral to multiple angiosperm developmental processes. Despite this, we know little about TPL function in other plants. To address this gap, we investigated the roles TPL plays in the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens, which diverged from angiosperms approximately 0.5 billion years ago. Although complete loss of PpTPL function is lethal, transgenic lines with reduced PpTPL activity revealed that PpTPLs are essential for two fundamental developmental switches in this plant: the transitions from basal photosynthetic filaments (chloronemata) to specialised foraging filaments (caulonemata) and from two‐dimensional (2D) to three‐dimensional (3D) growth. Using a transcriptomics approach, we integrated PpTPL into the regulatory network governing 3D growth and we propose that PpTPLs represent another important class of regulators that are essential for the 2D‐to‐3D developmental switch. Transcriptomics also revealed a previously unknown role for PpTPL in the regulation of flavonoids. Intriguingly, 3D growth and the formation of caulonemata were crucial innovations that facilitated the colonisation of land by plants, a major transformative event in the history of life on Earth. We conclude that TPL, which existed before the land plants, was co‐opted into new developmental pathways, enabling phytoterrestrialisation and the evolution of land plants.
In planta dynamics, transport biases, and endogenous functions of mobile siRNAs in Arabidopsis
Authors: Devers Emanuel A. , Brosnan Christopher A. , Sarazin Alexis , Schott Gregory , Lim Peiqi , Lehesranta Satu , Helariutta Yrjö , Voinnet Olivier
Published: May 2023

In RNA interference (RNAi), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) produced from double‐stranded RNA guide ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins to silence sequence‐complementary RNA/DNA. RNAi can propagate locally and systemically in plants, but despite recent advances in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, basic questions remain unaddressed. For instance, RNAi is inferred to diffuse through plasmodesmata (PDs), yet how its dynamics in planta compares with that of established symplastic diffusion markers remains unknown. Also is why select siRNA species, or size classes thereof, are apparently recovered in RNAi recipient tissues, yet only under some experimental settings. Shootward movement of endogenous RNAi in micro‐grafted Arabidopsis is also yet to be achieved, while potential endogenous functions of mobile RNAi remain scarcely documented. Here, we show (i) that temporal, localized PD occlusion in source leaves' companion cells (CCs) suffices to abrogate all systemic manifestations of CC‐activated mobile transgene silencing, including in sink leaves; (ii) that the presence or absence of specific AGOs in incipient/traversed/recipient tissues likely explains the apparent siRNA length selectivity observed upon vascular movement; (iii) that stress enhancement allows endo‐siRNAs of a single inverted repeat (IR) locus to translocate against the shoot‐to‐root phloem flow; and (iv) that mobile endo‐siRNAs generated from this locus have the potential to regulate hundreds of transcripts. Our results close important knowledge gaps, rationalize previously noted inconsistencies between mobile RNAi settings, and provide a framework for mobile endo‐siRNA research.
ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) and HY5 HOMOLOGUE (HYH) maintain shade avoidance suppression in UV‐B
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Pridgeon Ashley J. , Liu Wei , Segers Francisca , Sharma Bhavana , Jenkins Gareth I. , Franklin Keara A.
Published: May 2023

Reductions in red to far‐red ratio (R:FR) provide plants with an unambiguous signal of vegetational shade and are monitored by phytochrome photoreceptors. Plants integrate this information with other environmental cues to determine the proximity and density of encroaching vegetation. Shade‐sensitive species respond to reductions in R:FR by initiating a suite of developmental adaptations termed shade avoidance. These include the elongation of stems to facilitate light foraging. Hypocotyl elongation is driven by increased auxin biosynthesis promoted by PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIF) 4, 5 and 7. UV‐B perceived by the UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) photoreceptor rapidly inhibits shade avoidance, in part by suppressing PIF4/5 transcript accumulation and destabilising PIF4/5 protein. Here, we show that longer‐term inhibition of shade avoidance is sustained by ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and HY5 HOMOLOGUE (HYH), which regulate transcriptional reprogramming of genes involved in hormone signalling and cell wall modification. HY5 and HYH are elevated in UV‐B and suppress the expression of XYLOGLUCAN ENDOTRANSGLUCOSYLASE/HYDROLASE (XTH) genes involved in cell wall loosening. They additionally increase expression GA2‐OXIDASE1 (GA2ox1) and GA2ox2, encoding gibberellin catabolism enzymes that act redundantly to stabilise the PIF‐inhibiting DELLA proteins. UVR8 therefore regulates temporally distinct signalling pathways to first rapidly inhibit and subsequently maintain suppression of shade avoidance following UV‐B exposure.
Retrospective phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus G and N genes from Serbia
Authors: Milićević Vesna , Glišić Dimitrije , Veljović Ljubiša , Maletić Jelena , Kureljušić Branislav
Published: May 2023

Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system of all warm‐blooded animals and one of the oldest and most important zoonoses. In the Republic of Serbia, rabies is controlled by compulsory vaccination of dogs and cats and oral vaccination of wild carnivores, which has been implemented since 2010. In the period 2009–2018, 367 rabies cases were recorded. The last rabies case in Serbia was recorded in 2018 in a red fox (Vulpes vulpes), while the last case in dogs was diagnosed in 2011. This study aimed to perform a retrospective phylogenetic analysis of G and N genes of the rabies virus from Serbia from 2009 to 2018 to understand sources and pathways of infection better and to enable molecular virus tracing in the future based on the association of rabies virus genetic lineages with the geographic distribution. For the phylogenetic analysis of the rabies virus, 14 historically positive brain samples of red foxes from 2009 to 2018, collected in central Serbia, were used. All field strains from Serbia were identified as classic rabies virus and grouped within the Cosmopolitan lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of N gene sequences revealed that 13 rabies virus strains (92.9%) from Serbia belonged to the EE sub‐lineage of isolates, while one virus (7.1%) ON988027 from 2011 clustered together with isolates from the WE sub‐lineage.