bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of super-enhancer-driven peptidyl arginine deiminases as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Hang , Muhetaer Gulizeba , Xie Yizi , Yao Kainan , Ma Qianqian , Guan Huiting , Xing Sizhong , Huang Xiufang , Zhou Jihong
Published: November 2022

Resistance to targeted drugs is now a challenging clinical problem in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). So far, there are no approved targeted therapeutic drugs for patients with disease progression after the third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib resistance (OR). Super-enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of transcriptional enhancers that drive gene expression. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential pathogenic SEs and their driven genes in OR NSCLC. OR cell line was established by exposure of H1975 cells to incremental dosing of osimertinib. RNA-sequencing and H3K27ac ChIP-sequencing were used to identify the differential expressed genes (DEGs) and SEs in parental and resistant cells. Gene ontology analysis for the OR-specific SEs-associated genes showed that histone citrullination, protein citrullination, and peptidyl-arginine modification are the top three biological processes, and the DEGs involved in these biological processes, including peptidyl arginine deiminase 1 (PADI1), PADI2, and PADI3. Realtime-PCR and western blot detections confirmed these genes were highly expressed in OR cells. SE inhibitor decreases their expression, ensuring that SEs regulate their transcriptional expressions. The PADI inhibitor inhibited OR cells’ proliferation, invasion, and colony formation. This study demonstrates that SE-driven PADI family genes are potential biomarkers and targets for OR NSCLC.
Prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in aged patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yoshimura Takuya , Suzuki Hajime , Takayama Hirotaka , Higashi Shotaro , Hirano Yuka , Tezuka Masahiro , Ishida Takayuki , Ishihata Kiyohide , Amitani Marie , Amitani Haruka , Nishi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yasunori , Imamura Yasushi , Nozoe Etsuro , Inui Akio , Nakamura Norifumi
Published: November 2022

Background: Better prognostic biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) must be developed, particularly within the realm of clinically and frequently administered tests, to advise appropriate clinical therapy and follow-up. In this study, we retrospectively investigated which of the several inflammation-nutrition indicators might predict the prognosis of patients with OSCC.

Methods:  The preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), CRP-albumin ratio (CAR), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), controlling nutrition status (CONUT), and modified CONUT (mCONUT) were retrospectively evaluated using blood samples collected 1–5 days before surgery. To estimate the effect on the prognosis of tumor progression, the mean values of the markers between stages I/II and III/IV were used for subgroup analysis. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model included all independent variables significantly associated with survival in the univariate analysis to determine the independent variables.

Results: A total of 112 patients (69 males and 43 females) with primary OSCC who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital were included. There were statistically significant differences in the mean values of monocytes, platelets, and albumin between stages I/II and III/IV. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, a low PNI was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS); women were associated with shorter DFS.

Conclusion: The pretreatment PNI had excellent predictive value for the 5-year OS and DFS of patients with OSCC. Future large-scale prospective studies with a high sample size are needed to verify our findings in OSCC patients.
Analysis of electrical properties in lateral Schottky barrier diode based on n-GaN and AlGaN/GaN heterostructure
Authors: Liu Honghui , Liang Zhiwen , Wang Fengge , Xu Yanyan , Yang Xien , Liang Yisheng , Li Xin , Lin Lizhang , Wu Zhisheng , Liu Yang , Zhang Baijun
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the lateral Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with small capacitance and low turn-on voltage (Von) were fabricated on n-GaN and AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. The capacitances of lateral n-GaN SBD and lateral AlGaN/GaN SBD are 1.35 pF/mm and 0.70 pF/mm, respectively. Compared with the planar SBDs, the capacitances of lateral SBDs are reduced by about two orders of magnitude without sacrificing the performance of on-resistance (Ron) and reverse leakage current. For the planar and lateral n-GaN SBDs, the value of the Von is similar. However, compared with the planar AlGaN/GaN SBD, the Von of lateral AlGaN/GaN SBD is reduced from 1.64 V to 0.87 V owing to the anode metal directly contacting the two-dimensional electron gas. According to temperature-dependent I-V results, the barrier inhomogeneity of the lateral SBD is more intensive than the planar SBD, which is attributed to etching damage. The withstand voltage of SBD is a very important parameter for power electronic applications. Compared with the breakdown voltage of 73 V in the lateral n-GaN SBD, the lateral AlGaN/GaN SBDs exhibit a breakdown voltage of 2322 V. In addition, we found that Schottky contact introduces anode resistance (RA) by analysing the Ron distribution of lateral SBDs. The experimental results also show that the RA of lateral n-GaN SBD and lateral AlGaN/GaN SBD are 10.5 Ω mm and 9.2 Ω mm respectively, which are much larger than the ohmic contact resistance due to worsening anode contact by metal-induced gap states.
Protective role of MG53 against ischemia/reperfusion injury on multiple organs: A narrative review
Authors: Xu Bowen , Wang Chunxiao , Chen Hongping , Zhang Lihui , Gong Lei , Zhong Lin , Yang Jun
Published: November 2022

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common clinical problem after coronary angioplasty, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and organ transplantation, which can lead to cell damage and death. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53), also known as Trim72, is a conservative member of the TRIM family and is highly expressed in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle, with minimal amounts in humans. MG53 has been proven to be involved in repairing cell membrane damage. It has a protective effect on I/R injury in multiple oxygen-dependent organs, such as the heart, brain, lung, kidney, and liver. Recombinant human MG53 also plays a unique role in I/R, sepsis, and other aspects, which is expected to provide new ideas for related treatment. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology of I/R injury and how MG53 mitigates multi-organ I/R injury.
Advantages of pyruvate-based fluids in preclinical shock resuscitation-A narrative review
Authors: Zhou Fang-Qiang
Published: November 2022

This review focuses on the innate beneficial effects of sodium pyruvate-based fluids, including pyruvate in intravenous solutions, oral rehydration solutions, and peritoneal dialysis solutions, on shock resuscitation with various animal models relative to current commercial fluids over the last two decades. Due to its superior pharmacological properties, pyruvate effectively sustains cytosolic glycolytic pathways and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by restoration of redox potentials and reactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in hypoxia, even anoxia, and diabetes, reversing the Warburg effect and diabetic glucometabolic aberration. Pyruvate has been demonstrated to protect against multiorgan dysfunction and metabolic disturbance in numerous preclinical studies with various pathogenic injuries. The unique features of pyruvate potential clinical benefits encompass to efficiently correct lethal lactic acidosis via metabolically rapid consumption of intracellular [H+] and robustly protect multiorgan metabolism and function, particularly visceral organs in addition to the heart and brain, significantly prolonging survival in various animal models. Pyruvate protection of red blood cell function and preservation of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen should be highly concerned in further studies. Pyruvate is much advantageous over existing anions such as acetate, bicarbonate, chloride, and lactate in commercial fluids. Pyruvate-based fluids act as a therapeutic agent without causing iatrogenic resuscitation injury in addition to being a volume expander, indicating a potential novel generation of resuscitation fluids, including crystalloids and colloids. Pyruvate-based fluids have an enormous potential appeal for clinicians who face the ongoing fluid debate to readily select as the first resuscitation fluid. Clinical trials with pyruvate-based fluids in shock resuscitation are urgently warranted.
Untargeted metabolism approach reveals difference of varieties of bud and relation among characteristics of grafting seedlings in Camellia oleifera
Authors: Long Wei , Huang Guangyuan , Yao Xiaohua , Lv Leyan , Yu Chunlian , Wang Kailiang
Published: November 2022

Camellia oleifera is one of the essential wood oil trees in the world. C.oleifera was propagated by nurse seedling grafting. Since the scion of C.oleifera had a significant regulated effect on the properties of rootstock after grafting and impacted on the growth of the grafted seedlings, it was necessary to understand the characteristics of buds among varieties to cultivate high-quality grafted seedlings. The metabolome was thought to be a powerful tool for understanding connecting phenotype-genotype interactions, which has an important impact on plant growth and development. In this study, UPLC-MS was used to determine the metabolites of the apical buds of CL3, CL4, CL40, and CL53 spring shoots after 30 days of sprout and to measure the growth characteristics of roots and stems after grafting. Metabolomics analysis revealed 554 kinds of metabolites were significant differences among four varieties, and 29 metabolic pathways were identified to have significant changes (p< 0.05), including carboxylic acids and derivatives, fatty Acyls, organooxygen compounds, and prenol lipids metabolites. The metabolites appeared in all varieties, including phenethyl rutinoside in glycosyl compounds and hovenidulcioside A1 in terpene glycosides. Metabolite–metabolite correlations in varieties revealed more complex patterns in relation to bud and enabled the recognition of key metabolites (e.g., Glutamate, (±)Catechin, GA52, ABA, and cs-Zeatin) affecting grafting and growth ability. Each variety has a unique metabolite type and correlation network relationship. Differentiated metabolites showed different growth trends for development after grafting. Many metabolites regulate the growth of scions in buds before grafting, which plays a crucial role in the growth of seedlings after grafting. It not only regulates the growth of roots but also affects the development of this stem. Finally, those results were associated with the genetic background of each cultivar, showing that metabolites could be potentially used as indicators for the genetic background, indicating that metabolites could potentially be used as indicators for seedling growth characteristics. Together, this study will enrich the theoretical basis of seedling growth and lay a foundation for further research on the molecular regulation mechanism interaction between rootstock and scion, rootstock growth, and the development of grafted seedlings after grafting.
Site characteristics determine the effectiveness of tillage and cover crops on the net ecosystem carbon balance in California vineyard agroecosystems
Authors: Zumkeller Maria , Yu Runze , Torres Nazareth , Marigliano Lauren E. , Zaccaria Daniele , Kurtural Sahap Kaan
Published: November 2022

Globally, wine grape vineyards cover approximately 7.4 M ha. The potential for carbon (C) storage in vineyards is of great interest to offset greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Sustainable soil management practices such as cover crop adoption and reduced tillage may contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, site-specific factors such as soil texture, other soil physicochemical properties, and climate largely influence the range and rate to which SOC may be stored. To measure the potential for C storage in vineyards under varying sustainable soil management practices, we calculated the net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) of three cover crops [perennial grass (Poa bulbosa hybrid cv. Oakville Blue); annual grass (barley, Hordeum vulgare); resident vegetation (natural weed population)] under conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) management. Results provided evidence that vineyards served as C sinks. In sandy soils, the type of cover crop and tillage may be of little influence on the NECB. While in finer-textured soils, tillage reduced the NECB and higher biomass-producing cover crops enhanced the overall C storage potential of the vineyard agroecosystem. Overall, our results revealed that site characteristics, namely, soil texture and climate, were key determinants of the C storage potential of vineyards in Mediterranean climates such as those found in coastal and inland California wine grape production regions.
Kernel color and fertilization as factors of enhanced maize quality
Authors: Dragičević Vesna , Brankov Milan , Stoiljković Milovan , Tolimir Miodrag , Kanatas Panagiotis , Travlos Ilias , Simić Milena
Published: November 2022

Maize is an important staple crop and a significant source of various nutrients. We aimed to determine the macronutrients, antioxidants, and essential elements in maize genotypes (white, yellow, and red kernel) using three different fertilizers, which could be used as a basis to increase the nutrient density of maize. The fertilizer treatments used bio- and organic fertilizers as a sustainable approach, urea, as a commonly used mineral fertilizer, and the control (no fertilization). We evaluated the yield, concentration of macronutrient (protein, oil, and starch), nonenzymatic antioxidants (phenolics, yellow pigment, total glutathione (GSH), and phytic phosphorus), and reduction capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, as well as essential elements that are commonly deficient in the diet (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and S) and their relationships with phytic acid. The genotype expressed the strongest effect on the variability of grain yield and the analyzed grain constituents. The red-kernel hybrid showed the greatest accumulation of protein, oil, phenolics, and essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and S) than a yellow and white hybrid, especially in the biofertilizer treatment. The yellow kernel had the highest concentrations of yellow pigment, GSH, phytic phosphorous, Mg, Mn, and Zn (19.61 µg g−1, 1,134 nmol g−1, 2.63 mg g−1, 1,963 µg g−1, 11.7 µg g−1, and 33.9 µg g−1, respectively). The white kernel had a greater starch concentration (2.5% higher than that in the red hybrid) and the potential bioavailability of essential metals, particularly under no fertilization. This supports the significance of white maize as a staple food in many traditional diets across the world. Urea was important for the enhancement of the antioxidant status (with 88.0% reduction capacity for the DPPH radical) and increased potential Zn bioavailability in the maize kernels (13.3% higher than that in the biofertilizer treatment). This study underlines the differences in the yield potential and chemical composition of red, yellow, and white-kernel maize and their importance as a necessary part of a sustainable human diet. This information can help determine the most appropriate genotype based on the antioxidants and/or essential elements targeted for kernel improvement.
Comparative analysis of medicinal plant Isodon rubescens and its common adulterants based on chloroplast genome sequencing
Authors: Zhou Zhongyu , Wang Jing , Pu Tingting , Dong Jingjing , Guan Qin , Qian Jun , Shi Linchun , Duan Baozhong
Published: November 2022

Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H. Hara is the source of Donglingcao under the monograph Rabdosiae Rubescentis Herba in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In the local marketplace, this medicine can be accidentally contaminated, deliberately substituted, or mixed with other related species. The contaminants of herbal products are a threat to consumer safety. Due to the scarcity of genetic information on Isodon plants, more molecular markers are needed to avoid misidentification. In the present study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of seven species of Isodon was sequenced, de novo assembled and characterized. The cp genomes of these species universally exhibited a conserved quadripartite structure, i.e., two inverted repeats (IRs) containing most of the ribosomal RNA genes and two unique regions (large single copy and small single copy). Moreover, the genome structure, codon usage, and repeat sequences were highly conserved and showed similarities among the seven species. Five highly variable regions (trnS-GCU-trnT-CGU, atpH-atpI, trnE-UUC-trnT-GGU, ndhC-trnM-CAU, and rps15-ycf1) might be potential molecular markers for identifying I. rubescens and its contaminants. These findings provide valuable information for further species identification, evolution, and phylogenetic research of Isodon.
Assessing the heat sensitivity of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) genotypes involving physiological, reproductive and yield traits under field and controlled environment
Authors: Chaudhary Shikha , Jha Uday Chand , Paul Pronob J. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Sharma Kamal Dev , Kumar Sanjeev , Gupta Debjyoti Sen , Sharma Parul , Singh Sarvjeet , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Nayyar Harsh
Published: November 2022

The rising temperatures are seriously impacting the food crops, including urdbean; hence efforts are needed to identify the sources of heat tolerance in such crops to ensure global food security. In the present study, urdbean genotypes were evaluated for heat tolerance under natural outdoor for two consecutive years (2018, 2019) and subsequently in the controlled environment of the growth chamber to identify high temperature tolerant lines. The genotypes were assessed involving few physiological traits (membrane damage, chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, lipid peroxidation), reproductive traits (pollen germination % and pollen viability %) and yield related traits (total number of pods plant-1, total seeds plant-1, single seed weight and seed yield plant-1). Based upon these tested traits, PantU31, Mash114, UTTARA and IPU18-04 genotypes were identified as promising genotypes for both years under heat stress condition. Further confirming heat tolerance, all these four tolerant and four sensitive genotypes were tested under controlled environment under growth chamber condition. All these four genotypes PantU31, Mash114, UTTARA and IPU18-04 showed high chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, leaf area, pods plant-1, total seeds plant-1 and low reduction in pollen germination % and pollen viability under stress heat stress condition. Moreover, yield and yield related traits viz., pods plant-1, seeds plant-1, single seed weight and seed yield plant-1 showed very strong positive correlation with pollen germination and pollen viability except electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content. Thus, these genotypes could be potentially used as donors for transferring heat tolerance trait to the elite yet heat-sensitive urdbean cultivars.
Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of complete chloroplast genomes from five Artemisia species
Authors: Lan Zhaohui , Shi Yuhua , Yin Qinggang , Gao Ranran , Liu Chunlian , Wang Wenting , Tian Xufang , Liu Jiawei , Nong Yiying , Xiang Li , Wu Lan
Published: November 2022

Artemisia Linn. is a large genus within the family Asteraceae that includes several important medicinal plants. Because of their similar morphology and chemical composition, traditional identification methods often fail to distinguish them. Therefore, developing an effective identification method for Artemisia species is an urgent requirement. In this study, we analyzed 15 chloroplast (cp) genomes, including 12 newly sequenced genomes, from 5 Artemisia species. The cp genomes from the five Artemisia species had a typical quadripartite structure and were highly conserved across species. They had varying lengths of 151,132–151,178 bp, and their gene content and codon preferences were similar. Mutation hotspot analysis identified four highly variable regions, which can potentially be used as molecular markers to identify Artemisia species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the five Artemisia species investigated in this study were sister branches to each other, and individuals of each species formed a monophyletic clade. This study shows that the cp genome can provide distinguishing features to help identify closely related Artemisia species and has the potential to serve as a universal super barcode for plant identification.
Influence of organic rice production mode on weed composition in the soil seed bank of paddy fields
Authors: Gao Pinglei , Wang Haoyu , Deng Shiwen , Dong Erjia , Dai Qigen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

It is of great significance to determine the composition of the soil weed seed bank under different organic rice production modes to provide decision making support for rational integrated weed management in organic rice production.

Methods

The soil weed seed bank of the four dominant organic production modes, namely, rice-green manure rotation (RG), rice monoculture (RM), rice-crayfish coculture (RC) and rice-duck coculture (RD), with different numbers of consecutive planting years (3 to 10 years) in different sites in Jiangsu Province were investigated to determine the influence of organic rice production mode on weed composition.

Results and Discussion

There were significant differences in the weed composition in the soil seed bank among the four organic rice production modes. The most dominant weed group was broadleaf weeds in the soil seed bank under the RG and RM modes; however, under the RM mode, the most dominant weed species were sedge and grass weeds. Sedge and grass weeds dominated the soil seed bank of the RC and RD modes, respectively. Therefore, specific weed management strategies could be formulated based on the differences in weed composition under different organic rice production modes. The application of organic fertilizer and irrigation were identified as primary factors associated with the differences in weed composition in the soil seed banks, which had higher effects on the weed composition than hand weeding. Consequently, fertilization and irrigation strategies that alter weed composition could be used as improved weed management program components in organic rice production systems. Long-term organic rice planting is beneficial for increasing weed diversity in paddy fields. Our results indicated that weed species diversity increased and weed community evenness and dominance decreased with the increase in the number of consecutive planting years under all four organic rice production modes.
Genome-wide detection of genotype environment interactions for flowering time in Brassica napus
Authors: Han Xu , Tang Qingqing , Xu Liping , Guan Zhilin , Tu Jinxing , Yi Bin , Liu Kede , Yao Xuan , Lu Shaoping , Guo Liang
Published: November 2022

Flowering time is strongly related to the environment, while the genotype-by-environment interaction study for flowering time is lacking in Brassica napus. Here, a total of 11,700,689 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 490 B. napus accessions were used to associate with the flowering time and related climatic index in eight environments using a compressed variance-component mixed model, 3VmrMLM. As a result, 19 stable main-effect quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and 32 QTN-by-environment interactions (QEIs) for flowering time were detected. Four windows of daily average temperature and precipitation were found to be climatic factors highly correlated with flowering time. Ten main-effect QTNs were found to be associated with these flowering-time-related climatic indexes. Using differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis in semi-winter and spring oilseed rapes, 5,850 and 5,511 DEGs were found to be significantly expressed before and after vernalization. Twelve and 14 DEGs, including 7 and 9 known homologs in Arabidopsis, were found to be candidate genes for stable QTNs and QEIs for flowering time, respectively. Five DEGs were found to be candidate genes for main-effect QTNs for flowering-time-related climatic index. These candidate genes, such as BnaFLCs, BnaFTs, BnaA02.VIN3, and BnaC09.PRR7, were further validated by the haplotype, selective sweep, and co-expression networks analysis. The candidate genes identified in this study will be helpful to breed B. napus varieties adapted to particular environments with optimized flowering time.
Functional characterization of a terpene synthase responsible for (E)-β-ocimene biosynthesis identified in Pyrus betuleafolia transcriptome after herbivory
Authors: Huang Xinzheng , Zhang Hang , Li Huali , Wang Mengting , Guo Xinyue , Liu Enliang , Han Xiaoqiang , Zhen Congai , Li Aili , Shi Wangpeng , Zhang Yongjun
Published: November 2022

(E)-β-ocimene, a ubiquitous monoterpene volatile in plants, is emitted from flowers to attract pollinators and/or from vegetative tissues as part of inducible defenses mediated by complex signaling networks when plants are attacked by insect herbivores. Wild pear species Pyrus betuleafolia used worldwide as rootstock generally displays valuable pest-resistant traits and is a promising genetic resource for pear breeding. In the current study, transcriptional changes in this wild pear species infested with a polyphagous herbivore Spodoptera litura and the underlying molecular mechanisms were fully investigated. A total of 3,118 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in damaged pear leaf samples. Spodoptera litura larvae infestation activated complex phytohormonal signaling networks in which jasmonic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroids, cytokinin, gibberellic acid and auxin pathways were induced, whereas salicylic acid and abscisic acid pathways were suppressed. All DEGs associated with growth-related photosynthesis were significantly downregulated, whereas most DEGs involved in defense-related early signaling events, transcription factors, green leaf volatiles and volatile terpenes were significantly upregulated. The PbeOCS (GWHGAAYT028729), a putative (E)-β-ocimene synthase gene, was newly identified in P. betuleafolia transcriptome. The upregulation of PbeOCS in S. litura-infested pear leaves supports a potential role for PbeOCS in herbivore-induced plant defenses. In enzyme-catalyzed reaction, recombinant PbeOCS utilized only geranyl pyrophosphate but not neryl diphosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate or geranylgeranyl diphosphate as a substrate, producing (E)-β-ocimene as the major product and a trace amount of (Z)-β-ocimene. Moreover, as a catalytic product of PbeOCS, (E)-β-ocimene showed repellent effects on larvae of S. litura in dual-choice bioassays. What is more, (E)-β-ocimene increased mortalities of larvae in no-choice bioassays. These findings provide an overview of transcriptomic changes in wild pears in response to chewing herbivores and insights into (E)-β-ocimene biosynthesis in pear plants, which will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pear-insect interactions.
A colorimetric hydroxy naphthol blue based loop-mediated isothermal amplification detection assay targeting the β-tubulin locus of Sarocladium oryzae infecting rice seed
Authors: Logeshwari R. , Gopalakrishnan C. , Kamalakannan A. , Ramalingam J. , Saraswathi R.
Published: November 2022

Sarocladium oryzae is a widely prevalent seed-borne pathogen of rice. The development of a rapid and on-site detection method for S. oryzae is therefore important to ensure the health of rice seeds. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is ideal for field-level diagnosis since it offers quick, high-specific amplification of target template sequences at a single temperature. We designed primers based on the β-tubulin region of S. oryzae. The LAMP technique devised was extremely sensitive, detecting the presence of the S. oryzae template at concentrations as low as 10 fg in 30 minutes at 65°C. The assay specificity was confirmed by performing the experiment with genomic DNA isolated from 22 different phytopathogens. Through the addition of hydroxy naphthol blue in the reaction process prior to amplification, a colour shift from violet to deep sky blue was seen in the vicinity of the target pathogen only. Finally, the LAMP assay was validated using live infected tissues, weeds and different varieties of seeds collected from different locations in Tamil Nadu, India. If developed into a detection kit, the LAMP assay developed in this study has potential applications in seed health laboratories, plant quarantine stations, and on-site diagnosis of S. oryzae in seeds and plants.
Strive or thrive: Trends in Phytophthora capsici gene expression in partially resistant pepper
Authors: Maillot Gaëtan , Szadkowski Emmanuel , Massire Anne , Brunaud Véronique , Rigaill Guillem , Caromel Bernard , Chadœuf Joël , Bachellez Alexandre , Touhami Nasradin , Hein Ingo , Lamour Kurt , Balzergue Sandrine , Lefebvre Véronique
Published: November 2022

Partial resistance in plants generally exerts a low selective pressure on pathogens, and thus ensuring their durability in agrosystems. However, little is known about the effect of partial resistance on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity, a knowledge that could advance plant breeding for sustainable plant health. Here we investigate the gene expression of Phytophthora capsici during infection of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), where only partial genetic resistance is reported, using Illumina RNA-seq. Comparison of transcriptomes of P. capsici infecting susceptible and partially resistant peppers identified a small number of genes that redirected its own resources into lipid biosynthesis to subsist on partially resistant plants. The adapted and non-adapted isolates of P. capsici differed in expression of genes involved in nucleic acid synthesis and transporters. Transient ectopic expression of the RxLR effector genes CUST_2407 and CUST_16519 in pepper lines differing in resistance levels revealed specific host-isolate interactions that either triggered local necrotic lesions (hypersensitive response or HR) or elicited leave abscission (extreme resistance or ER), preventing the spread of the pathogen to healthy tissue. Although these effectors did not unequivocally explain the quantitative host resistance, our findings highlight the importance of plant genes limiting nutrient resources to select pepper cultivars with sustainable resistance to P. capsici.
Assessment of risk, landscape epidemiology and management strategies to combat alveolar echinococcosis in the rural communities of Hunza, Pakistan
Authors: Jamill Naila , Ahmed Haroon , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Simsek Sami , Ali Abid , Arshad Muhammad , Yu Chenghang , Cao Jianping
Published: November 2022

Background

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a neglected zoonotic disease. Prevalence of AE in humans is reported in Pakistan as a result of poor economic and sanitary conditions, close proximity to wildlife and limited knowledge of AE. Studies on the prevalence and transmission of AE have been limited, especially for rural Pakistan. The study objectives were to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to AE, to determine awareness of the disease, and to identify knowledge about possible risk factors of infections involving the landscape epidemiological attributes of rural villages in Hunza, one of the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of Pakistan that borders China.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Hunza to establish the level of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, practices, landscape epidemiology, and disease management and control relating to AE in rural areas of Hunza. Data were collected by questionnaire.

Results

A total of 387 questionnaires was received. Statistical analysis showed that the population's knowledge about the disease was poor. The attitudes and practices of the participants indicated that their risk of infection was low. Knowledge of landscape epidemiology of the disease was poor but knowledge about AE disease management was good. The attitudes of residents toward disease treatment and control strategies were positive, although the overall knowledge of participants about prevention of infection was poor.

Conclusion

Knowledge of AE is poor among the residents of Hunza, Pakistan. Our study demands continued and strengthened awareness of the changes to lifestyle and practices associated with AE, not only in the study locality but throughout other areas of Pakistan.
The inclusion of disability and aging in COVID-19 hygiene behavior change interventions across low-and middle-income countries: A review using the COVID-19 Inclusive WASH Checklist
Authors: Wilbur Jane , Ferdous Sharika , Wapling Lorraine
Published: November 2022

Introduction

People with disabilities and older adults face a high risk of dying from COVID-19. Handwashing with soap and sanitizing surfaces were recommended to disrupt COVID-19 transmission. Yet, in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), these populations have inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and are not reached by public health campaigns. The Hygiene Behavior Change Coalition (HBCC) was set up to limit the spread of COVID-19 in LMICs. Twenty organizations working across 37 countries were funded to encourage populations to adopt recommended personal hygiene behaviors. This study aims to review the inclusion of disability, aging, and caregiving in HBCC grantee interventions.

Methods

A COVID-19 Inclusive WASH Checklist, which incorporates core concepts of human rights, was developed to support the inclusion of disability, aging and caregivers in interventions. The Checklist was applied to 137 documents submitted to donors within the HBCC fund to assess inclusion. Eligible grantee programme documents related to HBCC-funded projects were identified between August 2020 and January 2021. Feedback was provided to grantees recommending how to strengthen the inclusion of disability, aging, and caregiving.

Results

Most organizations identified people with disabilities, older adults and caregivers as target groups, but targeted activities to include them were scarce. Where efforts were made, immediate needs rather than rights were addressed. For example, the construction of accessible handwashing facilities featured more prominently than ensuring the participation of these groups. Examples of the coverage of core concepts in interventions included generating data with these groups and developing interventions accordingly. Limitations to inclusion were inconsistent organizational approaches, inability to monitor media campaigns, and inadequate coverage of disability and aging in donor's grant funding mechanisms.

Conclusion

To ensure these populations benefit from efforts, they must be explicitly identified as target groups, with assigned actions that are monitored; efforts must go beyond accessible WASH services to ensure the meaningful participation of these groups. The COVID-19 Inclusive WASH Checklist supports this but requires further testing to assess its appropriateness and effectiveness.
A novel thinking: DDR axis refines the classification of ccRCC with distinctive prognosis, multi omics landscape and management strategy
Authors: Jiang Aimin , Song Jiaao , Fang Xiao , Fang Yu , Wang Zheng , Liu Bing , Wu Zhenjie , Qu Le , Luo Peng , Wang Linhui
Published: November 2022

Background

DNA damage response and repair (DDR) related signatures play an important role in maintaining genome stability and other biological processes. It also affects the occurrence, development, and treatment of cancer. However, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), the potential association between DDR-related signatures and tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear.

Methods

Utilizing unsupervised clustering algorithm, we divided RCC into two subgroups, DCS1 and DCS2, according to the differences in DDR gene expression, and compared the characteristics of the two subgroups through multiple dimensions.

Results

Compared with DCS1, DCS2 patients have higher clinical stage/grade and worse prognosis, which may be related to active metabolic status and immunosuppression status. At the same time, the high mutation rate in DCS2 may also be an important reason for the prognosis. We also analyzed the sensitivity of the two subgroups to different therapeutic agents and established a subtypes' biomarkers-based prognostic system with good validation results to provide ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we identified a pivotal role for DDX1 in the DDR gene set, which may serve as a future therapeutic target.

Conclusion

This study showed that DDR has an important impact on the development and treatment of RCC. DCS2 subtypes have a poor prognosis, and more personalized treatment and follow-up programs may be needed. The assessment of DDR gene mutations in patients may be helpful for clinical decision-making. DDX1 may be one of the effective targets for RCC treatment in the future.
Industrial exoskeletons from bench to field: Human-machine interface and user experience in occupational settings and tasks
Authors: Baldassarre Antonio , Lulli Lucrezia Ginevra , Cavallo Filippo , Fiorini Laura , Mariniello Antonella , Mucci Nicola , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: November 2022

Objective

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered nowadays the most serious issue in the Occupational Health and Safety field and industrial exoskeletons appear to be a new approach to addressing this medical burden. A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the real-life data of the application of exoskeletons in work settings considering the subjective responses of workers.

Methods

The review was registered on PROSPERO. The literature search and its report have been performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus.

Results

Twenty-four original studies were included in the literature review; 42% of the papers retrieved included automobilist industry workers, 17% of the studies evaluated the use of exoskeletons in logistic facilities, and 17% of articles involved healthcare. The remaining six papers recruited farmers, plasterers, wasting collectors, construction workers, and other workmen. All the papers selected tested the use of passive exoskeletons, supporting upper arms or back. Usability, perceived comfort, perceived exertion and fatigue, acceptability and intention to use, occupational safety and health, and job performance and productivity were the main topic analyzed.

Conclusion

Exoskeletons are not a fix-all technology, neither for workers nor for job tasks; they tend to show more of their potential in static activities, while in dynamic tasks, they can obstacle regular job performance. Comfort and easiness of use are the key factors influencing the user's experience. More research is needed to determine the most effective and safe ways to implement exoskeleton use in occupational settings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=275728, identifier CRD42021275728.
The relationship between health expenditure indicators and economic growth in OECD countries: A Driscoll-Kraay approach
Authors: Beylik Umut , Cirakli Umit , Cetin Murat , Ecevit Eyyup , Senol Osman
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The main purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between health expenditure indicators and economic growth in OECD countries.

Methods

In this context, health expenditures and economic indicators data of 21 OECD countries were analyzed by the Driscoll-Kraay standard error approach within the scope of panel data analysis. While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and income per capita were used as dependent variables, the amount of out-of-pocket health spending, per capita health expenditure, the amount of public health expenditure, the ratio of drug expenditures to gross domestic product, the share of current health expenditures in GDP were used as independent variables.

Results

According to the results, in the model (Model 1) where real GDP level was used as the dependent variable, all health expenditure indicators were positively related to the economic growth. When the estimation results of Model 1 are examined, it is predicted that there will be an increase of 0.09% in GDP in case of a 1% increase in the share allocated to health services from GDP. In case of a 1% increase in the amount of out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, it is foreseen that there may be an increase of 0.04% in the real GDP. In the model (Model 2) where the per capita income variable is the dependent variable, it is seen that the increase in out- of-pocket health spending has a decreasing effect on the per capita income level, while the increase in public expenditures has an increasing effect on the per capita income level. From the findings of Model 2, it was found that if a 1% increase in the share of current health expenditures in GDP, there may be an increase of 0.06% in the amount of per capita income.

Discussion

Concludingly, it is possible to say that that public resources allocated to health services play an important role in the economic growth.
Responses to COVID-19 with probabilistic programming
Authors: Zhunis Assem , Mai Tung-Duong , Kim Sundong
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic left its unique mark on the twenty-first century as one of the most significant disasters in history, triggering governments all over the world to respond with a wide range of interventions. However, these restrictions come with a substantial price tag. It is crucial for governments to form anti-virus strategies that balance the trade-off between protecting public health and minimizing the economic cost. This work proposes a probabilistic programming method to quantify the efficiency of major initial non-pharmaceutical interventions. We present a generative simulation model that accounts for the economic and human capital cost of adopting such strategies, and provide an end-to-end pipeline to simulate the virus spread and the incurred loss of various policy combinations. By investigating the national response in 10 countries covering four continents, we found that social distancing coupled with contact tracing is the most successful policy, reducing the virus transmission rate by 96% along with a 98% reduction in economic and human capital loss. Together with experimental results, we open-sourced a framework to test the efficacy of each policy combination.
Is air pollution detrimental to regional innovation? An empirical heterogeneity test based on Chinese cities
Authors: Liao Zhilin , Hu Mingxing , Gao Lei , Cheng Baodong , Tao Chenlu , Akhtar Rizwan
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, innovation seems to be the inevitable choice to achieve stable economic growth. However, the negative impact of air pollution on health and economy makes air pollution an important factor in regional innovation, which deserves our discussion. The overall regional innovation level from 2014 to 2019 has an upward trend, while the overall air pollution has a downward trend during the period, which provides foundation for our research. Based on the data of 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2014 to 2019, this paper uses the fixed effect and mediation model to verify the impact and mechanism of air pollution on regional innovation. The results show that the increase in air pollution, measured by the air quality index, significantly inhibits regional innovation. Air pollution has significant funds crowding-out effect and human capital loss effect, thereby decreasing the regional innovation level, which means innovation funds and researchers play a conductive role between air pollution and regional innovation. In heterogeneity analysis, it is found that the detrimental effect of air pollution on regional innovation is significant in eastern and central China, in large- and medium-sized cities, and in cities with poor or general air quality. It indicates that developed and large-scale regions should pay more attention to air pollution control. For polluted regions, more emphasis and endeavors are needed to address air pollution problems. Besides, the inhibitory effect is more severe on incremental innovation rather than on radical innovation, which deserves the attention of enterprises engaged in incremental innovation. Therefore, we propose that targeted environmental policies and effective measures should be developed to improve air quality in the long run. Moreover, policymakers could provide strong support for innovation grants, talent subsidies, and rewards and encourage clean technological innovation through short-term trade-offs between heavily polluting and low polluting enterprises.
Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among takeaway riders: Up-to-date evidence in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Ziyun , Bo Xiaochen , Qian Chen , Chen Mingyue , Shao Yuqing , Peng Yuxun , Cai Ruian , Huang Xiaojing , Wei Lijun , Zhao Jinzhong , Shi Jianwei
Published: November 2022

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common occupational diseases. However, the influencing mechanisms were not clear in the new emerging takeaway rider occupation in the catering industry in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a takeaway rider sample from one of the largest e-platforms, the Mei Tuan Company in Shanghai. The chi-square test was used to compare the sex differences in MSDs according to various factors. Binary logistic regressions were then performed to explore the potential risk factors for the occurrence and severity of MSDs adjusted by age, sex and vehicle type. Crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors were reported.

Results

The prevalence of MSDs was found to be 54.9% (n = 361). Shoulders (joint pain: 24.5%, n = 154/629 cases; muscle pain: 29.0%, n = 183/632 cases; muscle numbness: 31.7%, n = 120/379 cases) and neck (joint pain: 17.0%, n = 107/629 cases; muscle pain: 14.1%, n = 89/632 cases; muscle numbness: 15.3%, n = 58/379 cases) were the most affected regions. Irregular meals (often having regular meals: p = 0.03, AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05–3.39; sometimes: p < 0.01, AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.49–4.34 and seldomly: p < 0.01, AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.28–7.91) were positively associated with the occurrence of MSDs. Work-related factors, including working over 5 years (p = 0.02, AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.10–3.17) and over 51 km of food delivery distance per day (51–75 km: p = 0.02, AOR = 2.13, 95CI%:1.13–4.01; ≥76 km: p < 0.01, AOR = 3.12, 95CI%: 1.44–6.77), were strongly associated with severity.

Conclusion

MSDs were common among takeaway riders. Personal lifestyles (meal irregularity) were found to predict the occurrence, while work-related factors (longer years of employment and prolonged food delivery distance) were positively associated with severity. Public health efforts should be made to prevent MSDs in this population.