bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulsive and compulsive behaviors can be induced by opposite GABAergic dysfunctions inside the primate ventral pallidum
Authors: Saga Yosuke , Galineau Laurent , Tremblay Léon
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The ventral pallidum (VP) is central in the limbic Basal Ganglia circuit, controlling both appetitive (approach) and aversive (avoidance) motivated behaviors. Nevertheless, VP involvement in pathological aspects remains unclear, especially in the behavioral expression of different motivational dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate how the VP contributes to the expression of abnormal behaviors via opposite GABAergic dysfunctions.

Methods: Opposite GABAergic dysfunctions were induced by injecting muscimol (a GABAA agonist) and bicuculline (a GABAA antagonist) into monkeys. We determined the effects of both substances on self-initiated behaviors in lab-chair and in free-moving home-cage contexts in six monkeys, and in two animals performing an approach-avoidance task in appetitive and aversive contexts.

Results: While the self-initiated behaviors induced by bicuculline injections in VP were characterized by compulsive behaviors such as repetitive grooming and self-biting, muscimol injections induced impulsive behaviors including limb movements in a lab-chair context and exploration behaviors in a free-moving context. More specific behavioral effects were observed in the approach-avoidance task. The muscimol injections induced premature responses and erroneous screen touches, which characterize impulsive and attention disorders, while the bicuculline injections into the VP increased passive avoidance (non-initiated action) and task-escape in an aversive context, suggesting an anxiety disorder.

Conclusions: These results show that activating or blocking GABAergic transmission in the VP impairs motivated behaviors. Furthermore, the behavioral expressions produced by these opposite disturbances show that the VP could be involved in anxiety-driven compulsive disorders, such as OCD, as well as in impulsive disorders motivated by attention deficits or reward-seeking, as seen in ADHD or impulse control disorders.
Association between serum vitamin D and refractive status in United States adolescents: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yanqing , Hu Pengcheng , Wu Xianhui , Zou Qian , Liu Xiaozhu , Liu Jialing , Fu Yuxian
Published: December 2022

Purpose

We performed this study to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and refractive status in adolescents aged 12–19 years.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2001 to 2006. We used weighted multivariate linear regression models to assess the association between serum vitamin levels and adolescent refractive status and then built a smooth curve fitting to investigate their internal non-linear relationships. Finally, subgroup analysis was performed according to gender, and the threshold effect of serum vitamin D levels on spherical equivalent degree was analyzed using a two-piecewise linear regression model.

Result

A total of 5,901 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years were included in this study. After adjusting for all confounding factors, the multiple linear regression model showed no significant correlation between adolescent spherical equivalent degree and serum vitamin D [0.0019 (−0.0018, 0.0046)]. However, smooth curve fitting analysis showed an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between spherical equivalent degree and serum vitamin D levels in adolescents (turning point: 58.1 nmol/L). In analyses by gender subgroup, this inverted U-shaped relationship was found to be more pronounced in female adolescents (turning point: 61.6 nmol/L).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the correlation between refractive status and serum vitamin D in adolescents differs by gender. When serum vitamin D concentrations were <61.6 nmol/L in female adolescents and <53.2 nmol/L in male adolescents, the spherical equivalent degree showed a positive correlation with serum vitamin D levels. However, there was no significant correlation when adolescent vitamin levels exceeded this threshold.
Ultra-processed food consumption and associations with biomarkers of nutrition and inflammation in pregnancy: The Norwegian Environmental Biobank
Authors: Kelsey Pieta Tasnim , Papadopoulou Eleni , Borge Tiril Cecilie , Dahl Cecilie , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Erlund Iris , Meltzer Helle Margrete , Haug Line Småstuen , Caspersen Ida Henriette
Published: December 2022

Background

A high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is often associated with low nutritional quality, but data on associations with biomarkers are scarce. We aimed to explore associations between UPF intake, diet quality, and concentrations of biomarkers of nutrition and inflammation measured in mid-pregnancy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included n = 2,984 pregnant women recruited during 2002–2008 in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and 21 nutritional biomarkers including carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene), vitamins [α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), retinol], creatinine, elements (K, Na, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn), and ferritin (Fe) were measured in blood and urine collected in mid-pregnancy. Habitual diet in pregnancy was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We calculated the relative (%) energy contribution of UPF to overall intake according to the NOVA classification. We also applied a diet quality index (DQI) adapted to assess adherence to Norwegian dietary guidelines (DQI; min–max: 0–110, higher score meaning higher adherence). We present summary statistics for biomarker concentrations and explored associations between UPF intake or the DQI and measured biomarkers using adjusted linear, logistic, and generalized additive regression models.

Results

Ultra-processed food intake was positively associated with biomarker concentrations of vitamin E (γ-tocopherol), creatinine, K, and Na [βs: 5.6 to 17% increase in biomarker concentration per interquartile range (IQR) increase in UPF intake] and negatively associated with carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene), vitamin A, Mo, and Se (βs: −2.1 to −18%). Inversely, high diet quality (i.e., the DQI) was positively associated with concentrations of carotenoids, vitamins [vitamin A (retinol) and D (25-OH-D)], and Se (β: 1.5 to 25%) and negatively associated with vitamin E (γ-tocopherol), creatinine, and Na (β: −4.8 to −8.3%). A weak, positive association was found between UPF and CRP (β: 5.4%, 95% CI 0.12–11%).

Conclusion

High UPF intake was associated with reduced concentrations of nutrition biomarkers in mid-pregnancy. Associations in the opposite direction were found with high adherence to the Norwegian dietary guidelines, suggesting that the two dietary scoring systems capture diet quality in a mirrored manner in this population.
Higher carbohydrate intake in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alfadda Nora A. , Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. , Awwad Hadeel M. , Khaleel Mohammad S. , Almaghamsi Abdulrahman M. , Sherbeeni Suphia M. , Alqutub Adel N. , Aldosary Abdullah S. , Alfadda Assim A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an overlooked complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current recommendations for the management of NAFLD are mainly focused on weight reduction, overlooking the role of macronutrient composition. Although dietary carbohydrates play a major role in intrahepatic fat synthesis, their association with the progression of liver steatosis has not been fully investigated in patients with T2D.

Aim

To investigate the association between higher carbohydrate intake and the presence of liver steatosis in patients with T2D.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included men and women aged 18–60 years diagnosed with T2D. Anthropometric measurements, hepatic steatosis assessment using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), blood samples, and dietary data were analyzed. Participants were divided into two groups: NAFLD and NAFLD-free. A two-sample t-test was used to evaluate the differences between the two groups. Stepwise multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to determine the association between CAP values and higher carbohydrate intake.

Results

In total, 358 participants were included. NAFLD was present in 79.3% of the participants. Body mass index, waist circumference, ALT, HbA1c, and triglycerides showed direct, while HDL-Cholesterol revealed inverse associations with CAP values. No significant relationship was found between carbohydrate intake and steatosis in the total study sample; however, multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between carbohydrate intake and CAP values in patients aged ≤50 years.

Conclusion

In patients with T2D, higher carbohydrate intake was associated with liver steatosis in those aged 50 years and below. Further studies are required to confirm the causality between carbohydrate intake and liver steatosis.
Do urban tourists prefer vegetarianism? An urban-rural comparison of vegetarian consumption in China
Authors: Chen Guoyi , Tan Wei , Ran Ning , Zhang Jiansheng , Yan Bangquan
Published: December 2022

The adoption of a vegetarian diet might have public health and environmental benefits. However, little is known about urban and rural Generation Z tourists' attitudes toward vegetarianism or vegetarian consumption within the Chinese urban and rural settings. Hence, to address this gap, the present study adopted a sequential and mixed research approach based on a survey (n = 212) and laddering interviews (n = 20) to validate post-millennial tourists' motives for adopting a vegetarian diet. The results identified the top four motives as environmental protection and resource conservation, ethical consideration, personal taste and choice, and personal healthcare issues. The top four barriers to vegetarianism were unavailability and limited choice, peer pressure, traditional prejudice/habit, and the inability to change. The results also demonstrated that both rural and urban tourists adopt vegetarianism mainly for environmental protection and ethical consideration, a subtle difference between them is that urban vegetarians emphasized ethical considerations more but rural ones emphasized food and variety. Urban consumers considered unavailability and limited choice as the topmost barriers to being vegetarian, while rural vegetarians found traditional prejudice to be restricting. Due to traditional dietary habits and peer influence, rural tourists face many more challenges when adopting a vegetarian diet. Understanding the perceived benefits and barriers to being vegetarian in different regions will not only enrich the theory of food nutrition but also expand Generation Z tourists' consumption behavior and practices.
Clinical and inflammatory biomarkers of inflammatory bowel diseases are linked to plasma trace elements and toxic metals; new insights into an old concept
Authors: Amerikanou Charalampia , Karavoltsos Sotirios , Gioxari Aristea , Tagkouli Dimitra , Sakellari Aikaterini , Papada Efstathia , Kalogeropoulos Nick , Forbes Alastair , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated diseases, mainly represented by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Several environmental factors have been proposed to contribute to disease pathogenesis, amongst which are metals. These can affect the immune system and may be associated with IBD. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate blood levels of metals in IBD patients and to examine possible associations with clinical and inflammatory disease markers.

Methods

In total, 76 CD patients, 39 UC patients and 38 healthy controls were included. Blood and stool samples were collected. Metals were quantified in plasma samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

There were more abnormalities of circulating metals in CD than in UC when compared to healthy controls. CD: Concentrations of the essential trace elements zinc and selenium were lower in CD patients than the controls. Chromium was negatively associated with serum IL-6 (Beta: −3.558, p = 0.011), and caesium with fecal calprotectin (Beta: −0.481, p = 0.038) and serum IL-10 (Beta: −1.912, p = 0.050). In contrast, copper was positively associated with C-reactive protein (Beta: 2.548 × 102, p = 0.033). UC: In UC, a negative association of iron with serum myeloperoxidase levels (Beta: −1.270 × 103, p = 0.044) was detected. Thallium, a hazardous metal, however, was positively associated with disease activity (Beta: 3.899, p = < 0.01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study offers new insights into the relations of metals with IBD. Further research should focus on the evaluation of the above associations and potential underlying mechanisms.
Complexity in radiological morphology predicts worse prognosis and is associated with an increase in proteasome component levels in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kobatake Kohei , Ikeda Kenichiro , Teishima Jun , Sekino Yohei , Babasaki Takashi , Kohada Yuki , Tasaka Ryo , Takemoto Kenshiro , Fukushima Takafumi , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goto Keisuke , Hieda Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: December 2022

Background

We previously reported preoperative radiological morphology (RM) as an independent predictor for pathological upstaging after partial nephrectomy in patients with T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic importance of RM in all stages and the molecular characteristics underlying the differences between each type of RM in patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC).

Design, setting, and participants

The Cancer Imaging Archive datasets (TCIA), comprising CT images and RNA-sequencing data, were used (n = 163). Specimens from 63 patients with ccRCC at our institution and their CT images were used. All images were divided into three types according to RM classification.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Relationships with outcome were analyzed using Cox regression analysis and log-rank test.

Results and limitations

The irregular type was a significant independent predictor of worse disease-free survival (odds ratio: 2.22, p = 0.037) compared to round and lobular types in TCIA datasets. The irregular type showed a significant increase in both mRNA and protein expression of proteasome components, PSMB1 and PSMB3. Moreover, high expression of their coding genes shortened the progression-free survival of the patients with ccRCC who received sunitinib or avelumab plus axitinib therapy. The study limitations include the qualitative classification of RM and the need for novel radiomics and texture analysis techniques.

Conclusions

Investigating RM on pre-treatment CT scans can effectively predict worse prognosis. Increased RM complexity may indirectly predict drug sensitivity via increased expression of PSMB1 and PSMB3 in patients with ccRCC. Specific targeting of the ubiquitin-proteasome system might be a novel treatment strategy for ccRCC with increased RM complexity.

Patient summary

The clinical and morphological characteristics of patients with ccRCC vary greatly according to cancer staging. In this study, we built upon our prior findings of the prognostic importance of RM in T1 RCC and expanded it to encompass all stages of RCC, using a series of patients from a Japanese hospital.
Impact of differing methodologies for serum miRNA-371a-3p assessment in stage I testicular germ cell cancer recurrence
Authors: Christiansen Ailsa J. , Lobo João , Fankhauser Christian D. , Rothermundt Christian , Cathomas Richard , Batavia Aashil A. , Grogg Josias B. , Templeton Arnoud J. , Hirschi-Blickenstorfer Anita , Lorch Anja , Gillessen Silke , Moch Holger , Beyer Jörg , Hermanns Thomas
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Current evidence shows that serum miR-371a-3p can identify disease recurrence in testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) patients and correlates with tumour load. Despite convincing evidence showing the advantages of including miR-371a-3p testing to complement and overcome the classical serum tumour markers limitations, the successful introduction of a serum miRNA based test into clinical practice has been impeded by a lack of consensus regarding optimal methodologies and lack of a universal protocol and thresholds. Herein, we investigate two quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) based pipelines in detecting disease recurrence in stage I TGCT patients under active surveillance, and compare the sensitivity and specificity for each method.

Methods

Sequential serum samples collected from 33 stage I TGCT patients undergoing active surveillance were analysed for miR-371a-3p via qRT-PCR with and without an amplification step included.

Results

Using a pre-amplified protocol, all known recurrences were detected via elevated miR-371a-3p expression, while without pre-amplification, we failed to detect recurrence in 3/10 known recurrence patients. For pre-amplified analysis, sensitivity and specificity was 90% and 94.4% respectively. Without amplification, sensitivity dropped to 60%, but exhibited 100% specificity.

Discussion

We conclude that incorporating pre-amplification increases sensitivity of miR-371a-3p detection, but produces more false positive results. The ideal protocol for quantification of miR-371a-3p still needs to be determined. TGCT patients undergoing active surveillance may benefit from serum miR-371a-3p quantification with earlier detection of recurrences compared to current standard methods. However, larger cross-institutional studies where samples are processed and data is analysed in a standardised manner are required prior to its routine clinical implementation.
Budd-Chiari syndrome and its associated hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical risk factors and potential immunotherapeutic benefit analysis
Authors: Li Kang-Shuai , Guo Sen , Chen Yu-Xin , Zhang Zong-Li
Published: December 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a well-described complication of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). However, the risk factors of BCS in developing HCC and clinical characteristics and imaging features of BCS-associated HCC is still to be determined.

Methods

Data from 113 consecutive patients with primary BCS in Qilu hospital were retrospectively studied. The clinical features of 12 HCC patients associated with BCS were also analyzed. Chi-square analysis was performed to analyze the differences in clinical characteristics. The treatment regime and CT imaging features of BCS-associated HCC were also illustrated.

Results

113 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital between January 2009 and June 2016 with a primary diagnosis of BCS were enrolled. 10.6% (12/113) was diagnosed with HCC. The BCS patients were mainly male gender with an average age of 49.2 years. Symptom duration longer than one year exhibited decreased serum ALT and AST and increased ascites ratio. BCS-associated HCC patients were presented with IVC block and stricture of the hepatic venous outflow tract. Patients with HCC were older and showed elevated serum AST and total bilirubin. Most nodules of HCC located in the right posterior lobe with heterogeneous enhancement during the arterial phase and washout during the delayed phase.

Conclusions

The results indicate that BCS patients with IVC block and stricture of hepatic venous outflow tract seem to be associated with HCC. BCS associated HCC nodules exhibited irregular and heterogeneous enhancement in the arterial phase and washout on the delayed phase.
Epidemiology of sudden infant death syndrome in Mexico, 2005–2020
Authors: Martínez-Valdez Libny , Richardson Vesta , Bautista-Márquez Aurora , Hernández-Ávila Mauricio
Published: December 2022

Background

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in children under one year of age in developed countries; it's frequency to varies geographically. In Mexico the real incidence of SIDS is not known.

Methods

National databases of deaths in children under one year of age, from 2005 to 2020, were analyzed, due to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) [SIDS (R95), accidental suffocation in a sleeping environment (W75), and other ill-defined and unspecified causes of mortality (R99), according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD 10)]. Mortality rates per year of occurrence due to SUID and their subcategories were calculated. Simple frequencies of SIDS were obtained per year and month of occurrence, state of residence, age, place of death, and access to social security services.

Results

In the study period 473,545 infant deaths occurred; 7,714 (1.62%) deaths were due to SUID; of these, 6,489 (84%) were due to SIDS, which is among the 10 leading causes of infant death in Mexico. The average mortality rate for SUID was 22.4/100,000 live births, for SIDS was 18.8/100,000 live births. Mortality rates within the states were variable, ranging from 2.4/100,000 to 105.1/100,000 live births. In 81% of SIDS records there was no autopsy; 38% of deaths due to SIDS occurred in infants under one month of age, up to 87% of deaths occurred in families without social security services or it was unknown, and 76.2% of deaths occurred at home. Deaths were more frequent during the last months of autumn and during winter.

Conclusion

In Mexico there is an underregistry of SIDS as cause of death, along with other SUID categories. Health workers need to be trained to improve diagnosis and data registration, including the practice of autopsies; additionally, it is necessary to implement a public health campaign.
Association of regional cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative pulmonary complications in pediatric patients undergoing one-lung ventilation: A propensity score matched analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Shanshan , Zhang Jianmin , Hu Jing , Li Lijing , Liu Guoliang , Zheng Tiehua , Wang Fang , Liu Lin , Li Gan
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies of the relationship of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in pediatric patients are not well established, and further investigation is warranted. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether a decrease in intraoperative rScO2 is associated with PPCs in children undergoing thoracoscopic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation (OLV).

Methods

One hundred and six children of ages 3 months to 8 years who received one-lung ventilation were enrolled in the study. Upon entering the operating room, regional cerebral oxygen saturation was continuously monitored bilaterally by near-infrared spectroscopy. Patients were divided into low rScO2 (L-rScO2) or high rScO2 (H- rScO2) groups according to whether the lowest intraoperative rScO2 value was 15% lower than the baseline value. Outcome is defined as PPCs occurring within 7 days after surgery.

Results

After propensity score matching, 23 pediatric patients with decreased rScO2 and 46 pediatric patients without a decrease in rScO2 were included in this study. According to logistic regression analysis, patients in the H- rScO2 group were less likely to have PPCs than those in the L-rScO2 group (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.05–9.5; P = 0.04). Moreover, intraoperative rScO2 reduction was associated with an increase in the severity of PPCs (OR = 3.90; 95% CI = 1.19–12.80; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

The decrease in regional cerebral oxygen saturation during surgery increases the likelihood of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Efficacy, safety and mechanism of Honghua Xiaoyao Pill in the treatment of peri-menopausal syndrome: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Xiao , Zhou Lishan , Dong Haoxu , Tian Man , Liu Shiqin , Xu Xiaohu
Published: December 2022

Background: Peri-menopausal syndrome (PMPS) has a high incidence rate and seriously affects the physical and mental health of women. Honghua Xiaoyao Pill (HHXYP) is a Chinese patent medicine, which has been reported to be used to treat PMPS. However, there is still a lack of randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HHXYP on life quality, mood and vasomotor symptoms for PMPS women. This study aims to investigate whether HHXYP is effective and safe in treating PMPS and the possible mechanism.

Methods: A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial will be conducted in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HHXYP. Sixty women with peri-menopausal syndrome will be recruited at three centers and randomly in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group using HHXYP (HHXYP group) and a control group using oryzanol (OC group). Participants will be treated with HHXYP or oryzanol for 12 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the modified Kupperman Index (KI), which will be measured at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks after randomization. The secondary outcomes include Hot flash scale (HFs), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL) and Hamilton Depression/Anxiety Scale (HAMD/HAMA). The HFs are measured at the same point as the KI, other secondary outcomes are measured at baseline and 12, 16 weeks after randomization. The other outcomes are the levels of serum sex hormone, monoamine neurotransmitter, vascular vasomotor factor and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-active enzyme (PI3K)/protein activator enzyme B (Akt), which will be measured at baseline and 12 weeks after randomization. Adverse events will also be reported.

Discussion: HHXYP is a potential alternative Chinese patent medicine for PMPS. This trial will provide evidence for HHXYP on improving the quality of life, mood and vasomotor symptoms, and sex hormone levels of PMPS patients.
Gastrodin ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in mice by downregulating miR-107-3p
Authors: Song Jin-Jin , Li Hui , Wang Nan , Zhou Xiao-Yan , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhen , Feng Qian , Chen Yu-Ling , Liu Dan , Liang Jia , Ma Xiang-Yu , Wen Xiang-Ru , Fu Yan-Yan
Published: December 2022

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. The phenolic glucoside gastrodin (GAS), has been known to treat CNS disorders by exerting anti-inflammatory activities. Our aim was to investigate the potential neuroprotective mechanisms of GAS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice.

Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were treated by LPS, before which GAS was adminisrated. The behavior tests such as forced swim test, tail suspension test, and elevated plus maze were performed to evaluate depressive-anxiety-like behaviors. A high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis was performed to screen out distinctive miRNAs which were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Then, miRNA agomir or NC was injected stereotaxically into hippocampus of mice to explore the role of miRNA on GAS in response to LPS. Furthermore, Immunofluorescence and the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were employed to observe the cellular morphology. The protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors were evaluated by western blot. Finally, the target mRNA of miRNA was predicted using bioinformatics analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to clarify the potential function of target protein, which were visualized by bubble charts.

Results: The behavioral data showed that mice in the LPS group had obvious depressive-anxiety-like behaviors, and 100 mg/kg GAS could improve these behavioral changes and alleviate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus when mice were exposed to LPS for 6 h. Meanwhile, LPS-induced microglia and astrocyte activation in the CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions of the hippocampus were also reversed by GAS. Furthermore, miR-107-3p were screened out and verified for GAS in response to LPS. Importantly, miR-107-3p overexpression negatively abrogated the neuroprotective effects of GAS. Moreover, KPNA1 might be the target molecular of miR-107-3p. KPNA1 might regulate 12 neuroinflammation-related genes, which were mainly involved in cytokine−mediated signaling pathway.

Conclusion: These results suggested that GAS might alleviate the LPS-induced neuroinflammation and depressive-anxiety-like behaviors in mice by downregulating miR-107-3p and upregulating the downstream target KPNA1. The indicates miR-107-3p may provide a new strategy for the treatment of CNS diseases.
Zebrafish EEG predicts the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Shin Jun-Nyeong , Lee Ki-Baek , Butterworth Woojae , Park Soo-Kyung , Kim Jung-Yeon , Kim Sohee
Published: December 2022

Background: Pharmacological evaluation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) using mammalian animals takes long time and is expensive. The zebrafish is a species commonly used to study brain functions, neurological diseases, and drug toxicity, and attracts more attention as an alternative animal model to substitute or supplement mammalian animals in drug development. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a key indicator for diagnosing brain diseases such as epilepsy, by directly measuring the brain activity. We propose a novel method for pharmacological evaluation of AEDs based on EEG from adult zebrafish, which allows researchers to select more clinically valuable drugs at the early stage of AED screening.

Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of AEDs, zebrafish EEG signals were measured after administering six AEDs (valproate acid, gabapentin, ethosuximide, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, and topiramate) at various doses to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure models. The change in seizure activity was investigated according to doses. The antiepileptic effect was determined by observing a significant decrease in at least one out of three indicators of the number, total duration, and mean duration of ictal events.

Results: Using EEG signals from adult zebrafish, antiepileptic effects were observed with all six AEDs. Among them, antiepileptic effects depending on dose were confirmed with valproate acid, gabapentin, ethosuximide, and tiagabine. Moreover, the 50% effective doses (ED50) of valproate acid and tiagabine were determined based on zebrafish EEG for the first time, indicating that the quantitative inter-species comparison of the AED efficacy is possible between zebrafish and mammals such as rodents.

Significance: The results show that zebrafish can be used to effectively and quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of AEDs based on EEG, the same method to evaluate antiepileptic effects in mammals, suggesting that the proposed method can contribute in reducing the cost and duration of search for AEDs and thus accelerate the drug development cycles.
Exploring the implications of the uncertainty relationships in quantum mechanics
Authors: Wang Huai-Yu
Published: December 2022

Heisenberg guessed, after he established the matrix quantum mechanics, that the non-commutativity of the matrices of position and momentum implied that the position and momentum of a particle could not be precisely simultaneously determined. He consequently conjectured that time and energy should also have a similar relationship. Soon after, Robertson derived an inequality concerning the space coordinate and momentum, which was thought to be the mathematical expression of the uncertainty relation guessed by Heisenberg. Since then, people have tried various devices to prove the correctness of these two relations. However, no one conducted a careful analysis of Heisenberg’s primary paper. In this work, we point out some serious problems in Heisenberg’s paper and the literature talking about the uncertainty relationships: the physical concepts involved in the uncertainty relations are not clear; one physical concept had more than one explanation, i.e., switching concepts; there has never been measurement experiment to support the relations. The conclusions are that the so-called coordinate–momentum uncertainty relation has never been related to actual measurement and there does not exist a time–energy uncertainty relation.
Assessment of sublethal and transgenerational effects of spirotetramat, on population growth of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Iftikhar Ayesha , Hafeez Faisal , Aziz Muhammad Asif , Hashim Muhammad , Naeem Afifa , Yousaf Hafiz Kamran , Saleem Muhammad Jawad , Hussain Sabir , Hafeez Muhammad , Ali Qurban , Rehman Muzammal , Akhtar Sumreen , Marc Romina Alina , Syaad Khalid M. Al , Mostafa Yasser Sabry , Saeed Fatimah A. Al
Published: December 2022

The cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) is a devastating pest of cruciferous crops causing economic damage worldwide and notably owing to its increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides. Such resistance prompts the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs that include novel pesticides being effective against the aphids. Spirotetramat is a novel insecticide used against sap-sucking insect pests, particularly aphids. This study evaluated the toxicity of spirotetramat to adult apterous B. brassicae after 72 h using the leaf dipping method. According to the toxicity bioassay results, the LC50 value of spirotetramat to B. brassicae was 1.304 mgL−1. However, the sublethal concentrations (LC5 and LC15) and transgenerational effects of this novel insecticide on population growth parameters were estimated using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory method. The sublethal concentrations (LC5; 0.125 mgL−1 and LC15; 0.298 mgL−1) of spirotetramat reduced the adult longevity and fecundity of the parent generation (F0). These concentrations prolonged the preadult developmental duration while decreasing preadult survival, adult longevity and reproduction of the F1 generation. The adult pre-reproductive period was also extended by spirotetramat treatment groups. Subsequently, the population growth parameters such as the intrinsic rate of increase r, finite rate of increase λ and net reproductive rate R0 of the F1 generation were decreased in spirotetramat treatment groups whereas, the mean generation time T of the F1 generation was not affected when compared to the control. These results indicated the negative effect of sublethal concentrations of spirotetramat on the performance of B. brassicae by reducing its nymphal survival, extending the duration of some immature stages and suppressing the population growth of B. brassicae. Overall, we demonstrated that spirotetramat is a pesticide showing both sublethal activities, and transgenerational effects on cabbage aphid; it may be useful for implementation in IPM programs against this aphid pest.
Using phenomics to identify and integrate traits of interest for better-performing common beans: A validation study on an interspecific hybrid and its Acutifolii parents
Authors: Rodriguez Diego Felipe Conejo , Urban Milan Oldřich , Santaella Marcela , Gereda Javier Mauricio , Contreras Aquiles Darghan , Wenzl Peter
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Evaluations of interspecific hybrids are limited, as classical genebank accession descriptors are semi-subjective, have qualitative traits and show complications when evaluating intermediate accessions. However, descriptors can be quantified using recognized phenomic traits. This digitalization can identify phenomic traits which correspond to the percentage of parental descriptors remaining expressed/visible/measurable in the particular interspecific hybrid. In this study, a line ofP. vulgaris,P. acutifoliusandP. parvifoliusaccessions and their crosses were sown in the mesh house according to CIAT seed regeneration procedures.

Methodology

Three accessions and one derived breeding line originating from their interspecific crosses were characterized and classified by selected phenomic descriptors using multivariate and machine learning techniques. The phenomic proportions of the interspecific hybrid (line INB 47) with respect to its three parent accessions were determined using a random forest and a respective confusion matrix.

Results

The seed and pod morphometric traits, physiological behavior and yield performance were evaluated. In the classification of the accession, the phenomic descriptors with highest prediction force were Fm’, Fo’, Fs’, LTD, Chl, seed area, seed height, seed Major, seed MinFeret, seed Minor, pod AR, pod Feret, pod round, pod solidity, pod area, pod major, pod seed weight and pod weight. Physiological traits measured in the interspecific hybrid present 2.2% similarity with theP. acutifoliusand 1% with theP. parvifoliusaccessions. In addition, in seed morphometric characteristics, the hybrid showed 4.5% similarity with theP. acutifoliusaccession.

Conclusions

Here we were able to determine the phenomic proportions of individual parents in their interspecific hybrid accession. After some careful generalization the methodology can be used to: i) verify trait-of-interest transfer fromP. acutifoliusandP. parvifoliusaccessions into their hybrids; ii) confirm selected traits as “phenomic markers” which would allow conserving desired physiological traits of exotic parental accessions, without losing key seed characteristics from elite common bean accessions; and iii) propose a quantitative tool that helps genebank curators and breeders to make better-informed decisions based on quantitative analysis.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in tomato roots during salt stress
Authors: Jia Chunping , Guo Bin , Wang Baike , Li Xin , Yang Tao , Li Ning , Wang Juan , Yu Qinghui
Published: December 2022

As global soil salinization continues to intensify, there is a need to enhance salt tolerance in crops. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) roots’ adaptation to salt stress is of great significance to enhance its salt tolerance and promote its planting in saline soils. A combined analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome of S. lycopersicum roots under different periods of salt stress according to changes in phenotypic and root physiological indices revealed that different accumulated metabolites and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were significantly altered. The levels of phenylpropanoids increased and showed a dynamic trend with the duration of salt stress. Ferulic acid (FA) and spermidine (Spd) levels were substantially up-regulated at the initial and mid-late stages of salt stress, respectively, and were significantly correlated with the expression of the corresponding synthetic genes. The results of canonical correlation analysis screening of highly correlated DEGs and construction of regulatory relationship networks with transcription factors (TFs) for FA and Spd, respectively, showed that the obtained target genes were regulated by most of the TFs, and TFs such as MYB, Dof, BPC, GRAS, and AP2/ERF might contribute to the regulation of FA and Spd content levels. Ultimately, FA and Spd attenuated the harm caused by salt stress in S. lycopersicum, and they may be key regulators of its salt tolerance. These findings uncover the dynamics and possible molecular mechanisms of phenylpropanoids during different salt stress periods, providing a basis for future studies and crop improvement.
Higher sowing density of pearl millet increases productivity and water use efficiency in high evaporative demand seasons
Authors: Pilloni Raphaël , Faye Aliou , Kakkera Aparna , Kholova Jana , Badji Romiel , Faye Coumba , Vadez Vincent
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Pearlmillet is themain subsistence crop for smallholder farmers systemswhere it is grown at low plant density. Intensifying pearl millet cultivation could boost productivity although it may have trade-offs. Increasing planting density would indeed increase the leaf area and the related water budget, whereas a denser canopy could create a more favorable canopymicroclimate to the benefit of the water use efficiency (WUE) of the crops. The first aim of this work was to test the yield response of popular pearlmillet varieties to an increased density and to assess possible genotypic variation in this response. The second aim was to measure the water use and the WUE of the crop in different densities.

Method

To this end we designed several field and lysimetric experiments To increase the robustness of the results, these trials were carried out in India and Senegal, using two independent sets of genotypes adapted to both sites.

Results

In the field, the higher sowing density significantly increased yield in all genotypes when trials were carried out in high evaporative demand conditions. There was no genotype x density interaction in these trials, suggesting no genotypic variation in the response to density increase. The high-density treatment also decreased the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in the canopies, both in the field and in the lysimeter experiments. In the lysimeter trials, although the higher density treatment increased water use, the resulting increase in biomass was proportionally higher, hence increasingWUE of the crops in all genotypes under high density. The increase in yield under high density was closely related to the increase in WUE, although this link was more tight in the high- than in the low evaporative demand seasons. This confirmed a strong environmental effect on the response to density of all genotypes tested.

Discussion

Although they did not open a scope for breeding density tolerant cultivars, these results highlight the possibility to improve pearl millet yield by increasing the density, targeting specifically areas facing high evaporative demand.
Plastid phylogenomics sheds light on divergence time and ecological adaptations of the tribe Persicarieae (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Cao Dong-Ling , Zhang Xue-Jie , Qu Xiao-Jian , Fan Shou-Jin
Published: December 2022

Southwestern China, adjacent to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), is known as a hotspot for plant diversity and endemism, and it is the origin and diversification center of Persicarieae. As one of the major lineages in Polygonaceae, Persicarieae represents a diverse adaptation to various habitats. As a result of morphological plasticity and poorly resolving molecular markers, phylogenetic relationships and infrageneric classification within Persicarieae have long been controversial. In addition, neither plastome phylogenomic studies nor divergence time estimates on a larger sample of Persicarieae species have been made thus far. We sequenced and assembled 74 complete plastomes, including all of the recognized genera within Persicarieae and their relatives. We conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic study of the major clades within Persicarieae and, based on the thus obtained robust phylogeny, also estimated divergence time and the evolution of diagnostic morphological traits. Major relationships found in previous phylogenetic studies were confirmed, including those of the backbone of the tree, which had been a major problem in previous phylogenies of the tribe. Phylogenetic analysis revealed strong support for Koenigia as sister to Bistorta, and together they were sister to the robustly supported Persicaria. Based on the phylogenetic and morphological evidence, we recognize five sections in Persicaria: Persicaria, Amphibia, Tovara, Echinocaulon, and Cephalophilon. It is estimated that the divergence of the Persicarieae began around the late Paleocene, with diversification concentrated in the Eocene and Miocene. In addition, it is suggested that the increasing westerly and monsoon winds in conjunction with the uplift of the QTP may be the driving force for origin and diversification of Persicarieae species. These results provide a valuable evolutionary framework for the study of adaptation in Polygonaceae and insights into plant diversification on the QTP and adjacent areas.
Characteristics of the litter dynamics in a Moso bamboo forest after strip clearcutting
Authors: Zheng Yaxiong , Fan Shaohui , Guan Fengying , Zhang Xuan , Zhou Xiao
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The quality of new Moso bamboo trees has been found to decrease in the years following strip cutting (SC) events. It is thus essential that we improve our knowledge of nutrient return after strip cutting in Moso bamboo forests to help facilitate sustainable management.

Methods

In this investigation the dynamics of nutrient return were monitored in plots with 8 m wide strip cutting (SC), their reserve belts (RB), and a traditionally managed forest (CK) as the control, for 5 years after cutting.

Results

The results showed that strip cutting significantly reduced nutrient return (p< 0.05), but as the plots recovered, the nutrient levels also recovered to match those of the control. The high densities in the RB no longer increase nutrient return. Five years after SC there was no significant difference in nitrogen and phosphorus returns among the three treatment plots, but potassium returns in the SC plot were significantly higher than those in the RB (p< 0.05). From 2–5 years after cutting, the litter decomposition rate in the RB was significantly higher than in the SC and CK (p< 0.05). In addition, the decomposition rate in the SC plot was significantly accelerated five years after logging, which suggests that long-term strip cutting management may lead to the restriction of nutrients on the growth and development of new trees.

Discussion

The results indicate that nutrients should be added via artificial fertilization in the future.
Low red/far-red ratio can induce cytokinin degradation resulting in the inhibition of tillering in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Lei Kangqi , Tan Qingwen , Zhu Liqi , Xu Libing , Yang Shuke , Hu Jinling , Gao Lijun , Hou Pan , Shao Yuhang , Jiang Dong , Cao Weixing , Dai Tingbo , Tian Zhongwei
Published: December 2022

Shoot branching is inhibited by a low red/far-red ratio (R/FR). Prior studies have shown that the R/FR suppressed Arabidopsis thaliana branching by promotes bud abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation directly. Given that wheat tiller buds are wrapped in leaf sheaths and may not respond rapidly to a R/FR, systemic cytokinin (CTK) may be more critical. Here, systemic hormonal signals including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA) and CTK and bud ABA signals in wheat were tested under a low R/FR. The results showed that a low R/FR reduced the percentage of tiller occurrence of tiller IV and the tiller number per plant. The low R/FR did not rapidly induced ABA accumulation in the tiller IV because of the protection of the leaf sheath and had little effect on IAA content and signaling in the tiller nodes. The significant change in the CTK levels was observed earlier than those of other hormone (ABA, IAA and GA) and exogenous cytokinin restored the CTK levels and tiller number per plant under low R/FR conditions. Further analysis revealed that the decrease in cytokinin levels was mainly associated with upregulation of cytokinin degradation genes (TaCKX5, TaCKX11) in tiller nodes. In addition, exposure to a decreased R/FR upregulated the expression of GA biosynthesis genes (TaGA20ox1, TaGA3ox2), resulting in elevated GA levels, which might further promote CTK degradation in tiller nodes and inhibit tillering. Therefore, our results provide evidence that the enhancement of cytokinin degradation is a novel mechanism underlying the wheat tillering response to a low R/FR.