bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical impact of an extra virgin olive oil enriched mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome: Lights and shadows of a nutraceutical approach
Authors: Seidita Aurelio , Soresi Maurizio , Giannitrapani Lydia , Di Stefano Vita , Citarrella Roberto , Mirarchi Luigi , Cusimano Antonella , Augello Giuseppa , Carroccio Antonio , Iovanna Juan Lucio , Cervello Melchiorre
Published: August 2022

For years it has been established that the only truly effective treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS) is lifestyle modification to prevent its cardiovascular (e.g., coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis), metabolic (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and hepatic (e.g., steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) complications. The focal points of this approach are to increase physical activity and intake of a diet characterized by high quantities of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products, the so called mediterranean diet (MD); however, the added value of MD is the presence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthy food with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and variable concentrations (range 50–800 mg/kg) of phenols (oleuropein, ligstroside, and oleocanthal, and their derivatives, phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol). Phenolic compounds not only determine EVOO’s main organoleptic qualities (oxidative stability, specific flavor, and taste features) but, theoretically, make it a source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, cardioprotective, antiatherogenic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activity. Although many studies have been carried out on EVOO’s clinical effects and attention toward this dietary approach (healthy and palatable food with strong nutraceutical activity) has become increasingly pressing, there are still many dark sides to be clarified, both in terms of actual clinical efficacy and biochemical and molecular activity. Thus, we reviewed the international literature, trying to show the state of the art about EVOO’s clinical properties to treat MS (along with correlated complications) and the future prospective of its nutraceutical use.
The emerging potentials of lncRNA DRAIC in human cancers
Authors: Yao Qinfan , Zhang Xiuyuan , Chen Dajin
Published: August 2022

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a subtype of noncoding RNA that has more than 200 nucleotides. Numerous studies have confirmed that lncRNA is relevant during multiple biological processes through the regulation of various genes, thus affecting disease progression. The lncRNA DRAIC, a newly discovered lncRNA, has been found to be abnormally expressed in a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. Indeed, the dysregulation of DRAIC expression is closely related to clinicopathological features. It was also reported that DRAIC is key to biological functions such as cell proliferation, autophagy, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, DRAIC is of great clinical significance in human disease. In this review, we discuss the expression signature, clinical characteristics, biological functions, relevant mechanisms, and potential clinical applications of DRAIC in several human diseases.
HAMP as a Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Based on Tumor Microenvironment Analysis
Authors: Wei Fang-Ze , Mei Shi-Wen , Wang Zhi-Jie , Chen Jia-Nan , Zhao Fu-Qiang , Li Juan- , Xiao Ti-Xian , Zhao Wei , Ma Yun-Bin , Yuan Wei , Liu Qian
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive tumor in the world and has a high mortality rate. The development and treatment of CRC are related to the immune microenvironment, but immune response-related prognostic biomarkers are lacking. In this study, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore the tumor microenvironment (TME) and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify significant prognostic genes. We also identified differentially expressed genes in the TCGA data and explored immune-related genes and transcription factors (TFs). Then, we built a TF regulatory network and performed a comprehensive prognostic analysis of an lncRNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA network (ceRNA network) to build a prognostic model. CCR8 and HAMP were identified both in the WGCNA key module and as immune-related genes. HAMP had good prognostic value for CRC and was highly expressed in CRC tissues and had a negative correlation with CD4+ T cells and M0 macrophages based on immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining of clinical specimens.We found that HAMP had high prognostic and therapeutic target value for CRC and was associated with liver metastasis. These analysis results revealed that HAMP may be a candidate immune-related prognostic biomarker for CRC.
Brain morphological alterations and their correlation to tumor differentiation and duration in patients with lung cancer after platinum chemotherapy
Authors: Lv Pin , Ma Guolin , Chen Wenqian , Liu Renyuan , Xin Xiaoyan , Lu Jiaming , Su Shu , Li Ming , Yang ShangWen , Ma Yiming , Rong Ping , Dong Ningyu , Chen Qian , Zhang Xin , Han Xiaowei , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2022

Objective

Chemotherapy-related brain impairments and changes can occur in patients with lung cancer after platinum chemotherapy and have a substantial impact on survivors’ quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the brain neuropathological alterations and response mechanisms to provide a theoretical basis for rehabilitation strategies. This study aimed to investigate the related brain morphological changes and clarified their correlation with clinical and pathological indicators in patients with lung cancer after platinum chemotherapy.

Methods

Overall, 28 patients with chemotherapy, 56 patients without chemotherapy, and 41 healthy controls were categorized in three groups, matched for age, sex, and years of education, and included in the cross-sectional comparison of brain volume and cortical thickness. 14 matched patients before and after chemotherapy were subjected to paired comparison for longitudinal observation of brain morphological changes. Three-dimensional T1-weighted images were acquired from all participants, and quantitative parameters were calculated using the formula of the change from baseline. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between abnormal morphological indices and clinical information of patients.

Results

Brain regions with volume differences among the three groups were mainly distributed in frontal lobe and limbic cortex. Additionally, significant differences in cerebrospinal fluid were observed in most ventricles, and the main brain regions with cortical thickness differences were the gyrus rectus and medial frontal cortex of the frontal lobe, transverse temporal gyrus of the temporal lobe, insular cortex, anterior insula, and posterior insula of the insular cortex. According to the paired comparison, decreased brain volumes in the patients after chemotherapy appeared in some regions of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes; limbic cortex; insular cortex; and lobules VI-X and decreased cortical thickness in the patients after chemotherapy was found in the frontal, temporal, limbic, and insular cortexes. In the correlation analysis, only the differentiation degree of the tumor and duration after chemotherapy were significantly correlated with imaging indices in the abnormal brain regions.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the platinum-related brain reactivity morphological alterations which provide more insights into the neuropathological mechanisms of patients with lung cancer after platinum chemotherapy and empirical support for the details of brain injury related to cancer and chemotherapy.
Potential utility of miRNAs for liquid biopsy in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Xiangrong , Papukashvili Dimitri , Wang Zhixiang , Liu Yan , Chen Xiaoxia , Li Jianrong , Li Zhiyuan , Hu Linjie , Li Zheng , Rcheulishvili Nino , Lu Xiaoqing , Ma Jinfeng
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy due to its incidence rate, recurrence, and metastasis in women. Conventional strategies of cancer detection– mammography and tissue biopsy lack the capacity to detect the complete cancer genomic landscape. Besides, they often give false- positive or negative results. The presence of this and other disadvantages such as invasiveness, high-cost, and side effects necessitates developing new strategies to overcome the BC burden. Liquid biopsy (LB) has been brought to the fore owing to its early detection, screening, prognosis, simplicity of the technique, and efficient monitoring. Remarkably, microRNAs (miRNAs)– gene expression regulators seem to play a major role as biomarkers detected in the samples of LB. Particularly, miR-21 and miR-155 among other possible candidates seem to serve as favorable biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC. Hence, this review will assess the potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and will highlight certain promising candidates for the LB approach in the diagnosis and management of BC that may optimize the patient outcome.
Childhood-onset Caroli’s disease as a cause of recurrent fever: A case report
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Sheng , Chen Biquan
Published: August 2022

Caroli’s disease is a rare congenital bile duct malformation characterized by intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. This kind of situation is seldom encountered in clinical work. We report such a case who presented to our emergency department with recurrent fever as initial symptom. According to the clinical manifestation and imaging examination, a 13-year-old boy was diagnosed with suppurative cholangitis and sepsis caused by Caroli’s disease. The symptoms were got relieved after antibiotic therapy upgraded from cephalosporins to carbapenems. After 5 months of follow-up, he did not have fever, abdominal pain or any other discomfort. We believe the present report is of medical significance since it serves as a reminder that Caroli’s disease may have atypical presentations and be masked by non-specific clinical findings. The report hopes to enlighten our pediatric colleagues by providing more knowledge on such rare congenital disease.
Spontaneous defervescence and its prediction in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shin Eun Jung , Yu Jeong Jin , Shin Hyewon , Kwon Hyuck Jin , Kim Jin Ho , Kim Mi Jin , Cha Seulgi , Baek Jae Suk
Published: August 2022

Background

In Kawasaki disease (KD), fever occasionally resolves spontaneously before 10 days from the onset, right after diagnosing. However, there is not enough evidence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in this case. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between spontaneous defervescence and coronary artery aneurysm and to develop a scoring model for its prediction in acute KD.

Methods

All patients admitted for acute KD in Asan Medical Center were considered for inclusion. Acute management involved the administration of 2 g/kg of IVIG and 5 mg/kg/day of aspirin. The patient whose temperature was <37.5°C for more than 48 h from the diagnosis was discharged under the judgment of spontaneous defervescence, without IVIG administration.

Results

The incidence of coronary artery aneurysm was 5.7% in 94 defervesced patients and 4.6% in the 1,277 patients treated with IVIG in the subacute phase (P = 0.593), and 2.5 and 2.2% in respective patient groups in the convalescent phase (P = 0.924). A scoring model which predicted spontaneous defervescence under the combination of C-reactive protein ≤10mg/dL and ≥2 conditions of no rash, neutrophil ≤65%, and/or alanine aminotransferase ≤80 IU/L, was developed and showed 80.7% sensitivity, 68.8% specificity, 15.8% positive predictive value, and a 97.8% negative predictive value.

Conclusion

The incidence of coronary artery aneurysm in patients with the defervesced KD was not different from the IVIG treated patients. In the cases suitable for the predictive model, patients can wait for the spontaneous defervescence under intensive observation by medical professionals.
Utility of umbilical cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants with very low and extremely low birth weight
Authors: Yu Haoting , Fu Jianhua , Feng Yong
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

There remains controversy regarding vitamin D deficiency and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency assessed by umbilical cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in preterm infants in northeast China and to evaluate the ability and optimal threshold of 25(OH)D for predicting BPD.

Methods

The clinical data of VLBW and ELBW preterm infants with known cord-blood 25(OH)D levels were analyzed retrospectively. Infants were divided into groups based on their cord-blood 25(OH)D levels and BPD diagnosis. Logistic regression was performed to assess the risk factors for BPD and a nomogram was established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the optimal threshold of cord-blood 25(OH)D concentration for predicting BPD.

Results

A total of 267 preterm infants were included, of which 225 (84.3%) exhibited vitamin D deficiency and 134 (50.2%) were diagnosed with BPD. The incidence of BPD was lower in the group with a 25(OH)D level of >20 ng/ml than in the other groups (P = 0.024). Infants with BPD had lower cord-blood 25(OH)D levels than those without BPD (11.6 vs. 13.6 ng/ml, P = 0.016). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that 25(OH)D levels (odds ratio [OR] = 0.933, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.891–0.977), gestational age (OR = 0.561, 95% CI: 0.425–0.740), respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 2.989, 95% CI: 1.455–6.142), and pneumonia (OR = 2.546, 95% CI: 1.398–4.639) were independent risk factors for BPD. A predictive nomogram containing these four risk factors was established, which had a C-index of 0.814. ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of 25(OH)D for predicting BPD was 15.7 ng/ml (area under the curve = 0.585, 95% CI: 0.523–0.645, P = 0.016), with a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 42.9%.

Conclusions

A cord-blood 25(OH)D level of <15.7 ng/ml was predictively valuable for the development of BPD. The nomogram established in this study can help pediatricians predict the risk of BPD more effectively and easily.
Case report: Unusual and extremely severe lipoprotein X-mediated hypercholesterolemia in extrahepatic pediatric cholestasis
Authors: Colantuono Rossella , Pavanello Chiara , Pietrobattista Andrea , Turri Marta , Francalanci Paola , Spada Marco , Vajro Pietro , Calabresi Laura , Mandato Claudia
Published: August 2022

Background

Lipoprotein X (LpX) - mediated extremely severe hyperlipidemia is a possible feature detectable in children with syndromic paucity of intralobular bile ducts (Alagille syndrome) but rarely in other types of intra- and/or extrahepatic infantile cholestasis.

Case presentation

Here we report on a previously well 18-month child admitted for cholestatic jaundice and moderate hepatomegaly. Laboratory tests at entry showed conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, elevated values of serum aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and bile acids (100 folds upper normal values). Extremely severe and ever-increasing hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol up to 1,730 mg/dl) prompted an extensive search for causes of high GGT and/or hyperlipidemic cholestasis, including an extensive genetic liver panel (negative) and a liver biopsy showing a picture of obstructive cholangitis, biliary fibrosis, and bile duct proliferation with normal MDR3 protein expression. Results of a lipid study showed elevated values of unesterified cholesterol, phospholipids, and borderline/low apolipoprotein B, and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Chromatographic analysis of plasma lipoproteins fractions isolated by analytical ultracentrifugation revealed the presence of the anomalous lipoprotein (LpX). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography showed stenosis of the confluence of the bile ducts with dilation of the intrahepatic biliary tract and failure to visualize the extrahepatic biliary tract. Surgery revealed focal fibroinflammatory stenosis of the left and right bile ducts confluence, treated with resection and bilioenteric anastomosis, followed by the rapid disappearance of LpX, paralleling the normalization of serum lipids, bilirubin, and bile acids, with a progressive reduction of hepatobiliary enzymes.

Conclusion

We have described a unique case of focal non-neoplastic extrahepatic biliary stenosis of uncertain etiology, presenting with unusual extremely high levels of LpX-mediated hypercholesterolemia, a condition which is frequently mistaken for LDL on routine clinical tests.
Azoxystrobin induces apoptosis via PI3K/AKT and MAPK signal pathways in oral leukoplakia progression
Authors: Li Lingyu , Li Jing , Chen Hui , Shen Yajun , Lu Yunping , Zhang Min , Tang Xiaofei
Published: August 2022

Background: Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is one of the oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with an increased risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). There is no ideal therapeutic drug yet. Our previous study showed azoxystrobin (AZOX) inhibited the viability of OLK cells and the incidence of mouse tongue cancer. However, its specific mechanism has not been clarified. Here, we used network pharmacology with experimental validation to investigate the roles and mechanisms of AZOX in OLK.

Methods: The targets of AZOX and OLK were obtained from online databases. The overlapping genes were identified by the Jvenn database. STRING and Cytoscape software were used to construct the PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to analyze the biological function. Molecular docking and CETSA were used to verify the direct binding between AZOX and its key targets. 4NQO induced mouse tongue carcinogenesis model was constructed to clarify the treatment response of AZOX in vivo. TUNEL staining was performed to detect the effect of AZOX on apoptosis in mouse OLK tissues. CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, and western blot were used to detect the effect of AZOX on cell proliferation and apoptosis in DOK cells. The expression of PI3K/AKT and MAPK markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in vivo or by western blot in vitro.

Results: Venn diagram showed 457 overlapping targets, which were involved in the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and apoptosis pathways, and the top 5 hub modules were TP53, STAT3, AKT1, MAPK1, and PIK3R1. AZOX was bound with the highest force to AKT and PI3K by AutoDock Vina. PyMOL software visualized that AZOX could fit in the binding pocket of the AKT and PI3K. The carcinogenesis rate of the mouse OLK in the high-dose AZOX group was significantly reduced. AZOX induced apoptosis in the OLK tissues and DOK cells, and the expression of PI3K, AKT, p-ERK was decreased, and the expression of p-p38 and p-JNK was increased. CETSA indicated that AZOX might have a direct binding with AKT and PI3K.

Conclusion: AZOX may induce apoptosis via PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in OLK. This study reveals the potential therapeutic targets of AZOX in OLK.
The phytochemical and pharmacological profile of taraxasterol
Authors: Jiao Fengjuan , Tan Zengyue , Yu Zhonghua , Zhou Bojie , Meng Lingyan , Shi Xinyue
Published: August 2022

Taraxasterol is one of the bioactive triterpenoids found in dandelion, a member of the family Asteraceae. In the animal or cellular models of several ailments, including liver damage, gastritis, colitis, arthritis, pneumonia, tumors, and immune system diseases, taraxasterol has been shown to have significant preventive and therapeutic effects. This review aims to evaluate the current state of research and provide an overview of the possible applications of taraxasterol in various diseases. The reported phytochemical properties and pharmacological actions of taraxasterol, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-carcinogenic properties, and its potential molecular mechanisms in developing these diseases are highlighted. Finally, we further explored whether taraxasterol has protective effects on neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, more animal and clinical studies are also required on the metabolism, bioavailability, and safety of taraxasterol to support its applications in pharmaceuticals and medicine.
The Gary Picture of Short-Wavelength Plasma Turbulence—The Legacy of Peter Gary
Authors: Narita Y. , Parashar T.N. , Wang J.
Published: August 2022

Collisionless plasmas in space often evolve into turbulence by exciting an ensemble of broadband electromagnetic and plasma fluctuations. Such dynamics are observed to operate in various space plasmas such as in the solar corona, the solar wind, as well as in the Earth and planetary magnetospheres. Though nonlinear in nature, turbulent fluctuations in the kinetic range (small wavelengths of the order of the ion inertial length or smaller) are believed to retain some properties reminiscent of linear-mode waves. In this paper we discuss what we understand, to the best of our ability, was Peter Gary’s view of kinetic-range turbulence. We call it the Gary picture for brevity. The Gary picture postulates that kinetic-range turbulence exhibits two different channels of energy cascade: one developing from Alfvén waves at longer wavelengths into kinetic Alfvén turbulence at shorter wavelengths, and the other developing from magnetosonic waves into whistler turbulence. Particle-in-cell simulations confirm that the Gary picture is a useful guide to reveal various properties of kinetic-range turbulence such as the wavevector anisotropy, various heating mechanisms, and control parameters that influence the evolution of turbulence in the kinetic range.
Changes of repolarization parameters after left bundle branch area pacing and the association with echocardiographic response in heart failure patients
Authors: Li Yao , Lu Wenzhao , Hu Qingyun , Cheng Chendi , Lin Jinxuan , Zhou Yu’an , Chen Ruohan , Dai Yan , Chen Keping , Zhang Shu
Published: August 2022

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has become a safe and effective option for heart failure (HF) patients indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and/or ventricular pacing, yet the response rate was only 70%. Repolarization parameters were demonstrated to be associated with cardiac mechanics and systolic function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LBBAP on repolarization parameters and the potential association between those parameters and echocardiographic response.

Methods and results: A total of 59 HF patients undergoing successful LBBAP were consecutively included. QTc, Tpeak-Tend (TpTe), and TpTe/QTc were measured before and after the implantation. The results turned out that the dispersion of ventricular repolarization (DVR) improved after LBBAP among the total population. Although trends of repolarization parameters varied according to different QRS configurations at baseline, the post-implant parameters showed no significant difference between groups. The association between repolarization parameters and LBBAP response was then evaluated among patients with wide QRS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that post-implant TpTe was the independent predictor of LBBAP response (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.60–0.93) with a cutoff value of 81.2 ms (p < 0.01). Patients with post-implant TpTe<81.2 ms had a significantly higher rate of echocardiographic response (93.3 vs. 44.4%, p < 0.01). Further subgroup analysis indicated that the predictive value of post-implant TpTe for LBBAP response was more significant in non-left bundle branch block (LBBB) patients than in LBBB patients.

Conclusion: LBBAP improved DVR significantly in HF patients. Post-implant TpTe was associated with the echocardiographic response after LBBAP among patients with wide QRS, especially for non-LBBB patients.
The F1Fo-ATPase inhibitor protein IF1 in pathophysiology
Authors: Gatto Cristina , Grandi Martina , Solaini Giancarlo , Baracca Alessandra , Giorgio Valentina
Published: August 2022

The endogenous inhibitor of ATP synthase is a protein of about 10 kDa, known as IF1 which binds to the catalytic domain of the enzyme during ATP hydrolysis. The main role of IF1 consists of limiting ATP dissipation under condition of severe oxygen deprivation or in the presence of dysfunctions of mitochondrial respiratory complexes, causing a collapse in mitochondrial membrane potential and therefore ATP hydrolysis. New roles of IF1 are emerging in the fields of cancer and neurodegeneration. Its high expression levels in tumor tissues have been associated with different roles favouring tumor formation, progression and evasion. Since discordant mechanisms of action have been proposed for IF1 in tumors, it is of the utmost importance to clarify them in the prospective of defining novel approaches for cancer therapy. Other IF1 functions, including its involvement in mitophagy, may be protective for neurodegenerative and aging-related diseases. In the present review we aim to clarify and discuss the emerging mechanisms in which IF1 is involved, providing a critical view of the discordant findings in the literature.
SlypNet: Spikelet-based yield prediction of wheat using advanced plant phenotyping and computer vision techniques
Authors: Maji Arpan K. , Marwaha Sudeep , Kumar Sudhir , Arora Alka , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Islam Shahnawazul
Published: August 2022

The application of computer vision in agriculture has already contributed immensely to restructuring the existing field practices starting from the sowing to the harvesting. Among the different plant parts, the economic part, the yield, has the highest importance and becomes the ultimate goal for the farming community. It depends on many genetic and environmental factors, so this curiosity about knowing the yield brought several precise pre-harvest prediction methods using different ways. Out of those techniques, non-invasive yield prediction techniques using computer vision have been proved to be the most efficient and trusted platform. This study developed a novel methodology, called SlypNet, using advanced deep learning networks, i.e., Mask R-CNN and U-Net, which can extract various plant morphological features like spike and spikelet from the visual image of the wheat plant and provide a high-throughput yield estimate with great precision. Mask R-CNN outperformed previous networks in spike detection by its precise detection performance with a mean average precision (mAP) of 97.57%, a F1 score of 0.67, and an MCC of 0.91 by overcoming several natural field constraints like overlapping and background interference, variable resolution, and high bushiness of plants. The spikelet detection module’s accuracy and consistency were tested with about 99% validation accuracy of the model and the least error, i.e., a mean square error of 1.3 from a set of typical and complex views of wheat spikes. Spikelet yield cumulatively showed the probable production capability of each plant. Our method presents an integrated deep learning platform of spikelet-based yield prediction comprising spike and spikelet detection, leading to higher precision over the existing methods.
Whole-transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes between ray and disc florets and identification of flowering regulatory genes in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Liu Hua , Jia Yin , Chai Yuhong , Wang Sen , Chen Haixia , Zhou Xiumei , Huang Conglin , Guo Shuang , Chen Dongliang
Published: August 2022

Chrysanthemum morifolium has ornamental and economic values. However, there has been minimal research on the morphology of the chrysanthemum florets and related genes. In this study, we used the leaves as a control to screen for differentially expressed genes between ray and disc florets in chrysanthemum flowers. A total of 8,359 genes were differentially expressed between the ray and disc florets, of which 3,005 were upregulated and 5,354 were downregulated in the disc florets. Important regulatory genes that control flower development and flowering determination were identified. Among them, we identified a TM6 gene (CmTM6-mu) that belongs to the Class B floral homeotic MADS-box transcription factor family, which was specifically expressed in disc florets. We isolated this gene and found it was highly similar to other typical TM6 lineage genes, but a single-base deletion at the 3′ end of the open reading frame caused a frame shift that generated a protein in which the TM6-specific paleoAP3 motif was missing at the C terminus. The CmTM6-mu gene was ectopically expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Petal and stamen developmental processes were unaffected in transgenic A. thaliana lines; however, the flowering time was earlier than in the wild-type control. Thus, the C-terminal of paleoAP3 appears to be necessary for the functional performance in regulating the development of petals or stamens and CmTM6-mu may be involved in the regulation of flowering time in chrysanthemum. The results of this study will be useful for future research on flowering molecular mechanisms and for the breeding of novel flower types.
Identification of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase genes and functional analysis reveal DoCCD1 is potentially involved in beta-ionone formation in Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Wang Yue , Xu Jianchu , Liu Aizhong
Published: August 2022

The carotenoids are the most widely distributed secondary metabolites in plants and can be degraded by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) to form apocarotenoids including an important C13 compound beta-ionone. Volatile beta-ionone can confer the violet and woody fragrance to plant essential oils, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which therefore has been used in various industries. Dendrobium officinale is a traditional medicinal plant. However, there was limited information on the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of beta-ionone in D. officinale. In the present study, beta-ionone was detected in stems and leaves of D. officinale and genome-wide identification and expression profiles of CCD genes were subsequently carried out. There were nine DoCCD members in D. officinale. According to the phylogenetic relationship, DoCCD proteins were classified into six subfamilies including CCD1, CCD4, CCD7, CCD8, nine-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) and zaxinone synthase (ZAS). DoCCD genes showed distinctive expression profiles and DoCCD1 gene was abundantly expressed in eight tissues. Induced expression of DoCCD1 gene resulted in discoloration of Escerichia coli strains that can accumulate carotenoids. Analysis of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer showed that DoCCD1 enzyme can cleave lycopene to produce 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and pseudoionone and also catalyze beta-carotene to form beta-ionone. Expression of DoCCD1 gene in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf resulted in production of abundant beta-ionone. Overall, the present study first provides valuable information on the CCD gene family in D. officinale, function of DoCCD1 gene as well as production of beta-ionone through genetic modification.
The impact of anti-Muslim hostilities on how Muslims connect their religiosity to support for gender equality in Western Europe
Authors: Glas Saskia , Spierings Niels
Published: August 2022

Right-wing populist voices argue that Muslims do not belong in Western Europe because Islam opposes the “core Western value” of women's empowerment. Ironically, such hostilities could cause European Muslims to reject antagonistic natives and their “Western values,” potentially creating backlashes in Muslims' support for gender equality. Delving into this possibility, this study diverges from simple conceptualizations of one inherently patriarchal Islam to study the diversity among Muslims in the gendered meanings they attach to their religion in different contexts. Empirically, we use a uniquely pooled dataset covering over 9,000 European Muslims in 16 Western European countries between 2008 and 2019. Multilevel models show that while mosque attendance limits support for public-sphere gender equality, religious identifications only do so among men and individual prayer only among women. Additionally, our results tentatively indicate that in more hostile contexts, prayer's effects become more patriarchal while religious identification's connection to opposition to gender equality weakens. We conclude that Islamic religiosities shape Muslims' support for public-sphere gender equality in far more complex ways than any right-wing populist claim on one essential patriarchal Islam captures.
Parental bonding, depression, and suicidal ideation in medical students
Authors: Tugnoli Stefano , Casetta Ilaria , Caracciolo Stefano , Salviato Jacopo
Published: August 2022

Background

The psychological condition of university students has been the focus of research since several years. In this population, prevalence rates of depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders and substance abuse are higher than those of the general population, and medical students are more likely to have mental health issues than other students.

Aims

This study deals with the psychological condition of medical students, with a focus on correlations between depression, suicidal ideation and the quality of the perceived parenting style. Gender differences were also considered.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of medical students, with an online questionnaire consisting of a personal data sheet for demographic and anamnestic data, and of three self-rating scales: theBeck Depression Inventory II(BDI-II), for the screening of depressive symptoms; theBeck Hopelessness Scale(BHS), to assess suicidal ideation; theParental Bonding Instrument(PBI), to investigate the memory of the attitude of one’s parents in the first 16 years of life. Two main affective dimensions were considered by PBI: “care” (affection and empathy) and “protection” (intrusiveness, controlling and constraint). Four different patterns of parenting styles are so evidenced: Neglectful Parenting (low care/low protection), Affectionless Control (low care/high protection), Optimal Parenting (high care/low protection), and Affectionate Constraint (high care/high protection).

Results

Overall, 671 students (182 males and 489 females) participated. Females, compared to males, experienced more distress and self-injurious behaviors, while males experienced more drugs or alcohol abuse. The BHS and BDI-II scores correlated positively with the PBI score for “protection” and negatively with that for “care.” Affectionless Control and Neglectful Parenting were associated with higher medians of BHS and BDI-II scores.

Conclusion

The study confirms that the undergraduate medical student population has higher prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation than those detectable in the general population (respectively, 50.2% and 16.7% vs. 15–18% and 9.2%) and that some specific parenting styles correlate with these two clinical variables. The impact of Affectionless Control and Neglectful Parenting on suicidal ideation and depressive symptomatology was more pronounced in females than in males. For males, the role of the father seemed to have less impact on the affective roots of suicidal thoughts and depression.
The relationship between perceived classroom climate and academic performance among English-major teacher education students in Guangxi, China: The mediating role of student engagement
Authors: Ma Yan , Wei Changwu
Published: August 2022

The academic performance of teacher education students predicts their future career development and it is also a significant factor related to their future students’ academic performance. However, little is known about the associations between perceived classroom climate, student engagement and academic performance, especially for English-major teacher education students. This study was to examine English-major teacher education students’ academic performance in relation to perceived classroom climate, student engagement. The questionnaire consisted of the Emotional Classroom Climate Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale – Student Form-3 Item (UWES-SF-3), and the 5-item Academic Performance Scale. This study investigated 307 English-major teacher education students in Guangxi, China. Among them, 280 (91.2%) were females, and 27 (8.8%) were males, aged between 18 and 24 (M = 20.34, SD = 1.26). Results indicated that perceived classroom climate was positively associated with student engagement and academic performance among English-major teacher education students; their student engagement was positively associated with their academic performance, and student engagement partially mediated the relationship between perceived classroom climate and academic performance. The findings supported the motivational process of study demands-resources (SD-R) model and revealed that perceived classroom climate and student engagement were significant factors linked to academic performance, and practical suggestions were discussed.
Pandemic Fatigue in Nursing Undergraduates: Role of Individual Resilience and Coping Styles in Health Promotion
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Beniwal Kalpana , Bahurupi Yogesh
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was soon declared a global health threat and had significant economic and health implications. Unprecedented government measures brought massive shifts in teaching-learning pedagogy in nursing to curb the infection. The study was conducted to explore the predictors of pandemic fatigue among nursing undergraduates and mediating role of individual resilience and coping styles during the third wave in India.

Methods

This online survey included 256 undergraduate nursing students studying at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in North India. Lockdown/Pandemic Fatigue Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Scale, and Coping Behavior Questionnaire were used to collect the information. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to compute the results.

Results

Nursing undergraduates reported a moderate level of fatigue during the restrictions imposed at the time of the third wave. Students’ year of study (p = 0.001), tested positive during pandemic (p = 0.003), and post-COVID-19 hospitalization (p = 0.026) were found associated with higher fatigue status. Advanced age (p = 0.046) and higher personal resilience status (p < 0.001) were associated with lower fatigue levels. Resilience status (ß = − 4.311 p < 0.001) and second year of study (ß = 3.198, p = 0.015) were reported as independent predictors of pandemic fatigue in students.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that lockdown-related fatigue was common in nursing undergraduates. Considering negative consequences on mental health, routine psychosocial screening of the nursing students should be conducted. Recommending stress-relieving measures should be enforced to help nursing undergraduates to combat lockdown-induced exhaustion.
How do popularity cues drive impulse purchase in live streaming commerce? The moderating role of perceived power
Authors: Lou Liguo , Jiao Yongbing , Jo Myung-Soo , Koh Joon
Published: August 2022

A significant characteristic of live streaming commerce is that popularity cues are tactically created and utilized to improve product sales, as atmospheric cues. However, research on live streaming commerce that investigates the effects of popularity cues is scarce. This study aims to reveal the role of popularity cues, including streamer popularity and product popularity, in promoting consumers’ impulse purchase. Following the stimulus–organism–response paradigm, this study reveals the underlying mechanism. This study surveyed 402 customers and empirically demonstrates that streamer popularity and product popularity can trigger consumers’ impulse purchase by enhancing perceived streamer reputation and perceived competition, respectively. Meanwhile, perceived power, as an inherent factor of consumers, plays a moderating role that only attenuates the effect of streamer popularity on perceived streamer reputation. This study contributes to a better understanding of the working mechanism of popularity cues and offers practical insights into how to effectively utilize these atmospheric cues in live streaming commerce.
Flow experience in foreign language writing: Its effect on students’ writing process and writing performance
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Yao , Liu Dilin
Published: August 2022

This research investigates Chinese EFL students’ flow experience in academic writing and its effect on students’ writing performance. The research consists of two studies: (1) a preliminary study involving a survey of 162 college students immediately after their completion of a short English essay to examine whether and how intensely they experienced flow during their writing and whether their perceived levels of challenge of the writing task and their writing skills affected their flow experience, and (2) a main study including a survey of 216 different students at the end of a semester-long writing course to ascertain how frequently these students experienced flow during the course, whether their intrinsic writing motivation and attention control ability were significantly correlated with their flow experience, and whether their flow frequency had an effect on their performance in the writing course. Results of statistical tests (including Class Factor Analyses and regression analyses) of the data in the preliminary study revealed that a large majority (76%) of the students experienced a certain level of flow in their writing and their perceived levels of writing skills had a significant influence on their flow experience. The statistical test results of the main study indicated that (1) 66.4% of the students experienced flow with various frequency levels, while 33.6% of the students rarely or never experienced flow, (2) students’ level of motivation and attention control were significantly correlated with their level of flow frequency, and (3) students’ flow frequency had a significant influence on their writing course scores. Research and pedagogical implications of the study are also discussed.
Effects of factors of self-regulation vs. factors of external regulation of learning in self-regulated study
Authors: Pachón-Basallo Mónica , de la Fuente Jesús , González-Torres María C. , Martínez-Vicente José Manuel , Peralta-Sánchez Francisco J. , Vera-Martínez Manuel M.
Published: August 2022

Since the mid-20th century, the study of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) has aimed to identify the distinctive characteristics that enable individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills under their control. The theory of Internal Self-Regulation vs. External-Regulation in Learning (SRL vs. ERL; 2017) has postulated that a large number of self-regulatory variables are mediated by regulated/non-regulated or dysregulated features of the context. After signing their informed consent, a total of 616 university students completed validated instruments of SRL vs. ERL, behavioral regulation (SRB), regulatory teaching (RT), and metacognitive study control strategies (SRS). Using an ex-post facto design and correlation, regression, structural equation model and mediation analyses, the present research aimed to establish multicausal predictive relationships among the analyzed variables. Results indicated positive predictive effects between the external regulation variables on the self-regulation variables in learning [regulation (SRL)/non-regulation (NRL)/dysregulation (DRL)]; as well as positive predictive effects between SRL on SRB, RT and metacognitive SRS. Additionally, external regulation (ERL) not only predicted but mediated numerous relations among the variables studied. Other findings and important considerations for future research in the field of self-regulation are discussed.
Do individual psychological characteristics predict induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects on pain and itch?
Authors: Weng Lingling , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Peerdeman Kaya J. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Nocebo and placebo effects, i.e., adverse or beneficial treatment effects, respectively, putatively due to expectancies can modulate pain and itch. These effects can generalize within the pain or itch modality. Predicting the induction and generalization of these effects can be helpful in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate whether psychological characteristics related to the fear-avoidance model predict the induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects on pain and itch in young healthy participants.

Methods

Data from two previous experiments were analyzed. In Experiment 1, we induced nocebo and placebo effects on heat pain and tested generalization to pressure pain and to cowhage-evoked itch (n = 33 in a nocebo group, n = 32 in a placebo group). In Experiment 2, we induced nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch and tested generalization to mechanical itch and to mechanical touch (n = 44). Potential predictors were anxiety- and stress symptoms, attention to pain/itch, and pain/itch catastrophizing. Multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

For nocebo effects, none of the individual psychological characteristics significantly predicted induction of nocebo effects nor their generalization. For placebo effects, only less stress symptoms, lower attention to pain, and higher pain catastrophizing weakly predicted a stronger generalization of placebo effects from heat pain to pressure pain.

Conclusion

The tested psychological characteristics may not play an important role in the induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects in healthy individuals. However, firm conclusions cannot be drawn with the current sample. Future studies should validate findings in larger and more diverse samples.
Prevalence and influencing factors of psychological distress among nurses in sichuan, china during the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Caixia , Zhang Jia , Ping Jia , Li Xinyu , Lv Yu , Liao Limei
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world. Nurses have inevitably been influenced by it.

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of psychological distress among nurses in Sichuan, China over the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Thousand eight hundred and seventy nurses who worked in COVID-19-designated hospitals participated in the study during the pandemic. Data was collected online between February 8 and February 13, 2020. The self-designed General Information Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Perception of Hospital Safety Climate Scale, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were used. The binomial logistic regression model was applied to assess the association between psychological distress and potential explanatory variables.

Findings

At the beginning of the epidemy of the COVID-19 outbreak, 12% of nurses were found to experience psychological distress. The main influencing factors were personal precautionary measures at work, discomfort caused by protective equipment, perception of the hospital safety climate, coping style, and professional title.

Conclusions

In the pandemic, wearing protective equipment correctly, a safe hospital climate, and positive coping style for nurses could be beneficial for nurses' mental health. Nurse managers should take measures to build a safe hospital climate.