bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and surgical outcomes of young patients with lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as ground glass opacity
Authors: Qu Rirong , Tu Dehao , Cai Yixin , Ping Wei , Fu Xiangning
Published: September 2022

Background

More and more ground glass opacity associated lung adenocarcinoma (GGO-LUAD) have been diagnosed in young patients nowadays. Our study aims to investigate the clinical features and surgical outcomes of young patients with GGO-LUAD.

Methods

Patients aged ≤ 40 years who were diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma and who underwent video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2017 to December 2018. According to radiological appearance of the patient’s lesions, they were divided into a solid nodule (SN) group and GGO group. The pathological subtypes, surgical procedures and nodules size were analyzed, and the clinical features and prognosis were evaluated between these patients.

Results

A total of 165 patients were included, of which 133 were in the GGO group and 32 in the SN group. Both the GGO group and the SN group had a higher proportion of females and non-smokers. Compared with patients (15.63%) in the SN group, there are more patients (27.8%) under the age of 30 in the GGO group. Pathological findings showed 83.5% of lesions were pre-invasive lesions in the GGO group, although 16.5% of lesions were invasive adenocarcinoma, whereas in the SN group, 96.9% were invasive adenocarcinoma. The GGO group had significantly better histological characteristics and prognosis than the SN group. Perioperative complications occurred in only 6 patients, including pneumonia in one patient, pneumothorax in two patients, and prolonged air leak in three patients. No other serious complications or deaths occurred. After a median follow-up time of 41.2 ± 7.2 months (32-56), the 3-year recurrence free survival (RFS) (100%) and overall survival (OS) (100%) of the GGO group were significantly higher than those (93.42% and 96.88%) in the SN group.

Conclusions

Young patients with GGO-LUAD are mainly non-smokers and female. Most of these patients were early-stage with good prognosis after surgery.
Sleep problems in preschool children at the child development center with different developmental status: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Kuok Chi-Man , Liu Jia-Rou , Liang Jao-Shwann , Chang Shao-Han , Yang Ming-Tao
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between sleep problems and development in preschool children with suspected developmental delay.

Methods

A total of 192 preschool children (mean age 4 years; 131 males, 61 females) were recruited from the Child Development Clinic, including 98 preterm children and 94 age- and sex-matched full-term children. All participants underwent evaluation of gross motor, fine motor and speech performance. All parents of all participants completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Some of the participants also underwent psychological evaluation. Correlation analysis and community network analysis were used to investigate the interactions.

Results

The developmental status was: 75.5% developmental delay, 19.3% borderline development, and 5.2% normal development. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects had abnormal CSHQ scores. Age, gestational age, speech development, cognitive development, and socio-emotional development were significantly correlated with the CSHQ. Significant interactions between sleep problems and development were noted mostly in the preterm group.

Conclusion

High prevalence of sleep disturbances in children at the Child Development Center was noted and associated with multiple factors. Therefore, during the multidisciplinary evaluation of children with possible developmental delay, inquiring about their sleep quality and habits is strongly recommended. Mitigating sleep problems enhances the efficacy of early intervention programs.
Clinical features and genotypes of six patients from four families with horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Guo Jianlin , Xie Yan , Zhou Yunyu , Wu Xiaofei , Li Hui , Peng Yun , Li Ningdong
Published: September 2022

Background

Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) is a rare disorder mainly involved in ocular movement and spinal development. It is caused by a roundabout guidance receptor 3 (ROBO3) gene mutation. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of six patients with HGPPS and investigate the corresponding ROBO3 gene mutations.

Methods

Patients underwent detailed clinical and imaging examinations. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect nucleotide variations in the disease-causing genes of HGPPS.

Results

Six pathogenic variants were detected in the ROBO3 gene from six patients with HGPPS, including two novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.1447C > T (p.R483X) and c.2462G > C (p.R821P); c.1033G > C (p.V345L) and c.3287G > T (p.C1096F); a novel homozygous indel mutation, c.565dupC (p.R191Pfs*61); and a known missense mutation, c.416G > T (p.G139V). Patients with HGPPS had horizontal conjugated eye movement defects and scoliosis with variable degrees, as well as flattened pontine tegmentum and uncrossed corticospinal tracts on magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion

Our genetic findings will expand the spectrum of ROBO3 mutations and help inform future research on the molecular mechanism of HGPPS.
Evaluation of postoperative feeding strategies in children with intestinal atresia: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Jiepin , Xu Haozhong , Wang Junxiang , Xiao Dong
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Postoperative enteral nutrition has a significant influence on the prognosis of patients with congenital intestinal atresia. Currently, there is no precise guidance on enteral nutrition management. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of different feeding strategies based on the initial volume and daily advancement in postoperative patients with congenital intestinal atresia.

Methods

This study was a retrospective study collected from October 2019 to July 2021 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital. According to the initial volume and daily advancement, the patients were divided into high-dose group and low-dose group. General basic information such as age, sex, and lesion type was gathered. The postoperative outcome included the levels of hemoglobin (HGB), albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin (DB), length of stay, length of total PN, time to reach 100% enteral nutrition (EN) (120 kcal·kg-1·d-1), infection incidence and intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD) incidence (DB>2 mg·dL-1).

Results

In total, 32 patients with congenital intestinal atresia were identified. There was no significant difference between the high-dose group and the low-dose group in the baseline characteristic. The length of time to reach 100% (p = 0.001) enteral nutrition and postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.092) were shorter in the high-dose group. In the high-dose group, patients at discharge were with not only lower levels of DB (p = 0.009), AST (p = 0.109) and ALT (p = 0.045) but also higher level of ALB (p = 0.459) and hemoglobin (p = 0.354). The incidence of IFALD was significantly lower in the high-dose group (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Within the limitations, the findings of this study suggest that High-dose feeding (initial volume>15 ml·kg-1·d-1, daily advancement>10 ml·kg-1·d-1) is beneficial for the prognosis of patients diagnosed with congenital intestinal atresia treated by intestinal.
Risk factors for febrile urinary tract infection in boys with posterior urethral valves
Authors: Harper Luke , Botto Nathalie , Peycelon Matthieu , Michel Jean-Luc , Leclair Marc-David , Garnier Sarah , Clermidi Pauline , Arnaud Alexis P. , Dariel Anne-Laure , Dobremez Eric , Faure Alice , Fourcade Laurent , Boudaoud Nadia , Chaussy Yann , Collin Fideline , Huiart Laetitia , Ferdynus Cyril , Bocquet Valery , Sauvat Frederique
Published: September 2022

Objective

Boys with posterior urethral valves (PUV) present an increased risk of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). Identifying specific risk factors could allow for tailoring UTI prevention. The aim of this study was to use the data from the CIRCUP randomized controlled trial data to identify patient characteristics associated with a higher risk of fUTI.

Patients and methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the data from the CIRCUP randomized trial which included boys with PUV, randomized to circumcision and antibiotic prophylaxis vs. antibiotic prophylaxis alone and followed for 2 years. There was only 1 episode of fUTI in the circumcision group vs. 17 in the uncircumcised group. We therefore only studied the antibiotic prophylaxis alone group and compared age at prenatal diagnosis, size and weight at birth, presence of dilating VUR at diagnosis, abnormal DMSA scan at 2 months, and nadir creatinine between children who presented a fUTI and those who did not, as well as age at first episode of fUTI.

Results

The study group consisted of 42 patients of which 17 presented at least on fUTI. Presence of dilating VUR was significantly associated with risk of fUTI (p = 0.03), OR: 6 [CI 95% = (1.13–27.52)]. None of the other parameters were associated with increased risk of fUTI. We observed three distinct time periods for presenting a fUTI with a decrease in infection rate after the first 40 days of life, then at 240 days of life.

Conclusion

In boys with PUV, presence of high-grade VUR is associated with a higher risk of presenting a fUTI. The rate of febrile UTIs seems to decrease after 9 months.
When the limp has a dietary cause: A retrospective study on scurvy in a tertiary Italian pediatric hospital
Authors: Masci Daniela , Rubino Chiara , Basile Massimo , Indolfi Giuseppe , Trapani Sandra
Published: September 2022

The limping child frequently represents a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis is broad and should include vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy, resulting from vitamin C deficiency, is the oldest-known nutritional disorder. Despite its rarity in developed countries, scurvy has been increasingly reported in recent years in pediatric patients, particularly those with autism or neurological disabilities. In the present retrospective study, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of 8 patients diagnosed with scurvy in the Pediatrics Unit of Meyer Children's University Hospital, between January 2016 and December 2021. The majority (87%) were males, and the median age was 3.7 years. Half of the patients had comorbidities known to be risk factors for scurvy, while the remaining patients were previously healthy. All the children were admitted for musculoskeletal symptoms, ranging from lower limb pain (87%) to overt limping (87%). Mucocutaneous involvement was observed in 75% cases. Microcytic anemia and elevated inflammatory markers were common laboratory findings. Bone radiographs, performed on all patients, were often interpreted as normal at first, with osteopenia (62%) as the most frequent finding; notably, after re-examination, they were reported as consistent with scurvy in four patients. The most common magnetic resonance imaging findings were multifocal symmetrical increased signal on STIR sequence within metaphysis, with varying degrees of bone marrow enhancement, adjacent periosteal elevation and soft tissue swelling. Differential diagnosis was challenging and frequently required invasive diagnostic procedures like bone marrow biopsy, performed in the first three patients of our series. The median time frame between clinical onset and the final diagnosis was 35 days. Notably, the interval times between admission and diagnosis become progressively shorter during the study period, ranging from 44 to 2 days. Treatment with oral vitamin C led to improvement/resolution of symptoms in all cases. In conclusion, scurvy should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a limping child, performing a detailed dietary history and careful physical examination, looking for mucocutaneous lesions. A quick and correct diagnostic path avoids invasive diagnostic procedures and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Emerging role of microtubule-associated proteins on cancer metastasis
Authors: Wattanathamsan Onsurang , Pongrakhananon Varisa
Published: September 2022

The major cause of death in cancer patients is strongly associated with metastasis. While much remains to be understood, microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) have shed light on metastatic progression’s molecular mechanisms. In this review article, we focus on the role of MAPs in cancer aggressiveness, particularly cancer metastasis activity. Increasing evidence has shown that a growing number of MAP member proteins might be fundamental regulators involved in altering microtubule dynamics, contributing to cancer migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. MAP types have been established according to their microtubule-binding site and function in microtubule-dependent activities. We highlight that altered MAP expression was commonly found in many cancer types and related to cancer progression based on available evidence. Furthermore, we discuss and integrate the relevance of MAPs and related molecular signaling pathways in cancer metastasis. Our review provides a comprehensive understanding of MAP function on microtubules. It elucidates how MAPs regulate cancer progression, preferentially in metastasis, providing substantial scientific information on MAPs as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for cancer management.
Efficacy and safety of semaglutide on weight loss in obese or overweight patients without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gao Xueqin , Hua Xiaoli , Wang Xu , Xu Wanbin , Zhang Yu , Shi Chen , Gu Ming
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This study aims to explore the weight loss effect and safety of semaglutide as a conventional anti-obesity drug systematically in obese or overweight patients without diabetes.

Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of semaglutide in obese or overweight patients without diabetes were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until 2 May 2022. Data extraction and quality assessment of studies meeting the inclusion criteria were performed, and statistical analysis was conducted by Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.

Results: Eight studies involving 4,567 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, semaglutide induced a significant body weight loss (MD: −10.09%; 95% CI: −11.84 to −8.33; p ˂ 0.00001), elicited a larger reduction in body mass index (MD: −3.71 kg/m2; 95% CI: −4.33 to −3.09; p ˂ 0.00001) and waist circumference (MD: −8.28 cm; 95% CI: −9.51 to −7.04; p ˂ 0.00001), achieved weight loss of more than 5, 10, 15, and 20% with a higher proportion of participants. Semaglutide exhibited a positive effect on blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles, expressed more adverse effects than placebo, mainly gastrointestinal reactions. The results were stable and reliable with dose-dependence.

Conclusion: Semaglutide indicated a significant weight loss with an acceptable safety for obese or overweight patients without diabetes.
Transport model study of transverse momentum distributions of (anti-)deuterons production in Au+Au collisions at sNN=14.5, 62.4, and 200 GeV
Authors: Yuan Ying , Huang Ziqian , Zhang Xinfeng , Wei Xiangzhong
Published: September 2022

The transverse momentum distributions of deuterons and anti-deuterons in Au + Au collisions at sNN = 14.5, 62.4 and 200 GeV with different centralities are studied within the framework of the UrQMD model combined with the conventional phase-space coalescence model. A strong reversed correlation between R0 (the maximal relative distances between hadrons) and P0 (the maximal relative momentum between hadrons) can be seen. It is also time-dependent. The number of particles generated are inconsistent with experimental data for 40, −,60% and 60, −,80% centralities because deuterons have plenty of time to react with other particles, this effect becomes more obvious with the decrease of beam energy. Our results can quantitatively describe the STAR data for 0, −,10%, 10, −,20% and 20, −,40% centralities.
Piezo buffers mechanical stress via modulation of intracellular Ca2+ handling in the Drosophila heart
Authors: Zechini Luigi , Camilleri-Brennan Julian , Walsh Jonathan , Beaven Robin , Moran Oscar , Hartley Paul S. , Diaz Mary , Denholm Barry
Published: September 2022

Throughout its lifetime the heart is buffeted continuously by dynamic mechanical forces resulting from contraction of the heart muscle itself and fluctuations in haemodynamic load and pressure. These forces are in flux on a beat-by-beat basis, resulting from changes in posture, physical activity or emotional state, and over longer timescales due to altered physiology (e.g. pregnancy) or as a consequence of ageing or disease (e.g. hypertension). It has been known for over a century of the heart’s ability to sense differences in haemodynamic load and adjust contractile force accordingly (Frank, Z. biology, 1895, 32, 370–447; Anrep, J. Physiol., 1912, 45 (5), 307–317; Patterson and Starling, J. Physiol., 1914, 48 (5), 357–79; Starling, The law of the heart (Linacre Lecture, given at Cambridge, 1915), 1918). These adaptive behaviours are important for cardiovascular homeostasis, but the mechanism(s) underpinning them are incompletely understood. Here we present evidence that the mechanically-activated ion channel, Piezo, is an important component of the Drosophila heart’s ability to adapt to mechanical force. We find Piezo is a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-resident channel and is part of a mechanism that regulates Ca2+ handling in cardiomyocytes in response to mechanical stress. Our data support a simple model in which Drosophila Piezo transduces mechanical force such as stretch into a Ca2+ signal, originating from the SR, that modulates cardiomyocyte contraction. We show that Piezo mutant hearts fail to buffer mechanical stress, have altered Ca2+ handling, become prone to arrhythmias and undergo pathological remodelling.
Effects of Ion-Transporting Proteins on the Digestive System Under Hypoxia
Authors: Xiang Yiwei , Fan Dongdong , An Qimin , Zhang Ting , Wu Xianli , Ding Jianhong , Xu Xiaolin , Yue Gengyu , Tang Siqi , Du Qian , Xu Jingyu , Xie Rui
Published: September 2022

Hypoxia refers to a state of oxygen limitation, which mainly mediates pathological processes in the human body and participates in the regulation of normal physiological processes. In the hypoxic environment, the main regulator of human body homeostasis is the hypoxia-inducible factor family (HIF). HIF can regulate the expression of many hypoxia-induced genes and then participate in various physiological and pathological processes of the human body. Ion-transporting proteins are extremely important types of proteins. Ion-transporting proteins are distributed on cell membranes or organelles and strictly control the inflow or outflow of ions in cells or organelles. Changes in ions in cells are often closely related to extensive physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Numerous studies have confirmed that hypoxia and its regulatory factors can regulate the transcription and expression of ion-transporting protein-related genes. Under hypoxic stress, the regulation and interaction of ion-transporting proteins by hypoxia often leads to diseases of various human systems and even tumors. Using ion-transporting proteins and hypoxia as targets to explore the mechanism of digestive system diseases and targeted therapy is expected to become a new breakthrough point.
Multiple field tests on landing day: Early mobility may improve postural recovery following spaceflight
Authors: Rosenberg Marissa J. , Reschke Millard F. , Tomilovskaya Elena S. , Wood Scott J.
Published: September 2022

Adaptation to microgravity causes astronauts to experience sensorimotor disturbances during return to Earth leading to functional difficulties. Recently, the Field Test (FT) study involving an incrementally demanding sensorimotor functional test battery has allowed for an unprecedented view into early decrements and recovery from multiple tests conducted on the landing day following 6-months International Space Station missions. Although the protocol was challenging and temporarily increased motion sickness symptoms, there were anecdotal reports that performing these tasks within the first few hours of landing accelerated their recovery. Therefore, results from computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) following return to Houston were used to compare recovery between crewmembers that participated in FT (n = 18) with those that did not (controls, n = 11). While there were significant decrements in postural performance for both groups, some FT participants tended to perform closer to their preflight baseline in the most challenging condition of the CDP sensitive to vestibular function—eyes closed, unstable support and head movements. However, the distribution of difference scores appeared bimodal with other FT participants in the lower range of performance. We attribute these observations to the manner in which the field tests were implemented—some benefitted by encouraging early movement to drive adaptation when performed in a constrained incremental fashion; however, movements above aversive thresholds may have impaired adaptation in others. Challenging the sensorimotor system with increasingly provocative movements performed as close to landing as possible, as long as within individual thresholds, could be a useful intervention to accelerate astronaut’s sensorimotor readaptation that deserves further study.
Functional trajectories associated with acute illness and hospitalization in oldest old patients: Impact on mortality
Authors: Gallego-González Eva , Mayordomo-Cava Jennifer , Vidán María T. , Valadés-Malagón María I. , Serra-Rexach José A. , Ortiz-Alonso Javier
Published: September 2022

Background: The literature pays low attention to functional changes during acute illness in older patients. Our main objectives were to separately describe the different functional changes occurring before and after hospital admission in oldest old medical patients, to investigate their association with mortality, and identify predictors associated with in-hospital failure to recover function.

Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. The study followed the STROBE criteria. The sample included 604 consecutive patients aged 65 or older hospitalized for acute illness, discharged alive, and not fully dependent at baseline. Activities of daily living measured at baseline, admission, and discharge were used to classify patients into four functional trajectories depending on whether they decline or remain stable between baseline and admission (prehospital) and whether they decline, remain stable, or recover baseline function between admission and discharge (in-hospital). Multivariate models were used to test the association between functional trajectories with mortality, and predictors for in-hospital recovery.

Results: Functional trajectories were: “stable-stable” (18%); “decline-recovery” (18%); “decline-no recovery” (53%); “in-hospital decline” (11%). Prehospital decline occurred in 75% and 64% were discharged with worse function than baseline. “In-hospital decline” and “decline-no recovery” trajectories were independently associated with higher 6- and 12-month mortality. Extent of prehospital decline and dementia were predictors of failure to in-hospital recovery.

Conclusion: In acutely ill older people, differentiating between prehospital and in-hospital functional changes has prognostic implications. Lack of functional regain at discharge is associated with higher mortality at 6- and 12-months.
Genome-wide analysis of the homeodomain-leucine zipper family in Lotus japonicus and the overexpression of LjHDZ7 in Arabidopsis for salt tolerance
Authors: Wang Dan , Gong Yuan , Li Yang , Nie Shuming
Published: September 2022

The homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) family participates in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Here, 40 HD-Zip transcription factors of Lotus japonicus were identified and gave an overview of the phylogeny and gene structures. The expression pattern of these candidate genes was determined in different organs and their response to abiotic stresses, including cold, heat, polyethylene glycol and salinity. The expression of the LjHDZ7 was strongly induced by abiotic stress, especially salt stress. Subsequently, LjHDZ7 gene was overexpressed in Arabidopsis. The transgenic plants grew obviously better than Col-0 plants under salt stress. Furthermore, LjHDZ7 transgenic lines accumulated higher proline contents and showed lower electrolyte leakage and MDA contents than Col-0 plants under salt stress. Antioxidant activities of the LjHDZ7 overexpression lines leaf were significantly higher than those of the Col-0 plants under salt stress. The concentration of Na+ ion in LjHDZ7 overexpression lines was significantly lower than that of Col-0 in leaf and root parts. The concentration of K+ ion in LjHDZ7 overexpression lines was significantly higher than that of Col-0 in the leaf parts. Therefore, these results showed that overexpression of LjHDZ7 increased resistance to salt stress in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, and certain genes of this family can be used as valuable tools for improving abiotic stresses.
Endophytic Paenibacillus polymyxa LMG27872 inhibits Meloidogyne incognita parasitism, promoting tomato growth through a dose-dependent effect
Authors: Singh Richard Raj , Wesemael Wim M. L.
Published: September 2022

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is a major pest in tomato production. Paenibacillus polymyxa, which is primarily found in soil and colonizing roots, is considered a successful biocontrol organism against many pathogens. To evaluate the biocontrol capacity of P. polymyxa LMG27872 against M. incognita in tomato, experiments were conducted both in vitro and in vivo. A dose-response effect [30, 50, and 100% (108 CFU/mL)] of bacterial suspensions (BSs) on growth and tomato susceptibility to M. incognita with soil drenching as a mode of application was first evaluated. The results show that the biological efficacy of P. polymyxa LMG27872 against M. incognita parasitism in tomato was dose-dependent. A significantly reduced number of galls, egg-laying females (ELF), and second-stage juveniles (J2) were observed in BS-treated plants, in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of P. polymyxa on tomato growth was also dose-dependent. A high dose of BSs had a negative effect on growth; however, this negative effect was not observed when the BS-treated plants were challenged with M. incognita, indicating tolerance or a defense priming mechanism. In subsequent in vivo experiments, the direct effect of BSs was evaluated on J2 mortality and egg hatching of M. incognita. The effect of BS on J2 mortality was observed from 12 to 24 h, whereby M. incognita J2 was significantly inhibited by the BS treatment. The effect of P. polymyxa on M. incognita egg hatching was also dependent on the BS dose. The results show a potential of P. polymyxa LMG27872 to protect plants from nematode parasitism and its implementation in integrated nematode management suitable for organic productions.
Genome-wide characterization of ovate family protein gene family associated with number of seeds per silique in Brassica napus
Authors: Liu Jie , Wu Yupo , Cui Xiaobo , Zhang Xiong , Xie Meili , Liu Lijiang , Liu Yueying , Huang Junyan , Cheng Xiaohui , Liu Shengyi
Published: September 2022

Ovate family proteins (OFPs) were firstly identified in tomato as proteins controlling the pear shape of the fruit. Subsequent studies have successively proved that OFPs are a class of negative regulators of plant development, and are involved in the regulation of complex traits in different plants. However, there has been no report about the functions of OFPs in rapeseed growth to date. Here, we identified the OFPs in rapeseed at the genomic level. As a result, a total of 67 members were obtained. We then analyzed the evolution from Arabidopsis thaliana to Brassica napus, illustrated their phylogenetic and syntenic relationships, and compared the gene structure and conserved domains between different copies. We also analyzed their expression patterns in rapeseed, and found significant differences in the expression of different members and in different tissues. Additionally, we performed a GWAS for the number of seeds per silique (NSPS) in a rapeseed population consisting of 204 natural accessions, and identified a new gene BnOFP13_2 significantly associated with NSPS, which was identified as a novel function of OFPs. Haplotype analysis revealed that the accessions with haplotype 3 had a higher NSPS than other accessions, suggesting that BnOFP13_2 is associated with NSPS. Transcript profiling during the five stages of silique development demonstrated that BnOFP13_2 negatively regulates NSPS. These findings provide evidence for functional diversity of OFP gene family and important implications for oilseed rape breeding.
High-throughput phenotyping of nematode cysts
Authors: Chen Long , Daub Matthias , Luigs Hans-Georg , Jansen Marcus , Strauch Martin , Merhof Dorit
Published: September 2022

The beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii is a plant pest responsible for crop loss on a global scale. Here, we introduce a high-throughput system based on computer vision that allows quantifying beet cyst nematode infestation and measuring phenotypic traits of cysts. After recording microscopic images of soil sample extracts in a standardized setting, an instance segmentation algorithm serves to detect nematode cysts in these images. In an evaluation using both ground truth samples with known cyst numbers and manually annotated images, the computer vision approach produced accurate nematode cyst counts, as well as accurate cyst segmentations. Based on such segmentations, cyst features could be computed that served to reveal phenotypical differences between nematode populations in different soils and in populations observed before and after the sugar beet planting period. The computer vision approach enables not only fast and precise cyst counting, but also phenotyping of cyst features under different conditions, providing the basis for high-throughput applications in agriculture and plant breeding research. Source code and annotated image data sets are freely available for scientific use.
Abscisic acid: Metabolism, transport, crosstalk with other plant growth regulators, and its role in heavy metal stress mitigation
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Shah Sajad Hussain , Vimala Yerramilli , Jatav Hanuman Singh , Ahmad Parvaiz , Chen Yinglong , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: September 2022

Heavy metal (HM) stress is threatening agricultural crops, ecological systems, and human health worldwide. HM toxicity adversely affects plant growth, physiological processes, and crop productivity by disturbing cellular ionic balance, metabolic balance, cell membrane integrity, and protein and enzyme activities. Plants under HM stress intrinsically develop mechanisms to counter the adversities of HM but not prevent them. However, the exogenous application of abscisic acid (ABA) is a strategy for boosting the tolerance capacity of plants against HM toxicity by improving osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant machinery. ABA is an essential plant growth regulator that modulates various plant growth and metabolic processes, including seed development and germination, vegetative growth, stomatal regulation, flowering, and leaf senescence under diverse environmental conditions. This review summarizes ABA biosynthesis, signaling, transport, and catabolism in plant tissues and the adverse effects of HM stress on crop plants. Moreover, we describe the role of ABA in mitigating HM stress and elucidating the interplay of ABA with other plant growth regulators.
Genome-wide identification of bHLH transcription factors: Discovery of a candidate regulator related to flavonoid biosynthesis in Erigeron breviscapus
Authors: Gao Qingqing , Song Wanling , Li Xia , Xiang Chunfan , Chen Geng , Xiang Guisheng , Liu Xiangyu , Zhang Guanghui , Li Xiaoning , Yang Shengchao , Zhai Chenxi , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2022

Erigeron breviscapus is a Compositae plant, and its rich flavonoids have shown strong preventative and curative effects in the treatment of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. bHLH genes play a crucial role in plant growth and development. There are 116 EbbHLH genes in E. breviscapus, and each gene has been named based on its chromosome location. Our phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into 18 subfamilies. To further investigate its function, EbbHLH80 was isolated from E. breviscapus leaves. Next, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of tobacco leaves were performed. Among 421 differentially accumulated compounds, 98 flavonoids were identified. In addition, differentially expressed genes were identified using RNA-seq, and further analysis suggested that EbbHLH80-OE could not only regulate the expression of some structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway to achieve flavonoid accumulation but also be involved in the regulation of a series of downstream pathways, such as stress response, ABA and ethylene signal transduction, to affect plant growth and development. The results of our analysis provide new insights into the function of EbbHLH80 and lay the foundation for future functional studies on E. breviscapus.
Language aptitude in the visuospatial modality: L2 British Sign Language acquisition and cognitive skills in British Sign Language-English interpreting students
Authors: Watkins Freya , Webb Stacey , Stone Christopher , Thompson Robin L.
Published: September 2022

Sign language interpreting (SLI) is a cognitively challenging task performed mostly by second language learners (i.e., not raised using a sign language as a home language). SLI students must first gain language fluency in a new visuospatial modality and then move between spoken and signed modalities as they interpret. As a result, many students plateau before reaching working fluency, and SLI training program drop-out rates are high. However, we know little about the requisite skills to become a successful interpreter: the few existing studies investigating SLI aptitude in terms of linguistic and cognitive skills lack baseline measures. Here we report a 3-year exploratory longitudinal skills assessments study with British Sign Language (BSL)-English SLI students at two universities (n = 33). Our aims were two-fold: first, to better understand the prerequisite skills that lead to successful SLI outcomes; second, to better understand how signing and interpreting skills impact other aspects of cognition. A battery of tasks was completed at four time points to assess skills, including but not limited to: multimodal and unimodal working memory, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional mental rotation (MR), and English comprehension. Dependent measures were BSL and SLI course grades, BSL reproduction tests, and consecutive SLI tasks. Results reveal that initial BSL proficiency and 2D-MR were associated with selection for the degree program, while visuospatial working memory was linked to continuing with the program. 3D-MR improved throughout the degree, alongside some limited gains in auditory, visuospatial, and multimodal working memory tasks. Visuospatial working memory and MR were the skills closest associated with BSL and SLI outcomes, particularly those tasks involving sign language production, thus, highlighting the importance of cognition related to the visuospatial modality. These preliminary data will inform SLI training programs, from applicant selection to curriculum design.
The impact of consumer positive personality on the purchase behavior of smart products
Authors: Li Dan , Yu Dengke
Published: September 2022

While the consumption of smart products is continuously increasing, it is essential to explore the trigger mechanism of consumer behavior in respect of smart product purchase. In this scenario, we aim to investigate the impact of consumers’ positive personality on the purchase behavior. We constructed a structural equation model based on the partial least square method and tested our hypotheses on the basis of data analysis. The data were collected by conducting a survey of 326 Chinese consumers. We found two affecting paths from consumers’ positive personality to smart product purchase. First, consumer knowledge promoted by positive personality raises purchase intention and, in turn, stimulates purchase behavior. Second, consumers’ positive personality improves perceived income, which determines actual purchase behavior. This study deepens our understanding of the trigger mechanism of smart product purchase behavior and enriches the consumer behavior theory.
Attribute analysis and modeling of color harmony based on multi-color feature extraction in real-life scenes
Authors: Wang Shuang , Liu Jingyu , Jiang Jian , Jiang Yujian , Lan Jing
Published: September 2022

Color harmony is the focus of many researchers in the field of art and design, and its research results have been widely used in artistic creation and design activities. With the development of signal processing and artificial intelligence technology, new ideas and methods are provided for color harmony theory and color harmony calculation. In this article, psychological experimental methods and information technology are combined to design and quantify the 16-dimensional physical features of multiple colors, including multi-color statistical features and multi-color contrast features. Eighty-four subjects are invited to give a 5-level score on the degree of color harmony for 164 multi-color materials selected from the screenshots of film and television scenes. Based on the multi-color physical features and the subjective evaluation experiment, the correlation analysis is firstly carried out, which shows that the overall lightness, difference of the color tones, number of multiple colors, lightness contrast, color tone contrast, and cool/warm contrast are significantly correlated with color harmony. On the other hand, the regression prediction model and classification prediction model of color harmony are constructed based on machine learning algorithms. In terms of regression prediction model, the prediction accuracy of linear models is higher than that of nonlinear models, with 63.9% as the highest, indicating that the multi-color physical features can explain color harmony well. In terms of classification prediction model, the Random Forest (RF) has the best prediction performance, with an accuracy of 80.2%.
Effect of mindfulness meditation on depression during pregnancy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuchao , Chen Jinghui , Chen Baoxia , Wang Tingting , Wu Zhusheng , Huang Xia , Li Shanshan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study systematically evaluates the effect of mindfulness meditation on depression during pregnancy. We provide evidence-based suggestions for preventing and reducing depression during pregnancy by exploring the most effective intervention mode, cycle, and frequency of mindfulness meditation.

Methods

Records were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Science Direct. A total of 1,612 randomized controlled trial studies on the effect of mindfulness meditation on pregnancy depression were collected. 10 studies with 658 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed by Revman 5.3 to evaluate study qualities. Stata 12.0 was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

Mindfulness meditation had a positive effect on depression during pregnancy [standardized difference of the mean (SMD) = −0.786, 95% confidence interval (−1.289, −0.283), P < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis showed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) had the best intervention effect on depression during pregnancy (SMD = 2.795), the best intervention duration was below 4 weeks (SMD = 1.756), applied from the first to the third stage of pregnancy (SMD = 1.024), the frequency guided by experts was less than six times a week (SMD = 2.055) of <60 min each time (SMD = 1.068), and completing homework by themselves every day for 30 mins (SMD = 1.822) was most significant for the improvement of depression during pregnancy. We found high heterogeneity across studies [q = 97.003, DF = 10, I2 = 88.0% (P < 0.001), I2 > 75%]. This may be caused by variance in measurement tools, among which Beck Depression Inventory-II was a significant source of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Mindfulness meditation can improve the prevention, remission, and reduction of depression during pregnancy and can be used as an auxiliary measure for the clinical treatment of pregnancy depression.
The influence of entrepreneur’s innovation and entrepreneurship on modern art teaching model
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Lin
Published: September 2022

It is necessary to explore the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship to Chinese art education. The organization and operation mechanism of innovation and entrepreneurship education (IEE) is studied according to the current situation of IEE in Chinese art colleges and universities. The IEE system of art colleges and universities is optimized, and a new teaching model of IEE with the characteristics is explored. In addition, the research methods are theoretical analysis, comparative analysis, and empirical analysis. The objects are students from some domestic art academies. The influence of innovation and entrepreneurship on the modern art teaching model is explored. It mainly investigates the awareness and needs of college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship, the professional knowledge of students participating in related activities, the transformation of achievements, and the system and management of IEE. Based on this, a new teaching model of innovation and entrepreneurship is proposed. The six dimensions of creativity, initiative, interest, ideation, independence, and concentration of students in this model are evaluated. The results show that the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship has a significant role in improving the contemporary art education model on these six dimensions. It is found that this spirit is vital for the development of contemporary art education. In art education, the application of entrepreneurship improves students’ thinking and practical ability. And this spirit is an important part of the construction of contemporary art education.
Integrated hepatitis C treatment is associated with improved retention and success in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder at a private clinic
Authors: Losikoff Phyllis , Bosse Jordon D. , Martin Stephen A. , Wilson Amanda , Chiodo Lisa M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Direct acting antiretrovirals (DAA) are effective for individuals who are infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), yet many people go without access to these lifesaving treatments.

Materials and methods

We conducted a non-randomized study evaluating treatment data for patients in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) at a private clinic. Patients who were HCV-positive, had been in OUD treatment for at least 4 weeks, and engaged in integrated HCV treatment with DAA (co-located within their treatment for OUD) were compared to patients with HCV who only received OUD treatment. We evaluated HCV cure; OUD medication adherence, treatment utilization and retention; and illicit substance use for those engaged in treatment between 9/2016 and 1/2018.

Results

Seventy-four patients completed integrated HCV-OUD treatment with DAA, with 87.8% achieving cure. Of the 66 who completed treatment and were subsequently evaluated for sustained viral response 98.5% were cured. Patients who received integrated HCV and OUD treatment in our clinic, stayed in OUD treatment longer, demonstrated higher OUD medication adherence, and used less opioids or cocaine compared to HCV-infected patients (n = 572) being treated only for OUD.

Discussion

We have reported on a reproducible intervention that lends itself to outpatient OUD treatment. Analyses demonstrate the potential positive impact HCV treatment has on OUD recovery, including reduction in opioid and cocaine use and increased retention in care

Conclusion

Co-locating HCV treatment with existing OUD treatment is feasible, effective, and demonstrates positive outcomes for the treatment of both conditions.
Relationship between social support, anxiety, and depression among frontline healthcare workers in China during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhan Jie , Chen Chen , Yan Xiaoting , Wei Xiaojing , Zhan Lechang , Chen Hongxia , Lu Liming
Published: September 2022

Background

Social support is an important factor affecting individual mental health. However, the relationship between social support and mental health in frontline healthcare workers (FHW) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has garnered less attention. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of social support and the prevalence of depression and anxiety in FHW during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors affecting the relationship between social support, depression, and anxiety.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to collect data from FHW between 15 February and 31 March 2020 in China. The data included demographic factors, Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rated Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS). Spearman correlation test was performed to determine the correlation among SAS, SDS, and SSRS scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship among demographic factors, social support, depression, and anxiety in FHW.

Results

Of all 201 participants, 44 (21.9%) had depressive symptoms and 32 (15.9%) had anxiety symptoms. The average total SSRS scores among FHW were lower than that of the norms of the Chinese general population (37.17 ± 7.54 versus 44.38 ± 8.38, P < 0.001). Marital status positively affected the SSRS score (β = 7.395, P < 0.01). Age over 40 years old negatively affected the SSRS score (β = −5.349, P = 0.017). The total SSRS score, subjective social support score, objective social support score, and support utilization score among FHW negatively correlated with the SAS score and SDS score (P < 0.05). A lower support utilization score was significantly associated with high anxiety and depressive symptoms (β = −0.869, P = 0.024; β = −1.088, P = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FHW experienced depression, anxiety, and inadequate social support. The marital status and age had a major impact on social support. Social support was inversely associated with depression and anxiety. Improving the mental health of FHW by strengthening social support is crucial. Future studies are needed to investigate how to improve the level of social support and mental health condition of FHW facing public health emergencies in the future.