bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gender Foundations of Artistry and the Artistic Personality in the Russian Culture of Transitional Eras
Authors:   Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service, Konopleva Nina A.
Published: February 2022

The article presents materials from the author’s research for her doctoral dissertation devoted to analysis of the visual arts and the artistic personality in Russian culture of transitional periods: the turns of the 19th and 20th centuries and of the 20th and 21st centuries. These temporal periods have been defined as unstable, transitory and stipulating the intensification of the conflict between the tendency towards preserving the stability in art, on the one hand, and the emergence of new artistic styles, on the other hand. Particularly these time periods have been characterized by a change of value-based semantic directions in the activities of artistic personalities, on the one hand, and the emergence of new artistic styles, on the other hand. The cultural chaos present at the turn of the examined centuries actualized the unstable character of artistic people of both genders, stipulated also by their sociocultural essences (the unity and the struggle of opposite elements — the male and the female), which in our opinion provided one of the sources of the artistic activities, the aspiration towards the artist’s self-expression. The obtained results made it possible to determine the artistic gender as a special cultural-anthropological essence which in the process of artistic activity overcomes the sociocultural opposition of “male vs. female” and obtaining in their cultural identity the mutually complementing gender characteristic features of masculinity-femininity, which are conducive to the formation of an androgynous cultural type of personality. The dynamics of the styles in the visual arts in the culture of the turn of the 19th and the 20th centuries demonstrates the specific features of gender self-realization of the subject of activities in the sphere of visual arts and the appearance in Russian art of a large number of women-artists inclined towards innovative art.
An Interview with Austrian Composer Werner Schulze
Authors:   Moscow State P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Rovner Anton A.
Published: February 2022

The following interview with Austrian composer Werner Schultze presents the composer’s biography and artistic evolution. The composer describes his musical style, his interest in other disciplines, and his efforts to conjoin different branches of knowledge together with music and to give each one of them a musical interpretation. Thereby, his efforts result in such striking phenomena as “Philosophy in Music, “Theology in Music,” “Mathematics in Music,” each of these categories becomes realized by original highly-imaginative musical compositions, such as “Lull” (devoted to the medieval mystic Ramon Lull), “Schopfunggesange” (“Songs to the Creation of the World”), “Franziscus” (honoring St. Francis of Assissi), “Anchibasie” (devoted to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus), “Sokrates” (written about the life and death of Socrates, according to Plato’s texts) and many others.
Illness Perception of Turkish Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis: Similarities and Differences
Authors: CANTEKİN Işın , ARGUVANLI ÇOBAN Sibel , KÖPRÜLÜ Esra
Published: February 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the illness perception of Hemodialysis (HD) and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients having endstagerenal failure.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Organ Transplantation and Dialysis Hospital. Data were collected between January-June2016. The study was conducted with a total of 93 individuals including 45 patients undergoing PD and 48 patients undergoing HD betweenthe indicated dates. An information form and Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) were used as data collection instruments.Independent samples t test, one way anova and pearson correlation analysis were used to assess data.Results: Among the patients, mean duration of disease was 81.4±77.7 (HD: 82.7±93.5, PD: 80.1+60.1) months, mean duration of dialysis was57.7±58.3 (HD: 58.6±67.0, PD: 56.8±49.4) months and mean number of comorbid diseases was 1.4±0.6 (min: 1.0, max: 4.0). 93.5% of thepatients had familial support (HD: 91.1%, PD: 95.8) and 69.9% (HD: 37.8%, PD: 100.0%) had taken a training about the disease and its treatmentfrom healthcare professionals. It was also found that mean scores of PD patients from IPQ-R subscales including personal control, illnesscoherence and timeline acute/chronic were found to be significantly higher than HD patients (p<0.05).Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was determined that HD patients perceived their illnesses as more challenging compared to PD patients.Therefore, especially HD patients may be given disease-related trainings with the onset of their treatment process and a psychological supportmay be recommended to accept their chronic diseases.
Photothermal 2D Nanosheets Combined With Astragaloside IV for Antibacterial Properties and Promoting Angiogenesis to Treat Infected Wounds
Authors: Liu Lichang , Wang Wenfeng , Hong Weihong , Jin Yuyan , Wang Lichun , Liu Sujun , Wang Ailin , Liu Xusheng
Published: February 2022

Bacterial infection, inflammatory disorder, and poor angiogenesis of tissue in chronic wounds are the main reasons why wounds are difficult to heal. In this study, a novel MSN-PEG@AS/BP nano-spray was designed to solve these issues. Astragaloside IV (AS) was loaded in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) to enhance angiogenesis and regulate inflammation, and the two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet black phosphorus (BP) was used to kill bacteria through a photothermal effect. Under thermal decomposition, the covalent bond of polyethylene glycol (PEG) was broken, releasing AS to promote the proliferation of fibroblasts, the formation of blood vessels, and the resolution of inflammation. AS can promote the polarization of the anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophage phenotype to enhance the deposition of extracellular matrix and the formation of blood vessels. Besides, BP showed a significant photothermal effect and nearly 99.58% of Escherichia coli and 99.13% of Staphylococcus aureus were killed in an antibacterial study. This nano-spray would be a novel therapeutic agent for infected wound treatment.
Updates in the Management of Hyperglycemic Crisis
Authors: Aldhaeefi Mohammed , Aldardeer Namareq F. , Alkhani Nada , Alqarni Shatha Mohammed , Alhammad Abdullah M. , Alshaya Abdulrahman I.
Published: February 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the metabolism of primary macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Due to the high prevalence of DM, emergency admissions for hyperglycemic crisis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are fairly common and represent very challenging clinical management in practice. DKA and HHS are associated with high mortality rates if left not treated. The mortality rate for patients with DKA is < 1% and ~ 15% for HHS. DKA and HHS have similar pathophysiology with some few differences. HHS pathophysiology is not fully understood. However, an absolute or relative effective insulin concentration reduction and increased in catecholamines, cortisol, glucagon, and growth hormones represent the mainstay behind DKA pathophysiology. Reviewing the patient’s history to identify and modify any modifiable precipitating factors is crucial to prevent future events. The aim of this review article is to provide a review of the DKA, and HHS management based on the most recently published evidence and to provide suggested management pathway of DKA of HHS management in practice.
Transradial Retrograde Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion via an Ipsilateral Septal Collateral Using a Single Guiding Catheter: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Hong , Zhang Peng , Fu Naikuan
Published: February 2022

Background

With the development of specialized equipment and the retrograde technique, success rates for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) have increased from 60 to 90% in the past 10 years. Performing PCI via a collateral channel from the contralateral artery, using two guiding catheters, is usually the preferred approach to retrograde CTO-PCI. In the case described in this report, only the ipsilateral septal collateral artery from the proximal occluded left anterior descending (LAD) artery was available. The procedure can be performed successfully from radial artery access using a single guiding catheter.

Case Summary

A 57-year-old patient, with a history of anterior and inferior myocardial infarction and previous PCI, underwent a planned coronary arteriography due to his complaints of typical angina symptoms. Coronary angiography revealed stent occlusion located mid-LAD and severe in-stent restenosis in the distal right coronary artery (RCA). A proximal septal branch was supplying the distal LAD retrogradely. After repeated failed attempts at antegrade PCI for the LAD's CTO, the retrograde approach was tried. This intervention finally succeeded through the ipsilateral septal collateral. It was performed via a single radial-artery access throughout the whole process. Post-operatively, the patient had no complications and was stable at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

The transradial approach to retrograde PCI for CTO via an ipsilateral septal collateral using a single guiding catheter is feasible and safe in appropriately selected cases.
Improvements of the Sub-Seasonal Precipitation Predicted by the BCC_S2S Forecast System Over Eastern China in Summer Using the Singular Value Decomposition Bias Correction Method
Authors: Fu Zhipeng , Huang Anning , Guo Qu
Published: February 2022

A bias correction scheme has been developed based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis in this study, and it is further validated and used to improve the skill of sub-seasonal precipitation over Eastern China in summer predicted by the Beijing Climate Center sub-seasonal to seasonal forecast system (BCC_S2SFS). Results show that the BCC_S2SFS prediction skill of summer precipitation over Eastern China at the sub-seasonal scale is up to 1 days in advance and exhibits clear regional and inter-annual differences. Further adopting the bias correction scheme can significantly improve the skill of BCC_S2SFS in predicting the sub-seasonal precipitation over Eastern China in summer with different lead time especially longer than 10 days. Compared to the original prediction of BCC_S2SFS, the temporal (spatial) correlation coefficient between the bias corrected predictions and observations over Eastern China can be increased by 0.15, 0.55, and 0.56 (0.14, 0.17, and 0.19) during the forecast lead time of 0–10, 11–20, and 21–30 days, respectively. The bias correction scheme developed in this study shows large potential application prospects in the operational forecast.
Studies and Applications of Dual Pore Saturation Model Based on Pore Structure Classification in Tight Reservoirs
Authors: Tangyan Liu , Qingfeng Li , Cuihua Zhang , Wentao Yang , Shiqiong Liu , Wenjun Zhao
Published: February 2022

The complex pore structure of rock may influence resistivity logs and make it challenging to perform saturation estimations with better precision. For example, water saturation may go higher or lower when Archie’s formulae are used to obtain the saturation as the logging resistivity may become greater or smaller, due to the influences of complex pore structures in the reservoirs. In this paper, having considered the influences of pore structure on logging resistivity, we have developed a different algorithm to improve the equivalent rock element model (EREM, a rock conduction model) to have better water saturation. First of all, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo data of cores are inverted by using the optimized inversion to calculate pore parameters, such as the average radius of spherical pore tubular pore, Cd path, and sorting coefficient. Secondly, according to the parameters derived from the optimization inversions, the pore structures of the core are divided into different groups. Based on the classifications of the pore structure, the conduction parameters of rock for different pore structures are determined by fitting the experimental conduction data of rock with a damping factor. Finally, the working flow of calculating fluid saturation according to the EREM model is determined for different conduction parameters. The key feature of the improved EREM saturation model is to eliminate the influence of pore structure on rock conduction, highlight the influence of pore fluid on rock conduction, and then improve the calculation accuracy of saturation in it. The applications of our research show that the saturation estimations derived from the improved EREM model appear to be more reasonable in terms of the saturation value and its numerical trend. Thus, the improved EREM model has potential in petroleum exploration and exploitation.
Transcriptome Analysis of Bread Wheat Genotype KRL3-4 Provides a New Insight Into Regulatory Mechanisms Associated With Sodicity (High pH) Tolerance
Authors: Prasad Geeta , Mittal Shikha , Kumar Arvind , Chauhan Divya , Sahu Tanmaya Kumar , Kumar Sundeep , Singh Rakesh , Yadav Mahesh C. , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: February 2022

Globally, sodicity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting the wheat productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. With due consideration, an investigation of the complex gene network associated with sodicity stress tolerance is required to identify transcriptional changes in plants during abiotic stress conditions. For this purpose, we sequenced the flag leaf transcriptome of a highly tolerant bread wheat germplasm (KRL 3–4) in order to extend our knowledge and better understanding of the molecular basis of sodicity tolerance. A total of 1,980 genes were differentially expressed in the flag leaf due to sodicity stress. Among these genes, 872 DEGs were upregulated and 1,108 were downregulated. Furthermore, annotation of DEGs revealed that a total of 1,384 genes were assigned to 2,267 GO terms corresponding to 502 (biological process), 638 (cellular component), and 1,127 (molecular function). GO annotation also revealed the involvement of genes related to several transcription factors; the important ones are expansins, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and metal ion transporters in response to sodicity. Additionally, from 127 KEGG pathways, only 40 were confidently enriched at a p-value <0.05 covering the five main KEGG categories of metabolism, i.e., environmental information processing, genetic information processing, organismal systems, and cellular processes. Most enriched pathways were prioritized using MapMan software and revealed that lipid metabolism, nutrient uptake, and protein homeostasis were paramount. We have also found 39 SNPs that mapped to the important sodicity stress-responsive genes associated with various pathways such as ROS scavenging, serine/threonine protein kinase, calcium signaling, and metal ion transporters. In a nutshell, only 19 important candidate genes contributing to sodicity tolerance in bread wheat were identified, and these genes might be helpful for better understanding and further improvement of sodicity tolerance in bread wheat.
CCBE1 in Cardiac Development and Disease
Authors: Bonet Fernando , Inácio José M. , Bover Oriol , Añez Sabrina B. , Belo José A.
Published: February 2022

The collagen- and calcium-binding EGF-like domains 1 (CCBE1) is a secreted protein extensively described as indispensable for lymphangiogenesis during development enhancing VEGF-C signaling. In human patients, mutations in CCBE1 have been found to cause Hennekam syndrome, an inherited disease characterized by malformation of the lymphatic system that presents a wide variety of symptoms such as primary lymphedema, lymphangiectasia, and heart defects. Importantly, over the last decade, an essential role for CCBE1 during heart development is being uncovered. In mice, Ccbe1 expression was initially detected in distinct cardiac progenitors such as first and second heart field, and the proepicardium. More recently, Ccbe1 expression was identified in the epicardium and sinus venosus (SV) myocardium at E11.5–E13.5, the stage when SV endocardium–derived (VEGF-C dependent) coronary vessels start to form. Concordantly, CCBE1 is required for the correct formation of the coronary vessels and the coronary artery stem in the mouse. Additionally, Ccbe1 was found to be enriched in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and revealed as a new essential gene for the differentiation of ESC-derived early cardiac precursor cell lineages. Here, we bring an up-to-date review on the role of CCBE1 in cardiac development, function, and human disease implications. Finally, we envisage the potential of this molecule’s functions from a regenerative medicine perspective, particularly novel therapeutic strategies for heart disease.
Ex Vivo Differential Responsiveness to Clostridium perfringens and Lactococcus lactis by Avian Small Intestine Macrophages and T Cells
Authors: Boodhoo Nitish , Shojadoost Bahram , Alizadeh Mohammadali , Kulkarni Raveendra R. , Sharif Shayan
Published: February 2022

Tissue resident immune system cells in the chicken intestine play a significant role in the protection against pathogens. However, very little is known about these cells. The current study was conducted to further characterize chicken intestinal immune system cells. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess the immune modulatory action of a highly virulentClostridium perfringens, a commonly found chicken intestinal microbe, in comparison with a non-commensal,Lactococcus lactis, on intestine-derived immune system cells. The results demonstrated varying distribution of innate and adaptive immune cells along the avian gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecal tonsils. In addition, steady-state and tissue-specific presence of CD25+ cells among αβ and γδ T-cell subsets was assessed along the intestine.Ex vivostimulation withC. perfringensorL. lactisresulted in a significant increase in the frequency of CD25+ T cells (γδ and αβ T cells). In addition, significantly more cell death was observed inex vivostimulation withC. perfringens, which was indirectly correlated with a decrease in macrophage activation based on nitric oxide (NO) production with no effect on lymphoid cell responsiveness as per intracellular interferon (IFN)-gamma (γ) staining.Ex vivostimulation withL. lactisactivated γδ T cells and αβ T cells, based on intracellular IFN-γ staining, while it had limited effect on macrophages. However, the ability of γδ and αβ T cells to produce IFN-γ and the ability of macrophages production of NO was rescued in the presence ofL. lactis.These results demonstrate the potential application ofL. lactis, as a probiotic, against virulentC. perfringensinfection in chicken.
Sex Disparities in the Association of Serum Uric Acid With Kidney Stone: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Xu Jin-Zhou , Lu Jun-Lin , Hu Liu , Xun Yang , Wan Zheng-Ce , Xia Qi-Dong , Qian Xiao-Yuan , Yang Yuan-Yuan , Hong Sen-Yuan , Lv Yong-Man , Wang Shao-Gang , Lei Xiao-Mei , Guan Wei , Li Cong
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Urolithiasis is characterized by high rates of prevalence and recurrence. Hyperuricemia is related to various diseases. We hope to determine the association between serum uric acid (UA) level and kidney stone (KS).

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study, a total of 82,017 Chinese individuals who underwent a comprehensive examination in 2017 were included. The KS was diagnosed based on ultrasonography examination outcomes. Fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) for KS, and mean difference between the two groups were applied to determine the association of UA level with KS.

Results

Among the 82,017 participants included in this study (aged 18~99 years), 9,435 participants (11.5%) are diagnosed with KS. A proportion of 56.3% of individuals is male. The mean UA level of overall participants is 341.77 μmol/L. The participants with KS report higher UA level than the participants without KS [mean UA level 369.91 vs. 338.11 μmol/L; mean difference (MD), 31.96 (95% CI, 29.61~34.28) μmol/L]. In men, the OR for KS significantly increases from 330 μmol/L UA level. Every 50 μmol/L elevation of UA level increases the risk of KS formation by about 10.7% above the UA level of 330 μmol/L in men. The subgroup analysis for male is consistent with the overall result except for the participants presenting underweight [adjusted OR, 1.035 (0.875~1.217); MD, −5.57 (−16.45~11.37)], low cholesterol [adjusted OR, 1.088 (0.938~1.261); MD, 8.18 (−7.93~24.68)] or high estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [adjusted OR, 1.044 (0.983~1.108); MD, 5.61 (−1.84~13.36)]. However, no significant association is observed in women between UA and KS either in all female participants or in female subgroups.

Conclusion

Among Chinese adults, UA level is associated with KS in a dose-response manner in men but not in women. However, the association becomes considerably weak in male participants with malnutrition status.
Impact of COVID-19 Infection Among Heart Transplant Recipients: A Southern Brazilian Experience
Authors: Scolari Fernando Luis , Hastenteufel Laura Caroline Tavares , Einsfeld Lídia , Bueno Julia , Orlandin Letícia , Clausell Nadine , Goldraich Lívia Adams
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a high risk of complications and death among heart transplant recipients. However, most cohorts are from high-income countries, while data from Latin America are sparse.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort of heart transplant recipients followed at a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between March 1st 2020 and October 1st 2021.

Results

Of the 62 heart transplant recipients on follow-up, 21 (34%) were infected by COVID-19, 58 (36–63) years of age, 67% male, body mass index of 26 (23-29) kg/m2, 48% with hypertension, 43% with chronic kidney disease, 5% with diabetes, within 2 (1–4) years of post-transplant follow-up. At presentation, the main symptoms were fever (62%), myalgia (33%), cough (33%), headache (33%), and dyspnea (19%). Hospitalization was required for 13 (62%) patients, with a time from first symptoms to the admission of 5 (1–12) days. In 38%, supplementary oxygen was needed, 19% required intensive care, and 10% mechanical ventilation. Three (14%) were infected after at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The main complications were bacterial pneumonia (38%), renal replacement therapy (19%), sepsis (10%) and venous thromboembolism (10%). Immunosuppression therapy was modified in 48%, with a reduction in the majority (89%). Two (10%) patients died in the hospital due to refractory hypoxemia and multiple organ dysfunction. The incidence of COVID-19 among transplant patients was comparable to the general population in the State of Rio Grande do Sul with a peak in December 2020.

Conclusion

Heart transplant recipients shown a high rate of COVID-19 infection in Southern Brazil, with typical symptom presentation in most cases. There was an elevated rate of hospitalization, supplementary oxygen support, and complications. In-hospital lethality among infected heart transplanted recipients was similar to previously reported data worldwide despite the high rates of infection in Latin America.
CGN Correlates With the Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tian Zijian , Meng Lingfeng , Wang Xin , Diao Tongxiang , Hu Maolin , Wang Miao , Zhang Yaqun , Liu Ming , Wang Jianye
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to screen and verify the important prognostic genes related to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and further analyze their relationship with the immune microenvironment. Gene expression profiles from the TCGA-KIRC, GSE46699, GSE36895, and GSE16449 datasets were utilized to explore differentially co-expressed genes in ccRCC. We screened 124 differentially co-expressed genes using a weighted gene co-expression network and differential gene expression analyses. Univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses revealed that the expressions of genes CGN, FECH, UCHL1, and WT1 were independently related to the overall survival of ccRCC patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed, and CGN was found to have the strongest correlation with the prognosis of ccRCC patients and was consequently selected for further analyses and experimental verification. The results showed that NK cell activation, resting dendritic cells, resting monocytes, and resting mast cells were positively correlated with CGN expression; CD4+ memory activated T cells, regulatory T cells, and M0 macrophages were negatively correlated with CGN expression. Finally, using western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we verified that the CGN protein level was down-regulated in ccRCC samples, which was consistent with the mRNA levels. CGN was thus identified as diagnosis and prognosis biomarker for ccRCC and is related to the immune microenvironment.
Sleep Disorders in Patients With Craniopharyngioma: A Physiopathological and Practical Update
Authors: Romigi Andrea , Feola Tiziana , Cappellano Simone , De Angelis Michelangelo , Pio Giacomo , Caccamo Marco , Testa Federica , Vitrani Giuseppe , Centonze Diego , Colonnese Claudio , Esposito Vincenzo , Jaffrain-Rea Marie-Lise
Published: February 2022

Sleep disorders (SDs) represent an important issue in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP). Nearly 70% of these patients complain of sleep-wake cycle alterations and/or excessive diurnal somnolence due to sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and/or central hypersomnia, including secondary narcolepsy. SDs may severely reduce quality of life, increase disease-related cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, and finally play a major role in increased long-term mortality reported on patients with CP. A major risk factor for SDs is represented by the hypothalamic syndrome, which may develop because of direct hypothalamic damage by the tumor itself and/or complications of the treatments, neurosurgery and/or radiotherapy, and typically includes permanent neuroendocrine dysfunctions, morbid obesity, and secondary metabolic disorders. Despite increasing attention to SDs in the general population, and in particular to OSA as a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases and excessive daytime somnolence, sleep evaluation is still not routinely proposed to patients with CP. Hence, SDs are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this paper is to update current knowledge of the pathogenesis and prevalence of SDs in patients with CP and propose practical algorithms for their evaluation and management in clinical practice. Particular attention is paid to screening and diagnostic tools for appropriate characterization of SDs, identification of risk factors, and potential role of hypothalamic sparing surgery in the prevention of morbid obesity and SDs. Available tools in sleep medicine, including lifestyle interventions, drugs, and respiratory devices, are discussed, as well as the importance of optimal hormone replacement and metabolic interventions. Current limits in the diagnosis and treatment of SDs in patients with CP and possible future avenues for research agenda are also considered.
A Real-World Observation of Antipsychotic Effects on Brain Volumes and Intrinsic Brain Activity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Yifan , Womer Fay Y. , Feng Ruiqi , Zhang Xizhe , Zhang Yanbo , Duan Jia , Chang Miao , Yin Zhiyang , Jiang Xiaowei , Wei Shengnan , Wei Yange , Tang Yanqing , Wang Fei
Published: February 2022

Background

The confounding effects of antipsychotics that led to the inconsistencies of neuroimaging findings have long been the barriers to understanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Although it is widely accepted that antipsychotics can alleviate psychotic symptoms during the early most acute phase, the longer-term effects of antipsychotics on the brain have been unclear. This study aims to look at the susceptibility of different imaging measures to longer-term medicated status through real-world observation.

Methods

We compared gray matter volume (GMV) with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) in 89 medicated-schizophrenia (med-SZ), 81 unmedicated-schizophrenia (unmed-SZ), and 235 healthy controls (HC), and the differences were explored for relationships between imaging modalities and clinical variables. We also analyzed age-related effects on GMV and ALFF values in the two patient groups (med-SZ and unmed-SZ).

Results

Med-SZ demonstrated less GMV in the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, cingulate gyri, and left insula than unmed-SZ and HC (p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected). Additionally, GMV loss correlated with psychiatric symptom relief in all SZ. However, medicated status did not influence ALFF values: all SZ showed increased ALFF in the anterior cerebrum and decreased ALFF in posterior visual cortices compared with HC (p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected). Age-related GMV effects were seen in all regions, which showed group-level differences except fusiform gyrus. No significant correlation was found between ALFF values and psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

GMV loss appeared to be pronounced to longer-term antipsychotics, whereby imbalanced alterations in regional low-frequency fluctuations persisted unaffected by antipsychotic treatment. Our findings may help to understand the disease course of SZ and potentially identify a reliable neuroimaging feature for diagnosis.
Divergence in Single Kernel Characteristics and Grain Nutritional Profiles of Wheat Genetic Resource and Association Among Traits
Authors: Khalid Anam , Hameed Amjad , Shamim Sadaf , Ahmad Javed
Published: February 2022

Triticum aestivum is among the few species of crops which has been widely grown as a source of food. For seed quality trait analysis, wheat germplasm (77 genotypes) was collected from Pakistan's diverse agro-climatic regions. Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed for tested parameters among tested genotypes. Genotypes with maximum protein content, i.e., GA2002 (16.5%) and Marvi (16.5%), moisture content, i.e., advance line 9,244 (11%), starch content, i.e., AARI 2011 (54.1%), zeleny sedimentation rate, i.e., advance line 2006 (44ml), wet gluten content, i.e., advance line 2006 (44%), kernel weight, i.e., advance line TC-4928 (41.6 ± 9.5 mg), kernel diameter, i.e., sassui (2.91 ± 0.32 mm), kernel moisture, i.e., AUQAB 2000 (11.7 ± 0.4%), Mairaj 2000 (11.7 ± 0.4%), and Barani-83 (11.7 ± 0.3%), and hardness index, i.e., Punjab 2011 (91 ± 39) are concluded as potential candidates to be explored for bakery products and the breeding program to improve quality attributes of wheat. Data were also analyzed for correlation, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis clustered all genotypes into five different groups. The D2 statistics confirmed maximum diversity of cluster-V genotypes against genotypes of cluster-IV regarding single kernel characteristics, whereas cluster-II genotypes revealed maximum diversity against cluster-III genotypes relating to grain nutritional profile. The contribution of PC-I regarding single kernel characteristics toward variability was highest (48.58%) and revealed positive factor loadings for kernel weight, kernel diameter, and kernel moisture, while the contribution of PC-I with respect to grain nutritional profile toward variability was highest (59.76%) and showed positive factor loadings for moisture and starch content. Varieties having good quality attributes can be combined by breeders via various breeding methods with the aim of developing high quality wheat in the future.
Photoperiod Control of Plant Growth: Flowering Time Genes Beyond Flowering
Authors: Osnato Michela , Cota Ignacio , Nebhnani Poonam , Cereijo Unai , Pelaz Soraya
Published: February 2022

Fluctuations in environmental conditions greatly influence life on earth. Plants, as sessile organisms, have developed molecular mechanisms to adapt their development to changes in daylength, or photoperiod. One of the first plant features that comes to mind as affected by the duration of the day is flowering time; we all bring up a clear image of spring blossom. However, for many plants flowering happens at other times of the year, and many other developmental aspects are also affected by changes in daylength, which range from hypocotyl elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana to tuberization in potato or autumn growth cessation in trees. Strikingly, many of the processes affected by photoperiod employ similar gene networks to respond to changes in the length of light/dark cycles. In this review, we have focused on developmental processes affected by photoperiod that share similar genes and gene regulatory networks.
Identification of a RelA/SpoT Homolog and Its Possible Role in the Accumulation of Astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Jin Hui , Lao Yong Min , Zhou Jin , Cai Zhong Hua
Published: February 2022

A RelA/SpoT homolog, HpRSH, was identified inHaematococcus pluvialis. HpRSH was found to catalyze Mg2+-dependent guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) synthesis and Mn2+-dependent ppGpp hydrolysis, respectively. The transcription of HpRSH was significantly upregulated by environmental stresses, such as darkness, high light, nitrogen limitation, and salinity stress. The intracellular ppGpp level was also increased when exposed to these stresses. In addition, the classical initiator of stringent response, serine hydroxamate (SHX), was found to upregulate the transcription of HpRSH and increase the level of ppGpp. Moreover, stringent response induced by SHX or environmental stresses was proven to induce the accumulation of astaxanthin. These results indicated that stringent response regulatory system involved in the regulation of astaxanthin biosynthesis inH. pluvialis.Furthermore, stringent response was unable to induce astaxanthin accumulation under dark condition. This result implied that stringent response may regulate astaxanthin biosynthesis in a light-dependent manner.
Polymerase II–Associated Factor 1 Complex-Regulated FLOWERING LOCUS C-Clade Genes Repress Flowering in Response to Chilling
Authors: Nasim Zeeshan , Susila Hendry , Jin Suhyun , Youn Geummin , Ahn Ji Hoon
Published: February 2022

RNA polymerase II–associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) regulates the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase primarily by modulating the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and FLOWERING LOCUS M [FLM, also known as MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING1 (MAF1)] at standard growth temperatures. However, the role of PAF1C in the regulation of flowering time at chilling temperatures (i.e., cold temperatures that are above freezing) and whether PAF1C affects other FLC-clade genes (MAF2–MAF5) remains unknown. Here, we showed that Arabidopsis thaliana mutants of any of the six known genes that encode components of PAF1C [CELL DIVISION CYCLE73/PLANT HOMOLOGOUS TO PARAFIBROMIN, VERNALIZATION INDEPENDENCE2 (VIP2)/EARLY FLOWERING7 (ELF7), VIP3, VIP4, VIP5, and VIP6/ELF8] showed temperature-insensitive early flowering across a broad temperature range (10°C–27°C). Flowering of PAF1C-deficient mutants at 10°C was even earlier than that in flc, flm, and flc flm mutants, suggesting that PAF1C regulates additional factors. Indeed, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of PAF1C-deficient mutants revealed downregulation of MAF2–MAF5 in addition to FLC and FLM at both 10 and 23°C. Consistent with the reduced expression of FLC and the FLC-clade members FLM/MAF1 and MAF2–MAF5, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-quantitative PCR assays showed reduced levels of the permissive epigenetic modification H3K4me3/H3K36me3 and increased levels of the repressive modification H3K27me3 at their chromatin. Knocking down MAF2–MAF5 using artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in the flc flm background (35S::amiR-MAF2–5 flc flm) resulted in significantly earlier flowering than flc flm mutants and even earlier than short vegetative phase (svp) mutants at 10°C. Wild-type seedlings showed higher accumulation of FLC and FLC-clade gene transcripts at 10°C compared to 23°C. Our yeast two-hybrid assays and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses revealed that MAF2–MAF5 directly interact with the prominent floral repressor SVP. Late flowering caused by SVP overexpression was almost completely suppressed by the elf7 and vip4 mutations, suggesting that SVP-mediated floral repression required a functional PAF1C. Taken together, our results showed that PAF1C regulates the transcription of FLC and FLC-clade genes to modulate temperature-responsive flowering at a broad range of temperatures and that the interaction between SVP and these FLC-clade proteins is important for floral repression.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Salt–Induced Phenotypic and Physiologic Responses in Rice at Seedling and Reproductive Stages
Authors: Chen Gang , Hu Keming , Zhao Jianhua , Guo Feifei , Shan Wenfeng , Jiang Qiuqing , Zhang Jinqiao , Guo Zilong , Feng Zhiming , Chen Zongxiang , Wu Xiaoxia , Zhang Shengwei , Zuo Shimin
Published: February 2022

Salinity is one of the main adverse environmental factors severely inhibiting rice growth and decreasing grain productivity. Developing rice varieties with salt tolerance (ST) is one of the most economical approaches to cope with salinity stress. In this study, the salt tolerance of 220 rice accessions from rice diversity panel l (RDP1), representing five subpopulations, were evaluated based on 16 ST indices at both seedling and reproductive stages under salt stress. An apparent inconsistency was found for ST between the two stages. Through a gene-based/tightly linked genome-wide association study with 201,332 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within genes and their flanking regions were used, a total of 214 SNPs related to 251 genes, significantly associated with 16 ST-related indices, were detected at both stages. Eighty-two SNPs with low frequency favorable (LFF) alleles in the population were proposed to hold high breeding potential in improving rice ST. Fifty-four rice accessions collectively containing all these LFF alleles were identified as donors of these alleles. Through the integration of meta-quantitative trait locus (QTL) for ST and the response patterns of differential expression genes to salt stress, thirty-eight candidate genes were suggested to be involved in the regulation of rice ST. In total, the present study provides valuable information for further characterizing ST-related genes and for breeding ST varieties across whole developmental stages through marker-assisted selection (MAS).
From Beethoven to Beyoncé: Do Changing Aesthetic Cultures Amount to “Cumulative Cultural Evolution?”
Authors: Sinclair Natalie C. , Ursell James , South Alex , Rendell Luke
Published: February 2022

Culture can be defined as “group typical behaviour patterns shared by members of a community that rely on socially learned and transmitted information” (Laland and Hoppitt, 2003, p. 151). Once thought to be a distinguishing characteristic of humans relative to other animals (Dean et al., 2014) it is now generally accepted to exist more widely, with especially abundant evidence in non-human primates, cetaceans, and birds (Rendell and Whitehead, 2001; Aplin, 2019; Whiten, 2021). More recently, cumulative cultural evolution (CCE) has taken on this distinguishing role (Henrich, 2015; Laland, 2018). CCE, it is argued, allows humans, uniquely, to ratchet up the complexity or efficiency of cultural traits over time. This “ratchet effect” (Tomasello, 1994) gives the capacity to accumulate beneficial modifications over time beyond the capacities of a single individual (Sasaki and Biro, 2017). Mesoudi and Thornton (2018) define a core set of criteria for identifying CCE in humans and non-human animals that places emphasis on some performance measure of traits increasing over time. They suggest this emphasis is also pertinent to cultural products in the aesthetic domain, but is this the case? Music, art and dance evolve over time (Savage, 2019), but can we say they gain beneficial modifications that increase their aesthetic value? Here we bring together perspectives from philosophy, musicology and biology to build a conceptual analysis of this question. We summarise current thinking on cumulative culture and aesthetics across fields to determine how aesthetic culture fits into the concept of CCE. We argue that this concept is problematic to reconcile with dominant views of aesthetics in philosophical analysis and struggles to characterise aesthetic cultures that evolve over time. We suggest that a tension arises from fundamental differences between cultural evolution in aesthetic and technological domains. Furthermore, this tension contributes to current debates between reconstructive and preservative theories of cultural evolution.
Diagnosis and Psychotherapeutic Needs by Early Maladaptive Schemas in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Rada Cornelia , Gheonea Dan , Ţieranu Cristian George , Popa Denisa Elena
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic and incurable. Imperious diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss, the main manifestations, cause a decrease in the quality of the patient’s personal and professional life. The objectives of this study were to identify a possible relationship between early maladaptive schemas and disease activity status using logistic regression, to identify the prevalence of early maladaptive schemes in patients and to propose a psychotherapeutic intervention plan. The following were found in a sample of 46 patients aged 16–76 years. An increase in the domain overvigilance and inhibition score had a significant effect (Wald = 6.583, p = 0.010), with an increase of 1.137 CI95% [1.031, 1.254] of the risk of the disease being diagnosed as active. High and very high scores were observed for the emotional deprivation scheme (nearly three-quarters) and dependence/incompetence, vulnerability to harm and illness and subjugation schemas (over 80%). The results show that the proposed model could predict and reconfirm the diagnosis; patients have specific psychotherapeutic needs. The therapeutic goal would be to offer care, empathy and protection, to strengthen self-confidence, to make patients realize that they have the ability to cope, to provide permission, encourage the patient to experiment, and guide the patient to express their anger healthily. The therapy scheme’s intervention could lead to increased long-term disease management capacity and, consequently, reduce costs directly and indirectly caused by this condition.
Using the Model, Lead, and Test Technique and “GoTalk NOW” App to Teach Children With Intellectual and Developmental Delays to Correctly Request
Authors: Almalki Nabil Sharaf
Published: February 2022

Augmentative and alternative communication systems have been successfully used to help pupils with intellectual and developmental disabilities for functional communication skills. Whereas the effects of the GoTalk NOW application (app) available on the iPad have been investigated, no such study has been conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the effects of the “model, lead, and test” (MLT) technique paired with the GoTalk NOW app, which is used to teach four children with intellectual and developmental delays to correctly request. The participants were four children (three boys and one girl) from 6 to 8 years of age with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A multiple baseline design was implemented across all participants. All four participants made clear progress using the GoTalk NOW app on the iPad, and implementation of the MLT technique was successful in helping the participants request correctly and independently. This study provided a practical, effective, and easy-to-use method for special education teachers to teach children with disabilities. It contributes to expand the range of teaching options for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Factors Influencing the Behavioural Intention to Use Cryptocurrency in Emerging Economies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Based on Technology Acceptance Model 3, Perceived Risk, and Financial Literacy
Authors: Jariyapan Prapatchon , Mattayaphutron Suchira , Gillani Syeda Noorzahrah , Shafique Owais
Published: February 2022

Cryptocurrency could redefine the interplay of Internet-connected world markets by eliminating constraints set by traditional local currencies and exchange rates. It has the potential to revolutionise digital markets through the use of duty-free trading. This study investigates the factors which influence the behavioural intention to use cryptocurrency based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM 3) during the COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic. Data were collected through a cross-sectional questionnaire from 357 Pakistani business-educated adults, including investors who had a rudimentary understanding of the technology and financial instruments. Partial least square (PLS)-based structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the developed theoretical framework based on the Technology acceptance model 3. The PLS model has explained 72.1% of what constitutes the behavioural intention to use cryptocurrency. Surprisingly, risk was not a major consideration. This might be due to the fact that the majority of respondents thought working with cryptocurrency was hazardous. Willingness to handle cryptocurrency risk, on the other hand, might be a stumbling block to acceptance. The most essential aspect of a cryptocurrency's success was the perceived usefulness. Moreover, the moderating role of experience was not substantiated in this study. However, perceived usefulness was identified as a partial mediator of subjective norm and the perceived ease to use. This study contributed to the literature through the application of TAM 3 (an extension of the technology acceptance models) to investigate the fundamental qualities a cryptocurrency should have in order to influence investor's behavioural intention to use it. These findings provide revolutionary insights for the present and future market players for investment planning and for improved cryptocurrencies development.
Effects of Age and Dietary Factors on the Blood Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Metabolites, Immunoglobulins, and Hormones of Goats
Authors: Abdelsattar Mahmoud M. , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Zhuang Yimin , Fu Yuze , Zhang Naifeng
Published: February 2022

The study was aimed to examine the effects of age and dietary beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) on blood BHBA and blood health indicators in goat kids. Thirty male goats of five ages (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months old) were selected for blood sampling to determine the influence of age. Another 64 goat kids (half males and half females) were weaned at 1 month old and fed with starter diets with control, low, medium, and high BHBA doses (0, 3, 6, and 9 g/animal/day, respectively). Six goats per treatment were selected for blood analysis at 2 and 3 months of age. There were significant effects (p < 0.01) of ages on the blood parameters of goat kids. The 6- and 12-month-old goats showed significantly lower blood total protein, globulin, BHBA, IgA, and IgM concentrations than did young goats, while they had a higher albumin-to-globulin ratio than young goats. The blood glucose decreased (p < 0.01) and IgG increased over time (p < 0.01). In blood, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were lower (p < 0.01) at 1- and 3-month-old goats than 12-month-old goats. The high dietary BHBA improved (p < 0.05) the ratio of albumin to globulin of 2-month-old kids compared with control. The blood GH and IGF-I were lower (p < 0.01) in the medium BHBA dose at 2 months of age than control. These results suggested that age greatly impacted blood composition, especially around weaning, and dietary BHBA showed beneficial regulating effects on blood total protein level in young goats.