bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luteolin Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging Damage by Modulating SIRT3/ROS/MAPK Signaling: An in vitro and in vivo Studies
Authors: Mu Jing , Ma Huisheng , Chen Hong , Zhang Xiaoxia , Ye Mengyi
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of luteolin in the mechanism of ultraviolet radiation B (UVB)-induced photoaging. An in vivo photoaging model was established using UVB irradiation of bare skin on the back of rats, and an in vitro photoaging model was established using UVB irradiation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Skin damage was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, skin and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by DHE and DCF fluorescent probes, mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining, and protein expressions were detected by immunofluorescence and Western Blot. Results from animal experiments showed that luteolin reduced UVB-induced erythema and wrinkle formation. Results from cellular assays showed that luteolin inhibited UVB-induced decrease in cell viability. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that luteolin reduced oxidative stress levels, decreased activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and increased collagen expression. Continued cellular experiments using 3-TYP, an inhibitor of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), revealed a loss of cellular protection by luteolin and a decrease in collagen, suggesting that luteolin acts by targeting and promoting SIRT3. luteolin is involved in the protection of skin cells against UVB radiation-induced ageing via the SIRT3/ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) axis and it may be a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of UVB photoaging.
Absence of Biomarker-Driven Treatment Options in Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Selected Preclinical Candidates for Next Generation Combination Therapies
Authors: Liguori Nicholas R. , Lee Young , Borges William , Zhou Lanlan , Azzoli Christopher , El-Deiry Wafik S.
Published: September 2021

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 15% of all lung cancers. In SCLC, more than other malignancies, the standard of care is based on clinical demonstration of efficacy, and less on a mechanistic understanding of why certain treatments work better than others. This is in large part due to the virulence of the disease, and lack of clinically or biologically relevant biomarkers beyond routine histopathology. While first line therapies work in the majority of patients with extensive stage disease, development of resistance is nearly universal. Although neuroendocrine features, Rb and p53 mutations are common, the current lack of actionable biomarkers has made it difficult to develop more effective treatments. Some progress has been made with the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors. There are new agents, such as lurbinectedin, that have completed late-phase clinical testing while other agents are still in the pre-clinical phase. ONC201/TIC10 is an imipridone with strong in vivo and in vitro antitumor properties and activity against neuroendocrine tumors in phase 1 clinical testing. ONC201 activates the cellular integrated stress response and induces the TRAIL pro-apoptotic pathway. Combination treatment of lurbinectedin with ONC201 are currently being investigated in preclinical studies that may facilitate translation into clinical trials for SCLC patients.
LncRNA GAS5 Competitively Combined With miR-21 Regulates PTEN and Influences EMT of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Yi , Zhao Xingxu , Ma Jianfei , Yang Lina
Published: September 2021

Objective

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important factor leading to peritoneal fibrosis (PF) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The current research aimed to evaluate the effect of long non-coding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 (lncRNA GAS5) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) EMT and explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

HPMCs were cultured under control conditions or with high glucose (HG). The cells were then treated with lncRNA GAS5, lncRNA GAS5 siRNA, with or without miR-21 inhibitor and PTEN transfection. Expression of lncRNA GAS5, miR-21, α-SMA, Vimentin, E-cadherin, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), Wnt3a, and β-catenin were measured by real time PCR and Western blotting. Bioinformatics analyses were used to test the specific binding sites between the 3′ UTR of the PTEN gene, miR-21, and lncRNA GAS5. Rescue experiments were performed to confirm the lncRNA GAS5/miR-21/PTEN axis in HPMC EMT.

Results

We found that HG-induced EMT decreased lncRNA GAS5 and that overexpression of lncRNA GAS5 can attenuate EMT in HPMCs. In addition, lncRNA GAS5 regulated HG-induced EMT through miR-21/PTEN. Cotransfection of miR-21 inhibitors remarkably increased PTEN expression and attenuated EMT in lncRNA GAS5 knockdown HPMCs. Moreover, rescue experiments showed that overexpression of PTEN attenuated the EMT effects of lncRNA GAS5 siRNA in HPMCs. We also confirmed that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was stimulated in lncRNA GAS5/miR-21/PTEN-mediated EMT.

Conclusion

Our research showed that lncRNA GAS5 competitively combined with miR-21 to regulate PTEN expression and influence EMT of HPMCs via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study provides novel evidence that lncRNA GAS5 may be a potential therapeutic target for HPMC EMT.
Effects of Patent Ductus Arteriosus on the Hemodynamics of Modified Blalock–Taussig Shunt Based on Patient-Specific Simulation
Authors: Xiong Jiwen , Sun Qi , Qian Yi , Hu Liwei , Tong Zhirong , Liu Jinfen , Liu Jinlong
Published: September 2021

The question of preserving the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) during the modified Blalock–Taussig shunt (MBTS) procedure remains controversial. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the PDA on the flow features of the MBTS to help with preoperative surgery design and postoperative prediction. In this study, a patient with pulmonary atresia and PDA was included. A patient-specific three-dimensional model was reconstructed, and virtual surgeries of shunt insertion and ductus ligation were performed using computer-aided design. Computational fluid dynamics was utilized to analyze the hemodynamic parameters of varied models based on the patient-specific anatomy and physiological data. The preservation of the PDA competitively reduced the shunt flow but increased total pulmonary perfusion. The shunt flow and ductal flow collided, causing significant and complicated turbulence in the pulmonary artery where low wall shear stress, high oscillatory shear index, and high relative residence time were distributed. The highest energy loss was found when the PDA was preserved. The preservation of PDA is not recommended during MBTS procedures because it negatively influences hemodynamics. This may lead to pulmonary overperfusion, inadequate systemic perfusion, and a heavier cardiac burden, thus increasing the risk of heart failure. Also, it seems to bring no benefit in terms of reducing the risk for thrombosis.
Hemodynamic Responses in Carotid Bifurcation Induced by Enhanced External Counterpulsation Stimulation in Healthy Controls and Patients With Neurological Disorders
Authors: Tian Shuai , Pan Wei , Peng Junping , Wang Hui , Deng Bin , Liang Yi , Li Xinghua , Liu Huahui , Wang Yujia , Luo Bin , Du Jianhang
Published: September 2021

Enhanced external counterpulsation is a Food and Drug Administration–approved, non-invasive, assisted circulation therapy for ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Previous studies have confirmed that EECP stimulation induces largely different cerebral hemodynamic responses in patients with ischemic stroke and healthy controls. However, the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. We hypothesize that different blood redistributions at the carotid bifurcation may play a key role. Ten subjects were enrolled in this study, namely, five patients with neurological disorders and five young healthy volunteers as controls. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed on the carotid artery. All the subjects received a single session of EECP treatment, with external cuff pressures ranging from 20 to 40 kPa. Vascular ultrasound measurements were taken in the common carotid artery (CCA), external carotid artery (ECA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Three-dimensional patient-specific numerical models were developed to calculate the WSS-derived hemodynamic factors. The results indicated that EECP increased CCA and ECA blood flow in both groups. The ICA blood flow in the patient group exhibited a mean increase of 6.67% during EECP treatment compared with the pre-EECP condition; a mean decrease of 9.2% was observed in the healthy control group. EECP increased the averaged wall shear stress (AWSS) throughout the carotid bifurcation in the patient group; the ICA AWSS of the healthy group decreased during EECP. In both groups, the oscillatory shear index (OSI) in the ICA increased proportionally with external cuff pressure. In addition, the relative resident time (RRT) was constant or slightly decreased in the CCA and ECA in both groups but increased in the ICA. We suggest that the benefits of EECP to patients with neurological disorders may partly result from blood flow promotion in the ICA and increase in WSS at the carotid bifurcation. In the healthy subjects, the ICA blood flow remained constant during EECP, although the CCA blood flow increased significantly. A relatively low external cuff pressure (20 kPa) is recommended as the optimal treatment pressure for better hemodynamic effects. This study may play an important role in the translation of physiological benefits of EECP treatment in populations with or without neurological disorders.
Involvement of Cis-Acting Elements in Molecular Regulation of JH-Mediated Vitellogenin Gene 2 of Female Periplaneta americana
Authors: Elgendy Azza M. , Mohamed Amr A. , Duvic Bernard , Tufail Muhammad , Takeda Makio
Published: September 2021

Vitellogenins (Vgs) are yolk protein precursors that are regulated by juvenile hormone (JH) and/or 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in insects. JH acts as the principal gonadotropin that stimulates vitellogenesis in hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Periplaneta americana Vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) promoter. Multiple sites for putative transcription factor binding were predicted for the 1,804 bp Vg2 promoter region, such as the Broad-Complex, ecdysone response element (EcRE), GATA, Hairy, JH response element (JHRE), and Methoprene (Met)-binding motif, among others. Luciferase reporter assay has identified that construct −177 bp is enough to support JH III induction but not 20E suppression. This 38 bp region (from −177 to −139 bp) contains two conserved response element half-sites separated by 2 nucleotides spacer (DR2) and is designated as Vg2RE (−168GAGTCACGGAGTCGCCGCTG−149). Mutation assay and luciferase assay data using mutated constructs verified the crucial role of G residues in Vg2RE for binding the isolated fat body nuclear protein. In Sf9 cells, a luciferase reporter placed under the control of a minimal promoter containing Vg2RE was induced by JH III in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nuclear proteins isolated from previtellogenic female fat body cells bound to Vg2RE, and this binding was outcompeted by a 50-fold excess of cold Drosophila melanogaster DR4 and Galleria mellonella JH binding protein response elements (Chorion factor-I/Ultraspiracle). Affinity pull-down experiment with nuclear extracts of previtellogenic female fat body, using 31-bp probe Vg2RE as bait, yielded a 71 kDa candidate nuclear protein that may mediate the regulatory action of the JH III.
Exercise-Induced Adult Cardiomyocyte Proliferation in Mammals
Authors: Zhang Guo-liang , Sun Ming-li , Zhang Xin-an
Published: September 2021

Loss of cardiomyocytes is a vital manifestation and predisposing factor of many cardiovascular diseases and will eventually lead to heart failure (HF). On the other hand, adult mammalian cardiomyocytes have a very limited regenerative capacity and cannot achieve self-repair of the myocardium after injury. Therefore, it is necessary to promote regeneration and repair of the myocardium through effective intervention means. Exercise plays an important role in the prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise can improve ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduce the size of the infarcted area, and improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, exercise has also been shown to be able to elevate the proliferative potential of adult cardiomyocytes and promote myocardial regeneration. Studies have shown that newly formed cardiomyocytes in adult mammalian hearts are mainly derived from pre-existing cardiomyocytes. By regulating various cytokines, transcription factors, and microRNAs (miRNAs), exercise can promote the dedifferentiation and proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes to form new cardiomyocytes. Therefore, this paper focuses on the recent research progress of exercise-induced adult cardiomyocyte proliferation and explores its potential molecular mechanism.
Revealing the Angiopathy of Lacrimal Gland Lesion in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Xue Junfa , Zhang Bin , Dou Shengqian , Zhou Qingjun , Ding Min , Zhou Mingming , Wang Huifeng , Dong Yanling , Li Dongfang , Xie Lixin
Published: September 2021

For a better understanding of diabetic angiopathy (DA), the potential biomarkers in lacrimal DA and its potential mechanism, we evaluated the morphological and hemodynamic alterations of lacrimal glands (LGs) in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy counterparts by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). We further established a type 2 diabetic mice model and performed hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining of CD31, RNA-sequencing analysis, and connectivity map (CMap) analysis. We found atrophy and ischemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and mice models. Furthermore, we identified 846 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vehicle mice by RNA-seq. The gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated significant enrichment of immune system process, regulation of blood circulation, apoptotic, regulation of secretion, regulation of blood vessel diameter, and so on. The molecular complex detection (MCODE) showed 17 genes were involved in the most significant module, and 6/17 genes were involved in vascular disorders. CytoHubba revealed the top 10 hub genes of DEGs, and four hub genes (App, F5, Fgg, and Gas6) related to vascular regulation were identified repeatedly by MCODE and cytoHubba. GeneMANIA analysis demonstrated functions of the four hub genes above and their associated molecules were primarily related to the regulation of circulation and coagulation. CMap analysis found several small molecular compounds to reverse the altered DEGs, including disulfiram, bumetanide, genistein, and so on. Our outputs could empower the novel potential targets to treat lacrimal angiopathy, diabetes dry eye, and other diabetes-related diseases.
The Road to Sorghum Domestication: Evidence From Nucleotide Diversity and Gene Expression Patterns
Authors: Burgarella Concetta , Berger Angélique , Glémin Sylvain , David Jacques , Terrier Nancy , Deu Monique , Pot David
Published: September 2021

Native African cereals (sorghum, millets) ensure food security to millions of low-income people from low fertility and drought-prone regions of Africa and Asia. In spite of their agronomic importance, the genetic bases of their phenotype and adaptations are still not well-understood. Here we focus on Sorghum bicolor, which is the fifth cereal worldwide for grain production and constitutes the staple food for around 500 million people. We leverage transcriptomic resources to address the adaptive consequences of the domestication process. Gene expression and nucleotide variability were analyzed in 11 domesticated and nine wild accessions. We documented a downregulation of expression and a reduction of diversity both in nucleotide polymorphism (30%) and gene expression levels (18%) in domesticated sorghum. These findings at the genome-wide level support the occurrence of a global reduction of diversity during the domestication process, although several genes also showed patterns consistent with the action of selection. Nine hundred and forty-nine genes were significantly differentially expressed between wild and domesticated gene pools. Their functional annotation points to metabolic pathways most likely contributing to the sorghum domestication syndrome, such as photosynthesis and auxin metabolism. Coexpression network analyzes revealed 21 clusters of genes sharing similar expression patterns. Four clusters (totaling 2,449 genes) were significantly enriched in differentially expressed genes between the wild and domesticated pools and two were also enriched in domestication and improvement genes previously identified in sorghum. These findings reinforce the evidence that the combined and intricated effects of the domestication and improvement processes do not only affect the behaviors of a few genes but led to a large rewiring of the transcriptome. Overall, these analyzes pave the way toward the identification of key domestication genes valuable for genetic resources characterization and breeding purposes.
MicroRNAs in Woody Plants
Authors: Fang Lisha , Wang Yanmei
Published: September 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (∼21-nucleotides) non-coding RNAs found in plant and animals. MiRNAs function as critical post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in their target mRNAs, leading to mRNA destabilization and translational inhibition. Plant miRNAs have some distinct characteristics compared to their animal counterparts, including greater evolutionary conservation and unique miRNA processing methods. The lifecycle of a plant begins with embryogenesis and progresses through seed germination, vegetative growth, reproductive growth, flowering and fruiting, and finally senescence and death. MiRNAs participate in the transformation of plant growth and development and directly monitor progression of these processes and the expression of certain morphological characteristics by regulating transcription factor genes involved in cell growth and differentiation. In woody plants, a large and rapidly increasing number of miRNAs have been identified, but their biological functions are largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the progress of miRNA research in woody plants to date. In particular, we discuss the potential roles of these miRNAs in growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stresses responses in woody plants.
Comparative Inter- and IntraSpecies Transcriptomics Revealed Key Differential Pathways Associated With Aluminium Stress Tolerance in Lentil
Authors: Singh Chandan Kumar , Singh Dharmendra , Taunk Jyoti , Chaudhary Priya , Tomar Ram Sewak Singh , Chandra Shivani , Singh Deepti , Pal Madan , Konjengbam Noren Singh , Singh M. Premjit , Singh Sengar Rakesh , Sarker Ashutosh
Published: September 2021

Aluminium stress causes plant growth retardation and engenders productivity loss under acidic soil conditions. This study accentuates morpho-physiological and molecular bases of aluminium (Al) tolerance within and between wild (ILWL-15) and cultivated (L-4602 and BM-4) lentil species. Morpho-physiological studies revealed better cyto-morphology of tolerant genotypes over sensitive under Al3+ stress conditions. Mitotic lesions were observed in root cells under these conditions. Transcriptome analysis under Al3+ stress revealed 30,158 specifically up-regulated genes in different comparison groups showing contigs between 15,305 and 18,861 bp. In tolerant genotypes, top up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be involved in organic acid synthesis and exudation, production of antioxidants, callose synthesis, protein degradation, and phytohormone- and calcium-mediated signalling under stress conditions. DEGs associated with epigenetic regulation and Al3+ sequestration inside vacuole were specifically upregulated in wild and cultivars, respectively. Based on assembled unigenes, an average of 6,645.7 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 14,953.7 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were spotted. By quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), 12 selected genes were validated. Gene ontology (GO) annotation revealed a total of 8,757 GO terms in three categories, viz., molecular, biological, and cellular processes. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway scanning also revealed another probable pathway pertaining to metacaspase-1,−4, and −9 for programmed cell death under Al-stress conditions. This investigation reveals key inter- and intraspecies metabolic pathways associated with Al-stress tolerance in lentil species that can be utilised in designing future breeding programmes to improve lentil and related species towards Al3+ stress.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Seed Folate Content in Common Bean
Authors: Martin C. Joe , Torkamaneh Davoud , Arif Muhammad , Pauls Karl Peter
Published: September 2021

Plant-derived folates (Vitamin B9) are essential components of the human diet. They provide one-carbon units that are required for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, and folate deficiency is associated with numerous adverse health conditions. The development of high-folate cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and other staple crops is an important tool to combat folate deficiency. A population of 96 P. vulgaris accessions, representing major North American market classes, was grown in 2 years in Ontario, Canada. The population was genotyped for 5,361 molecular markers with an Illumina Infinium platform. Total folate was extracted from mature seeds using the tri-enzyme extraction method and quantified based on a microbiological assay with Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Significant genetic diversity for folate content was observed among the population in both years of study, and folate content had a range 113–222 μg per 100 g of seeds. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed folate content were identified based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Six QTL were identified on Chr. 4, 6, 8, and 11, with three in each year of field trials. Both QTL on Chr. 11 occurred in genomic regions that were syntenic to seed folate QTL detected in previous work with P. vulgaris, Z. mays, and O. sativa. Candidate genes were identified for these QTL that might be targets for the development of molecular markers for selecting P. vulgaris cultivars with improved seed folate content. This work reports the largest survey of genetic diversity for seed folate content in P. vulgaris and identified several genotypes, including SCN4, Bat 93, OAC Redstar, and Pompadour 1014, that would be useful for breeding beans with higher than average folate levels.
Association Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Reveal Effects of the Genetic Interaction Between PtoMIR403b and PtoGT31B-1 on Wood Formation in Populus tomentosa
Authors: Xiao Liang , Man Liting , Yang Lina , Zhang Jinmei , Liu Baoyao , Quan Mingyang , Lu Wenjie , Fang Yuanyuan , Wang Dan , Du Qingzhang , Zhang Deqiang
Published: September 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, play a crucial role in plant growth and development. A single miRNA can regulate numerous target genes, making the determination of its function and interaction with targets challenging. We identified PtomiR403b target to PtoGT31B-1, which encodes a galactosyltransferase responsible for the biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides. We performed an association study and epistasis and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore how the genetic interaction between PtoMIR403b and its target PtoGT31B-1 underlies wood formation. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based association studies identified 25 significant associations (P < 0.01, Q < 0.05), and PtoMIR403b and PtoGT31B-1 were associated with five traits, suggesting a role for PtomiR403b and PtoGT31B-1 in wood formation. Epistasis analysis identified 93 significant pairwise epistatic associations with 10 wood formation traits, and 37.89% of the SNP-SNP pairs indicated interactions between PtoMIR403b and PtoGT31B-1. We performed an MR analysis to demonstrate the causality of the relationships between SNPs in PtoMIR403b and wood property traits and that PtoMIR403b modulates wood formation by regulating expression of PtoGT31B-1. Therefore, our findings will facilitate dissection of the functions and interactions with miRNA-targets.
The Rapid Cytological Process of Grain Determines Early Maturity in Weedy Rice
Authors: Zhao Can , Xu Wenrong , Li Hewei , Dai Weimin , Zhang Zheng , Qiang Sheng , Song Xiaoling
Published: September 2021

Shorter grain-filling period and rapid endosperm development endow weedy rice (WR) with early maturity compared to cultivated rice (CR). However, the role of the cytological features and antioxidative enzyme system during grain development are largely unexplored. We selected four biotypes of WR and their associated cultivated rice (ACR) types from different latitudes to conduct a common garden experiment. The difference in the cytological features of endosperm between WR and ACR was compared by chemical staining, and the cell viability and nuclear morphometry of endosperm cells were observed by optical microscopy. Furthermore, antioxidative enzyme activity was measured during grain filling. Anatomic observation of endosperm shows that the development process of endosperm cell in WR was more rapid and earlier than that in ACR. The percentage of degraded nuclei of WR was 2–83% more than that of ACR. Endosperm cells in WR lost viability 2–6 days earlier than those in ACR. The antioxidant enzyme activity of WR was lower than that of ACR during grain filling. The ability of WR to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) was weaker than that of ACR, which may contribute to the rapid cytological process in the endosperm cells of WR. The rapid cytological process and weaker ability to scavenge ROS in endosperm cells may contribute to early maturity in WR.
The Response of Grain Yield and Root Morphological and Physiological Traits to Nitrogen Levels in Paddy Rice
Authors: Xin Wei , Liu Hualong , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Jingguo , Zheng Hongliang , Jia Yan , Yang Luomiao , Wang Xinpeng , Li Jiaming , Li Xianwei , Lei Lei , Zou Detang
Published: September 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop in China. Although it is known that its yield is restricted by nitrogen (N) supply, the response of the root system to N supply specifically has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of N uptake on grain yield to clarify the relationships between root morphophysiological traits and N uptake, and to understand relation between phytohormones and root morphophysiological traits. Two N-efficient absorption cultivars (NEAs) and two N-inefficient absorption cultivars (NIAs) were grown in the field, and three N conditions, deficient N (60 kg ha–1), intermediate N (180 kg ha–1), and sufficient N (240 kg ha–1), were applied during the growing season. The results showed higher dry matter and grain yield in NEAs than in NIAs, which was mainly attributed to increased N uptake in the mid- and late growth stages under all N conditions. And NEAs have different root regulation methods to obtain higher N accumulation and yield under different N supply conditions. Under lower N conditions, compared with NIAs, NEAs shown greater total root length, root oxidation activity, and root active absorbing surface area and smaller root diameter owing to higher indole-3-acetic acid and cytokinin content and lower 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid content in the early growth stages to respond to low N stress faster, laying a morphophysiological basis for its high N-uptake capacity in the mid- and late growth stages. Under higher N conditions, NEAs had higher root oxidation activity and root active absorbing surface area for N uptake and yield formation owing to higher abscisic acid and cytokinin content in the mid- and late growth stages, which improved the seed setting rate, thereby increasing the rice grain yield. These results suggest that NEAs can optimize the morphophysiological characteristics of roots through phytohormone regulation to adapt to different nutrient conditions, thereby promoting N accumulation and yield formation in rice.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Regulated Grain Storage Protein Synthesis and Reduced Chalkiness of Rice Under Actual Field Warming
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Wang Kailu , Yin Tongyang , Zhao Yufei , Liu Wenzhe , Shen Yingying , Ding Yanfeng , Tang She
Published: September 2021

Our previous study has shown that nitrogen plays an important role in dealing with significantly increased chalkiness caused by elevated temperature. However, the role of nitrogen metabolites has not been given sufficient attention, and its regulatory mechanism is not clear. This study investigated the effects of high temperature and nitrogen fertilizer on the synthesis of grain storage protein and further explored the quality mechanism under the actual scenario of field warming. Results showed that increased temperature and nitrogen fertilizer could affect the activities of nitrogen metabolism enzymes, namely, glutamate synthetase, glutamine synthetase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and the expressions of storage protein synthesis factor genes, namely, GluA and GluB, and subfamily genes, namely, pro14, BiP1, and PDIL1, which co-induced the changes of storage protein synthesis in rice grains. Furthermore, the increased temperature changed the balance of grain storage substances which may lead to the significantly increased chalky rate (197.67%) and chalkiness (532.92%). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between prolamin content and chalkiness, indicating that nitrogen fertilizer might regulate the formation of chalkiness by affecting the synthesis of prolamin. Results suggested that nitrogen application could regulate the related core factors involved in nitrogen metabolism pathways, which, in turn, affects the changes in the storage protein components in the grain and further affects quality. Therefore, as a conventional cultivation measure, nitrogen application would have a certain value in future rice production in response to climate warming.
Engineered Accumulation of Bicarbonate in Plant Chloroplasts: Known Knowns and Known Unknowns
Authors: Rottet Sarah , Förster Britta , Hee Wei Yih , Rourke Loraine M. , Price G. Dean , Long Benedict M.
Published: September 2021

Heterologous synthesis of a biophysical CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in plant chloroplasts offers significant potential to improve the photosynthetic efficiency of C3plants and could translate into substantial increases in crop yield. In organisms utilizing a biophysical CCM, this mechanism efficiently surrounds a high turnover rate Rubisco with elevated CO2concentrations to maximize carboxylation rates. A critical feature of both native biophysical CCMs and one engineered into a C3plant chloroplast is functional bicarbonate (HCO3−) transporters and vectorial CO2-to-HCO3−converters. Engineering strategies aim to locate these transporters and conversion systems to the C3chloroplast, enabling elevation of HCO3−concentrations within the chloroplast stroma. Several CCM components have been identified in proteobacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae as likely candidates for this approach, yet their successful functional expression in C3plant chloroplasts remains elusive. Here, we discuss the challenges in expressing and regulating functional HCO3−transporter, and CO2-to-HCO3−converter candidates in chloroplast membranes as an essential step in engineering a biophysical CCM within plant chloroplasts. We highlight the broad technical and physiological concerns which must be considered in proposed engineering strategies, and present our current status of both knowledge and knowledge-gaps which will affect successful engineering outcomes.
Differential Transcriptomic Regulation in Sweet Orange Fruit (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) Following Dehydration and Rehydration Conditions Leading to Peel Damage
Authors: Romero Paco , Lafuente Maria Teresa , Alferez Fernando
Published: September 2021

Water stress is the most important environmental agent that contributes to the crop productivity and quality losses globally. In citrus, water stress is the main driver of the fruit peel disorders that impact the quality and market ability. An increasingly present post-harvest peel disorder is non-chilling peel pitting (NCPP). Non-chilling peel pitting is manifested as collapsed areas of flavedo randomly scattered on the fruit and its incidence increases due to abrupt increases in the environmental relative humidity (RH) during post-harvest fruit manipulation. In this study, we have used a custom-made cDNA microarray containing 44k unigenes fromCitrus sinensis(L. Osbeck), covering for the first time the whole genome from this species, to study transcriptomic responses of mature citrus fruit to water stress. In the study, the global gene expression profiles of flavedo from Navelate oranges subjected to severe water stress are compared with those fruits subjected to rehydration stress provoked by changes in the RH during post-harvest, which enhances the development of NCPP. The study results show that NCPP is a complex physiological process that shares molecular responses with those from prolonged dehydration in fruit, but the damage associated with NCPP may be explained by unique features of rehydration stress at the molecular level, such as membrane disorganization, cell wall modification, and proteolysis.
Working Under the Gun: A Theoretical Analysis of Stressors Associated With the Re-negotiation of Norms and Control of Work Tasks During COVID-19
Authors: Kant Leo , Norman Elisabeth
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many of the world's nations to impose numerous preventive and mitigative measures to increase social distance, including various forms of home isolation and quarantine. A central premise for the current paper is that the COVID-19 situation is likely to constitute a massive re-negotiation of social and organizational norms, which may lead to psychological distress at the individual, family and interpersonal level. Virtually overnight, people have to re-define what is expected and deemed appropriate by a given group member in a certain social setting. This goes for all kinds of general social interaction, such as societal, even multinational medical demands on social distancing. Simultaneously it also goes for a sudden, gargantuan re-division of labor in a complex global system. We provide a theoretical analysis of the potential consequences of re-negotiation of norms from the perspective of four sets of psychological theory: Theory of professions; organizational strategic crisis responses; the job-demands-resources model; and theories addressing the interplay between norm violations and psychological distance. From these theories we derive three suggestions that the discussion centers around: (1) The COVID-19 situation leads to a massive re-negotiation of norms related to work, (2) The COVID-19 situation diffuses the demarcation between the various professional arenas and the private sphere, and this diffusion enhances the stress associated with norm conflict, and (3) Norm conflicts are enhanced by digitalization. Our discussion centers on potential stressors associated with the renegotiation of norms, and also includes a few suggestions for practice. For each theoretical suggestion, we give examples of how the suggestion may manifest itself with respect to (a) the work task, (b) the individual's relationship to their leader and/or organization, and (c) interpersonal relationships. We finally point to some theoretical and applied implications.
The Gaps Between the Self and Professional Evaluation in Mental Health Assessment of COVID-19 Cluster Cases
Authors: Liu Ligai , Wang Xin , Hao Yiwei , Yang Jingming , Yang Di , Duan Xuefei , Fang Gaoli , Han Bing , Jiang Chunguo , Li Junnan , Liu Yao , Wang Yang , Song Rui
Published: September 2021

Objective: To analyze the discrepancy between self-rating and professional evaluation of mental health status in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cluster cases.

Method: A total of 65 COVID-19 cluster cases admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital Capital Medical University from June 14, 2020 to June 16, 2020 were included in the study. Mental health assessment was completed by self-rating and professional evaluation. The gaps between self-rating and professional evaluation in different demographic characteristics were compared.

Results: The results of self-rating were inconsistent with those of professional evaluation. The gap was statistically different among certain demographic subgroups. As for anxiety, the gaps had remarkable statistics differences in subgroups of sex, monthly income, infection way, and anxiety/depression medical history. Similarly, in the terms of depression, the gaps had significant statistic differences in the subgroups of the medical history of anxiety/depression, history of physical disease, employment status and the insurance type, marriage, education (year), residing in Beijing (year), and the monthly income.

Conclusion: Compared to the professional evaluation, patients had a higher self-rating, which may be related to some demographic characteristics. It suggests that screening can be conducted in patients with COVID-19 by self-rating first, and then professional evaluation should be carried out in the patients with suspicious or positive results.
Personality Traits and Insomnia Symptoms in Shift Workers
Authors: Holzinger Brigitte , Mayer Lucille , Klösch Gerhard
Published: September 2021

The discrepancy between natural sleep-wake rhythm and actual sleep times in shift workers can cause sleep loss and negative daytime consequences. Irregular shift schedules do not follow a fixed structure and change frequently, which makes them particularly harmful and makes affected individuals more susceptible to insomnia. The present study compares insomnia symptoms of non-shift workers, regular shift workers, and irregular shift workers and takes into account the moderating role of the Big Five personality traits and levels of perfectionism. Employees of an Austrian railway company completed an online survey assessing shift schedules, sleep quality and duration, daytime sleepiness, and personality traits. A total of 305 participants, of whom 111 were non-shift workers, 60 regular shift workers, and 134 irregular shift workers, made up the final sample. Irregular shift workers achieved significantly worse scores than one or both of the other groups in time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep latency, and the number of awakenings. However, the values of the irregular shifts workers are still in the average range and do not indicate clinical insomnia. Participants working regular shifts reported the best sleep quality and longest sleep duration and showed the least nocturnal awakenings, possibly due to higher conscientiousness- and lower neuroticism scores in this group. Agreeableness increased the effect of work schedule on total sleep time while decreasing its effect on the amount of sleep medication taken. Perfectionism increased the effect of work schedule on time in bed and total sleep time. Generalization of results is limited due to the high percentage of males in the sample and using self-report measures only.
Construction of Innovation Behavior of College-Student Entrepreneurs Using Entrepreneurship and Innovation Theory Under Educational Psychology
Authors: Zhang Baoge , Han Song , Xu Qiuyan , Jiao Lan
Published: September 2021

The purpose is to analyze the entrepreneurship and innovation education of colleges from the perspective of educational psychology and optimize the teaching mode reform of entrepreneurship and innovation courses. In this study, the theoretical research and case studies are combined to explore the performance of college-student entrepreneurs during college and work and have provided data for targeted entrepreneurship and innovation education in the schools. Meanwhile, the specific manifestation of the entrepreneurial spirit during work is analyzed, and the impact of entrepreneurial spirit is discussed on the new venture performance. The case study shows that most of the surveyed college-student entrepreneurs have a higher educational background and short venture-creation time, and their ventures are mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with rapid development. Most entrepreneurs show a strong entrepreneurial spirit during college. Among them, the average score of honesty is 3.85. At work, the surveyed entrepreneurs have high innovation attitude and innovation intention. Most entrepreneurs use innovative methods to solve practical problems in their work, and innovation spirit plays an important role in improving venture performance. Innovation attitude and innovation performance have a significant positive impact on innovation behavior. The research is comprehensive, and the results have very important application value. The results can provide scientific and effective references for colleges to reform entrepreneurship and innovation education.
How Does Leader Empowering Behavior Promote Employee Knowledge Sharing? The Perspective of Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Xiang Shuting , Zhang Yuan , Ning Nan , Wu Shan , Chen Weiru
Published: September 2021

Although scholars have recognized the important role of leader empowering behavior in promoting employee knowledge sharing, investigations on the potential underlying mechanism are still limited. To enrich studies revealing the possible underlying paths, drawing on self-determination theory, this paper proposes a moderated mediation model. We propose that employee self-determination plays a mediating role and employee proactivity moderates the mediating effect. We test our hypotheses based on data collected from 230 employees across a three-wave study. The empirical results demonstrate that leader empowering behavior promotes employee knowledge sharing by enhancing employee self-determination. Employees’ proactive personality moderates the indirect effect such that the indirect effect is stronger when employees have high levels of proactive personality. This paper thus contributes to the related literature and reveals practical implications.
A Library of Old Photos Supporting Conversation of Two Generations Serving Reminiscence Therapy
Authors: Jiang Lei , Siriaraya Panote , Choi Dongeun , Kuwahara Noriaki
Published: September 2021

In Japan, a shift in family patterns has led to a sense of social isolation among older people, which increases the risk of major neurocognitive disorder. Interventions for them using old photos to implement reminiscence therapy (RT) have been proved to be effective. A super-aged society has in turn led to a shortage of medical resources and older people prefer home care over institutional care. Therefore, there is an urgent need for volunteers to help in RT. However, the age of volunteers tends to be increasingly younger. The lack of knowledge and experience of the past for the young volunteers makes it difficult for them to select appropriate stimulated materials. To improve this situation, a library of old photos for RT was developed to support conversation between the two generations. A two-factor experiment and emotion assessment scales were designed to explore the effect of different old photo types on the fluency of conversation between the two generations and their emotion. It was found that the types of old photos have little effect on older people and that conversations were almost pleasant. However, the pleasantness of older people was enhanced when using photos that they wanted to talk about (P= 0.006). Meanwhile, pleasure in conversation of the older people increased with the attention of the young people to the topic (R= 0.304,p< 0.001). Conversely, photo type has a strong impact on young people. When photos are selected that older people do not want to talk about or photos that young people do not know the content and are not interested in, concern for the topic of young people drops dramatically. Therefore, when RT, it is important to avoid using the types of photos above that cause a drop in younger people's attention.
Degree Centrality of a Brain Network Is Altered by Stereotype Threat: Evidences From a Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Wu Xin , Zhao Yufang
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have found the effects of stereotype threat (ST) on cognitive processes, emotions, and motivations which could account for the underperformance in domain tasks. Efficient brain function does not require the function of different brain regions during specific tasks, but it does require the brain networks on which information is transported. Based on these, the effects of ST on the degree centrality under the resting state of brain regions related to these processes were investigated under math-related ST. The results showed that RSDC was decreased in the left hippocampus and left middle occipital gyrus (MOC), while RSDC was increased in the left precuneus, the right angular gyrus (AG), and the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG) under ST. Interestingly, we also found that the right-left anterior temporal lobe (ATL) and the right hippocampus were negatively correlated with manipulation check (MC) score in the ST group, while the right-left ATL and the right hippocampus were positively correlated with MC score in the control group. These results might reflect those individuals who attempted to inhibit the negative emotions induced by the negative stereotypes under ST conditions while increasing the self-relevant processes by retrieving episodic memory or autobiographical memory.
Compensatory Belief in Health Behavior Management: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Zhao Kang , Xu Xinyi , Zhu Hanfei , Xu Qin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the exact definition of the concept of compensatory belief (CB) and to help clinicians and caregivers to distinguish patients who tend to form such beliefs.

Methods

This study is a conceptual analysis based on the strategy of Walker and Avant (2014). We retrieved studies from existing literature using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley, and Web of Science, and extracted information from the results. No date limitations were applied.

Results

A total of 35 articles were sourced for data extraction. The identified attributes of CB were as follows: cognitive coping strategy, pleasure without guilt, compensatory behaviors, automatic motivated self-regulatory process, and implicit cognition. The observed antecedents were: failure to resist desire, reluctance, a conflicting motivational state, seeking appropriate balance, and self-image maintenance. The consequences of CB were lower health-related intentions, justification of unhealthy choices, relief from cognitive dissonance, continued existence of conflict feeling, and poor long-term health.

Conclusion

Compensatory belief stems from motivational dissonance or confliction. Despite causing feelings of pleasure and relief, it can negatively impact long-term health. Although CB is crucial to establish healthy behaviors, it is easily ignored in medical work.