bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological and Immunomicroenvironment Characteristics of Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population
Authors: Jia Xiaoxia , Guo Ting , Li Zhemin , Zhang Meng , Feng Yi , Dong Bin , Li Zhongwu , Hu Ying , Li Ziyu , Xing Xiaofang , Jia Shuqin , Ji Jiafu
Published: January 2021

Background

Epstein–Barr virus-associated gastric cancer(EBVaGC)has a unique tumor immune microenvironment. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells in a cohort of EBVaGC in a Chinese population.

Methods

Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) in situ hybridization was performed in 1,328 consecutive cases of surgically resected GC. Densities of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages from the patients were calculated after immunohistochemical staining with CD3, CD20, CD57, and CD68 antibodies in tissue microarrays, respectively.

Results

EBVaGC patients accounted for 4.1% (55 of 1,328) cases in the overall population. The average age of patients with EBVaGC was lower than that of non-EBVaGC patients. Histologically, EBVaGC patients exhibited poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (P = 0.004) and lower frequency of vascular invasion (P = 0.034). The density of CD3+ T lymphocytes (CD3, 23.84 ± 14.49 vs. 12.76 ± 8.93, P < 0.001) and CD68+ macrophages (CD68, 9.73 ± 5.25 vs. 5.44 ± 4.18, P < 0.001) was significantly higher in EBVaGC patients. CD3+ T cell density predicted better 5-year overall survival of EBVaGC patients (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

EBVaGC patients were younger with low-differentiated adenocarcinoma and less vascular invasion. Increased infiltration of multiple immune cells affected the prognosis of patients, especially EBVaGC patients with more CD3+ T lymphocytes, who survived longer.
Targeting the Endothelin-1 Receptors Curtails Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Russignan Anna , Dal Collo Giada , Bagnato Anna , Tamassia Nicola , Bugatti Mattia , Belleri Mirella , Lorenzi Luisa , Borsi Enrica , Bazzoni Riccardo , Gottardi Michele , Terragna Carolina , Vermi William , Giacomini Arianna , Presta Marco , Cassatella Marco Antonio , Krampera Mauro , Tecchio Cristina
Published: January 2021

The endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors were recently found to mediate pro-survival functions in multiple myeloma (MM) cells in response to autocrine ET-1. This study investigated the effectiveness of macitentan, a dual ET-1 receptor antagonist, in MM treatment, and the mechanisms underlying its activities. Macitentan affected significantly MM cell (RPMI-8226, U266, KMS-12-PE) survival and pro-angiogenic cytokine release by down-modulating ET-1-activated MAPK/ERK and HIF-1α pathways, respectively. HIF-1α silencing abrogated the ET-1 mediated induction of genes encoding for pro-angiogenic cytokines such as VEGF-A, IL-8, Adrenomedullin, and ET-1 itself. Upon exposure to macitentan, MM cells cultured in the presence of the hypoxia-mimetic agent CoCl2, exogenous ET-1, or CoCl2plus ET-1, down-regulated HIF-1α and the transcription and release of downstream pro-angiogenic cytokines. Consistently, macitentan limited significantly the basal pro-angiogenic activity of RPMI-8226 cells in chorioallantoic membrane assay. In xenograft mouse models, established by injecting NOG mice eitherviaintra-caudal vein with U266 or subcutaneously with RPMI-8226 cells, macitentan reduced effectively the number of MM cells infiltrating bone marrow, and the size and microvascular density of subcutaneous MM tumors. ET-1 receptors targeting by macitentan represents an effective anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic therapeutic approach in preclinical settings of MM.
Prognostic Value of PLXND1 and TGF-β1 Coexpression and Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Juanni , Hu Kuan , He Dongren , Zhou Lei , Wang Zhiming , Tao Yiming
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with no curative treatments. Plexin D1 (PLXND1) is a cellular receptor whose functions have been explored in several human cancers; however, the critical roles of PLXND1 in HCC have rarely been probed. Therefore, the present study attempted to elucidate the expression pattern, prognostic significance, and potential roles of PLXND1 in HCC. We found that PLXND1 expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher compared with normal liver tissue from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCCDB) databases. This result was further validated by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) using tissue microarrays, which contained 216 HCC cases collected from our hospital. Additionally, PLXND1 expression showed a significant correlation with several clinical characteristics, including tumor grade and tumor hemorrhage (TH). Moreover, TISIDB and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the roles of PLXND1 in tumor-immune system interactions in HCC. As an immunoinhibitor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) displayed the greatest correlations with PLXND1 in HCC. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis were conducted to further examine the potential clinical value of PLXND1 in HCC. We described a subclassification of HCC based on PLXND1 and TGF-β1 expression, which could be used to predict clinical outcomes and patient prognosis. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PLXND1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC.
Toward Therapeutic Targeting of Bone Marrow Leukemic Niche Protective Signals in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Delahaye Marjorie C. , Salem Kaoutar-Insaf , Pelletier Jeoffrey , Aurrand-Lions Michel , Mancini Stéphane J. C.
Published: January 2021

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) represents the malignant counterpart of bone marrow (BM) differentiating B cells and occurs most frequently in children. While new combinations of chemotherapeutic agents have dramatically improved the prognosis for young patients, disease outcome remains poor after relapse or in adult patients. This is likely due to heterogeneity of B-ALL response to treatment which relies not only on intrinsic properties of leukemic cells, but also on extrinsic protective cues transmitted by the tumor cell microenvironment. Alternatively, leukemic cells have the capacity to shape their microenvironment towards their needs. Most knowledge on the role of protective niches has emerged from the identification of mesenchymal and endothelial cells controlling hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal or B cell differentiation. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about B-ALL protective niches and the development of therapies targeting the crosstalk between leukemic cells and their microenvironment.
GFI1-Mediated Upregulation of LINC00675 as a ceRNA Restrains Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Sponging miR-942-5p
Authors: Lu Libai , Li Shubo , Zhang Ying , Luo Zongjiang , Chen Yichen , Ma Jiasheng , Chen Pengyu , Wang Wei , Pu Jian , Wang Jianchu
Published: January 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant liver tumor worldwide. Tumor recurrence and metastasis contribute to the bad clinical outcome of HCC patients. Substantial studies have displayed lncRNAs modulate various tumorigenic processes of many cancers. Our current work was aimed to investigate the function of LINC00675 in HCC and to recognize the potential interactions between lncRNAs and microRNAs. GFI1 can exhibit a significant role in the progression of human malignant tumors. Firstly, GFI1 was identified using real-time PCR in HCC tissues and cells. In this work, we indicated GFI1 was remarkably reduced in HCC tissues and cells. Meanwhile, GFI1 specifically interacted with the promoter of LINC00675. Up-regulation of LINC00675 obviously repressed the migration and invasion capacity of SMCC-7721 and QGY-7703 cells in vitro. Moreover, decrease of LINC00675 competitively bound to miR-942-5p that contributed to the miRNA-mediated degradation of GFI1, thus facilitated HCC metastasis. The ceRNA function of LINC00675 in HCC cells was assessed and confirmed using RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assays in our work. Additionally, we proved overexpression of miR-942-5p promoted HCC progression, which was reversed by the up-regulation of GFI1. In summary, LINC00675 might act as a prognostic marker for HCC, which can inhibit HCC development via regulating miR-942-5p and GFI1.
Whole-Lesion Histogram Analysis of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker for Assessing the Level of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes: Value in Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Authors: Tang Wen-jie , Jin Zhe , Zhang Yan-ling , Liang Yun-shi , Cheng Zi-xuan , Chen Lei-xin , Liang Ying-ying , Wei Xin-hua , Kong Qing-cong , Guo Yuan , Jiang Xin-qing
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To assess whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics can be used to assess tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels in breast cancer, particularly in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Methods

In total, 114 patients with breast cancer met the inclusion criteria (mean age: 52 years; range: 29–85 years) and underwent multi-parametric breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients were imaged by diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI (1.5 T) using a single-shot spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence. Two readers independently drew a region of interest (ROI) on the ADC maps of the whole tumor. The mean ADC and histogram parameters (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of ADC, skewness, entropy, and kurtosis) were used as features to analyze associations with the TIL levels in breast cancer. Additionally, the correlation between the ADC values and Ki-67 expression were analyzed. Continuous variables were compared with Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test if the variables were not normally distributed. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Associations between TIL levels and imaging features were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

A statistically significant difference existed in the 10th and 25th percentile ADC values between the low and high TIL groups in breast cancer (P=0.012 and 0.027). For the luminal subtype of breast cancer, the 10th percentile ADC value was significantly lower in the low TIL group (P=0.041); for the non-luminal subtype of breast cancer, the kurtosis was significantly lower in the low TIL group (P=0.023). The Ki-67 index showed statistical significance for evaluating the TIL levels in breast cancer (P=0.007). Additionally, the skewness was significantly higher for samples with high Ki-67 levels in breast cancer (P=0.029).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that whole-lesion ADC histogram parameters can be used as surrogate biomarkers to evaluate TIL levels in molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
A Prediction Model for Optimal Primary Debulking Surgery Based on Preoperative Computed Tomography Scans and Clinical Factors in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Yu , Qin Meng , Jin Ying , Zuo Jing , Li Ning , Bian Ce , Zhang Yu , Li Rong , Wu Yu-mei , Wang Chun-yan , Zhang Ke-qiang , Yue Ying , Wu Ling-ying , Pan Ling-ya
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study assessed the predictive value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and clinical factors for optimal debulking surgery (ODS) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC).

Methods

Patients with AOC in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III-IV who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) between 2016 and 2019 from nine tertiary Chinese hospitals were included. Large-volume ascites, diffuse peritoneal thickening, omental cake, retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement (RLNE) below and above the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and suspected pelvic bowel, abdominal bowel, liver surface, liver parenchyma and portal, spleen, diaphragm and pleural lesions were evaluated on CT. Preoperative factors included age, platelet count, and albumin and CA125 levels.

Results

Overall, 296 patients were included, and 250 (84.5%) underwent ODS. The prediction model included age >60 years (P=0.016; prediction index value, PIV=1), a CA125 level >800 U/ml (P=0.033, PIV=1), abdominal bowel metastasis (P=0.034, PIV=1), spleen metastasis (P<0.001, PIV=2), diaphragmatic metastasis (P=0.014, PIV=2), and an RLNE above the IMA (P<0.001, PIV=2). This model had superior discrimination (AUC=0.788>0.750), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated its stable calibration (P=0.600>0.050). With the aim of maximizing the accuracy of prediction and minimizing the rate of inappropriate explorations, a total PIV ≥5 achieved the highest accuracy of 85.47% and identified patients who underwent suboptimal PDS with a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions

We developed a prediction model based on two preoperative clinical factors and four radiological criteria to predict unsatisfactory debulking surgery in patients with AOC. The accuracy of this prediction model needs to be validated and adjusted in further multicenter prospective studies.
Case Report: Comparison of Plasma Metagenomics to Bacterial PCR in a Case of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Lieberman Joshua A. , Naureckas Li Caitlin , Lamb Gabriella S. , Kane David A. , Stewart Mary K. , Mamedov Ruslan A. , Cookson Brad T. , Salipante Stephen J.
Published: January 2021

Molecular assays for infectious diseases have emerged as important clinical decision-making tools. Unbiased, metagenomic next-generation sequencing is a novel approach holding promise to detect pathogens missed by conventional modalities and to deconvolute admixed nucleic acid sequences from polymicrobial infections in order to identify constituent pathogens. Recent studies have raised concerns about the clinical impact of metagenomics assays and whether their expense is justified. Here, we report a case of polyclonal Streptococcus cristatus endocarditis in a 14-year-old woman with a history of Tetralogy of Fallot. Three sets of admission blood cultures and a commercial plasma metagenomics assay were negative for pathogens, despite persistent vegetations observed on the valve during a later procedure. Multiple strains of Streptococcus cristatus were identified from the explanted valve by amplicon-based 16S rRNA sequencing, confirming the patient had received appropriate antibiotic therapy. This case highlights limitations in the use and interpretation of clinical metagenomics for infectious disease diagnosis and indicates that the clinical yield of these tools may depend upon infection type and anatomic location.
A Systematic Review of Plants With Antibacterial Activities: A Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Perspective
Authors: Chassagne François , Samarakoon Tharanga , Porras Gina , Lyles James T. , Dettweiler Micah , Marquez Lewis , Salam Akram M. , Shabih Sarah , Farrokhi Darya Raschid , Quave Cassandra L.
Published: January 2021

Background:Antimicrobial resistance represents a serious threat to human health across the globe. The cost of bringing a new antibiotic from discovery to market is high and return on investment is low. Furthermore, the development of new antibiotics has slowed dramatically since the 1950s’ golden age of discovery. Plants produce a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites that could be used to fuel the future discovery pipeline. While many studies have focused on specific aspects of plants and plant natural products with antibacterial properties, a comprehensive review of the antibacterial potential of plants has never before been attempted.

Objectives:This systematic review aims to evaluate reports on plants with significant antibacterial activities.

Methods:Following the PRISMA model, we searched three electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed and SciFinder by using specific keywords: “plant,” “antibacterial,” “inhibitory concentration.”

Results:We identified a total of 6,083 articles published between 1946 and 2019 and then reviewed 66% of these (4,024) focusing on articles published between 2012 and 2019. A rigorous selection process was implemented using clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, yielding data on 958 plant species derived from 483 scientific articles. Antibacterial activity is found in 51 of 79 vascular plant orders throughout the phylogenetic tree. Most are reported within eudicots, with the bulk of species being asterids. Antibacterial activity is not prominent in monocotyledons. Phylogenetic distribution strongly supports the concept of chemical evolution across plant clades, especially in more derived eudicot families. The Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented plant families, whileCinnamomum verum,Rosmarinus vulgarisandThymus vulgariswere the most studied species. South Africa was the most represented site of plant collection. Crude extraction in methanol was the most represented type of extraction and leaves were the main plant tissue investigated. Finally,Staphylococcus aureuswas the most targeted pathogenic bacteria in these studies. We closely examine 70 prominent medicinal plant species from the 15 families most studied in the literature.

Conclusion:This review depicts the current state of knowledge regarding antibacterials from plants and provides powerful recommendations for future research directions.
PK/PD Study of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Children With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Inform Model-Based Precision Dosing
Authors: Chen Yewei , Sun Li , Xu Hong , Dong Min , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Vinks Alexander A. , Brunner Hermine I. , Li Yifan , Li Zhiping
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the mycophenolic acid [MPA, the active form of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)] pharmacokinetic parameters in relation to clinical response to identify target exposure ranges in pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: This was a retrospective study using pharmacokinetic data collected in 67 pediatric patients aged 4–18 years with SLE. Target MPA exposures for effective inhibition of SLE activity (as measured by SLE disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), active SLE was defined as a SLEDAI score of ≥6, and a controlled disease was defined as a SLEDAI score of ≤4) were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression. Exposure-response models were developed to quantitatively describe the relationship between SLEDAI score and AUC0–12 or Ctrough, respectively.

Results: The MPA AUC0-12 in patients with active SLE was significantly lower than that in patients with inactive SLE. ROC analysis revealed that an AUC0–12 threshold of 39 μg h/ml or a Ctrough of 1.01 μg/ml was associated with the lowest risk of active SLE. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an AUC0–12 of less than 34 μg h/ml or a Ctrough of less than 1.2 μg/ml probably is associated with active SLE. The results of the exposure-response modeling also indicated that an AUC0-12 less than 32 μg h/ml or a Ctrough less than 1.1 μg/ml was associated with suboptimal clinical outcome. An AUC0-12 above 50 μg h/ml or a Ctrough above 1.7 ug/ml was associated with disease control.

Conclusion: Both AUC0–12 and Ctrough of MPA are predictive of the likelihood of active SLE in pediatric patients receiving MMF. An individualized dosing regimen of MMF, with a target AUC0–12 or Ctrough, should be considered for SLE patients.
Revisiting Functional Connectivity for Infraslow Scale-Free Brain Dynamics Using Complex Wavelets
Authors: La Rocca Daria , Wendt Herwig , van Wassenhove Virginie , Ciuciu Philippe , Abry Patrice
Published: January 2021

The analysis of human brain functional networks is achieved by computing functional connectivity indices reflecting phase coupling and interactions between remote brain regions. In magneto- and electroencephalography, the most frequently used functional connectivity indices are constructed based on Fourier-based cross-spectral estimation applied to specific fast and band-limited oscillatory regimes. Recently, infraslow arrhythmic fluctuations (below the 1 Hz) were recognized as playing a leading role in spontaneous brain activity. The present work aims to propose to assess functional connectivity from fractal dynamics, thus extending the assessment of functional connectivity to the infraslow arrhythmic or scale-free temporal dynamics of M/EEG-quantified brain activity. Instead of being based on Fourier analysis, new Imaginary Coherence and weighted Phase Lag indices are constructed from complex-wavelet representations. Their performances are first assessed on synthetic data by means of Monte-Carlo simulations, and they are then compared favorably against the classical Fourier-based indices. These new assessments of functional connectivity indices are also applied to MEG data collected on 36 individuals both at rest and during the learning of a visual motion discrimination task. They demonstrate a higher statistical sensitivity, compared to their Fourier counterparts, in capturing significant and relevant functional interactions in the infraslow regime and modulations from rest to task. Notably, the consistent overall increase in functional connectivity assessed from fractal dynamics from rest to task correlated with a change in temporal dynamics as well as with improved performance in task completion, which suggests that the complex-wavelet weighted Phase Lag index is the sole index is able to capture brain plasticity in the infraslow scale-free regime.
Evidence for Muscle Cell-Based Mechanisms of Enhanced Performance in Stretch-Shortening Cycle in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Fukutani Atsuki , Isaka Tadao , Herzog Walter
Published: January 2021

Force attained during concentric contraction (active shortening) is transiently enhanced following eccentric contraction (active stretch) in skeletal muscle. This phenomenon is called stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) effect. Since many human movements contain combinations of eccentric and concentric contractions, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the SSC effect would be useful for improving physical performance, optimizing human movement efficiency, and providing an understanding of fundamental mechanism of muscle force control. Currently, the most common mechanisms proposed for the SSC effect are (i) stretch-reflex activation and (ii) storage of energy in tendons. However, abundant SSC effects have been observed in single fiber preparations where stretch-reflex activation is eliminated and storage of energy in tendons is minimal at best. Therefore, it seems prudent to hypothesize that factor(s) other than stretch-reflex activation and energy storage in tendons contribute to the SSC effect. In this brief review, we focus on possible candidate mechanisms for the SSC effect, that is, pre-activation, cross-bridge kinetics, and residual force enhancement (RFE) obtained in experimental preparations that exclude/control the influence of stretch-reflex activation and energy storage in tendons. Recent evidence supports the contribution of these factors to the mechanism of SSCs, and suggests that the extent of their contribution varies depending on the contractile conditions. Evidence for and against alternative mechanisms are introduced and discussed, and unresolved problems are mentioned for inspiring future studies in this field of research.
Health-Related Fitness in Adults From Eight European Countries—An Analysis Based on Data From the European Fitness Badge
Authors: Klemm Katja , Krell-Roesch Janina , De Clerck Ine Lucia , Brehm Walter , Boes Klaus
Published: January 2021

Background

There are conflicting reports about the fitness status of European adults, partly due to the lack of a standardized fitness test battery used across Europe. The European Fitness Badge (EFB) was developed in 2017 as an online-based tool to assess the health-related fitness of persons aged ≥ 18 years residing in European countries. We examined the demographic characteristics and fitness status of persons who completed the EFB between June 2017 and May 2019.

Methods

We conducted a multinational study in eight European countries. Participants completed the EFB which includes 11 validated motor tests to measure endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility performance, under the supervision of an EFB instructor in different settings (e.g., sports club sessions, public events). Two different test batteries [test profiles (TPs)] are available to distinguish between less active (TP1) and active individuals (TP2). We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted analyses of variance to examine sample characteristics and a potential impact of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and posture on fitness as assessed by the EFB.

Results

The sample included 6,019 adults (68.7% females; mean age 52.7 years; age range 18–89 years). Participants who completed TP1 were older (TP1: 61.4 years; TP2: 44.2 years; p = 0.00), reported a lower level of physical activity (TP1: 3.8; TP2: 4.0; p = 0.00), had a higher BMI (TP1: 25.7; TP2: 24.3; p = 0.00) and a higher frequency of postural abnormalities (TP1: 43%; TP2: 33%; p = 0.00) than TP2 participants. Among 3,034 participants who completed TP2, males had higher performance in endurance, strength, and overall fitness, whereas females performed better in coordination and flexibility tests. In addition, younger age, lower BMI, and higher level of physical activity engagement were associated with better EFB test performance.

Conclusion

The EFB can be used to assess the health-related fitness status of individuals aged ≥ 18 years. Our results show that TP1 and TP2 were completed by persons from the respective target groups (i.e., less active vs. active), and also confirm findings from previous studies on potential determinants of fitness such as sex or age.
Coloration of Flowers by Flavonoids and Consequences of pH Dependent Absorption
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Leertouwer Hein L. , Dudek Bettina , van der Kooi Casper J.
Published: January 2021

Flavonoid pigments are key determinants of flower colors. As absorption spectra of flavonoids are known to be severely pH-dependent, cellular pH will play a crucial role in flower coloration. The flavonoids are concentrated in the vacuoles of the flowers’ epidermal cells, and thus the pigments’ absorption spectra are modulated by the vacuolar pH. Here we study the pH dependence of flavonoid absorption spectra in extracts from flowers of two poppy species Papaver dubium (red) and Meconopsis cambrica (orange), and a white and red Mandevilla sanderi variety. In the red poppy and Mandevilla flowers, absorption spectra of the cyanidin- and pelargonidin-based anthocyanins peak in the blue-green-wavelength range at low pH, but exhibit a distinct bathochromic shift at higher pH. This shift to longer wavelengths is not found for the blue-absorbing nudicaulin derivatives of M. cambrica, which have a similar absorption spectrum at low and high pH. The pH-dependent absorption changes of the white M. sanderi’s flavonoid remained restricted to the UV. An analysis of the spectra with logistic functions suggests that the pH-dependent characteristics of the basic states of flavonols and anthocyanins are related. The implications of tuning of pH and pigment absorption spectra for studies on flower color evolution are discussed.
Sunburn in Grapes: A Review
Authors: Gambetta Joanna M. , Holzapfel Bruno P. , Stoll Manfred , Friedel Matthias
Published: January 2021

Sunburn is a physiological disorder that affects the visual and organoleptic properties of grapes. The appearance of brown and necrotic spots severely affects the commercial value of the fruit, and in extreme cases, significantly decreases yield. Depending on the severity of the damage and the driving factors, sunburn on grapes can be classified as sunburn browning (SB) or as sunburn necrosis (SN). Sunburn results from a combination of excessive photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and UV radiation and temperature that can be exacerbated by other stress factors such as water deficit. Fruit respond to these by activating antioxidant defense mechanisms,de novosynthesis of optical screening compounds and heat-shock proteins as well as through morphological adaptation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on sunburn in grapes and compares it with relevant literature on other fruits. It also discusses the different factors affecting the appearance and degree of sunburn, as well as the biochemical response of grapes to this phenomenon and different potential mitigation strategies. This review proposes further directions for research into sunburn in grapes.
Transfection of Arctic Bryum sp. KMR5045 as a Model for Genetic Engineering of Cold-Tolerant Mosses
Authors: Byun Mi Young , Seo Suyeon , Lee Jungeun , Yoo Yo-Han , Lee Hyoungseok
Published: January 2021

Mosses number about 13,000 species and are an important resource for the study of the plant evolution that occurred during terrestrial colonization by plants. Recently, the physiological and metabolic characteristics that distinguish mosses from terrestrial plants have received attention. In the Arctic, in particular, mosses developed their own distinct physiological features to adapt to the harsh environment. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which Arctic mosses survive in extreme environments due to the lack of basic knowledge and tools such as genome sequences and genetic transfection methods. In this study, we report the axenic cultivation and transfection of Arctic Bryum sp. KMR5045, as a model for bioengineering of Arctic mosses. We also found that the inherent low-temperature tolerance of KMR5045 permitted it to maintain slow growth even at 2°C, while the model moss species Physcomitrium patens failed to grow at all, implying that KMR5045 is suitable for studies of cold-tolerance mechanisms. To achieve genetic transfection of KMR5045, some steps of the existing protocol for P. patens were modified. First, protoplasts were isolated using 1% driselase solution. Second, the appropriate antibiotic was identified and its concentration was optimized for the selection of transfectants. Third, the cell regeneration period before transfer to selection medium was extended to 9 days. As a result, KMR5045 transfectants were successfully obtained and confirmed transfection by detection of intracellular Citrine fluorescence derived from expression of a pAct5:Citrine transgene construct. This is the first report regarding the establishment of a genetic transfection method for an Arctic moss species belonging to the Bryaceae. The results of this study will contribute to understanding the function of genes involved in environmental adaptation and to application for production of useful metabolites derived from stress-tolerant mosses.
COVID-19 Infection Risk and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Adults During Quarantine: The Moderating Role of Grit and Social Support
Authors: Hou Jie , Yu Qingyun , Lan Xiaoyu
Published: January 2021

Prior research has demonstrated that the adverse consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may go beyond its economic hardships and physical health concerns, having a significant influence on psychological distress for individuals under quarantine. Nevertheless, relatively little attention has been paid to exploring the risk and protective factors in the link between COVID-19 infection risk and psychological distress among young adults. Following a socioecological framework, the current study examines the moderating role of grit (perseverance and consistency) and social support in the association between COVID-19 infection risk and depressive symptoms. A sample of 1,251 young adults under home quarantine (62.6% female; Mage = 20.92 years, SD = 1.47; age ranged from 18 to 25 years) was involved in this study, and they were asked to complete a set of self-reported questionnaires online. Results of a linear regression analysis exhibited that COVID-19 infection risk was positively associated with depressive symptoms in young adults in quarantine. Moreover, moderation analyses showed that this association was moderated by perseverance and social support. To be specific, for those reporting higher levels of social support, this linkage was not significantly positive; in contrast, for those reporting lower levels of social support, perseverance was a significant protective factor for depressive symptoms when young adults were exposed to a high infection risk of COVID-19. The current study suggests that greater social support is essential to helping young adults deal with possible negative emotions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, university-based counseling services should pay specific attention to those young adults with relatively insufficient social support resources and low levels of perseverance.
How Does Fearful Emotion Affect Visual Attention?
Authors: Shang Zhe , Wang Yingying , Bi Taiyong
Published: January 2021

It has long been suggested that emotion, especially threatening emotion, facilitates early visual perception to promote adaptive responses to potential threats in the environment. Here, we tested whether and how fearful emotion affects the basic visual ability of visual acuity. An adapted Posner’s spatial cueing task was employed, with fearful and neutral faces as cues and a Vernier discrimination task as the probe. The time course of the emotional attention effect was examined by varying the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of the cue and probe. Two independent experiments (Experiments 1 and 3) consistently demonstrated that the brief presentation of a fearful face increased visual acuity at its location. The facilitation of perceptual sensitivity was detected at an SOA around 300 ms when the face cues were presented for both 250 ms (Experiment 1) and 150 ms (Experiment 3). This effect cannot be explained by physical differences between the fearful and neutral faces because no improvement was found when the faces were presented inverted (Experiment 2). In the last experiment (Experiment 4), the face cues were flashed very briefly (17 ms), and we did not find any improvement induced by the fearful face. Overall, we provide evidence that emotion interacts with attention to affect basic visual functions.
How Closely Related Are Parent and Child Reports of Child Alexithymia?
Authors: Lampi Andrew J. , Jaswal Vikram K. , Evans Tanya M.
Published: January 2021

Alexithymia is a subclinical trait involving difficulty describing and identifying emotions. It is common in a number of psychiatric conditions. Alexithymia in children is sometimes measured by parent report and sometimes by child self-report, but it is not yet known how closely related the two measures are. This is an important question both theoretically and practically, in terms of research design and clinical practice. We conducted a preliminary study to investigate this question in a sample of 6- to 11-year-old neurotypical children and their parents (N = 29 dyads). Parent and child reports were not correlated, and 93% of parents under-estimated their child’s level of alexithymia relative to the child’s self-report. Based on these results, we hypothesize that when asked to report on the child’s alexithymia, children and parents may not be reporting on the same phenomenon, and thus these two measures may not be interchangeable. These provocative findings, however, must be considered preliminary: our analyses were sufficiently powered to detect a strong relation between the two types of report had one existed, but our analyses were not sufficiently powered to distinguish between a small relation and no relation at all.
Child-to-Parent Violence and Dating Violence Through the Moral Foundations Theory: Same or Different Moral Roots?
Authors: Vecina Maria L. , Chacón Jose C. , Piñuela Raúl
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study is to explore and to verify the utility of the five moral foundations (care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity) to differentiate between two understudied groups, namely, young offenders who use violence against their parents or dating partners, as well as to predict the extent to which these young people justify violence and perceive themselves as aggressive. Although both types of violence imply, by definition, harming someone (low care) and adopting a position of authority (high authority), we hypothesize a very different role for at least these two moral foundations. Our results support this idea and show a much lower regard for the five moral foundations, including care and authority, in the child-to-parent violence group (CPV;N= 65) than in the dating violence group (DV;N= 69). Additionally, the authority foundation was able to increase the effectiveness of correctly classifying the participants in one group or the other by 29%. Finally, care and authority, along with fairness, served to predict justification of violence and self-perceived aggressiveness. The moral foundations approach provides preliminary evidence to better understand two specific types of youth violence and extract preventive educational and treatment strategies.
Assessing the Transitional Impact and Mental Health Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic Onset
Authors: Heanoy Eamin Z. , Shi Liangzi , Brown Norman R.
Published: January 2021

In this article, we report the results of a survey of North American adults (n= 1,215) conducted between March 24 and 30, 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents completed the COVID-TIS (Transitional Impact Scale-Pandemic version) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), indicated their level of COVID-infection concern for themselves and close others, and provided demographic information. The results indicated: (a) during its early stage, the pandemic produced only moderate levels of material and psychological change; (b) the pandemic produced mild to moderate levels of psychological distress; (c) respondents who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic experienced more change and more psychological distress than those who did not, and (d) younger respondents and less well-educated ones experienced more psychological distress than older respondents. Unexpectedly, (e) respondents indicated that they were more concerned that friends and family members would become infected with COVID-19 than that they would be. We conclude by speculating that these results are driven less by the immediate changes brought about by the pandemic and more by uncertainty concerning its long-term economic and social impact.
Knowledge About Bullying by Young Adults With Special Educational Needs With or Without Disabilities (SEN/D)
Authors: González-Calatayud Víctor , Roman-García Marimar , Prendes-Espinosa Paz
Published: January 2021

Bullying of people with Special Educational Needs with or without disabilities (SEN/D) is a reality, being one of the most affected groups. This study presents the data obtained in a European Erasmus+ project in which 96 young people and adults with SEN/D from four countries participated: Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Firstly, a questionnaire was passed to see the general knowledge of these people in relation to bullying. Then a training program was carried out and finally the questionnaire was passed again to see if the data improved. From the data it appears that people with SEN/D lack skills, knowledge, and resources to deal with bullying. After the completion of the training program the data obtained from the questionnaire improved in many respects. Sometimes people with SEN/D are not aware that they are suffering from this type of situation due to lack of knowledge, so it is necessary to continue implementing training programs to help improve this situation.
Presenteeism in Nurses: Prevalence, Consequences, and Causes From the Perspectives of Nurses and Chief Nurses
Authors: Shan Geyan , Wang Shengnan , Wang Wei , Guo Shujie , Li Yongxin
Published: January 2021

Presenteeism refers to the behavior of people who turn up for work despite complaints of ill health that should prompt rest and absence from work. The high incidence of presenteeism in the nurse population has been extensively investigated using self-reported methods to explore its effects on individual outcomes. However, few studies have examined nurse presenteeism using an “other's” perspective to verify self-reported information. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the prevalence, consequences, and causes of presenteeism in Chinese nurses from the perspectives of nurses and chief nurses. A sample of 481 nurses and 282 chief nurses from five hospitals in Henan Province, China, took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Sickness Presenteeism Questionnaire, Social Productivity Loss Questionnaire, and Causes of Nurse Presenteeism Questionnaire. The human capital method was used to estimate the monetary loss because of nurse presenteeism. We found that 94.25 and 82.08% of nurses experienced presenteeism in the past 6 months from the perspective of nurses and chief nurses, respectively. The annual monetary loss was estimated to be ¥4.38 billion and ¥2.88 billion based on the presenteeism reports from nurses and chief nurses, respectively. Workload, leave system, and conscientiousness are the main reasons for nurse presenteeism, and financial need is another important reason that is likely overlooked by chief nurses. This study provides a foundation for future research by presenting new knowledge about the prevalence, consequences, and causes of presenteeism in Chinese nurses. The findings emphasize the need for nursing managers and nursing departments to establish policy systems around paid sick leave, workload, and communication with managers to reduce nurse presenteeism and the subsequent socio-economic financial losses.
Blunted Expansion of Regulatory T Lymphocytes Is Associated With Increased Bacterial Translocation in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Alvarez-Mon Miguel Angel , Gomez-Lahoz Ana Maria , Orozco Arantxa , Lahera Guillermo , Sosa-Reina M. Dolores , Diaz David , Albillos Agustin , Quintero Javier , Molero Patricio , Monserrat Jorge , Alvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: January 2021

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with both proinflammatory and adaptive immune response abnormalities. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), a subtype of CD4+ T cells, are relevant for maintaining immune-inflammatory system homeostasis and control of inflammation such as the kind potentially induced by the interactions between the intestinal microbiome and gut mucosa. We investigated the Treg population and its distribution along their stages of differentiation/activation, as well as its function in MDD patients without concomitant diseases. We also studied the potential association between Treg alterations, intestinal barrier damage, and bacterial translocation.

Methods: 30 MDD patients and 20 healthy controls were studied. The levels of circulating CD25FoxP3+ Tregs and their distribution on the naïve (TN), effector (TE), central (TCM), and effector memory(TEM) differentiation/activation stages were analyzed using polychromatic flow cytometry. Chemokine receptors (CCR) 2, 5, and 6, and the intracytoplasmic IL-10 expression by the Tregs were also analyzed. The serum IL-10 was measured using Luminex. The serum levels of zonulin and the intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), both markers of gut barrier function, and the LPS-binding protein (LBP), a marker of bacterial translocation, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: MDD patients had increased number of circulating Tregs cells with enhanced number of Tregs at the TN, TE, TCM, and TEM stages. The percentage of Tregs cells at TN stage was significantly higher in MDD patients. The percentage of Tregs that expressed CCR2 and CCR6 was increased as well as those expressing IL-10. MDD patients had significantly increased levels of circulating I-FABP and LBP. MDD patients with high LBP levels had a significant reduction in the number of circulating Tregs compared to normal-LBP MDD patients.

Conclusions: MDD patients showed an expansion of circulating Tregs and their CD25highFoxP3+ and CD25lowFoxP3+ subsets throughout the different stages of CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation/activation. Tregs also showed an increased frequency of cells expressing CCR6 and CCR2. IL-10 Treg production was also enhanced in MDD patients that concurrently had increased serum IL-10 levels. However, this Treg expansion was blunted in MDD patients with gut barrier damage and increased bacterial translocation.
“The Graying Minority”: Lived Experiences and Psychosocial Challenges of Older Transgender Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India, A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Banerjee Debanjan , Rao T. S. Sathyanarayana
Published: January 2021

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. Certain factors like age, an immunocompromised state, and social impoverishment, etc. can add to health vulnerabilities during this pandemic. One such group is older transgender adults, who often bear a combination of these risks. As the world is aging fast, their numbers have also been increasing. With this in mind, this study explores the lived experiences and psychosocial challenges of older transgender adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used. Ten individuals with “transgender” identity above the age of 60 were recruited with consent through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted on the telephone using a pre-designed interview schedule. They were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Hasse's adaptation of Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used for analysis. Independent coding and respondent validation were used to ensure the rigor of data.

Results: The super-arching categories (with themes) were marginalization (“second” priority, stigma, social disconnection), the dual burden of “age” and “gender” (ageism, othering, and psychosexual difficulties), and multi-faceted survival threats (physical, emotional, financial) during the pandemic. Social rituals, spirituality, hope, and acceptance of “gender dissonance” emerged as the main coping factors, whereas their unmet needs were social inclusion, awareness related to COVID-19, mental health care, and audience to their distress.

Conclusion: The elderly gender minorities are at increased emotional and social risks during the ongoing pandemic, and their voices are mostly unheard. The need for policy implementation and community awareness about their social welfare is vital to improving their health and well-being.