bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Triptolide Combined With Crocin on Arthritis in Mice: From Side Effect Attenuation to Therapy
Authors: Yan Min , Yan Yinyin , Zhang Zhenqiang , Wang Guoqiang , Shi Wenbo , Jiang Mengyuan , Zhao Junwei , Wu Xiangxiang , Zeng Huahui
Published: June 2022

Clinical use of triptolide (TP) is restricted due to severe toxicity. This study assessed the protective effect of crocin (CR) as a natural antioxidant against TP-induced toxicity in bovine collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. The mice in the CIA model group showed macroscopic signs of severe arthritis. The anti-arthritis effects in the control, TP + CR, and TP groups were evaluated through assessment of foot volume, arthritis score, and proinflammatory cytokines, and collagen antibody assay. Crocin reduced TP-induced toxicity, as evidenced by evaluation of survival rate, body weight, visceral index, hepatic and renal functions, histopathologic analyses, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in identification of 76 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with hepatotoxicity between the TP and TP + CR groups. Of these, Three DEGs (Cyp1a2,Gsta4, and Gstp1) were validated using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. In conclusion, CR protected CIA mice from TP-induced toxicity through modulation of the cytochrome P450 and glutathione metabolism pathways.
Blocking the Farnesyl Pocket of PDEδ Reduces Rheb-Dependent mTORC1 Activation and Survival of Tsc2-Null Cells
Authors: Armijo Marisol Estrella , Escalona Emilia , Peña Daniela , Farias Alejandro , Morin Violeta , Baumann Matthias , Klebl Bert Matthias , Pincheira Roxana , Castro Ariel Fernando
Published: June 2022

Rheb is a small GTPase member of the Ras superfamily and an activator of mTORC1, a protein complex master regulator of cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. Rheb/mTORC1 pathway is hyperactivated in proliferative diseases, such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex syndrome and cancer. Therefore, targeting Rheb-dependent signaling is a rational strategy for developing new drug therapies. Rheb activates mTORC1 in the cytosolic surface of lysosomal membranes. Rheb’s farnesylation allows its anchorage on membranes, while its proper localization depends on the prenyl-binding chaperone PDEδ. Recently, the use of PDEδ inhibitors has been proposed as anticancer agents because they interrupted KRas signaling leading to antiproliferative effects in KRas-dependent pancreatic cancer cells. However, the effect of PDEδ inhibition on the Rheb/mTORC1 pathway has been poorly investigated. Here, we evaluated the impact of a new PDEδ inhibitor, called Deltasonamide 1, in Tsc2-null MEFs, a Rheb-dependent overactivated mTORC1 cell line. By using a yeast two-hybrid assay, we first validated that Deltasonamide 1 disrupts Rheb-PDEδ interaction. Accordingly, we found that Deltasonamide 1 reduces mTORC1 targets activation. In addition, our results showed that Deltasonamide 1 has antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on Tsc2-null MEFs but has less effect on Tsc2-wild type MEFs viability. This work proposes the pharmacological PDEδ inhibition as a new approach to target the abnormal Rheb/mTORC1 activation in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex cells.
LY2874455 and Abemaciclib Reverse FGF3/4/19/CCND1 Amplification Mediated Gefitinib Resistance in NSCLC
Authors: Liu Dongcheng , Liu Hongguang , Gan Jiadi , Zeng Shinuan , Zhong Fuhua , Zhang Bin , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Siyu , Jiang Lu , Wang Guangsuo , Chen Yixin , Kong Feng-Ming Spring , Fang Wenfeng , Wang Lingwei
Published: June 2022

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients who initially received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy often acquired resistance via multiple complex mechanisms. The amplification of FGF3/4/19/CCND1 on chromosome 11q13 was found in many cancers with TKI resistance. However, the role of these amplifications in TKI-resistant NSCLC remains uncovered. Here, we generated the FGF3/4/19/CCND1 amplification model in the NSCLC cell lines PC-9 and HCC827. Upregulation of FGF3/4/19/CCND1 strongly promoted cell proliferation and gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. To find out the potential therapeutic strategies, we screened the combination of inhibitors against the FGF/FGFR signaling pathway and the CCND1/CDK4 complex and revealed that gefitinib combined with LY2874455 and abemaciclib exhibited the most effective inhibition of resistance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FGFs/CCND1 activated the MAPK pathway, which was abolished by the combination drugs. Our study provides a rationale for clinical testing of dual targeting FGFR and CCND1 with LY2874455 and abemaciclib in NSCLC patients who harbored FGF3/4/19/CCND1 amplification.
Metformin Improves the Senescence of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells in a High-Glucose State Through E2F1
Authors: Liang Dan , Li Zhiyang , Feng Zhaowei , Yuan Zhiping , Dai Yunli , Wu Xin , Zhang Fan , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yuxia , Liu Lingling , Shi Mingjun , Xiao Ying , Guo Bing
Published: June 2022

Diabetic kidney disease is a major cause of chronic kidney condition and the most common complication of diabetes. The cellular senescence participates in the process of diabetic kidney disease, but the specific mechanism is not yet clear. Cell cycle-related protein E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) is a member of the E2F transcription factor family, it plays a key role in cellular damage under HG conditions. In this study, we explored whether metformin improves a high-glucose-induced senescence and fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells through cell cycle-related protein E2F1. In the in vivo experiments, the recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV-shE2F1) knockdown E2F1 gene was injected into the tail vein of 16-weeks-old db/db mice for 8 weeks. The 16-week-old db/db mice were administered metformin (260 mg/kg/d) continuously for 8 weeks. The normal control group (NC) and diabetic model group (DM) were set up simultaneously. Mice renal tubular epithelial cells (mRTECs) were cultured in vitro. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: normal glucose (NG, containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (HG, containing 30 mmol/L glucose), NG/HG metformin intervention group (NG/HG + Met), NG/HG negative control siRNA transfection group (NG/HG + Control), NG/HG E2F1 siRNA transfection group (NG/HG + siRNA E2F1), HG metformin intervention and overexpression E2F1 plasmid transfection group (HG + Met + overexpress-E2F1). The expression of related indexes were detected by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that E2F1 knockdown or metformin reduces the degree of renal fibrosis, DNA damage, and cellular senescence in the DM group; metformin also reduced the expression of E2F1. If E2F1 was overexpressed, the effects of metformin in delaying fibrosis and reducing DNA damage and cellular senescence could be weakened. Thus, metformin alleviates high-glucose-induced senescence and fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by downregulating the expression of E2F1.
Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Quality Control of Xiasangju: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula
Authors: Wu Siyuan , Luo Hua , Zhong Zhangfeng , Ai Yongjian , Zhao Yonghua , Liang Qionglin , Wang Yitao
Published: June 2022

As a traditional Chinese herbal formula, Xiasangju (XSJ) is widely used in China for antipyresis and influenza treatment. However, XSJ still fails to have a comprehensive summary of the research progress in the last decade. This review summarizes the advanced research on the extraction process, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and quality control of XSJ. Current research mainly focuses on quality control and the pharmacological effects of single herbs and active ingredients, but many pharmacological mechanisms of the formula are unclear. The development of active ingredients reflects the active characteristics of triterpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids, but the hepatotoxicity ofPrunella vulgarisL. has not been taken into account. XSJ has extensive historical practical experiences, while systematic clinical trials remain lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to study the active ingredients and define the mechanisms of XSJ to develop multiple applications, and further studies on the dose range between its hepatoprotective activity and hepatotoxicity are necessary to improve the safety of the clinical application. In this review, the current problems are discussed to facilitate the reference basis for the subsequent research on the development of XSJ and future application directions.
High Intensity Concentric-Eccentric Exercise Under Hypoxia Changes the Blood Metabolome of Trained Athletes
Authors: Dünnwald Tobias , Paglia Giuseppe , Weiss Günter , Denti Vanna , Faulhaber Martin , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Wackerhage Henning
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to determine alterations of the metabolome in blood plasma in response to concentric-eccentric leg exercise performed at a simulated altitude of 3,500 m. To do so, we recruited 11 well-trained subjects and performed an untargeted metabolomics analysis of plasma samples obtained before, 20 min after as well as on day 8 after five sets of maximal, concentric-eccentric leg exercises that lasted 90 s each. We identified and annotated 115 metabolites through untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics and used them to further calculate 20 sum/ratio of metabolites. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed differences in-between the overall metabolome at rest and immediately after exercise. Interestingly, some systematic changes of relative metabolite concentrations still persisted on day 8 after exercise. The first two components of the PCA explained 34% of the relative concentrations of all identified metabolites analyzed together. A volcano plot indicates that 35 metabolites and two metabolite ratios were significantly changed directly after exercise, such as metabolites related to carbohydrate and TCA metabolism. Moreover, we observed alterations in the relative concentrations of amino acids (e.g., decreases of valine, leucine and increases in alanine) and purines (e.g., increases in hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid). In summary, high intensity concentric-eccentric exercise performed at simulated altitude systematically changed the blood metabolome in trained athletes directly after exercise and some relative metabolite concentrations were still changed on day 8. The importance of that persisting metabolic alterations on exercise performance should be studied further.
Comparison of Retinal Changes Following Silicone Oil and Perfluoropropane Gas Tamponade for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients
Authors: Wang Tan , Wang Erqian , Chen Huan , Li Ningning , Min Hanyi
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the different tamponade effects of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) and perfluoropropane gas on the retinal structure and vasculature in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients.

Methods: Thirty-eight eligible patients (47 eyes) with PDR requiring pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were enrolled in the prospective observational study. Subjects were divided into two groups after PPV: SO group subjects underwent SO tamponade, whereas Gas group subjects underwent perfluoropropane gas tamponade. The primary outcomes of this study were longitudinal changes in retinal structure and vasculature between 10 and 90 days after the operation. Secondary outcomes were longitudinal changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness between 10 and 90 days after the operation in each sector.

Results: Thirty-six eyes of 27 patients with a median age of 56.6 ± 9.8 years completed follow-up and were statistically analyzed. No significant difference in demographics or clinical characteristics was found between the two groups. Eyes in the SO group had a statistically significant decrease in pRNFL thickness at 90 days after PPV (p < 0.001), and there was a significant intergroup difference compared with the Gas group (p = 0.001), except for the temporal sector. Eyes in the Gas group had a statistically significant increase in parafoveal vessel density (VD) of the superficial vascular complex (SVC) at 90 days after PPV (p = 0.023), although there was no significant intergroup difference. The type of tamponade, changes in full retina thickness, and parafoveal SVC VD showed a significant correlation with changes in pRNFL thickness (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: SO tamponade resulted in a significantly greater decrease in pRNFL over 90 days than gas tamponade in patients with PDR. In addition, the change in the pRNFL was significantly correlated with changes in full retina thickness and SVC VD after the operation.
Combined Systemic Intake of K-ATP Opener (Nicorandil) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Preconditioned With Nicorandil Alleviates Pancreatic Insufficiency in a Model of Bilateral Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: ShamsEldeen Asmaa Mohammed , El-Aal Sarah A. Abd , Aboulhoda Basma Emad , AbdAllah Hend , Gamal Sara Mahmoud , Hassan Fatma E. , Mehesen Marwa Nagi , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Mostafa Abeer , Sadek Nermeen Bakr
Published: June 2022

We used nicorandil, a K-ATP channel opener, to study the role of these channels in the amelioration of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced pancreatic injury, and the possible involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Forty-two male Wistar rats were included in this study, six were sacrificed for extraction of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and conducting the in-vitro work, the others were included in vivo study and equally divided into six groups. Group 1 (sham control), but groups 2–6 were subjected to bilateral renal I/R: Group 2 (I/R); Group 3 (I/R-NC), treated with nicorandil; Group 4 (I/R-MSCs), treated with BM-MSCs; Group 5 (I/R-MSCC), treated with nicorandil-preconditioned BM-MSCs; Group 6 (I/R-NC-MSCC), treated with both systemic nicorandil and preconditioned BM-MSCC. Renal injury and subsequent pancreatic damage were detected in the I/R group by a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, fasting glucose, and pancreatic enzymes. The pancreatic tissues showed a reduction in cellularity and a significant decrease in the expression of the cell survival pathway, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, in the I/R group compared to the control. Preconditioning MSCs with nicorandil significantly enhanced the proliferation assay and decreased their apoptotic markers. Indeed, combined systemic nicorandil and nicorandil-preconditioning maintained survival of MSC in the pancreatic tissue and amelioration of apoptotic markers and pancreatic TNF-α production. Histologically, all treated groups revealed better pancreatic architecture, and increased area % of anti-insulin antibody and CD31, which were all best observed in the NC-MSCC group. Thus, using K-ATP channel opener was efficient to enhance PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression levels (in vivo and in vitro).
Nitrogen and Chemical Control Management Improve Yield and Quality in High-Density Planting of Maize by Promoting Root-Bleeding Sap and Nutrient Absorption
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Liguo , Yu Yang , Qian Chunrong , Li Congfeng , Wei Shi , Li Caifeng , Gu Wanrong
Published: June 2022

High-density planting aggravates competition among plants and has a negative impact on plant growth and productivity. Nitrogen application and chemical control can improve plant growth and increase grain yield in high-density planting. Our experiment explored the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and plant growth regulators on maize root-bleeding sap, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) accumulation and translocation, and grain yield and quality in high-density planting. We established a field study during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, with three nitrogen levels of N100 (100 kg ha−1), N200 (200 kg ha−1), and N300 (300 kg ha−1) at high-density planting (90,000 plants ha−1), and applied Yuhuangjin (a plant growth regulator mixture of 3% DTA-6 and 27% ethephon) at the 7th leaf. Our results showed that N200 application combined with chemical control could regulate amino acid and mineral nutrient concentration delivery rates in root-bleeding sap and improve its sap rate. Also, the treated plant exhibited higher P and K uptake and translocation ability. Furthermore, chemical control and N200 treatment maintained a high level of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPCase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase), nitrate reductase (NR), and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzymatic activities in leaves. In addition, plant growth regulator and nitrogen application improved the enzymatic activities of GS, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and the contents of crude protein, lysine, sucrose, and soluble sugar in grain and ultimately increased maize yield. This study suggests that N200 application in combination with chemical control promotes root vitality and nutrient accumulation and could improve grain yield and quality in high-density planting.
Genetic Determinants of Biomass in C4 Crops: Molecular and Agronomic Approaches to Increase Biomass for Biofuels
Authors: Ain Noor-ul- , Haider Fasih Ullah , Fatima Mahpara , Habiba  , Zhou Yongmei , Ming Ray
Published: June 2022

Bio-based fuels have become popular being efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Among plant sources exploited as feedstocks, C4 grasses, such as sugarcane, maize, sorghum, and miscanthus, are highly resourceful in converting solar energy into chemical energy. For a sustainable and reliable supply of feedstocks for biofuels, we expect dedicated bioenergy crops to produce high biomass using minimum input resources. In recent years, molecular and genetic advancements identified various factors regulating growth, biomass accumulation, and assimilate partitioning. Here, we reviewed important genes involved in cell cycle regulation, hormone dynamics, and cell wall biosynthesis. A number of important transcription factors and miRNAs aid in activation of important genes responsible for cell wall growth and re-construction. Also, environmental components interacting with genetic controls modulate plant biomass by modifying gene expression in multiple interacting pathways. Finally, we discussed recent progress using hybridization and genome editing techniques to improve biomass yield in C4 grasses. This review summarizes genes and environmental factors contributing biomass yield in C4 biofuel crops which can help to discover and design bioenergy crops adapting to changing climate conditions.
Transcriptome and Metabonomics Combined Analysis Revealed the Defense Mechanism Involved in Hydrogen-Rich Water-Regulated Cold Stress Response of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Pan Junjie , Ni Sui , Xing Bincong , Cheng Kejun , Peng Xin
Published: June 2022

The poor resistance to cold stress conditions has become the bottleneck problem in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (T. hemsleyanum) planting industry. Exogenous hydrogen (H2) plays an important role in improving stress resistance in plants. However, the key factors and regulatory network of plants in response to hydrogen-rich water (HRW) treatment under environmental stress are not clear. Here, we conducted integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome profiles to reveal the defense mechanism involved in the HRW-regulated cold stress response of T. hemsleyanum. The application of 75% HRW could alleviate stress damage by decreasing stomatal apparatus density and significantly increasing photosynthetic efficiency and mitigating physiological indexes of resistance, such as Pn, Cond, MDA, SOD, etc., which were changed by cold stress conditions. A total of 7,883 DEGs and 439 DEMs were identified. DEGs were the most relevant to phenylpropanoid, isoflavonoid, monoterpenoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Using gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA), we identified one gene module that showed a strong correlation between total antioxidant capacity and transpiration rate. Trend analysis indicated that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway played a major role in the transcription and metabolism process of HRW treatment under cold stress. Based on the integrated analysis of genes and metabolites, the results showed cold stress upregulated the expression of PAL, CHS, COMT, CCR, AtBG1, etc., resulting in the accumulation of coniferyl alcohol and eriodictyol contents in T. hemsleyanum under cold stress, but the 75% HRW treatment could attenuate the enhancement. The study not only identified the main strategy of HRW protection against cold stress but also provided candidate genes for flavonoid biosynthesis, so as to better improve cold tolerance through molecular breeding techniques.
A Temporary Immersion System to Improve Cannabis sativa Micropropagation
Authors: Rico Saleta , Garrido José , Sánchez Conchi , Ferreiro-Vera Carlos , Codesido Verónica , Vidal Nieves
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to propagate axillary shoots of Cannabis sativa L. using liquid medium in temporary immersion bioreactors. The effect of immersion frequency (3 or 6 immersions per day), explant type (apical or basal sections), explant number (8, 10, and 16 explants), mineral medium (Murashige and Skoog half-strength nitrates, β-A and β-H, all supplemented with 2-μM metatopoline), sucrose supplementation (2, 0.5, and 0% sucrose), culture duration (4 and 6 weeks), and bioreactor type (RITA® and Plantform™) were investigated. As a result, we propose a protocol for the proliferation of cannabis apical segments in RITA® or Plantform™ bioreactors. The explants (8 per RITA® and 24 per Plantform™) are immersed for 1 min, 3 times per day in β-A medium supplemented with 2-μM metatopoline and 0.5% of sucrose and subcultured every 4 weeks. This is the first study using temporary immersion systems in C. sativa production, and our results provide new opportunities for the mass propagation of this species.
The Hierarchy of Protoxylem Groupings in Primary Root and Their Plasticity to Nitrogen Addition in Three Tree Species
Authors: Li Zhongyue , Wang Siyuan , Wang Wenna , Gu Jiacun , Wang Yan
Published: June 2022

Protoxylem grouping (PG), a classification based on the number of protoxylem poles, is a crucial indicator related to other functional traits in fine roots, affecting growth and survival of individual root. However, within root system, less is known about the arrangement of PG. Moreover, the responses of PG to fertilization are still unclear. Here, we selected three common hardwood species in Northeast China, Juglans mandshurica, Fraxinus mandshurica, and Phellodendron amurense, conducted root pruning and nutrient addition. In this study, we analyzed the PG, morphology, and other anatomy traits of newly formed root branches. The results showed all root length, diameter, and stele, as well as hydraulic conductivity, were significantly positive related to the PG number, and the PG number generally decreased with ascending root developmental order; these patterns were independent of species and fertilization. Additionally, we also found the plasticity of PGs to environmental changes, in terms of the increased frequency of high PG roots after fertilization, significantly in J. mandshurica and F. mandshurica. Therefore, the heterogeneity, hierarchy, and plasticity of individual roots within root system may be widespread in woody plants, which is of great significance to deepen our understanding in root growth and development, as well as the belowground ecological process.
An Analysis of Natural Variation Reveals That OsFLA2 Controls Flag Leaf Angle in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Jiang Jianhua , Zhang Yuanqing , Li Yulong , Hu Changmin , Xu Lei , Zhang Ying , Wang Dezheng , Hong Delin , Dang Xiaojing
Published: June 2022

Flag leaf angle (FLA) is an important outcrossing trait affecting the hybrid seed production in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Natural variation of FLA has been reported in rice, but the molecular basis for this variation is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic values of FLA in 353 rice natural accessions in six environments, which indicated that there was abundant phenotypic variation. We performed a genome-wide association study on FLA using 1.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified significantly associated with FLA, of which five were located in previously reported QTLs/genes and one was novel. We identified two causal gene loci for FLA, namely, OsFLA6 and OsFLA2; OsFLA6 was co-localized with the gene OsLIC. In addition, the accessions with large and small FLA values have corresponding high and low OsFLA6 expressions. OsFLA2TT allele could increase significantly the seed setting percentage in hybrid F1 seed production by field experiment. We also confirmed that the allele OsFLA2TT increased the FLA compared with that of the isogenic line carrying allele OsFLA2CC by transgenic complementation experiment. The allele frequencies of OsFLA6GGand OsFLA2TT decreased gradually with an increase in latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. Our results should facilitate the improvement of FLA of parents of hybrid rice.
Effects of 5-azaC on Iridoid Glycoside Accumulation and DNA Methylation in Rehmannia glutinosa
Authors: Dong Tianyu , Song Shanglin , Wang Ying , Yang Ruixue , Chen Peilei , Su Jiuchang , Ding Xinru , Liu Yongkang , Duan Hongying
Published: June 2022

Iridoid glycoside is the important secondary metabolite and the main active component in Rehmannia glutinosa. However, the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of iridoid glycoside biosynthesis remain poorly understood in R. glutinosa. Herein, the analysis of RNA-seq data revealed that 3,394 unigenes related to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were identified in R. glutinosa. A total of 357 unigenes were involved in iridoid glycoside synthesis, in which the highly conservative genes, such as DXS, DXR, GPPS, G10H, and 10HGO, in organisms were overexpressed. The analysis of the above genes confirmed that the co-occurrence ratio of DXS, DXR, and GPPS was high in plants. Further, our results showed that under normal and 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) treatment, the expression levels of DXS, DXR, GPPS, G10H, and 10HGO were consistent with the iridoid glycoside accumulation in R. glutinosa, in which the application of the different concentrations of 5-azaC, especially 50 μM 5-azaC, could significantly upregulate the expression of five genes above and iridoid glycoside content. In addition, the changes in the spatiotemporal specificity of degree and levels of DNA methylation were observed in R. glutinosa, in which the hemi-methylation was the main reason for the change in DNA methylation levels. Similar to the changes in 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) content, the DNA demethylation could be induced by 5-azaC and responded in a dose-dependent manner to 15, 50, and 100 μM 5-azaC. Taken together, the expression of iridoid glycoside synthesis gene was upregulated by the demethylation in R. glutinosa, followed by triggering the iridoid glycoside accumulation. These findings not only identify the key genes of iridoid glycoside synthesis from R. glutinosa, but also expand our current knowledge of the function of methylation in iridoid glycoside accumulation.
Estimating Maize Yield in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China Using Land Surface Data Assimilation: Integrating a Crop Model and Remote Sensing
Authors: Cui Ying , Liu Suhong , Li Xingang , Geng Hao , Xie Yun , He Yuhua
Published: June 2022

Accurate yield estimation at the regional scale has always been a persistent challenge in the agricultural sector. With the vigorous emergence of remote sensing land surface observations in recent decades, data assimilation methodology has become an effective means to promote the accuracy and efficiency of yield estimation by integrating regional data and point-scale crop models. This paper focuses on the black soil area of Northeast China, a national strategic grain production base, applying the AquaCrop crop growth model to simulate the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and maize yield from 2000 to 2020 and then forming a reliable FVC optimization dataset based on an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) assimilation algorithm with remote sensing products. Using the random forest model, the regression relationship between FVC and yield was established from the long-term time series data, which is crucial to achieve better yield estimation through the optimized FVC. The major findings include the following: (1) The R2 of the assimilated FVC and maize yield can reach 0.557. (2) When compared with the local statistical yield, our method reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) from 1.164 ton/ha (based on GLASS FVC products) to 1.004 ton/ha (based on the calibrated AquaCrop model) and then to 0.888 ton/ha (the result after assimilation). The above results show that we have proposed a yield estimation method to provide accurate yield estimations by combining data assimilation and machine learning. This study provided deep insights into understanding the variations in FVC and revealed the spatially explicit yield prediction ability from the time series land surface parameters, which has significant potential for optimizing water and soil resource management.
Molecular Mechanisms of Intercellular Rhizobial Infection: Novel Findings of an Ancient Process
Authors: Quilbé Johan , Montiel Jesús , Arrighi Jean-François , Stougaard Jens
Published: June 2022

Establishment of the root-nodule symbiosis in legumes involves rhizobial infection of nodule primordia in the root cortex that is dependent on rhizobia crossing the root epidermal barrier. Two mechanisms have been described: either through root hair infection threads or through the intercellular passage of bacteria. Among the legume genera investigated, around 75% use root hair entry and around 25% the intercellular entry mode. Root-hair infection thread-mediated infection has been extensively studied in the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus. In contrast, the molecular circuit recruited during intercellular infection, which is presumably an ancient and simpler pathway, remains poorly known. In recent years, important discoveries have been made to better understand the transcriptome response and the genetic components involved in legumes with obligate (Aeschynomene and Arachis spp.) and conditional (Lotus and Sesbania spp.) intercellular rhizobial infections. This review addresses these novel findings and briefly considers possible future research to shed light on the molecular players that orchestrate intercellular infection in legumes.
The Transcriptome Profiling of Flavonoids and Bibenzyls Reveals Medicinal Importance of Rare Orchid Arundina graminifolia
Authors: Ahmad Sagheer , Gao Jie , Wei Yonglu , Lu Chuqiao , Zhu Genfa , Yang Fengxi
Published: June 2022

Orchids are very important flowering plants that spend long juvenile phases before flowering. Along with aesthetic importance, they are rich sources of medicinal components. However, their long reproductive cycle is the major hurdle to study the medicinal efficacy. Arundina graminifolia is a rare orchid that grows fast, unlike other orchids, and this characteristic makes it an ideal plant to study the medicinal enrichment of orchids. Therefore, this study presents the identification of important medicinal components in various parts of A. graminifolia. Transcriptome analysis was performed for five stages (FD1–FD5) of flower development and four tissue types (mature flower, silique, root, and leaf) to ascertain genetic regulators of flavonoids and bibenzyls. Most of the genes showed the highest expression in roots as compared with other tissues. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the coexpression modules and the candidate genes involving biosynthesis pathways of these chemicals. MEyellow module contained the highly coexpressed genes. Moreover, the concentrations of phenylpropanoid, bibenzyls, and flavone were ascertained through high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Phenylpropanoid and bibenzyl were comparatively high in the leaf, while flavone showed a high concentration in the stem. The selected candidate genes [bibenzyl biosynthesis (BIBSY212), CYP84A1, CYP73A4, 4CLL7, UGT88B1, UGT73C3, anthocyanin synthase (ANS), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), flavanone synthase FLS, and CHS8] were validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Most of these genes showed high expression in leaf and root as compared with other tissue. Therefore, the presence of bibenzyls and flavonoids in different parts of A. graminifolia and their molecular regulators can provide a quick source to decipher the medicinal efficacy of orchids.
NbNAC42 and NbZFP3 Transcription Factors Regulate the Virus Inducible NbAGO5 Promoter in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ke Yuan-Dun , Huang Ying-Wen , Viswanath Kotapati Kasi , Hu Chung-Chi , Yeh Chuan-Ming , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Lin Na-Sheng , Hsu Yau-Heiu
Published: June 2022

Plant argonautes (AGOs) play important roles in the defense responses against viruses. The expression of Nicotiana benthamiana AGO5 gene (NbAGO5) is highly induced by Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) infection; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we have analyzed the potential promoter activities of NbAGO5 and its interactions with viral proteins by using a 2,000 bp fragment, designated as PN1, upstream to the translation initiation of NbAGO5. PN1 and seven serial 5′-deletion mutants (PN2–PN8) were fused with a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter and introduced into the N. benthamiana genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for further characterization. It was found that PN4-GUS transgenic plants were able to drive strong GUS expression in the whole plant. In the virus infection tests, the GUS activity was strongly induced in PN4-GUS transgenic plants after being challenged with potexviruses. Infiltration of the transgenic plants individually with BaMV coat protein (CP) or triple gene block protein 1 (TGBp1) revealed that only TGBp1 was crucial for inducing the NbAGO5 promoter. To identify the factors responsible for controlling the activity of the NbAGO5 promoter, we employed yeast one-hybrid screening on a transcription factor cDNA library. The result showed that NbNAC42 and NbZFP3 could directly bind the 704 bp promoter regions of NbAGO5. By using overexpressing and virus-induced gene silencing techniques, we found that NbNAC42 and NbZFP3 regulated and downregulated, respectively, the expression of the NbAGO5 gene. Upon virus infection, NbNAC42 played an important role in regulating the expression of NbAGO5. Together, these results provide new insights into the modulation of the defense mechanism of N. benthamiana against viruses. This virus inducible promoter could be an ideal candidate to drive the target gene expression that could improve the anti-virus abilities of crops in the future.
Water Uptake Tradeoffs of Dominant Shrub Species in the Coastal Wetlands of the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Zhu Jinfang , Liu Jingtao , Li Junsheng , Zhao Caiyun , Sun Jingkuan
Published: June 2022

Tamarix chinensis and Ziziphus jujuba are two dominant shrub species on Chenier Island in the Yellow River Delta, China. Water is a restrictive factor determining the plant growth, vegetation composition, and community succession in this coastal zone. We investigated how water uptake tradeoffs of the two shrub species responded to soil water fluctuations caused by seasonal variations of precipitation. The soil water content, salinity and δ18O values of potential water sources (soil water in 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–100 cm soil layers, and groundwater) and plant xylem water were measured in wet (July 2013) and dry (July 2014) seasons. The IsoSource model was employed to calculate the contributions of different water sources to plant xylem water. The results showed that δ18O values of soil water decreased significantly with soil depth in the dry season, while increased significantly with soil depth in the wet season. In the wet season, when the soil water was abundant, Z. jujuba mostly used the soil water from the 60–100 cm layer, while T. chinensis took up a mixture of groundwater and soil water from the 60–100 cm layer. In the dry season, when the soil water was depleted because of low precipitation, Z. jujuba mainly took up a mixture of the soil water from 20 to 100 cm soil layers, while T. chinensis mainly used groundwater. T. chinensis and Z. jujuba showed different ecological amplitudes of water sources during dry and wet seasons. The niche differentiation of major water sources for T. chinensis and Z. jujuba demonstrated their adaptabilities to the fluctuations of soil moisture in water-limited ecosystems. Water niche differentiations of coexisting shrub species were expected to minimize their competition for limited water sources, contributing to successful coexistence and increasing the resilience of the coastal wetland ecosystem to drought.
Developmental Characteristics and Auxin Response of Epiphytic Root in Dendrobium catenatum
Authors: Tian Jili , Jiang Weiwei , Si Jinping , Han Zhigang , Li Cong , Chen Donghong
Published: June 2022

Dendrobium catenatum, a traditional precious Chinese herbal medicine, belongs to epiphytic orchids. Its special life mode leads to the specialization of roots, but there is a lack of systematic research. The aerial root in D. catenatum displays diverse unique biological characteristics, and it initially originates from the opposite pole of the shoot meristem within the protocorm. The root development of D. catenatum is not only regulated by internal cues but also adjusts accordingly with the change in growth environments. D. catenatum root is highly tolerant to auxin, which may be closely related to its epiphytic life. Exogenous auxin treatment has dual effects on D. catenatum roots: relatively low concentration promotes root elongation, which is related to the induced expression of cell wall synthesis genes; excessive concentration inhibits the differentiation of velamen and exodermis and promotes the overproliferation of cortical cells, which is related to the significant upregulation of WOX11-WOX5 regeneration pathway genes and cell division regulatory genes. Overexpression of D. catenatum WOX12 (DcWOX12) in Arabidopsis inhibits cell and organ differentiation, but induces cell dedifferentiation and callus production. Therefore, DcWOX12 not only retains the characteristics of ancestors as stem cell regulators, but also obtains stronger cell fate transformation ability than homologous genes of other species. These findings suggest that the aerial root of D. catenatum evolves special structure and developmental characteristics to adapt to epiphytic life, providing insight into ideal root structure breeding of simulated natural cultivation in D. catenatum and a novel target gene for improving the efficiency of monocot plant transformation.
Functional Diversification Analysis of Soybean Malectin/Malectin-Like Domain-Containing Receptor-Like Kinases in Immunity by Transient Expression Assays
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Shuxian , Bao Yazhou , Wang Dongmei , Wang Weijie , Chen Rubin , Li Yixin , Xu Guangyuan , Feng Xianzhong , Liang Xiangxiu , Dou Daolong
Published: June 2022

Plants have responded to microbial pathogens by evolving a two-tiered immune system, involving pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Malectin/malectin-like domain-containing receptor-like kinases (MRLKs) have been reported to participate in many biological functions in plant including immunity and resistance. However, little is known regarding the role of MRLKs in soybean immunity. This is a crucial question to address because soybean is an important source of oil and plant proteins, and its production is threatened by various pathogens. Here, we systematically identified 72 Glycine max MRLKs (GmMRLKs) and demonstrated that many of them are transcriptionally induced or suppressed in response to infection with microbial pathogens. Next, we successfully cloned 60 GmMRLKs and subsequently characterized their roles in plant immunity by transiently expressing them in Nicotiana benthamiana, a model plant widely used to study host-pathogen interactions. Specifically, we examined the effect of GmMRLKs on PTI responses and noticed that a number of GmMRLKs negatively regulated the reactive oxygen species burst induced by flg22 and chitin, and cell death triggered by XEG1 and INF1. We also analyzed the microbial effectors AvrB- and XopQ-induced hypersensitivity response and identified several GmMRLKs that suppressed ETI activation. We further showed that GmMRLKs regulate immunity probably by coupling to the immune receptor complexes. Furthermore, transient expression of several selected GmMRLKs in soybean hairy roots conferred reduced resistance to soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae. In summary, we revealed the common and specific roles of GmMRLKs in soybean immunity and identified a number of GmMRLKs as candidate susceptible genes that may be useful for improving soybean resistance.
Is a Match Better Than No Match? On the Interaction of Demands and Support During Technological Change
Authors: Schlicher Katharina D. , Reddehase Jannik , Maier Günter W.
Published: June 2022

Progressing digitalization and technological changes triggered by COVID-19 lockdowns means for organizations that new technologies need to be implemented in shorter time periods. The implementation of new technologies in the workplace poses various change demands on employees. Organizations try to counteract these effects by providing change support in the form of for example training or participation options. However, to date, it is unclear how change demands develop a detrimental effect and whether change support can buffer this relation due to which working mechanisms, and whether the effectiveness of support measures can be increased by matching them to specific change demands. Based on the integrative framework of social support theory, which draws on the job demands-resources model and self-determination theory, we hypothesize that change demands can be most effectively addressed through matching change support. In three consecutive experimental vignette studies (N1= 89,N2= 134,N3= 138) of dependently employed samples, we analyzed the interaction of change demands and change support on attitude to change, satisfaction with the change process, and behavioral intention to use by manipulating the degree of demand (high vs. low) and provided support (high vs. low) and by conducting moderated mediation analyses, and integrated the results meta-analytically. The results show that change demands have a detrimental effect on technology implementation outcomes. In one of the three studies we confirmed a moderating effect of change support. The relation was mediated by perceived frustration, but the mediating effect of psychological need satisfaction was inconclusive. Based on our results, we discuss that the research on matching support requires the evaluation of the personal relevance of the support receiver to increase the chance of achieving a match.
Aggression Against Police Officers and Behavior Toward Citizens: Reciprocal Influence or Common Causes?
Authors: van Reemst Lisa , Fischer Tamar , Weerman Frank
Published: June 2022

Police officers are often the victim of aggression by citizens, which has negative consequences for them and society in general. Therefore, it is important to gain knowledge about related factors. This study examines to what extent experiencing aggression as a police officer is related to their patience with citizens and use of force weapons and tools. Two explanations based on the victim-offender overlap are examined: experiences of aggression and behavior toward citizens influence each other vs. both have common causes. This study was conducted on the basis of a longitudinal survey among police officers (N= 693). The results show that behavior toward citizens, including patience with citizens and the use of force is related to the aggression police officers experience. The association decreases but does not disappear when common causes are taken into account, in this case socio-demographic and work-related characteristics. No direct support is found for reciprocal influence. Implications and suggestions for further research are described.
Designing Gestures of Robots in Specific Fields for Different Perceived Personality Traits
Authors: Niu Jin , Wu Chih-Fu , Dou Xiao , Lin Kai-Chieh
Published: June 2022

Since their development, social robots have been a popular topic of research, with numerous studies evaluating their functionality or task performance. In recent years, social robots have begun to be regarded as social actors at work, and their social attributes have been explored. Therefore, this study focused on four occupational fields (shopping reception, home companion, education, and security) where robots are widely used, exploring the influence of robot gestures on their perceived personality traits and comparing the gesture design guidelines required in specific occupational fields. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, an interactive script was developed; moreover, observation was employed to derive gestures related to the discourse on the fields of interest. The second stage involved robot experimentation based on human–robot interaction through video. Results show that metaphoric gestures appeared less frequently than did deictic, iconic, or beat gestures. Robots’ perceived personality traits were categorized into sociality, competence, and status. Introducing all types of gestures helped enhance perceived sociality. The addition of deictic, and iconic gestures significantly improved perceived competence and perceived status. Regarding the shopping reception robot, after the inclusion of basic deictic and iconic gestures, sufficient beats gestures should be implemented to create a friendly and outgoing demeanor, thereby promoting user acceptance. In the home companion, education, and security contexts, the addition of beat gestures did not affect the overall acceptance level; the designs should instead be focused on the integration of the other gesture types.