bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomal noncoding RNAs in gynecological cancers: implications for therapy resistance and biomarkers
Authors: Xu Changfen , Xu Peiyao , Zhang Jiaqi , He Sheng , Hua Tingting , Huang Aiwu
Published: April 2024

Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC), cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EC), pose a serious threat to women’s health and quality of life due to their high incidence and lethality. Therapeutic resistance in tumors refers to reduced sensitivity of tumor cells to therapeutic drugs or radiation, which compromises the efficacy of treatment or renders it ineffective. Therapeutic resistance significantly contributes to treatment failure in gynecologic tumors, although the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles released and received by distinct kinds of cells. Exosomes contain proteins, lipids, and RNAs closely linked to their origins and functions. Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomal ncRNAs may be involved in intercellular communication and can modulate the progression of tumorigenesis, aggravation and metastasis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and drug resistance. Besides, exosomal ncRNAs also have the potential to become significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various of diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the biological roles and mechanisms of exosomal ncRNAs in the drug resistance of gynecologic tumors, as well as explored the potential of exosomal ncRNAs acting as the liquid biopsy molecular markers in gynecologic cancers.
Conservative medical intervention as a complement to CDT for BCRL therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Chuyu , Wu Zhiguo , Cai Zijie , Zheng Xiaoyan , Tang Chunzhi
Published: April 2024

Background

The effect of first-line complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) depending on various factors forces patients to seek additional treatment. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different conservative medical interventions as a complement to CDT. This is the first meta-analysis that includes various kinds of conservative treatments as adjunctive therapy to get broader knowledge and improve practical application value, which can provide recommendations to further improve BCRL patients’ health status.

Methods

RCTs published before 18 December 2023 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. RCTs that compared the effects of conservative medical intervention were included. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity findings. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Sixteen RCTs with 690 participants were included, comparing laser therapy, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), electrotherapy, ultrasound, diet or diet in combination with synbiotic supplement, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), continuous passive motion (CPM), and negative pressure massage treatment (NMPT). The results revealed that conservative medical intervention as complement to CDT had benefits in improving lymphedema in volume/circumference of the upper extremity [SMD = −0.30, 95% CI = (−0.45, −0.15), P < 0.05, I2 = 51%], visual analog score (VAS) for pain [SMD = −3.35, 95% CI (−5.37, −1.33), P < 0.05, I2 = 96%], quality of life [SMD = 0.44, 95% CI (0.19, 0.69), P < 0.05, I2 = 0], and DASH/QuickDASH [SMD = −0.42, 95% CI (−0.70, −0.14), P < 0.05, I2 = 10%] compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that laser therapy and electrotherapy are especially effective (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Combining conservative medical interventions with CDT appears to have a positive effect on certain BCRL symptoms, especially laser therapy and electrotherapy. It showed a better effect on patients under 60 years old, and laser therapy of low to moderate intensity (5–24 mW, 1.5–2 J/cm2) and of moderate- to long-term duration (≥36–72 sessions) showed better effects.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=354824, identifier CRD42022354824.
Case report: From negative to positive: a remarkable journey of ER, PR and HER2 status in a patient with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Huang Jiaqi , Liu Lan , Ding Jianghua
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, posing a serious threat to women’s health. HER2 has been identified as a key oncogene and prognostic factor in breast cancer. Recent studies have reported inconsistencies in ER, PR, and/or HER2 expression between primary breast tumors and metastatic lesions. Rarely is it reported that all three biomarkers experience conversion. In this report, we present the case of a female patient with relapsed and metastatic breast cancer, whose histology transformed from initially triple-negative to Luminal-B type (HER2 positive) (i.e., ER, PR, and HER2 positive). She underwent systematic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and cranial radiotherapy, which was followed by maintenance treatment with targeted and endocrine therapy. Currently, she has been in nearly complete remission (nCR) for more than 12 months. For recurrent and metastatic breast cancer, it is necessary to perform the second biopsy for metastases, which would contribute to precision treatment and prognosis improvement.
Identification of potent schistosomicidal compounds predicted as type II-kinase inhibitors against Schistosoma mansoni c-Jun N-terminal kinase SMJNK
Authors: Moreira Bernardo P. , Gava Sandra G. , Haeberlein Simone , Gueye Sophie , Santos Ester S. S. , Weber Michael H. W. , Abramyan Tigran M. , Grevelding Christoph G. , Mourão Marina M. , Falcone Franco H.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Schistosomiasis has for many years relied on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ) for treatment of the disease. Immense efforts have been invested in the discovery of protein kinase (PK) inhibitors; however, given that the majority of PKs are still not targeted by an inhibitor with a useful level of selectivity, there is a compelling need to expand the chemical space available for synthesizing new, potent, and selective PK inhibitors. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the ATP pocket of the catalytic domain of PKs have the potential to become drugs devoid of (major) side effects, particularly if they bind selectively. This is the case for type II PK inhibitors, which cause PKs to adopt the so-called DFG-out conformation, corresponding to the inactive state of the enzyme.

Methods

The goal was to perform a virtual screen against the ATP pocket of the inactive JNK protein kinase. After virtually screening millions of compounds, Atomwise provided 85 compounds predicted to target c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as type II inhibitors. Selected compounds were screened in vitro against larval stage (schistosomula) of S. mansoni using the XTT assay. Adult worms were assessed for motility, attachment, and pairing stability. Active compounds were further analyzed by molecular docking against SmJNK.

Results

In total, 33 compounds were considered active in at least one of the assays, and two compounds were active in every in vitro screening assay. The two most potent compounds presented strong effects against both life stages of the parasite, and microscopy analysis showed phenotypic alterations on the tegument, in the gonads, and impairment of cell proliferation.

Conclusion

The approach to screen type II kinase inhibitors resulted in the identification of active compounds that will be further developed against schistosomiasis.
Treatment outcome of pneumonia and its associated factors among pediatric patients admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adbela Gebremariam , Abdurahman Hanan , Hailu Saba , Keneni Mulualem , Mohammed Ahmed , Weldegebreal Fitsum
Published: April 2024

Background

Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Despite its substantial impact, there exists a dearth of evidence regarding treatment outcomes and related factors, particularly within the Ethiopian context. This study endeavors to address these critical gaps by examining the treatment outcome of pneumonia among pediatric patients hospitalized in the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 children (≤14 years of age) diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. An interview using a structured questionnaire accompanied by a review of medical records was used to collect data from the parents/guardians. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.

Result

Among the 204 children (≤14 years) included in the study, 119 (93.6%, 95% CI: 90.2–96.9) patients with pneumonia survived whereas 13 (6.4%, 95% CI: 3.1–9.7) died. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustments for potential confounders, revealed that children who had malnutrition (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.37–12.44), were unvaccinated (AOR =  3.41, 95% CI: 2.25–11.87), had altered mental states during admission (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.28–17.85), and had complicated types of pneumonia (AOR = 5.70, 95% CI: 2.98–15.09) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Poor treatment outcome was 6.4% among pediatric patients admitted with pneumonia in this study setting. Being unvaccinated, malnourished, and admitted with a complicated type of pneumonia as well as having altered consciousness at the time of admission were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. These findings underscore the critical need to prioritize preventative measures against malnutrition and unvaccinated status in children. Early identification of such children and proper interventions are imperative to reducing such outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Analysis of the characteristics of intestinal microbiota after oral tolerance in infants with food protein–induced proctocolitis
Authors: Lijing Xiong , Mengyao Zhou , Jing Li , Yang Li , Xiaoli Xie
Published: April 2024

Objective

To understand the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota after oral tolerance in infants with food protein–induced proctocolitis (FPIAP) treated with amino acid formula and their differences from healthy children, aiming to provide a scientific basis for guiding the application of probiotics during treatment.

Methods

FPIAP infants were prospectively enrolled, fecal specimens were obtained, and DNA was extracted for PCR amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V4 region. Library construction and sequencing were performed, and bioinformatic analysis was performed after obtaining valid data.

Results

There were 36 patients in the FPIAP group: 20 males and 16 females, age 21.944 ± 13.277 months. Diarrhea with blood in the stool were the main symptom, with an average course of 14.83 ± 9.33 days. Thirty infants (83.33%) had mucus stool, 11.11% (4/36) of them experiencing vomiting, and 55.56% (20/36) of the infants displaying poor intake and weight gain, 28 (77.78%) patients with moderate eczema, 2 (5.6%) patients with chronic respiratory symptoms. The treatment time with amino acid formula was 5.51 ± 2.88 months. A control group comprising of 25 healthy infants who were full-term, natural delivery, bottle fed, and matched in terms of age (24.840 ± 12.680 months) and gender (15 males and 10 females) was selected. Anaerobic bacteria were less abundant in FPIAP infants than healthy infants (P = 4.811 × 10−5), but potentially pathogenic bacteria were more abundant (P = 0.000). The abundance of Actinobacteria was low in FPIAP infants, the abundance of Proteobacteria was high, and the abundance of Firmicutes was reduced. Bifidobacterium could be used as a bacterial genus to differentiate healthy and FPIAP infants. Both α-and β-diversity indicators of intestinal microbiota were lower in FPIAP infants. In FPIAP infants, glucose and energy metabolism and amino acid anabolism were decreased, and inflammation-related lipopolysaccharide synthesis pathways were increased.

Conclusion

Compared with healthy infants, FPIAP infants with oral tolerance after amino acid formula treatment had differences in the structure and diversity of intestinal microbiota, among which Bifidobacterium was significantly reduced.

Trial Registration

This trial was registered on https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/.
Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. [Asteraceae] rhizome-derived exosome-like nanoparticles suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in murine microglial cells
Authors: Kawada Kei , Ishida Tomoaki , Morisawa Shumpei , Jobu Kohei , Higashi Youichirou , Aizawa Fuka , Yagi Kenta , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Niimura Takahiro , Abe Shinji , Goda Mitsuhiro , Miyamura Mitsuhiko , Ishizawa Keisuke
Published: April 2024

Background

Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) mediate interspecies intercellular communications and modulate gene expression.

Hypothesis/Purpose

In this study, we isolated and purified ELNs from the dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. [Asteraceae] (ALR-ELNs), a traditional natural medicine, and investigated their potential as neuroinflammatory therapeutic agents.

Methods

ALR-ELN samples were isolated and purified using differential centrifugation, and their physical features and microRNA contents were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy and RNA sequencing, respectively. BV-2 microglial murine cells and primary mouse microglial cells were cultured in vitro, and their ability to uptake ALR-ELNs was explored using fluorescence microscopy. The capacity of ALR-ELNs to modulate the anti-inflammatory responses of these cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure was assessed through mRNA and protein expression analyses.

Results

Overall, BV-2 cells were found to internalize ALR-ELNs, which comprised three microRNAs (ath-miR166f, ath-miR162a-5p, and ath-miR162b-5p) that could have anti-inflammatory activity. Pretreatment of BV-2 cells with ALR-ELN prevented the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS stimulation by significantly reducing the levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Notably, the mRNA levels of Il1b, Il6, iNos, ccl2, and cxcl10 in BV-2 cells, which increased upon LPS exposure, were significantly reduced following ALR-ELN treatment. Moreover, the mRNA levels of heme oxygenase 1, Irf7, ccl12, and Irg1 also increased significantly following ALR-ELN treatment. In addition, pretreatment of primary mouse microglial cells with ALR-ELN prevented the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS stimulation by significantly reducing the levels of nitric oxide.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ALR-ELNs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on murine microglial cells. Further validation may prove ALR-ELNs as a promising neuroinflammatory therapeutic agent.
A Chinese patent medicine’s long-term efficacy on non-dialysis patients with CKD stages 3–5: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Hui-Fen , Lin Yu-Jie , Han Yan , Zhang Xian-Long , Wang Ruo-Bing , Chen Jun-Hui , Pi Ying , Fu Li-Zhe , Tang Fang , Jie Xi-Na , Tang Xiao-Na , Liu Xu-Sheng , Wu Yi-Fan
Published: April 2024

Background

Chinese patent medicine is commonly used in China as an important treatment mechanism to thwart the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5, among which Niaoduqing granules are a representative Chinese patent medicine; however, its long-term efficacy on CKD prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

Patients were grouped according to Niaoduqing granule prescription duration (non-Niaoduqing granule (non-NDQ) group vs Niaoduqing granule (NDQ) group). Serum creatinine (SCr) variation was compared using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Multivariate Cox regression models were constructed, adjusting for confounding factors, to explore the risk of composite outcomes (receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) or having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<5 mL/min/1.73 m2, ≥50% decline in the eGFR from the baseline, and doubling of SCr) in individuals consuming Niaoduqing granules.

Results

A total of 1,271 patients were included, with a median follow-up duration of 29.71 (12.10, 56.07) months. The mean SCr Z-scores for the non-NDQ group and NDQ group were −0.175 and 0.153, respectively, at baseline (p = 0.015). The coefficients of the NDQ group from visit 1 to visit 5 were −0.207 (95% CI: −0.346, −0.068, p = 0.004), −0.214 (95% CI: 0.389, −0.039, p = 0.017), −0.324 (95% CI: 0.538, −0.109, p = 0.003), −0.502 (95% CI: 0.761, −0.243, p = 0.000), and −0.252 (95% CI: 0.569, 0.065, p = 0.119), respectively. The survival probability was significantly higher in the NDQ group (p = 0.0039). Taking Niaoduqing granules was a significant protective factor for thwarting disease progression (model 1: HR 0.654 (95% CI 0.489–0.875, p = 0.004); model 2: HR 0.646 (95% CI 0.476, 0.877, p = 0.005); and model 3: HR 0.602 (95% CI 0.442, 0.820, p = 0.001)).

Conclusion

The long-term use of Niaoduqing granules improved SCr variation and lowered the risk of CKD progression by 39.8%.
Brain functional magnetic resonance imaging in ICU patients who developed delirium
Authors: Song Ren-Jie , Guo Fu-Jian , Huang Xiao-Fei , Li Mo , Sun Yi-Yun , Yu An-Yong , Zhang Tian-Xi
Published: April 2024

Objective

To detect brain alterations in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who develop delirium using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to determine their predictive value.

Methods

Fifty-two patients who were admitted to the ICU of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between June 2021 and June 2022 were enrolled. Fifteen patients who were diagnosed with delirium by the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) after MRI were selected as the delirium group, and 15 healthy volunteers who were examined during the same period served as the control group. Both groups underwent fMRI and DTI. Quantitative fMRI and DTI data were compared between the two groups to detect abnormal structural and functional brain damage. The relationships between MRI outliers and clinical indicators in the delirium group were also assessed.

Results

Demographic characteristics and imaging indicators before delirium were not correlated with ICDSC scores after delirium. Compared with the healthy control group, the delirium group had significantly lower regional homogeneity (ReHo) values in the left caudate nucleus and frontal lobe on fMRI. The amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) values of the delirium group were significantly increased in the hippocampus but significantly decreased in the frontal lobe. Compared with the healthy control group, the delirium group showed reduced mean diffusivity (MD) values, mainly in the right cerebellum and right middle temporal gyrus; reduced radial diffusivity (RD) values, mainly in the anterior cerebellum and right middle temporal gyrus; reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) values, only in the corpus callosum; and reduced axial diffusivity (AD) values, mainly in the anterior cerebellar lobe, right middle temporal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus on DTI. The statistical thresholds for quantitative DTI measurements were p < 0.005 at the voxel level and a cluster size > 5.

Conclusion

Abnormal resting-state brain activity in the left superior frontal gyrus and structural changes in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, corpus callosum, hippocampus, and cerebellum were observed in ICU patients who developed delirium during hospitalization. Early-brain fMRI and DTI examinations are recommended for the prediction of delirium according to unique quantitative indicators to facilitate early intervention for critically ill patients, reduce the length of hospital stay, and improve patient prognosis.
A comparative study of 8-week complex training and resistance training on athletic performance of amateur futsal players
Authors: Zhai Yuan , Qin Guoyang
Published: April 2024

Background: Despite the acknowledged importance of resistance training (RT) in enhancing physical performance in futsal players., the comparative effectiveness of RT and complex training (CT) on both physical and technical performance in futsal players remains underexplored. This study aimed to compare the effects of RT vs. CT on physical and technical performance in amateur futsal players.

Method: Players from two amateur futsal teams were assigned to RT (one team of 16 players; 18 years) and CT (one team of 16 players; 18 years) to perform an 8-week intervention with two weekly sessions. The RT performed the squat and deadlift (6 sets of 6–10 repetitions at 75%–85% one-repetition maximum (1RM), while the CT performed the squat + squat jump and deadlift + high pull (3 sets of 4–6 + 10–12 repetitions at 75%–85% 1RM). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Futsal Special Performance Test (FSPT), repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint decrement (Sdec), sprint times at 10-m (T10), 10–20-m (T10-20), and 20-m (T20), 1RM back squat (1RM BS), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and countermovement jump (CMJ).

Results: At baseline, no significant differences between groups were observed for any variable analyzed (p > 0.05). After 8 weeks, there were significant differences between CT vs. RT on FSPT (−10.8% vs. −3.4%; p < 0.05), T10 (−5.2% vs. −0.1%; p < 0.05), IMTP (7.8% vs. 5.1%; p < 0.05), and CMJ (10.2% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.05). On the other hand, no significant differences between CT vs. RT were observed for RSA (−2.0% vs. −1.2%; p > 0.05), Sdec (−7.6% vs. −3.5%; p > 0.05), T10-20 (−0.9% vs. −0.9%; p > 0.05), T20 (−1.8% vs. −1.7%; p > 0.05), and 1RM BS (5.7% vs. 4.5%; p > 0.05) after the training program. Both groups significantly improved FSPT, T20, 1RM BS, and IMTP, while only CT significantly improved RSA, Sdec, T10, and CMJ.

Conclusion: The results suggest that CT may be valuable for improving specific performance parameters in amateur futsal players, with some advantages over RT in enhancing strength and power. These findings support tailored training protocols for futsal players to optimize performance.
Genetic and molecular regulation of chilling requirements in pear: breeding for climate change resilience
Authors: Gabay Gilad , Flaishman Moshe A.
Published: April 2024

Pear (Pyrus spp.) is a deciduous fruit tree that requires exposure to sufficient chilling hours during the winter to establish dormancy, followed by favorable heat conditions during the spring for normal vegetative and floral budbreak. In contrast to most temperate woody species, apples and pears of the Rosaceae family are insensitive to photoperiod, and low temperature is the major factor that induces growth cessation and dormancy. Most European pear (Pyrus Communis L.) cultivars need to be grown in regions with high chilling unit (CU) accumulation to ensure early vegetative budbreak. Adequate vegetative budbreak time will ensure suitable metabolite accumulation, such as sugars, to support fruit set and vegetative development, providing the necessary metabolites for optimal fruit set and development. Many regions that were suitable for pear production suffer from a reduction in CU accumulation. According to climate prediction models, many temperate regions currently suitable for pear cultivation will experience a similar accumulation of CUs as observed in Mediterranean regions. Consequently, the Mediterranean region can serve as a suitable location for conducting pear breeding trials aimed at developing cultivars that will thrive in temperate regions in the decades to come. Due to recent climatic changes, bud dormancy attracts more attention, and several studies have been carried out aiming to discover the genetic and physiological factors associated with dormancy in deciduous fruit trees, including pears, along with their related biosynthetic pathways. In this review, current knowledge of the genetic mechanisms associated with bud dormancy in European pear and other Pyrus species is summarized, along with metabolites and physiological factors affecting dormancy establishment and release and chilling requirement determination. The genetic and physiological insights gained into the factors regulating pear dormancy phase transition and determining chilling requirements can accelerate the development of new pear cultivars better suited to both current and predicted future climatic conditions.
Insights into comparative genomics, structural features, and phylogenetic relationship of species from Eurasian Aster and its related genera (Asteraceae: Astereae) based on complete chloroplast genome
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Tingyu , Chen Xinyu , Qu Tianmeng , Zheng Xinyi , Luo Junjia , Li Bo , Zhang Guojin , Fu Zhixi
Published: April 2024

Aster L. is an economically and phylogenetically important genus in the tribe Astereae. Here, the complete plastomes of the eight Aster species were assembled and characterized using next-generation sequencing datasets. The results indicated the complete plastomes of Aster had a quadripartite structure. These genomes were 152,045–152,729 bp in length and contained 132–133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37–38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Expansion or contraction of inverted repeat regions and forward, palindromic, complement, and reverse repeats were detected in the eight Aster species. Additionally, our analyses showed the richest type of simple sequence repeats was A/T mononucleotides, and 14 highly variable regions were discovered by analyzing the border regions, sequence divergence, and hotspots. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that 27 species in Astereae were clustered into six clades, i.e., A to D, North American, and outgroup clades, and supported that the genera Heteropappus, Kalimeris, and Heteroplexis are nested within Aster. The results indicated the clades B to D might be considered as genera. Divergence time estimate showed the clades A, B, C, and D diverged at 23.15 Mya, 15.13 Mya, 24.29 Mya, and 21.66 Mya, respectively. These results shed light on the phylogenetic relationships of Aster and provided new information on species identification of Aster and its related genera.
Ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction during ripening and softening in non-climacteric fruits: an overview
Authors: Liu Meiying , Wang Chaoran , Ji Hongliang , Sun Maoxiang , Liu Tongyu , Wang Jiahao , Cao Hui , Zhu Qinggang
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the ethylene-mediated ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits have been widely mentioned. In this paper, recent research into the ethylene-mediated ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits is summarized, including the involvement of ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction. In addition, detailed studies on how ethylene interacts with other hormones to regulate the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits are also reviewed. These findings reveal that many regulators of ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction are linked with the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruits. Meanwhile, the perspectives of future research on the regulation of ethylene in non-climacteric fruit are also proposed. The overview of the progress of ethylene on the ripening and softening of non-climacteric fruit will aid in the identification and characterization of key genes associated with ethylene perception and signal transduction during non-climacteric fruit ripening and softening.
The multifaceted role of RNA-based regulation in plant stress memory
Authors: Xu Wei-Bo , Cao Fan , Liu Peng , Yan Kang , Guo Qian-Huan
Published: April 2024

Plants have evolved interconnected regulatory pathways which enable them to respond and adapt to their environments. In plants, stress memory enhances stress tolerance through the molecular retention of prior stressful experiences, fostering rapid and robust responses to subsequent challenges. Mounting evidence suggests a close link between the formation of stress memories and effective future stress responses. However, the mechanism by which environmental stressors trigger stress memory formation is poorly understood. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the RNA-based regulation on stress memory formation in plants and discuss research challenges and future directions. Specifically, we focus on the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and alternative splicing (AS) in stress memory formation. miRNAs regulate target genes via post-transcriptional silencing, while siRNAs trigger stress memory formation through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). lncRNAs guide protein complexes for epigenetic regulation, and AS of pre-mRNAs is crucial to plant stress memory. Unraveling the mechanisms underpinning RNA-mediated stress memory formation not only advances our knowledge of plant biology but also aids in the development of improved stress tolerance in crops, enhancing crop performance and global food security.
Tit for tat? A study on the relationship between work connectivity behavior after-hours and employees’ time banditry behavior
Authors: Li Jingya , Chen Hao , Wang Liang , Bao Jiaying
Published: April 2024

Based on Conservation of Resources Theory, this study tries to reveal the mechanism of action of work connectivity behavior after-hours triggering employees’ time banditry behavior. By using Mplus7.4 software the analysis of 429 leader-employee paired data collected in three stages reveals that work connectivity behavior after-hours has a positive effect on work alienation and psychological distress. Work alienation and psychological distress mediates the relationship between work connectivity behavior after-hours and employees’ time banditry behavior, respectively. In addition, organization-based self-esteem mitigates the positive effects of work connectivity behavior after-hours on work alienation and psychological distress, which in turn also moderates the indirect effects of work connectivity behavior after-hours on employees’ time banditry behavior through work alienation and psychological distress, respectively. This study provides practical guidance for organizations to reduce employee time banditry behavior and human resource management practices in the new technological environment.
Validation of the questionnaire to measure Chilean teachers’ perception of school violence and coexistence management (VI+GEC)
Authors: Muñoz-Troncoso Flavio , Halberstadt Amy , Cuadrado-Gordillo Isabel , Riquelme-Mella Enrique , Miranda-Zapata Edgardo , Legaz-Vadímisrkaya Ekaterina , Sepúlveda-Bernales Valeria , Salamanca-Aroca Claudia , Muñoz-Troncoso Gerardo
Published: April 2024

In this article, we present the development and validation of a psychometric scale that measures the teacher’s perception in the Chilean school system with respect to elements of school violence and coexistence management. The novelty lies in the incorporation of factors that address violence from teachers to students, from students to teachers and coexistence management. A total of 1072 teachers from the Northern, Central, Southern and Metropolitan macro-zones of Chile participated, with ages between 22 and 76 years (M=44.56; SD=10.52) and from 1 to 54 years of work (M=17.14; SD=10.38). 76.3% identify with the female gender and 23.7% with the male gender. Of the teachers, 78.4% worked mainly in the classroom and the rest performed managerial or administrative functions outside the classroom in the school. The school violence and coexistence management questionnaire for teachers (VI+GEC) was used. The validity of the scale was demonstrated by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis, convergent validity analysis and discriminant validity. Reliability was demonstrated by means of McDonald’s omega coefficient in all the factors of the scale. An analysis with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) found a mean, and statistically significant influence of the perception of coexistence management on the perception of school violence. The findings are discussed in terms of previous research on school violence and coexistence management.
Burnout among elementary and high school teachers in three Canadian provinces: prevalence and predictors
Authors: Agyapong Belinda , da Luz Dias Raquel , Wei Yifeng , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: April 2024

Background

Burnout is a longstanding issue among educators and has been associated with psychological and physical health problems such as depression, and insomnia.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and predictors of the three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of professional accomplishment) among elementary and high school teachers.

Methods

This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with data collected via an online survey. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Perceived Stress Scale were used, respectively, to assess burnout, resilience and stress among teachers. Data was collected between September 1st, 2022 and August 30th, 2023. SPSS (version 28, IBM Corp) was used for the data analysis.

Results

Overall, 1912 educators received a link to the online survey via a text message, and 780 completed the burnout survey questions, resulting in a response rate of 41%. The prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of professional accomplishment were 76.9, 23.2, and 30.8%, respectively. Participants with high-stress symptoms were 6.88 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion (OR = 6.88; 95% CI: 3.31–14.29), 2.55 times (OR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.65–3.93) more likely to experience depersonalization and 2.34 times (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.64–3.35) more likely to experience lack of professional fulfilment. Additionally, respondents with low resilience were 3.26 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion symptoms (OR = 3.26; 95% CI: 2.00–5.31), than those with high resilience. Males were about 2.4 times more likely to present with depersonalization compared to female teachers, whilst those who indicated their marital status as partnered or cohabiting and those who selected “other” were 3.5 and 7.3 times, respectively, more likely to present with depersonalization compared with those who were single. Finally, Physical Education were 3.8 times more likely to present with depersonalization compared with English teachers.

Conclusion

The current study highlights the predictive effects of low resilience and high stress on the three dimensions of burnout among teachers in Canada. Interventions aimed at addressing systemic stress and fostering resilience are needed to reduce burnout among teachers.
Individual variation in sublethal tolerance of warming and hypoxia in the pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus: an investigation of correlations and dependence on intrinsic metabolic phenotype
Authors: Blasco Felipe R. , Leite Cleo A. C. , Rantin F. Tadeu , Taylor Edwin W. , McKenzie David J.
Published: April 2024

We evaluated interindividual variation in traits of warming and hypoxia tolerance in a cohort (n = 24) of juvenile pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus, acclimated to 26°C, to investigate whether individuals tolerant to warming were also tolerant to hypoxia and whether individual tolerance depended on body mass or intrinsic traits of aerobic metabolism. Two traits of warming tolerance were measured, the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in a static tank, with loss of equilibrium as the endpoint, and the critical thermal maximum for aerobic swimming (CTSmax) in a swim tunnel, with fatigue as the endpoint. Two traits of hypoxia tolerance were derived by static respirometry during progressive hypoxia, the critical saturation for regulation of standard metabolic rate (Scrit) and the regulation index (RI). At 39.7 ± 0.4°C (mean ± SD), CTmax was significantly higher than CTSmax, at 38.0 ± 1.0°C. Both traits had very low coefficient of variation within the cohort (CV, 1.1 and 2.6%, respectively), and CTmax was not correlated with any other trait. Individual Scrit (18.5 ± 7.2% saturation, CV 38.9%) and RI (76.0 ± 16.1% regulation, CV 45.6%) were correlated (R = 0.686), and both were significantly correlated with CTSmax (R = 0.472 and 0.475, respectively). This indicates that individuals tolerant to warming were also tolerant to hypoxia, although two individuals with low CTSmax were drivers of the correlations against Scrit and RI. The CTmax, CTSmax, and Scrit showed no dependence on body mass, but RI increased with mass (R2 = 0.286), indicating that larger individuals were more tolerant to hypoxia. When corrected for body mass, RI was no longer correlated with CTSmax, further revealing that the correlations were rather tenuous. Finally, we found no evidence that individual tolerance was dependent on intrinsic traits of aerobic metabolism. The results indicate that sublethal indicators, such as CTSmax, Scrit, and RI, can be useful in exploring correlations among traits of tolerance to warming and hypoxia in fishes, but more studies on more species with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results and reveal if there are general patterns.
The polymicrobial pathogenicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Lamont Richard J. , Kuboniwa Masae
Published: April 2024

Accumulating microbiome data and mechanistic studies in vitro and in vivo have refined our understanding of the oral microbiota as a functionally integrated polymicrobial community. Emergent properties of these communities are driven to a large extent by interspecies communication which can be based on physical association, secreted small molecules or nutritional exchange. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a consensus periodontal pathogen; however, virulence is only expressed in the context of a polymicrobial community. Multivalent fimbriae mediate attachment to other oral species which can initiate a distinct transcriptional program in both constituents of the binding pair. P. gingivalis also responds to small molecules and nutritional cues produced by partner organisms. Physiological interdependence forms the basis of complex networks of cooperating organisms which begin to resemble an organismal entity exhibiting a spectrum of pathogenic potential.
Acceptance of augmented reality for laboratory safety training: methodology and an evaluation study
Authors: Ismael Muhannad , McCall Roderick , McGee Fintan , Belkacem Ilyasse , Stefas Mickaël , Baixauli Joan , Arl Didier
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a proof-of-concept Augmented Reality (AR) system known as “SMARTLab” for safety training in hazardous material science laboratories. The paper contains an overview of the design rationale, development, methodology, and user study. Participants of the user study were domain experts (i.e., actual lab users in a material science research department, n = 13), and the evaluation used a questionnaire and free-form interview responses. The participants undertook a virtual lab experiment, designed in collaboration with a domain expert. While using the AR environment, they were accompanied by a virtual assistant. The user study provides preliminary findings about the impact of multiple dimensions, such as Performance Expectancy, Emotional Reactivity, and Spatial Presence, on SMARTLab acceptance by analyzing their influence on the Behavioral Intention dimension. The findings indicate that users find the approach useful and that they would consider using such a system. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the SMARTLab assessment data suggests that a) AR-based training is a potential solution for laboratory safety training without the risk of real-world hazards, b) realism remains an important property for some aspects such as fluid dynamics and experimental procedure, and c) use of a virtual assistant is welcome and provides no sense of discomfort or unease. Furthermore, the study recommends the use of AR assistance tools (a virtual assistant, an attention funnel, and an in-situ arrow) to improve usability and make the training experience more user-friendly.
Implementing the technology shift from 2D to 3D: insights and suggestions for umpire educators
Authors: Kaiser Keone , Walters Simon , Sheehy Kevin , Murray Eoin , Spencer Kirsten
Published: April 2024

Effective methods to improve decision-making in sports officiating, particularly with the current and ongoing issues with in-person training, means new remote training methods must be developed. Traditional training of officials occurs primarily as “in-person coaching” at matches, with supporting training manuals and 2D broadcast analysis. However, live matches present difficulties in implementation, while manuals and 2D broadcast videos may not sufficiently ensure learning transfers to real situations. Due to its ease of use, first-person perspective, and ability to analyze live and post-event remotely, 360° virtual reality video technology (360° VR) offers an alternative technological solution for developing decision-making accuracy for sports officials across multiple sports. This study sought to assess the ecological validity (EV) of using 360° VR technology to enable remote teaching of decision-making. Decision-making quality and accuracy in softball umpires were similar when using 360° VR and the traditional method (2D broadcast footage), but 360° VR received significantly higher EV values than the 2D broadcast videos. In addition, interviewed participants expressed excitement about using 360° VR to augment traditional umpiring manuals and rulebooks. The results show that 360° VR has the potential to enhance or replace traditional remote learning methods for decision-making in softball umpires and allow softball learning to reach a much wider umpire audience.
Consumer behavior toward virtual wine experiences as a technology-based sustainable transformation
Authors: Gastaldello Giulia , Rossetto Luca , Giampietri Elisa
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study examines the behavior of wine consumers toward virtual wine experiences (VWEs), which are innovative and resilient solutions adopted by actors in the wine and wine tourism sectors during the recent pandemic, with an inherent potential for sustainability. While the phenomenon is still evolving due to the digitalization megatrend and the marketing potential of VWEs for wineries, the literature on this topic is still limited.

Methods

We apply an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), relying on a large and representative sample of Italian wine consumers to analyze the effect of personal wine involvement, risk attitude, and future wine tourism intention in addition to attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Results

The results confirm that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, wine involvement, and future wine tourism intention positively influence intentions, while risk aversion negatively affects behavior.

Discussion

This first application of the TPB to technology-based wine experiences. It provides key insights for researchers, practitioners (such as wineries and wine tourism stakeholders), and policymakers for the development of VWEs.
Development and application of a TaqMan-probe-based multiplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of porcine circovirus 2, 3, and 4 in Guangdong province of China
Authors: Zhang Pian , Ren Zhaowen , Gao Xiaopeng , Zhao Mengpo , Wang Yanyun , Chen Jing , Wang Gang , Xiang Hua , Cai Rujian , Luo Shengjun , Wang Xiaohu
Published: April 2024

Porcine circoviruses disease (PCVD), caused by porcine circovirus (PCVs), is an important swine disease characterized by porcine dermatitis, nephrotic syndrome and reproductive disorders in sows. However, diseases caused by PCV2, PCV3, or PCV4 are difficult to distinguish, so a simple, rapid, accurate and high-throughput diagnostic and identification method is urgently needed to differentiate these three types. In this study, specific primers and probes were designed based on the conserved region sequences of the Rep gene of PCV2, and the Cap gene of PCV3 and PCV4. A multiplex qPCR assay was developed and optimized that the limit of detection concentration could reach as low as 3.8 copies/μL, with all correlation coefficients (R2) exceeding 0.999. Furthermore, the method showed no cross-reaction with other crucial porcine viral pathogens, and both intra-repeatability and inter-reproducibility coefficients of variation were below 2%. The assay was applied to the detection of 738 pig samples collected from 2020 to 2021 in Guangdong Province, China. This revealed positive infection rates of 65.18% for PCV2, 29.27% for PCV3, and 0% for PCV4, with a PCV2/PCV3 co-infection rate of 23.17%. Subsequently, complete genome sequences of 17 PCV2 and 4 PCV3 strains were obtained from the above positive samples and pre-preserved positive circovirus samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the 17 PCV2 strains shared 96.7–100% complete nucleotide identity, with 6 strains being PCV2b and 11 strains being PCV2d; the 4 PCV3 strains shared 98.9–99.4% complete nucleotide identity, with 2 strains being PCV3a-1 and 2 strains being PCV3b. This research provides a reliable tool for rapid PCVs identification and detection. Molecular epidemiological investigation of PCVs in pigs in Guangdong Province will help us to understand PCV2 and PCV3 epidemiological characteristics and evolutionary trends.
The impact of bacillus pumilus TS2 isolated from yaks on growth performance, gut microbial community, antioxidant activity, and cytokines related to immunity and inflammation in broilers
Authors: Guo Chuangen , Liu Sirui , Di Liangjiao , Tang Shu
Published: April 2024

Intensive poultry farming faces challenges like gut inflammation in the absence of antibiotics, resulting in reduced productivity, heightened susceptibility to enteric diseases, and other complications. Alternative strategies are needed to manage inflammation and maintain sustainable poultry production. Yaks living in high-altitude hypoxic environments have specialized gut microbes. However, yak probiotics remain largely uncharacterized. We previously isolated a strain of Bacillus pumilus (named TS2) from yaks and demonstrated its potential as a probiotic in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the in vivo growth-promoting, antioxidant, immune, and anti-inflammatory effects of Bacillus pumilus isolated from yaks in broilers. We demonstrated the safety of TS2 isolated from yaks in broilers. Furthermore, we found that TS2 increased the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Supplementation with TS2 also improved the mucosal morphology, the ratio of villi to crypt cells, and enzyme activity. High-throughput sequencing showed that the abundance of Lactobacillus was higher in the TS2 treated broilers. Importantly, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased in the low-dose TS2 group, while the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were downregulated compared with the control group. We demonstrated that TS2 supplementation can increase the overall growth performance and ameliorate the blood parameters related to inflammation and immunity in broilers.