bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Validation of Deep Learning-Based Grading Model for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhang Wen-fei , Li Dong-hong , Wei Qi-jie , Ding Da-yong , Meng Li-hui , Wang Yue-lin , Zhao Xin-yu , Chen You-xin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of a deep learning (DL)-based artificial intelligence (AI) hierarchical diagnosis software, EyeWisdom V1 for diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Materials and Methods

The prospective study was a multicenter, double-blind, and self-controlled clinical trial. Non-dilated posterior pole fundus images were evaluated by ophthalmologists and EyeWisdom V1, respectively. The diagnosis of manual grading was considered as the gold standard. Primary evaluation index (sensitivity and specificity) and secondary evaluation index like positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), etc., were calculated to evaluate the performance of EyeWisdom V1.

Results

A total of 1,089 fundus images from 630 patients were included, with a mean age of (56.52 ± 11.13) years. For any DR, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 98.23% (95% CI 96.93–99.08%), 74.45% (95% CI 69.95-78.60%), 86.38% (95% CI 83.76-88.72%), and 96.23% (95% CI 93.50-98.04%), respectively; For sight-threatening DR (STDR, severe non-proliferative DR or worse), the above indicators were 80.47% (95% CI 75.07-85.14%), 97.96% (95% CI 96.75-98.81%), 92.38% (95% CI 88.07-95.50%), and 94.23% (95% CI 92.46-95.68%); For referral DR (moderate non-proliferative DR or worse), the sensitivity and specificity were 92.96% (95% CI 90.66-94.84%) and 93.32% (95% CI 90.65-95.42%), with the PPV of 94.93% (95% CI 92.89-96.53%) and the NPV of 90.78% (95% CI 87.81-93.22%). The kappa score of EyeWisdom V1 was 0.860 (0.827-0.890) with the AUC of 0.958 for referral DR.

Conclusion

The EyeWisdom V1 could provide reliable DR grading and referral recommendation based on the fundus images of diabetics.
The Feasibility of Applying Artificial Intelligence to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to Improve the Detection Rate of Early Gastric Cancer Screening
Authors: Fu Xin-yu , Mao Xin-li , Chen Ya-hong , You Ning-ning , Song Ya-qi , Zhang Li-hui , Cai Yue , Ye Xing-nan , Ye Li-ping , Li Shao-wei
Published: May 2022

Convolutional neural networks in the field of artificial intelligence show great potential in image recognition. It assisted endoscopy to improve the detection rate of early gastric cancer. The 5-year survival rate for advanced gastric cancer is less than 30%, while the 5-year survival rate for early gastric cancer is more than 90%. Therefore, earlier screening for gastric cancer can lead to a better prognosis. However, the detection rate of early gastric cancer in China has been extremely low due to many factors, such as the presence of gastric cancer without obvious symptoms, difficulty identifying lesions by the naked eye, and a lack of experience among endoscopists. The introduction of artificial intelligence can help mitigate these shortcomings and greatly improve the accuracy of screening. According to relevant reports, the sensitivity and accuracy of artificial intelligence trained on deep cirrocumulus neural networks are better than those of endoscopists, and evaluations also take less time, which can greatly reduce the burden on endoscopists. In addition, artificial intelligence can also perform real-time detection and feedback on the inspection process of the endoscopist to standardize the operation of the endoscopist. AI has also shown great potential in training novice endoscopists. With the maturity of AI technology, AI has the ability to improve the detection rate of early gastric cancer in China and reduce the death rate of gastric cancer related diseases in China.
Fetal Liver Volume Assessment Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Fetuses With Cytomegalovirus Infection†
Authors: Hawkins-Villarreal Ameth , Moreno-Espinosa Ana L. , Martinez-Portilla Raigam J. , Castillo Karen , Hahner Nadine , Nakaki Ayako , Trigo Lucas , Picone Olivier , Siauve Nathalie , Figueras Francesc , Nadal Alfons , Eixarch Elisenda , Goncé Anna
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess fetal liver volume (FLV) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected fetuses compared to a group of healthy fetuses.

Method

Most infected cases were diagnosed by the evidence of ultrasound abnormalities during routine scans and in some after maternal CMV screening. CMV-infected fetuses were considered severely or mildly affected according to prenatal brain lesions identified by ultrasound (US)/MRI. We assessed FLV, the FLV to abdominal circumference (AC) ratio (FLV/AC-ratio), and the FLV to fetal body volume (FBV) ratio (FLV/FBV-ratio). As controls, we included 33 healthy fetuses. Hepatomegaly was evaluated post-mortem in 11 cases of congenital CMV infection. Parametric trend and intraclass correlation analyses were performed.

Results

There were no significant differences in FLV between infected (n = 32) and healthy fetuses. On correcting the FLV for AC and FBV, we observed a significantly higher FLV in CMV-infected fetuses. There were no significant differences in the FLV, or the FLV/AC or FLV/FBV-ratios according to the severity of brain abnormalities. There was excellent concordance between the fetal liver weight estimated by MRI and liver weight obtained post-mortem. Hepatomegaly was not detected in any CMV-infected fetus.

Conclusion

In CMV-infected fetuses, FLV corrected for AC and FBV was higher compared to healthy controls, indicating relative hepatomegaly. These parameters could potentially be used as surrogate markers of liver enlargement.
Effects of Forest Gaps on the Structure and Diversity of Soil Bacterial Communities in Weeping Cypress Forest Plantations
Authors: Lyu Qian , Luo Yan , Dong Yuliang , Xiang Yongqi , Zhao Kuangji , Chen Gang , Chen Yuqin , Fan Chuan , Li Xianwei
Published: May 2022

The decline in forest ecological function caused by pure forest plantations planted in the Yangtze River basin is becoming increasingly serious. To investigate this problem, we selected the local low-efficiency weeping cypress plantations for forest gap transformation. Three forest gap sizes, specifically large, medium, and small gaps, were established, and the effects of gap sizes on soil bacterial community structure and diversity in winter and summer were studied compared to no gaps (CK; control). Compared to CK, forest gaps had a significant effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (TN), and the highest values of SOC and soil TN under two seasons occurred in large forest gaps. The interactions of forest gap sizes and seasons had significant effects on pH, SOC, TN, and alpha diversity indices, including Simpson, Chao1, and ACE indices. Compared to winter, forest gaps significantly increased the soil bacterial community diversity indices in summer. Forest gap sizes significantly affected the composition of the bacterial community, but the composition of the dominant bacteria at the phyla and genera levels was similar. Linear discriminant effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that there were 32 indicator bacterial species in two seasons. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the relationship of the soil bacterial community at the phyla level was complex, and there was a significant positive correlation among bacterial species. Soil bulk density (BD) and soil moisture (SM) significantly affected the soil bacterial alpha diversity indices. The composition of the dominant bacteria at the phyla level was significantly affected by soil microbial carbon (MBC), whereas the composition of dominant bacteria at the genera level was affected by soil hydrolysable nitrogen (AN) and the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio. In this study, compared to the other forest gaps, large forest gaps were more conducive to the accumulation of soil nutrients, thus improving the structure of the soil bacterial community. Importantly, changes in the soil bacterial community structure due to gap formation may have profound effects on soil biogeochemical processes in weeping cypress forest plantations.
Vitamin D as a Risk Factor for Multiple Sclerosis: Immunoregulatory or Neuroprotective?
Authors: Gombash Sara E. , Lee Priscilla W. , Sawdai Elizabeth , Lovett-Racke Amy E.
Published: May 2022

Vitamin D insufficiency during childhood has been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), typically an adult-onset inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Since vitamin D was known to have immunoregulatory properties on both innate and adaptive immunity, it was hypothesized that low vitamin D resulted in aberrant immune responses and the development of MS. However, vitamin D receptors are present on many cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia, and vitamin D has profound effects on development and function of the CNS. This leads to the possibility that low vitamin D may alter the CNS in a manner that makes it vulnerable to inflammation and the development of MS. This review analysis the role of vitamin D in the immune and nervous system, and how vitamin D insufficiency in children may contribute to the development of MS.
Application of High-Frequency Conductivity Map Using MRI to Evaluate It in the Brain of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Authors: Park Soonchan , Jung Sue Min , Lee Mun Bae , Rhee Hak Young , Ryu Chang-Woo , Cho Ah Rang , Kwon Oh In , Jahng Geon-Ho
Published: May 2022

Background

The previous studies reported increased concentrations of metallic ions, imbalanced Na+ and K+ ions, and the increased mobility of protons by microstructural disruptions in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Purpose

(1) to apply a high-frequency conductivity (HFC) mapping technique using a clinical 3T MRI system, (2) compare HFC values in the brains of participants with AD, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and cognitively normal (CN) elderly people, (3) evaluate the relationship between HFC values and cognitive decline, and (4) explore usefulness of HFC values as an imaging biomarker to evaluate the differentiation of AD from CN.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study included 74 participants (23 AD patients, 27 amnestic MCI patients, and 24 CN elderly people) to explore the clinical application of HFC mapping in the brain from March 2019 to August 2021. We performed statistical analyses to compare HFC maps between the three participant groups, evaluate the association of HFC maps with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and to evaluate the differentiation between the participant groups for HFC values for some brain areas.

Results

We obtained a good HFC map non-invasively. The HFC value was higher in the AD group than in the CN and MCI groups. MMSE scores were negatively associated with HFC values. Age was positively associated with HFC values. The HFC value in the insula has a high area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) value to differentiate AD patients from the CN participants (Sensitivity [SE] = 82, Specificity [SP] =97, AUC = 0.902, p < 0.0001), better than gray matter volume (GMV) in hippocampus (SE = 79, SP = 83, AUC = 0.880, p < 0.0001). The classification for differentiating AD from CN was highest by adding the hippocampal GMV to the insular HFC value (SE = 87, SP = 87, AUC = 0.928, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

High-frequency conductivity values were significantly increased in the AD group compared to the CN group and increased with age and disease severity. HFC values of the insula along with the GMV of the hippocampus can be used as an imaging biomarker to improve the differentiation of AD from CN.
Relationship Between Hypertension and Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population: A Population-Based Study in Rural Northern China
Authors: Bao Jie , Liu Jie , Li Zhiying , Zhang Zhen , Su Xiao , Sun Jiayi , Tu Jun , Wang Jinghua , Li Jidong , Song Yijun , Ning Xianjia
Published: May 2022

The burden of cognitive impairment and dementia is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries. Although hypertension is an important risk factor for cognitive impairment, the influence of different hypertension classification on cognitive impairment remains controversial. To explore the impact of hypertension and hypertension classification on cognitive function, this study was based on a low-income population aged over 60 years in northern China. This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2015 in rural areas of Tianjin, China. A total of 1,171 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included. Participants were interviewed by professional researchers face-to-face, using the pre-designed questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Multivariate regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) value. There was a significant association between hypertension and cognitive impairment (OR, 1.415; 95% CI: 1.005–1.992; P = 0.047) and a significant positive association between stage 3 hypertension (OR, 1.734; 95% CI: 1.131–2.656; P = 0.012) and the prevalence of cognitive impairment. To prevent dementia, clinicians should consider the cognitive function and blood pressure control of low-income individuals aged over 60 years with hypertension in northern China, especially those with stage 3 hypertension. In addition, the inconsistent effects of blood pressure on different cognitive functions should also be considered; special attention should be paid to orientation and concentration.
The Effect of Right Temporal Lobe Gliomas on Left and Right Hemisphere Neural Processing During Speech Perception and Production Tasks
Authors: Yamamoto Adam Kenji , Sanjuán Ana , Pope Rebecca , Parker Jones Oiwi , Hope Thomas M. H. , Prejawa Susan , Oberhuber Marion , Mancini Laura , Ekert Justyna O. , Garjardo-Vidal Andrea , Creasey Megan , Yousry Tarek A. , Green David W. , Price Cathy J.
Published: May 2022

Using fMRI, we investigated how right temporal lobe gliomas affecting the posterior superior temporal sulcus alter neural processing observed during speech perception and production tasks. Behavioural language testing showed that three pre-operative neurosurgical patients with grade 2, grade 3 or grade 4 tumours had the same pattern of mild language impairment in the domains of object naming and written word comprehension. When matching heard words for semantic relatedness (a speech perception task), these patients showed under-activation in the tumour infiltrated right superior temporal lobe compared to 61 neurotypical participants and 16 patients with tumours that preserved the right postero-superior temporal lobe, with enhanced activation within the (tumour-free) contralateral left superior temporal lobe. In contrast, when correctly naming objects (a speech production task), the patients with right postero-superior temporal lobe tumours showed higher activation than both control groups in the same right postero-superior temporal lobe region that was under-activated during auditory semantic matching. The task dependent pattern of under-activation during the auditory speech task and over-activation during object naming was also observed in eight stroke patients with right hemisphere infarcts that affected the right postero-superior temporal lobe compared to eight stroke patients with right hemisphere infarcts that spared it. These task-specific and site-specific cross-pathology effects highlight the importance of the right temporal lobe for language processing and motivate further study of how right temporal lobe tumours affect language performance and neural reorganisation. These findings may have important implications for surgical management of these patients, as knowledge of the regions showing functional reorganisation may help to avoid their inadvertent damage during neurosurgery.
Brain’s Energy After Stroke: From a Cellular Perspective Toward Behavior
Authors: Mariman Juan José , Lorca Enrique , Biancardi Carlo , Burgos Pablo , Álvarez-Ruf Joel
Published: May 2022

Stroke is a neurological condition that impacts activity performance and quality of life for survivors. While neurological impairments after the event explain the performance of patients in specific activities, the origin of such impairments has traditionally been explained as a consequence of structural and functional damage to the nervous system. However, there are important mechanisms related to energy efficiency (trade-off between biological functions and energy consumption) at different levels that can be related to these impairments and restrictions: first, at the neuronal level, where the availability of energy resources is the initial cause of the event, as well as determines the possibilities of spontaneous recovery. Second, at the level of neural networks, where the “small world” operation of the network is compromised after the stroke, implicating a high energetic cost and inefficiency in the information transfer, which is related to the neurological recovery and clinical status. Finally, at the behavioral level, the performance limitations are related to the highest cost of energy or augmented energy expenditure during the tasks to maintain the stability of the segment, system, body, and finally, the behavior of the patients. In other words, the postural homeostasis. In this way, we intend to provide a synthetic vision of the energy impact of stroke, from the particularities of the operation of the nervous system, its implications, as one of the determinant factors in the possibilities of neurological, functional, and behavioral recovery of our patients.
Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Tumor Microenvironment and Relevant Signature in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chuanjie , Qi Feng , Zheng Yuxiao , Xia Xin , Li Xiao , Wang Xinwei
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To systematically investigate the characterization of tumor microenvironment (TME) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), we performed a comprehensive analysis incorporating genomic alterations, cellular interactions, infiltrating immune cells, and risk signature.

Patients and Methods

Multi-omics data including RNA-seq, single-nucleotide variant (SNV) data, copy number variation (CNV) data, miRNA, and corresponding prognostic data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to identify prognostic TME subclusters, and TMEscore was further quantified. Moreover, the mutational landscape of TCGA-KIRC was explored. Lastly, TIDE resource was applied to assess the significance of TMEscore in predicting immunotherapeutic benefits.

Results

We analyzed the TME infiltration patterns from 621 ccRCC patients and identified 5 specific TME subclusters associated with clinical outcomes. Then, we found that TMEcluster5 was significantly related to favorable prognosis and enriched memory B-cell infiltration. Accordingly, we depicted the clustering landscape of TMEclusters, TMEscore levels, tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor grades, purity, and ploidy in all patients. Lastly, TIDE was used to assess the efficiency of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and found that the TMEscore has superior predictive significance to TMB, making it an essential independent prognostic biomarker and drug indicator for clinical use.

Conclusions

Our study depicted the clustering landscape of TMEclusters, TMEscore levels, TMB, tumor grades, purity, and ploidy in total ccRCC patients. The TMEscore was proved to have promising significance for predicting prognosis and ICB responses, in accordance with the goal of developing rationally individualized therapeutic interventions.
DIRAS2 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Linked With Immune Infiltrates in Melanoma
Authors: Xue Wenli , Zhu Hongbo , Liu Hongye , He Hongxia
Published: May 2022

Background

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly malignant skin tumor. DIRAS2 is considered to be a tumor suppressor gene; however, its function in SKCM has not been explored.

Methods

The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was implemented to investigate the expression of DIRAS2 in SKCM, and plot the survival curve to determine the effect of DIRAS2 on the survival rates of SKCM patients. Then, the correlation between DIRAS2 and tumor immune infiltration was also discussed, and the expression of DIRAS2 and immune infiltration level in SKCM immune cells was determined using TIMER. The top 100 genes most associated with DIRAS2 expression were used for functional enrichment analysis. In order to confirm the anti-cancer effects of DIRAS2 in SKCM in the data analysis, in vitro assays as well as in vivo studies of DIRAS2 on SKCM tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis were conducted. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were employed to study the relationship between DIRAS2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in SKCM.

Results

DIRAS2 expression was shown to be significantly correlated with tumor grade using univariate logistic regression analysis. DIRAS2 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for SKCM in multivariate analysis. Of note, DIRAS2 expression levels were positively correlated with the infiltration levels of B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in SKCM. The infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells was positively correlated with the cumulative survival rate of SKCM patients. In vitro experiments suggested that proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of SKCM tumor cells were distinctly enhanced after DIRAS2 knockdown. Furthermore, DIRAS2 depletion promoted melanoma growth and metastasis in vivo. As for the mechanism, silencing DIRAS2 can activate the signal transduction of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion

DIRAS2 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in cases of SKCM by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. It is also associated with immune infiltration in SKCM.
Exosomal MiR-199a-5p Inhibits Tumorigenesis and Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFA in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Lu , Cao Hongxin , Gu Guanghui , Hou Dehui , You Yunhao , Li Xiang , Chen Yunzhen , Jiao Guangjun
Published: May 2022

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. microRNAs have been found to play a vital role in tumor angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the effects of miR-199a-5p on tumor growth and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways were explored.

Methods

The datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened out by the GEO2R online platform. The potential target genes were predicted using the miRTarBase database. The predicted target genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis and a regulatory network of DEmiRNAs and their target genes was constructed. In addition, the effects of osteosarcoma cell derived exosomal miR-199a-5p on the proliferation, migration and neovascularization of HUVECs were evaluated by conducting EdU assays, Transwell experiments and tube formation assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect whether VEGFA was the direct target of miR-199a-5p. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft models were established to further investigate the intrinsic role of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

Results

A total of 149 DE-miRNAs were screened out, including 136 upregulated miRNAs and 13 downregulated miRNAs in human osteosarcoma plasma samples compared with normal plasma samples. A total of 1313 target genes of the top three upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were predicted. In the PPI network, the top 10 hub nodes with higher degrees were identified as hub genes, such as TP53 and VEGFA. By constructing the miRNA-hub gene network, we found that most of hub genes could be potentially modulated by miR-663a, miR-199a-5p and miR-223-3p. In addition, we found that the expression level of miR-199a-5p in exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells was remarkably higher than the osteosarcoma cells, and the exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells were transported to HUVECs. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p could significantly inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration and neovascularization, whereas downregulation of miR-199a-5p expression exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, the in vivo results verified that overexpression of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma cells could suppress the growth and angiogenesis of tumors.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could be transported from osteosarcoma cells to HUVECs through exosomes, subsequently targeting VEGFA and inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma. Therefore, miR-199a-5p may act as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.
Pontine Myopericytoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Guo Maoyuan , Chen Xue , Zhang Gaofeng , Wang Yongpeng
Published: May 2022

Myopericytoma (MPC) is a benign soft tissue tumor that develops from perivascular myoid cells and is part of the perivascular tumor group. MPC most commonly occurs in the subcutaneous soft tissues of the extremities, while intracranial MPC is remarkably rare. Herein, we report the case of a 45-year-old woman with myopericytoma who had a 2-week history of recurrent dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an irregular mass in the pons, with nodular enhancement of the mass on contrast-enhanced scans. The mass was considered a vascular lesion and was highly suspected to be a hemangioblastoma, prompting surgical intervention for the patient. The postoperative pathological report corrected the initial diagnosis, hemangioblastoma, to MPC. Intracranial MPC is extremely rare and there are no detailed imaging sources for this condition; furthermore, MPC occurrence in the pons has not been reported previously. This report presents the etiological characteristics intracranial MPC as visualized through MRI data alongside a comparative discussion on other reported diagnoses that resemble MPC. The case findings will provide a more widespread understanding for radiologists regarding the differential diagnosis of intracranial blood-rich supply lesions.
ZPA Regulatory Sequence Variants in Chinese Patients With Preaxial Polydactyly: Genetic and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Zeng Lei , Jin Jie-Yuan , Luo Fang-Mei , Sheng Yue , Wu Pan-Feng , Xiang Rong
Published: May 2022

Preaxial polydactyly (PPD) is a common congenital abnormality with an incidence of 0.8–1.4% in Asians, characterized by the presence of extra digit(s) on the preaxial side of the hand or foot. PPD is genetically classified into four subtypes, PPD type I–IV. Variants in six genes/loci [including GLI family zinc finger 3 (GLI3), ZPA regulatory sequence (ZRS), and pre-ZRS region] have been identified in PPD cases. Among these loci, ZRS is, perhaps, the most special and well known, but most articles only reported one or a few cases. There is a lack of reports on the ZRS-variant frequency in patients with PPD. In this study, we recruited 167 sporadic or familial cases (including 154 sporadic patients and 13 families) with PPD from Central-South China and identified four ZRS variants in four patients (2.40%, 4/167), including two novel variants (ZRS131A > T/chr7:g.156584439A > T and ZRS474C > G/chr7:g.156584096C > G) and two known variants (ZRS428T > A/chr7:g.156584142T > A and ZRS619C > T/chr7:g.156583951C > T). ZRS131A > T and ZRS428T > A were detected in PPD I cases and ZRS474C > G and ZRS619C > T combinedly acted to cause PPD II. The detectable rate of ZRS variants in PPD I was 1.60% (2/125), while PPD II was significantly higher (9.52%, 2/21). Three bilateral PPD cases harbored ZRS variants (13.64%, 3/22), suggesting that bilateral PPD was more possibly caused by genetic etiologies. This study identified two novel ZRS variants, further confirmed the association between ZRS and PPD I and reported a rare PPD II case resulted from the compound heterozygote of ZRS. This investigation preliminarily evaluated a ZRS variants rate in patients with PPD and described the general picture of PPD in Central-South China.
A Comparative Study of Surgical Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis With Spinal Transpedicular Metal Structures in Children
Authors: Nadirov Nurbek , Vissarianov Sergey
Published: May 2022

A comparative study of surgical correction of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis using transpedicular spinal systems in children was performed. The study showed that using the transpedicular supporting elements along the entire length of the deformation (concave and convex sides) using the VCM (vertebral column manipulation) system, the correction was significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) than for the patients for whom the screws were not installed over two or more vertebrae from the concave side of the curvature, regardless of the magnitude of the spinal deformity. The kyphosis and lordosis were completely restored to their physiological values in all groups of patients.
Avian Embryonic Culture: A Perspective of In Ovo to Ex Ovo and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Sukparangsi Woranop , Thongphakdee Ampika , Intarapat Sittipon
Published: May 2022

The avian embryos growing outside the natural eggshell (ex ovo) were observed since the early 19th century, and since then chick embryonic structures have revealed reaching an in-depth view of external and internal anatomy, enabling us to understand conserved vertebrate development. However, the internal environment within an eggshell (in ovo) would still be the ideal place to perform various experiments to understand the nature of avian development and to apply other biotechnology techniques. With the advent of genetic manipulation and cell culture techniques, avian embryonic parts were dissected for explant culture to eventually generate expandable cell lines (in vitro cell culture). The expansion of embryonic cells allowed us to unravel the transcriptional network for understanding pluripotency and differentiation mechanism in the embryos and in combination with stem cell technology facilitated the applications of avian culture to the next levels in transgenesis and wildlife conservation. In this review, we provide a panoramic view of the relationship among different cultivation platforms from in ovo studies to ex ovo as well as in vitro culture of cell lines with recent advances in the stem cell fields.
Hydrogen Peroxide Variation Patterns as Abiotic Stress Responses of Egeria densa
Authors: Asaeda Takashi , Rahman Mizanur , Liping Xia , Schoelynck Jonas
Published: May 2022

In vegetation management, understanding the condition of submerged plants is usually based on long-term growth monitoring. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate in organelles under environmental stress and are highly likely to be indicators of a plant’s condition. However, this depends on the period of exposure to environmental stress, as environmental conditions are always changing in nature. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the most common ROS in organelles. The responses of submerged macrophytes, Egeria densa, to high light and iron (Fe) stressors were investigated by both laboratory experiments and natural river observation. Plants were incubated with combinations of 30–200 μmol m–2 s–1 of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity and 0–10 mg L–1 Fe concentration in the media. We have measured H2O2, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), carotenoid (CAR), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations of leaf tissues, the antioxidant activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbic peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), the maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv Fm–1), and the shoot growth rate (SGR). The H2O2 concentration gradually increased with Fe concentration in the media, except at very low concentrations and at an increased PAR intensity. However, with extremely high PAR or Fe concentrations, first the chlorophyll contents and then the H2O2 concentration prominently declined, followed by SGR, the maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv Fm–1), and antioxidant activities. With an increasing Fe concentration in the substrate, the CAT and APX antioxidant levels decreased, which led to an increase in H2O2 accumulation in the plant tissues. Moreover, increased POD activity was proportionate to H2O2 accumulation, suggesting the low-Fe independent nature of POD. Diurnally, H2O2 concentration varies following the PAR variation. However, the CAT and APX antioxidant activities were delayed, which increased the H2O2 concentration level in the afternoon compared with the level in morning for the same PAR intensities. Similar trends were also obtained for the natural river samples where relatively low light intensity was preferable for growth. Together with our previous findings on macrophyte stress responses, these results indicate that H2O2 concentration is a good indicator of environmental stressors and could be used instead of long-term growth monitoring in macrophyte management.
Transcriptome-Wide Characterization of Seed Aging in Rice: Identification of Specific Long-Lived mRNAs for Seed Longevity
Authors: Wang Bingqian , Wang Songyang , Tang Yuqin , Jiang Lingli , He Wei , Lin Qinlu , Yu Feng , Wang Long
Published: May 2022

Various long-lived mRNAs are stored in seeds, some of which are required for the initial phase of germination and are critical to seed longevity. However, the seed-specific long-lived mRNAs involved in seed longevity remain poorly understood in rice. To identify these mRNAs in seeds, we first performed aging experiment with 14 rice varieties, and categorized them as higher longevity (HL) and lower longevity (LL) rice varieties in conventional rice and hybrid rice, respectively. Second, RNA-seq analysis showed that most genes showed similar tendency of expression changes during natural and artificial aging, suggesting that the effects of these two aging methods on transcription are comparable. In addition, some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the HL and LL varieties differed after natural aging. Furthermore, several specific long-lived mRNAs were identified through a comparative analysis of HL and LL varieties after natural aging, and similar sequence features were also identified in the promoter of some specific long-lived mRNAs. Overall, we identified several specific long-lived mRNAs in rice, including gibberellin receptor gene GID1, which may be associated with seed longevity.
The Quantitative Analyses for the Effects of Two Wheat Varieties With Different Resistance Levels on the Fungicide Control Efficacies to Powdery Mildew
Authors: Wang Aolin , Zhao Yanan , Zhang Meihui , Yuan Junhai , Liu Wei , Fan Jieru , Hu Xiaoping , Zhou Yilin
Published: May 2022

Effective strategies to reduce the occurrence of wheat powdery mildew include the use of resistant varieties and application of fungicides. However, most studies rarely focus on the quantitative value of fungicide reduction using resistant varieties. To explore how the fungicides performed on different resistant wheat varieties to powdery mildew, field experiments were conducted during wheat growing seasons in 2018/19 and 2019/20 to investigate the control efficacies of enostroburin⋅epoxiconazole 18% SC and triadimefon 20% EC to wheat powdery mildew on a highly resistant wheat variety (“Baofeng104”) and a highly susceptible wheat variety (“Jingshuang16”). The analyses of variance on control efficacies showed that the control efficacies of enostroburin⋅epoxiconazole 18% SC to wheat powdery mildew were mostly significantly higher than triadimefon 20% EC under the same conditions (i.e., varieties, dosages). However, both fungicide and variety resistance made variabilities in the mildew disease index and played a significant role in mildew management. Particularly, the variety resistance made the greatest contribution in mildew-reducing, and the disease index could significantly be reduced on the highly resistant variety even in the absence of fungicide treatment. The control efficacies to mildew on the highly susceptible variety mainly depended on the high efficiency of fungicides whereas the highly resistant variety were mainly by virtue of variety resistance through the comparative analyses of linear regression models. Furthermore, the random-coefficient regression models and quantile models quantificationally expounded that the relationships between active ingredient dosage and disease index or control efficacy varied from the effects of variety, fungicide, and year, particular from variety. Thus, a dosage reference table of enostroburin⋅epoxiconazole 18% SC or triadimefon 20% EC for different resistant wheat varieties were provided; it would be helpful for users to formulate an appropriate dosage of fungicide on mildew management in the field and avoid overusing or superfluous application. Further study needs to consider the effects of fungicide reduction on wheat yields, only then the maximum-economic benefits on mildew management can be determined.
A Putative Plasma Membrane Na+/H+ Antiporter GmSOS1 Is Critical for Salt Stress Tolerance in Glycine max
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Cao Junfeng , Zhang Tianxu , Xu Tao , Yang Liyuan , Li Xiaoyuan , Ji Fengdan , Gao Yingxue , Ali Shahid , Zhang Qingzhu , Zhu Jianhua , Xie Linan
Published: May 2022

Soybean (Glycine max) is a staple crop and a major source of vegetable protein and vegetable oil. The growth of soybean is dramatically inhibited by salt stress, especially by the excessive toxic Na+. Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) is the only extensively characterized Na+ efflux transporter in multiple plant species so far. However, the role of GmSOS1 in soybean salt stress responses remains unclear. Herein, we created three gmsos1 mutants using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in soybean. We found a significant accumulation of Na+ in the roots of the gmsos1 mutants, resulting in the imbalance of Na+ and K+, which links to impaired Na+ efflux and increased K+ efflux in the roots of the gmsos1 mutants under salt stress. Compared to the wild type, our RNA-seq analysis revealed that the roots of the gmsos1-1 showed preferential up and downregulation of ion transporters under salt stress, supporting impaired stress detection or an inability to develop a comprehensive response to salinity in the gmsos1 mutants. Our findings indicate that the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger GmSOS1 plays a critical role in soybean salt tolerance by maintaining Na+ homeostasis and provides evidence for molecular breeding to improve salt tolerance in soybean and other crops.
The hexokinase Gene Family in Cotton: Genome-Wide Characterization and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Dou Lingling , Li Zihan , Wang Huiqin , Li HuaiZhu , Xiao Guanghui , Zhang Xianliang
Published: May 2022

Hexokinase (HXK) is involved in hexose phosphorylation, sugar sensing, and signal transduction, all of which regulate plant growth and adaptation to stresses. Gossypium hirsutum L. is one of the most important fiber crops in the world, however, little is known about the HXKs gene family in G. hirsutum L. We identified 17 GhHXKs from the allotetraploid G. hirsutum L. genome (AADD). G. raimondii (DD) and G. arboreum (AA) are the diploid progenitors of G. hirsutum L. and contributed equally to the At_genome and Dt_genome GhHXKs genes. The chromosomal locations and exon-intron structures of GhHXK genes among cotton species are conservative. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the HXK proteins into four and three groups based on whether they were monocotyledons and dicotyledons, respectively. Duplication event analysis demonstrated that HXKs in G. hirsutum L. primarily originated from segmental duplication, which prior to diploid hybridization. Experiments of qRT-PCR, transcriptome and promoter cis-elements demonstrated that GhHXKs’ promoters have auxin and GA responsive elements that are highly expressed in the fiber initiation and elongation stages, while the promoters contain ABA-, MeJA-, and SA-responsive elements that are highly expressed during the synthesis of the secondary cell wall. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the GhHXK gene family is a vital fiber crop, which lays the foundation for future studies assessing its role in fiber development.
Complete Chloroplast Genome of the Inverted Repeat-Lacking Species Vicia bungei and Development of Polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Jo Ick-Hyun , Han Seahee , Shim Donghwan , Ryu Hojin , Hyun Tae Kyung , Lee Yi , Kim Daeil , So Yoon-Sup , Chung Jong-Wook
Published: May 2022

Background

Vicia bungei is an economically important forage crop in South Korea and China. Although detailed genetic and genomic data can improve population genetic studies, conservation efforts, and improved breeding of crops, few such data are available for Vicia species in general and none at all for V. bungei. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to sequence, assemble, and annotate V. bungei chloroplast genome and to identify simple sequence repeats (SSRs) as polymorphic genetic markers.

Results

The whole-genome sequence of V. bungei was generated using an Illumina MiSeq platform. De novo assembly of complete chloroplast genome sequences was performed for the low-coverage sequence using CLC Genome Assembler with a 200–600-bp overlap size. Vicia bungei chloroplast genome was 130,796-bp long. The genome lacked an inverted repeat unit and thus resembled those of species in the inverted repeat-lacking clade within Fabaceae. Genome annotation using Dual OrganellarGenoMe Annotator (DOGMA) identified 107 genes, comprising 75 protein-coding, 28 transfer RNA, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. In total, 432 SSRs were detected in V. bungei chloroplast genome, including 64 mononucleotides, 14 dinucleotides, 5 trinucleotides, 4 tetranucleotides, 233 pentanucleotides, 90 hexanucleotides, and 14 complex repeated motifs. These were used to develop 232 novel chloroplast SSR markers, 39 of which were chosen at random to test amplification and genetic diversity in Vicia species (20 accessions from seven species). The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis identified seven clusters at the interspecies level and intraspecific differences within clusters.

Conclusion

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of V. bungei was determined. This reference genome should facilitate chloroplast resequencing and future searches for additional genetic markers using population samples. The novel chloroplast genome resources and SSR markers will greatly contribute to the conservation of the genus Vicia and facilitate genetic and evolutionary studies of this genus and of other higher plants.
OsNAC129 Regulates Seed Development and Plant Growth and Participates in the Brassinosteroid Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Su-Kui , Zhang Ming-Qiu , Leng Yu-Jia , Xu Li-Na , Jia Shu-Wen , Wang Shui-Lian , Song Tao , Wang Ruo-An , Yang Qing-Qing , Tao Tao , Cai Xiu-Ling , Gao Ji-Ping
Published: May 2022

Grain size and the endosperm starch content determine grain yield and quality in rice. Although these yield components have been intensively studied, their regulatory mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, we show that loss-of-function of OsNAC129, a member of the NAC transcription factor gene family that has its highest expression in the immature seed, greatly increased grain length, grain weight, apparent amylose content (AAC), and plant height. Overexpression of OsNAC129 had the opposite effect, significantly decreasing grain width, grain weight, AAC, and plant height. Cytological observation of the outer epidermal cells of the lemma using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that increased grain length in the osnac129 mutant was due to increased cell length compared with wild-type (WT) plants. The expression of OsPGL1 and OsPGL2, two positive grain-size regulators that control cell elongation, was consistently upregulated in osnac129 mutant plants but downregulated in OsNAC129 overexpression plants. Furthermore, we also found that several starch synthase-encoding genes, including OsGBSSI, were upregulated in the osnac129 mutant and downregulated in the overexpression plants compared with WT plants, implying a negative regulatory role for OsNAC129 both in grain size and starch biosynthesis. Additionally, we found that the expression of OsNAC129 was induced exclusively by abscisic acid (ABA) in seedlings, but OsNAC129-overexpressing plants displayed reduced sensitivity to exogenous brassinolide (BR). Therefore, the results of our study demonstrate that OsNAC129 negatively regulates seed development and plant growth, and further suggest that OsNAC129 participates in the BR signaling pathway.
Assessment and Discussion of Correlation Among Psychological Symptoms, Occupational Strain, and Neurotic Personality for Metro Drive
Authors: He Jing , Zhang Yanling , Qin Si , Liu Wei
Published: May 2022

Metro driver is the prime person who is responsible for metro operation safety. The mental health of a metro driver is very important for the operation of the subway and requires the driver to keep high mental alertness to monitor the surrounding environment and also handle emergencies under uncertain or dangerous conditions. After a long-term occupational strain, a metro driver is likely to suffer from some mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, that ultimately threaten the lives of passengers. Therefore, in this study, we focus on the psychological symptoms of metro drivers from the angle of occupational strain and neuroticism. A total of 396 metro drivers from Kunming Rail Transit Operation Co., Ltd. in China were investigated through a questionnaire survey. Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Personal Strain Questionnaire (PSQ), and NEO-Five-Factor Inventory-Neuroticism Subscale (NEO-FFI-N) were applied to evaluate the psychological symptoms, occupational strain, and neuroticism in metro drivers, respectively. The surveyed data were analyzed by SPSS software. Based on the data, a path structural equation model was established to explore the correlation among occupational strain, psychological symptoms, and neuroticism. The results show that the scores for psychological symptoms and occupational strain are higher than the Chinese adult norm among metro drivers. The occupational strain, neuroticism, and psychological symptoms are all positively correlated in the metro drivers. Occupational stress has a direct influence on the psychological symptom, while neuroticism plays a partial mediation role between occupational strain and psychological symptoms. The results of this study can be applied to optimize the employee selection system and training system for metro operation companies.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Public Behavior Decision Making: Under Mass Incidents
Authors: Shi Rui , Liu Chang , Gull Nida
Published: May 2022

Most mass incidents are created by economic or social concerns brought on by fast socioeconomic change and poor local government. The number of mass occurrences in China has significantly increased in recent years, putting the country’s steady growth and public behavior decision-making in harm. We examine the factors that influence public behavior decision-making in the following significant factors, contributing to the development of effective prevention and response strategies. The structural equation (SEM) approach is used to analyze the main determinants influencing public behavioral decisions in the aftermath of mass incidents using surveys of a large population. The finding shows that media plays a mediating role in the relationship between mass occurrences and influencing factors impacting public emotion. The direct and indirect effects of public behavior decision-making and its role increasingly social changes as things happen, government credibility, media plays mediating role in public emotional factors. All directly impact public behavior decision-making, while emotional factors have an indirect impact via media intermediaries. The escalation of public behavior decisions is seen as a result of structural transmission and the increase of dynamic as well as other factors.