bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of plant height on control of multiple herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant corn
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Chahal Parminder S. , Shi Yeyin , Lawrence Nevin C. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: December 2023

Multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) Palmer amaranth is a troublesome weed in several crops across the USA, including corn. Due to unavoidable weather conditions, it is sometimes not possible for growers to apply pre-emergence herbicide; therefore, post-emergence (POST) herbicide is needed for effective control of MHR Palmer amaranth. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of POST herbicides applied at two heights (10-15 cm and 20-30 cm) for MHR Palmer amaranth control and their effect on Palmer amaranth biomass, density, and seed production as well as yield of glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant corn. Field experiments were conducted at a grower’s field near Carleton, Nebraska, USA in 2020 and 2021. Control of MHR Palmer amaranth was affected by the plant height when herbicides were applied. Glufosinate, dicamba, dicamba/diflufenzopyr, and dicamba/tembotrione applied to 10-15 cm tall Palmer amaranth provided ≥ 94% control 30 d after EPOST (DAEPOST), whereas atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S-metolachlor applied to 20-30 cm tall MHR Palmer amaranth provided 85% control in 2021. Glufosinate provided 85% to 90% control when applied to 20-30 cm tall Palmer amaranth in both years. At 90 DALPOST, dicamba, dicamba/diflufenzopyr, and dicamba/tembotrione applied to 10-15 cm tall Palmer amaranth provided ≥ 88% control. Dicamba/tembotrione, atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S–metolachlor, and dicamba applied to 20-30 cm tall Palmer amaranth provided 85% to 92% control. Glufosinate, dicamba, and atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S–metolachlor were the most effective for reducing Palmer amaranth density 2 to 19 plants m−2when applied to 10-15 cm Palmer amaranth 30 DAEPOST compared with the nontreated control (137 plants m−2) in 2021; however, when applied to 20-30 cm Palmer amaranth, glufosinate, and atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S–metolachlor reduced density 5 to 19 plants m−2. At 30 DAEPOST, glufosinate and atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S–metolachlor had the lowest Palmer amaranth biomass (3-17 g m−2). Corn yield in 2020 was higher than 2021 due to more rain in 2020. All herbicides resulted in a similar yield in 2020. Lower seed production of 6,269 and 1,953 seeds plant-1for 10-15 cm and 20-30 cm MHR Palmer amaranth were recorded with dicamba and atrazine/bicyclopyone/mesotrione/S–metolachlor.
Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy positively influences the social representations of tinnitus
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Chundu Srikanth , Ratinaud Pierre , Andersson Gerhard , Beukes Eldre W.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The aim of the current study was to examine changes in social representations of tinnitus as a result of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT).

Methods

The study used a pretest-posttest design. A total of 106 individuals with tinnitus (mean age 57.5 years) completed a series of questionnaires before and after undertaking ICBT. A free association task was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and also series of quantitative analyses using the IraMuTeQ software.

Results

The most common categories reported by individuals with tinnitus before and after ICBT intervention varied. Examination of valance showed that the negative associations decreased from 81 to 56% and the positive and neutral connotations were increased after the intervention. Examination of the frequency of responses and similarities analysis did not reveal major changes following the intervention. However, the prototypical analysis, which considers both the frequency of categories as well as their ranking, showed that more positive and less negative categories appeared in the central zone and in the first periphery following the ICBT intervention.

Discussion

The study suggests that ICBT reduces the negativity associated with tinnitus and increases positivity. The results are consistent with what is seen in patient-reported outcome measures in clinical trials.
Comparative electrocardiographic analysis of midventricular and typical takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Padilla-Lopez Mireia , Duran-Cambra Albert , Belmar-Cliville David , Soriano-Amores Marc , Arakama-Goikoetxea Sabiñe , Vila-Perales Montserrat , Bragagnini Walter , Rodríguez-Sotelo Laura , Peña-Ortega Pedro , Sánchez-Vega Jesús , Carreras-Mora Jose , Sionis Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) encompasses distinct variants, with midventricular (MV) as the most common atypical subtype. While electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are well documented in typical TTS, they are less explored in MV-TTS.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted where ECGs were reviewed at three time points from symptom onset (within the first 12 h, at 48 h, and at 5–7 days) and compared between patients with typical TTS (n = 33) and those with MV-TTS (n = 27), as classified by ventriculography.

Results

12-h ECG findings revealed that typical TTS featured ST-segment elevation through anterior leads V3–V6, with maximal deviation in V3 (0.98 ± 0.99 mm) and V4 (0.91 ± 0.91 mm), whereas MV-TTS featured ST-segment depression in inferior leads (−0.24 ± 0.57 mm in II, −0.30 ± 0.52 mm in III, and −0.32 ± 0.47 mm in aVF) and in precordial leads V4–V6. In 48-h ECG findings, the most significant change was T wave inversion, which was more widespread and deeper in typical TTS, with the most pronounced negative T wave depths, exceeding 3 mm, observed in leads V3–V5; in contrast, in MV-TTS, T wave inversion was evident in fewer leads and showed less depth, with the most pronounced negative T waves reaching 1 mm at most in leads I, aVL, and V2. While the QTc interval was prolonged in both groups at 48 h, this prolongation was more pronounced in typical TTS than in MV-TTS (523 ± 52 ms vs. 487 ± 66 ms; p = 0.029). In ECGs at 5–7 days, results essentially returned to baseline.

Conclusion

Patients with MV-TTS exhibited a distinctive pattern of ECG abnormalities, marked by ST-segment depression in inferolateral leads, less profound and less extensive T wave inversion that mostly affected leads I, aVL and V2, and attenuated QT interval prolongation compared to typical TTS.
Alterations in cellular metabolism under different grades of glioma staging identified based on a multi-omics analysis strategy
Authors: Yan Xianlei , Li Jinwei , Zhang Yang , Liang Cong , Liang Pengcheng , Li Tao , Liu Quan , Hui Xuhui
Published: December 2023

Glioma is a type of brain tumor closely related to abnormal cell metabolism. Firstly, multiple combinatorial sequencing studies have revealed this relationship. Genomic studies have identified gene mutations and gene expression disorders related to the development of gliomas, which affect cell metabolic pathways. In addition, transcriptome studies have revealed the genes and regulatory networks that regulate cell metabolism in glioma tissues. Metabonomics studies have shown that the metabolic pathway of glioma cells has changed, indicating their distinct energy and nutritional requirements. This paper focuses on the retrospective analysis of multiple groups combined with sequencing to analyze the changes in various metabolites during metabolism in patients with glioma. Finally, the changes in genes, regulatory networks, and metabolic pathways regulating cell metabolism in patients with glioma under different metabolic conditions were discussed. It is also proposed that multi-group metabolic analysis is expected to better understand the mechanism of abnormal metabolism of gliomas and provide more personalized methods and guidance for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of gliomas.
Hypothesis and theory: Do trees “release the tension” in rainwater? Surface tension reduction in throughfall and stemflow from urban trees
Authors: Noren Benjamin J. , Lewis Nicholas R. , Tonello Kelly Cristina , Ilek Anna , Van Stan John T.
Published: December 2023

Knowledge of the processes and impacts associated with the canopy’s partitioning of rainfall into stemflow (water that drains to the base of tree stems) and throughfall (water that drips through gaps and from canopy surfaces) has expanded in recent years. However, the effect of canopy interactions on the fundamental physical properties of rainwater as it travels through the canopy to the soil, particularly surface tension, remains understudied. To discuss specific hypotheses within this context and their relevance to ecohydrological theory, the surface tension of rainwater samples was examined directly. Over a period of 9 months, open rainwater, throughfall and stemflow samples were collected during 20 storms from 12 study trees located in Secrest Arboretum (about 2.5 km outside Wooster, Ohio). Study trees were selected to highlight a range of canopy characteristics, with each tree being from a unique deciduous species. Surface tension was measured using pendant drop goniometry, and measurements were analyzed for variation across study trees and correlation with event air temperature and rain intensity. In general, surface tension was reduced in throughfall and stemflow compared to measurements made for event rainwater, with median surface tension changes of −0.446 mN m−1 and −0.595 mN m−1 for throughfall and stemflow, respectively. The extent of this reduction varied among study trees (with changes as great as −6.5 to −5.5 mN m−1), and storm event characteristics were directly and indirectly correlated with surface tension changes in select cases. Hypothetically, a number of mechanisms may account for the observed reduction (and variation in this reduction) in surface tension, including differences in tree surface properties, canopy microenvironments, and microbiomes, and each warrant further research. Testing these hypotheses may advance broader ecohydrological theory as surface tension changes will influence wetting, absorption, and solute exchange processes within the canopy which, in turn, may affect related surface processes.
Global research trends and prospects related to tumor microenvironment within Triple Negative Breast Cancer: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Peiting , Li Jun , Tong Xiaofei , Xiao Zhenyang , Diao Wuliang , Zhong Chi , Zhou Jianda , Wu Wei
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has pivotal parts within multiple tumor models of onset/progression, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This bibliometric analysis was developed to explore trends and research niches revolving around TME in TNBC.

Methods

Web of Science Core Collection was queried for identifying studies linked with TME in TNBC, after which the VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R software programs were used to conduct bibliometric analyses and to generate corresponding visualizations.

Results

In total, this study included 1,604 studies published from 2005-2023. The USA and China exhibited the highest numbers of citations, and the research institutions with the greatest output in this field included Harvard University, the University of Texas System, and Fudan University. Ying Wang from Sun Yat-Sen University was the most published and most cited author in this space. The highest number of articles were published in Cancer, while the greatest co-citation number was evident in Breast Cancer Research. Important keywords related to this research topic included metastasis, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and nanoparticles. In particular, pembrolizumab, immunotherapy, nanoparticles, combination treatment, and biomarkers were topics of marked interest in recent reports.

Conclusion

The TME in TNBC is an area of rapidly growing and evolving research interest, with extensive global collaboration helping to drive this field forward. Antitumor therapies targeting the TME in TNBC patients represent an emerging topic of future research, providing opportunities for translational findings. The results of this analysis may provide additional guidance for work focused on the TME in TNBC.
Heterogeneity of tertiary lymphoid structures in cancer
Authors: You Xin , Koop Kristina , Weigert Andreas
Published: December 2023

The success of immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint blockade and cellular immunotherapy with genetically modified lymphocytes, has firmly embedded the immune system in the roadmap for combating cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of cancer patients do not yet benefit from these therapeutic approaches, even when the prognostic relevance of the immune response in their tumor entity has been demonstrated. Therefore, there is a justified need to explore new strategies for inducing anti-tumor immunity. The recent connection between the formation of ectopic lymphoid aggregates at tumor sites and patient prognosis, along with an effective anti-tumor response, suggests that manipulating the occurrence of these tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) may play a critical role in activating the immune system against a growing tumor. However, mechanisms governing TLS formation and a clear understanding of their substantial heterogeneity are still lacking. Here, we briefly summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms driving TLS development, outline the impact of TLS heterogeneity on clinical outcomes in cancer patients, and discuss appropriate systems for modeling TLS heterogeneity that may help identify new strategies for inducing protective TLS formation in cancer patients.
Causal relationships between susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in European population: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Wang Lijuan , Wang Jianglong , Zhu Mingqin
Published: December 2023

Background

Neurological disorders can be caused by viral infections. The association between viral infections and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has been well-documented for a long time, and this connection has recently come to attention with the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the precise nature of the causal connection between NMOSD and COVID-19 infection remains uncertain.

Methods

To investigate the causal relationship between COVID-19 and NMOSD, we utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. This analysis was based on the most extensive and recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) that included SARS-CoV-2 infection data (122616 cases and 2475240 controls), hospitalized COVID-19 data (32519 cases and 2062805 controls), and data on severe respiratory confirmed COVID-19 cases (13769 cases and 1072442 controls). Additionally, we incorporated a GWAS meta-analysis comprising 132 cases of AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD (NMO-IgG+), 83 cases of AQP4-IgG-seronegative NMOSD (NMO-IgG−), and 1244 controls.

Results

The findings of our study indicate that the risk of developing NMO-IgG+ is elevated when there is a genetic predisposition to SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 5.512, 95% CI = 1.403-21.657, P = 0.014). Furthermore, patients with genetically predicted NMOSD did not exhibit any heightened susceptibility to SARS-CoV2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, or severity.

Conclusion

our study using Mendelian randomization (MR) revealed, for the first time, that the presence of genetically predicted SARS-CoV2 infection was identified as a contributing factor for NMO-IgG+ relapses.
AML alters bone marrow stromal cell osteogenic commitment via Notch signaling
Authors: Tomasoni Chiara , Arsuffi Corinne , Donsante Samantha , Corsi Alessandro , Riminucci Mara , Biondi Andrea , Pievani Alice , Serafini Marta
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy caused by various genetic alterations and characterized by the accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow (BM). This abnormal growth of AML cells disrupts normal hematopoiesis and alters the BM microenvironment components, establishing a niche supportive of leukemogenesis. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) play a pivotal role in giving rise to essential elements of the BM niche, including adipocytes and osteogenic cells. Animal models have shown that the BM microenvironment is significantly remodeled by AML cells, which skew BMSCs toward an ineffective osteogenic differentiation with an accumulation of osteoprogenitors. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which AML cells affect osteogenesis.

Methods

We studied the effect of AML cells on the osteogenic commitment of normal BMSCs, using a 2D co-culture system.

Results

We found that AML cell lines and primary blasts, but not normal hematopoietic CD34+ cells, induced in BMSCs an ineffective osteogenic commitment, with an increase of the early-osteogenic marker tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in the absence of the late-osteogenic gene up-regulation. Moreover, the direct interaction of AML cells and BMSCs was indispensable in influencing osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistic studies identified a role for AML-mediated Notch activation in BMSCs contributing to their ineffective osteogenic commitment. Inhibition of Notch using a γ-secretase inhibitor strongly influenced Notch signaling in BMSCs and abrogated the AML-induced TNAP up-regulation.

Discussion

Together, our data support the hypothesis that AML infiltration produces a leukemia-supportive pre-osteoblast-rich niche in the BM, which can be partially ascribed to AML-induced activation of Notch signaling in BMSCs.
Reconstruction of dissolved oxygen in the Indian Ocean from 1980 to 2019 based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Huang Sheng , Shao Jian , Chen Yijun , Qi Jin , Wu Sensen , Zhang Feng , He Xianqiang , Du Zhenhong
Published: December 2023

Oceanic dissolved oxygen (DO) decline in the Indian Ocean has profound implications for Earth’s climate and human habitation in Eurasia and Africa. Owing to sparse observations, there is little research on DO variations, regional comparisons, and its relationship with marine environmental changes in the entire Indian Ocean. In this study, we applied different machine learning algorithms to fit regression models between measured DO, ocean reanalysis physical variables, and spatiotemporal variables. We utilized the Extremely Randomized Trees (ERT) model with the best performance, inputting complete reanalysis data and spatiotemporal information to reconstruct a four-dimensional DO dataset of the Indian Ocean during 1980–2019. The evaluation results showed that the ERT-based DO dataset was superior to the DO simulations in Earth System Models across different time and space. Furthermore, we assessed the spatiotemporal variations in reconstructed DO dataset. DO decline and oxygen-minimum zone (OMZ) expansion were prominent in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Equatorial Indian Ocean. Through correlation analysis, we found that temperature and salinity changes related to solubility primarily control the oxygen decrease in the middle and deep sea. However, the complicated factors with solubility change, vertical mixing, and circulation govern the oxygen increase in the upper and middle sea. Finally, we conducted a volume integral to estimate the oxygen content in the Indian Ocean. Overall, a deoxygenation trend of −141.5 ± 15.1 Tmol dec−1 was estimated over four decades, with a slowdown trend of −68.9 ± 31.3 Tmol dec−1 after 2000. Under global warming and climate change, OMZ expanding and deoxygenation in the Indian Ocean are gradually mitigating. This study enhances our understanding of DO dynamics of the Indian Ocean in response to deoxygenation.
Groundwater dynamics in intertidal zones of beach aquifers during salt-fingering flow
Authors: Fang Yunhai , Qian Jiazhong , Ma Lei , Wang Huan
Published: December 2023

At aquifer-sea interfaces, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and related chemical loads are closely related to groundwater environment in the intertidal zone of coastal aquifers. Although unstable salinity distribution in the intertidal zone associated with salt-fingering flow has been known as a natural phenomenon for some coastal aquifers, a quantitative understanding of groundwater dynamics in the intertidal zone during salt-fingering flow is still lacking. This study investigated the movement features of salt fingers and the response laws of freshwater discharge zone (FDZ) in the intertidal zone, considering the fixed and seasonal inland conditions. The results revealed that during salt-fingering flow, the finger was repeatedly generated and detached from the intertidal zone. Horizontally, the finger moved toward the sea, and the finger speed first increased at the development stage, then remained unchanged at the separation stage, and finally decreased at the mergence stage. The movement speed of salt fingers was closely related to ambient freshwater flow in the FDZ. In the vertical direction, the finger first permeated downward with a decreasing speed, and then the upward discharge of fresh groundwater in the FDZ region with an increased flow velocity pushed the finger upwards with an increasing speed. In contrast to the results in a stable intertidal regime, the width of FDZ at the aquifer-sea interface fluctuated over time, and the variation trends possessed a well agreement with the flux of fresh groundwater discharge. This suggested that the width of FDZ at the aquifer-sea interface can be used as an indicator of fresh groundwater discharge, even in an unstable regime, to provide a basis for field monitoring. The intensity of salt-fingering flow varied over time under the condition of seasonal freshwater inflow. The mean duration of salt fingers decreased slightly with the increase of seasonal freshwater periods due to a decrease in the interface perturbation for the intertidal environment. These findings lay the foundation for gaining a better understanding of the potential implications of salt-fingering flow on SGD and related solute transports.
Association of long-term aspirin use with kidney disease progression
Authors: Lu Jun Ling , Shrestha Prabin , Streja Elani , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic microinflammation contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aspirin (ASA) has been used to treat inflammation for centuries. The effects of long-term low-dose ASA on CKD progression are unclear.

Methods

We examined the association of long-term use of newly initiated low-dose ASA (50–200 mg/day) with all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard models; with cardiovascular/cerebrovascular (CV) mortality and with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) using Fine and Gray competing risk regression models; with progression of CKD defined as patients’ eGFR slopes steeper than −5 mL/min/1.73m2/year using logistic regression models in a nationwide cohort of US Veterans with incident CKD. Among 831,963 patients, we identified 385,457 who either initiated ASA (N = 21,228) within 1 year of CKD diagnosis or never received ASA (N = 364,229). We used propensity score matching to account for differences in key characteristics, yielding 29,480 patients (14,740 in each group).

Results

In the matched cohort, over a 4.9-year median follow-up period, 11,846 (40.2%) patients (6,017 vs. 5,829 ASA users vs. non-users) died with 25.8% CV deaths, and 934 (3.2%) patients (476 vs. 458) reached ESKD. ASA users had a higher risk of faster decline of kidney functions, i.e., steeper slopes (OR 1.30 [95%CI: 1.18, 1.44], p < 0.01), but did not have apparent benefits on mortality (HR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.94, 1.01], p = 0.17), CV mortality (Sub-Hazard Ratio [SHR]1.06 [95%CI: 0.99–1.14], p = 0.11), or ESKD (SHR1.00 [95%CI: 0.88, 1.13], p = 0.95).

Conclusion

Chronic low-dose ASA use was associated with faster kidney function deterioration, and no association was observed with mortality or risk of ESKD.
Cornus officinalis: a potential herb for treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Tang Xinyun , Huang Yuxin , Fang Xuliang , Tong Xuanying , Yu Qian , Zheng Wenbiao , Fu Fangda
Published: December 2023

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic skeletal disorder characterized by a decline in bone mass, bone mineral density, and deterioration of bone microstructure. It is prevalent among the elderly, particularly postmenopausal women, and poses a substantial burden to patients and society due to the high incidence of fragility fractures. Kidney-tonifying Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been utilized for OP prevention and treatment. In contrast to conventional approaches such as hormone replacement therapy, TCM offers distinct advantages such as minimal side effects, low toxicity, excellent tolerability, and suitability for long-term administration. Extensive experimental evidence supports the efficacy of kidney-tonifying TCM, exemplified by formulations based on the renowned herb Cornus officinalis and its bioactive constituents, including morroniside, sweroside, flavonol kaempferol, Cornuside I, in OP treatment. In this review, we provide a comprehensive elucidation of the underlying pathological principles governing OP, with particular emphasis on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the homeostasis of osteogenic and osteoclastic, and the regulation of vascular and immune systems, all of which critically influence bone homeostasis. Furthermore, the therapeutic mechanisms of Cornus officinalis-based TCM formulations and Cornus officinalis-derived active constituents are discussed. In conclusion, this review aims to enhance understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms responsible for the anti-OP effects of kidney-tonifying TCM, specifically focusing on Cornus officinalis, and seeks to explore more efficacious and safer treatment strategies for OP.
Probing the potential of salinity-tolerant endophytic bacteria to improve the growth of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Zahra Syeda Tahseen , Tariq Mohsin , Abdullah Muhammad , Zafar Marriam , Yasmeen Tahira , Shahid Muhammad Shafiq , Zaki Haitham E. M. , Ali Amanat
Published: December 2023

Soil salinity is one of the major limiting factors in plant growth regulation. Salinity-tolerant endophytic bacteria (STEB) can be used to alleviate the negative effects of salinity and promote plant growth. In this study, thirteen endophytic bacteria were isolated from mungbean roots and tested for NaCl salt-tolerance up to 4%. Six bacterial isolates, TMB2, TMB3, TMB5, TMB6, TMB7 and TMB9, demonstrated the ability to tolerate salt. Plant growth-promoting properties such as phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, nitrogen fixation, zinc solubilization, biofilm formation and hydrolytic enzyme production were tested in vitro under saline conditions. Eight bacterial isolates indicated phosphate solubilization potential ranging from 5.8–17.7 μg mL−1, wherein TMB6 was found most efficient. Ten bacterial isolates exhibited IAA production ranging from 0.3–2.1 μg mL−1, where TMB7 indicated the highest potential. All the bacterial isolates except TMB13 exhibited nitrogenase activity. Three isolates, TMB6, TMB7 and TMB9, were able to solubilize zinc on tris-minimal media. All isolates were capable of forming biofilm except TMB12 and TMB13. Only TMB2, TMB6 and TMB7 exhibited cellulase activity, while TMB2 and TMB7 exhibited pectinase production. Based on in vitro testing, six efficient STEB were selected and subjected to the further studies. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of efficient STEB revealed the maximum similarity between TMB2 and Rhizobium pusense, TMB3 and Agrobacterium leguminum, TMB5 and Achromobacter denitrificans, TMB6 and Pseudomonas extremorientalis, TMB7 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum and TMB9 and Serratia quinivorans. This is the first international report on the existence of A. leguminum, A. denitrificans, P. extremorientalis and S. quinivorans inside the roots of mungbean. Under controlled-conditions, inoculation of P. extremorientalis TMB6, B. japonicum TMB7 and S. quinivorans TMB9 exhibited maximum potential to increase plant growth parameters; specifically plant dry weight was increased by up to 52%, 61% and 45%, respectively. Inoculation of B. japonicum TMB7 displayed the highest potential to increase plant proline, glycine betaine and total soluble proteins contents by 77%, 78% and 64%, respectively, compared to control under saline conditions. It is suggested that the efficient STEB could be used as biofertilizers for mungbean crop productivity under saline conditions after field-testing.
Pre-symbiotic response of the compatible host spruce and low-compatibility host pine to the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma vaccinum
Authors: Ezediokpu Marycolette Ndidi , Halitschke Rayko , Krause Katrin , Boland Wilhelm , Kothe Erika
Published: December 2023

Mutualistic ectomycorrhizal symbiosis requires the exchange of signals even before direct contact of the partners. Volatiles, and specifically volatile terpenoids, can be detected at a distance and may trigger downstream signaling and reprogramming of metabolic responses. The late-stage ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma vaccinum shows high host specificity with its main host spruce, Picea abies, while rarely associations can be found with pine, Pinus sylvestris. Hence, a comparison of the host and the low-compatibility host’s responses can untangle differences in early signaling during mycorrhiza formation. We investigated sesquiterpenes and identified different patterns of phytohormone responses with spruce and pine. To test the specific role of volatiles, trees were exposed to the complete volatilome of the fungus versus volatiles present when terpene synthases were inhibited by rosuvastatin. The pleiotropic response in spruce included three non-identified products, a pyridine derivative as well as two diterpenes. In pine, other terpenoids responded to the fungal signal. Using exposure to the fungal volatilome with or without terpene synthesis inhibited, we could find a molecular explanation for the longer time needed to establish the low-compatibility interaction.
Effects of backward-directed resistance on propulsive force generation during split-belt treadmill walking in non-impaired individuals
Authors: Moradian Negar , Ko Mansoo , Hurt Christopher P. , Brown David A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Backward-directed resistance is the resistance applied in the opposite direction of the individual’s walking motion. Progressive application of backward-directed resistance during walking at a target speed engages adaptive motor control to maintain that speed. During split-belt walking, a motor control strategy must be applied that allows the person to keep up with the two belts to maintain their position on the treadmill. This situation becomes more challenging when progressive resistance is applied since each limb needs to adapt to the greater resistance to maintain the position. We propose that strategies aimed at changing relative propulsion forces with each limb may explain the motor control strategy used. This study aimed to identify the changes in propulsive force dynamics that allow individuals to maintain their position while walking on an instrumented split-belt treadmill with progressively increasing backward-directed resistance.

Methods

We utilized an instrumented split-belt treadmill while users had to overcome a set of increasing backward-directed resistance through the center of mass. Eighteen non-impaired participants (mean age = 25.2 ± 2.51) walked against five levels of backward resistance (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of participant’s body weight) in two different modalities: single-belt vs. split-belt treadmill. On the single-belt mode, the treadmill’s pace was the participant’s comfortable walking speed (CWS). In split-belt mode, the dominant limb’s belt pace was half of the CWS, and the non-dominant limb’s belt speed was at the CWS.

Results

We assessed differences between single-belt vs. split-belt conditions in the slope of the linear relationship between change in propulsive impulse relative to change of backward resistance amount. In split-belt conditions, the slower limb showed a significantly steeper increase in propulsion generation compared to the fast limb across resistance levels.

Discussion

As a possible explanation, the slow limb also exhibited a significantly increased slope of the change in trailing limb angle (TLA), which was strongly correlated to the propulsive impulse slope values. We conclude that the motor control strategy used to maintain position on a split-belt treadmill when challenged with backward-directed resistance is to increase the propulsive forces of the slow limb relative to the fast limb by progressively increasing the TLA.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04877249.
Expert group recommendation on inhaled mucoactive drugs in pediatric respiratory diseases: an Indian perspective
Authors: Singh Meenu , Varkki Sneha , Kinimi Ilin , Das Rashmi R. , Goyal Jagdish Prasad , Bhat Mushtaq , Dayal Rajeshwar , Kalyan Pawan , Gairolla Jitender , Khosla Indu
Published: December 2023

Background

Currently, there are no guidelines or consensus statements about the usage of inhaled mucoactive drugs in pediatric respiratory disease conditions from an Indian perspective.

Objective

To develop a practical consensus document to help pediatricians in clinical decision-making when choosing an appropriate mucoactive drug for the management of specific respiratory disease conditions.

Methods

A committee of nine experts with significant experience in pediatric respiratory disease conditions and a microbiological expert constituted the panel. An electronic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase databases was undertaken to identify relevant articles. Various combinations of keywords such as inhaled, nebulized, mucoactive, mucolytic, mucokinetic, expectorants, mucoregulators, mucociliary clearance, respiratory disorders, pediatric, cystic fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis, acute wheezing, asthma, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), critically ill, mechanical ventilation, tracheomalacia, tracheobronchomalacia, esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), acute bronchiolitis, sputum induction, guideline, and management were used. Twelve questions were drafted for discussion. A roundtable meeting of experts was conducted to arrive at a consensus. The level of evidence and class of recommendation were weighed and graded.

Conclusions

Inhaled mucoactive drugs (hypertonic saline, dry powder mannitol, and dornase alfa) can enhance mucociliary clearance in children with CF. Experts opined that hypertonic saline could be beneficial in non-CF bronchiectasis, acute bronchiolitis, and PCD. The current state of evidence is inadequate to support the use of inhaled mucoactive drugs in asthma, acute wheezing, tracheomalacia, tracheobronchomalacia, and EA with TEF.
Post-exertional malaise in daily life and experimental exercise models in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Vøllestad Nina K. , Mengshoel Anne Marit
Published: December 2023

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is commonly recognized as a hallmark of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and is often used as one of several criteria for diagnosing ME/CFS. In this perspective paper we want to reflect on how PEM is understood, assessed, and evaluated in scientific literature, and to identify topics to be addressed in future research. Studies show that patients use a wide variety of words and concepts to label their experience of PEM in everyday life, and they report physical or mental exertions as triggers of PEM. They also report that PEM may have an immediate or delayed onset and may last from a few days to several months. When standardized exercise tests are used to trigger PEM experimentally, the exacerbation of symptoms has a more immediate onset but still shows a wide variability in duration. There are indications of altered muscular metabolism and autonomic nervous responses if exercise is repeated on successive days in patients with ME/CFS. The decreased muscular capacity appears to be maintained over several days following such controlled exercise bouts. These responses may correspond to patients’ experiences of increased exertion. Based on this background we argue that there is a need to look more closely into the processes occurring in the restitution period following exercise, as PEM reaches the peak in this phase.
Effects of different levels of dried onion powder on nutrient digestibility, biochemical parameters, and nitrogen balance in Wistar albino rats with induced hyperuricemia
Authors: Umer Muhammad , Nisa Mahr Un , Ahmad Nazir , Rahim Muhammad Abdul , Al-Asmari Fahad
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Onions (Allium cepa L.) are excellent sources of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals such as allicin, quercetin, fisetin, and other sulfurous compounds. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effects of dried onion powder on growth performance, nitrogen balance, and biochemical parameters in Wistar albino rats with induced hyperuricemia.

Methods: A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six in each group: HU (positive control) and HOT1, HOT2, and HOT3 groups, which received a diet containing onion powder at concentrations of 11.13, 14.84, and 18.61 g/100 g, respectively. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats by administering a new formulation intraperitoneally (250 mg/kg potassium oxonate) and orally (40 mg/kg potassium bromate) daily for 14 days. After confirmation of hyperuricemia induction, rats were fed with onion-treated diets with various concentrations of quercetin for 21 days.

Results: Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were observed. An increasing trend (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet count was observed. An improvement in the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum total protein and neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes was observed. A positive progress (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a significantly lower uric acid level was observed in rats fed with HOT2 diet. Based on the ratio of the surface area (human/rat), the best recommended dose of onion for the incidence and prevention of hyperuricemia is 189.95 g, corresponding to the dose of 204 mg/day of quercetin in humans.
AAPH-induced oxidative damage reduced anion exchanger 1 (SLC4A1/AE1) activity in human red blood cells: protective effect of an anthocyanin-rich extract
Authors: Remigante Alessia , Spinelli Sara , Patanè Giuseppe Tancredi , Barreca Davide , Straface Elisabetta , Gambardella Lucrezia , Bozzuto Giuseppina , Caruso Daniele , Falliti Giuseppe , Dossena Silvia , Marino Angela , Morabito Rossana
Published: December 2023

Introduction: During their lifespan in the bloodstream, red blood cells (RBCs) are exposed to multiple stressors, including increased oxidative stress, which can affect their morphology and function, thereby contributing to disease.

Aim: This investigation aimed to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to oxidative stress underlying anion exchanger 1 activity (band 3, SLC4A1/AE1) in human RBCs. To achieve this aim, the relationship between RBC morphology and functional and metabolic activity has been explored. Moreover, the potential protective effect of an anthocyanin-enriched fraction extracted from Callistemon citrinus flowers was studied.

Methods: Cellular morphology, parameters of oxidative stress, as well as the anion exchange capability of band 3 have been analyzed in RBCs treated for 1 h with 50 mM of the pro-oxidant 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamide)-dihydrochloride (AAPH). Before or after the oxidative insult, subsets of cells were exposed to 0.01 μg/mL of an anthocyanin-enriched fraction for 1 h.

Results: Exposure to AAPH caused oxidative stress, exhaustion of reduced glutathione, and over-activation of the endogenous antioxidant machinery, resulting in morphological alterations of RBCs, specifically the formation of acanthocytes, increased lipid peroxidation and oxidation of proteins, as well as abnormal distribution and hyper-phosphorylation of band 3. Expected, oxidative stress was also associated with a decreased band 3 ion transport activity and an increase of oxidized haemoglobin, which led to abnormal clustering of band 3. Exposure of cells to the anthocyanin-enriched fraction prior to, but not after, oxidative stress efficiently counteracted oxidative stress-related alterations. Importantly, protection of band3 function from oxidative stress could only be achieved in intact cells and not in RBC ghosts.

Conclusion: These findings contribute a) to clarify oxidative stress-related physiological and biochemical alterations in human RBCs, b) propose anthocyanins as natural antioxidants to neutralize oxidative stress-related modifications, and 3) suggest that cell integrity, and therefore a cytosolic component, is required to reverse oxidative stress-related pathophysiological derangements in human mature RBCs.
Microbial diversity in soils suppressive to Fusarium diseases
Authors: Todorović Irena , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan , Raičević Vera , Jovičić-Petrović Jelena , Muller Daniel
Published: December 2023

Fusarium species are cosmopolitan soil phytopathogens from the division Ascomycota, which produce mycotoxins and cause significant economic losses of crop plants. However, soils suppressive to Fusarium diseases are known to occur, and recent knowledge on microbial diversity in these soils has shed new lights on phytoprotection effects. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on soils suppressive to Fusarium diseases and the role of their rhizosphere microbiota in phytoprotection. This is an important issue, as disease does not develop significantly in suppressive soils even though pathogenic Fusarium and susceptible host plant are present, and weather conditions are suitable for disease. Soils suppressive to Fusarium diseases are documented in different regions of the world. They contain biocontrol microorganisms, which act by inducing plants’ resistance to the pathogen, competing with or inhibiting the pathogen, or parasitizing the pathogen. In particular, some of the Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus and Streptomyces species are involved in plant protection from Fusarium diseases. Besides specific bacterial populations involved in disease suppression, next-generation sequencing and ecological networks have largely contributed to the understanding of microbial communities in soils suppressive or not to Fusarium diseases, revealing different microbial community patterns and differences for a notable number of taxa, according to the Fusarium pathosystem, the host plant and the origin of the soil. Agricultural practices can significantly influence soil suppressiveness to Fusarium diseases by influencing soil microbiota ecology. Research on microbial modes of action and diversity in suppressive soils should help guide the development of effective farming practices for Fusarium disease management in sustainable agriculture.
Membrane contacts with the endoplasmic reticulum modulate plastid morphology and behaviour
Authors: Mathur Jaideep , Kunjumon Thomas Kadanthottu , Mammone Alena , Mathur Neeta
Published: December 2023

Plastid behaviour often occurs in tandem with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dynamics. In order to understand the underlying basis for such linked behaviour we have used time-lapse imaging-based analysis of plastid movement and pleomorphy, including the extension and retraction of stromules. Stable transgenic plants that simultaneously express fluorescent fusion proteins targeted to the plastid stroma, and the ER along with BnCLIP1-eGFP, an independent plastid envelope localized membrane contact site (MCS) marker were utilized. Our experiments strongly suggest that transient MCS formed between the plastid envelope and the ER are responsible for their concomitant behaviour.
The PPSQ: assessing parental, child, and partner’s playfulness in the preschool and early school years
Authors: Bureau Jean-François , Bandk Khachadour , Deneault Audrey-Ann , Turgeon Jessica , Seal Harshita , Brosseau-Liard Patricia
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Developmental research has traditionally focused on parenting behaviors such as nurturance and care, due to a focus on mothers’ behaviors. Other parenting dimensions such as parental playfulness (i.e., use of creativity, imagination, and humor during parent–child interactions) have comparatively received little attention. Although some measures tap into parents’ and children’s playfulness, these measures are limited. Indeed, they do not assess multiple domains of playfulness (i.e., both parents’ and the child’s playfulness) or focus on one specific setting such as children’s play with peers. Additionally, existing measures do not consider parents’ reactions to their partners’ playfulness. To address this gap, we created the Playful Parenting Style Questionnaire (PPSQ), which assesses three domains of playfulness: (a) parental domain, (b) child domain, and (c) partner domain. The current study is part of a validation effort of the PPSQ using a quantitative design. We aimed to explore the structure of the PPSQ by conducting an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for each domain of playfulness; and assess the construct validity of the PPSQ factors by examining the association between factors and existing measures of playful parenting, child playfulness, and co-parenting.

Method

The sample includes 347 parents (294 mothers and 53 fathers) of preschool/school-age children (M = 5.10 years; 182 girls, 127 boys). Parents were mostly White (76%) and from a low socioeconomic risk background. Parents completed a series of online questionnaires including the PPSQ, 3 existing measures of parent playfulness (Parental Playfulness Questionnaire; Adult Playfulness Scale; Challenging Parenting Behavior Scale), 2 existing measures of child playfulness (Child Behavior Inventory; Children’s Playfulness Scale), a coparenting instrument (Co-parenting Relationship Scale), and sociodemographic information.

Results

The EFA revealed 4 factors for parental playfulness, 1 factor for child playfulness, and 3 factors for partner’s playfulness. The construct validity analyses identified multiple associations indicating convergence with existing measures for the parent and partners domain but not the child factor.

Discussion

This study allowed for a better understanding of the playful dynamics that occur within a family.