bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of autophagy‐related genes signature predicts chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic efficiency in bladder cancer (BLCA)
Authors: Cao Rui , Ma Bo , Wang Gang , Xiong Yaoyi , Tian Ye , Yuan Lushun
Published: May 2021

Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading and recycling cytoplasmic components under stress conditions, which is identified to be involved in tumorigenesis and now has been recognized as novel target in cancer treatment. In present study, we gathered total autophagy‐related genes and established an autophagy‐related genes signature (ATGRS) through LASSO cox regression analysis in BLCA. Kaplan‐Meier survival and multivariate cox regression analyses both showed the ATGRS was a robust independent prognostic factor with high accuracy. Subsequently, integrated analyses indicated that ATGRS had a strong correlation with molecular subtypes, clinicopathological characteristics and somatic mutation alteration. Moreover, ATGRS was found to be positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells in tumour microenvironment (TME) and immune checkpoint expression, indicating the potent role of autophagy by regulating the TME. In addition, ATGRS was proved to be efficient in predicting the clinical benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based immunotherapy and chemotherapy in BLCA. Furthermore, we observed abnormal expression levels of autophagy‐related genes and found the different behaviour of ATGRS in pancancer by LASSO cox regression analysis. Therefore, construction of ATGRS in BLCA could help us to interpret the underlying mechanism of autophagy and sheds a light on the clinical application for a combination of autophagy modification with targeted immunotherapy and chemotherapy in BLCA.
Harmine targets inhibitor of DNA binding‐2 and activator protein‐1 to promote preosteoclast PDGF‐BB production
Authors: Huang Jie , Li You‐You , Xia Kun , Wang Yi‐Yi , Chen Chun‐Yuan , Chen Meng‐Lu , Cao Jia , Liu Zheng‐Zhao , Wang Zhen‐Xing , Yin Hao , Hu Xiong‐Ke , Wang Zheng‐Guang , Zhou Yong , Xie Hui
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases affecting millions of people. We previously found that harmine prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mice via increasing preosteoclast platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) production and type H vessel formation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which harmine promotes preosteoclast PDGF‐BB generation are still unclear. In this study, we revealed that inhibitor of DNA binding‐2 (Id2) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) were important factors implicated in harmine‐enhanced preosteoclast PDGF‐BB production. Exposure of RANKL‐induced Primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), isolated from tibiae and femora of mice, to harmine increased the protein levels of Id2 and AP‐1. Knockdown of Id2 by Id2‐siRNA reduced the number of preosteoclasts as well as secretion of PDGF‐BB in RANKL‐stimulated BMMs administrated with harmine. Inhibition of c‐Fos or c‐Jun (components of AP‐1) both reversed the stimulatory effect of harmine on preosteoclast PDGF‐BB production. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay analyses determined that PDGF‐BB was the direct target of AP‐1 which was up‐regulated by harmine treatment. In conclusion, our data demonstrated a novel mechanism involving in the production of PDGF‐BB increased by harmine, which may provide potential therapeutic targets for bone loss diseases.
Flat scalp melanoma dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy features correspond to histopathologic type and lesion location
Authors: Garbarino F. , Pampena R. , Lai M. , Pereira A.R. , Piana S. , Cesinaro A.M. , Cinotti E. , Fiorani D. , Ciardo S. , Farnetani F. , Chester J. , Pellacani G. , Guitera P. , Longo C.
Published: May 2021

Background

Dermoscopy and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) features of scalp melanoma according to lesion location and histopathology have not been fully investigated.

Objectives

To reveal dermoscopic and RCM features of scalp melanoma according to lesion location and histopathology.

Methods

We retrospectively retrieved images of suspicious, atypical excised, flat melanocytic lesions of the scalp, assessed on dermoscopy and RCM at five centres, from June 2007 to April 2020. Lesions were classified according to histopathological diagnoses of nevi, lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) or superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). Clinical, dermoscopic and RCM images were evaluated; LM/LMM and SSM subtypes were compared through multivariate analysis.

Results

Two hundred forty‐seven lesions were included. In situ melanomas were mostly LM (81.3%), while invasive melanomas were mostly SSM (75.8%). Male sex, baldness and chronic sun‐damaged skin were associated with all types of melanomas and in particular with LM/LMM. LMs were mostly located in the vertex area and SSM in the frontal (OR: 8.8; P < 0.05, CI 95%) and temporal (OR: 16.7; P < 0.005, CI 95%) areas. The dermoscopy presence of pseudo‐network, pigmented rhomboidal structures, obliterated hair follicles and annular–granular pattern were associated with LM diagnoses, whereas bluish‐white veil was more typical of SSM. Observations on RCM of atypical roundish and dendritic cells in the epidermis were associated with SSM (42.4%) and dendritic cells with LM (62.5%) diagnoses. Folliculotropism on RCM was confirmed as a typical sign of LM.

Conclusions

Flat scalp melanomas reveal specific dermoscopic and RCM features according to histopathologic type and scalp location.
Two new species of Hypostomus suckermouth‐armoured catfishes (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from central Brazil
Authors: Soares Yan F. F. , de Aquino Pedro De Podestà Uchôa , Bagley Justin C. , Langeani Francisco , Colli Guarino R.
Published: May 2021

This study describes two new endemic Hypostomus species from central Brazil, which were previously identified as genetically distinct lineages in a recent genomic study that recommended their testing and potential description based on morphological data. A machine learning classification procedure (random forest) was used to investigate morphological variation and identify putatively diagnostic characters for these candidate species and revealed that each is morphologically distinct. The new species Hypostomus cafuringa is characterized by small size, dark spots under a light background, deeper caudal peduncle and shorter first ray of the pectoral fin and base of the dorsal fin when compared to congeneric species from the region. H. cafuringa is known from the headwaters of the Maranhão River, upper Tocantins River basin, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The second new species, Hypostomus crulsi, is characterized by dark spots under a light background, absence of plates along the abdomen region, shorter first ray of the pelvic fin, shorter first ray of the pectoral fin and smaller body size. H. crulsi is known from the headwaters of the São Bartolomeu River, upper Paraná River basin, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The rapid conversion of natural habitats for agricultural development and the isolation of protected areas represent a serious threat to the continued existence of these two newly described endemic species, which warrant conservation assessment.
Loss of function MPZ mutation causes milder CMT1B neuropathy
Authors: Howard Paige , Feely Shawna M. E. , Grider Tiffany , Bacha Alexa , Scarlato Marina , Fazio Raffaella , Quattrini Angelo , Shy Michael E. , Previtali Stefano C.
Published: May 2021

Mutations in Myelin Protein Zero (MPZ) cause CMT1B, the second leading cause of CMT1. Many of the >200 mutations cause neuropathy through a toxic gain of function by the mutant protein such as ER retention, activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) or disruption of myelin compaction. While there is extensive literature on the loss of function consequences of MPZ in heterozygous Mpz +/− null mice, there is little known of the consequences of MPZ haploinsufficiency in humans. We identified six patients from different families with p.Tyr68Ter or p.Asp104fs heterozygous mutations of MPZ that are predicted to cause a premature termination and nonsense mediated decay of the mutant allele. Five patients were evaluated in Milan and one in Iowa City; all should be haploinsufficient for MPZ. Patients were evaluated clinically and by electrophysiology. Sensory ataxia dominated the clinical presentation with only mild weakness present in five of the six patients. Symptoms presented in adulthood in all patients and only one individual had a CMTNSv2 >5. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in all patients. Patients with likely MPZ loss of function due to mutations that cause haplodeficiency in MPZ have a mild, predominantly large fiber sensory neuropathy that serves as a human equivalent to the neuropathy observed in heterozygous Mpz null mice. Successful therapeutic approaches in treating Mpz deficient mice may be candidates for trials in these and similar patients.
How Emergency Nurses Develop Resilience in the Context of Workplace Violence: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Han Chin‐Yen , Chen Li‐Chin , Lin Chun‐Chih , Goopy Suzanne , Lee Hui‐Ling
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To understand how emergency nurses develop resilience in the context of workplace violence.

Design

This study employed grounded theory methodology. Thirty nurses from three hospital emergency departments in Taiwan were interviewed between August and December 2018.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Findings

The process through which emergency nurses who had experienced workplace violence developed resilience took place in three stages: the release of emotions after the assault; the interpretation of conflicting thoughts and actions; and the establishment of strategies to cope with workplace violence in the future. The core theme was the motivating role of professional commitment to emergency patient care.

Conclusions

The results of this study can inform the development of support systems to enhance the resilience of nurses experiencing workplace violence by alerting healthcare administrators and governing institutions to their needs.

Clinical Relevance

Emergency nurses viewed professional growth and professional commitment as an invisible motivator in the development of resilience following an encounter with workplace violence.
Soybean extract modified by Aspergillus awamori stimulates a greater collagen‐I synthesis in the intracellular matrix of human fibroblasts
Authors: Bezerra Patrícia Heloise Alves , Stocco Bianca , Bianchi Caroline Inácio , Bianchini Francine , Figueiredo Sônia Aparecida , Fonseca Maria José Vieira , Torqueti Maria Regina
Published: May 2021

Aglycone isoflavones are estrogen‐like bioactive compounds found in low amounts in soybean, which are increased by biotransformation processes. This study investigated two biotransformation processes of soybean extracts with Aspergillus awamori fungus, evaluating aglycone content and capability of stimulation of collagen‐I deposition. Isoflavones were quantified via HPLC; cytotoxicity of biotransformed extracts toward mouse and human fibroblasts was evaluated via NRU and apoptosis/necrosis assays; and collagen‐I deposition was measured through Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunoassay. BSE‐2 was the biotransformed soybean extract with the highest aglycone content and did not decrease viability or demonstrated cytotoxicity to either L929 or HDFa cells. BSE‐2, at the optimal concentration of 1.33 μg/mL, increased substantially collagen‐I amount in HDFa intracellular matrix compared to non‐biotransformed soybean extract (NBSE) and immunoassay demonstrated that the extracellular deposition was mostly inhibited by BSE‐2 concentrations, except at 1.33 μg/mL. Hence, biotransformed soybean extract by the enzymatic filtrate of Aspergillus awamori fungus demonstrated a high nutricosmetic potential, showing safeness and effective collagen‐I augmentation.
Beliefs and implementation of evidence‐based practice among nurses in the nursing homes of a Swiss canton: An observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Perruchoud Elodie , Fernandes Sofia , Verloo Henk , Pereira Filipa
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives

Examine beliefs about EBP and its level of implementation among nurses working in nursing homes in a bilingual canton of Switzerland and explore associations between these aspects and nurses’ sociodemographic and professional characteristics.

Background

Although evidence‐based practice (EBP) is recognised as an effective strategy for improving the quality and safety of care, little is known about its use in nursing homes. Nurses’ beliefs about EBP and their implementation of it in Switzerland’s nursing homes have never been explored.

Design

An observational cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Beliefs about and implementation of EBP were evaluated using validated French‐ and German‐language versions of the EBP Beliefs Scale and the EBP Implementation Scale, developed by Melnyk and Fineout‐Overholt (Melnyk, Fineout‐Overholt, & Mays, 2008, Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 5, 208). The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used in reporting this study.

Results

The participation rate was 40.6% (N = 194). Most participants stated that they had some knowledge of EBP and held favourable beliefs about it. Nevertheless, 37.1% of participants found the concept complicated and 36.1% found it time‐consuming. Participants were more likely to implement stages in the EBP process linked to direct clinical practice rather than those which required scientific knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

Most participants had favourable beliefs about EBP, but the level of implementation of EBP among nurses in their daily clinical practice was sub‐optimal.

Relevance to clinical practice

A greater emphasis should be put on fostering the use of EBP among nurses working in nursing homes. This could be achieved via training and the development of individual, institutional and contextual strategies promoting the integration of EBP in clinical settings.
A qualitative study exploring experiences and support needs of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Singapore
Authors: Goh Jing Xuan , Aishworiya Ramkumar , Ho Roger Chun Man , Wang Wenru , He Hong‐Gu
Published: May 2021

Aims and objective

To explore the experiences and support needs of parents of children with recently diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Singapore.

Background

Raising a child with ASD is challenging for parents, especially in the initial period following the diagnosis. Limited studies have focused on parents’ perspectives.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design study.

Methods

Thirteen parents were recruited from a developmental and behavioural paediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore from October–December 2018. Adult parents, who were primary caregivers of 2–10‐year‐old children diagnosed with ASD in the preceding 3 months to 2 years, were recruited. Semi‐structured individual face‐to‐face interviews were conducted based on an interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist was used for reporting.

Results

Common themes were analysed using constant comparative method to generate results. Four themes emerged after 13 interviews: (1) adjusting psychologically, (2) changing lifestyle, (3) contending with hurdles to services and (4) needing informational, tangible and emotional support.

Conclusions

Findings suggested a need for more formal support networks, targeted resource platforms and accessibility of services to help support parents better after receiving a diagnosis of ASD in their child.

Relevance to clinical practice

Enhancing current healthcare and social policies to improve the provision of standardised and targeted information to parents, establishing formal support networks, facilitating access to childcare services, and involving domestic helpers/nannies as dedicated caregivers and trainers could better support parents.
Quantification of yield losses with relation to sheath blight development at different growth stages in mega rice varieties of South Asia
Authors: Lore Jagjeet S. , Jain Jyoti , Hunjan Mandeep S. , Singh Pritpal , Kumar Sanjay , Zaidi Najam W. , Singh Uma S.
Published: May 2021

Quantification of grain yield losses in mega rice varieties of south Asia due to infection by the sheath blight pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) at different growth stages was carried out in 2 years in Northern India. Pathogen inoculation was done at the tillering, booting and grain‐filling stages of the crop under field conditions. The disease variables viz. disease severity, disease incidence, flag leaf infection and relative yield loss were determined on the mega varieties viz Swarna, Swarna Sub‐1 and PR 122. The effect of crop growth stage at inoculation and varieties was more important for disease variables than for relative yield loss. Booting and tillering stages were the most critical for higher sheath blight development with the highest relative yield loss. Among the mega rice varieties Swarna and Swarna‐Sub1, no significant difference was observed in all the disease variables and grain yield loss while the local variety PR 122 outperformed both mega varieties in disease variables and grain yield loss. PR 122 had the lowest yield losses due to low disease severity (14.22%–19.23%) during both years. All disease variables were positively correlated with relative yield losses. Regarding disease management strategies the focus should be on managing the disease initiation, particularly at the tillering and booting stages of the crop.
Negative social jetlag – Special consideration of leisure activities and evidence from birdwatchers
Authors: Randler Christoph , Staller Naomi , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: May 2021

Birdwatching (birding) is a nature‐based recreational activity, often including arising early in the morning. In the present study, we tested the effect of a negative social jetlag (SJL) in birders. Negative SJL implies that people have an even earlier sleep–wake rhythm on free days or weekends. As birds’ activities start before or shortly after sunrise, especially during spring and early summer, birdwatchers follow this diurnal pattern. Further, birders are not homogeneous and vary greatly in recreational specialisation. The study was based on an online survey with 2,404 birdwatchers (55% male) who responded to questions about their sleep–wake times and about their birding activities. Birders show the same differences between weekdays and weekends/free days sleep like most other people. However, birdwatching days started earlier than weekdays (14 min) and lasted longer. Thus, birdwatching days are shifted towards an earlier sleep–wake rhythm in total. Birdwatchers experience a sleep curtailment during birding. Instead of sleeping ~30 min longer on weekends, they arise ~15 min earlier, summing up to a sleep reduction of about ~45 min compared to a regular weekend. The more psychologically committed birders are, the less they sleep, the earlier they arise, and the earlier is their midpoint of sleep on birdwatching days; meaning that highly specialised birders shift their sleep–wake rhythm to an earlier time compared to their regular weekend, and even their weekday sleep. Thus, birders may suffer more from the short‐ and long‐term consequences of negative SJL. The results might stand representatively for other nature‐related leisure activities.
Suspected acquired narcolepsy in 8 dogs
Authors: Santifort Koen M. , Ives Edward J. , Fenn Joe , Raimondi Francesca , Lourinho Filipa , Mandigers Paul J. J. , Bergknut Niklas
Published: May 2021

Background

Acquired narcolepsy has rarely been reported in veterinary medicine.

Objective

To describe the presentation, clinicopathological features, diagnostic imaging findings, and management of dogs with suspected‐acquired narcolepsy.

Animals

Eight dogs with clinical features consistent with acquired narcolepsy.

Methods

A call for suspected cases of acquired narcolepsy was made online, followed by a retrospective review of detailed medical records of potential cases. Dogs were included if episodes consistent with cataplexy were present during examination by a board‐certified veterinary neurologist and diagnostic work‐up included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

Seven French Bulldogs and 1 Chihuahua (age range, 9‐66 months) were included. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin was diagnosed in 2 dogs, extracranial foci of inflammation were identified in 2 dogs (aspiration pneumonia, esophagitis, otitis media), and no abnormalities were found on diagnostic investigations in 4 dogs. Prednisolone was used in the management of all dogs, 6 dogs received imipramine, and 2 received cytosine arabinoside. An initial remission of signs was observed in all dogs, but a subsequent relapse of clinical signs was recorded for 4 dogs, of which 3 responded to adjustment or resumption of treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The presence of cataplexy episodes should prompt a thorough diagnostic work‐up to exclude the presence of intracranial (and extracranial) pathology. The potential for both remission and relapse of signs in suspected acquired cases is important for clinicians and owners to be aware of.
Characterization of Vibrio sp. strain AB15 and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain NB14 from the biofloc of shrimp culture ponds capable of high ammonia and nitrite removal efficiency
Authors: Dou Le , Chen Wenbin , Pan Luqing , Huang Fei
Published: May 2021

The development of intensive aquaculture industry has aggravated the dangers of ammonia and nitrite in aquatic ecosystems. Probiotics have been widely used to maintain and improve water quality by removal of ammonia and nitrite in aquaculture. In this study, two facultative anaerobic strains AB15 and NB14, capable of efficient ammonia and nitrite removal, were isolated from biofloc, which acts as a natural micro‐flora storeroom in shrimp culture ponds, and were identified as Vibrio sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens, respectively. The removal efficiency of ammonia and nitrite by AB15 and NB14 was 96.8 and 89.6%, respectively. The optimum conditions of AB15 and NB14 were as follows: temperature (25°C vs. 30°C), salinity (25‰ both), initial pH (7.5 vs. 8.0), C/N ratio (15 vs. 10). The two strains had great performance on inhibiting the common pathogens (Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio splendidus, Vibrio anguillarum) in aquaculture at concentrations of 105–108 CFU/mL. Biosecurity assessment indicated that both AB15 and NB14 were harmless for survival and could be beneficial for the growth and immune enhancement of Litopenaeus vannamei. All results demonstrate that the two isolated strains have high promise for future applications of removing ammonia and nitrite and maintaining biosecurity in shrimp culture ponds.
Collusion, political connection, and tax avoidance in China
Authors: Tsai Pi‐Han , Liu Yongzheng , Liu Xin
Published: May 2021

Our paper is the first to examine the impact of government‐firm collusion on firm tax avoidance in China by applying an instrumental variable approach. We take political turnover of local leaders as an external shock to the existing collusion and investigate firms' tax avoidance activities during local leadership transition. By using data on political turnover of prefectural leaders and listed firms from 2007 to 2014, we find that political turnover leads to the instability of existing collusion, and consequently a decrease in firm tax avoidance. This provides evidence of the pre‐existing collusion between government and firms. We then rule out the possibility that such change is driven by the effect of political uncertainty or tax competition by considering the heterogeneous effect of firms and cities. Finally, we show that firms' political connections, captured by political ties and ownership of firms, stabilize the existing collusion and help firms maintain their advantage while facing external political shocks.
Using digital storytelling as a turn‐around pedagogy
Authors: Schmier Stephanie Anne
Published: May 2021

Digital storytelling is the process of telling stories in a multimedia platform while foregrounding meaning making, collaboration and the amplification of marginalised narratives. Grounded in a theory of “turn‐around pedagogies,” this research article aims to expand discussions of digital storytelling to include providing opportunities for primary students labelled “struggling readers” to tell their own literacy stories multimodally. Data were drawn from a 2‐year long research project using digital storytelling with preservice teachers and primary students to document shared learning during a reading collaboration programme. Specifically, this article centres two of 21 digital storytelling collaborations as case studies to represent themes that emerged through multimodal analysis in order to address the research question “in what ways are preservice teachers and primary students making meaning of their individual and shared learning multimodally through the process of digital storytelling?” Findings highlight how allowing primary students to use digital tools to tell their stories opened up new spaces for students to represent their literate identities and literacy learning on their own terms, which supported preservice teachers in planning for meaningful reading instruction. Strategies for planning to use digital storytelling in the primary school classroom as a turn‐around pedagogy are shared and areas for consideration are raised.
Saunders Lewis, “Prayer at the End” (Gweddi’ ’r Terfyn): A Translation and a Commentary
Authors: Thomas John Heywood
Published: May 2021

Having spent my professional career in England I am more familiar with English poetry than with Welsh and so one of my great pleasures now is reading Welsh poetry. A book I have read and re-read more than once is The Poems of Saunders Lewis. There the poem that has gripped me and still does is this great poem. Apparently, it received much attention when it was published - three articles by D. Z. Phillips with a reply and a note by the poet commenting on the background influences. Without returning to that, I want to note the importance of the influence. Simple though the language may be, the poem is full of philosophical and theological ideas together with a keen awareness of Biblical study.
Dissection of both limbs of a fenestrated vertebral artery: Case report and review of literatures
Authors: Mori Kentaro , Iida Yu , Kawahara Yosuke , Fukui Issei , Abe Katsuya , Takeda Mutsuki , Nakano Tatsu , Koh Eikan , Nomura Motohiro
Published: May 2021

Background

Dissection of a fenestration of the vertebral artery is extremely rare.

CASE REPORTS

A 55‐year‐old man presented with severe headache. Radiological examinations revealed a fenestration of the intracranial vertebral artery, and both limbs of the fenestration showed stenosis and dilatation. Three‐dimensional‐T1 fat suppression‐weighted images of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramural thrombus. These findings indicated that dissection occurred in both limbs of the fenestrated vertebral artery. Since no hemorrhage or infarction was observed, the patient was conservatively treated with an anti‐hypertensive drug. His symptom gradually improved and finally disappeared. Follow‐up MRI in the 2nd month showed a decreased intramural thrombus and smoothened vertebral artery.

Discussion

Detection of an intramural thrombus on MRI is useful for the diagnosis of dissection of a vertebral artery fenestration. Treatment of this rare condition might be the same as that for a non‐fenestrated vertebral artery.
Aldoximes are precursors of auxins in Arabidopsis and maize
Authors: Perez Veronica C. , Dai Ru , Bai Bing , Tomiczek Breanna , Askey Bryce C. , Zhang Yi , Rubin Garret M. , Ding Yousong , Grenning Alexander , Block Anna K. , Kim Jeongim
Published: May 2021

Two natural auxins, phenylacetic acid (PAA) and indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), play crucial roles in plant growth and development. One route of IAA biosynthesis uses the glucosinolate intermediate indole‐3‐acetaldoxime (IAOx) as a precursor, which is thought to occur only in glucosinolate‐producing plants in Brassicales. A recent study showed that overproducing phenylacetaldoxime (PAOx) in Arabidopsis increases PAA production. However, it remains unknown whether this increased PAA resulted from hydrolysis of PAOx‐derived benzyl glucosinolate or, like IAOx‐derived IAA, is directly converted from PAOx. If glucosinolate hydrolysis is not required, aldoxime‐derived auxin biosynthesis may occur beyond Brassicales.

To better understand aldoxime‐derived auxin biosynthesis, we conducted an isotope‐labelled aldoxime feeding assay using an Arabidopsis glucosinolate‐deficient mutant sur1 and maize, and transcriptomics analysis.

Our study demonstrated that the conversion of PAOx to PAA does not require glucosinolates in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, maize produces PAA and IAA from PAOx and IAOx, respectively, indicating that aldoxime‐derived auxin biosynthesis also occurs in maize.

Considering that aldoxime production occurs widely in the plant kingdom, aldoxime‐derived auxin biosynthesis is likely to be more widespread than originally believed. A genome‐wide transcriptomics study using PAOx‐overproduction plants identified complex metabolic networks among IAA, PAA, phenylpropanoid and tryptophan metabolism.
Interacting brains coming in sync through their minds: an interbrain neurofeedback study
Authors: Müller Viktor , Perdikis Dionysios , Mende Melinda A. , Lindenberger Ulman
Published: May 2021

Neurophysiological evidence shows that interpersonal action coordination is accompanied by interbrain synchronization (IBS). However, the functional significance of this association remains unclear. Using two experimental designs, we explored whether IBS is amenable to neurofeedback (NFB). Feedback was provided either as two balls approaching each other (so‐calledballdesign), or as two pendula, each reflecting the oscillatory activity of one of the two participants (so‐calledpendulumdesign). The NFB was provided at delta (i.e., 2.5 Hz) and theta (i.e., 5 Hz) electroencephalography frequencies, and manipulated by enhanced and inverse feedback. We showed that the participants were able to increase IBS by using NFB, especially when it was fed back at the theta frequency. Apart from intra‐ and interbrain coupling, other oscillatory activities (e.g., power spectral density, peak amplitude, and peak frequency) also changed during the task compared with the rest. Moreover, all the measures showed specific correlations with the subjective postsurvey item scores, reflecting subjective feeling and appraisal. We conclude that the use of IBS for NFB might help in specifying the contribution of IBS to interpersonal action coordination and in providing important information about the neural mechanisms of social interaction and the causal dimension of IBS.
Effect of exercise training on psychological outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carraça Eliana V. , Encantado Jorge , Battista Francesca , Beaulieu Kristine , Blundell John E. , Busetto Luca , van Baak Marleen , Dicker Dror , Ermolao Andrea , Farpour‐Lambert Nathalie , Pramono Adryan , Woodward Euan , Bellicha Alice , Oppert Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2021

This study systematically identified the effects of exercise on multiple psychological outcomes among adults with overweight/obesity, also assessing whether these effects differed across exercise types, genders, age, and body mass index (BMI) categories. Pubmed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and SportDiscus were searched up to October 2019 for peer‐reviewed papers assessing exercise training effects on psychosocial outcomes in adults with overweight/obesity. Thirty‐six articles, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included in this review. Most interventions were supervised (65%), ranging between 6 and 76 weeks (median = 12). Sixteen psychological outcomes were studied. Exercise induced positive changes in quality of life but did not reduce depression. Large effect sizes were observed on quality of life's physical component, but exercise was also able to improve vitality and mental health. Most psychological outcomes (e.g., body image, anxiety, and perceived stress) are poorly studied, evidencing either conflicting or null exercise effects. Exercise self‐efficacy and autonomous motivations were also consistently improved. Exercise types and gender seem to moderate exercise psychological effects. Exercise training programs might lead to positive changes in some psychological outcomes, especially in quality of life, in adults with overweight and obesity, but more studies, with greater systematization in program characteristics, and longer follow‐ups are still required to allow more solid conclusions.
OPEC at 60: the world with and without OPEC
Authors: Economou Andreas , Fattouh Bassam
Published: May 2021

This paper provides a historical perspective from 1990 to 2018 of the functioning of the world oil market with and without OPEC. The analysis builds on a new methodology simulating counterfactual (i.e. what‐if) outcomes in the rich context of state‐of‐the‐art structural VAR models of the world oil market to empirically assess OPEC's contribution to oil markets and the global economy by quantifying the impact of OPEC's balancing role via its spare capacity cushion on the historical evolution of oil production, oil prices and price volatility, the joint evolution of the supply and demand elasticities and global welfare. A counterfactual scenario is constructed of how global oil production would have evolved if OPEC had been producing at maximum capacity, held no spare capacity and did not play any balancing role since 1990. The analysis also employs a general equilibrium approach to determine the global welfare implications of a world without OPEC spare capacity across oil‐exporting and oil‐importing regions. The welfare effects are calculated based on regional GDP gains and losses following changes in oil production patterns globally. The methodology to determine the impact on GDP is based on a computable general equilibrium (CGE) framework which offers a high level of detail regarding the world economy in terms of economic sectors and regional interdependencies.
Establishment of anAgrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated targeted mutagenesis in Hemp (Cannabis SativaL.)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Xu Gencheng , Cheng Chaohua , Lei Lei , Sun Jian , Xu Ying , Deng Canhui , Dai Zhigang , Yang Zemao , Chen Xiaojun , Liu Chan , Tang Qing , Su Jianguang
Published: May 2021

Hemp (CannabissativaL.) is an annual and typically dioecious crop. Due to the therapeutic potential for human diseases, phytocannabinoids as a medical therapy is getting more attention recently. Several candidate genes involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis have been elucidated using omics analysis. However, the gene function was not fully validated due to few reports of stable transformation for Cannabis tissues. In this study, we firstly report the successful generation of gene‐edited plants using anAgrobacterium‐mediated transformation method inC.sativa. DMG278 achieved the highest shoot induction rate, which was selected as the model strain for transformation. By overexpressing the cannabis developmental regulator chimera in the embryo hypocotyls of immature grains, the shoot regeneration efficiency was substantially increased. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit the phytoene desaturase gene and finally generated four edited cannabis seedlings with albino phenotype. Moreover, we propagated the transgenic plants and validated the stable integration of T‐DNA in cannabis genome.
Geometric calibration of satellite laser altimeters based on waveform matching
Authors: Li Shaoning , Li Chaokui , Zhang Guo , Wang Yanan
Published: May 2021

This study proposes a new geometric calibration method for satellite laser altimeters based on waveform matching to solve the problems of poor initial pointing accuracy and a lack of control data. This non‐real‐time method obtains ground control points without a fixed calibration field. First, a large area with stepped surfaces is chosen from the laser altimetry coverage. Then, the laser echo waveforms are simulated using digital surface model (DSM) data of the stepped features. The real echo waveform attempts to match the simulated echo waveforms through a waveform matching model using a global constraint. Next, the control points of the laser altimeter are obtained through waveform matching. Finally, a geometric calibration model for laser altimeters is proposed to compensate for laser pointing and ranging errors. Two experiments were conducted to verify the calibration method using ICESat/GLAS data and airborne large‐footprint laser data. Experimental results confirm that the method is feasible and results in an improvement in the elevation accuracy for the airborne altimeter from 2 to 0.5 m.
Transcriptional profiling of Microtus fortis responses to S. japonicum: New sight into Mf‐Hsp90α resistance mechanism
Authors: Xiong Dehui , Luo Saiqun , Wu Kunlu , Yu Yuanjing , Sun Jiameng , Wang Yanpeng , Hu Jingping , Hu Weixin
Published: May 2021

Aims

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease with a chronic debilitating character caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The main disease‐causing species of Schistosoma in China is S. japonicum. M fortis has been proved to be a nonpermissive host of S. japonicum. Mf‐HSP90α (Microtus fortis heat shock protein 90alpha), the homologue of HSP90α, display anti‐schistosome effect in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, in order to investigate the mechanism of anti‐schistosome effect of Mf‐HSP90α, we conducted RNA‐Seq to obtain the transcriptome profile of M. fortis liver infected with S. japonicum at different time points.

Methods and Results

By mapping the differential expressed genes (DEGs) to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we found that the JAK2/STAT1 pathway was highly enriched with an elevated level of IL‐10 and HSP90α. We then checked the IL‐10‐JAK2/STAT1‐HSP90α pathway, and found that this pathway was activated in the infected mice with S. japonicum. The expression of the molecules in this pathway was elevated on the 10th day after infection and gradually decreased on the 20th day.

Conclusions

The IL‐10‐JAK2/STAT1‐HSP90α axis was associated with the anti‐schistosome effect of Mf‐HSP90α, and targeting IL‐10‐JAK2/STAT1‐HSP90α axis might be a novel therapeutic strategy for developing resistance to S. japonicum infection.
Revisiting Pension Reform in Sweden: The Role of Corporatism (and Why it Matters)
Authors: Jakee Keith , Stacy Keith
Published: May 2021

Defying a trend across the industrialized world, Sweden is one of the few countries to fundamentally restructure its public pension system. This reform has spurred interest in explaining how the Swedish political system accomplished a feat that has eluded so many other nations. Anderson claims it was largely due to politically powerful unions and industrial groups supporting government efforts, while Feltenius counters that Anderson underestimates the influence of smaller, issue‐oriented pressure groups, the pensioners' organizations. The Anderson‐Feltenius dispute reflects disagreement over Pierson's theory of welfare state development and retrenchment, as well as the persistence and influence of corporatism. We re‐examine, in detail, the argument proffered by Feltenius and suggest, as a theoretical matter, both he and Pierson neglect the importance of informal rules in political decision making. We also present additional evidence, ignored by Feltenius, that unions—and by inference corporatism—remained influential during Sweden's reform. We thus argue Sweden's experience is unlikely to be valuable for noncorporatist countries.

Related Articles

Angelaki, Marina, and Leandro N. Carrera. 2015. “Radical Pension Reforms after the Crisis: A Comparative Analysis of Argentina and Greece.”Politics & Policy43 (3): 378‐400.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12117

König, Pascal D. 2015. “Moral Societal Renewal or Getting the Country Back to Work: Welfare State Culture as a Resource and a Constraint for Policy Discourse.”Politics & Policy43 (5): 647‐678.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12130

Pierson, Chris, and Louise Humpage. 2016. “Coming Together or Drifting Apart? Income Maintenance in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.”Politics & Policy44 (2): 261‐293.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12150
Early childhood weight gain: Latent patterns and body composition outcomes
Authors: Norris Tom , Mansukoski Liina , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Hamer Mark , Hardy Rebecca , Howe Laura D. , Li Leah , Ong Ken K. , Ploubidis George B. , Viner Russell M. , Johnson William
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite early childhood weight gain being a key indicator of obesity risk, we do not have a good understanding of the different patterns that exist.

Objectives

To identify and characterise distinct groups of children displaying similar early‐life weight trajectories.

Methods

A growth mixture model captured heterogeneity in weight trajectories between 0 and 60 months in 1390 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Differences between the classes in characteristics and body size/composition at 9 years were investigated.

Results

The best model had five classes. The “Normal” (45%) and “Normal after initial catch‐down” (24%) classes were close to the 50th centile of a growth standard between 24 and 60 months. The “High‐decreasing” (21%) and “Stable‐high” (7%) classes peaked at the ~91st centile at 12‐18 months, but while the former declined to the ~75th centile and comprised constitutionally big children, the latter did not. The “Rapidly increasing” (3%) class gained weight from below the 50th centile at 4 months to above the 91st centile at 60 months. By 9 years, their mean body mass index (BMI) placed them at the 98th centile. This class was characterised by the highest maternal BMI; highest parity; highest levels of gestational hypertension and diabetes; and the lowest socio‐economic position. At 9 years, the “Rapidly increasing” class was estimated to have 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.3, 88.1) more fat mass than the “Normal” class, but only 14.0% (95% CI 9.1, 18.9) more lean mass.

Conclusions

Criteria used in growth monitoring practice are unlikely to consistently distinguish between the different patterns of weight gain reported here.
Current status of microRNA‐mediated regulation of drought stress responses in cereals
Authors: Singroha Garima , Sharma Pradeep , Sunkur Ramanjulu
Published: May 2021

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stress factors impeding crop productivity. With the uncovering of their role as potential regulators of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as new targets for developing stress resistance. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs whose abundance is significantly altered under stress conditions. Interestingly, plant miRNAs predominantly targets transcription factors (TFs), and some of which are also the most critical drought‐responsive genes that in turn could regulate the expression of numerous loci with drought‐adaptive potential. The phytohormone ABA plays important roles in regulating stomatal conductance and in initiating an adaptive response to drought stress. miRNAs are implicated in regulating ABA‐(abscisic acid) and non‐ABA‐mediated drought resistance pathways. For instance, miR159‐MYB module and miR169–NFYA module participates in an ABA‐dependent pathway, whereas several other ABA‐independent miRNA‐target modules (miR156–SPL; miR393–TIR1; miR160–ARF10, ARF16, ARF17; miR167–ARF6 and ARF8; miR390/TAS3siRNA–ARF2, ARF3, ARF4) collectively regulate drought responses in plants. Overall, miRNA‐mediated drought response manifests diverse molecular, biochemical and physiological processes. Because of their immense role in controlling gene expression, miRNA manipulation has significant potential to augment plant tolerance to drought stress. This review compiles the current understanding of drought‐responsive miRNAs in major cereals. Also, potential miRNA manipulation strategies currently in use along with the challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
The effect of a psychomotor intervention on electroencephalography and neuropsychological performances in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kwag Eunyoung , Stuckenschneider Tim , Schneider Stefan , Abeln Vera
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the acute effect of a psychomotor intervention (PMI) on auditory‐verbal memory, emotional state, and electrocortical activity recorded by electroencephalography on subjectively healthy older adults (sHE) and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCIs).

Methods

Eleven MCIs and 11 sHE underwent a single 45‐min PMI. Resting state electroencephalography, the Rey Auditory‐Verbal Learning Test, MoodMeter®, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were compared between groups and pre‐ and post‐PMI.

Results

Electroencephalography current source density and activity within the theta frequency band were higher in MCIs than in sHE at baseline, and brain frequency had a tendency to decrease in MCIs after training. Both groups showed improvement on the auditory‐verbal memory test. Only among MCIs were there increases in perceived physical state and psychological strain and an improvement in negative affect.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that acute psychomotor activity may be more effective for MCIs than for sHE. It supports the notion that PMI does have functional influences on the central nervous level and therefore might prevent and treat cognitive, psychological, and psychiatric symptoms of people with mild cognitive impairment.
Sweating the big stuff: Arousal and stress as functions of self‐uncertainty and identification
Authors: Brown Joshua K. , Hohman Zachary P. , Niedbala Elizabeth M. , Stinnett Alec J.
Published: May 2021

Groups serve a variety of crucial functions, one of which is the provision of an identity and belief system that impart self‐referent information, thereby reducing self‐uncertainty. Entitative groups are more attractive for highly uncertain participants seeking groups for identification and self‐uncertainty reduction than less entitative groups. The purpose of the current study was to explore how self‐uncertainty impacts physiological arousal and stress responses. Using a mixed‐methods design (N = 123), we found that self‐uncertainty increased physiological arousal (measured via skin‐conductance level) and stress responses (measured via heart rate). Furthermore, we found that uncertainty‐activated physiological arousal and stress responses were decreased through identification with a high entitativity group. Our findings expand upon uncertainty identity theory by identifying physiological mechanisms that motivate uncertainty reduction.