bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updating Clinical Practices to Promote and Protect Human Milk and Breastfeeding in a COVID-19 Era
Authors: van Goudoever Johannes B. , Spatz Diane L. , Hoban Rebecca , Dumitriu Dani , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Berns Monika , McKechnie Liz , Davanzo Riccardo
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted breastfeeding and lactation globally, with clinical practices implemented early in the pandemic being mostly anti-breastfeeding, e.g., separation of mothers from their infants, and not evidence based. As the pandemic has progressed, evidence has emerged reconfirming the value of human milk and the importance of protecting and supporting breastfeeding, especially the initiation of lactation. However, it is clear that COVID-19 has changed the clinical care paradigm around breastfeeding and lactation support and, as such, it is imperative that practices adapt and evolve to maintain the emphasis on lactation support. We participated in a round table conference aiming to rescue and develop protocols and practices that support breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. One key area to target will be to maximize the use of the antenatal period. The early identification of lactation risk factors together with the development of person-centered methods to deliver breastfeeding information and education to parents-to-be will be critical. In addition, the establishment of a hospital culture that values breastfeeding and prioritizes the use of human milk will be integral for the motivation of health care professionals. That culture will also support active management of the initiation of lactation and the development of a 'back-up plan' toolkit to support the mother experiencing lactation difficulties. Post-discharge support will also be crucial with the development of both in-person and virtual lactation support programs, in particular for the immediate post-discharge period to benefit mothers who experience an early discharge process. These measures will allow for a new, adapted framework of practice that acknowledges the current COVID-19 paradigm and maintains the emphasis on the need to protect and support breastfeeding and the use of human milk.
Pancreatogenic Diabetes in Children With Recurrent Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Risks, Screening, and Treatment (Mini-Review)
Authors: Bellin Melena D.
Published: September 2022

Up to 9% of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis have pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (DM), and this risk likely increases as they age into adulthood. Risk factors for pancreatogenic DM in children vary depending on the clinical cohort but may include pancreatic atrophy, exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic calcifications, obesity/metabolic syndrome features, or autoimmune diseases. Knowledge regarding disease pathology is extrapolated nearly entirely from studies in adults. Insulin deficiency is the primary defect, resulting from islet loss associated with pancreatic fibrosis and cytokine-mediated β-cell dysfunction. Beta cell autoimmunity (type 1 diabetes) should also be considered as markers for this have been identified in a small subset of children with pancreatogenic DM. Hepatic insulin resistance, a deficient pancreatic polypeptide state, and dysfunctional incretin hormone response to a meal are all potential contributors in adults with pancreatogenic DM but their significance in pediatrics is yet unknown. Current guidelines recommend yearly screening for diabetes with fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Insulin in the first-line pharmacologic therapy for treatment of pancreatogenic DM in children. Involvement of a multidisciplinary team including a pediatric endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, and dietitian are important, and nutritional health and exocrine insufficiency must also be addressed for optimal DM management.
Treatment of avulsion fractures of the pelvis in adolescent athletes: A scoping literature review
Authors: Di Maria Fabrizio , Testa Gianluca , Sammartino Fabio , Sorrentino Marco , Petrantoni Vincenzo , Pavone Vito
Published: September 2022

Avulsion fractures of the pelvis and hip region are typical injuries in adolescent athletes. Avulsion sites include the muscle tendon origin or insertion, and treating these injuries surgically or conservatively remains a debated issue. The main goals of this review were to assess and summarize injury types and sites, treatment-related clinical outcomes, and return to sport for adolescent patients with a pelvis avulsion fracture and to provide support for making treatment decisions. The PubMed database was searched in November 2021 to identify all published articles from 2000 to 2021 that reported the outcome and return to sport after conservative or surgical treatment. Eighteen studies with 453 patients were included in this review. The age range was 13.6–16.8 years. The most common injury site the was anterior superior iliac spine (37%), followed by the anterior inferior iliac spine (31%), ischial tuberosity (14%), lesser trochanter (9%), iliac crest (8%), and superior corner of the pubic symphysis (1%). Overall complications were lower in the surgical group compared to the conservative group. The rate of return to pre-injury activity level was greater in patients who underwent surgical treatment (p < 0.05). In conclusion, surgery is preferred for major dislocation and fragment size, providing a better return-to-sport rate and decreasing the risk of complications.
Virtual Faculty Development in Simulation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Pilot Training for Pediatricians in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Fant Colleen , Olwala Macrine , Laanoi Grace M. , Murithi Gatwiri , Otieno Walter , Groothuis Elizabeth , Doobay Persaud Ashti
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Simulation is an effective educational tool increasingly being utilized in medical education globally and across East Africa. Globally, pediatric patients often present with low frequency, high acuity disease and simulation-based training in pediatric emergencies can equip physicians with the skills to recognize and intervene. Northwestern University (NU) in Chicago, IL, USA, and Maseno University (MU), in Kisumu, Kenya launched a predominantly virtual partnership in 2020 to utilize the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) simulation center for MU faculty development in simulation based medical education (SBME) for medical students.

Materials and methods

Educational goals, learning objectives, and educational content were collaboratively developed between MU and NU faculty. Virtual sessions were held for didactic education on simulation pedagogy, case development, and debriefing. Mixed educational methods were used including virtual mentored sessions for deliberate practice, piloted case facilitation with medical students, and mentored development of MU identified cases. Trained faculty had the summative experience of an intensive simulation facilitation with graduating MU students. MU faculty and students were surveyed on their experiences with SBME and MU faculty were scored on facilitation technique with a validated tool.

Results

There were four didactic sessions during the training. Seven cases were developed to reflect targeted educational content for MU students. Six virtually mentored sessions were held to pilot SBME with MU students. In July 2021, fifty students participated in a week-long SBME course led by the MU trained faculty with virtual observation and mentorship from NU faculty. MU faculty reported positive experience with the SBME training and demonstrated improvement in debriefing skills after the training. The overwhelming majority of MU students reported positive experiences with SBME and endorsed desire for earlier and additional sessions.

Discussion and conclusions

This medical education partnership, developed through virtual sessions, culminated in the implementation of an independently run simulation course by three trained MU faculty. SBME is an important educational tool and faculty in a resource constrained setting were successfully, virtually trained in its implementation and through collaborative planning, became a unique tool to address gaps for medical students.
TPMT and NUDT15 testing for thiopurine therapy: A major tertiary hospital experience and lessons learned
Authors: Goh Liuh Ling , Lim Chia Wei , Leong Khai Pang , Ong Kiat Hoe
Published: September 2022

Variants in thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) are associated with an accumulation of cytotoxic metabolites leading to increased risk of drug-related toxicity with standard doses of thiopurine drugs. We established TPMT and NUDT15 genetic testing for clinical use and evaluated the utilization, service outcomes and potential value of multi-gene PGx testing for 210 patients that underwent pharmacogenetics (PGx) testing for thiopurine therapy with the aim to optimize service delivery for future prescribing. The test was most commonly ordered for Gastroenterology (40.0%) and Neurology (31.4%), with an average turnaround time of 2 days. Following testing, 24.3% patients were identified as intermediate or poor metabolizers, resulting in 51 recommendations for a drug or dose change in thiopurine therapy, which were implemented in 28 (54.9%) patients. In the remaining patients, 14 were not adjusted and 9 had no data available. Focusing on drug gene interactions available for testing in our laboratory, multi-gene PGx results would present opportunities for treatment optimization for at least 33.8% of these patients who were on 2 or more concurrent medications with actionable PGx guidance. However, the use of PGx panel testing in clinical practice will require the development of guidelines and education as revealed by a survey with the test providers. The evaluation demonstrated successful implementation of single gene PGx testing and this experience guides the transition to a pre-emptive multi-gene testing approach that provides the opportunity to improve clinical care.
Safety and effectiveness of fondaparinux as a postpartum thromboprophylaxis during puerperium among muslim women: A single centre prospective study
Authors: Muhamad Normaliza , Abu Muhammad Azrai , Kalok Aida Hani , Shafiee Mohd Nasir , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Ismail Nor Azlin Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, with postpartum period carrying the greatest risk. Perinatal thromboprophylaxis is often administered based on risk-factor assessment. Low molecular weight heparin has a proven safety profile in the obstetrics population, however, its porcine-derived content may lead to reduced uptake amongst certain religious groups. We aimed to evaluate the safety of fondaparinux as an alternative postpartum thromboprophylaxis.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, single arm, open label study from September 2017 until March 2018. Women who fulfilled the criteria for post natal thromboprophylaxis based on the 2015 RCOG guidelines were recruited. Each patient received subcutaneous injection of Fondaparinux, 2.5 mg daily for 10 days. A telephone interview was conducted on day 10 post delivery. Each woman was subsequently reviewed in the outpatient clinic 6 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis suggestive by clinical symptoms and assessment. Secondary outcome measures were allergic reaction and bleeding tendency such as secondary post-partum haemorrhage, spinal site bleeding and wound haematoma. Allergic reaction and bleeding tendency in neonates were also recorded.

Results: Sixty women were included in the analysis. There were no VTE cases amongst our cohort. No major bleeding was recorded. Two patients (3.3%) had wound haematoma, one of which occurred 3 weeks post delivery. No adverse effect in neonates was noted.

Conclusion: Fondaparinux is a safe alternative thromboprophylaxis for postpartum women.
The study of new energy vehicle choice in China from the perspective of complex neural network
Authors: Liu Hui , Feng Lei
Published: September 2022

China has become the world’s largest market for the production and sales of new energy vehicles. In the Internet era, online review data is becoming more and more important, and it is a great challenge for new energy vehicle manufacturers and consumers to quickly obtain and find out the effective information in the review data. In view of the above understanding, this study uses the Bert-wwm-ext model structure, data mining, and deep learning to study the new energy vehicle selection, and also analyzes the positioning of domestic and foreign new energy vehicle brands and their brand development from the perspective of complex networks. The research results found that: 1) Consumers pay more and more attention to the quality of new energy vehicles. 2) The comparative analysis of BEV and PHEV reveals that consumers’ evaluation of both types of vehicles is roughly comparable, but the difference in satisfaction with the endurance of both types of vehicles is very obvious. 3) Most of the brands of new energy vehicles are concentrated in the price range of RMB80,000 to RMB350,000, and within this range, consumers’ evaluation is positively correlated with the price of the vehicle. Among the new energy vehicle brands over RMB350,000, consumer evaluation does not rise with the price of the vehicle. 4) The head effect of Chinese brands is significant, Foreign brands have formed strong brands with high brand premiums.
Impact of dispersion and intracavity polarization state on pump power fixed point in a Yb-fiber frequency comb
Authors: Shao Xiaodong , Han Hainian , Ma Junyi , Zhang Min , Wei Zhiyi
Published: September 2022

We experimentally explored the relationship between the pump power fixed point and the net-cavity dispersion in a Yb-fiber optical frequency comb. By continuously adjusting the distance of the grating pair in the Yb-fiber oscillator, we measured the pump power fixed point frequency in different dispersion regimes and different intracavity polarization states. We find that the fixed point frequency for pump power is not always near the carrier frequency but changes significantly with the net-cavity dispersion and polarization. Especially at the near zero-dispersion point, the fixed point has a local minimum, which is less than tens of THz and far lower than the carrier frequency. This is the first time to completely reveal the influence of net-cavity dispersion and intracavity polarization state on the fixed point in the experiment.
Sagnac ring and photonic crystal fiber structure refractive index sensor with high birefringence and low temperature sensitivity
Authors: Liu Zhiying , Li Hao , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a novel refractive index sensor based on photonic crystal fiber and Sagnac ring is studied. The sensor adopts Mach-Zehnder interference principle. The production and experimental steps are as follows: The first step is to fuse the single-mode fiber with the photonic crystal fiber to form a basic sensing unit. The second part uses the coupling birefringence effect of the tapered coupler to fold and fuse the single-mode fiber together to form the Sagnac interferometer. Through this structure, the sensor has the characteristics similar to the polished photonic crystal fiber sensor, while the fabrication complexity is greatly reduced. The refractive index sensing capability and temperature stability of the two structures are analyzed experimentally. Simulation results show that the structure has high birefringence effect. Experimental results show that the proposed photonic crystal fiber combined with Sagnac ring sensor has good sensing performance in the refractive index range of 1.3355–1.3560. Compared with the sensor structure without Sagnac ring, the performance is greatly improved, the maximum sensitivity is up to 234 nm/RIU, and it has good temperature stability. The sensor has the advantages of miniaturization, high integration and high sensitivity, and can be used in industry, chemical detection, agriculture and other fields.
A quantitative technique to analyze and evaluate microstructures of skin hair follicles based on mueller matrix polarimetry
Authors: Shi Yixuan , Sun Yanan , Huang Rongrong , Zhou Yong , Zhai Haoyu , Fan Zhipeng , Ou Zechao , Huang Pengsheng , He Honghui , He Chao , Wang Yi , Ma Hui
Published: September 2022

In this study, we propose a quantitative technique to analyze and evaluate microstructures of skin hair follicles based on Mueller Matrix transmission microscopy. We measure the Mueller matrix polar decomposition (MMPD) parameter images to reveal the characteristic linear birefringence distribution induced by hair follicles in mouse skin tissue samples. The results indicate that the Mueller matrix-derived parameters can be used to reveal the location and structural integrity of hair follicles. For accurate hair follicle location identification and quantitative structural evaluations, we use the image segmentation method, sliding window algorithm, and image texture analysis methods together to process the Mueller matrix-derived images. It is demonstrated that the hair follicle regions can be more accurately recognized, and their locations can be precisely identified based on the Mueller matrix-derived texture parameters. Moreover, comparisons between manual size measurement and polarimetric calculation results confirm that the Mueller matrix parameters have good performance for follicle size estimation. The results shown in this study suggest that the technique based on Mueller matrix microscopy can realize automatically hair follicle identification, detection, and quantitative evaluation. It has great potential in skin structure-related studies and clinical dermatological applications.
Uncertainty analysis of quasi-zero stiffness metastructure for vibration isolation performance
Authors: Wang Dongxian , Zhao Jianlei , Ma Qian , Zhou Gang , Zhang Duzhou , Zhu Rui
Published: September 2022

Quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) metamaterials and metastructures have great advantages of being highly integrable and lightweight for vibration isolation in aerospace and aviation applications. However, the geometric uncertainty introduced from additive manufacturing (AM) significantly affects the metamaterial/metastructure’s vibration isolation performance and therefore, needs to be evaluated accurately and efficiently in the design process. In this study, a high-order sparse Chebyshev polynomial expansion (HOSPSCPE) method is first utilized to quantify the influence of AM-induced geometric uncertainty in the QZS microstructure. Excellent accuracy and much higher efficiency (about 470 times faster) of the proposed method are observed when compared to the widely used Monte Carlo method (MCM). Uncertainty analyses are then conducted for vibration isolation performance of the QZS metastructures and band gap properties of the QZS locally resonant metamaterials, respectively. The numerical results demonstrate that the geometric uncertainty analysis can provide useful guidance and recommendations for the manufacturing-influenced design of QZS metastructures and metamaterials.
Performance evaluation of the high-speed deep-space optical communication system assisted by preamplified thresholded pulse-position modulation
Authors: Gao Duorui , Li Tianlun , Xie Zhuang , He Yuanchen , Han Xiaotian , Jia Shuaiwei , Wang Wei , Xie Xiaoping
Published: September 2022

Deep-space free-space optical (FSO) communication utilized the light wave as carriers for information transfer which has the major benefit of small size, lightweight, and low consumption compared with microwave communication loaded with the same data rate. The M-ary pulse-position modulation (M-PPM) format is a favorable choice for deep-space FSO communication by means of its high sensitivity. The preamplified thresholded M-PPM technique has been confirmed, and a corresponding demonstration has been accomplished with data rates of 1.25 Gbps and 2.00 Gbps separately. The receiving sensitivities (BER@1 × 10−3) of 1.25 Gbps and 2.00 Gbps 16-PPM have been detected as -57.51 dBm (11.04 photons/bit) and -55.03 dBm (12.25 photons/bit), respectively. Simultaneously, the high extinction ratio of M-PPM has been achieved, for example, the extinction ratio of 16-PPM has been detected as 39.51 and 38.27 dB for 1.25 Gbps and 2.00 Gbps, which are 17.60 and 17.44 dB higher than that of on–off keying (OOK) modulation, respectively. The results imply that our communication scheme possessed high sensitivity and eliminated the requirements of single-photon detectors (SPDs) and high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) which finds an alternative solution for deep-space FSO communication.
Observations of ion upflow and 630.0 nm emission during pulsating aurora
Authors: Godbole Niharika H. , Lessard Marc R. , Kenward David R. , Fritz Bruce A. , Varney Roger. H. , Michell Robert G. , Hampton Don
Published: September 2022

In this study, we report observations made by filtered (557.7 and 630.0 nm) All-Sky Imagers located at Poker Flat, Alaska alongside Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar data for an event observed on 5 February 2017. Together, the data indicate ion upflow in the vicinity of pulsating aurora. Additionally, the data show a strong 630.0 nm (red-line) auroral emission. Observations of pulsating aurora are typically reported at 557.7 and 427.8 nm, as these wavelengths are more sensitive to high-energy (∼ tens of keV) electron precipitation. In contrast, 630.0 nm emission is generated preferentially by low-energy soft electron precipitation (∼ hundreds of eV), and is less commonly observed. The All-Sky Imager data discussed here are unusual in that they suggest regions of enhanced soft electron precipitation in conjunction with enhanced ambipolar electric fields, which are a known factor contributing to ion outflow.
Identification of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 proteotypic peptides employing an efficient membrane protein extraction method for natural killer cells
Authors: Magawa Chandi T. , Eaton-Fitch Natalie , Balinas Cassandra , Sasso Etianne Martini , Thapaliya Kiran , Barnden Leighton , Maksoud Rebekah , Weigel Breanna , Rudd Penny A. , Herrero Lara J. , Marshall-Gradisnik Sonya
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Mutations and misfolding of membrane proteins are associated with various disorders, hence they make suitable targets in proteomic studies. However, extraction of membrane proteins is challenging due to their low abundance, stability, and susceptibility to protease degradation. Given the limitations in existing protocols for membrane protein extraction, the aim of this investigation was to develop a protocol for a high yield of membrane proteins for isolated Natural Killer (NK) cells. This will facilitate genetic analysis of membrane proteins known as transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) ion channels in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) research.

Methods: Two protocols, internally identified as Protocol 1 and 2, were adapted and optimized for high yield protein extraction. Protocol 1 utilized ultrasonic and salt precipitation, while Protocol 2 implemented a detergent and chloroform/methanol approach. Protein concentrations were determined by the Pierce Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) and the Bio-Rad DC (detergent compatible) protein assays according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Using Protocol 2, protein samples were extracted from NK cells of n = 6 healthy controls (HC) and n = 4 ME/CFS patients. In silico tryptic digest and enhanced signature peptide (ESP) predictor were used to predict high-responding TRPM3 tryptic peptides. Trypsin in-gel digestion was performed on protein samples loaded on SDS-PAGE gels (excised at 150–200 kDa). A liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MRM) method was optimized and used to evaluate the detectability of TRPM3 n = 5 proteotypic peptides in extracted protein samples.

Results: The detergent-based protocol protein yield was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the ultrasonic-based protocol. The Pierce BCA protein assay showed more reproducibility and compatibility compared to the Bio-Rad DC protein assay. Two high-responding tryptic peptides (GANASAPDQLSLALAWNR and QAILFPNEEPSWK) for TRPM3 were detectable in n = 10 extracted protein samples from NK cells isolated from HC and ME/CFS patients.

Conclusion: A method was optimized for high yield protein extraction from human NK cells and for the first time TRPM3 proteotypic peptides were detected using LC-MRM. This new method provides for future research to assess membrane protein structural and functional relationships, particularly to facilitate proteomic investigation of TRPM3 ion channel isoforms in NK cells in both health and disease states, such as ME/CFS.
Sex differences during a cold-stress test in normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia: A randomized controlled crossover study
Authors: Hohenauer Erich , Taube Wolfgang , Freitag Livia , Clijsen Ron
Published: September 2022

Cold and hypoxia are two stressors that are frequently combined and investigated in the scientific literature. Despite the growing literature regarding normobaric hypoxia (NH) and hypobaric hypoxia (HH), responses between females and males are less often evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the physiological sex differences following a cold-stress test under normoxia, normobaric- and hypobaric hypoxia. A total of n = 10 females (24.8 ± 5.1 years) and n = 10 males (30.3 ± 6.3 years) from a university population volunteered for this study. The cold-stress test (CST) of the right hand (15°C for 2 min) was performed using a randomised crossover design in normobaric normoxia, NH and HH. The change (∆) from baseline to post-CST up to 15 min was analysed for cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and the hands’ skin temperature, whilst the mean values across time (post-CST up to 15 min) were assessed for peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), thermal sensation- and comfort. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed after the post-CST 15 min period. The hands’ skin temperature drop was higher (p = 0.01) in the female group (∆3.3 ± 1.5°C) compared to the male group (∆1.9 ± 0.9°C) only in NH. Females (−0.9 ± 0.5) rated this temperature drop in NH to feel significantly colder (p = 0.02) compared to the males (−0.2 ± 0.7). No differences were observed between sexes in NN, NH, and HH for ∆CVC, SpO2, thermal comfort and PPT. In conclusion, females and males show similar reactions after a CST under normoxia and hypoxia. Sex differences were observed in the local skin temperature response and thermal sensation only in NH.
Root phenotypes as modulators of microbial microhabitats
Authors: Birt Henry W. G. , Tharp Courtney L. , Custer Gordon F. , Dini-Andreote Francisco
Published: September 2022

Plant roots are colonized by a multitude of microbial taxa that dynamically influence plant health. Plant-microbe interactions at the root-soil interface occur at the micro-scale and are affected by variation in root phenotypes. Different root phenotypes can have distinct impacts on physical and chemical gradients at the root-soil interface, leading to heterogeneous microhabitats for microbial colonization. Microbes that influence plant physiology will establish across these heterogeneous microhabitats, and, therefore, exploiting variation in root phenotypes can allow for targeted manipulation of plant-associated microbes. In this mini-review, we discuss how changes in root anatomy and architecture can influence resource availability and the spatial configuration of microbial microhabitats. We then propose research priorities that integrate root phenotypes and microbial microhabitats for advancing the manipulation of root-associated microbiomes. We foresee the yet-unexplored potential to harness diverse root phenotypes as a new level of precision in microbiome management in plant-root systems.
Endodermal apoplastic barriers are linked to osmotic tolerance in meso-xerophytic grass Elymus sibiricus
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Ping , An Yongping , Wang Chun-Mei , Hao Yanbo , Zhou Yue , Zhou Qingping , Wang Pei
Published: September 2022

Drought is the most serious adversity faced by agriculture and animal husbandry industries. One strategy that plants use to adapt to water deficits is modifying the root growth and architecture. Root endodermis has cell walls reinforced with apoplastic barriers formed by the Casparian strip (CS) and suberin lamellae (SL) deposits, regulates radial nutrient transport and protects the vascular cylinder from abiotic threats. Elymus sibiricus is an economically important meso-xerophytic forage grass, characterized by high nutritional quality and strong environmental adaptability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drought tolerance of E. sibiricus genotypes and investigate the root structural adaptation mechanism of drought-tolerant genotypes’ responding to drought. Specifically, a drought tolerant (DT) and drought sensitive (DS) genotype were screened out from 52 E. sibiricus genotypes. DT showed less apoplastic bypass flow of water and solutes than DS under control conditions, as determined with a hydraulic conductivity measurement system and an apoplastic fluorescent tracer, specifically PTS trisodium-8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS). In addition, DT accumulated less Na, Mg, Mn, and Zn and more Ni, Cu, and Al than DS, regardless of osmotic stress. Further study showed more suberin deposition in DT than in DS, which could be induced by osmotic stress in both. Accordingly, the CS and SL were deposited closer to the root tip in DT than in DS. However, osmotic stress induced their deposition closer to the root tips in DS, while likely increasing the thickness of the CS and SL in DT. The stronger and earlier formation of endodermal barriers may determine the radial transport pathways of water and solutes, and contribute to balance growth and drought response in E. sibiricus. These results could help us better understand how altered endodermal apoplastic barriers in roots regulate water and mineral nutrient transport in plants that have adapted to drought environments. Moreover, the current findings will aid in improving future breeding programs to develop drought-tolerant grass or crop cultivars.
Identification and characterization of long noncoding RNAs involved in the aluminum stress response in Medicago truncatula via genome-wide analysis
Authors: Gui Qihui , Yang Zhengyu , Chen Chao , Yang Feng , Wang Song , Dong Rui
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies have shown that plant long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important regulatory role in the plant response to environmental stress. However, there are no reports on lncRNAs regulating and enhancing aluminum (Al) stress tolerance in legumes. This study analyzed the role of lncRNAs in response to Al stress in the legume model plant Medicago truncatula. A total of 219.49 Gb clean data were generated: 3,284 lncRNA genes were identified, of which 515 were differentially expressed, and 1,254 new genes were functionally annotated through database alignment. We further predicted and classified putative targets of these lncRNAs and found that they were enriched in biological processes and metabolic pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, cell wall modification and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Finally, we characterized the functions of 2 Al-activated-malate-transporter-related lncRNAs in yeast. The recombinant plasmids of MSTRG.12506.5 and MSTRG.34338.20 were transformed into yeast, and these yeast exhibited better growth than those carrying empty vectors on medium supplemented with 10 μM AlCl3 and showed that they have biological functions affording Al stress tolerance. These findings suggest that lncRNAs are involved in regulating plant responses to Al stress. Our findings help to understand the role of lncRNAs in the response to Al stress in legumes and provide candidate lncRNAs for further studies.
Heavy metal toxicity in plants and the potential NO-releasing novel techniques as the impending mitigation alternatives
Authors: Pande Anjali , Mun Bong-Gyu , Methela Nusrat Jahan , Rahim Waqas , Lee Da-Sol , Lee Geun-Mo , Hong Jeum Kyu , Hussain Adil , Loake Gary , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: September 2022

Environmental pollutants like heavy metals are toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative in nature. Contamination of agricultural fields with heavy metals not only hampers the quality and yield of crops but also poses a serious threat to human health by entering the food chain. Plants generally cope with heavy metal stress by regulating their redox machinery. In this context, nitric oxide (NO) plays a potent role in combating heavy metal toxicity in plants. Studies have shown that the exogenous application of NO donors protects plants against the deleterious effects of heavy metals by enhancing their antioxidative defense system. Most of the studies have used sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a NO donor for combating heavy metal stress despite the associated concerns related to cyanide release. Recently, NO-releasing nanoparticles have been tested for their efficacy in a few plants and other biomedical research applications suggesting their use as an alternative to chemical NO donors with the advantage of safe, slow and prolonged release of NO. This suggests that they may also serve as potential candidates in mitigating heavy metal stress in plants. Therefore, this review presents the role of NO, the application of chemical NO donors, potential advantages of NO-releasing nanoparticles, and other NO-release strategies in biomedical research that may be useful in mitigating heavy metal stress in plants.
Identification of tree species based on the fusion of UAV hyperspectral image and LiDAR data in a coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in Northeast China
Authors: Zhong Hao , Lin Wenshu , Liu Haoran , Ma Nan , Liu Kangkang , Cao Rongzhen , Wang Tiantian , Ren Zhengzhao
Published: September 2022

Rapid and accurate identification of tree species via remote sensing technology has become one of the important means for forest inventory. This paper is to develop an accurate tree species identification framework that integrates unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV)-based hyperspectral image and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data under the complex condition of natural coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. First, the UAV-based hyperspectral image and LiDAR data were obtained from a natural coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in the Maoer Mountain area of Northeast China. The preprocessed LiDAR data was segmented using a distance-based point cloud clustering algorithm to obtain the point cloud of individual trees; the hyperspectral image was segmented using the projection outlines of individual tree point clouds to obtain the hyperspectral data of individual trees. Then, different hyperspectral and LiDAR features were extracted, respectively, and the importance of the features was analyzed by a random forest (RF) algorithm in order to select appropriate features for the single-source and multi-source data. Finally, tree species identification in the study area were conducted by using a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm together with hyperspectral features, LiDAR features and fused features, respectively. Results showed that the total accuracy for individual tree segmentation was 84.62%, and the fused features achieved the best accuracy for identification of the tree species (total accuracy = 89.20%), followed by the hyperspectral features (total accuracy = 86.08%) and LiDAR features (total accuracy = 76.42%). The optimal features for tree species identification based on fusion of the hyperspectral and LiDAR data included the vegetation indices that were sensitive to the chlorophyll, anthocyanin and carotene contents in the leaves, the partial components of the transformed independent component analysis (ICA), minimum noise fraction (MNF) and principal component analysis (PCA), and the intensity features of the LiDAR echo, respectively. It was concluded that the framework developed in this study was effective in tree species identification under the complex conditions of natural coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and the fusion of UAV-based hyperspectral image and LiDAR data can achieve enhanced accuracy compared the single-source UAV-based remote sensing data.
The early response of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plants to water deprivation: Expression analysis of miRNAs and their putative target genes, and similarities with the response to salinity stress
Authors: Salgado Fernanda Ferreira , da Silva Thalliton Luiz Carvalho , Vieira Letícia Rios , Silva Vivianny Nayse Belo , Leão André Pereira , Costa Marcos Mota do Carmo , Togawa Roberto Coiti , de Sousa Carlos Antônio Ferreira , Grynberg Priscila , Souza Manoel Teixeira
Published: September 2022

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a oilseed crop of great economic importance drastically affected by abiotic stresses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in transcription and post-transcription regulation of gene expression, being essential molecules in the response of plants to abiotic stress. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind the response of young oil palm plants to drought stress, this study reports on the prediction and characterization of miRNAs and their putative target genes in the apical leaf of plants subjected to 14 days of water deprivation. Then, the data from this study were compared to the data from a similar study that focused on salinity stress. Both, the drought-and salt-responsive miRNAs and their putative target genes underwent correlation analysis to identify similarities and dissimilarities among them. Among the 81 identified miRNAs, 29 are specific for oil palm, including two (egu-miR28ds and egu-miR29ds) new ones – described for the first time. As for the expression profile, 62 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed under drought stress, being five up-regulated (miR396e, miR159b, miR529b, egu-miR19sds, and egu-miR29ds) and 57 down-regulated. Transcription factors, such as MYBs, HOXs, and NF-Ys, were predicted as putative miRNA-target genes in oil palm under water deprivation; making them the most predominant group of such genes. Finally, the correlation analysis study revealed a group of putative target genes with similar behavior under salt and drought stresses. Those genes that are upregulated by these two abiotic stresses encode lncRNAs and proteins linked to stress tolerance, stress memory, modulation of ROS signaling, and defense response regulation to abiotic and biotic stresses. In summary, this study provides molecular evidence for the possible involvement of miRNAs in the drought stress response in oil palm. Besides, it shows that, at the molecular level, there are many similarities in the response of young oil palm plants to these two abiotic stresses.
Genome-wide analysis of the WSD family in sunflower and functional identification of HaWSD9 involvement in wax ester biosynthesis and osmotic stress
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yang Jiabao , Meng Wanqiu , Zeng Linglu , Sun Li
Published: September 2022

The wax esters are important cuticular wax composition that cover the outer surface of plant organs and play a critical role in protection and energy metabolism. Wax ester synthesis in plant is catalyzed by a bifunctional wax ester synthase/acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WSD). Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oil crop in the world; however, little is known about WSD in sunflower. In this study, we identified and performed a functional analysis of twelve HaWSD genes from sunflower genome. Tissue-specific expression revealed that 12 HaWSD genes were differentially expressed in various organs and tissues of sunflower, except seeds. HaWSD genes were highly induced by salinity, drought, cold, and abscisic acid (ABA) in sunflower. To ascertain their function, HaWSD9, with highly expressed levels in stems and leaves, was cloned and expressed in a yeast mutant defective in triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. HaWSD9 complemented the phenotype by producing wax ester but not TAG in vivo, indicating that it functions as a wax ester synthase. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that HaWSD9 was located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Heterologous introduction of HaWSD9 into Arabidopsis wsd1 mutant exhibited increased epicuticular wax crystals and cuticular wax contents on the stems. As compared with the wsd1 mutant, HaWSD9 overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis showed less cuticle permeability, chlorophyll leaching and water loss rate. Further analysis showed that the HaWSD9 transgenics enhanced tolerance to ABA, mannitol, drought and salinity, and maintained higher leaf relative water content (RWC) than the wsd1 mutant under drought stress, suggesting that HaWSD9 play an important physiological role in stress response as well as wax synthase. These results contribute to understanding the function of HaWSD genes in wax ester synthesis and stress tolerance in sunflower.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal molecular response of anthocyanins biosynthesis in perilla to light intensity
Authors: Xie Guanwen , Zou Xiuzai , Liang Zishan , Wu Duan , He Jiankuang , Xie Kaicheng , Jin Honglei , Wang Hongbin , Shen Qi
Published: September 2022

The perilla anthocyanins have important medicinal and ornamental value, and their contents are significantly affected by light intensity. In view of their molecular mechanisms were not well understood, we integrated the metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the light-sensitive perilla variety under different light intensity. The perilla leave color were obviously affected under different treatments. Totally 140 flavonoid metabolites and 2461 genes showed steady change, among which 60 flavonoid metabolites were increased accumulation and 983 genes were upregulated expression under elevated light intensity treatment. Light treatment prominently affected the expression of genes involved in the main anthocyanin metabolites accumulation in perilla leaves. Using WGCNA analysis, we identified 4 key genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (CHI, DFR, and ANS) and 147 transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, bZIP, ERF, and NAC) involved in malonylshisonin biosynthesis. Among them, 6 MYBs and 4 bZIPs were predicted to play important roles in light regulation of malonylshisonin biosynthesis based on phylogenetic construction, correlation analysis, cis-acting element identification and qPCR verification. The identified key genes and regulatory factors will help us to understand the potential mechanism of photo-regulated anthocyanin accumulation in perilla.
The evaluation of playing styles integrating with contextual variables in professional soccer
Authors: Kong Lingfeng , Zhang Tianbo , Zhou Changjing , Gomez Miguel-Angel , Hu Yue , Zhang Shaoliang
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Playing styles play a key role in winning soccer matches, but the technical and physical styles of play between home and away match considering team quality in the Chinese Soccer Super League (CSL) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the technical and physical styles of play between home and away matches integrating with team quality in the CSL.

Materials and methods

The study sample consists of 480 performance records from 240 matches during the 2019 competitive season in the CSL. These match events were collected using a semi-automatic computerized video tracking system, Amisco Pro®. A k-means cluster analysis was used to evaluate team quality and then using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the playing styles between home and away matches according to team quality. Differences between home and away matches in terms of playing styles were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

Results

Our study found that PC1 presented a positive correlation with physical-related variables such as HIRD, HIRE, HSRD, and HSRE while PC2 was positively associated with the passing-related variables such as Pass, FPass, PassAcc, and FPAcc. Therefore, PC1 typically represents intense-play styles while PC2 represents possession-play styles at home and away matches, respectively. In addition, strong teams preferred to utilize intensity play whereas medium and weak teams utilized possession play whenever playing at home or away matches. Furthermore, the first five teams in the final overall ranking in the CSL presented a compensated technical-physical playing style whereas the last five teams showed inferior performance in terms of intensity and possession play.

Conclusion

Intensity or possession play was associated with the final overall ranking in the CSL, and playing styles that combine these two factors could be more liable to win the competition. Our study provides a detailed explanation for the impact of playing styles on match performances whereby coaches can adjust and combine different playing styles for ultimate success.
Analysis of the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-control between physical activity and Internet addiction among Chinese college students
Authors: Du Zhihao , Zhang Xiuli
Published: September 2022

It explores the roles of self-efficacy and self-control in physical activity and Internet addiction. And it further provides a theoretical basis for the treatment and improvement of Internet addiction among college students. This study employs the whole group sampling method. The questionnaire was conducted on 855 college students from five universities in three provinces using the Physical Activity Level Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Self-Control Scale, and the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). The analyses yielded three main findings. (1) A large amount of physical activity was helpful in reducing the symptoms of Internet addiction and the problematic status of each dimension among college students. (2) A large or moderate amount of physical activity was helpful in enhancing college students’ self-efficacy. Besides, a large amount of physical activity was likely to enhance college students’ self-control. (3) The condition of physical activity not only directly has the negative correlation with college students’ Internet addiction but also influences college students’ Internet addiction through two indirect ways: the mediating role of self-control and the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and self-control. These conclusions provide a deeper understanding of the protective factors of Internet addiction among Chinese college students.
The impact of organizational commitment on turnover intention of substitute teachers in public primary schools: Taking psychological capital as a mediator
Authors: Zhu Kexuan , Wang Xinyi , Jiang Man
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to explore the impact of organizational commitment on turnover intention of substitute teachers in public primary schools in Xuzhou, and applied psychological capital as a mediator variable to establish a research model. A questionnaire was conducted with 400 substitute teachers using convenience sampling. The results show that organizational commitment has a negative yet significant effect on turnover intention. It also shows positive impact on psychological capital. Furthermore, psychological capital is shown to negatively impact turnover intention, while having a mediating effect between organizational commitment and turnover intention.