bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals the Genetic Basis of Iron-Deficiency Stress Tolerance in Maize
Authors: Xu Jianqin , Xu Weiya , Chen Xulei , Zhu Huaqing , Fu Xiuyi , Yu Futong
Published: June 2022

Iron (Fe) is an essential trace element for almost all organisms and is often the major limiting nutrient for normal growth. Fe deficiency is a worldwide agricultural problem, which affects crop productivity and product quality. Understanding the Fe-deficiency response in plants is necessary for improving both plant health and the human diet. In this study, Fe-efficient (Ye478) and Fe-inefficient maize inbred lines (Wu312) were used to identify the genotypic difference in response to low Fe stress during different developmental stages and to further determine the optimal Fe-deficient Fe(II) supply level which leads to the largest phenotypic difference between Ye478 and Wu312. Then, genome-wide association analysis was performed to further identify candidate genes associated with the molecular mechanisms under different Fe nutritional statuses. Three candidate genes involved in Fe homeostasis of strategy II plants (strategy II genes) were identified, including ZmDMAS1, ZmNAAT1, and ZmYSL11. Furthermore, candidate genes ZmNAAT1, ZmDMAS1, and ZmYSL11 were induced in Fe-deficient roots and shoots, and the expression of ZmNAAT1 and ZmDMAS1 responded to Fe deficiency more in shoots than in roots. Beyond that, several genes that may participate in Fe homeostasis of strategy I plants (strategy I genes) were identified, which were either encoding Fe transporters (ZmIRT1 and ZmZIP4), or acting as essential ethylene signal transducers (ZmEBF1). Interestingly, ZmIRT1, ZmZIP4, and ZmEBF1 were significantly upregulated under low Fe stress, suggesting that these genes may be involved in Fe-deficiency tolerance in maize which is considered as strategy II plant. This study demonstrates the use of natural variation in the association population to identify important genes associated with Fe-deficiency tolerance and may further provide insights for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the tolerance to Fe-deficiency stress in maize.
Seed Moisture Isotherms, Sorption Models, and Longevity
Authors: Hay Fiona R. , Rezaei Shabnam , Buitink Julia
Published: June 2022

Seed moisture sorption isotherms show the equilibrium relationship between water content and equilibrium relative humidity (eRH) when seeds are either losing water from a hydrated state (desorption isotherm) or gaining water from a dry state (adsorption isotherm). They have been used in food science to predict the stability of different products and to optimize drying and/or processing. Isotherms have also been applied to understand the physiological processes occurring in viable seeds and how sorption properties differ in relation to, for example, developmental maturity, degree of desiccation tolerance, or dormancy status. In this review, we describe how sorption isotherms can help us understand how the longevity of viable seeds depends upon how they are dried and the conditions under which they are stored. We describe different ways in which isotherms can be determined, how the data are modeled using various theoretical and non-theoretical equations, and how they can be interpreted in relation to storage stability.
Variation in Root-Related Traits Is Associated With Water Uptake in Lagenaria siceraria Genotypes Under Water-Deficit Conditions
Authors: Contreras-Soto Rodrigo Iván , Zacarias Rafael Dinoclaudio , Domingos Moiana Leonel , Maldonado Carlos , Mora-Poblete Freddy
Published: June 2022

In many agricultural areas, crop production has decreased due to a lack of water availability, which is having a negative impact on sustainability and putting food security at risk. In plants, the plasticity of the root system architecture (RSA) is considered to be a key trait driving the modification of the growth and structure of roots in response to water deficits. The purpose of this study was to examine the plasticity of the RSA traits (mean root diameter, MRD; root volume, RV; root length, RL; and root surface area, SA) associated with drought tolerance in eight Lagenaria siceraria (Mol. Standl) genotypes, representing three different geographical origins: South Africa (BG-58, BG-78, and GC), Asia (Philippines and South Korea), and Chile (Illapel, Chepica, and Osorno). The RSA changes were evaluated at four substrate depths (from 0 to 40 cm). Bottle gourd genotypes were grown in 20 L capacity pots under two contrasting levels of irrigation (well-watered and water-deficit conditions). The results showed that the water productivity (WP) had a significant effect on plasticity values, with the Chilean accessions having the highest values. Furthermore, Illapel and Chepica genotypes presented the highest WP, MRD, and RV values under water-deficit conditions, in which MRD and RV were significant in the deeper layers (20–30 and 30–40 cm). Biplot analysis showed that the Illapel and Chepica genotypes presented a high WP, MRD, and RV, which confirmed that these may be promising drought-tolerant genotypes. Consequently, increased root diameter and volume in bottle gourd may constitute a response to a water deficit. The RSA traits studied here can be used as selection criteria in bottle gourd breeding programs under water-deficit conditions.
Enhancing the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals by Combining Hyperaccumulator and Heavy Metal-Resistant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Shangjun , Liu Sijia , Peng Jing , Zhang Hanchao , Zhao Qiming , Zheng Luqing , Chen Yahua , Shen Zhenguo , Xu Xihui , Chen Chen
Published: June 2022

Heavy metals (HMs) have become a major environmental pollutant threatening ecosystems and human health. Although hyperaccumulators provide a viable alternative for the bioremediation of HMs, the potential of phytoremediation is often limited by the small biomass and slow growth rate of hyperaccumulators and HM toxicity to plants. Here, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB)-assisted phytoremediation was used to enhance the phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils. A PGPB with HM-tolerant (HMT-PGPB), Bacillus sp. PGP15 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum. Pot experiments demonstrated that inoculation with strain PGP15 could significantly increase the growth of S. nigrum. More importantly, strain PGP15 markedly improved Cd accumulation in S. nigrum while alleviating Cd-induced stress in S. nigrum. Specifically, PGP15 inoculation significantly decreased the contents of H2O2, MDA, and O2·− in S. nigrum, while the activities (per gram plant fresh weight) of SOD, APX, and CAT were significantly increased in the PGP15-inoculated plants compared with the control sample. These results suggested that the interactions between strain PGP15 and S. nigrum could overcome the limits of phytoremediation alone and highlighted the promising application potential of the PGPB-hyperaccumulator collaborative pattern in the bioremediation of HM-contaminated soils. Furthermore, the PGP15 genome was sequenced and compared with other strains to explore the mechanisms underlying plant growth promotion by HMT-PGPB. The results showed that core genes that define the fundamental metabolic capabilities of strain PGP15 might not be necessary for plant growth promotion. Meanwhile, PGP15-specific genes, including many transposable elements, played a crucial role in the adaptive evolution of HM resistance. Overall, our results improve the understanding of interactions between HMT-PGPB and plants and facilitate the application of HMT-PGPB in the phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils.
Development and Characterization of Triticum aestivum-Aegilops longissima 6Sl Recombinants Harboring a Novel Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene Pm6Sl
Authors: Tian Xiubin , Chen Qifan , Ma Chao , Men Wenqiang , Liu Qianqian , Zhao Yue , Qian Jiajun , Fan Ziwei , Miao Jingnan , He Jinqiu , Sehgal Sunish K. , Li Huanhuan , Liu Wenxuan
Published: June 2022

Powdery mildew of wheat is a foliar disease that is spread worldwide. Cultivation of resistant varieties is the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly strategy to curb this disease. Powdery mildew resistance genes (Pm) are the primary resources for resistance breeding, and new Pm genes are in constant demand. Previously, we identified Aegilops longissima chromosome 6Sl#3 as a carrier of powdery mildew resistance and designated the resistance gene as Pm6Sl. Here, we reported the design of 24 markers specific to 6Sl#3 on the basis of the full-length cDNA sequences of 6Sl#3 donor Ae. longissma accession TA1910, and the development of wheat-Ae. longissima 6Sl#3 introgression stocks by ph1b-induced homoeologous recombination. Further, 6Sl#3 introgression lines were identified and characterized by integration analysis of powdery mildew responses, in situ hybridization, and molecular markers and Pm6Sl was mapped to a distal interval of 42.80 Mb between markers Ael58410 and Ael57699 in the long arm of 6Sl#3. Two resistant recombinants, R43 (T6BS.6BL-6Sl#3L) and T27 (Ti6AS.6AL-6Sl#3L-6AL), contained segments harboring Pm6Sl with less than 8% of 6Sl#3 genomic length, and two markers were diagnostic for Pm6Sl. This study broadened powdery mildew resistance gene resources for wheat improvement and provided a fundamental basis for fine mapping and cloning of Pm6Sl to further understand its molecular mechanism of disease resistance.
Biotechnological Approaches on Engineering Medicinal Tropane Alkaloid Production in Plants
Authors: Gong Haiyue , He Ping , Lan Xiaozhong , Zeng Lingjiang , Liao Zhihua
Published: June 2022

Hyoscyamine and scopolamine, belonging to medicinal tropane alkaloids (MTAs), are potent anticholinergic drugs. Their industrial production relies on medicinal plants, but the levels of the two alkaloids are very low in planta. Engineering the MTA’s production is an everlasting hot topic for pharmaceutical industry. With understanding the MTA’s biosynthesis, biotechnological approaches are established to produce hyoscyamine and scopolamine in an efficient manner. Great advances have been obtained in engineering MTA’s production in planta. In this review, we summarize the advances on the biosynthesis of MTAs and engineering the MTA’s production in hairy root cultures, as well in plants. The problems and perspectives on engineering the MTA’s production are also discussed.
Sketching the Landscape of Speech Perception Research (2000–2020): A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Chen Juqiang , Chang Hui
Published: June 2022

Based on 6,407 speech perception research articles published between 2000 and 2020, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify leading countries, research institutes, researchers, research collaboration networks, high impact research articles, central research themes and trends in speech perception research. Analysis of highly cited articles and researchers indicated three foundational theoretical approaches to speech perception, that is the motor theory, the direct realism and the computational approach as well as four non-native speech perception models, that is the Speech Learning Model, the Perceptual Assimilation Model, the Native Language Magnet model, and the Second Language Linguistic Perception model. Citation networks, term frequency analysis and co-word networks revealed several central research topics: audio-visual speech perception, spoken word recognition, bilingual and infant/child speech perception and learning. Two directions for future research were also identified: (1) speech perception by clinical populations, such as hearing loss children with cochlear implants and speech perception across lifespan, including infants and aged population; (2) application of neurocognitive techniques in investigating activation of different brain regions during speech perception. Our bibliometric analysis can facilitate research advancements and future collaborations among linguists, psychologists and brain scientists by offering a bird view of this interdisciplinary field.
An Exploratory Study of Cantonese Learning Strategies Amongst Non-Chinese English-Speaking Ethnic Minority University Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Pun Jack , Yu Qianwen Joyce , Sicuan Tom Keannu , Macaraeg Michael Angelo G. , Cia Joe Marc Pineda
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the strategies for learning Cantonese that are adopted by non-Chinese English-speaking ethnic minority (EM) university students in Hong Kong. The aim is to identify the challenges these students face in applying their strategies to learn Cantonese and to explore their learning experiences when implementing them. Drawing on questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with 30 EM students at a university in Hong Kong, this study identifies these learners’ strategies, elicits their views on the use of these strategies and examines their learning experiences. The findings suggest that EM students are “medium strategy users,” with social strategies being their most commonly used types of learning strategies, followed by compensation and metacognitive strategies. The more proficient Cantonese users tend to use metacognitive strategies that promote planning and are goal-oriented. Taken together, this study sheds light on the complex interplay of sociocultural variables in shaping EM university students’ Cantonese learning experience in Hong Kong. It also highlights the importance of analysing EM students’ linguistic repertoire and the local language ecology in understanding Cantonese learning in a multilingual context like Hong Kong.
Éclaircissement to Understand Consumers’ Decision-Making Psyche and Gender Effects, a Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Mustafa Sohaib , Sohail Muhammad Tayyab , Alroobaea Roobaea , Rubaiee Saeed , Anas A. , Othman Asem Majed , Nawaz Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Consumers’ decision-making is complex and diverse in terms of gender. Different social, psychological, and economic factors mold the decision-making preferences of consumers. Most researchers used a variance-based approach to explain consumer decision-making that assumes symmetric relationship between variables. We have collected data from 468 smartwatch users and applied a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explain and compare male and female consumers’ decision-making complexity.fsQCA assumes that an asymmetric relationship between variables can exist in the real world, and different combinations of variables can lead to the same output. Results explain that different variables have a core and secondary level of impact on consumer decision-making. Hence, we can not claim that certain factors are significant or insignificant for decision-making.fsQCA results revealed that cost value, performance expectancy, and social influence play a key role in consumers’ buying decisions. This study has contributed to the existing literature by explaining consumer decision-making by applying configuration and complexity theories and identifying unique solutions for both genders. A major contribution to theoretical literature was also made by this research, which revealed the complexity of consumer purchasing decisions made for new products.
The History of the Introduction of the Concept of Depression Into China
Authors: Bai Jike , Li Jun , Zhang Daqing
Published: June 2022

This is a thematic historical study on the historical construction of the concept of depression in early modern China. Using an external historical research method, through the analysis of newspaper stories, drug advertisements, and medical texts (textbooks and reference books), it presents the sociocultural context of depression in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period and depicts the germination and evolution of the depression from a hazy and ambiguous concept in the late Qing Dynasty to a clear and complete disease entity of Western medicine, at least in the Chinese pharmaceutical market in the 1920s. This article examines the three internal logical clues in the localization of depression in China, namely, (1) the transformation of the disease from a symptom (the symptom of a disease) to a disease (an independent disease entity); (2) the pathological mechanism of depression was first made from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine—“caused by stagnation of liver qi,” which was joined later by the pathological mechanism of Western medicine—“caused by brain dysfunction”; (3) the introduction of the knowledge of “depression” presents a pattern of “cross-fertilization” between the West and the East. This study also examines the cultural imagery of depression during its early introduction to China and finds the three stereotypes of the manifestation of depression among the then Chinese public, namely, a feminized disease, a disease that afflicted the intellectual youth who were worried about the country, and the association between the disease and the morbid and distorted state of life of the upper-class literary youth.
Web-Based Prediction Models for Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients With Primary Urachal Carcinoma: A Study Based on SEER Database
Authors: Ding Li , Xia Bin , Zhang Yang , Liu Zijie , Wang Junqi
Published: June 2022

Objective:

We aimed to establish nomograms to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with primary urachal carcinoma (UrC).

Methods

Information on patients diagnosed with UrC from 1975 to 2018 was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program Research Data. The independent prognostic factors were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Backward variable elimination according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC) identified the most accurate and parsimonious model. Nomograms were built based on regression coefficients. The C-index, calibration plot, Brier score, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were used to evaluate the efficiency of models.

Results

In total, 236 patients obtained from SEER were divided randomly into training and validation cohorts in a 70:30 ratio (166 and 70 patients, respectively). In the training cohort, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that pTNM/Sheldon/Mayo staging systems (included respectively), age, and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors for OS. A similar result was also found in CSS. While other variables, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, did not identify significant correlations. In predicting OS and CSS at 3- and 5- years, the nomograms based on pTNM showed superior discriminative and calibration capabilities in comparison to multiple statistical tools. The C-index values for the training cohort were 0.770 for OS and 0.806 for CSS, and similar outcomes were shown in further internal validation (C-index 0.693 for OS and 0.719 for CSS). We also discovered that the link between age at diagnosis and survival follows a U-shaped curve, indicating that the risk of poor prognosis decreases first and then increases with age.

Conclusion

The efficacy of pTNM in predicting the prognosis of patients with UrC was greater than that of the Sheldon and Mayo staging system. Therefore, we recommend pTNM as the preferred system to stage UrC. The novel constructed nomograms based on pTNM, age, and tumor grade showed high accuracy and specificity and could be applied clinically to predict the prognosis of patients with UrC.
Development of an Online-Coaching Blended Couple-Oriented Intervention for Preventing Depression in Middle Adulthood: An Intervention Mapping Study
Authors: Kim Suk-Sun , Gil Minji , Kim Daeun
Published: June 2022

Background

Although middle-aged adults in Korea are vulnerable to depression, there are few preventive interventions for depression in middle adulthood. Studies consistently suggest that interventions that include both spouses are effective in decreasing depression and relationship distress. Considering the busy lives of middle-aged couples, it is essential to develop an online-coaching blended couple-oriented intervention. This study aimed to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of an online-coaching blended couple-oriented intervention using an online program and coaching via videoconference to prevent middle-aged couples' depression; this was done using an intervention mapping (IM) protocol.

Methods

Six steps of IM were used to systematically develop a tailored multi-level intervention specific to middle-aged couples' depression. These steps of the IM protocol involve needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, theory-based methods, and practical strategies for program design, program development, program implementation, and program evaluation.

Results

The results of the six steps were as follows: (a) middle-aged couples' needs and mental health problems were identified through a scoping review study, mixed-method study, and expert interviews; (b) six performance objectives (POs) were formulated based on the results of Step 1, and intrapersonal, interpersonal, and temporal/transpersonal determinants were identified based on the self-transcendence theory. Change objectives were developed by combining POs with determinants; (c) self-regulated learning was chosen for theoretical teaching methods and practical strategies to change the determinants of each level; (d) four modules consisting of 16 sessions were developed based on the self-transcendence theory; (e) experts evaluated the program and coaches were trained; and (f) the evaluation plan for the program's feasibility, acceptability, usability, and preliminary effects was developed.

Discussion

The systematic process using IM allowed us to develop an online-coaching blended couple-oriented intervention to prevent depression and promote couples' relationships. The primary effects of this newly developed program should be evaluated in future studies. This may lead to the increased adoption and implementation of evidence-based and tailored interventions for psychological wellbeing in middle adulthood.
Effects of Total Sulfur Amino Acids on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Meat Yield in Broilers Fed Diets With and Without Antibiotics
Authors: Adhikari Pratima Acharya , Castro Fernanda Lima de Souza , Liu Guanchen , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: June 2022

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of digestible sulfur amino acids (SAA) on performance, carcass yield, immunity, and amino acid transporters in broilers fed diets with or without an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP). In experiment 1, a total of 250 1-day-old Cobb500 male chicks were assigned to battery cages with two levels of AGP (0 and 0.05% bacitracin) and five levels of SAA (0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.1%) for 21 d. In experiment 2, a total of 900 1-day-old Cobb500 male chicks were assigned to floor pens with two levels of AGP and three levels of SAA for the starter (0.7, 0.8, and 0.9%) or finisher phase (0.52, 0.62, and 0.72%) for 42 d. In experiment 1, from 0 to 7 d, the body weight gain (BWG) was the lowest for birds fed 0.7% SAA. The AGP significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and birds fed 0.9 and 1.1% SAA had significantly lower FCR than 0.7% SAA. From 8 to 14 d, for the AGP-fed birds, the lowest BWG was observed in the 0.7% SAA group. In birds not fed AGP, birds fed 0.8% SAA had higher BWG than 0.7 and 1.1% SAA. Birds fed 0.7% SAA diet had lower feed intake (FI) than 0.8% SAA and higher FCR than 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0% SAA. In experiment 2, from 0 to 21 d, the lowest BWG and the highest FCR were observed in birds fed 0.7% SAA, whereas birds fed 0.9% SAA had the highest BWG and lowest FCR. From 22 to 42 d, FCR was lower for birds fed AGP, and for birds fed 0.72%. Interactions between the factors were found for FI and BWG. The whole thigh and wing weights were the highest for 0.62% SAA, and the pectoralis major weight was higher for birds fed 0.62% SAA than those fed 0.52% SAA. There was an interaction between SAA and AGP for Lat1 (large neutral amino acid transporter) expression, and AGP-fed birds had higher expression of ileal interleukin 1β (Il−1β gene). The interleukin 10 (Il-10) expression was upregulated in the ileum. There was an interaction between factors for sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter B [0] AT1 (SLC6A19) expression. The results suggested that both AGP and SAA supplementation would affect the growth performance of the broilers.
Key Role of Heat Shock Protein Expression Induced by Ampicillin in Citrus Defense against Huanglongbing: A Transcriptomics Study
Authors: Yang Chuanyu , Powell Charles , Duan Yongping , Lin Xiongjie , Fan Goucheng , Hu Hanqing , Zhang Muqing
Published: June 2022

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is a serious disease for the citrus industry. Earlier studies showed that ampicillin (Amp) can reduce titers of the pathogen which causes HLB and the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) in HLB-affected citrus. CLas has not yet been cultured, so the mechanisms of Amp against CLas are unclear. Some chemicals were demonstrated to trigger citrus defense systems against CLas. Therefore, we hypothesize that Amp may induce citrus defenses against CLas. Here we applied three nano-formulations of varying droplet sizes to HLB-affected citrus to achieve different accumulated concentrations of Amp (high, medium, low) in the plants. We then used RNA-seq to analyze induction of gene expression of citrus defense systems against CLas in response to different concentrations of Amp. The results indicated that at all accumulated concentrations of Amp can significantly suppress CLas titer and mitigate HLB symptoms. Transcriptomic analyses showed that Amp treatment induced expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in HLB-affected citrus, and these Hsps were significantly related to several defense genes encoding R proteins, transcription factors, splicing factors, RNA-binding proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, Gibberellic acid methyltransferase 2, L-ascorbate peroxidase 2, and ferruginol synthase that confer tolerance to CLas in citrus plants. Taken together, these results suggest that Amp treatment of citrus plants can trigger expression of Hsps and related defense genes to respond to CLas infection. These findings are valuable for developing novel strategies to combat citrus HLB.
Social Media Analytics as a Tool for Cultural Spaces—The Case of Twitter Trending Topics
Authors: Poulopoulos Vassilis , Wallace Manolis
Published: June 2022

We are entering an era in which online personalities and personas will grow faster and faster. People are tending to use the Internet, and social media especially, more frequently and for a wider variety of purposes. In parallel, a number of cultural spaces have already decided to invest in marketing and message spreading through the web and the media. Growing their audience, or locating the appropriate group of people to share their information, remains a tedious task within the chaotic environment of the Internet. The investment is mainly financial—usually large—and directed to advertisements. Still, there is much space for research and investment in analytics that can provide evidence considering the spreading of the word and finding groups of people interested in specific information or trending topics and influencers. In this paper, we present a part of a national project that aims to perform an analysis of Twitter’s trending topics. The main scope of the analysis is to provide a basic ordering on the topics based on their “importance”. Based on this, we clarify how cultural institutions can benefit from such an analysis in order to empower their online presence.
Metabolic and Molecular Mechanisms of Diet and Physical Exercise in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Scarfò Giorgia , Daniele Simona , Fusi Jonathan , Gesi Marco , Martini Claudia , Franzoni Ferdinando , Cela Vito , Artini Paolo Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine systemic disorder mainly characterized by a hormonal and metabolic disbalance that leads to oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism and the formation of ovarian cysts. Despite the progress that has been reached in its diagnosis and management, little is known about the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying the pathogenic mechanisms. In this sense, recent research has suggested that the influence of multiple factors, including age, environment, lifestyle and the disease state environment can change the clinical presentation of PCOS via epigenetic modifications. Variants in the genes encoding for proteins involved in steroidogenesis and glucose homeostasis play a crucial role in the development of the disease. Other genes involved in inflammation and cell proliferation seem to undergo an epigenetic control. Moreover, lifestyle factors influence the PCOS course and prognosis, including diet and physical activity, which are fundamental in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and in improving metabolic and hormonal parameters. In the present review, literature evidence on molecular and epigenetic mechanisms related to PCOS etiology will be discussed, with a particular attention on the positive influence of diet and physical activity as nonpharmacological ways of intervention in the management of the disease.
Metabolic Profile and Pathological Alterations in the Muscle of Patients with Early-Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lanznaster Débora , Bruno Clément , Bourgeais Jérôme , Emond Patrick , Zemmoura Ilyess , Lefèvre Antoine , Reynier Pascal , Eymieux Sébastien , Blanchard Emmanuelle , Vourc'h Patrick , Andres Christian R. , Bakkouche Salah Eddine , Herault Olivier , Favard Luc , Corcia Philippe , Blasco Hélène
Published: June 2022

Diverse biomarkers and pathological alterations have been found in muscle of patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the relation between such alterations and dysfunction in energetic metabolism remains to be investigated. We established the metabolome of muscle and serum of ALS patients and correlated these findings with the clinical status and pathological alterations observed in the muscle. We obtained data from 20 controls and 17 ALS patients (disease duration: 9.4 ± 6.8 months). Multivariate metabolomics analysis identified a distinct serum metabolome for ALS compared to controls (p-CV-ANOVA < 0.035) and revealed an excellent discriminant profile for muscle metabolome (p-CV-ANOVA < 0.0012). Citramalate was discriminant for both muscle and serum. High lauroylcarnitine levels in muscle were associated with low Forced Vital Capacity. Transcriptomics analysis of key antioxidant enzymes showed an upregulation of SOD3 (p = 0.0017) and GLRX2(1) (p = 0.0022) in ALS muscle. Analysis of mitochondrial enzymatic activity in muscle revealed higher complex II/CS (p = 0.04) and lower LDH (p = 0.03) activity in ALS than in controls. Our study showed, for the first time, a global dysfunction in the muscle of early-stage ALS patients. Furthermore, we identified novel metabolites to be employed as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of ALS patients.
Dysfunctional Heteroreceptor Complexes as Novel Targets for the Treatment of Major Depressive and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Pérez de la Mora Miguel , Borroto-Escuela Dasiel O. , Crespo-Ramírez Minerva , Rejón-Orantes José del Carmen , Palacios-Lagunas Daniel Alejandro , Martínez-Mata Magda K. , Sánchez-Luna Daniela , Tesoro-Cruz Emiliano , Fuxe Kjell
Published: June 2022

Among mental diseases, major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety deserve a special place due to their high prevalence and their negative impact both on society and patients suffering from these disorders. Consequently, the development of novel strategies designed to treat them quickly and efficiently, without or at least having limited side effects, is considered a highly important goal. Growing evidence indicates that emerging properties are developed on recognition, trafficking, and signaling of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) upon their heteromerization with other types of GPCRs, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ionotropic receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Therefore, to develop new treatments for MDD and anxiety, it will be important to identify the most vulnerable heteroreceptor complexes involved in MDD and anxiety. This review focuses on how GPCRs, especially serotonin, dopamine, galanin, and opioid heteroreceptor complexes, modulate synaptic and volume transmission in the limbic networks of the brain. We attempt to provide information showing how these emerging concepts can contribute to finding new ways to treat both MDD and anxiety disorders.
Isothermal Amplification and Lateral Flow Nucleic Acid Test for the Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Bacteria for Food Monitoring
Authors: Petrucci Sabrina , Dikici Emre , Daunert Sylvia , Deo Sapna K.
Published: June 2022

Foodborne bacteria have persisted as a significant threat to public health and to the food and agriculture industry. Due to the widespread impact of these pathogens, there has been a push for the development of strategies that can rapidly detect foodborne bacteria on-site. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains (such as E. coli O157:H7, E. coli O121, and E. coli O26) from contaminated food have been a major concern. They carry genes stx1 and/or stx2 that produce two toxins, Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2, which are virulent proteins. In this work, we demonstrate the development of a rapid test based on an isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification reaction for two Shiga toxin genes in a single reaction. Results of the amplification reaction are visualized simultaneously for both Shiga toxins on a single lateral flow paper strip. This strategy targets the DNA encoding Shiga toxin 1 and 2, allowing for broad detection of any Shiga toxin-producing bacterial species. From sample to answer, this method can achieve results in approximately 35 min with a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL. This strategy is sensitive and selective, detecting only Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. There was no interference observed from non-pathogenic or pathogenic non-Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. A detection limit of 10 CFU/mL for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli was also obtained in a food matrix. This strategy is advantageous as it allows for timely identification of Shiga toxin-related contamination for quick initial food contamination assessments.
Executive Functions and Rapid Automatized Naming: A New Tele-Rehabilitation Approach in Children with Language and Learning Disorders
Authors: Capodieci Agnese , Romano Marco , Castro Emanuela , Di Lieto Maria Chiara , Bonetti Silvia , Spoglianti Silvia , Pecini Chiara
Published: June 2022

Executive function deficits are documented in many neurodevelopmental disorders and may contribute to clinical complexity or rehabilitation resilience. The present research was primarily aimed at presenting and evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program used during the pandemic period. MemoRAN (Anastasis), a computerised cognitive training to improve executive control during visual-verbal integration tasks was used in a sample of 42 children (5–11 years old) with specific learning or language disorders. The MemoRAN training was based on exercises of inhibition, cognitive flexibility and updating in working memory for three months, with a frequency of approximately three sessions per week. Afterwards, a comparison between a subgroup of children using Memo-RAN and an active control group, using a tele-rehabilitation program directed on reading was conducted. Effect size analysis in pre-post measurements suggests an average effect of MemoRAN in measurements that require control processes, such as accuracy in dictation, reading, inhibition and working memory testing. Comparison with the active control group and the clinical utility implications of these types of treatment will be discussed.
The Etiology and Risk Factors of Osgood–Schlatter Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lucenti Ludovico , Sapienza Marco , Caldaci Alessia , Cristo Claudia , Testa Gianluca , Pavone Vito
Published: June 2022

The etiology and etiopathogenesis of Osgood–Schlatter Disease (OD) are not fully understood. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze the available literature about the etiology and risk factors of OD. The literature was systematically reviewed using the PRISMA criteria to evaluate all studies published in the last 25 years (between 1996 and 2021) dealing with the etiology of OD. A total of 16 articles were included. The etiology and risk factors of OD are controversial. The main articles focused on muscular factors (mainly tightness of the rectus femoris), alteration of the patellar tendon or extensor mechanism, mechanical factors (repetitive solicitation, trauma, sports), tibial anatomy (tibial slope or tibial torsion), and histological alteration. Associations with ankle kinematic and behavior disorders were also reported. Many theories about the etiology, risk factors, and associated factors of OD have been reported in the literature, but more studies are needed to fully understand the etiopathogenesis of this disorder.
Cluster-Based Analogue Ensembles for Hindcasting with Multistations
Authors: Balsa Carlos , Rodrigues Carlos Veiga , Araújo Leonardo , Rufino José
Published: June 2022

The Analogue Ensemble (AnEn) method enables the reconstruction of meteorological observations or deterministic predictions for a certain variable and station by using data from the same station or from other nearby stations. However, depending on the dimension and granularity of the historical datasets used for the reconstruction, this method may be computationally very demanding even if parallelization is used. In this work, the classical AnEn method is modified so that analogues are determined using K-means clustering. The proposed combined approach allows the use of several predictors in a dependent or independent way. As a result of the flexibility and adaptability of this new approach, it is necessary to define several parameters and algorithmic options. The effects of the critical parameters and main options were tested on a large dataset from real-world meteorological stations. The results show that adequate monitoring and tuning of the new method allows for a considerable improvement of the computational performance of the reconstruction task while keeping the accuracy of the results. Compared to the classical AnEn method, the proposed variant is at least 15-times faster when processing is serial. Both approaches benefit from parallel processing, with the K-means variant also being always faster than the classic method under that execution regime (albeit its performance advantage diminishes as more CPU threads are used).
Esoteric Pull and Esoteric Push: Two Simple In-Place Streaming Schemes for the Lattice Boltzmann Method on GPUs
Authors: Lehmann Moritz
Published: June 2022

I present two novel thread-safe in-place streaming schemes for the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) on graphics processing units (GPUs), termed Esoteric Pull and Esoteric Push, that result in the LBM only requiring one copy of the density distribution functions (DDFs) instead of two, greatly reducing memory demand. These build upon the idea of the existing Esoteric Twist scheme, to stream half of the DDFs at the end of one stream-collide kernel and the remaining half at the beginning of the next, and offer the same beneficial properties over the AA-Pattern scheme—reduced memory bandwidth due to implicit bounce-back boundaries and the possibility of swapping pointers between even and odd time steps. However, the streaming directions are chosen in a way that allows the algorithm to be implemented in about one tenth the amount of code, as two simple loops, and is compatible with all velocity sets and suitable for automatic code-generation. The performance of the new streaming schemes is slightly increased over Esoteric Twist due to better memory coalescence. Benchmarks across a large variety of GPUs and CPUs show that for most dedicated GPUs, performance differs only insignificantly from the One-Step Pull scheme; however, for integrated GPUs and CPUs, performance is significantly improved. The two proposed algorithms greatly facilitate modifying existing code to in-place streaming, even with extensions already in place, such as demonstrated here for the Free Surface LBM implementation FluidX3D. Their simplicity, together with their ideal performance characteristics, may enable more widespread adoption of in-place streaming across LBM GPU codes.
Complex Permittivity Measurement of Low-Loss Anisotropic Dielectric Materials at Hundreds of Megahertz
Authors: Li Chuanlan , Wu Changying , Shen Lifei
Published: June 2022

Resonant methods are well known for their accuracy in determining the complex permittivity of materials. However, to guarantee the accuracy, interference modes must be suppressed in the measurement band. In this paper, a multi-mode split rectangular cavity is designed and fabricated to measure low-loss anisotropic dielectric materials in the frequency range from 300 to 1000 MHz. Details of the cavity design are presented. Simulation results for a uniaxially anisotropic material validate both the setup and the processing. Moreover, validation measurements on a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are in agreement with the literature data, which indicate that the proposed method in this paper is reliable and accurate for low-loss complex permittivity characterization at hundreds of megahertz.
Epigenetic Signatures of Centrosomes Are Novel Targets in Cancer Diagnosis: Insights from an Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2022

The centrosome plays a central role for cellular signaling and is critical for several fundamental cellular processes in human cells. Centrosome abnormalities have been linked to multiple solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We sought to explore the potential role of the DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic modification, of centrosome-related genes in different cancers. The 450K array DNA methylation data and RNA-seq data were downloaded for ~4000 tumor samples and ~500 normal controls from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project, covering 11 major cancer types. Cancers with more than 30 normal controls were retained for analysis. Differentially modified CpGs of centrosome genes were identified, and cancer-specific epigenetic models were developed using a machine-learning algorithm for each cancer type. The association between the methylation level of differential CpGs and the corresponding gene expression, as well as the co-localization of the differential CpGs and cis-regulatory elements were evaluated. In total, 2761 CpGs located on 160 centrosome genes for 6 cancers were included in the analysis. Cancer-specific models demonstrated a high accuracy in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC > 0.9) in five cancers and showed tissue specificity. This study enhanced our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the DNA methylation of centrosome-related genes in cancers, and showed the potential of these epigenetic modifications as novel cancer biomarkers.
Sub-Saharan Africa Freshwater Fisheries under Climate Change: A Review of Impacts, Adaptation, and Mitigation Measures
Authors: Muringai Rodney Tatenda , Mafongoya Paramu , Lottering Romano Trent
Published: June 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa’s freshwater fisheries contribute significantly to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people within the region. However, freshwater fisheries are experiencing multiple anthropogenic stressors such as overfishing, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. There is a substantial body of literature on the effects of climate change on freshwater fisheries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study reviews the existing literature and highlights the effects of climate change on freshwater fisheries, the adaptation strategies of fishery-dependent households in response to the effects, and fisheries’ management and mitigation efforts in the face of climate change. The general effects of climate change on freshwater environments include warming water temperatures, increased stratification, modified hydrological processes, and increased pollutants. These effects adversely affect the physiological processes of fish and the overall wellbeing of fishery-dependent people. To cope with the effects of fluctuating fishery resources due to climate change, fishery-dependent people have adopted several adaptation strategies including livelihood diversification, changing their fishing gear, increasing their fishing efforts, and targeting new species. Several management attempts have been made to enhance the sustainability of fishery resources, from local to regional levels. This study recommends the participation of the resource users in the formulation of policies aimed at promoting climate change adaptation and the resilience of freshwater fisheries for sustainable development.
Impact of Low-Temperature Storage on the Microstructure, Digestibility, and Absorption Capacity of Cooked Rice
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Bingxiao , Bess Kezia , Wang Zhengxuan , Liang Mingcai , Zhang Yan , Wu Qiong , Yang Lin
Published: June 2022

This study examined the effects of low-temperature storage on the microstructural, absorptive, and digestive properties of cooked rice. Cooked rice was refrigerated and stored at 4 °C for 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, as well as frozen and preserved at −20, −40, and −80 °C for 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results indicated that the stored rice samples generally exhibited a higher absorption capacity for oil, cholesterol, and glucose than the freshly cooked rice. In addition, after storage, the digestibility of the cooked rice declined, namely, the rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content and estimated glycemic index (eGI) decreased, whereas the slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) content increased. Moreover, the increment of the storage temperatures or the extension of storage periods led to a lower amylolysis efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that storage temperature and duration could effectively modify the micromorphology of the stored rice samples and their digestion. Moreover, microstructural differences after storage and during simulated intestinal digestion could be correlated to the variations in the absorption capacity and digestibility. The findings from this study will be useful in providing alternative storage procedures to prepare rice products with improved nutritional qualities and functional properties.
Chemometric Differentiation of Sole and Plaice Fish Fillets Using Three Near-Infrared Instruments
Authors: Cavallini Nicola , Pennisi Francesco , Giraudo Alessandro , Pezzolato Marzia , Esposito Giovanna , Gavoci Gentian , Magnani Luca , Pianezzola Alberto , Geobaldo Francesco , Savorani Francesco , Bozzetta Elena
Published: June 2022

Fish species substitution is one of the most common forms of fraud all over the world, as fish identification can be very challenging for both consumers and experienced inspectors in the case of fish sold as fillets. The difficulties in distinguishing among different species may generate a “grey area” in which mislabelling can occur. Thus, the development of fast and reliable tools able to detect such frauds in the field is of crucial importance. In this study, we focused on the distinction between two flatfish species largely available on the market, namely the Guinean sole (Synaptura cadenati) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), which are very similar looking. Fifty fillets of each species were analysed using three near-infrared (NIR) instruments: the handheld SCiO (Consumer Physics), the portable MicroNIR (VIAVI), and the benchtop MPA (Bruker). PLS-DA classification models were built using the spectral datasets, and all three instruments provided very good results, showing high accuracy: 94.1% for the SCiO and MicroNIR portable instruments, and 90.1% for the MPA benchtop spectrometer. The good classification results of the approach combining NIR spectroscopy, and simple chemometric classification methods suggest great applicability directly in the context of real-world marketplaces, as well as in official control plans.