bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Neonatal Sepsis Caused by MCR-9- and NDM-1-Co-Producing Enterobacter hormaechei in China
Authors: Chen Chunlei , Xu Hao , Liu Ruishan , Hu Xinjun , Han Jianfeng , Wu Lingjiao , Fu Hao , Zheng Beiwen , Xiao Yonghong
Published: May 2022

Mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes represent an emerging threat to public health. Reports on the prevalence, antimicrobial profiles, and clonality of MCR-9-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) isolates on a national scale in China are limited. We screened 3,373 samples from humans, animals, and the environment and identified eleven MCR-9-positive ECC isolates. We further investigated their susceptibility, epidemiology, plasmid profiles, genetic features, and virulence potential. Ten strains were isolated from severe bloodstream infection cases, especially three of them were recovered from neonatal sepsis. Enterobacter hormaechei was the most predominant species among the MCR-9-producing ECC population. Moreover, the co-existence of MCR-9, CTX-M, and SHV-12 encoding genes in MCR-9-positive isolates was globally observed. Notably, mcr-9 was mainly carried by IncHI2 plasmids, and we found a novel ~187 kb IncFII plasmid harboring mcr-9, with low similarity with known plasmids. In summary, our study presented genomic insights into genetic characteristics of MCR-9-producing ECC isolates retrieved from human, animal, and environment samples with one health perspective. This study is the first to reveal NDM-1- and MCR-9-co-producing ECC from neonatal sepsis in China. Our data highlights the risk for the hidden spread of the mcr-9 colistin resistance gene.
Patient Views on Quality of Life and Hospital Care: Results From a Qualitative Study Among Vietnamese Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Tri Mai Trong , Khue Nguyen Thy , Khoa Vo Tuan , Goto Aya
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to fill the gap between Vietnamese diabetic patients' needs and care through a qualitative study asking about their experiences with diabetes and quality of care.

Methods

Interviews with five diabetic patients were conducted at a tertiary general hospital located in southern Vietnam. The transcribed data were first subjected to quantitative text analysis using KH Coder to identify major categories of frequently used words, followed by a qualitative analysis of selected cases using the Steps for Coding and Theorization (SCAT) method.

Results

The major categories of frequently used words were chronic health conditions, services, facilities, insurance, patient-doctor communication, and medication. SCAT analysis of three selected cases identified six themes: “Disregarding the disease at the early stage,” “Fear of complications,” “Satisfaction with hospital services and medical staff,” “Insurance-related problems,” “Long waiting times,” and “Communication barriers between patients and doctors.” Patients were satisfied with improved hospital facilities and services; however, the overloading of one hospital led to long waiting times and communication difficulties with doctors. Difficulties with health insurance were also observed, and patients were rather passive in disease management and needed to be empowered through improved communication with doctors and other care providers.

Conclusion

These findings from our trial of introducing a qualitative study into service evaluation suggest that listening to patients can help health providers learn their perspectives and be more responsive to their needs.
Cellular Mechanisms of Inflammaging and Periodontal Disease
Authors: Clark Daniel , Radaic Allan , Kapila Yvonne
Published: May 2022

Increased age is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases and conditions. The term inflammaging has been used to describe the age-related changes to the immune response that results in a chronic and elevated inflammatory state that contributes, in part, to the increased prevalence of disease in older adults. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the periodontium and increases in prevalence with age. To better understand the mechanisms that drive inflammaging, a broad body of research has focused on the pathological age-related changes to key cellular regulators of the immune response. This review will focus on our current understanding of how certain immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages, T cells) change with age and how such changes contribute to inflammaging and more specifically to periodontal disease.
Stress and Resilience of Japanese Teachers in Special Needs Schools for Students With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ogawa Shuhei , Kawamura Risato , Kojima Michio
Published: May 2022

In Japan, numerous special needs school teachers take sick leave because of mental illness. This study aims to develop a stressor scale for special needs school teachers working during COVID-19 pandemic and to clarify the actual conditions and relationships among stressors, stress responses, and resilience of such teachers in schools for people with intellectual disability. The questionnaire was completed by 227 special needs teachers. Six factors emerged from factor analysis: difficulty in dealing with guardians, disconnection between schools and national and local educational policies, relationship troubles among coworkers, busyness, lack of specialty, and trouble in dealing with COVID-19. The scale’s criterion-related validity and internal consistency were verified. The results revealed virtually no relationship between trouble in dealing with COVID-19 and stress responses. However, the higher the degree of relationship troubles among coworkers and busyness, the higher their stress responses. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the resilience subfactors were negatively related to stress responses.
Benefits of Newborn Screening for Vitamin D-Dependant Rickets Type 1A in a Founder Population
Authors: Fortin Carol-Ann , Girard Lysanne , Bonenfant Chloé , Leblanc Josianne , Cruz-Marino Tania , Blackburn Marie-Eve , Desmeules Mathieu , Bouchard Luigi
Published: May 2022

Background

Vitamin D-dependant rickets type 1A (VDDR1A) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the CYP27B1 gene. This gene is essential for vitamin D activation. Although VDDR1A is a rare condition worldwide, its prevalence is high in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (SLSJ) region due to a founder effect. Daily intake of calcitriol before the onset of clinical manifestations can prevent them in affected children.

Methods

A genetic screening test was developed and validated for the CYP27B1 gene c.262del pathogenic variant. Newborn screening was implemented in the SLSJ region for this variant, and the feasibility and acceptability were assessed. Sixteen medical records of children affected with VDDR1A were reviewed to document the consequences of the disease at diagnosis.

Results

A total of 2000 newborns were tested for VDDR1A. Most families (96.5%) accepted the genetic test. We found a carrier rate of 1/29 for the c.262delG variant in our cohort, which is suggestive of a founder effect. We identified one child affected with VDDR1A and treatment was initiated before the onset of clinical manifestations. On average, children with VDDR1A were diagnosed at 13.8 ± 5 months of age, they had a significant failure to thrive at diagnosis, among other harmful health consequences.

Conclusion

Our study showed that in our population, the newborn genetic screening program is safe and feasible, it has high acceptability, and it is efficient to identify affected children. VDDR1A health consequences can be prevented by early initiation of treatment. Therefore, screening programs should be available for populations where it is deemed as beneficial from a public health perspective.
The Current State of Community Engagement in Urban Soil Pollution Science
Authors: Fernández-Viña Nicole , Chen Yujuan , Schwarz Kirsten
Published: May 2022

Environmental burdens disproportionately impact the health of communities of color and low-income communities. Contemporary and legacy industry and land development may pollute soils with pesticides, petroleum products, and trace metals that can directly and indirectly impact the health of frontline communities. Past efforts to study environmental injustice have often excluded those most impacted, created distrust of researchers and other experts among frontline communities, and resulted in little to no structural change. Prevailing research methods value formal knowledge systems, while often dismissing the knowledge of those most harmed by environmental hazards. Community science has emerged as a process of doing science that centers the participation of community members, who may co-develop research questions, inform study methods, collect data, interpret findings, or implement projects. While community science is one of several research methods that can advance community goals, it can also be implemented in ways that are extractive or harm communities. Research on best practices for community science is robust; however, how community science has been used in urban soil research is not well understood. We identified sixteen relevant urban soil studies published between 2008 and 2021 that used community science methods or engaged with community members around soil pollution. We then assessed the selected studies using two community engagement models to better understand community engagement practices in urban soil pollution science. The Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership (SCEO) model, which organizes engagement from level 0 (ignore) to 5 (defer to) was used to assess all studies. Studies that explicitly aimed to co-develop research with the community were additionally assessed using the Urban Sustainability Directors Network High Impact Practices (USDN HIPs). The majority of the studies assessed were aligned with levels 1–3 of the SCEO. Studies assessed as levels 4–5 of the SCEO were associated with delegating power to communities, community engages decision-making, creating space for community voices, and remediation efforts. We propose that future urban remediation soil pollution work that engages at higher levels of the SCEO and employs USDN HIPs, will be more effective at addressing crucial environmental health challenges by supporting, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Function of the fliK Gene in Pseudomonas plecoglossicida Pathogenicity and Epinephelus coioides’ Immune Response
Authors: Liu Zixu , Yuan Biao , Zhao Lingmin , Huang Lixing , Qin Yingxue , Zhang Jiaonan , Zhang Jiaolin , Hu Bing , Yan Qingpi
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that causes visceral white spot disease in several marine and aquaculture fish species, resulting in high mortality and severe financial loss. Based on previous RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), fliK gene expression is significantly up-regulated in P. plecoglossicida during infection, indicating that fliK may contribute to its bacterial pathogenicity. To investigate the role of fliK, four specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were designed and synthesized according to the fliK gene sequence, with three of the four mutants exhibiting a significant decrease in fliK gene expression in P. plecoglossicida. The shRNA-406 mutant with the maximum silencing efficiency (97.5%) was chosen for further study. Compared with the wild-type (WT) P. plecoglossicida strain, silencing fliK in the fliK-RNA interference (RNAi) strain resulted in a significant decrease in growth, motility, chemotaxis, adhesion, and biofilm formation in P. plecoglossicida. Silencing of fliK also resulted in a 95% increase in the survival rate, a 2-day delay in the onset of death, and a significant decrease in the number of white spots on the spleen surface in infected orange-spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides). In addition, fliK gene expression and pathogen load were significantly lower in the spleens of E. coioides infected with the fliK-RNAi strain than in those infected with the WT strain of P. plecoglossicida. RNA-seq of the spleens further revealed that fliK silencing significantly regulated the immune response of E. coioides during the pathogenic process. Compared with the WT-infected group, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the fliK-RNAi-infected group were enriched in 344 and 345 KEGG pathways at 3 and 5 days post infection (dpi), respectively. Among these pathways, 21 immune system-related pathways were enriched, including the natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, platelet activation, and Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathways. The NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway was the most significantly enriched, which may enhance the host’s ability to remove pathogens and reduce inflammation. This study revealed the effects of the fliK gene in P. plecoglossicida pathogenicity and identified the main pathways involved in the immune response of E. coioides.
Rapidly Increasing Artificial Iodine Highlights Pathways of Iceland-Scotland Overflow Water and Labrador Sea Water
Authors: Castrillejo Maxi , Casacuberta Núria , Vockenhuber Christof , Lherminier Pascale
Published: May 2022

Iceland-Scotland Overflow Water (ISOW) and Labrador Seawater (LSW) are major water masses of the lower Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Therefore, the investigation of their transport pathways is important to understand the structure of the AMOC and how climate properties are exported from the North Atlantic to lower latitudes. There is growing evidence from Lagrangian model simulations and observations that ISOW and LSW detach from boundary currents and spread off-boundary, into the basin interior in the Atlantic Ocean. Nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities of Sellafield and La Hague have been releasing artificial iodine (129I) into the northeastern Atlantic since the 1960ies. As a result, 129I is supplied from north of the Greenland-Scotland passages into the subpolar region labelling waters of the southward flowing lower AMOC. To explore the potential of 129I as tracer of boundary and interior ISOW and LSW transport pathways, we analyzed the tracer concentrations in seawater collected during four oceanographic cruises in the subpolar and subtropical North Atlantic regions between 2017 and 2019. The new tracer observations showed that deep tracer maxima highlighted the spreading of ISOW along the flanks of Reykjanes Ridge, across fracture zones and into the eastern subpolar North Atlantic supporting recent Lagrangian studies. Further, we found that 129I is intruding the Atlantic Ocean at unprecedented rate and labelling much larger extensions and water masses than in the recent past. This has enabled the use of 129I for other purposes aside from tracing ISOW. For example, increasing tracer levels allowed us to differentiate between newly formed 129I-rich LSW and older vintages poorer in 129I content. Further, 129I concentration maxima at intermediate depths could be used to track the spreading of LSW beyond the subpolar region and far into subtropical seas near Bermuda. Considering that 129I releases from Sellafield and La Hague have increased or levelled off during the last decades, it is very likely that the tracer invasion will continue providing new tracing opportunities for 129I in the near future.
Evaluation of Companion Diagnostics in Scientific Advice and Drug Marketing Authorization Applications by the European Medicines Agency
Authors: Maliepaard Marc , Nibi Priscilla , Nibi Gabrièlla , Pasmooij Anna M. G.
Published: May 2022

With the implementation of the new EU regulation on in vitro diagnostics (IVDR) in May 2022, notified bodies will be required to assess Companion Diagnostics (CDx). The EMA and national medicines agencies will be consulted on the performance and safety of CDx. In this paper, we report on our systematic review on how the EMA has dealt with CDx in dossiers for marketing authorization procedures, in 2017–2019, and in scientific advice procedures in 2016–2020, prior to the implementation of the new IVDR. Out of 167 medicines approved or refused by the EMA, CDx played a role for 20 medicines during assessment. Both European public assessment reports (EPARs) and the internal day 80 and day 120 assessment reports (ARs) of the EMA centralized marketing authorization procedures for these 20 medicines were analyzed in detail to determine how CDx were assessed. Likewise, in 46 of 159 cases in which scientific advice was provided, CDx were mentioned in the question-and-answer section of the scientific advice, and these were analyzed in an analogous manner. Our analysis indicates that clinical performance and analytical performance of the CDx were the most-discussed topics, being discussed 11 and seven times in the 20 EPARs and 59 and 29 times in the ARs, respectively. For scientific advice, clinical and analytical performance was discussed 65 and 22 times in the 46 retrieved mentions of scientific advice. Other aspects in relation to CDx were discussed as well, although at a lower frequency, in assessment reports and scientific advice. Overall, our analysis demonstrates that, despite the absence of an obligation from a legal point of view, EMA has gained experience on the assessment of CDx, most notably regarding its analytical and clinical performance. This experience may be useful in situations in which the EMA and national agencies of EU member states will formally be consulted by notified bodies regarding the performance and safety of CDx. In addition, the issues raised in the EPARs, ARs and scientific advice reports provide insight for applicants on aspects of CDx that need careful consideration.
Many Questions Remain Unanswered About the Role of Microbial Transmission in Epizootic Shell Disease in American Lobsters (Homarus americanus)
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne L. , Turner Sarah M. , Tudor M. Scarlett , MacRae Jean D. , Hamlin Heather , Kilchenmann Joelle , Lee Grace , Bouchard Deborah
Published: May 2022

Despite decades of research on lobster species’ biology, ecology, and microbiology, there are still unresolved questions about the microbial communities which associate in or on lobsters under healthy or diseased states, microbial acquisition, as well as microbial transmission between lobsters and between lobsters and their environment. There is an untapped opportunity for metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics to be added to the existing wealth of knowledge to more precisely track disease transmission, etiology, and host-microbe dynamics. Moreover, we need to gain this knowledge of wild lobster microbiomes before climate change alters environmental and host-microbial communities more than it likely already has, throwing a socioeconomically critical industry into disarray. As with so many animal species, the effects of climate change often manifest as changes in movement, and in this perspective piece, we consider the movement of the American lobster (Homarus americanus), Atlantic Ocean currents, and the microorganisms associated with either.
Differences in the Establishment of Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Characteristics Between Balb/c and C57BL/6J Mice After Proton Irradiation
Authors: Li Yuchen , Sui Li , Zhao Hongling , Zhang Wen , Gao Lei , Hu Weixiang , Song Man , Liu Xiaochang , Kong Fuquan , Gong Yihao , Wang Qiaojuan , Guan Hua , Zhou Pingkun
Published: May 2022

Although proton irradiation is ubiquitous in outer space as well as in the treatment of human diseases, its effects remain largely unclear. This work aimed to investigate and compare the composition of gut microbiota composition of mice in different species exposed to high-dose radiation. Male Balb/c mice and C57BL/6J mice were irradiated at a high dose (5Gy). Fecal specimens before and after irradiation were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for the amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences. We observed substantial changes in gut microbial composition among mice irradiated at high doses compared to non-irradiated controls. The changes included both the alpha and beta diversities. Furthermore, there were 11 distinct alterations in the irradiation group compared to the non-radiation control, including the families Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Clostridiales, Muribaculum, and Alloprevotella. Such alterations in the gut microbiome were accompanied by alterations in metabolite abundances, while at the metabolic level, 32 metabolites were likely to be potential biomarkers. Some alterations may have a positive effect on the repair of intestinal damage. Simultaneously, metabolites were predicted to involve multiple signal pathways, such as Urea Cycle, Ammonia Recycling, Alpha Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid Metabolism, Ketone Body Metabolism, Aspartate Metabolism, Phenylacetate Metabolism, Malate-Aspartate Shuttle, Arginine and Proline Metabolism and Carnitine Synthesis. Metabolites produced by proton irradiation in the microbial region play a positive role in repairing damage, making this area worthy of further experimental exploration. The present work offers an analytical and theoretical foundation to investigate how proton radiation affects the treatment of human diseases and identifies potential biomarkers to address the adverse effects of radiation.

Importance

The space radiation environment is extremely complex, protons radiation is still the main component of space radiation and play an important role in space radiation. We proposed for the first time to compare the feces of Balb/c and C57BL/6J mice to study the changes of intestinal flora before and after proton irradiation. However, the effect of proton irradiation on the gut microbiome of both types of mice has not been previously demonstrated. After proton irradiation in two kinds of mice, we found that the characteristics of intestinal microbiome were related to the repair of intestinal injury, and some metabolites played a positive role in the repair of intestinal injury.
Handwriting Declines With Human Aging: A Machine Learning Study
Authors: Asci Francesco , Scardapane Simone , Zampogna Alessandro , D’Onofrio Valentina , Testa Lucia , Patera Martina , Falletti Marco , Marsili Luca , Suppa Antonio
Published: May 2022

Background

Handwriting is an acquired complex cognitive and motor skill resulting from the activation of a widespread brain network. Handwriting therefore may provide biologically relevant information on health status. Also, handwriting can be collected easily in an ecological scenario, through safe, cheap, and largely available tools. Hence, objective handwriting analysis through artificial intelligence would represent an innovative strategy for telemedicine purposes in healthy subjects and people affected by neurological disorders.

Materials and Methods

One-hundred and fifty-six healthy subjects (61 males; 49.6 ± 20.4 years) were enrolled and divided according to age into three subgroups: Younger adults (YA), middle-aged adults (MA), and older adults (OA). Participants performed an ecological handwriting task that was digitalized through smartphones. Data underwent the DBNet algorithm for measuring and comparing the average stroke sizes in the three groups. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was also used to classify handwriting samples. Lastly, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to report the performance of the algorithm.

Results

Stroke sizes were significantly smaller in OA than in MA and YA. The CNN classifier objectively discriminated YA vs. OA (sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 80%, PPV = 78%, NPV = 79%, accuracy = 77%, and AUC = 0.84), MA vs. OA (sensitivity = 84%, specificity = 56%, PPV = 78%, NPV = 73%, accuracy = 74%, and AUC = 0.7), and YA vs. MA (sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 82%, PPV = 79%, NPV = 83%, accuracy = 79%, and AUC = 0.83).

Discussion

Handwriting progressively declines with human aging. The effect of physiological aging on handwriting abilities can be detected remotely and objectively by using machine learning algorithms.
Pomegranate and Its Components, Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid, Promote Antidepressant, Antioxidant, and Free Radical-Scavenging Activity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Cervantes-Anaya Nancy , Azpilcueta-Morales Gabriel , Estrada-Camarena Erika , Ramírez Ortega Daniela , Pérez de la Cruz Veronica , González-Trujano Maria Eva , López-Rubalcava C.
Published: May 2022

Previous reports described the antidepressant-like action of the aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum: AEPG). Thus we evaluated the effect of AEPG and the main compounds found in the extract, punicalagin (PNCG) and ellagic acid (EA), on forced swimming test and the redox environment (reactive oxygen species [ROS] production, lipoperoxidation [LPX], and cellular function) in the brain of rats treated with 3 weeks post ovariectomy exposed ex vivo to pro-oxidants. Also, we selected PNCG and EA to study their antidepressant-like effects (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg) in the forced swimming test and their scavenging capacities in chemical combinatorial assays (expressed as IC50 values). We observed a 2-fold increase in the formation of ROS and LPX in the brain after exposure to FeSO4. However, these effects were significantly attenuated when rats were treated with AEPG, PNCG, and EA (1 mg/kg and 0.010 mg/kg for 14 days). AEPG and EA significantly increased the cellular function values of brains that had been affected by the effect of FeSO4 and with ONOO–. PNCG and EA significantly reduced immobility behavior at the lower doses used in this study. The capacity of scavenging compounds to eliminate radicals was for hydroxyl radical (⋅OH), superoxide anion (O2⋅⁣–), and peroxynitrite (ONOO–) as follows: AEPG > punicalagin > ellagic acid. In conclusion, the AEPG and their active compounds PNCG and EA promote antidepressant-like actions and antioxidant activity as they attenuate oxidative damage and prevent cellular dysfunction in ovariectomized rat brains.
A Molecular Landscape of Mouse Hippocampal Neuromodulation
Authors: Smith Stephen J , von Zastrow Mark
Published: May 2022

Adaptive neuronal circuit function requires a continual adjustment of synaptic network parameters known as “neuromodulation.” This process is now understood to be based primarily on the binding of myriad secreted “modulatory” ligands such as dopamine, serotonin and the neuropeptides to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that, in turn, regulate the function of the ion channels that establish synaptic weights and membrane excitability. Many of the basic molecular mechanisms of neuromodulation are now known, but the organization of neuromodulation at a network level is still an enigma. New single-cell RNA sequencing data and transcriptomic neurotaxonomies now offer bright new lights to shine on this critical “dark matter” of neuroscience. Here we leverage these advances to explore the cell-type-specific expression of genes encoding GPCRs, modulatory ligands, ion channels and intervening signal transduction molecules in mouse hippocampus area CA1, with the goal of revealing broad outlines of this well-studied brain structure’s neuromodulatory network architecture.
Neuromorphological and Neurofunctional Correlates of ADHD and ADD in the Auditory Cortex of Adults
Authors: Serrallach Bettina L. , Groß Christine , Christiner Markus , Wildermuth Simon , Schneider Peter
Published: May 2022

Attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (AD(H)D) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children with up to 60% probability of prevailing into adulthood. AD(H)D has far-fetching negative impacts on various areas of life. Until today, no observer-independent diagnostic biomarker is available for AD(H)D, however recent research found evidence that AD(H)D is reflected in auditory dysfunctions. Furthermore, the official diagnostic classification systems, being mainly the ICD-10 in Europe and the DSM-5 in the United States, are not entirely consistent. The neuro-auditory profiles of 82 adults (27 ADHD, 30 ADD, 25 controls) were measured via structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to determine gray matter volumes and activity of auditory subareas [Heschl’s gyrus (HG) and planum temporale (PT)]. All three groups (ADHD, ADD, and controls) revealed distinct neuro-auditory profiles. In the left hemisphere, both ADHD and ADD showed reduced gray matter volumes of the left HG, resulting in diminished left HG/PT ratios. In the right hemisphere, subjects with ADHD were characterized by lower right HG/PT ratios and ADD by a similar right HG/PT ratio compared to controls. Controls and ADD had well-balanced hemispheric response patterns, ADHD a left-right asynchrony. With this study, we present the structural and functional differences in the auditory cortex of adult patients with AD(H)D.
ATP6V0C Is Associated With Febrile Seizures and Epilepsy With Febrile Seizures Plus
Authors: Tian Yang , Zhai Qiong-Xiang , Li Xiao-Jing , Shi Zhen , Cheng Chuan-Fang , Fan Cui-Xia , Tang Bin , Zhang Ying , He Yun-Yan , Li Wen-Bin , Luo Sheng , Hou Chi , Chen Wen-Xiong , Liao Wei-Ping , Wang Jie
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To identify novel genetic causes of febrile seizures (FS) and epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (EFS+).

Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 32 families, in which at least two individuals were affected by FS or EFS+. The probands, their parents, and available family members were recruited to ascertain whether the genetic variants were co-segregation. Genes with repetitively identified variants with segregations were selected for further studies to define the gene-disease association.

Results

We identified two heterozygous ATP6V0C mutations (c.64G > A/p.Ala22Thr and c.361_373del/p.Thr121Profs*7) in two unrelated families with six individuals affected by FS or EFS+. The missense mutation was located in the proteolipid c-ring that cooperated with a-subunit forming the hemichannel for proton transferring. It also affected the hydrogen bonds with surround residues and the protein stability, implying a damaging effect. The frameshift mutation resulted in a loss of function by yielding a premature termination of 28 residues at the C-terminus of the protein. The frequencies of ATP6V0C mutations identified in this cohort were significantly higher than that in the control populations. All the six affected individuals suffered from their first FS at the age of 7–8 months. The two probands later manifested afebrile seizures including myoclonic seizures that responded well to lamotrigine. They all displayed favorable outcomes without intellectual or developmental abnormalities, although afebrile seizures or frequent seizures occurred.

Conclusion

This study suggests that ATP6V0C is potentially a candidate pathogenic gene of FS and EFS+. Screening for ATP6V0C mutations would help differentiating patients with Dravet syndrome caused by SCN1A mutations, which presented similar clinical manifestation but different responses to antiepileptic treatment.
Genetic Analysis and Functional Study of a Pedigree With Bruck Syndrome Caused by PLOD2 Variant
Authors: Wang Ruo-li , Ruan Dan-dan , Hu Ya-nan , Gan Yu-mian , Lin Xin-fu , Fang Zhu-ting , Liao Li-sheng , Tang Fa-qiang , He Wu-bing , Luo Jie-wei
Published: May 2022

Background

Bruck syndrome (BS) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited osteogenesis imperfecta disease characterized by increased bone fragility and joint contracture. The pathogenic gene of type I BS is FKBPl0, whereas that of type II BS is PLOD2. No significant difference has been found in the clinical phenotype between the two types of BS. In this study, we performed genetic analysis of a BS pedigree caused by PLOD2 variant and studied the corresponding cellular function.

Methods

Serum biochemistry, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D], osteocalcin, and 24-h urinary calcium levels of a family member with BS was assessed. The genes of the proband were analyzed by second-generation sequencing and exon capture techniques. Sanger sequencing was also performed for the suspected responsible variant of the family member. Wild- and variant-type lentivirus plasmids were constructed by gene cloning and transfected into HEK293T cells. Cell function was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence detection.

Results

In this pedigree, the proband was found to have a homozygous variant c.1856G > A (p.Arg619His) in exon 17 of PLOD2 (NM_182943.3). His consanguineous parents and sisters were p.Arg619His heterozygous carriers. The mRNA expression of PLOD2 in the constructed p.Arg619His variant cells was significantly upregulated, while the expression of PLOD2 and collagen I protein in the cell lysate was significantly downregulated. Immunofluorescence revealed that the wild-type PLOD2 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, and the expression of the PLOD2 protein after c.1856G > A variant was significantly downregulated, with almost no expression, aligning with the western blot results. The serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, PTH, 25-(OH) D, osteocalcin, and 24 h urinary calcium levels of the proband, his parents, and sisters were normal.

Conclusion

Through gene and cell function analyses, PLOD2 Arg619His missense variant was preliminarily confirmed to cause BS by reducing protein expression.
Effects of Phospholipase Dε Overexpression on Soybean Response to Nitrogen and Nodulation
Authors: Yao Shuaibing , Wang Geliang , Wang Xuemin
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen is a key macronutrient to plant growth. We found previously that increased expression of phospholipase Dε (PLDε), which hydrolyzes phospholipids into phosphatidic acid (PA), enhanced plant growth under nitrogen deficiency in Brassicaceae species Arabidopsis and canola. The present study investigated the effect of AtPLDε-overexpression (OE) on soybean (Glycine max), a species capable of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. AtPLDε-OE soybean plants displayed increased root length and leaf size, and the effect of AtPLDε-ΟΕ on leaf size was greater under nitrogen-deficient than -sufficient condition. Under nitrogen deficiency, AtPLDε-OE soybean plants had a higher chlorophyll content and activity of nitrogen assimilation-related enzymes than wild-type soybean plants. AtPLDε-OE led to a higher level of specific PA species in roots after rhizobium inoculation than wild type. AtPLDε-OE soybean plants also increased seed production under nitrogen deprivation with and without nodulation and decreased seed germination in response to high humidity storage and artificial aging. These results suggest that PLDε promotes nitrogen response and affects adversely seed viability during storage.
Current Research Trends and Prospects for Yield and Quality Improvement in Sesame, an Important Oilseed Crop
Authors: Yadav Rashmi , Kalia Sanjay , Rangan Parimalan , Pradheep K. , Rao Govind Pratap , Kaur Vikender , Pandey Renu , Rai Vandna , Vasimalla Celia Chalam , Langyan Sapna , Sharma Sanjula , Thangavel Boopathi , Rana Virendra Singh , Vishwakarma Harinder , Shah Anshuman , Saxena Abhishek , Kumar Ashok , Singh Kuldeep , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: May 2022

Climate change is shifting agricultural production, which could impact the economic and cultural contexts of the oilseed industry, including sesame. Environmental threats (biotic and abiotic stresses) affect sesame production and thus yield (especially oil content). However, few studies have investigated the genetic enhancement, quality improvement, or the underlying mechanisms of stress tolerance in sesame. This study reveals the challenges faced by farmers/researchers growing sesame crops and the potential genetic and genomic resources for addressing the threats, including: (1) developing sesame varieties that tolerate phyllody, root rot disease, and waterlogging; (2) investigating beneficial agro-morphological traits, such as determinate growth, prostrate habit, and delayed response to seed shattering; (3) using wild relatives of sesame for wide hybridization; and (4) advancing existing strategies to maintain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Future research programs need to add technologies and develop the best research strategies for economic and sustainable development.
Dual Mechanisms of Coniferyl Alcohol in Phenylpropanoid Pathway Regulation
Authors: Guan Mengling , Li Changxuan , Shan Xiaotong , Chen Fang , Wang Shufang , Dixon Richard A. , Zhao Qiao
Published: May 2022

Lignin is a complex phenolic polymer that imparts cell wall strength, facilitates water transport and functions as a physical barrier to pathogens in all vascular plants. Lignin biosynthesis is a carbon-consuming, non-reversible process, which requires tight regulation. Here, we report that a major monomer unit of the lignin polymer can function as a signal molecule to trigger proteolysis of the enzyme L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, the entry point into the lignin biosynthetic pathway, and feedback regulate the expression levels of lignin biosynthetic genes. These findings highlight the highly complex regulation of lignin biosynthesis and shed light on the biological importance of monolignols as signaling molecules.
Job Control and Employee Innovative Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Zhao Guolong , Luan Yuxiang , Ding He , Zhou Zixiang
Published: May 2022

The revolution of self-management and organizational democracy is gaining momentum with the development of new technologies. How to stimulate high employee innovation behavior is critical to an organization’s success. In this study, we built and verified a theoretical model to explore the effect of job control (JC) on employee innovative behavior (EIB), the mediating effect of creative self-efficacy (CSE), and the moderating effect of mindfulness (MF), based on the self-determination theory (SDT). For this quantitative study, a 31-item questionnaire was used to collect data from five Internet companies with 329 Chinese employees. AMOS 24.0 software was used to calculate CFA. SPSS26.0 software was used to calculate means, standard deviations, correlations, and regression analysis. The results indicate that a moderated mediation model among JC, CSE, EIB, and MF is supported. Further, JC was positively related to EIB via CSE. Moreover, MF moderated the relationship between JC and EIB and the mediating role of CSE.
E-Tools for Personalizing Learning During the Pandemic: Case Study of an Innovative Solution for Remote Teaching
Authors: Patrascoiu Loredana Adriana , Folostina Ruxandra , Patzelt Dan , Blaj Maria Paula , Poptean Bianca
Published: May 2022

“Every child counts” has lost its value even from the political discourse of some societies during the pandemic, proving that the level of culture of inclusion is the true standard of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) commitment. Online education and therapy required rethinking the way we educate children with special needs and, implicitly, prepare them for life. We consider that the personalized approach of the therapeutic intervention was the main difficulty. In this article, we propose a solution to this problem, an approach based on a platform initially developed by tactileimages.org for vision-impaired pupils which became a tool in the universal design of learning materials. This e-learning tool includes an Editor, a browser-based software developed to allow the creation or adaptation of drawings into vector images; the QR code through which areas of educational and therapeutic interest are allocated to pictures for task personalization; and the voice-over function of the companion application. The customized material is identified by image recognition algorithms, and the user's gesture is recognized by artificial intelligence algorithms, which receives (by voice-over) details about therapeutic tasks in remote teaching. The article illustrates the personalization of the therapeutic and educational path. The process starts with defining the child's functioning profile and matching function with the curriculum elements as they are found within the Erasmus + project “Cognitive Resources for Toddlers Teens and Experts” —stored in the virtual library. Information and comunication technology is currently an important vector in attaining the SDG vision. The proposed solution will be improved in order to further personalize the educational and therapeutic intervention in the post-pandemic period too.
A Dynamic Systems Study on Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency in English Writing Development by Chinese University Students
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Huiping , Zhang Cun
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the development of lexical complexity, sentence complexity, accuracy, and fluency in the English writing of 22 Chinese university students from the perspective of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST). Compositions were assigned 30 times over the course of one academic year through Pigaiwang, an online platform that automatically evaluates writing. A modified retrodictive modeling approach was adopted. Specifically, a longitudinal cluster analysis was used to examine emergent prototypes. A moving correlation analysis and retrodictive interviews were conducted to study the signature dynamics that produce each prototype. At each collection, the 22 student compositions were classified into two clusters. One cluster contained those students who performed better than average in accuracy, but worse in the other three variables. The other cluster comprised those students with the opposite performance. Students moved continuously between the two clusters; and their change trajectories can be categorized into three prototypes: a continuously stable type, an initially variable and then stable type, and a continuously variable type. Case studies of three students representing the three emergent prototypes indicated that the signature dynamics for the three prototypes were related to dynamic interactions among different variables and dynamic changes in affect-related elements in the form of writing interests, motivation, and strategies. The initial conditions and the feedback from Pigaiwang acted as key control parameters in shaping the prototypes. The continuously variable prototype developed their writing proficiency to the greatest extent and had the most variability. Based upon the findings, implications for teaching L2 writing are discussed.
Points of View and Readers’ Immersion in Translation: A Neurocognitive Interpretation of Poetic Translatability
Authors: Chen Qing , Shen Lin , Ochs Shelley , Xiao Kairong
Published: May 2022

There have been few attempts at applying cultural neuroscience and psychology to the discussion of poetic translatability. This study employs cultural neuroscience and psychology methodologies and forms of evidence to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms by which cross-cultural variations in perspectives during the translation process influence poetic reception in the target culture. The English translation of Chinese poetry is often tasked with the supplement of perspectives and accompanied by cross-cultural variations of immersion. These changes have been substantially discussed from literary and poetic perspectives but remain understudied in terms of their neurocognitive and psychological implications. Through textual analysis of first-person points of view, this study attempts to apply neuroscience to the interpretation of the impact of differences in cross-cultural perspectives in poetry translation. Our findings suggest that a general tendency toward the supplement of first-person perspectives could boost the immersive experience by activating mirror neurons and the temporal parietal junction. These neuroscientific mechanisms underlying the observable cultural phenomenon offer implications for the translation of Chinese poetry in a way that generates brain responses and neurotransmitters similar to the source text. This study demonstrates how research in neuroscience can illuminate findings in cross-cultural communication.
The Relationship of Social Media Addiction With Internet Use and Perceived Health: The Moderating Effects of Regular Exercise Intervention
Authors: Chen Bo-Ching , Chen Mei-Yen , Wu Yu-Feng , Wu Yu-Tai
Published: May 2022

The popularity of online social media in recent years has not only brought information and social convenience to people's lives, but has also given rise to many problems, among which social media addiction (SMA) has become a concern of many scholars and experts. Past research has shown that regular exercise (REx) can have many health benefits for the body, so numerous scholars and experts believe that this may be one possible strategy for reducing the health effects of online community addiction and Internet use (IU). Therefore, this study adopted a secondary data research approach to explore and predict the effect of age on social media use and personal health, and therefore included age as a control variable to investigate whether the intervention of REx, excluding the effect of age, moderates the effect of SMA on IU and on perceived health (PH). The participants of this study were adults aged 18 years or older in Taiwan, using the 2019 “Survey Research Data Archive,” Vol. 7, No. 5 data. A total of 1,933 questionnaires were retrieved, and after elimination of invalid responses, 1,163 data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, PLS-SEM. The results were as follows: (1) SMA positively affected IU, (2) SMA could negatively affect PH, (3) there was no statistical effect of IU on PH, (4) SMA did not indirectly affect PH through IU, (5) REx had a moderating effect on SMA and IU, and (6) REx did not regulate the effect of SMA on PH. First, from these results, it is clear that the negative health effects of SMA may not be simply due to prolonged IU. Secondly, while it is true that the moderating effect for people with low levels of SMA can reduce IU, for people with high levels of SMA, the moderating effect of REx becomes a catalyst for increased Internet usage behavior. Finally, we draw conclusions based on the results of the study and propose directions and recommendations for follow-up research.
Examining the Constructs of Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Secondary Traumatic Stress in Physicians Using Factor Analyses
Authors: Ahmed Fadwa , Baruch Jay , Armstrong Paul
Published: May 2022

Background

Adverse affective experiences have been well-documented in healthcare providers. Research describes them under a variety of terms, including burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion fatigue (CF). The present study evaluates conflicting models of STS, CF, and burnout constructs in physicians.

Methods

Surveys were mailed to all allopathic physicians with active Rhode Island medical licenses. Three hundred and seventy-five complete responses were received. The survey included common measures of STS, CF, and burnout. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate discriminant validity of the three constructs and test 5 a priori (1-, 2-, and 3-factor) theoretical models, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was planned assess underlying factor structure in the case that CFA did not provide evidence supporting any existing model.

Results

By CFA, all five a priori models of burnout, CF, and STS fail to demonstrate adequate model fit (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual >0.10, Tucker-Lewis Index <0.90). EFA with parallel analysis extracts four factors underlying the three burnout, STS, and CF measures. The four factors describe 54.3% of variance and can be described as (1) depressive mood; (2) primary traumatic stress-like symptoms; (3) responses to patients' trauma; and (4) sleep disturbances.

Conclusion

In spite of abundant discussion surrounding burnout, CF, and STS in physicians, measures of these constructs did not uphold their theoretical factor structures in the present study. Future research might explore other constructs and measures that may describe adverse affective physician experiences.