bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLOD2 high expression associates with immune infiltration and facilitates cancer progression in osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Zhen , Fan Gentao , Zhu Hao , Yu Lingfeng , She Diankun , Wei Yanting , Huang Jianhao , Li Tianhang , Zhan Shoubin , Zhou Shenkai , Zhu Yan , Wang Yicun , Chen Xi , Zhao Jianning , Zhou Guangxin
Published: October 2022

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) is a key gene in mediating the formation of the stabilized collagen cross-link, playing an important role in the progression of cancer. However, the interaction between OS and PLOD2 has not been clarified so far.

Methods

The target gene PLOD2 was screened through our own RNA-seq results and other two RNA-seq results from GEO database. The expression of PLOD2 in OS was detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Functional experiments were performed to investigate the role of PLOD2 in OS cell invasion, migration and angiogenesis in vitro. An OS lung metastasis model was established to investigate the function of PLOD2 in OS metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. The role of PLOD2 in immune infiltration in OS was explored by KEGG/GO analysis and immune infiltration analysis with TARGET, TCGA and TIMER.

Results

PLOD2 was high-expressed in OS, which was related to poor prognosis of OS patients. PLOD2 promoted OS cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro and aggravated OS metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis showed that PLOD2 played an important role in immune cell infiltration in OS, including CD8 positive T cells, macrophages M0 cells, DC cells, endothelial cells, iDC cells, ly endothelial cells, MEP cells, mv endothelial cells, native B cells, smooth muscle cells and Th1 cells. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of CD4 and CD8A was negatively correlated with the expression of PLOD2 in OS.

Conclusion

PLOD2 was high-expressed in OS and promoted OS migration, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro and facilitated OS metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. PLOD2 was associated with immune cell infiltration in OS, which could be a promising target to treat OS patients with metastasis and utilized to guide clinical immunotherapy in the future.
Metabolomic profiles and microbiota of GDM offspring: The key for future perspective?
Authors: Dessì Angelica , Tognazzi Chiara , Bosco Alice , Pintus Roberta , Fanos Vassilios
Published: October 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or any degree of glucose intolerance recognized for the first time during pregnancy, is one of the diseases that most frequently aggravates the course of gestation. Missed or late diagnosis and inadequate treatment are associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity, with possible short- and long-term repercussions. Estimates on the prevalence of GDM are alarming and increasing by about 30% in the last 10–20 years. In addition, there is the negative influence of the SARS-CoV-2 emergency on the glycemic control of pregnant women, making the matter increasingly topical. To date, knowledge on the metabolic maturation of newborns is still incomplete. However, in light of the considerable progress of the theory of “developmental origins of health and disease,” the relevant role of the intrauterine environment cannot be overlooked. In fact, due to the high plasticity of the early stages of development, some detrimental metabolic alterations during fetal growth, including maternal hyperglycemia, are associated with a higher incidence of chronic diseases in adult life. In this context, metabolomic analysis which allows to obtain a detailed phenotypic portrait through the dynamic detection of all metabolites in cells, tissues and different biological fluids could be very useful for the early diagnosis and prevention of complications. Indeed, if the diagnostic timing is optimized through the identification of specific metabolites, the detailed understanding of the altered metabolic pathway could also allow better management and more careful monitoring, also from a nutritional profile, of the more fragile children. In this context, a further contribution derives from the analysis of the intestinal microbiota, the main responsible for the fecal metabolome, given its alteration in pregnancies complicated by GDM and the possibility of transmission to offspring. The purpose of this review is to analyze the available data regarding the alterations in the metabolomic profile and microbiota of the offspring of mothers with GDM in order to highlight future prospects for reducing GDM-related complications in children of mothers affected by this disorder.
The electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and biochemical evaluation of treatment with edaravone on acute cardiac toxicity of aluminum phosphide
Authors: Rahimi Kakavandi Nader , Asadi Tayebeh , Hooshangi Shayesteh Mohammad Reza , Baeeri Maryam , Rahimifard Mahban , Baghaei Amir , Noruzi Marzieh , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: October 2022

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning can be highly fatal due to its severe toxicity to the heart. Based on the evidence, edaravone (EDA) has protective effects on various pathological conditions of the heart. This research aimed to examine the potential protective effects of EDA on AlP-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided into six groups, including almond oil (control), normal saline, AlP (LD50), and AlP + EDA (20, 30, and 45 mg/kg). Thirty minutes following AlP poisoning, the electrocardiographic (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) parameters were examined for 180 min. The EDA was injected 60 min following the AlP poisoning intraperitoneally. Also, 24 h after poisoning, echocardiography was carried out to evaluate the ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO). The biochemical and molecular parameters, such as the activities of the mitochondrial complexes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and necrosis, and troponin I and lactate levels, were also examined after 12 and 24 h in the heart tissue. According to the results, AlP-induced ECG abnormalities, decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, SV, EF%, and CO were significantly improved with EDA at doses of 30 and 45 mg/kg. Likewise, EDA significantly improved complex I and IV activity, apoptosis and necrosis, ROS, troponin I, and lactate levels following AlP-poisoning (p < 0.05). Also, the mean survival time was increased following EDA treatment, which can be attributed to the EDA’s protective effects against diverse underlying mechanisms of phosphine-induced cardiac toxicity. These findings suggest that EDA, by ameliorating heart function and modulating mitochondrial activity, might relieve AlP-induced cardiotoxicity. Nonetheless, additional investigations are required to examine any potential clinical advantages of EDA in this toxicity.
Anti-cancer effect and potential microRNAs targets of ginsenosides against breast cancer
Authors: Fan Meiling , Shan Mengyao , Lan Xintian , Fang Xiaoxue , Song Dimeng , Luo Haoming , Wu Donglu
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumor, the incidence of which has increased worldwide in recent years. Ginsenosides are the main active components of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that ginsenosides have significant anti-cancer activity, including BC. It is reported that ginsenosides can induce BC cells apoptosis, inhibit BC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as autophagy and angiogenesis, thereby suppress the procession of BC. In this review, the therapeutic effects and the molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides on BC will be summarized. And the combination strategy of ginsenosides with other drugs on BC will also be discussed. In addition, epigenetic changes, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) targeted by ginsenosides in the treatment of BC are clarified.
Safety and efficacy of remimazolam besylate in patients undergoing colonoscopy: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized, controlled, phase Ⅲ trial
Authors: Wang Ximei , Hu Xiaolei , Bai Nianyue , Li Lie , Zhang Min , Cheng Zhigang , Guo Qulian
Published: October 2022

Study objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of remimazolam besylate versus propofol injection in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Design: A multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority, single-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Operating room.

Patients: Patients aged 18–65 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification I-III) undergoing a diagnostic or therapeutic colonoscopy.

Interventions: Patients were administered intravenous injection of remimazolam besylate or propofol (active comparator) for sedation.

Measurements: Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation [MOAA/S] scores of the included patients were assessed before dosing, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 min after the start of dosing, and then every 1 min until the MOAA/S score reached 5 on three consecutive occasions.

Main Results: A total of 360 patients received remimazolam and 120 patients received propofol. The incidence of adverse events (67.8% vs. 84.2%, p = 0.001) was significantly lower in patients administered remimazolam compared to propofol. There was no significant difference in sedation success rates (full analysis set [FAS]: 98.9% vs. 99.2%; remimazolam vs. propofol). Remimazolam had a significantly longer onset of action, but the difference was not considered clinically significant (1.45 min vs. 1.24 min, remimazolam vs. propofol). Propofol achieved a deeper level of sedation (mean MOAA/S score 0.5 vs. 0.2; remimazolam vs. propofol). Mean time to discharge after the end of the last administration of study drug (20.3 vs. 21.8 min, p = 0.020) and incidence of injection pain was significantly lower in patients administered remimazolam (2.3% vs. 35.3%, p < 0.0001). Incidence of oxygen desaturation was significantly higher in patients administered propofol compared to patients administered remimazolam (6.7% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.001). Similarly, incidence of hypotension was more frequent in patients administered propofol compared to patients administered remimazolam (29.2% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Remimazolam besylate had a better safety and tolerability profile and similar sedative efficacy to propofol in patients undergoing a diagnostic or therapeutic colonoscopy in China, suggesting that remimazolam besylate has potential as a sedative agent for colonoscopy.
Variant predictions in congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by mutations in CYP21A2
Authors: Prado Mayara J. , Ligabue-Braun Rodrigo , Zaha Arnaldo , Rossetti Maria Lucia Rosa , Pandey Amit V.
Published: October 2022

CYP21A2 deficiency represents 95% of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases, a group of genetic disorders that affect steroid biosynthesis. The genetic and functional analysis provide critical tools to elucidate complex CAH cases. One of the most accessible tools to infer the pathogenicity of new variants is in silico prediction. Here, we analyzed the performance of in silico prediction tools to categorize missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of CYP21A2. SNVs of CYP21A2 characterized in vitro by functional assays were selected to assess the performance of online single and meta predictors. SNVs were tested separately or in combination with the related phenotype (severe or mild CAH form). In total, 103 SNVs of CYP21A2 (90 pathogenic and 13 neutral) were used to test the performance of 13 single-predictors and four meta-predictors. All SNVs associated with the severe phenotypes were well categorized by all tools, with an accuracy of between 0.69 (PredictSNP2) and 0.97 (CADD), and Matthews’ correlation coefficient (MCC) between 0.49 (PoredicSNP2) and 0.90 (CADD). However, SNVs related to the mild phenotype had more variation, with the accuracy between 0.47 (S3Ds&GO and MAPP) and 0.88 (CADD), and MCC between 0.18 (MAPP) and 0.71 (CADD). From our analysis, we identified four predictors of CYP21A2 variant pathogenicity with good performance, CADD, ConSurf, DANN, and PolyPhen2. These results can be used for future analysis to infer the impact of uncharacterized SNVs in CYP21A2.
Vital real-world experience regarding Naoshuantong capsules for unselected ischemic stroke (VENUS): Rationale, design, and baseline of a prospective, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Dong Xinglu , Feng Luda , Li Tingting , Song Yuebo , Li Lei , Wu Shengxian , Zhang Chi , Gao Ying ,   ; For the VENUS Investigators
Published: October 2022

Background: Naoshuantong capsules (NC) are commonly used for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Experimental research and small-sample clinical trials have demonstrated that NC is effective in improving neurological recovery. Yet, there is a substantial lack of high-quality evidence on the precision treatment population of NC and long-term safety when making real-world clinical decisions. The acquisition of prospective longitudinal data in the real-world setting is essential to fully characterize the effectiveness and safety profile of NC for patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods: The Vital real-world Experience regarding Naoshuantong capsules for Unselected ischemic Stroke (VENUS) registry is a prospective, multicenter, observational study aiming to register 5,000 patients. Eligible adult patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and newly treated with NC within 30 days of symptom onset will be consecutively registered from 84 participating sites across the Chinese mainland. Baseline data will be recorded at the patient registry, and all patients will be regularly followed up at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the initial patient registry, and 180 days after ischemic stroke onset. The primary outcome is the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin Scale at 12 weeks after initial patient registry. Adverse events will be recorded during the study for NC safety assessment.

Results: A total of 4,185 patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled, among which 37.06% patients were female. The average age of all patients was 65.22 years. The proportion of patients whose course of ischemic stroke was less than 14 days accounted for 93.45%.

Conclusion: The VENUS registry is designed to comprehensively document medical data regarding NC treatment for ischemic stroke in real-world settings. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the clinical management of patients with ischemic stroke and the subsequent outcomes of the use of NC when included in the best clinical practice.

Study registration: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900025053).
Nebulized corticosteroids versus systemic corticosteroids for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the benefits and harms reported by observational studies and randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Han-Shuo , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Li-Mei , Liu Xiao-Dong
Published: October 2022

Objective: Systematic comparison of the efficacy and safety of nebulized corticosteroids and systemic corticosteroids for treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reported by high-quality, real-world observational studies and randomized controlled trials.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from the database creation date to 1 April 2022. Eligible observational studies and randomized controlled trials with changes in lung function and blood gas analysis results as the primary endpoints of interest, and the numbers of deteriorations and adverse events as the secondary endpoints were sought.

Results: Of the 2,837 identified studies, 22 were eligible and included in our analysis (N = 5,764 patients). Compared with systemic corticosteroids, nebulized corticosteroids resulted in comparable improvements in predicted FEV1%, FEV1, PaO2, PaCO2, and SaO2 at the treatment endpoint; however, observational studies reported more significant treatment outcomes with nebulized corticosteroids for FEV1 [mean difference, 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.35; p < 0.005]. In terms of adverse reactions, the risks of gastrointestinal symptoms were 11% [Log risk ratio (LogRR) = 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–0.15; p < 0.005] higher for systemic corticosteroids than for nebulized corticosteroids in randomized controlled trials, while the risks of hyperglycemia were 6% (LogRR = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.11; p = 0.01) and 13% (LogRR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.09–0.16; p < 0.005) higher in observational studies and randomized controlled trials, respectively.

Conclusion: According to our meta-analysis, either study type supported that nebulized corticosteroids can be used as an alternative to systemic corticosteroids for treating acute exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, more well-designed prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of nebulized corticosteroids and the advantages of sequential therapy.
Novel active compounds and the anti-diabetic mechanism of mulberry leaves
Authors: Lv Qiuyue , Lin Jinrong , Wu Xinyan , Pu Huanhuan , Guan Yuwen , Xiao Peigen , He Chunnian , Jiang Baoping
Published: October 2022

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves have long been considered beneficial in traditional Chinese medicine to treat infectious and internal diseases. Recently studies have discovered that the mulberry leaf’s total flavonoids (MLF) display excellent hypoglycemia properties. However, the active ingredients and their molecular mechanisms are still uncharacterized. In this study, we explored the hypoglycemic effects of MLF and mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLP) on ob/ob mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloid (RMA). Network pharmacology was employed to identify the potential available targets and active compounds of MLF and RMA against hyperglycemia. Molecular docking, an insulin-resistant cell model and qPCR were employed to verify the antidiabetic activity of the critical compounds and the gene expression profiles of the top molecular targets. Here, the results showed that MLF and MLP improved glucose uptake in insulin-resistant hepatocytes. MLF, MLP and RMA alleviated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice. Unlike MLF and MLP, RMA administration did not influence the accumulation of intrahepatic lipids. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that morusin, kuwanon C and morusyunnansin L are the main active compounds of MLF and that they amend insulin resistance and glycemia via the PI3K- Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Moreover, 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), fagomine (FA), and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin are the primary active ingredients of RMA and target carbohydrate metabolism and regulate alpha-glucosidase activity to produce a potent anti-diabetic effect. The molecular docking results indicated that morusin, kuwanon C and morusyunnansin L are the critical bioactive compounds of MLF. They had high affinities with the key targets adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which play crucial roles in the MLF-mediated glucose-lowering effect. Additionally, morusin plays a role in amending insulin resistance of hepatocytes by repressing the expression of the ADORA1 and PPARG genes. Our results shed light on the mechanism behind the glucose-lowering effects of MLF, suggesting that morusin, kuwanon C, and morusyunnansin L might be promising drug leads for the management of T2DM.
Flexible control of pulse intensity and repetition rate for multiphoton photostimulation
Authors: Maddalena Laura , Ouwehand Mariska , Safdar Huma , Carroll Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2022

In deep tissue imaging, pulsed near-infrared lasers commonly provide high peak powers needed for nonlinear absorption, but average power and linear absorption can be limiting factors for tissue damage through heat. We implemented intra-cavity dumping within a mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser used for two-photon computer generated holography stimulation. This system enables photostimulation in which pulse energy, average power, and repetition rate can each be varied and harnessed as degrees of freedom. We demonstrate how this system provides a new dimension of temporal control in photostimulation experiments to alter the ratio of nonlinear to linear light-tissue interactions, namely by tuning the laser repetition rate between single-shot and ≈ 3 MHz. Repetition rates below 1 MHz, yielding pulse energies over 60 nJ, facilitated holographic projections with more regions of interest than the highest repetition rate of 3 MHz. Even lower repetition rates ( ≈ 10 kHz) diminished thermal load on the sample, as characterized by quantification of heat shock protein expression in zebrafish tissue.
Threshold effects in the 10B(p,α)7Be, 12C(p,γ)13N and 14N(p,γ)15O reactions
Authors: Wiescher M. , R.J. deBoer  , Görres J.
Published: October 2022

The typical energy range for charge particle interactions in stellar plasmas corresponds to a few 10s or 100s of keV. At these low energies, the cross sections are so vanishingly small that they cannot be measured directly with accelerator based experimental techniques. Thus, indirect studies of the compound structure near the threshold are used in the framework of reaction models to complement the direct data in order to extrapolate the cross section into the low energy regime. However, at the extremely small cross sections of interest, there maybe other quantum effects that modify the such extracted cross section. These may result from additional nuclear interactions associated with the threshold itself or could be due to other processes, such as electron screening. Measurements in plasma environments like at the OMEGA or National Ignition Facility facilities offer an entirely new set of experimental conditions for studying these types of reactions, often directly at the energies of interest. In this paper, we examine three reaction, 10B(p,α)7Be, 12C(p,γ)13N and 14N(p,γ)15O, which have all been measured at very low energies using accelerator based methods. All three reactions produce relatively long-lived radioactive nuclei, which can be collected and analyzed at plasma facilities using a variety of collection and identification techniques.
A spatial network analysis of vegetable prices based on a partial granger causality approach
Authors: Shen Chen , Chi Liang , Wang Ximeng , Han Shuqing , Zhang Jing , Zhu Mengshuai
Published: October 2022

The spatial difference in agricultural product prices is a crucial factor affecting the benefits of related stakeholders. This study aims to analyze the mechanisms of spatial price transmission. In this paper, taking garlic as an example, we present a vector autoregression model analyzing relations of the price transmission between producing and selling cities. The partial Granger causality test is used to determine the direction and path of price transmission between the main producing areas and the main consuming areas. We find that the prices in different areas have a complex transmission network and fluctuate in correlation with each other. The results reveal the characteristics of agricultural product price transmission in China and provide reasons and evidence for market regulation.
Chinese physical fitness standard for campus football players: A pilot study of 765 children aged 9 to 11
Authors: Jia Hong , Wan Bin , Bu Te , Luo Yang , Ma Weiping , Huang Sen , Gang Liang , Deng Wei , Liu Zeyong
Published: October 2022

Objectives: In 2022, 55 million Chinese children participate in campus football; however, there is no physical fitness standard, making it a priority task to enhance the current national program. This study aimed to explore a pilot method for the development of a reliable physical fitness standard.

Methods: This study examined 765 male football players aged 9 to 11 in 2020 and 2022. The anthropometric and physical fitness assessments were conducted in accordance with the Chinese Football Association’s field manuel. Physical fitness tests include sit and reach test, t test, 30 m run test, and vertical jump test. Physical fitness standard was modeled using the generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS). Data were fitted with appropriate GAMLSS distributions and smoothing term. P-splines were applied to smooth the model’s parameters using the default local maximum likelihood method and link functions. Following diagnostics of fitted models, age-specific centile estimations were computed for physical fitness tests. In addition, players in each age group were categorized according to their body mass index as normal weight or overweight/obese. Welch’s t-test was utilized to compare the group differences in physical fitness testing. The significance level was chosen at p < 0.05.

Results: Sit and reach test, t test, 30 m run test, and vertical jump test data were fitted with original Sinh-Arcsinh, Box-Cox power exponential, Box-Cox power exponential, and Box-Cox Cole and Green, respectively. Physical fitness standard for each age group is presented as tabulated centiles (1p, 3p, 5p, 15p, 25p, 50p, 75p, 85p, 95p, 97p, 99p). Overweight/obese campus football players did significantly worse (p < 0.05) on the t test, 30 m run test, and vertical jump test than their normal-weight peers of the same age.

Conclusion: This study developed the first physical fitness standard for 9 to 11-year-old campus football players in China. We made three recommendations to Chinese policymakers on sample size, data management, and field procedure for the creation of a national physical fitness standard.
Store-operated calcium channels in skin
Authors: Manning Declan , Dart Caroline , Evans Richard L
Published: October 2022

The skin is a complex organ that acts as a protective layer against the external environment. It protects the internal tissues from harmful agents, dehydration, ultraviolet radiation and physical injury as well as conferring thermoregulatory control, sensation, immunological surveillance and various biochemical functions. The diverse cell types that make up the skin include 1) keratinocytes, which form the bulk of the protective outer layer; 2) melanocytes, which protect the body from ultraviolet radiation by secreting the pigment melanin; and 3) cells that form the secretory appendages: eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, and the sebaceous gland. Emerging evidence suggests that store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), whereby depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores triggers Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane, is central to the normal physiology of these cells and thus skin function. Numerous skin pathologies including dermatitis, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, hyperhidrosis, hair loss and cancer are now linked to dysfunction in SOCE proteins. Principal amongst these are the stromal interaction molecules (STIMs) that sense Ca2+ depletion and Orai channels that mediate Ca2+ influx. In this review, the roles of STIM, Orai and other store-operated channels are discussed in the context of keratinocyte differentiation, melanogenesis, and eccrine sweat secretion. We explore not only STIM1-Orai1 as drivers of SOCE, but also independent actions of STIM, and emerging signal cascades stemming from their activities. Roles are discussed for the elusive transient receptor potential canonical channel (TRPC) complex in keratinocytes, Orai channels in Ca2+-cyclic AMP signal crosstalk in melanocytes, and Orai isoforms in eccrine sweat gland secretion.
The development and clinical application of a novel schizophrenia screening system using yoga-induced autonomic nervous system responses
Authors: Inoue Tomoko , Shinba Toshikazu , Itokawa Masanari , Sun Guanghao , Nishikawa Maho , Miyashita Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Kariya Nobutoshi , Arai Makoto , Matsui Takemi
Published: October 2022

Background: In severe cases, schizophrenia can result in suicide and social isolation. Diagnosis delay can lead to worsening symptoms, and often results in prolonged therapy. An estimated 50%–80% of patients with schizophrenia are unaware of their condition. Biomarkers for schizophrenia are important for receiving a diagnosis from a psychiatrist at an early stage. Although previous studies have investigated near-infrared spectroscopy as a biomarker for schizophrenia, the required equipment is expensive and not designed for home use. Hence, we developed a novel home-use schizophrenia screening system that uses a wearable device to measure autonomic nervous system responses induced by yoga, which is frequently adopted in rehabilitation for schizophrenia.

Materials and methods: The schizophrenia screening system automatically distinguishes patients with schizophrenia from healthy subjects via yoga-induced transient autonomic responses measured with a wearable wireless electrocardiograph (ECG) using linear discriminant analysis (LDA; Z score ≥ 0 → suspected schizophrenia, Z-score < 0 → healthy). The explanatory variables of LDA are averages of four indicators: components of heart rate variability (HRV): the very low-frequency (VLF), the low-frequency (LF), HR, and standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN). In the current study, HRV is defined as frequency domain HRV, which is determined by integrating RRI power spectrum densities from 0.0033 to 0.04 Hz (VLF) and 0.04–0.15 Hz (LF), and as time domain HRV, SDNN of which is calculated as the mean of the standard deviations of the RR intervals. These variables were measured before (5 min), during (15 min), and after (5 min) yoga in a 15-min mindfulness-based yoga program for schizophrenia (MYS). The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ28) score was used to assess the severity of mental disorders for patients with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers. Twelve patients with schizophrenia (eight female and four male, 23–60 years old) and 16 healthy volunteers (seven female and nine male, 22–54 years old) were recruited.

Results: The schizophrenia screening system achieved sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 81%. Z-scores of LDA were significantly correlated with GHQ28 scores (r = 0.45, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Our proposed system appears to be promising for future automated preliminary schizophrenia screening at home.
Assessment of root-specific promoters in banana and tobacco and identification of a banana TIP2 promoter with strong root activity
Authors: James Anthony , Paul Jean-Yves , Souvan Jacqueline , Cooper Tal , Dale James , Harding Rob , Deo Pradeep
Published: October 2022

Genetic modification is one possible strategy to generate bananas (Musa spp.) with resistance to the soil-borne pathogen causing Fusarium wilt. The availability of banana root-specific promoters to target transgene expression to the sites of infection would be beneficial. We have assessed 18 promoter sequences derived from a range of plant species for their expression profiles in banana tissues to identify those with root-specific activity. Promoter sequences were isolated and fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene to assess their expression levels and tissue specificity in both banana and the model plant tobacco. Two heterologous promoters conferring high root expression levels in banana were identified, including a β‐glucosidase 1 (GLU1) promoter from maize and the RB7-type tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIP)-2 promoter from strawberry. Further, a novel Musa TIP2-2 promoter sequence was isolated and characterized which, when fused to the GUS gene, conferred very high GUS expression levels in banana roots. These promoters will expand the options for the control of gene expression in genetically modified bananas, providing a tool to develop plants with resistance not only to soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium wilt, but also for the improvement of other traits, such as nematode resistance, nutrition or abiotic stress resistance.
A plastid-targeted heat shock cognate 70-kDa protein confers osmotic stress tolerance by enhancing ROS scavenging capability
Authors: Ding Feng , Li Fan , Zhang Binglei
Published: October 2022

Osmotic stress severely affects plant growth and development, resulting in massive loss of crop quality and quantity worldwide. The 70-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70s) are highly conserved molecular chaperones that play essential roles in cellular processes including abiotic stress responses. However, whether and how plastid-targeted heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein (cpHSC70-1) participates in plant osmotic stress response remain elusive. Here, we report that the expression of cpHSC70-1 is significantly induced upon osmotic stress treatment. Phenotypic analyses reveal that the plants with cpHSC70-1 deficiency are sensitive to osmotic stress and the plants overexpressing cpHSC70-1 exhibit enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress. Consistently, the expression of the stress-responsive genes is lower in cphsc70-1 mutant but higher in 35S:: cpHSC70-1 lines than that in wild-type plants when challenged with osmotic stress. Further, the cphsc70-1 plants have less APX and SOD activity, and thus more ROS accumulation than the wild type when treated with mannitol, but the opposite is observed in the overexpression lines. Overall, our data reveal that cpHSC70-1 is induced and functions positively in plant response to osmotic stress by promoting the expression of the stress-responsive genes and reducing ROS accumulation.
Genome-wide identification and expression of TIFY family in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Zheng Linling , Wan Qi , Wang Honggang , Guo Changlin , Niu Xiaolei , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Rui , Chen Yinhua , Luo Kai
Published: October 2022

Plant-specific TIFY [TIF(F/Y)XG] proteins serve important roles in the regulation of plant stress responses. This family encodes four subfamilies of proteins, JAZ (JASMONATE ZIM-domain), PPD (PEAPOD), ZML (Zinc-finger Inflorescence-like), and TIFY. In this work, a total of 16 JAZ, 3 PPD, 7 ZML, and 2 TIFY genes were found in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) at the genome-wide level. The phylogenetics, exon-intron structure, motif organization, and conserved domains of these genes were analyzed to characterize the members of the JAZ, PPD, and ZML subfamilies. Chromosome location and synteny analyses revealed that 26 JAZ, PPD, and ZML genes were irregularly distributed across 14 of the 18 chromosomes, and 18 gene pairs were implicated in large-scale interchromosomal segmental duplication events. In addition, JAZ, PPD, and ZML gene synteny comparisons between cassava and three other plant species (Arabidopsis, Populus trichocarpa, and rice) uncovered vital information about their likely evolution. The prediction of protein interaction network and cis-acting elements reveal the function of JAZ, PPD, and ZML genes. Subsequently, expression patterns of JAZ, PPD, and ZML genes were validated by qRT-PCR as being expressed in response to osmotic, salt, and cadmium stress. Moreover, almost all JAZ subfamily genes were responsive to jasmonic acid (JA) treatment. In particular, MeJAZ1, MeJAZ13, and MeJAZ14, were highly up-regulated by three treatments, and these genes may deserve further study. This comprehensive study lays the groundwork for future research into TIFY family genes in cassava and may be valuable for genetic improvement of cassava and other related species.
Genome-wide identification of the auxin response factor (ARF) gene family in Magnolia sieboldii and functional analysis of MsARF5
Authors: Mei Mei , Ai Wanfeng , Liu Lin , Xu Xin , Lu Xiujun
Published: October 2022

Auxin plays an essential role in flowering, embryonic development, seed dormancy, and germination. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are plant-specific key transcriptional factors in mediating the gene expression network of auxin signaling. Although ARFs in model plants such as Arabidopsis had been well characterized, their identities and potential roles in non-model plants are less studied. Here, we performed genome-wide identification of ARFs in Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch, a primitive species with high taxonomic importance and medicinal values. We found 25 ARF genes in M. sieboldii, which were widely distributed across multiple chromosomes. Based on sequence similarity, the encoded proteins could be either transcriptional repressors or activators. Gene expression analysis showed a dynamic pattern for many ARFs including MsARF5 during seed germination. In addition, overexpressing of MsARF5 showed that it restores many developmental defects in the Arabidopsis mutant. Moreover, two phenotypically distinct transgenic Arabidopsis lines were obtained, indicating a link between gene expression levels and developmental phenotypes. Taken together, we provided a systematic investigation of the ARF gene family in M. sieboldii and revealed an important role of MsARF5 in mediating auxin signaling.
Sustainable management of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, with two microbial fermentation products
Authors: Pulavarty Anusha , Singh Ankit , Smyth David , Mehta Jai Prakash , Horgan Karina , Kakouli-Duarte Thomais
Published: October 2022

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) cause an overall 9% yield loss of total potato production worldwide. Research on sustainable management of PCN is still under progress. Two microbial fermentation products (MFPs) from Alltech, a proprietary blend formulated with a bacterial fermentation media and a Cu component (MFP5075), and a microbial based product (MFP3048), were evaluated against the PCN Globodera rostochiensis. In laboratory tests, effectiveness of the MFPs was recorded in terms of PCN juveniles (J2) hatching from cysts, J2 mortality and their attraction toward potato roots using pluronic gel. Greenhouse trials were conducted to study the effect of the products on PCN infestation in potato plants and a pilot scale experiment was conducted to study the impact of these MFPs on nematode biodiversity in garden soil. All treatments were performed within a concentration range of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% (v/v) MFP5075 and 2, 6, 10, and 20 g/10 ml (w/v) MFP3048. The attraction assay, juvenile hatching and the PCN infestation in plants results were compared with those in an untreated control and a commercial nematicide (Nemguard™) treatment. After 24 h of treatment with 0.5 and 1% MFP5075, a 13-fold and 43-fold reduction, respectively, relative to J2 survival was recorded compared to that of untreated control. However, no J2 survived at 2% and above concentration of the MFP5075 treatment. Treatment with MFP3048 was effective in causing mortality of J2 only after 48-h. In the attraction assay, a 20-fold and 8-fold reduction in number of J2 attracted toward potato roots was observed, when treated with MFP5075, compared to the untreated and the Nemguard™ treatment, respectively. Subsequently, 30–35 PCN cysts were treated with both products dissolved in potato root diffusate and the results were recorded in terms of number of J2 hatched in each treatment after 10 days. No J2 hatched in the MFP5075 treatment, whereas mean numbers (±SE) of 243 ± 11.5, 30 ± 2.5, and 1.3 ± 0.6 J2 were noted in the untreated control, MFP3048, and the Nemguard™ treatment, respectively. The treatment with the MFPs compromised the integrity of the unhatched J2, which looked granular, whereas the internal organs of the unhatched J2 could be clearly identified in the untreated control. In plant infestation studies, treatment with MFP3048 and MFP5075 caused 90.6 and 84.9 percent reduction in PCN infestation, respectively, in terms of cysts developed on roots compared to untreated control. Overall, results indicate that the MFPs could potentially provide a promising alternative for sustainable PCN management.
Change of tourism organizations: Implications from a review of cultural tourism research
Authors: Zhang Ziling , Guo Muyang
Published: October 2022

Change has been universally acknowledged as the perpetual theme for routine organizational life. As cultural tourism, a major element of global tourism consumption accounting for 40% of tourism employment, is becoming increasingly flourishing and promising, tourism organizations are also obliged to implement a series of organizational changes to adapt to the trending culturalization in the tourism domain. In light of this, this research, by outlining important sub-themes and trends of cultural tourism research, tracks the evolution of cultural tourism as a research field over the previous decades so as to analyze existing interconnections between the systematic review and tourism organizational change. Based on these interconnections, the research also manages to propose several potential implications for tourism organizations to optimize their future implement of daily organizational changes for the sake of adaptative survival and development.
Evaluating a pedagogical approach to promoting academic integrity in higher education: An online induction program
Authors: Sbaffi Laura , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2022

Academic integrity is at the heart of excellent education. However, resources explaining the concept tend to be definition-driven, while using complex language and sometimes even an austere tone designed to discourage students from breaches. This study aims to design and evaluate an online module at a UK University across 2 years, designed to improve students’ understanding of concepts of academic integrity and practice. The module includes a range of interactive resources (e.g., gamified quizzes and e-booklets) and was made available to a large cohort of postgraduate students (448). The study adopts a mixed-methods approach composed of three sequential phases involving first collecting students’ views on existing academic integrity resources (7 students participating in a focus group and 39 competing a questionnaire), then developing a range of new ones based on students’ feedback to form the content of the module, and finally gathering students’ evaluation on the newly created resources (sample size: 361 students). Results illustrate a clear improvement in relation to the accessibility, usefulness and understandability of new resources. Results also highlight a remarkable increase in student confidence levels regarding academic integrity. Students also considered the new module as more appealing and informative. This manuscript offers a good example of a pedagogical approach aimed at promoting academic integrity in an innovative and engaging fashion.
China's country image in the eyes of international students from central Asian countries
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , You Xuqun , Lin Shanyan
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the conceptualization and measurement of China's country image (CI) as well as its effects on the economic image, product image, national image and residence intention of individuals. A total of 297 international students from central Asia were recruited to complete an online survey. The confirmatory factor analysis of CI scale showed that CI is a multidimensional construct consisting of a cognitive component (further be divided into government image, international image, and social image) and an affective component. Participants' ratings on China's CIs before and after coming to China were compared by using a repeated-measures ANOVA and paired samplet-tests, and the results showed a significant difference in government image and international image but no significant difference in social image. The regression analysis showed that CI significantly predicted the economic image, product image, national image and individual's residence intention. This study demonstrated a theoretical insight of CI research and could potentially contribute to optimizing strategies to improve the country reputation.
The sequence effect: Character position processing in Chinese words
Authors: Zhang Yancui , Wang Mengsi , Wang Jingxin
Published: October 2022

Numerous studies indicate that letter position processing is important for word recognition; also, the position processing of external letters (especially the initial letter) is better than that of inner letters in the Roman script. Similarly, the position processing of characters is critical in Chinese word recognition. However, the position processing pattern of characters within Chinese words is still understudied. Therefore, using a single-presentation lexical decision task with 79 university students in China, we conducted two experiments with three- and four-character words to explore this issue. The results revealed clear character position processing with transposed pseudowords. Crucially, we identified a sequence effect in Chinese character position processing within words, directly supporting the hypothesis that character-based processing occurs with Chinese words. We also discussed other possibilities in Chinese character position processing.
COVID-19 certificate as a cutting-edge issue in changing the perception of restaurants’ visitors—Illustrations from Serbian urban centers
Authors: Gajić Tamara , Petrović Marko D. , Blešić Ivana , Vukolić Dragan , Milovanović Ilija , Radovanović Milan , Vuković Darko B. , Kostić Marija , Vuksanović Nikola , Malinović Milićević Slavica
Published: October 2022

As one of the first European cases of the introduction of COVID-19 certificates, the Serbian Government initiated the measure of limited working hours of restaurants for unvaccinated visitors. Due to such actions and frequent bans on working during the pandemic, many restaurants in Serbia had to lay off workers or close. At the end of October 2021, the certificate for entering restaurants and all catering facilities for all the visitors became mandatory. It is interesting to note that earlier findings suggested that some personality characteristics determine the specific behaviors during the pandemic, but there is still a small number of results related to restaurants’ visitors. This study aimed to investigate the predictive strength of the Big Five Factors (BFF) to attitudes toward visits to restaurants in Serbia during the pandemic, depending on the attitudes toward accepting COVID-19 certificates. A survey was conducted on a total sample of 953 visitors of restaurants in three major cities in Serbia. The results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that Openness and Extraversion positively predict attitudes toward visits to facilities during a pandemic, while Conscientiousness and Neuroticism were negative predictors. However, in the second step of hierarchical regression analysis, attitudes toward a COVID-19 certificate as a mediator variable significantly reduced the negative effect of Neuroticism on the attitudes toward visits. It seems that, by obtaining the certificate, the fear of unsafe stays in restaurants can be reduced, and that making decisions about (no) visiting restaurants during the pandemic does not necessarily have to be compromised by emotional lability.