bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Hippocampus in Rats With Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy
Authors: Yao Yue , Lu Chunqiang , Chen Jiu , Sun Jie , Zhou Cuihua , Tan Cheng , Xian Xian , Tong Jianhua , Yao Hao
Published: June 2022

Background

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) has been identified as a frequent complication of sepsis, featured by an aberrant level of cognitive and affective functions. The present study is designed to explore the changes in functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus in rats with SAE utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the SAE and control groups. We acquired rs-fMRI data using a 7T MRI to evaluate hippocampal network functional differences between the two groups with a seed-based approach. Behavioral performance was assessed using the open field test and forced swimming test. Statistical analysis was undertaken to evaluate the correlation between the hippocampal FC and behavioral findings.

Results

Compared with the control group, the SAE group showed increased FC between the bilateral hippocampus and thalamus, septum, bed nuclei stria terminalis (BNST), left primary forelimb somatosensory cortex (S1FL), primary motor cortex (M1), and inferior colliculus. Increased FC between the left hippocampus and thalamus, septum, BNST, left S1FL, and inferior colliculus was observed. While with the right hippocampus, FC in thalamus, septum, left S1FL and inferior colliculus was enhanced. Additionally, positive correlations were found between the hippocampal FC and the immobility time in the forced swimming test.

Conclusion

Hippocampus-related brain networks have significant alterations in rats with SAE, and the elevated hippocampal resting-state FC was positively related to affective deficits. Changes in FC between the hippocampus and other brain regions could be a potential neuroimaging biomarker of cognitive or mental disorders triggered by SAE.
DNA Methylation-Related circRNA_0116449 Is Involved in Lipid Peroxidation in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zheng Ping , Ren Dabin , Yu Cong , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhang Yisong
Published: June 2022

Circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA) has a critical effect in central nervous diseases; however, the exact role of circRNAs in human traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains elusive. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can modify the mRNA level of genes without changing their related DNA sequence in response to brain insults. We hypothesized that DNA methylation-related circRNAs may be implicated in the mechanisms of TBI. The methylation-related circ_0116449 was identified from differential methylation positions and shown to reduce the neuronal loss and lipid markers. Mechanical study indicated that circ_0116449 functions as a miR-142-3p sponge and increases the expression of its target gene: NR1D2, together with NR1D1 and RORA to suppress lipid peroxidation both in vitro and in vivo. Our study suggests that DNA methylation-related circ_0116449 may be a novel target for regulating lipid metabolism in TBI.
Statistical Optimization of Novel Medium to Maximize the Yield of Exopolysaccharide From Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ZFM216 and Its Immunomodulatory Activity
Authors: Chen Liang , Gu Qing , Zhou Tao
Published: June 2022

The traditional media used for the fermentation of Lactobacilli always contain carbohydrate polymers, which interfere with the analysis of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the bacteria. In this investigation, a novel medium formulation that could avoid such interference was successfully developed. The beef extract, yeast extract, and peptone used in this formulation were subjected to the removal of polysaccharides before use. The factors affecting the EPS production were optimized by a single factor test, Plackett–Burman design, and Box–Behnken design. The optimum formula was ascertained as: 7.5 g L–1 yeast extract, 12.5 g L–1 beef extract, 10 g L–1 peptone, 21.23 g L–1 maltose, 5.51 g L–1 yeast nitrogen base, 2 g L–1 K2HPO4, 5 g L–1 anhydrous sodium acetate, 2 g L–1 ammonium citrate, 0.58 g L–1 MgSO4⋅7H2O, 0.25 g L–1 MnSO4⋅H2O, and 1 mL L–1 Tween 80. The initial pH of the medium was 6.5. The optimized conditions for fermentation of the strain to produce EPS were as follows: seed size 1%, culture temperature 37°C, and culture time 20 h. Optimum results showed that EPS yield was 496.64 ± 3.15 mg L–1, being 76.70% higher than that of unoptimized conditions (281.07 ± 5.90 mg L–1). The EPS was mainly comprised of glucose and guluronic acid, with a weight average molecular weight of 19.9 kDa; it was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV analysis. EPS was found to significantly enhance the phagocytic capacity, promote the NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 secretion, and improve mRNA expression of cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophages, indicating its considerable immunomodulatory activity. Western bolt and immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the EPS was able to increase p65 nuclear translocation in the macrophages, indicating that EPS enhanced immunity via the NF-κB signaling pathway. EPS investigated in this work has potential as an attractive functional food supplement candidate for the hypoimmunity population.
Cause of Death During Renal Cell Carcinoma Survivorship: A Contemporary, Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Yu Dong-Dong , Chen Wei-Kang , Wu Chen-Yu , Wu Wan-Ting , Xin Xiao , Jiang Yu-Li , Li Peng , Zhang Ming-Hua
Published: June 2022

Background

As the survival rates of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continue to increase, noncancer causes of death cannot be ignored. The cause-specific mortality in patients with RCC is not well understood.

Objective

Our study aimed to explore the mortality patterns of contemporary RCC survivors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients with RCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We used standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare the death rates in patients with RCC with those in the general population.

Results

A total of 106,118 patients with RCC, including 39,630 who died (27%), were included in our study. Overall, compared with the general US population, noncancer SMRs were increased 1.25-fold (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.22 to 1.27; observed, 11,235), 1.19-fold (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.24; observed, 2,014), and 2.24-fold (95% CI, 2.11 to 2.38; observed, 1,110) for stage I/II, III, and IV RCC, respectively. The proportion of noncancer causes of death increased with the extension of survival time. A total of 4,273 men with stage I/II disease (23.13%) died of RCC; however, patients who died from other causes were 3.2 times more likely to die from RCC (n = 14,203 [76.87%]). Heart disease was the most common noncancer cause of death (n = 3,718 [20.12%]; SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.19–1.27). In patients with stage III disease, 3,912 (25.98%) died from RCC, and 2,014 (13.37%) died from noncancer causes. Most patients (94.99%) with stage IV RCC died within 5 years of initial diagnosis. Although RCC was the leading cause of death (n = 12,310 [84.65%]), patients with stage IV RCC also had a higher risk of noncancer death than the general population (2.24; 95% CI, 2.11–2.38).

Conclusions

Non-RCC death causes account for more than 3/4 of RCC survivors among patients with stage I/II disease. Patients with stage IV are most likely to die of RCC; however, there is an increased risk of dying from septicemia, and suicide cannot be ignored. These data provide the latest and most comprehensive assessment of the causes of death in patients with RCC.
Clickable Cisplatin Derivatives as Versatile Tools to Probe the DNA Damage Response to Chemotherapy
Authors: Moretton Amandine , Slyskova Jana , Simaan Marwan E. , Arasa-Verge Emili A. , Meyenberg Mathilde , Cerrón-Infantes D. Alonso , Unterlass Miriam M. , Loizou Joanna I.
Published: June 2022

Cisplatin induces DNA crosslinks that are highly cytotoxic. Hence, platinum complexes are frequently used in the treatment of a broad range of cancers. Efficiency of cisplatin treatment is limited by the tumor-specific DNA damage response to the generated lesions. We reasoned that better tools to investigate the repair of DNA crosslinks induced by cisplatin would therefore be highly useful in addressing drug limitations. Here, we synthesized a series of cisplatin derivatives that are compatible with click chemistry, thus allowing visualization and isolation of DNA-platinum crosslinks from cells to study cellular responses. We prioritized one alkyne and one azide Pt(II) derivative, Pt-alkyne-53 and Pt-azide-64, for further biological characterization. We demonstrate that both compounds bind DNA and generate DNA lesions and that the viability of treated cells depends on the active DNA repair machinery. We also show that the compounds are clickable with both a fluorescent probe as well as biotin, thus they can be visualized in cells, and their ability to induce crosslinks in genomic DNA can be quantified. Finally, we show that Pt-alkyne-53 can be used to identify DNA repair proteins that bind within its proximity to facilitate its removal from DNA. The compounds we report here can be used as valuable experimental tools to investigate the DNA damage response to platinum complexes and hence might shed light on mechanisms of chemoresistance.
Development and Verification of a Prognostic Ferroptosis-Related Gene Model in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Song , Pan Ruilin , Lu Jibu , Wu Xiaoling , Xie Jingdong , Tang Hailin , Li Xing
Published: June 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the subtype with the worst prognosis of breast cancer. Ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent programmed cell death, has an increasingly important role in tumorigenesis and development. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between ferroptosis-related genes and the prognosis of TNBC. In this study, we obtained the gene expression profile of TNBC patients and matched clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox analysis was used to screen out ferroptosis-related genes associated with TNBC prognosis. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was employed to establish a prognostic prediction model. A 15-ferroptosis-related gene prognostic prediction model was developed, which classified patients into low-risk (LR) or high-risk (HR) groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that the prognosis of the LR group was better. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve also confirmed the satisfactory predictive ability of this model. Evaluation of the immune microenvironment of TNBC patients in the HR and LR group suggested these 15 ferroptosis-related genes might affect the prognosis of TNBC by regulating the tumor microenvironment. Our prognostic model can provide a theoretical basis for accurate prognosis prediction of TNBC in clinical practice.
Novel Variation in Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 6 (ACSL6) Results in Protein Structural Modification and Multiple Non-Related Neoplasia in a 46-Year-Old: Case Report
Authors: Castillo María Isabel , Freire Erick , Romero Vanessa I. , Arias-Almeida Benjamín , Reyes Carlos , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2022

Multiple non-related neoplasia does not have an established approach or benefits for performing whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. We report on a 46-year-old woman who developed astrocytoma, thyroid, and breast cancer within 10 years. The WES analysis found a novel missense variant in the ACSL6 gene, and the protein modeling showed altered secondary and tertiary structures, which modify the binding to cofactors and substrates. ACSL6 is involved in lipid metabolism, expressed in the brain, thyroid, and breast tissues, and is associated with diverse types of cancer. Our study demonstrates the benefit of WES analysis compared with commercial panels in patients with non-related neoplasia.
FOXP4-AS1 Inhibits Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Proliferation and Migration Through the AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Xue , Gao Qingjun , Zhou Tian , Tang Rui , Zhao Yu , Zhang Qifang , Wang Nanpeng , Ye Hui , Chen Xinghong , Chen Song , Tang Wenli , Zhao Daiwei
Published: June 2022

Papillary thyroid carcinoma, also known as PTC, is one of the commonest malignancies in the endocrine system. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PTC could maintain proliferative signaling, induce therapeutic resistance, activate invasion and migration, and sustain stem cell-like characteristics. In this paper, results showed that lncRNA forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4-AS1) is downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. Patients in TCGA cohort with a higher FOXP4-AS1 expression showed a higher disease-free interval (DFI) rate, and the expression of FOXP4-AS1 is shown to be linked to the clinical stage, T stage, N stage, and extraglandular invasion condition of the TC patients. FOXP4-AS1 is localized in the cell cytoplasmic domain of PTC cells. Functionally, upregulated FOXP4-AS1 inhibited PTC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, whereas it downregulated FOXP4-AS1-promoted progression of PTC. In vivo assay also confirmed the tumor inhibitory effect of FOXP4-AS1 in PTC growth. Mechanism analysis indicated that FOXP4-AS1 can play its functions by regulating the AKT signaling pathway, and AKT inhibitor treatment could attenuate the impact of FOXP4-AS1 on PTC progression. Furthermore, FOXP4-AS1 also negatively regulates the expression of its host gene FOXP4. Collectively, we showed that FOXP4-AS1 inhibited PTC progression although AKT signaling and FOXP4-AS1 plays a tumor-suppressor role in PTC tumorigenesis.
Soluble PD-L1 Expression After Intravenous Treatment of Cancer Patients With Selenite in Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Razaghi Ali , Mansouri Ladan , Brodin Ola , Björnstedt Mikael , Lundahl Joachim
Published: June 2022

A high expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is observed in different types of cancers (particularly lung cancer). Soluble (s)PD-L1 may be used as a prognostic marker and a target for anti-cancer immunity, as well as, predicting gene therapy or systemic immunotherapy in blocking the PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint. Studies that evaluate the effects of the immune regulator selenium on PD-L1 expression show ambiguous results. Thus, we aimed to analyze sPD-L1 levels in samples from patients who underwent different dosages of selenite treatment in phase I clinical trial. We hypothesized that selenite modulates the sPD-L1 levels in the plasma as a consequence of the suggested mode of action of selenotherapy in cancer patients. In conclusion, our results support the view that selenotherapy does not substantially affect the PD-1/PD-L1 axis judged by sPD-L1 analysis. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between the survival and sPD-L1 expression nor sPD-L1 changes. However, due to a dynamic individual sPD-L1 profile and a high variation in survival, we suggest that further studies are needed to identify whether individual patients can be benefited from combinational seleno- and anti-PD-L1 therapy.
Inflammation-Related LncRNAs Signature for Prognosis and Immune Response Evaluation in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Gu Hongmei , Song Jiahang , Chen Yizhang , Wang Yichun , Tan Xiaofang , Zhao Hongyu
Published: June 2022

Backgrounds

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is one of the greatest threats on the female reproductive system. The aim of this study is to explore the inflammation-related LncRNA (IRLs) signature predicting the clinical outcomes and response of UCEC patients to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Methods

Consensus clustering analysis was employed to determine inflammation-related subtype. Cox regression methods were used to unearth potential prognostic IRLs and set up a risk model. The prognostic value of the prognostic model was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and univariate and multivariate analyses. Differential abundance of immune cell infiltration, expression levels of immunomodulators, the status of tumor mutation burden (TMB), the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), drug sensitivity, and functional enrichment in different risk groups were also explored. Finally, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to confirm the expression patterns of model IRLs in clinical specimens.

Results

All UCEC cases were divided into two clusters (C1 = 454) and (C2 = 57) which had significant differences in prognosis and immune status. Five hub IRLs were selected to develop an IRL prognostic signature (IRLPS) which had value in forecasting the clinical outcome of UCEC patients. Biological processes related to tumor and immune response were screened. Function enrichment algorithm showed tumor signaling pathways (ERBB signaling, TGF-β signaling, and Wnt signaling) were remarkably activated in high-risk group scores. In addition, the high-risk group had a higher infiltration level of M2 macrophages and lower TMB value, suggesting patients with high risk were prone to a immunosuppressive status. Furthermore, we determined several potential molecular drugs for UCEC.

Conclusion

We successfully identified a novel molecular subtype and inflammation-related prognostic model for UCEC. Our constructed risk signature can be employed to assess the survival of UCEC patients and offer a valuable reference for clinical treatment regimens.
Air Rescue for Pediatric Trauma in a Metropolitan Region of Brazil: Profiles, Outcomes, and Overtriage Rates
Authors: Colbachini Paulo C. M. , Marson Fernando A. L. , Peixoto Andressa O. , Sarti Luisa , Fraga Andrea M. A.
Published: June 2022

Besides ensuring a quick response and transport of trauma victims, helicopter support also involves risks to patients and professionals and has higher operational costs. Studying prehospital triage criteria and their relationship with patient overtriage and outcomes is important, particularly in newly established services and in developing countries with limited health budgets. This could help improve the use of the helicopter rescue and provide better management of the costs and risks related to it. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiologic and severity profiles of pediatric victims of trauma attended by helicopter in a Brazilian Metropolitan Area to evaluate the outcomes and overtriage rates related to pediatric air rescue in the region. We conducted an observational and retrospective study using 49 hospital and prehospital records from victims of trauma aged <18 years old (yo) assisted by helicopter and then transferred to a tertiary University Hospital. Of the 49 patients, 39 (79.6%) individuals were male, and the mean age was 11.3 yo. Vehicular collisions accounted for 15 (30.6%) of the traumas, and traumatic brain injuries occurred in 28 (57.1%) cases. A total of 29 (59.1%) individuals had severe trauma (Injury Severity Score; ISS >15), and 34 (69.4%) required admission to the intensive care unit. Overtriage varied from 18.4 to 40.8% depending on the criteria used for its definition, being more frequent in individuals aged between 1 and 5 yo. Death occurred in 10 (20.4%) patients. On prehospital evaluation, we classified 29/32 (90.6%) patients with severe trauma according to the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS ≤8) and 18/25 (72%) according to the Revised Trauma Score (RTS ≤11). Of these, 7/29 (24.1%) and 6/18 (33.3%), respectively, presented ISS <15 at in-hospital evaluation. None of the patients with PTS >8 and 3/7 (42.8%) of those with RTS >11 presented ISS >15. In conclusion, air rescue of pediatric trauma victims was used mainly for critically ill individuals, resulting in rates of overtriage compatible with that found in the literature. PTS showed the lowest rates of overtriage within excellent rates of undertriage.
Ontogenetic Change in Male Expression of Testosterone-Responsive Genes Contributes to the Emergence of Sex-Biased Gene Expression in Anolis sagrei
Authors: Hale Matthew D. , Robinson Christopher D. , Cox Christian L. , Cox Robert M.
Published: June 2022

Sex differences in gene expression tend to increase with age across a variety of species, often coincident with the development of sexual dimorphism and maturational changes in hormone levels. However, because most transcriptome-wide characterizations of sexual divergence are framed as comparisons of sex-biased gene expression across ages, it can be difficult to determine the extent to which age-biased gene expression within each sex contributes to the emergence of sex-biased gene expression. Using RNAseq in the liver of the sexually dimorphic brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei), we found that a pronounced increase in sex-biased gene expression with age was associated with a much greater degree of age-biased gene expression in males than in females. This pattern suggests that developmental changes in males, such as maturational increases in circulating testosterone, contribute disproportionately to the ontogenetic emergence of sex-biased gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we used four different experimental contrasts to independently characterize sets of genes whose expression differed as a function of castration and/or treatment with exogenous testosterone. We found that genes that were significantly male-biased in expression or upregulated as males matured tended to be upregulated by testosterone, whereas genes that were female-biased or downregulated as males matured tended to be downregulated by testosterone. Moreover, the first two principal components describing multivariate gene expression indicated that exogenous testosterone reversed many of the feminizing effects of castration on the liver transcriptome of maturing males. Collectively, our results suggest that developmental changes that occur in males contribute disproportionately to the emergence of sex-biased gene expression in the Anolis liver, and that many of these changes are orchestrated by androgens such as testosterone.
A Multi-Species Comparison and Evolutionary Perspectives on Ion Regulation in the Antennal Gland of Brachyurans
Authors: Tseng Kuang-Yu , Tsai Jyuan-Ru , Lin Hui-Chen
Published: June 2022

Brachyurans inhabit a variety of habitats and have evolved diverse osmoregulatory patterns. Gills, antennal glands and a lung-like structure are important organs of crabs that maintain their homeostasis in different habitats. Species use different processes to regulate ions in the antennal gland, especially those with high terrestriality such as Grapsoidea and Ocypodoidea. Our phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) result also suggested that there is a correlation between antennal gland NKA activity and urine-hemolymph ratio for Na+concentration in hypo-osmotic environments among crabs. Species with higher antennal gland NKA activity showed a lower urine-hemolymph ratio for Na+concentration under hypo-osmotic stress. These phenomenon may correlate to the structural and functional differences in gills and lung-like structure among crabs. However, a limited number of studies have focused on the structural and functional differences in the antennal gland among brachyurans. Integrative and systemic methods like next generation sequencing and proteomics method can be useful for investigating the differences in multi-gene expression and sequences among species. These perspectives can be combined to further elucidate the phylogenetic history of crab antennal glands.
Soybean F-Box-Like Protein GmFBL144 Interacts With Small Heat Shock Protein and Negatively Regulates Plant Drought Stress Tolerance
Authors: Xu Keheng , Zhao Yu , Zhao Yan , Feng Chen , Zhang Yinhe , Wang Fawei , Li Xiaowei , Gao Hongtao , Liu Weican , Jing Yan , Saxena Rachit K. , Feng Xianzhong , Zhou Yonggang , Li Haiyan
Published: June 2022

The F-box gene family is one of the largest gene families in plants. These genes regulate plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses, and they have been extensively researched. Drought stress is one of the major factors limiting the yield and quality of soybean. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of the soybean F-box gene family was performed, and the role of soybean F-box-like gene GmFBL144 in drought stress adaptation was characterized. We identified 507 F-box genes in the soybean genome database, which were classified into 11 subfamilies. The expression profiles showed that GmFBL144 was highly expressed in plant roots. Overexpression of GmFBL144 increased the sensitivity of transgenic Arabidopsis to drought stress. Under drought stress, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents of transgenic Arabidopsis were higher than those of the wild type (WT) and empty vector control, and the chlorophyll content was lower than that of the control. Y2H and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that GmFBL144 can interact with GmsHSP. Furthermore, our results showed that GmFBL144 can form SCFFBL144 (E3 ubiquitin ligase) with GmSkp1 and GmCullin1. Altogether, these results indicate that the soybean F-box-like protein GmFBL144 may negatively regulate plant drought stress tolerance by interacting with sHSP. These findings provide a basis for molecular genetics and breeding of soybean.
Increased Carbon Partitioning to Secondary Metabolites Under Phosphorus Deficiency in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Is Modulated by Plant Growth Stage and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: Xie Wei , Hodge Angela , Hao Zhipeng , Fu Wei , Guo Lanping , Zhang Xin , Chen Baodong
Published: June 2022

Phosphorus (P) is one of the macronutrients limiting plant growth. Plants regulate carbon (C) allocation and partitioning to cope with P deficiency, while such strategy could potentially be influenced by plant growth stage and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. In a greenhouse pot experiment using licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) as the host plant, we investigated C allocation belowground and partitioning in roots of P-limited plants in comparison with P-sufficient plants under different mycorrhization status in two plant growth stages. The experimental results indicated that increased C allocation belowground by P limitation was observed only in non-AM plants in the early growth stage. Although root C partitioning to secondary metabolites (SMs) in the non-AM plants was increased by P limitation as expected, trade-off patterns were different between the two growth stages, with C partitioning to SMs at the expense of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in the early growth stage but at the expense of root growth in the late growth stage. These changes, however, largely disappeared because of AM symbiosis, where more root C was partitioned to root growth and AM fungus without any changes in C allocation belowground and partitioning to SMs under P limitations. The results highlighted that besides assisting with plant P acquisition, AM symbiosis may alter plant C allocation and partitioning to improve plant tolerance to P deficiency.
Wheat Stem Rust Back in Europe: Diversity, Prevalence and Impact on Host Resistance
Authors: Patpour Mehran , Hovmøller Mogens S. , Rodriguez-Algaba Julian , Randazzo Biagio , Villegas Dolors , Shamanin Vladimir P. , Berlin Anna , Flath Kerstin , Czembor Pawel , Hanzalova Alena , Sliková Svetlana , Skolotneva Ekaterina S. , Jin Yue , Szabo Les , Meyer Kevin J. G. , Valade Romain , Thach Tine , Hansen Jens G. , Justesen Annemarie F.
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the re-emergence of a previously important crop pathogen in Europe, Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici, causing wheat stem rust. The pathogen has been insignificant in Europe for more than 60 years, but since 2016 it has caused epidemics on both durum wheat and bread wheat in local areas in southern Europe, and additional outbreaks in Central- and West Europe. The prevalence of three distinct genotypes/races in many areas, Clade III-B (TTRTF), Clade IV-B (TKTTF) and Clade IV-F (TKKTF), suggested clonal reproduction and evolution by mutation within these. None of these genetic groups and races, which likely originated from exotic incursions, were detected in Europe prior to 2016. A fourth genetic group, Clade VIII, detected in Germany (2013), was observed in several years in Central- and East Europe. Tests of representative European wheat varieties with prevalent races revealed high level of susceptibility. In contrast, high diversity with respect to virulence and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were detected in local populations on cereals and grasses in proximity to Berberis species in Spain and Sweden, indicating that the alternate host may return as functional component of the epidemiology of wheat stem rust in Europe. A geographically distant population from Omsk and Novosibirsk in western Siberia (Russia) also revealed high genetic diversity, but clearly different from current European populations. The presence of Sr31-virulence in multiple and highly diverse races in local populations in Spain and Siberia stress that virulence may emerge independently when large geographical areas and time spans are considered and that Sr31-virulence is not unique to Ug99. All isolates of the Spanish populations, collected from wheat, rye and grass species, were succesfully recovered on wheat, which underline the plasticity of host barriers within P. graminis. The study demonstrated successful alignment of two genotyping approaches and race phenotyping methodologies employed by different laboratories, which also allowed us to line up with previous European and international studies of wheat stem rust. Our results suggest new initiatives within disease surveillance, epidemiological research and resistance breeding to meet current and future challenges by wheat stem rust in Europe and beyond.
MeWRKY IIas, Subfamily Genes of WRKY Transcription Factors From Cassava, Play an Important Role in Disease Resistance
Authors: Zhu Shousong , Fan Ruochen , Xiong Xi , Li Jianjun , Xiang Li , Hong Yuhui , Ye Yiwei , Zhang Xiaofei , Yu Xiaohui , Chen Yinhua
Published: June 2022

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical crop for food, fodder, and energy. Cassava bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) occurs in all cassava growing regions and threatens global cassava production. WRKY transcription factor family plays the essential roles during plant growth, development, and abiotic or biotic stress. Particularly, previous studies have revealed the important role of the group IIa WRKY genes in plant disease resistance. However, a comprehensive analysis of group IIa subfamily in cassava is still missing. Here, we identified 102 WRKY members, which were classified into three groups, I, II, and III. Transient expression showed that six MeWRKY IIas were localized in the nucleus. MeWRKY IIas transcripts accumulated significantly in response to SA, JA, and Xam. Overexpression of MeWRKY27 and MeWRKY33 in Arabidopsis enhanced its resistance to Pst DC3000. In contrast, silencing of MeWRKY27 and MeWRKY33 in cassava enhanced its susceptibility to Xam. Co-expression network analysis showed that different downstream genes are regulated by different MeWRKY IIa members. The functional analysis of downstream genes will provide clues for clarifying molecular mechanism of cassava disease resistance. Collectively, our results suggest that MeWRKY IIas are regulated by SA, JA signaling, and coordinate response to Xam infection.
HbMYB44, a Rubber Tree MYB Transcription Factor With Versatile Functions in Modulating Multiple Phytohormone Signaling and Abiotic Stress Responses
Authors: Qin Bi , Fan Song-Le , Yu Hai-Yang , Lu Yan-Xi , Wang Li-Feng
Published: June 2022

The vital roles of R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) in regulating stress response and phytohormone signaling have been thoroughly studied in numerous plant species, but the functions of these TFs in rubber tree are poorly understood. Rubber tree is the most important source of natural rubber but often suffers from various abiotic and biotic stresses that cause severe yield losses each year. In this study, we reported a novel MYB44 gene in rubber tree (named HbMYB44) and revealed its biological function. HbMYB44 was highly similar to AtMYB44 and clustered into subgroup 22. Transient expression indicated that HbMYB44 is a nuclear localized protein and displays transactivation activity at the C-terminus. HbMYB44 was ubiquitously expressed in rubber tree, and its expression was strongly induced by multiple phytohormones, drought stress, wounding, and H2O2 treatments. Furthermore, overexpression of HbMYB44 in Arabidopsis (OE) demonstrated that OE plants significantly enhanced stress tolerance, i.e., salt stress, osmotic stress, and drought stress. Additionally, HbMYB44 promoted recovery from root growth inhibition of OE plants caused by exogenous phytohormones (including abscisic acid, methyl jasmonic acid, gibberellic acid 3, and salicylic acid), but the opposite effect was present in response to ethephon. Interestingly, HbMYB44 increased the expression of its homologous genes and interacting protein-encoding genes in OE plants. Overall, HbMYB44 plays versatile functions in modulating multiple phytohormone signaling pathways and stress tolerance.
Differential Responses to Salt Stress in Four White Clover Genotypes Associated With Root Growth, Endogenous Polyamines Metabolism, and Sodium/Potassium Accumulation and Transport
Authors: Li Zhou , Geng Wan , Tan Meng , Ling Yao , Zhang Yan , Zhang Liquan , Peng Yan
Published: June 2022

Selection and utilization of salt-tolerant crops are essential strategies for mitigating salinity damage to crop productivity with increasing soil salinization worldwide. This study was conducted to identify salt-tolerant white clover (Trifolium repens) genotypes among 37 materials based on a comprehensive evaluation of five physiological parameters, namely, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm), performance index on an absorption basis (PIABS), and leaf relative water content (RWC), and to further analyze the potential mechanism of salt tolerance associated with changes in growth, photosynthetic performance, endogenous polyamine metabolism, and Na+/K+ uptake and transport. The results showed that significant variations in salt tolerance were identified among 37 genotypes, as PI237292 and Tr005 were the top two genotypes with the highest salt tolerance, and PI251432 and Korla were the most salt-sensitive genotypes compared to other materials. The salt-tolerant PI237292 and Tr005 not only maintained significantly lower EL but also showed significantly better photosynthetic performance, higher leaf RWC, underground dry weight, and the root to shoot ratio than the salt-sensitive PI251432 and Korla under salt stress. Increases in endogenous PAs, putrescine (Put), and spermidine (Spd) contents could be key adaptive responses to salt stress in the PI237292 and the Tr005 through upregulating genes encoding Put and Spd biosynthesis (NCA, ADC, SAMDC, and SPDS2). For Na+ and K+ accumulation and transport, higher salt tolerance of the PI237292 could be associated with the maintenance of Na+ and Ca+ homeostasis associated with upregulations of NCLX and BTB/POZ. The K+ homeostasis-related genes (KEA2, HAK25, SKOR, POT2/8/11, TPK3/5, and AKT1/5) are differentially expressed among four genotypes under salt stress. However, the K+ level and K+/Na+ ratio were not completely consistent with the salt tolerance of the four genotypes. The regulatory function of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on salt tolerance in the white clover and other leguminous plants needs to be investigated further. The current findings also provide basic genotypes for molecular-based breeding for salt tolerance in white clover species.
Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes on the Performance and Soil Microbia of Lycium ruthenicum Under Drought Stress
Authors: He Chao , Han Tingting , Tan Ling , Li Xianen
Published: June 2022

In the current study, we explored the effects of dark septate endophytes (DSE) (Neocamarosporium phragmitis, Alternaria chlamydospore, and Microascus alveolaris) on the performance and rhizosphere soil microbial composition of Lycium ruthenicum Murr under drought stress. Differences in plant growth and physiological indexes, soil parameters, and microbial composition under different treatments were studied. Three DSE species could form good symbiotic relationships with L. ruthenicum plants, and the symbionts depended on DSE species and water availability. Inoculation of DSE had the greatest benefit on host plants under drought conditions. In particular, N. phragmitis and A. chlamydospore had a significant positive influence on the biomass, morphological and physiological indexes of host plants. Additionally, the content of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi, gram-negative bacteria, and actinomycetes in the soil was significantly elevated after DSE inoculation in the absence of water. Based on a variance decomposition analysis, DSE was the most important factor affecting the growth and physiological parameters of host plants, and DSE inoculation combined with water conditions significantly affected the contents of soil microbial communities. Structural equation model (SEM) analysis showed that the positive effects of DSE on L. ruthenicum varied with DSE species and plant parameters under different water conditions. These results are helpful to understand the ecological function of DSE and its potential application in the cultivation of L. ruthenicum plants in drylands.
Rapeseed (Brassica napus) Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 Enhances Shading Tolerance by Regulating the Photosynthesis Capability of Photosystem II
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Miao , Yao Mengnan , Zhang Xiaoli , Qu Cunmin , Du Hai , Lu Kun , Li Jiana , Wei Lijuan , Liang Ying
Published: June 2022

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is the third-largest source of vegetable oil in the world with an edible, medicinal, and ornamental value. However, insufficient light or high planting density directly affects its growth, development, yield, and quality. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that play key roles in regulating the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. In this study, we found that the promoter of BnaMAPK1 contained several light-responsive elements (including the AT1-motif, G-Box, and TCT-motif), consistent with its shading stress-induced upregulation. Compared with the wild type under shading stress, BnaMAPK1-overexpressing plants showed higher light capture efficiency and carbon assimilation capacity, enhancing their shading tolerance. Using RNA sequencing, we systematically investigated the function of BnaMAPK1 in shading stress on photosynthetic structure, Calvin cycle, and light-driven electron transport. Notably, numerous genes encoding light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins (BnaLHCBs) in photosystem II-light-harvesting complex (LHC) II supercomplex were significantly downregulated in the BnaMAPK1-overexpressing lines relative to the wild type under shading stress. Combining RNA sequencing and yeast library screening, a candidate interaction partner of BnaMAPK1 regulating in shading stress, BnaLHCB3, was obtained. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid and split-luciferase complementation assays confirmed the physical interaction relationship between BnaLHCB3 and BnaMAPK1, suggesting that BnaMAPK1 may involve in stabilizing the photosystem II–LHC II supercomplex. Taken together, our results demonstrate that BnaMAPK1 positively regulates photosynthesis capability to respond to shading stress in rapeseed, possibly by controlling antenna proteins complex in photosystem II, and could provide valuable information for further breeding for rapeseed stress tolerance.
Radial Growth of Trees Rather Than Shrubs in Boreal Forests Is Inhibited by Drought
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Zhang Qiuliang , Song Wenqi , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiaochun
Published: June 2022

Of all forest biomes, boreal forests are experiencing the most significant warming. Drought caused by warming has a dramatic impact on species in boreal forests. However, little is known about whether the growth of trees and shrubs in boreal forests responds consistently to warming and drought. We obtained the tree-ring width data of 308 trees (Larix gmelinii and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) and 133 shrubs (Pinus pumila) from 26 sites in northeastern China. According to the climate data from 1950 to 2014, we determined three extreme drought years (1954, 1967, and 2008). The response difference of radial growth of trees and shrubs in boreal forests to drought was compared using resilience index, moving correlation and response analysis. The results showed that high temperature (mean and maximum temperature) in previous and current growing seasons promoted the growth of P. pumila, but inhibited the growth of trees. On the contrary, wetter conditions (higher PDSI) promoted tree growth but were not conducive to P. pumila growth in high latitudes. Moving correlation analysis showed similar results. In addition, water deficit was more likely to inhibit P. pumila growth in low latitudes. The drought resistance of P. pumila was stronger than that of L. gmelinii and P. sylvestris var. mongolica. Therefore, the growth loss and recovery time of P. pumila during drought was less than those of trees. We concluded that L. gmelinii and P. sylvestris var. mongolica are more prone to growth decline than P. pumila after the drought caused by climate warming. In the future climate warming, shrub growth may benefit more than trees. Our findings are of great significance in predicting the future changes in ecosystem composition and species distribution dynamics in extreme climate susceptible areas.
On the Value of the Chinese Pre-Qin Confucian Thought of “Harmony” for Modern Public Mental Health
Authors: Li Yingying , Cui Huaqian
Published: June 2022

The Chinese pre-Qin Confucianism puts forward the concept of “Harmony,” covering “Balanced Harmony,” “External Harmony,” and “Internal Harmony,” etc. “Balanced Harmony” refers to the harmonious state of balance at both ends. “External Harmony” indicates the harmonious relationship with others, with society and with nature. “Internal Harmony” reveals the harmonious state within oneself between body and mind. “Balanced Harmony” is the ideal pursuit of Harmony, “External Harmony” and “Internal Harmony” are the two basic contents of Harmony, the trinity of which constitute a systematic concept of valuing “Harmony.” The golden mean is the fundamental criterion for achieving “Balanced Harmony,” while “Benevolent people love others” and “Seeking from the heart” are the two basic requirements for achieving “External Harmony” and “Internal Harmony” specifically, and together they constitute a systematic methodology of valuing “Harmony.” As one of the backbones of traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese pre-Qin Confucian thought of “Harmony” not only has had a far-reaching impact on the temperament, mental state, cognitive style, and moral character of the Chinese nation in history but also provides insights for public mental health in modern times globally, containing a great deal of useful information for mental health issues from which Western public mental health could profit.
A Study on the Influence of Authoritarian-Benevolent Leadership on Employees' Innovative Behavior From the Perspective of Psychological Perception—Based on Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Meng Lingxi , Li Tong , Yang Mengyuan , Wang Shanshan
Published: June 2022

Employee innovation is the key to enhancing the core competitiveness of an enterprise, and leadership style plays an important role in stimulating employees' innovative behavior. This study explores the impact of unique ambidextrous leadership in the Chinese context, authoritarian-benevolent leadership, on employees' innovative behavior from the perspective of employees' psychological perception, based on research data from 430 employees of companies with direct leaders. Based on the configuration theory, using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, the configuration analysis was carried out by taking authoritarian-benevolent ambidextrous leadership and employees' psychological perception as the influencing factors and obtained five configurations of high-level employees' innovative behavior. The results show that the combination of individualized care, understanding, and forgiving of benevolent leadership and Shang-yan of authoritarian leadership can effectively stimulate employees' innovative behavior. Juan-Chiuan leadership is not conducive to employees' innovative behavior. Employees' high psychological safety and low uncertainty are important conditions for promoting employee innovation. In this study, the four dimensions of authoritarian-benevolent leadership and the psychological perceptions of employees are discussed in combination, and the paths of motivating employees to innovate actively are obtained. It is hoped that it can provide certain ideas for leaders to promote employee innovation.
To Have the Best Interest at Heart: Analyzing the Match Between Laypersons’ Interests and Publication Activity in Psychology
Authors: Jonas Mark , Bittermann André , Chasiotis Anita , Rosman Tom
Published: June 2022

There is a growing public interest in science and, by extension, in psychology, and human behavior. Yet, detailed investigations on whether academic psychological research activity matches lay interests are still scarce. In addition, while lay-friendly communication of research findings becomes continually more important, it is unclear which subfields of psychological research are particularly interesting to laypeople. To address these research gaps, we carried out an explorative study of psychological literature included in two large reference databases, one with a German (PSYNDEX) and one with an international (PsycInfo) scope. The years of 2018–2020 were scanned for articles belonging to one of 20 topic areas assessed as most interesting by lay participants in a previous study. We determined and compared the share of empirical research and research syntheses for each topic area and database and computed rank correlations between lay interest and academic publication volume. Results suggest a positive relationship between lay interest and academic publication activity specifically for research syntheses. Additionally, topic areas associated with clinical psychology offered a large share of research syntheses, while other topic areas such as “Psychodynamics” or “Industrial & Organizational Psychology” encompassed a smaller share of syntheses. Finally, we outline perspectives for long-term monitoring of psychology-related lay interests. Thus, the present study connects academic activity with the public interest in psychology by identifying and quantifying research syntheses for topics garnering the most lay interest.