bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RTA and LANA Competitively Regulate let-7a/RBPJ Signal to Control KSHV Replication
Authors: Di Chunhong , Zheng Guoxia , Zhang Yunheng , Tong Enyu , Ren Yanli , Hong Yu , Song Yang , Chen Rong , Tan Xiaohua , Yang Lei
Published: January 2022

The recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPJ) has a dual effect on Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replication. RBPJ interaction with replication and transcription activator (RTA) is essential for lytic replication, while the interaction with latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) facilitates latent infection. Furthermore, our previous study found that LANA decreased RBPJ through upregulating miRNA let-7a. However, it is unclear whether RTA regulates the expression of RBPJ. Here, we show RTA increases RBPJ by decreasing let-7a. During KSHV replication, the RBPJ expression level was positively correlated with the RTA expression level and negatively correlated with the LANA expression level. The let-7a expression level was inverse to RBPJ. Knockdown of RBPJ inhibited the self-activation of RTA promoter and LANA promoter and weakened LANA’s inhibition of RTA promoter. Collectively, these findings indicate that RTA and LANA compete for let-7a/RBPJ signal to control the KSHV replication. Regulating the RBPJ expression level by RTA and LANA plays an important role during KSHV replication.
Chronic Multi-Electrode Electromyography in Snakes
Authors: Jensen Grady W. , van der Smagt Patrick , Luksch Harald , Straka Hans , Kohl Tobias
Published: January 2022

Knowledge about body motion kinematics and underlying muscle contraction dynamics usually derives from electromyographic (EMG) recordings. However, acquisition of such signals in snakes is challenging because electrodes either attached to or implanted beneath the skin may unintentionally be removed by force or friction caused from undulatory motion, thus severely impeding chronic EMG recordings. Here, we present a reliable method for stable subdermal implantation of up to eight bipolar electrodes above the target muscles. The mechanical stability of the inserted electrodes and the overnight coverage of the snake body with a “sleeping bag” ensured the recording of reliable and robust chronic EMG activity. The utility of the technique was verified by daily acquisition of high signal-to-noise activity from all target sites over four consecutive days during stimulus-evoked postural reactions in Amazon tree boas and Western diamondback rattlesnakes. The successful demonstration of the chronic recording suggests that this technique can improve acute experiments by enabling the collection of larger data sets from single individuals.
Young and Aged Neuronal Tissue Dynamics With a Simplified Neuronal Patch Cellular Automata Model
Authors: Ramos Reinier Xander A. , Dominguez Jacqueline C. , Bantang Johnrob Y.
Published: January 2022

Realistic single-cell neuronal dynamics are typically obtained by solving models that involve solving a set of differential equations similar to the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) system. However, realistic simulations of neuronal tissue dynamics —especially at the organ level, the brain— can become intractable due to an explosion in the number of equations to be solved simultaneously. Consequently, such efforts of modeling tissue- or organ-level systems require a lot of computational time and the need for large computational resources. Here, we propose to utilize a cellular automata (CA) model as an efficient way of modeling a large number of neurons reducing both the computational time and memory requirement. First, a first-order approximation of the response function of each HH neuron is obtained and used as the response-curve automaton rule. We then considered a system where an external input is in a few cells. We utilize a Moore neighborhood (both totalistic and outer-totalistic rules) for the CA system used. The resulting steady-state dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) neuronal patch of size 1, 024 × 1, 024 cells can be classified into three classes: (1) Class 0–inactive, (2) Class 1–spiking, and (3) Class 2–oscillatory. We also present results for different quasi-3D configurations starting from the 2D lattice and show that this classification is robust. The numerical modeling approach can find applications in the analysis of neuronal dynamics in mesoscopic scales in the brain (patch or regional). The method is applied to compare the dynamical properties of the young and aged population of neurons. The resulting dynamics of the aged population shows higher average steady-state activity 〈a(t → ∞)〉 than the younger population. The average steady-state activity 〈a(t → ∞)〉 is significantly simplified when the aged population is subjected to external input. The result conforms to the empirical data with aged neurons exhibiting higher firing rates as well as the presence of firing activity for aged neurons stimulated with lower external current.
The Neuroscience Experiments System (NES)–A Software Tool to Manage Experimental Data and Its Provenance
Authors: Ruiz-Olazar Margarita , Rocha Evandro Santos , Vargas Claudia D. , Braghetto Kelly Rosa
Published: January 2022

Computational tools can transform the manner by which neuroscientists perform their experiments. More than helping researchers to manage the complexity of experimental data, these tools can increase the value of experiments by enabling reproducibility and supporting the sharing and reuse of data. Despite the remarkable advances made in the Neuroinformatics field in recent years, there is still a lack of open-source computational tools to cope with the heterogeneity and volume of neuroscientific data and the related metadata that needs to be collected during an experiment and stored for posterior analysis. In this work, we present the Neuroscience Experiments System (NES), a free software to assist researchers in data collecting routines of clinical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments. NES enables researchers to efficiently perform the management of their experimental data in a secure and user-friendly environment, providing a unified repository for the experimental data of an entire research group. Furthermore, its modular software architecture is aligned with several initiatives of the neuroscience community and promotes standardized data formats for experiments and analysis reporting.
BrainQuake: An Open-Source Python Toolbox for the Stereoelectroencephalography Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Cai Fang , Wang Kang , Zhao Tong , Wang Haixiang , Zhou Wenjing , Hong Bo
Published: January 2022

Intracranial stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is broadly used in the presurgical evaluation of intractable epilepsy, due to its high temporal resolution in neural activity recording and high spatial resolution within suspected epileptogenic zones. Neurosurgeons or technicians face the challenge of conducting a workflow of post-processing operations with the multimodal data (e.g., MRI, CT, and EEG) after the implantation surgery, such as brain surface reconstruction, electrode contact localization, and SEEG data analysis. Several software or toolboxes have been developed to take one or more steps in the workflow but without an end-to-end solution. In this study, we introduced BrainQuake, an open-source Python software for the SEEG spatiotemporal analysis, integrating modules and pipelines in surface reconstruction, electrode localization, seizure onset zone (SOZ) prediction based on ictal and interictal SEEG analysis, and final visualizations, each of which is highly automated with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). BrainQuake also supports remote communications with a public server, which is facilitated with automated and standardized preprocessing pipelines, high-performance computing power, and data curation management to provide a time-saving and compatible platform for neurosurgeons and researchers.
CONUT Score Predicts Early Morbidity After Liver Transplantation: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Spoletini Gabriele , Ferri Flaminia , Mauro Alberto , Mennini Gianluca , Bianco Giuseppe , Cardinale Vincenzo , Agnes Salvatore , Rossi Massimo , Avolio Alfonso Wolfango , Lai Quirino
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Liver transplantation (LT) is burdened by the risk of post-operative morbidity. Identifying patients at higher risk of developing complications can help allocate resources in the perioperative phase. Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, based on lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and cholesterol levels, has been applied to various surgical specialties, proving reliable in predicting complications and prognosis. Our study aims to investigate the role of the CONUT score in predicting the development of early complications (within 90 days) after LT.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 209 patients with a calculable CONUT score within 2 months before LT. The ability of the CONUT score to predict severe complications, defined as a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) ≥42.1, was examined. Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting was used to balance the study population against potential confounders.

Results: Patients with a CCI ≥42.1 had higher CONUT score values (median: 7 vs. 5, P-value < 0.0001). The CONUT score showed a good diagnostic ability regarding post-LT morbidity, with an AUC = 0.72 (95.0%CI = 0.64–0.79; P-value < 0.0001). The CONUT score was the only independent risk factor identified for a complicated post-LT course, with an odds ratio = 1.39 (P-value < 0.0001). The 90-day survival rate was 98.8% and 87.5% for patients with a CONUT score <8 and ≥8, respectively.

Conclusions: Pre-operative CONUT score is a helpful tool to identify patients at increased post-LT morbidity risk. Further refinements in the score composition, specific to the LT population, could be obtained with prospective studies.
HBI-8000, HUYABIO Lead Clinical Program, Is a Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor With Therapeutic Benefits in Leukemia and in Solid Tumors
Authors: Shojaei Farbod , Goodenow Bob , Lee Gloria , Kabbinavar Fairooz , Gillings Mireille
Published: January 2022

HBI-8000 is a small molecule inhibitor of class I HDACs and has been approved for the treatment of PTCL, ATL and, in combination with exemestane, in a subpopulation of breast cancer. Given the roles of HDACs in normal and cancerous cells, there are currently multiple clinical trials, by HUYABIO International, to test the efficacy of HBI-8000 in monotherapy or in combination settings in leukemias and in solid tumors. The current review is focused on the applications of HDACi HBI-8000 in cancer therapy and its potential in combination with DDR agents.
Analysis of the Safety of Pegfilgrastim Addition in Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin Treatment Patients With Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Nakagawa Ryunosuke , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Makino Tomoyuki , Kadomoto Suguru , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Iijima Masashi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Nohara Takahiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: January 2022

It has been reported that chemotherapy drugs and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administered on the same day can aggravate neutropenia. In the present study, we investigated the safety of pegfilgrastim during bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) therapy. This single-center retrospective study, including 137 cycles of BEP therapy for germ cell tumors between January 2008 and April 2021, investigated safety. Short-acting G-CSF was used for 84 cycles and pegfilgrastim was used for 53 cycles. In the pegfilgrastim group, neutrophil count at nadir was significantly higher than in the G-CSF group (median 1,650/μl and 680/μl, respectively). The incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia was significantly higher and the duration longer in the G-CSF group. Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence of febrile neutropenia. In conclusion, concomitant use of pegfilgrastim during BEP therapy did not increase neutropenia and was effective in terms of safety.
Phase Ib Study of the Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor Citarinostat in Combination With Paclitaxel in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Sarantopoulos John , Juric Dejan , Lu Brian , Zarotiadou Angeliki , Connarn Jamie N. , Le Bruchec Yvan , Dumitru Calin Dan , Harvey R. Donald
Published: January 2022

Background

Citarinostat (CC-96241; previously ACY-241), an oral inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs) with selectivity for HDAC6, has demonstrated synergistic anticancer activity with paclitaxel in multiple solid tumor models. Combination therapy using citarinostat with paclitaxel was evaluated in this phase Ib 3 + 3 dose-escalation study in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors received citarinostat 180, 360, or 480 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary endpoints included safety, antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled and received study treatment; 15 had received prior taxane therapy. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported at any dose; therefore, the MTD was not identified. Citarinostat 360 vs 480 mg was associated with reduced incidence and severity of neutropenia. Three patients experienced a confirmed partial response and 13 achieved stable disease. Pharmacokinetic parameters were linear up to citarinostat 360 mg, the dose at which the highest levels of histone and tubulin acetylation were observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions

The combination of citarinostat plus paclitaxel showed an acceptable safety profile, with no unexpected or dose-limiting toxicities and potential evidence of antitumor activity in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors. Citarinostat 360 mg once daily is considered the recommended phase II dose for use in combination with paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 every 3 of 4 weeks. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02551185).
Awareness and Attitudes of the Pakistani Population With Regard to Physician–Pharmaceutical Company Interaction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gillani Ali Hassan , Omer Sumaira , Arshad Hafsa , Liu Wenchen , Chen Chen , Bashir Sadia , Ahmed Asma Bashir , Munir Abubakar , Saeed Amna , Bashir Kamran , Fang Yu
Published: January 2022

Objective: To determine the awareness and attitudes of the Pakistani population regarding physician–pharmaceutical company interactions.

Methods: The data were collected from primary health care clinics and pharmacy outlets located within cities of six randomly selected districts of the Punjab Province. Those individuals (age ≥18 years) who have just completed their visit to the physician and well understand Urdu language were approached. Descriptive analysis was performed for all variables by using SPSS (IBM version 26).

Results: A total of 3,852 participants fully completed the study out of 4,301 (response rate 89.5%). Of those, 30.9% were female; two-thirds (66.7%) were aware of drug representatives’ visits to clinics. The majority were aware of pharmaceutical company material presence (or absence) in the physicians’ rooms (56.6%), company items with logos (66.8%), patient education materials (73.4%), and 60.8% thought that receiving gifts from companies was “wrong/unethical” practice for physicians, which was lower in comparison to other professions such as judges to accept gifts from lawyers (65.6%) and professional sports umpires to acknowledge gifts (64.3%). A minority said that they have lower trust on physicians for using drug company notepads or pens (16.7%), going on trips sponsored by the company (16.7%), accepting gifts <15,000 PKR (90.3 US$) (26.7%), and accepting gifts >15,000 PKR (90.3 US$) (40.0%).

Conclusion: Survey participants were well aware of physician–pharmaceutical company interactions. Participants were more knowledgeable regarding the pharmaceutical company presence (or absence) in physicians’ offices than about gift-related practices of physicians. Trust on the physician was not affected by small gifts but by the large gifts.
Time of Day-Specific Changes in Metabolic Detoxification and Insecticide Tolerance in the House Fly, Musca domestica L.
Authors: You Chunmei , Li Zelin , Yin Yuanzhi , Na Naretuya , Gao Xiwu
Published: January 2022

Both insects and mammals all exhibit a daily fluctuation of susceptibility to chemicals at different times of the day. However, this phenomenon has not been further studied in the house fly (Musca domestica L.) and a better understanding of the house fly on chronobiology should be useful for controlling this widespread disease vector. Here we explored diel time-of-day variations in insecticide susceptibility, enzyme activities, and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme gene expressions. The house fly was most tolerant to beta-cypermethrin in the late photophase at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 8 and 12 [i.e., 8 and 12 h after light is present in the light-dark cycle (LD)]. The activities of cytochrome P450, GST, and CarE enzymes were determined in the house flies collected at various time, indicating that rhythms occur in P450 and CarE activities. Subsequently, we observed diel rhythmic expression levels of detoxifying genes, and CYP6D1 and MdαE7 displayed similar expression patterns with enzyme activities in LD conditions, respectively. No diel rhythm was observed for CYP6D3 expression. These data demonstrated a diel rhythm of metabolic detoxification enzymes and insecticide susceptibility in M. domestica. In the future, the time-of-day insecticide efficacy could be considered into the management of the house fly.
Insights Into the Genetic Architecture of Complex Traits in Napier Grass (Cenchrus purpureus) and QTL Regions Governing Forage Biomass Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Feed Quality Traits
Authors: Muktar Meki S. , Habte Ermias , Teshome Abel , Assefa Yilikal , Negawo Alemayehu T. , Lee Ki-Won , Zhang Jiyu , Jones Chris S.
Published: January 2022

Napier grass is the most important perennial tropical grass native to Sub-Saharan Africa and widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, primarily as a forage crop for animal feed, but with potential as an energy crop and in a wide range of other areas. Genomic resources have recently been developed for Napier grass that need to be deployed for genetic improvement and molecular dissection of important agro-morphological and feed quality traits. From a diverse set of Napier grass genotypes assembled from two independent collections, a subset of 84 genotypes (although a small population size, the genotypes were selected to best represent the genetic diversity of the collections) were selected and evaluated for 2 years in dry (DS) and wet (WS) seasons under three soil moisture conditions: moderate water stress in DS (DS-MWS); severe water stress in DS (DS-SWS) and, under rainfed (RF) conditions in WS (WS-RF). Data for agro-morphological and feed quality traits, adjusted for the spatial heterogeneity in the experimental blocks, were collected over a 2-year period from 2018 to 2020. A total of 135,706 molecular markers were filtered, after removing markers with missing values >10% and a minor allele frequency (MAF) <5%, from the high-density genome-wide markers generated previously using the genotyping by sequencing (GBS) method of the DArTseq platform. A genome-wide association study (GWAS), using two different mixed linear model algorithms implemented in the GAPIT R package, identified more than 35 QTL regions and markers associated with agronomic, morphological, and water-use efficiency traits. QTL regions governing purple pigmentation and feed quality traits were also identified. The identified markers will be useful in the genetic improvement of Napier grass through the application of marker-assisted selection and for further characterization and map-based cloning of the QTLs.
Jasmonate and Melatonin Act Synergistically to Potentiate Cold Tolerance in Tomato Plants
Authors: Ding Fei , Ren Liming , Xie Fang , Wang Meiling , Zhang Shuoxin
Published: January 2022

Both jasmonic acid (JA) and melatonin (MT) have been demonstrated to play positive roles in cold tolerance, however, whether and how they crosstalk in the cold responses in plants remain elusive. Here, we report that JA and MT act synergistically in the cold tolerance in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). It was found that JA and MT were both substantially accumulated in response to cold stress and foliar applications of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and MT promoted cold tolerance as evidenced by increased Fv/Fm, decreased relative electrolyte leakage (EL) and declined H2O2 accumulation in tomato plants. Inhibition of MT biosynthesis attenuated MeJA-induced cold tolerance, while inhibition of JA biosynthesis reduced MT accumulation in tomato plants under cold conditions. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expressions of two MT biosynthetic genes, SlSNAT and SlAMST, were strongly induced by MeJA, whereas suppression of SlMYC2, a master JA signaling regulator, abated the expressions of SlSNAT and SlAMST under cold stress. Additionally, suppression of SlMYC2 reduced MT accumulation, decreased Fv/Fm and increased EL in cold-stressed tomato plants. Interestingly, exogenous MT promoted JA accumulation, while inhibition of MT biosynthesis significantly reduced JA accumulation in tomato plants under the cold condition. Taken together, these results suggest that JA and MT act cooperatively in cold tolerance and form a positive feedback loop, amplifying the cold responses of tomato plants. Our findings might be translated into the development of cold-resistant tomato cultivars by genetically manipulating JA and MT pathways.
Effects of Preharvest Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Treatments on Growth, Quality, Volatile Components, and Antioxidant Systems of Chinese Chives
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Jing , Xie Jianming , Yu Jihua , Li Jing , Lv Jian , Gao Yanqiang , Niu Tianhang , Patience Bakpa Emily
Published: January 2022

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) regulate the production of biologically active compounds in plants and stimulate the accumulation of plant aromatic substances. However, the underlying mechanisms of how MeJA and SA influence characteristic flavor compounds and the antioxidant activity of vegetables are poorly understood. Five MeJA and SA concentrations were used to investigate the dose-dependent effects of these phytohormones on the dry and fresh weight; chlorophyll abundance; the contents of vitamin C, soluble protein, and sugar, nitrate, total phenols, flavonoids, volatile components, and enzymatically produced pyruvic acid; and antioxidant activity in Chinese chive. We found that MeJA and SA at concentrations of 500 and 150 μM, respectively, significantly increased the levels of total chlorophyll, phenols and flavonoids, vitamin C, and volatile components and significantly reduced the accumulation of nitrate. In addition, compared with the control, 500 μM of MeJA significantly increased the soluble sugar and protein content, and 150 μM SA significantly increased the dry and fresh weight of Chinese chive. Furthermore, these concentrations of MeJA and SA significantly increased the enzymatic pyruvate content and the amount of sulfide and aromatic volatile compounds and improved the characteristic flavor compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant capacity were significantly improved after a preharvest treatment with 500 μM MeJA and 150 μM SA, which could improve the antioxidant activity, thus improving the postharvest quality and preservation characteristics of Chinese chives. Taken together, a preharvest treatment with 500 μM MeJA and 150 μM SA is optimal to improve the growth, quality, antioxidant activity, and flavor of Chinese chive, thereby enhancing its commercial value.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Carbon Budget and the Response to Grazing in Qinghai Grasslands
Authors: Huang Xiaotao , Chen Chunbo , Yao Buqing , Ma Zhen , Zhou Huakun
Published: January 2022

Estimating the grassland carbon budget is critically important for ensuring that grassland resources are used sustainably. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of the carbon budget and the response to grazing have not yet been characterized in Qinghai grasslands. Here, we estimated the gross primary productivity (GPP) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) in Qinghai grasslands using the improved Biome-BGCMuSo model to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of the carbon budget and the response to grazing in this region from 1979 to 2018. The GPP of Qinghai grasslands fluctuated during the study period, with an average annual value of 118.78 gC/m2. The NEE of Qinghai grasslands fluctuated from 1979 to 2018, with an average value of −5.16 gC/m2. After 2,000, GPP increased, and NEE decreased in a fluctuating manner. There were clear regional differences in GPP and NEE. GPP was low in most areas of Qinghai, and GPP was high in eastern and southern Qinghai. The southern, southeastern, and northeastern parts of Qinghai were mainly carbon sinks, and the northwestern part of Qinghai and the region between the southeastern and northeastern parts of Qinghai were mainly carbon sources. Grazing generally decreased GPP and increased NEE in Qinghai grasslands from 1979 to 2018. There was spatial heterogeneity in the effect of grazing on GPP and NEE. Under grazing, GPP and NEE were significantly decreased mainly in eastern Qinghai, and GPP and NEE were significantly increased mainly in southern and eastern Qinghai. NEE was most affected by grazing in eastern Qinghai. The results of this study aid our understanding of the mechanism driving variation in the grassland carbon budget and provide new data that could be used to support local grassland management.
Peanut Rotation and Flooding Induce Rhizobacteriome Variation With Opposing Influences on the Growth and Medicinal Yield of Corydalis yanhusuo
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Wang Songfeng , Fan Yating , Zhou Zhe , Xu Sheng , Zhou Penglei , Zhou Jiayu , Wang Ren
Published: January 2022

Corydalis yanhusuo, a precious herb of the Papaveraceae family, is widely used in multiple traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of many painful conditions, and its medicinal part is the dried tuber. Yet how to improve this plant’s medicinal yield as well as its economic efficiency remains a key problem in its cultivation. The planting of C. yanhusuo in rotation with peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) aims to improve land utilization efficiency, but the total production of tubers is severely reduced relative to fields without rotation. However, an increased yield was observed in C. yanhusuo plants grown in previously flooded fields (HR field) compared to the ones grown in the fields that had been used to cultivate peanut (PL field) or in fields without rotation or flooding (N field). Based on these phenomena, in this study, we explored the potential factors responsible for the altered growth/yield of C. yanhusuo under different field conditions. Soil physicochemical properties and the diversity and community of rhizobacteriome of C. yanhusuo were both analyzed. By testing several soil physicochemical properties, we found that the cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and pH value differed significantly among these three types of fields. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed stark differences in the composition, diversity, and potential functions of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of C. yanhusuo plants grown in field with the peanut rotation or flooding. Notably, the Acidobacteria were enriched in the HR field, while Actinobacteria were enriched in the PL field. More importantly, further analysis showed that changed soil physicochemical properties could be one reason for why the rhizospheric bacterial community has changed; hence, soil physicochemical properties might also be affecting plant performance indirectly by regulating the rhizospheric bacterial community. The RDA analysis distinguished CEC as the most important soil physicochemical property influencing the structure and composition of the C. yanhusuo rhizobacteriome. In summary, our results suggest peanut rotation- and flooding-induced soil physicochemical properties changes would further impact the rhizobacteriome of C. yanhusuo albeit differentially, culminating in opposite effects upon the plant growth and medicinal yield of C. yanhusuo.
Metabolomic Evaluation of Ralstonia solanacearum Cold Shock Protein Peptide (csp22)-Induced Responses in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Zeiss Dylan R. , Steenkamp Paul A. , Piater Lizelle A. , Dubery Ian A.
Published: January 2022

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, is one of the most destructive bacterial plant pathogens. This is linked to its evolutionary adaptation to evade host surveillance during the infection process since many of the pathogen’s associated molecular patterns escape recognition. However, a 22-amino acid sequence ofR. solanacearum-derived cold shock protein (csp22) was discovered to elicit an immune response in the Solanaceae. Using untargeted metabolomics, the effects of csp22-elicitation on the metabolome ofSolanum lycopersicumleaves were investigated. Additionally, the study set out to discover trends that may suggest that csp22 inoculation bestows enhanced resistance on tomato against bacterial wilt. Results revealed the redirection of metabolism toward the phenylpropanoid pathway and sub-branches thereof. Compared to the host response with live bacteria, csp22 induced a subset of the discriminant metabolites, but also metabolites not induced in response toR. solanacearum. Here, a spectrum of hydroxycinnamic acids (especially ferulic acid), their conjugates and derivatives predominated as signatory biomarkers. From a metabolomics perspective, the results support claims that csp22 pre-treatment of tomato plants elicits increased resistance toR. solanacearuminfection and contribute to knowledge on plant immune systems operation at an integrative level. The functional significance of these specialized compounds may thus support a heightened state of defense that can be applied to ward off attacking pathogens or toward priming of defense against future infections.
The Response of Tomato Fruit Cuticle Membranes Against Heat and Light
Authors: Benítez José J. , González Moreno Ana , Guzmán-Puyol Susana , Heredia-Guerrero José A. , Heredia Antonio , Domínguez Eva
Published: January 2022

Two important biophysical properties, the thermal and UV-Vis screening capacity, of isolated tomato fruit cuticle membranes (CM) have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV-Vis spectrometry, respectively. A first order melting, corresponding to waxes, and a second order glass transition (Tg) thermal events have been observed. The glass transition was less defined and displaced toward higher temperatures along the fruit ripening. In immature and mature green fruits, the CM was always in the viscous and more fluid state but, in ripe fruits, daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations may cause the transition between the glassy and viscous states altering the mass transfer between the epidermal plant cells and the environment. CM dewaxing reduced the Tg value, as derived from the role of waxes as fillers. Tg reduction was more intense after polysaccharide removal due to their highly interwoven distribution within the cutin matrix that restricts the chain mobility. Such effect was amplified by the presence of phenolic compounds in ripe cuticle membranes. The structural rigidity induced by phenolics in tomato CMs was directly reflected in their mechanical elastic modulus. The heat capacity (Cprev) of cuticle membranes was found to depend on the developmental stage of the fruits and was higher in immature and green stages. The average Cprev value was above the one of air, which confers heat regulation capacity to CM. Cuticle membranes screened the UV-B light by 99% irrespectively the developmental stage of the fruit. As intra and epicuticular waxes contributed very little to the UV screening, this protection capacity is attributed to the absorption by cinnamic acid derivatives. However, the blocking capacity toward UV-A is mainly due to the CM thickness increment during growth and to the absorption by flavone chalconaringenin accumulated during ripening. The build-up of phenolic compounds was found to be an efficient mechanism to regulate both the thermal and UV screening properties of cuticle membranes.
How Do Nepotism and Favouritism Affect Organisational Climate?
Authors: Vveinhardt Jolita , Bendaraviciene Rita
Published: January 2022

This study seeks to determine the effect of nepotism and favouritism on organisational climate. Using the method of random sampling, 269 persons working in Lithuanian organisations were surveyed. The received data was analysed via the application of the methods of correlation and linear regression. It was determined that organisational climate is influenced significantly by variables such as the manager’s behaviour, safety and relationships with employees, values and traditions, communication, sharing of information, behaviour of employees, and interrelationships and tolerance of one another. Meanwhile, nepotism and favouritism are influenced by the lower number of climate variables (fear related to the absence of concreteness and security, such as joining an organisation, union and tolerance of individuals who have shared interests). This work fills the void in the knowledge of connections that nepotism and favouritism have with organisational climate, drawing attention to the mutual interaction between these phenomena. The article presents a discussion and the research limitations, and provides guidelines for further research.
The Functional Psychotherapy Approach: A Process-Outcome Multiple Case Study
Authors: Rocco Diego , Rizzi Luca , Dell’Arciprete Gaia , Perrella Raffaella
Published: January 2022

Objective: The present work aims to conduct the first naturalistic empirical investigation of the process and outcome assessment of functional psychotherapy (FP) treatment. The FP model of psychotherapy is rooted in psychoanalysis and integrates the verbal communication approach founded on transference and countertransference dynamics with the analysis of bodily processes.

Method: The study sample included ten patients recruited on a voluntary basis and treated by clinicians in their private practices. Each patient received FP with an average duration of 40 h (min 35 and max 42). Therapies had weekly sessions, were audio-recorded with the patient’s written consent, and lasted for an average of 10 months (min 9 and max 12). Outcome and process tools included the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and the Luborsky’s the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT), used to assess therapeutic benefit, and the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Italian Discourse Attributes Analysis Program (IDAAP) system, used to evaluate therapeutic benefit and process. The MMPI-2 was used also in the follow-up assessment.

Results: Results show that FP had a positive therapeutic outcome on the patients assessed in this study, and that the therapeutic benefits were maintained over time. Some specific features of the FP approach were found to contribute more than others to the observed therapeutic benefits.

Conclusion: The current investigation constitutes a first step toward assessment of the therapeutic effectiveness of FP. Future developments should apply the methodology to a larger sample, possibly introducing different methodologies to enable detection of specific bodily oriented processes and techniques.
Implementing Remote Developmental Research: A Case Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial Language Intervention During COVID-19
Authors: Ozernov-Palchik Ola , Olson Halie A. , Arechiga Xochitl M. , Kentala Hope , Solorio-Fielder Jovita L. , Wang Kimberly L. , Torres Yesi Camacho , Gardino Natalie D. , Dieffenbach Jeff R. , Gabrieli John D. E.
Published: January 2022

Intervention studies with developmental samples are difficult to implement, in particular when targeting demographically diverse communities. Online studies have the potential to examine the efficacy of highly scalable interventions aimed at enhancing development, and to address some of the barriers faced by underrepresented communities for participating in developmental research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we executed a fully remote randomized controlled trial (RCT) language intervention with third and fourth grade students (N = 255; age range 8.19–10.72 years, mean = 9.41, SD = 0.52) from diverse backgrounds across the United States. Using this as a case study, we discuss both challenges and solutions to conducting an intensive online intervention through the various phases of the study, including recruitment, data collection, and fidelity of intervention implementation. We provide comprehensive suggestions and takeaways, and conclude by summarizing some important tradeoffs for researchers interested in carrying out such studies.
The Relationship Between Gender Self-Stereotyping and Life Satisfaction: The Mediation Role of Relational Self-Esteem and Personal Self-Esteem
Authors: Li Junnan , Liu Yanfen , Song Jingjing
Published: January 2022

Individuals voluntarily internalize gender stereotypes and present personality characteristics and behaviors that conform to gender role requirements. The aim of the current study was to explore the reasons people internalize gender stereotypes. We conducted surveys with 317 college students in China to examine the relationship between gender self-stereotyping and life satisfaction. We also analyzed the mediating roles of relational self-esteem (RSE) and personal self-esteem (PSE) and the moderation role of gender. The results of path analysis showed that gender self-stereotyping directly affected life satisfaction and indirectly affected life satisfaction through RSE and PSE in a serial pattern; however, the serial mediation model was only significant in the male sample. Higher gender self-stereotyping was associated with male participants’ higher level of RSE and PSE and further correlated with higher life satisfaction. This study addressed the questions: “What are the benefits of gender self-stereotyping?” and “What are the major barriers to counter-stereotyping?” The results enrich our understanding of these issues, especially relative to the collectivist culture in China, and may be used to create more effective interventions to help people break through the stereotypes.
The Underlying Process of Prosocial Behavior Among Soldiers: A Terror Management Theory Perspective
Authors: Heller Ido , Halabi Samer
Published: January 2022

The mortality salience (MS) hypothesis postulates that anxiety elicited by mortality awareness leads people to develop negative emotions toward those who hold values inconsistent with their worldview faith. We explored this hypothesis in a sample of 76 Israeli combat soldiers, who were asked to reflect on either their mortality or dental pain. Subsequently, participants reported their motivation to help a father in need who was either an Arab (outgroup) or a Jewish Israeli (ingroup), as well as their perceptions of threat by Arab Israelis. Regression analysis indicated that mortality reminders intensified soldiers’ perception of threat by the outgroup, leading to an increased desire to assist a Jewish-Israeli father, and a decreased motivation to help an Arab-Israeli one. The findings demonstrate the pronounced effects of MS on soldiers involved in frequent combat actions in terms of evoking negative emotions leading to reluctance to help unarmed civilian outgroup members. Recommendations for soldiers’ pre-deployment psychoeducation sessions are provided.
Economic Inequality Increases the Preference for Status Consumption
Authors: Velandia-Morales Andrea , Rodríguez-Bailón Rosa , Martínez Rocío
Published: January 2022

Prior research has shown the relationship between objective economic inequality and searching for positional goods. It also investigated the relationship between social class and low income with conspicuous consumption. However, the causal relationship between economic inequality (the difference in wealth between individuals and groups living in a shared context and consumer behavior) has been less explored. Furthermore, there are also few studies looking for the psychological mechanisms that underlie these effects. The current research’s main goal is to analyze the consequences of perceived economic inequality (PEI) on conspicuous and status consumption and the possible psychological mechanisms that could explain its effects. Furthermore, the current research aims to examine whether there is a causal relationship between PEI and materialism preferences and attitudes toward indebtedness. This work includes two preregister experimental studies. In the Study 1 (n = 252), we manipulated PEI and its legitimacy through a 2 (high vs. low inequality) × 2 (Illegitimate vs. legitimate) between-participants experiment. Results showed a main effect of PEI on status consumption, status seeking, status anxiety, materialism, and attitude toward indebtedness. No interaction effect between legitimacy and inequality was found. In the Study 2 (n = 301), we manipulated the PEI through the Bimboola Paradigm. We replicated the effect of PEI on status consumption, status seeking, and materialism and found that status seeking mediated the relationship between PEI and status and conspicuous consumption. Economic inequality affects consumer behavior and favors consumption preferences for products that provide desirable symbolic values associated with status. These results could have important implications in the interpersonal and intergroup processes, including those related to consumption and purchase.
Prevalence Rates and Evolution of Psychiatric Disorders Among Incarcerated Youths in Comparison With Non-incarcerated Youths
Authors: Heller Patrick , Morosan Larisa , Badoud Deborah , Laubscher Manon , Jimenez Olariaga Lisa , Debbané Martin , Wolff Hans , Baggio Stéphanie
Published: January 2022

Background: Our main objective was to provide estimates of the prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities among youths in a juvenile detention center in Geneva, Switzerland. We also aimed to investigate potential positive effects of intensive psychotherapeutic and educational services this center provides. Finally, we examined psychiatric care prior to and after custody as well as the evolution of the youths' mental health during detention.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study including a group of incarcerated (n = 86) and a group of non-incarcerated (n = 169) youths (12–18 years old). Measures included diagnoses of psychiatric disorders, cognitive functions, trauma, psychopathic traits and the Youth Self-Report (aggressive behavior, attentional disorders, criminal behavior, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints) collected at baseline and at discharge for the incarcerated group. Data were analyzed using mixed-effect models.

Results: Psychiatric disorders were prevalent in the incarcerated group (82.6, 95% CI: 71.6–90.7%), but young people also often suffered from several disorders simultaneously. Two-thirds of the incarcerated participants had a diagnosis of two or more psychiatric disorders. Regarding health care, most incarcerated participants (79.1%) had psychiatric care prior to detention. The planned care after detention was associated with psychiatric comorbidities, care being more likely planned for those with comorbidities (p = 0.030). Compared to the non-incarcerated group, the incarcerated group had lower scores on cognitive functioning (p < 0.001) and higher scores on trauma (p < 0.021) and psychopathic traits (p < 0.034). The youths' stay in the detention center was associated with a positive change of mental health, with externalized problems being significantly reduced at the end of their stay (p = 0.017).

Conclusion: Our findings showed that youths in conflict with the law are characterized by (1) their internal vulnerabilities: a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychiatric comorbidities, lower cognitive functions, externalized problems and psychopathic traits; (2) environmental factors: victims of violence and sexual abuse; and (3) their psychiatric history. Besides, the evolution of the most prevalent issues was favorable over time, which puts into question the usual perspective about the deleterious effect of detention.
COVID-19-Related Psychological Trauma and Psychological Distress Among Community-Dwelling Psychiatric Patients: People Struck by Depression and Sleep Disorders Endure the Greatest Burden
Authors: Ali Amira M. , Alkhamees Abdulmajeed A. , Abd Elhay Eman S. , Taha Samah M. , Hendawy Amin O.
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 has created a general state of worry and distress, especially among vulnerable groups such as those with psychiatric diagnoses. Worldwide, psychiatric care provision has drastically suffered during the pandemic, with many patients unable to access proper care, which may have implications for increased mental health consequences in patients with psychiatric disorders (e.g., relapse and suicide). This cross-sectional study used structural equation modeling to investigate COVID-19-related trauma and distress among Arab psychiatric population during COVID-19 quarantine. Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders (N = 168) completed an online survey that comprised the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and a questionnaire on COVID-19-related attitudes/perceptions, sources of information, used protective measures, and socio-demographic information. Respondents commonly reported feeling down-hearted/blue, trouble concentrating, along with symptoms of avoidance and rumination related to the pandemic. Patients with depression and sleep disorders expressed higher COVID-19-related trauma than patients with other disorders. Perceived physical health mediated the effect of co-morbid chronic physical disorders on COVID-19 trauma, psychological distress, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, and perceived likelihood of recovery in case of contracting COVID-19. Perceived physical health and perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 were strong direct predictors of COVID-19-related trauma and psychological distress. Staying at home negatively predicted COVID-19 trauma and exerted an indirect negative effect on psychological distress via COVID-19 trauma. COVID-19 trauma, age, and marital status directly predicted psychological distress, with COVID-19 trauma being the strongest predictor. Educational level, income, having family members working in the medical field, keeping up to date with the news on deaths/infected cases or the development of COVID-19 drugs or vaccines, satisfaction with available information on COVID-19, and using different protective measures were not associated with significant differences in COVID-19 trauma and psychological distress scores. Immuno-psychiatric interventions should be designed to target COVID-19-trauma and distress among younger single patients with perceived poor physical health, especially those diagnosed with depression and sleep disorders.