bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-3-oxo-octanoyl-homoserine Lactone-Mediated Priming of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae Requires the Salicylic Acid Signaling Pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhao Qian , Jia Zhenhua , Song Cong , Huang Yali , Ma Hong , Song Shuishan
Published: November 2019

Background: Many Gram-negative bacteria use N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) to communicate each other and to coordinate their collective behaviors. Recently, accumulating evidence shows that host plants are able to sense and respond to bacterial AHLs. Once primed, plants are in an altered state that enables plant cells to more quickly and/or strongly respond to subsequent pathogen infection or abiotic stress. Results: In this study, we report that pretreatment with N-3-oxo-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC8-HSL) confers resistance against the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PstDC3000) in Arabidopsis. Pretreatment with 3OC8-HSL and subsequent pathogen invasion triggered an augmented burst of hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid accumulation, and fortified expression of the pathogenesis-related genes PR1 and PR5. Upon PstDC3000 challenge, plants treated with 3OC8-HSL showed increased activities of defense-related enzymes including peroxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, and superoxide dismutase. In addition, the 3OC8-HSL-primed resistance to PstDC3000 in wild-type plants was impaired in plants expressing the bacterial NahG gene and in the npr1 mutant. Moreover, the expression levels of isochorismate synthases (ICS1), a critical salicylic acid biosynthesis enzyme, and two regulators of its expression, SARD1 and CBP60g, were potentiated by 3OC8-HSL pretreatment followed by pathogen inoculation. Conclusions: Our data indicate that 3OC8-HSL primes the Arabidopsis defense response upon hemibiotrophic bacterial infection and that 3OC8-HSL-primed resistance is dependent on the SA signaling pathway. These findings may help establish a novel strategy for the control of plant disease.
No relationship between dopamine D3 receptor gene Ser9Gly polymorphism (rs6280) and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of family-based association studies
Authors: Li Xiao-na , Zheng Ji-long , Wei Xiao-han , Wang Bao-jie , Yao Jun
Published: November 2019

Background Ser9Gly (rs6280) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human dopamine receptor D3 gene (DRD3). It is still controversial that whether Ser9Gly is involved in the occurrence of schizophrenia. Thus, a meta-analysis of family-based studies was performed to explore the role of Ser9Gly in the etiology of schizophrenia.Methods The published family-based association studies were searched from the relevant literature databases according to the established inclusion criteria. We generated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in order to determine the strength of the relationship between Ser9Gly SNP and the occurrence of schizophrenia.Results We finally pooled up 13 family-based association studies between Ser9Gly SNP and schizophrenia. It contained 11 transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies with 1219 informative meiosis and 5 haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) studies. There was no statistical significance for the heterogeneity in TDT and HHRR studies. Therefore, the fixed effect model was used to measure the pooled effect size. The results showed that neither of the associations between Ser9Gly and the risk of schizophrenia were observed in TDT (1219 samples, OR=1.005, 95% CI = 0.898-1.125, Z-value = 0.086, p = 0.932) and HHRR studies (1704 samples, OR=0.869, 95% CI = 0.713-1.059, Z-value = -1.395, p = 0.163), except for the significantly preferential transmission of DRD3 Ser9 allele in East Asian in TDT studies (204 samples, OR=0.744, 95% CI = 0.564-0.980, Z-value = -2.104, p = 0.035).Conclusions Our meta-analysis found no association between DRD3 gene Ser9Gly polymorphism and the risk of schizophrenia. However, more effects need to further confirm the function of DRD3 Ser9Gly SNP in the occurrence of schizophrenia.
Effect of climatic factors on the seasonal fluctuation of human brucellosis in Yulin, Northern China
Authors: Liu Kun , Yang Zurong , Liang Weifeng , Guo Tianci , Long Yong , Shao Zhongjun
Published: November 2019

Background: Brucellosis is a serious public health problem primarily affecting livestock workers. The strong seasonality of the disease indicates that climatic factors may play important roles in the transmission of the disease. However, the associations between climatic variability and human brucellosis are still poorly understood. Methods: Data for a 14-year series of human brucellosis cases and seven climatic factors were collected in Yulin City from 2005 to 2018, one of the most endemic areas in northern China. Using cross-correlation analysis, the Granger causality test, and a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), we assessed the quantitative relationships and exposure-lag-response effects between monthly climatic factors and human brucellosis.Results: A total of 7,103 cases of human brucellosis were reported from 2005 to 2018 in Yulin City with a distinct peak between April and July each year. Seasonal fluctuations in the transmission of human brucellosis were significantly affected by temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation. The effects of climatic factors were non-linear over the 6-month period, and higher values of these factors usually increased disease incidence. The maximum separate relative risk (RR) was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.81) at a temperature of 17.4 °C, 1.12 (95% CI, 1.03–1.22) with 311 hours of sunshine, and 1.18 (95% CI, 0.94–1.48) with 314 mm of evaporation. In addition, the effects of these three climatic factors were cumulative, with the highest RRs of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.09–4.57), 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10–2.18), and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.73–2.14), respectively. Conclusions: In Yulin, northern China, variations in climatic factors, especially temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation, contributed significantly to seasonal fluctuations of human brucellosis within 6 months. The key determinants of brucellosis transmission and the identified complex associations are useful references for developing strategies to reduce the disease burden.
The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grimani Aikaterini , Aboagye Emmanuel , Kwak Lydia
Published: November 2019

Background Healthy lifestyles play an important role in the prevention of premature death, chronic diseases, productivity loss and other social and economic concerns. However, worksite interventions to address issues of fitness and nutrition which include work-related outcomes are complex and thus challenging to implement and appropriately measure the effectiveness of. This systematic review investigated the impact of worksite nutrition and physical activity interventions, which include components aimed at worksite’s physical environment and organizational structure, on employees’ productivity, work performance and workability. Methods A systematic review that included randomized controlled trials and or non-randomized controlled studies was conducted. Medline, EMBASE.com, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched until September 2016. Productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, work performance and workability were the primary outcomes of our interest, while sedentary behavior and changes in other health-related behaviors were considered as secondary outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-texts for study eligibility, extracted the data and performed a quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials and the Risk-of-Bias in non-randomized studies of interventions. Findings were narratively synthesized. Results Thirty-nine randomized control trials and non-randomized controlled studies were included. Nearly 28% of the included studies were of high quality, while 56% were of medium quality. The studies covered a broad range of multi-level and environmental-level interventions. Fourteen worksite nutrition and physical activity intervention studies yielded statistically significant changes on absenteeism (n=7), work performance (n=2), workability (n=3), productivity (n=1) and on both workability and productivity (n=1). Two studies showed effects on absenteeism only between subgroups. Conclusions The scientific evidence shows that it is possible to influence work-related outcomes, especially absenteeism, positively through health promotion efforts that include components aimed at the workplace’s physical work environment and organizational structure. In order to draw further conclusions regarding work-related outcomes in controlled high-quality studies, long-term follow-up using objective outcomes and/or quality assured questionnaires are required. Registration number PROSPERO CRD42017081837
Towards a Digital Health Curriculum for Health Workforce for the African Region
Authors: Munene Derrick , Alunyu Andrew Egwar , Nabukenya Josephine
Published: November 2019

Background Digital technologies are fast gaining space in health. A skilled workforce is required to use existing and emerging technologies that support healthcare. However, existing medical informatics curriculum from the USA, UK, and African regions reveal gaps in the required competencies for a digital health worker, especially for the African region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the need for and suggest a structure of the digital health curriculum for the African region. Methods The study retrieved articles published in English between 2000 and march of 2019 from PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Biomedical Central. Only 39 that addressed any form of pre-service and or in-service training of the digital health workers were included in the review. In addition, 8 national ehealth strategies and 13 medical informatics curricula from the USA, UK, and African regions were reviewed to determine the gaps and suggest a structure of the Digital Health curriculum suitable for the African region. Results Many countries in the African region have developed ehealth strategies that clearly highlight the need to train the DH workforce. Results showed knowledge gaps of a communicator, a collaborator, a professional technologist, an advocate, and a manager required of digital health workers in the African region. However, existing digital/health informatics programmes in the region lack balanced course programmes to develop these core competencies. Besides, the corresponding online training is modeled after the traditional face-to-face training, thus limiting the opportunity for in-service health workers. Validation of the Lesotho curriculum confirmed only 10 modules are suitable to develop a rounded digital health worker (particularly health leaders) for the African region. Conclusions Since it is important to develop the competencies consistent with the local health systems to realize the full benefits of ehealth technologies, the African region needs to bridge their human resource gaps. Thus, African countries need to first develop or adopt a digital health worker competency framework and then re-organize their national health training curriculum to ensure a standardized/universal ehealth curriculum for training the digital health workforce. Future works will assess the DH worker competencies and expected outcomes for the African region.
Primary caregivers perceptions of the role of fathers in the provision of nutritional care in a resource constrained environment in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Brown Melissa Judith , Roman Nicolette
Published: November 2019

Background : The role of fathers has traditionally been defined as a breadwinner or provider, with men generally having lower levels of engagement in childcare tasks, especially with young children. The involvement of fathers has important consequences for child well-being, especially with regards to issues of diet/nutrition, exercise, play, and parenting behaviours. This paper seeks to explore the perceptions and limitations that primary caregivers have on fathers’ provision of care in a resource constrained community in South Africa.
Methods : Data was collected through in-depth face to face interviews, with a sample of 10 primary caregivers in a resource constrained community in Cape Town, South Africa.
Results : The findings reveal that there is a lack of involvement from fathers in the provision of nutritional care and that this affects mothers and grandmothers who then need to provide both the physical and emotional care to their children. These findings are based on the perspective of mothers and grandmothers and their perceived roles in the family.
Conclusion : The level of lack of financial involvement from fathers has dramatically affected the participating family’s food security due to only one member in the household earning below minimum wage. This has therefore meant that the dietary needs of the family are not being met with nutritional foods, but instead by high fat and high sugar content foods. The findings also highlighted that primary caregivers want to be taught about health and nutritional food choices for a limited budget.
Quality Of Life Questionnaire for women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDMQ-36): Development and Psychometric Properties
Authors: mokhlesi samira , simbar masoumeh , tehrani fahimeh ramezani , kariman Nourossadat , majd hamid alavi
Published: November 2019

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus carries serious risks to mother and fetus and causes social, mental, and psychological consequences which can affect mothers’ quality of life. Accordingly, this study aims to develop and assess the psychometric properties of quality of life questionnaire for women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods A methodological study of sequential exploratory mixed method was developed and implemented. It included qualitative (development of a quality of life questionnaire for mothers with GDM) and quantitative (assessment of psychometric prosperities of quality of life questionnaire for mothers with GDM) phases. Results Based on the findings of the qualitative phase and literature review, the primary questionnaire was prepared with 142 items. The outcome of face validity and content validity assessment was a 67-item questionnaire. S-CVI and S-CVR turned out to be 0.92 and 0.68, respectively. The results of exploratory factor analysis yielded an instrument with 36 items in five domains including concerns about high-risk pregnancy, perceived constraints, disease complications, medication and treatment, and support. Five factors explained 46.68% of the total variance of the questionnaire. The results indicated a moderate and significant correlation between the questionnaire of “Diabetes Clients Quality Of Life” and the researcher-made questionnaire (r=0.63). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.93 and the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.95. Conclusion Quality of life questionnaire for mothers with GDM is a valid and reliable tool capable of measuring the quality of life of women with GDM.
Responses of the photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) to different LED light qualities
Authors: Gao Song , Liu Xuena , Liu Ying , Cao Bili , Chen Zijing , Xu Kun
Published: November 2019

Background: The optimized illumination of plants using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is beneficial to their photosynthetic performance. Because of this, in recent years LEDs have been widely used in horticultural facilities. However, there are significant differences in the responses of different crops to light quality. The influence of light quality on photosynthesis needs to be further explored to provide theoretical guidance for the adjustment of the light environment in industrial crop production. This study tested the effects of different qualities of LED lighting (white, W; blue, B; green, G; yellow, Y; and red, R) with the same photon flux density (300 μmol/m2·s) on the growth and development, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, leaf structure, and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) plants.
Results: The results showed that the plant height, leaf area, and fresh weight of plants in the W and B treatments were significantly higher than those in the other treatments. The photosynthetic pigment content and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in the W treatment were significantly higher than those in the monochromatic light treatments, while the transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (Gs) were the highest in the B treatment, and the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) was the highest in the Y treatment. Among the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics tested, the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) was the highest in the Y treatment, while the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) under dark adaptation (Fv/Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII under light adaptation (Fv'/Fm'), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and apparent electron transport rate (ETR) all differed among treatments in the following order: W > B > R > G > Y. Both leaf structure and chloroplast ultrastructure showed the most complete development in the B treatment.
Conclusions: In summary, in addition to W light, B light significantly improved the photosynthetic efficiency of Welsh onion, whereas Y light significantly reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of this plant.
Risk factor analysis for progressive spinal deformity after resection of intracanal tumors─ a retrospective study of 272 cases
Authors: Wang Pangbo , Ma Kang , Chen Tunan , Xue Xingsen , Ma Dada , Wang Shi , Chen Xin , Meng Hui , Cui Gaoyu , Gao Boyuan , Lin Jiangkai , Feng Hua , Chu Weihua
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVE: Progressive spinal deformity has become a well-recognized complication of intracanal tumors resection. However, the factors affecting post-operative spinal stability remain to be further research. Here, we described the current largest series of risk factors analysis for progressive spinal deformity following resection of intracanal tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the patients with resection of intracanal tumors between January 2009 and December 2018. All patients who underwent resection of intracanal tumors performed regular postoperative follow-up were identified and included in the study. Clinical, radiological, surgical, histopathological, and follow-up data were collected. The incidence of postoperative progressive kyphosis or scoliosis was calculated. The statistical relationship between postoperative progressive spinal deformity and radiographic, clinical, and surgical variables was assessed by using univariate tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two patients (mean age 42.56 ± 16.18 years) with median preoperative modified McCormick score of 3 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 7（2.6%）patients were found to have spinal deformity preoperatively, and the extent of spinal deformity in these 7 patients deteriorated after surgery. 36 (13.2%) were new cases of postoperative progressive deformity. The mean duration of follow-up was 21.8 months (median 14 months, range 6–114 months). In subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis, age≤18 years (p=0.027), vertebral levels of tumor involvement (p = 0.019) and preoperative spinal deformity(p=0.008) was the independent risk factors (p < 0.05), increasing the odds of postoperative progressive spinal deformity by 3.94- , 0.69- and 27.11-fold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative progressive spinal deformity was 15.8%, mostly in these patients who had younger age (≤18 years), tumors involved in multiple segments and preoperative spinal deformity. The risk factors of postoperative progressive spinal deformity warrants serious reconsideration that when performing resection of spinal cord tumors in these patients with such risk factors, the surgeons should consider conducting follow-ups more closely, and when patients suffering from severe symptoms or gradually increased spinal deformity, surgical spinal fusion may be a more suitable choice to reduce the risk of reoperation and improve the prognosis of patients.
Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise for early continence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Anan Go , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hiromichi , Ito Jun , Kohada Yuki , Mikami Jotaro , Sato Makoto
Published: November 2019

Background: Transient postoperative urinary incontinence is a bothersome complication of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). The effects of preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) for early recovery of continence after HoLEP have never been elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of preoperatively started pelvic PFME for early continence recovery after HoLEP. Methods: We randomly assigned patients to start PFME preoperatively and continue postoperatively (group A) or start PFME no earlier than the postoperative period (group B). The primary outcome was time to complete urinary control, defined as no pad usage. The secondary quality of life measure was determined via International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify parameters associated with recovery of urinary continence after HoLEP. Results: Seventy patients were randomized across groups A (n = 35) and B (n = 35). Patients’ characteristics were not different between groups A and B. The postoperative incontinence rate significantly decreased in group A compared with group B at 3 months postoperatively [3% vs. 26% (P = 0.01)]. However, there were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 days [40% vs. 54% (P = 0.34)], 1 month [37% vs. 51% (P = 0.34)], and 6 months [0% vs. 3% (P = 1.00)] postoperatively, respectively. The postoperative ICIQ-SF scores were not significantly different between groups A and B at any time point postoperatively. In logistic regression analysis, patients who performed preoperative PFME had a 0.56-fold lower risk of incontinence 1 month after HoLEP and a 0.08-fold lower risk of incontinence 3 months after HoLEP. Conclusions: Preoperatively started PFME appears to facilitate early improvement of urinary incontinence after HoLEP.
Identifying risk factors for perinatal death at Tororo District Hospital, Uganda: a case-control study
Authors: Tesfalul Martha , Natureeba Paul , Day Nathan , Thomas Ochar , Gaw Stephanie L
Published: November 2019

Background Sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of perinatal deaths globally. However, data to inform targeted interventions on an institutional level is lacking, especially in rural settings. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for perinatal death at a resource-limited hospital in Uganda. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study at a district hospital in eastern Uganda using birth registry data. Cases were admissions with stillbirths at or beyond 24 weeks or neonatal deaths within 28 days of birth. Controls were admissions that resulted in deliveries immediately preceding and following each case. We compared demographic and obstetric factors between cases and controls to identify risk factors for perinatal death. Subgroup analysis of type of perinatal death was also performed. Chi square, Fisher's exact, t-test, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum tests were utilized for bivariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results From January 2014 to December 2014, there were 185 cases of perinatal death, of which 36% (n=69) were macerated stillbirths, 40% (n=76) were fresh stillbirths, and 25% (n=47) were neonatal deaths. The rate of perinatal death among all deliveries at the institution was 35.5 per 1,000 deliveries. Factors associated with increased odds perinatal death included: prematurity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 19.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2-49.2), breech presentation (aOR 7.0, CI 1.4-35.5), multiple gestation (aOR 4.0, CI 1.1 – 13.9), cesarean delivery (aOR 3.8, CI 2.3 – 6.4) and low birth weight (aOR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.3). Analysis by subtype of perinatal death revealed distinct associations with the aforementioned risk factors, in particular for antepartum hemorrhage, which was only associated with fresh stillbirths (aOR 6.7, CI 1.6-28.8), and low birth weight. Conclusions The rate of perinatal death at our rural hospital site was higher than national targets, and these deaths were associated with prematurity, low birth weight, breech presentation, multiple gestation, and cesarean delivery. This data and the approach can be utilized to acquire it can be leveraged to inform targeted interventions to reduce the rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in similar low resource settings.
Regulatory T cells participate in the recovery of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Santamaría-Cadavid María , Rodríguez-Castro Emilio , Rodríguez-Yáñez Manuel , Arias-Rivas Susana , López-Dequidt Iria , Pérez-Mato María , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel , López-Loureiro Ignacio , Hervella Pablo , Campos Francisco , Castillo José , Iglesias-Rey Ramón , Sobrino Tomás
Published: November 2019

Background: Recent preclinical studies have shown that regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in the immune response after ischemic stroke (IS). However, the role of Treg-cells in human acute IS has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to study the relationship between circulating Treg-cells and outcome in human IS patients.Methods Methods: A total of 204 IS patients and 22 control subjects were recruited. The main study variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale ≤2) considering infarct volume, Early Neurological Deterioration (END) and risk of infections as secondary variables. The percentage of circulating Treg-cells was measured at admission, 48, 72h and at day 7 after stroke onset.Results Results: Circulating Treg-cell levels were higher in IS patients compared to control subjects. Treg-cells at 48h were independently associated with good functional outcome (OR, 3.5; CI: 1.9-7.8) after adjusting by confounding factors. Patients with lower Treg-cells at 48h showed higher frequency of END and risk of infections. In addition, a negative correlation was found between circulating Treg-cells at 48h (r=-0.414) and 72h (r=-0.418) and infarct volume.Conclusions Conclusions: These findings suggest that Treg-cells may participate in the recovery of IS patients. Therefore, Treg-cells may be considered a potential therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke.
The metabolome as a link in the genotype-phenotype map for peroxide resistance in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Harrison Benjamin R , Wang Lu , Gajda Erika , Hoffman Elise V. , Chung Brian Y. , Pletcher Scott D. , Raftery Dan , Promislow Daniel E.L.
Published: November 2019

Background Genetic association studies that seek to explain the inheritance of complex traits typically fail to explain more than a small fraction of the heritability of the trait under study. Thus we are left with a gap in the map from genotype to phenotype. Several approaches have been used to fill this gap, including those that attempt to map endophenotype such as the transcriptome, proteome or metabolome, that underlie complex traits. Here we used metabolomics to explore the nature of genetic variation for hydrogen peroxide (H­2O2) resistance in the sequenced inbred Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP). Results We first studied genetic variation for H2O2 resistance in 180 DGRP lines and identify the insulin signaling modulator u-shaped and several regulators of feeding behavior. We then profiled a portion of the aqueous metabolome in subsets of eight ‘high resistance’ lines and eight ‘low resistance’ lines. We used these lines to represent collections of genotypes that were either resistant or sensitive to the stressor, effectively modeling a discrete trait. Across the range of genotypes in both populations, flies exhibited surprising consistency in their metabolomic signature of resistance. Metabolomic profiles were also able to distinguish stress-resistant from stress-sensitive flies with greater accuracy than the genotype of these same lines. Furthermore, we found a metabolic response to H2O2 that was shared among sensitive, but not resistant genotypes. Metabolomic data further implicated at least two pathways, glycogen and folate metabolism, as determinants of sensitivity to H2O2. We also discovered a confounding effect of feeding behavior on assays involving supplemented food. Conclusions This work suggests that the metabolome can be a point of convergence for genetic variation influencing complex traits, and efficiently elucidate the mechanisms underlying this trait variation.
Genome-wide analysis reveals dynamic epigenomic differences in soybean response to low-phosphorus stress
Authors: Chu Shanshan , Yu Kaiye , Lv Lingling , Zhang Xiangqian , Sun Chongyuan , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhang Jinyu , Jiao Yongqing , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2019

Background: Phosphorus ( P ) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and metabolism, and low-P stress has a significant limiting effect on crop yield and quality. Although the molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional level responsible for the low-P stress response have been studied in detail, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms in gene regulation remain largely unknown. Results: In this study, we evaluated the changes in DNA methylation, gene expression and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) abundance genome-wide in response to low-P stress in two representative soybean genotypes with different P-efficiencies. The methylome analysis revealed that the soybean genome presents ~67.54% mCG (mCG/CG), ~44.57% mCHG (mCHG/CHG) and ~3.79% mCHH (mCHH/CHH), respectively. The DNA methylation levels were slightly higher under low-P stress in both genotypes. Integral methylation and transcription analysis suggested a complex regulatory relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression that may be associated with the type, region, and extent of methylation. Association analysis of low-P-induced differential methylation and gene expression showed that transcriptional alterations of a small part of genes were associated with methylation changes. Dynamic methylation alterations in transposable element ( TE ) regions in the CHH methylation context correspond with changes in the amount of siRNA under low-P conditions, indicating an important role of siRNAs in modulating TE activity by guiding CHH methylation in TE regions. Conclusions: This is the first time to investigate low-P-induced methylome alterations and their relationship with changes of gene expression and siRNA abundance in soybean. The results in our study could help to elucidate the epigenetic regulation mechanisms governing the responses of plants to abiotic stresses.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease in Brazilian Patients: Variants and Clinical Phenotype Heterogeneity
Authors: Margutti Ana Vitoria Barban , Silva Wilson Araújo , Garcia Daniel Fantozzi , de Molfetta Greice Andreotti , Marques Adriana Aparecida , Amorim Tatiana , Prazeres Vânia Mesquita Gadelha , Silva Raquel Tavares Boy da , Miura Irene Kazue , Neto João Seda , Santos Emerson de Santana , Santos Mara Lúcia Schmitz Ferreira , Lourenço Charles Marques , Tonon Tássia , Sperb-Ludwig Fernanda , de Souza Carolina Fischinger Moura , Schwartz Ida Vanessa Döederlein , Junior José Simon Camelo
Published: November 2019

Background: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disease caused by deficient activity of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) enzymatic complex. BCKD is a mitochondrial complex encoded by BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DBT, and DLD genes. MSUD is predominantly caused by Variants in BCKDHA, BCKDHB, and DBT genes encoding the E1α, E1β, and E2 subunits of BCKD complex, respectively. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic basis of MSUD by identifying the point variants in BCKDHA, BCKDHB, and DBT genes in a cohort of Brazilian MSUD patients and to describe their phenotypic heterogeneity. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study with 21 MSUD patients involving PCR and sequencing. Results: Nine new variants predicted as pathogenic were found between 30 variants identified in the 21 patients analyzed: two in the BCKDHA gene (p.Gly56Arg, and p.Tyr120Ter); five in the BCKDHB gene (p.Gly131Val, p.Glu146Glnfs*13, p.Phe149Cysfs*9, p.Cys207Phe, and p.Lys211Asn); and two in the DBT gene (p.Glu148Ter and p.Glu417Val). Seventeen pathogenic variants were previously described and four variants showed no pathogenicity according to in silico analysis. Conclusion: Given that most of the patients received late diagnoses, the study results do not allow us to state that the molecular features of MSUD variant phenotypes are predictive of clinical severity.
Multipurpose Oxbows as a Nitrate Export Reduction Practice in the Agricultural Midwest
Authors: Schilling Keith E. , Wilke Karen , Pierce Clay L. , Kult Keegan , Kenny Aleshia
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

Oxbows reduce nitrate export from agricultural fields to adjacent rivers and streams.

Oxbows are important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Topeka shiner.

Oxbows have largely disappeared from midwestern landscapes modified for agriculture.

Restoring multipurpose oxbows provides multiple benefits in the agricultural Midwest.

Nutrient export from the agricultural US Midwest influences streams and rivers and contributes to the development of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Oxbows are natural waterbodies formed when a river cuts off a meander loop as it migrates within its floodplain. Creation of multipurpose oxbows by restoration of former oxbows can potentially reduce export of nitrate‐nitrogen (nitrate) from agricultural land as well as provide important habitat for many species, including the endangered Topeka shiner. Recent studies of nitrate export reduction by oxbows in Iowa are encouraging, demonstrating a 45% reduction in nitrate export of water entering oxbows from subsurface tiles compared with water discharged to the adjacent stream. Oxbow restorations are as effective as several other nutrient reduction practices, are relatively inexpensive, last for decades if not centuries, remove little or no land from agricultural production, and provide significant ecosystem services. Multipurpose oxbows are a promising new best management practice for reducing nitrate export from agricultural lands.
Survey Identifies Essential Plant Genetic Resources Training Program Components
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Bretting Peter K. , Byrne Patrick F.
Published: November 2019

High‐quality plant collections are maintained by personnel with specialized skills, based on a foundation of expertise in numerous fields. The lack of formal training opportunities in plant genetic resource management, both in the United States and globally, represents a challenge to plant genebanks whenever new personnel are hired. An English‐language survey was developed and distributed to representatives of the worldwide plant genetic resources community to assess the needs for specific topics and preferred delivery methods of training materials. A total of 425 survey responses were received that were suitable for detailed analyses. Survey respondents included those from academia (higher education), the US National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) genebanks, government genebanks (non‐NPGS‐affiliated), nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Survey respondents agreed that there is a shortage of high‐quality learning materials on plant genetic resources, and that learning materials would be useful for researchers in their current positions, would advance careers, and would be useful in teaching or providing information to others. Training topics of high priority to the respondents include crop wild relatives, phenotyping, genotyping, and associated information. In addition, plant genetic diversity, germplasm preservation, gap analyses, prebreeding, and intellectual property are of interest. The proposed training materials must be designed to benefit multiple audiences, especially currently employed personnel and graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scientists. Overall, these results document a clear need to provide plant genetic resources training materials to ensure global plant collections are curated with the best available technologies and techniques.
Seeds of Success: Collateral Benefits to Agricultural Crop Improvement, Research, and Education
Authors: Greene Stephanie L. , Carver Daniel , Khoury Colin K. , Irish Brian M. , Olwell Peggy , Prescott Leah
Published: November 2019

The need to restore natural landscapes impacted by environmental perturbations such as wildfires, and droughts, gave rise to Seeds of Success (SOS), a collaborative effort led by the Bureau of Land Management to collect seed of US wild native species since 2001. These collected native species are also important for agricultural activities; however, this has not been fully assessed. The SOS National Collection was evaluated for potential as sources of traits for crop improvement and direct development for agricultural purposes. Use of the collection was examined using information provided in seed requests from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System. From 2001 to 2017, SOS collected 23,577 accessions of 4761 different species, representing almost 30% of the native species in the United States. Collecting efforts have filled gaps in the conservation of native crop wild relatives; 12% of species and 18% of accessions are close and distant relatives of major and minor crops. Almost a third of the National Collection includes species with potential use in ornamental, food, medicinal, forage and feed, or material and industrial plant production. Of these species, those with ornamental potential are the most abundant in the National Collection. Requests for seed have been increasing over time, with the top three uses categorized as genetic studies, botanical or taxonomic investigations, and varietal development. Seeds of Success has positively affected the availability of native, wild plant genetic resources that have many potential uses in support of agricultural crop improvement, research, and education.
The distribution and abundance of halogens in eclogites: An in situ SIMS perspective of the Raspas Complex (Ecuador)
Authors: Urann Benjamin M. , Le Roux Véronique , John Timm , Beaudoin Grace M. , Barnes Jaime D.
Published: November 2019

We present in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and electron microprobe analyses of coexisting garnet, omphacite, phengite, amphibole, and apatite, combined with pyrohydrolysis bulk-rock analyses to constrain the distribution, abundance, and behavior of halogens (F and Cl) in six MORB-like eclogites from the Raspas Complex (Southern Ecuador). In all cases concerning lattice-hosted halogens, F compatibility decreases from apatite (1.47–3.25 wt%), to amphibole (563–4727 μg/g), phengite (610–1822 μg/g), omphacite (6.5–54.1 μg/g), and garnet (1.7–8.9 μg/g). The relative compatibility of Cl in the assemblage is greatest for apatite (192–515 μg/g), followed by amphibole (0.64–82.7 μg/g), phengite (1.2–2.1 μg/g), omphacite (<0.05–1.0 μg/g), and garnet (<0.05 μg/g). Congruence between SIMS-reconstructed F bulk abundances and yield-corrected bulk pyrohydrolysis analyses indicates that F is primarily hosted within the crystal lattice of eclogitic minerals. However, SIMS-reconstructed Cl abundances are a factor of five lower, on average, than pyrohydrolysis-derived bulk concentrations. This discrepancy results from the contribution of fluid inclusions, which may host at least 80% of the bulk rock Cl. The combination of SIMS and pyrohydrolysis is highly complementary. Whereas SIMS is well suited to determine bulk F abundances, pyrohydrolysis better quantifies bulk Cl concentrations, which include the contribution of fluid inclusion-hosted Cl. Raspas eclogites contain 145–258 μg/g F and at least 7–11 μg/g Cl. We estimate that ~95% of F is retained in the slab through eclogitization and returned to the upper mantle during subduction, whereas at least 95% of subducted Cl is removed from the rock by the time the slab equilibrates at eclogite facies conditions. Our calculations provide further evidence for the fractionation of F from Cl during high-pressure metamorphism in subduction zones. Although the HIMU (high U/Pb) mantle source (dehydrated oceanic crust) is often associated with enrichments in Cl/K and F/Nd, Raspas eclogites show relatively low halogen ratios identical within uncertainty to depleted MORB mantle (DMM). Thus, the observed halogen enrichments in HIMU ocean island basalts require either further fractionation during mantle processing or recycling of a halogen-enriched carrier lithology such as serpentinite into the mantle.
Transjordanite, Ni2P, a new terrestrial and meteoritic phosphide, and natural solid solutions barringerite-transjordanite (hexagonal Fe2P–Ni2P)
Authors: Britvin Sergey N. , Murashko Michail N. , Vapnik Yevgeny , Polekhovsky Yury S. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Vereshchagin Oleg S. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Vlasenko Natalia S.
Published: November 2019

This paper is a first detailed report of natural hexagonal solid solutions along the join Fe2P–Ni2P. Transjordanite, Ni2P, a Ni-dominant counterpart of barringerite (a low-pressure polymorph of Fe2P), is a new mineral. It was discovered in the pyrometamorphic phosphide assemblages of the Hatrurim Formation (the Dead Sea area, Southern Levant) and was named for the occurrence on the Transjordan Plateau, West Jordan. Later on, the mineral was confirmed in the Cambria meteorite (iron ungrouped, fine octahedrite), and it likely occurs in CM2 carbonaceous chondrites (Mighei group). Under reflected light, transjordanite is white with a beige tint. It is non-pleochroic and weakly anisotropic. Reflectance values for four COM recommended wavelengths are [Rmax/Rmin, % (λ, nm)]: 45.1/44.2 (470), 49.9/48.5 (546), 52.1/50.3 (589), 54.3/52.1 (650). Transjordanite is hexagonal, space group P62m; unit-cell parameters for the holotype specimen, (Ni1.72Fe0.27)1.99P1.02, are: a = 5.8897(3), c = 3.3547(2) Å, V = 100.78(1) Å3, Z = 3. Dcalc = 7.30 g/cm3. The crystal structure of holotype transjordanite was solved and refined to R1 = 0.013 based on 190 independent observed [I > 2σ(I)] reflections. The crystal structure represents a framework composed of two types of infinite rods propagated along the c-axis: (1) edge-sharing tetrahedra [M(1)P4] and (2) edge-sharing [M(2)P5] square pyramids. Determination of unit-cell parameters for 12 members of the Fe2P–Ni2P solid-solution series demonstrates that substitution of Ni for Fe in transjordanite and vice versa in barringerite does not obey Vegard’s law, indicative of preferential incorporation of minor substituent into M(1) position. Terrestrial transjordanite may contain up to 3 wt% Mo, whereas meteoritic mineral bears up to 0.2 wt% S.
Tehdit ve Umut Algısı Çıkmazına Sıkışan Düzensiz Göçmenler ve KKTC’nin Göçmen Politikaları
Authors: Balyemez Mehmet
Published: November 2019

Göç kavramının geçmişi
insanlık tarihine kadar uzanmaktadır. İnsan toplulukları avcı toplayıcı dönemde
barınma ve yemek gibi temel ihtiyaçlarını karşılamak için sürekli göç
ederlerken bu durum zamanla evrilmiştir. Sanayi Devrimiyle birlikte göçmenlerin
yeni rotası fabrikaların bulunduğu yerlere yönelmiş ve kırdan şehre emek göçü
başlamıştır. Küresel savaşların yaşandığı 20’nci yüzyılın ilk yarısında ise etnik
temelli kitlesel göç hareketleri gözlenmiştir. Günümüzde ise göç hareketleri,
bölgesel çatışma ortamından kaynaklanan güvenlik endişelerinden dolayı kitlesel
ve düzensiz olduğu söylenebilir.Kıbrıs Adası, göç hareketlerini tarihin her
döneminde yakından hissetmiştir. Kıbrıs’ın kuzey Afrika ve Orta Doğu ile
Anadolu’ya yakın olmasından dolayı her üç coğrafi bölgeden adaya göç
hareketleri olmuştur. Ancak adanın küçük olması ve ticari hayatın çok gelişmemesinden
dolayı göçmenler çoğunlukla Kıbrıs’ta geçici olarak kalmışlardır.Özellikle
21’inci yüzyılın başlarından itibaren Kuzey Afrika ve Orta Doğu’da yaşanan
şiddet ortamından kurutulmak isteyen milyonlarca düzensiz göçmen, yaşadıkları
ülkeleri terk etmişler bilinmeze doğru umut yolculuklarına başlamışlardır.
Düzensiz göçmenlerin umut yolculuklarında kullandıkları rotalardan biri de
Kıbrıs olmuştur. Düzensiz göçmenlerden bazıları Kıbrıs üzerinden AB sınırlarına
ulaşmayı hedeflemişlerdir. Ancak KKTC’nin güncel politikaları arasında Düzensiz
Göçmenlerin durumlarına dair hususlar yer almamıştır. Bu durum KKTC sınırlarına
giren düzensiz göçmenlerin durumlarını güçlendirmektedir.
Review of Automated Computerized Methods for Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Nazar Umaira , Khan Muhammad Attique , Lali Ikram Ullah , Lin Hong , Ali Hashim , Ashraf Imran , Tariq Junaid
Published: November 2019

Recently, medical imaging and machine learning gained significant attention in the early
detection of brain tumor. Compound structure and tumor variations, such as change of size, make
brain tumor segmentation and classification a challenging task. In this review, we survey existing
work on brain tumor, their stages, survival rate of patients after each stage, and computerized diagnosis
methods. We discuss existing image processing techniques with a special focus on preprocessing
techniques and their importance for tumor enhancement, tumor segmentation, feature extraction
and features reduction techniques. We also provide the corresponding mathematical modeling,
classification, performance matrices, and finally important datasets. Last but not least, a detailed
analysis of existing techniques is provided which is followed by future directions in this domain.
Natural Fused Heterocyclic Flavonoids: Potent Candidates as Anti- Inflammatory and Anti-Allergic Agents in the Treatment of Asthma
Authors: Kaur Rajwinder , Kaur Kirandeep , Arora Rashmi , Saini Balraj , Arora Sandeep
Published: November 2019

Background:

In the last two decades, the flavonoids containing fused heterocyclic nucleus in
their chemical structure have emerged to display a variety of pharmacological effects including antiallergic
and anti-inflammatory the most recent to the list. These polyphenolic compounds exert their
pharmacological effect by various mechanisms including inhibition of human neutrophil elastase, cytokines
(Interleukins- IL-3 and IL-4) and mast cells.

Methods:

We adopted a structured search of notorious journal publication websites and electronic databases
such as Science Direct, Bentham, Scopus, PubMed, Nature, Springer etc. for the collection of
peer-reviewed research and review articles for the present review. The quality papers (109) were retrieved,
studied, categorized into different sections, analyzed and used for article writing.

Results:

The backbone of this review article is based on four review articles of natural phenolics. Seventeen
papers out of total one hundred and nine were about Quercetin the main molecule of interest, five
papers outlined the potential benefits of Pycnogenol, Rutin was discussed in detail by considering eight
papers in mind, Kaempferol which can be considered as a candidate of interest was referred from six
articles.

Conclusion:

This review identified the Quercetin, Pycnogenol, Rutin and Kampferol as few bioflavonols
out of hundreds of other compounds still under clinical trials that have been studied most.
Marketed formulations of Pycnogenol are also available as nutraceuticals. These flavonoids have been
also reported to the other pharmacological effects like anti-cancer, anti-oxidants, anti-hypertensive, antiviral,
anti-ulcerogenic, anti-platelet, anti-hypotensive and anti-hepatotoxic. With all these versatile
properties heterocyclic containing flavonoids may be a powerful candidate for the discovery of their
utilization in other ailments like asthma.