bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mini review: STING activation during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Honggui , Guo Xinlei , Aquino Eduardo , Wu Chaodong
Published: March 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic diseases serving as a major threat to human health. While the pathogenesis of NAFLD is multi-factorial, inflammation is considered a critical factor driving the development and progression of NAFLD phenotype, including liver fibrosis. As an essential mediator of innate immunity, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) functions to promote anti-viral immunity. Accumulating evidence also indicates that STING functions to promote the proinflammatory activation of several types of liver cells, especially macrophages/Kupffer cells, in a manner independent of interferon production. Over the past several years, a significant body of literature has validated a detrimental role for STING in regulating the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and inflammation. In particular, the STING in macrophages/Kupffer cells has attracted much attention due to its importance in not only enhancing macrophage proinflammatory activation, but also generating macrophage-derived mediators to increase hepatocyte fat deposition and proinflammatory responses, and to activate hepatic stellate cell fibrogenic activation. Both intracellular and extracellular signals are participating in STING activation in macrophages, thereby critically contributing to NAFLD phenotype. This mini review summarizes recent advances on how STING is activated in macrophages in the context of NAFLD pathophysiology.
The role of isoflavones in augmenting the effects of radiotherapy
Authors: Ivashkevich Alesia
Published: March 2023

Cancer is one of the major health problems and the second cause of death worldwide behind heart disease. The traditional soy diet containing isoflavones, consumed by the Asian population in China and Japan has been identified as a protective factor from hormone-related cancers. Over the years the research focus has shifted from emphasizing the preventive effect of isoflavones from cancer initiation and promotion to their efficacy against established tumors along with chemo- and radiopotentiating effects. Studies performed in mouse models and results of clinical trials emphasize that genistein or a mixture of isoflavones, containing in traditional soy diet, could be utilized to both potentiate the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and reduce radiation-induced toxicity in normal tissues. Currently ongoing clinical research explores a potential of another significant isoflavone, idronoxil, also known as phenoxodiol, as radiation enhancing agent. In the light of the recent clinical findings, this article reviews the accumulated evidence which support the clinically desirable interactions of soy isoflavones with radiation therapy resulting in improved tumor treatment. This review discusses important aspects of the development of isoflavones as anticancer agents, and mechanisms potentially relevant to their activity in combination with radiation therapy of cancer. It gives a critical overview of studies characterizing isoflavone targets such as topoisomerases, ENOX2/PMET, tyrosine kinases and ER receptor signaling, and cellular effects on the cell cycle, DNA damage, cell death, and immune responses.
Sigmoido-vesical fistula secondary to sigmoid colon cancer presenting as urinary tract infection with Lactococcus lactis: A case report
Authors: An Yanhua , Cao Qiumei , Liu Yixin , Lei Luping , Wang Dawei , Yang Yanjie , Kong Weijie , An Dali , Liu Dan
Published: March 2023

A colovesical fistula is a pathological communication between the colon and bladder. The symptoms include pneumaturia, fecaluria, and a lower urinary tract infection. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, but the symptoms are not specific. Therefore, confirming the diagnosis is challenging. Urine cultures performed in patients with colovesical fistulas usually show growth of Escherichia coli or mixed growth of bowel organisms. Urinary tract infections caused by Lactococcus lactis are very rare, as it is rarely considered pathogenic in humans. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of a recurrent urinary tract infection. Urine cultures were positive for L. lactis. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed focal thickening of the bladder wall and gas in the bladder. Cystoscopic examination and colonoscopy revealed sigmoid colon cancer and a sigmoido-vesical fistula. Laparoscopic surgical treatment was done. The patient recovered and was discharged 3 weeks later without chemoradiotherapy. On follow-up after 6 months, the patient was asymptomatic and stable. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of L. lactis infection of the urinary tract and the first reported case in adults. L. lactis infection usually indicates the presence of serious underlying diseases such as malignancies, uncontrolled diabetes, and organ failure.
Case Report: Partial response to single-agent pembrolizumab in a chemotherapy-resistant metastatic pancreatic cancer patient with a high tumor mutation burden
Authors: Dai Mengyao , Sheng Jianpeng , Zhang Qi , Wang Jianxin , Fu Qihan , Liang Tingbo
Published: March 2023

Single-agent immune checkpoint blockade has shown no clinical benefits in pancreatic cancer. Recently, the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody pembrolizumab has been recommended as a treatment option for high tumor mutational burden (TMB) solid tumors based on the data from a basket trial. However, no pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled in that trial. Whether pancreatic cancer patients with high TMB respond to PD-1 blockade as well remains unclear. Here, we report a case with a partial response to single-agent immunotherapy with pembrolizumab in pancreatic cancer with high TMB after the failure of several lines of chemotherapy. This result indicates that single-agent immunotherapy may be effective in pancreatic cancer patients with high TMB. In addition, in order to understand the basic immune state of our patients, we also analyzed the changes in immune cells in peripheral blood with cytometry by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CyTOF) before and after pembrolizumab treatment.
Specific gene expression signatures of low grade meningiomas
Authors: Tsitsikov Erdyni N. , Hameed Sanaa , Tavakol Sherwin A. , Stephens Tressie M. , Tsytsykova Alla V. , Garman Lori , Bi Wenya Linda , Dunn Ian F.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors in adults, representing approximately one-third of all primary adult CNS tumors. Although several recent publications have proposed alternative grading systems of meningiomas that incorporate genomic and/or epigenomic data to better predict meningioma recurrence and progression-free survival, our understanding of driving forces of meningioma development is still limited.

Objective

To define gene expression signatures of the most common subtypes of meningiomas to better understand cellular processes and signaling pathways specific for each tumor genotype.

Methods

We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine whole transcriptome profiles of twenty meningiomas with genomic alterations including NF2 inactivation, loss of chr1p, and missense mutations in TRAF7, AKT1 and KLF4.

Results

The analysis revealed that meningiomas with NF2 gene inactivation expressed higher levels of BCL2 and GLI1 compared with tumors harboring TRAF7 missense mutations. Moreover, NF2 meningiomas were subdivided into two distinct groups based on additional loss of chr1p. NF2 tumors with intact chr1p were characterized by the high expression of tumor suppressor PTCH2 compared to NF2 tumors with chr1p loss. Taken together with the high expression of BCL2 and GLI1, these results suggest that activation of Sonic Hedgehog pathway may contribute to NF2 meningioma development. In contrast, NF2 tumors with chr1p loss expressed high levels of transcription factor FOXD3 and its antisense RNA FOXD3-AS1. Examination of TRAF7 tumors demonstrated that TRAF7 regulates a number of biomechanically responsive genes (KRT6a, KRT16, IL1RL1, and AQP3 among others). Interestingly, AKT1 and KLF4 meningiomas expressed genes specific for PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting overlapping gene signatures between the two subtypes. In addition, KLF4 meningiomas had high expression of carcinoembryonic antigen family members CEACAM6 and CEACAM5.

Conclusions

Each group of meningiomas displayed a unique gene expression signature suggesting signaling pathways potentially implicated in tumorigenesis. These findings will improve our understanding of meningioma tumorigenesis and prognosis.
Pregabalin and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on pain thresholds and anxio-depressive behaviors in a preclinical fibromyalgia pain model
Authors: Argenbright Cassie M. , Bland Michelle K. , Michener Sydney L. , Wilson Judy R. , Fuchs Perry N.
Published: March 2023

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, widespread pain disorder generally of a non-inflammatory nature with many known affective and cognitive comorbidities. There is promise in the implementation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) for alleviating FM pain and comorbidities, despite no work investigating the efficacy of this treatment in prominent preclinical FM models. This project aimed to investigate the affective components, specifically anhedonia and anxiety, associated with an acidic saline model of FM in rats. We investigated the acidic saline model's ability to produce the sensory component of FM through reduced mechanical thresholds, as well as anxiety-like and avoidance behaviors through measures of open field and place escape/avoidance. We further investigated the use of pregabalin, a known FM therapeutic agent, in reducing negative sensory and affective measures within the model. Results revealed insignificant between-group differences for measures of anxiety, despite animals in the FM condition showing significantly reduced mechanical thresholds. Results further revealed that the acidic saline model was effective in increasing place escape/avoidance behavior among animals in the FM condition, with pregabalin reducing avoidance behaviors. In addition, we investigated the role of HBO2 [two 60-minute treatments at 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute)] in alleviating FM-like pain, anxiety, and anhedonia in the acidic saline model, utilizing mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds, open field, and sucrose preference measures. Results revealed that the acidic saline model produced reduced thresholds indicative of FM-like pain. Data did not provide support for the presence of anxio-depressive comorbidities associated with the FM model. HBO2 treatment did not significantly increase mechanical thresholds as expected. Future studies should seek to investigate the experimental circumstances within which the acidic saline model produces negative affect alongside hyperalgesia in order to contribute to the development of a multidimensional FM treatment methodology.
Luteolin: A promising natural agent in management of pain in chronic conditions
Authors: Ntalouka Foteini , Tsirivakou Athina
Published: March 2023

Pain due to chronic conditions is a frequent and insufficiently addressed problem. Current drug options for pain management (either in cases of chronic inflammatory conditions or neuropathy) do not adequately treat pain. Moreover, they are associated with important adverse events in long term use. Luteolin is a flavonoid widely present in the plant kingdom and its sources have been assembled in a comprehensive list of this paper. Luteolin has shown in several research studies a range of pharmacological properties; anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and analgesic. In this article, we summarize the effects and potential benefits from introducing luteolin as an adjuvant agent in established protocols for pain management. We review the most indicative in vivo and in vitro evidence of how luteolin can target the molecular pathways involved in pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The data reviewed strongly support luteolin's promising benefits in pain management and raise the need for further clinical trials that can establish its role in clinical practice.
Case report: Increased troponin level in 125 children during COVID-19
Authors: Di Filippo Paola , David Daniela , Attanasi Marina , Rossi Nadia , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Increase in cardiac biomarkers during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was frequent regardless of the presence of myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Several studies described MIS-C, but few papers evaluated cardiac manifestations in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection without MIS-C and investigated the role of troponin in absence of electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic alterations. The aim of this case series is to describe the cardiac manifestations during COVID-19 in children, trying to explain the meaning of laboratory findings during COVID-19, especially of increased troponin.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective case series of children aged <18 years admitted at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, for SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1st March 2020 and 31th July 2022. All patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent a laboratory evaluation at admission. Children with increased troponin I and/or BNP underwent electrocardiographic and echocardiographic exams.

Results

125 children were admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection to our Department of Pediatrics, of whom 17 (13.6% of cases) with different patterns of cardiac involvement. Specifically, 5 subjects (4.0% of admitted children) were diagnosed as MIS-C and 12 children (9.6%) manifested a cardiac involvement in terms of increased troponin with or without ECG and echocardiography anomalies. Troponin, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and BNP values resulted higher in patients with MIS-C compared to patients without MIS-C. Furthermore, patients with MIS-C had higher neutrophils and lower lymphocytes compared to patients without MIS-C. ECG abnormalities were found in 4/5 patients with MIS-C and in 2/12 patients without MIS-C. Echocardiographic anomalies were found in all patients with MIS-C, especially in terms of valve regurgitation and ejection fraction reduction and in 2/12 patients without MIS-C, especially in terms of pericardial effusion. Despite high troponin levels, children presented a favorable clinical evolution.

Conclusion

The increase in troponin level in children with COVID-19 could also be due to respiratory causes or a massive inflammatory state. In our case series, patients with increased troponin associated to COVID-19 presented a favorable clinical course with clinical and laboratory remission almost always within 7 days.
Predictors for the clinical prognosis of sylvian arachnoid cysts in children
Authors: Zhao Heng , Xie Wanqun , Cao Liangliang , Ni Zhouwen , Wang Baocheng , Ma Jie
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To investigate the potential factors affecting the clinical prognosis of intracranial sylvian arachnoid cysts(IAC) in children.

Methods

All patients with IAC admitted to our department from January, 1, 2015 to December, 31, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on surgical treatment (surgery cohort vs non-surgery cohort). The clinical and image outcome of the patients were followed routinely. The clinical characteristics and the prognosis of the patients were compared in different cohorts. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the potential factors which may post an influence on the prognosis of the patients.

Results

Of 500 patients admitted to our department for IAC, 424 patients had good prognosis and 76 had poor prognosis, with no deaths occurred during the follow-ups. 68 patients had IAC related complications and 91 patients developed new symptoms during the follow-ups. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the 2 cohorts in below aspects: age, gender, Galassi subtype, whether the mother was a unipara, the maximum diameter of the cysts at the first visit and the last follow-up, headache, head circumference, temporal bulge, new symptoms, cysts rupture and hemorrhage, subdural effusion, and IAC disappearance. The mean changes in the maximum diameter of the IAC for the patients were marginally higher for the surgery cohort than for the non-surgery cohort (P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that the number of symptom, no new symptoms during follow-up, surgical treatment, age, maximum diameter of cysts at first diagnosis were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients older than 22.5 months, with the maximum diameter of IAC greater than 5.75 cm, who have multiple symptoms, born prematurely, develope new symptoms during the follow-ups and obvious symptoms after trauma need to conduct necessary surgical treatment in time. Patients with complications such as cysts rupture with hemorrhage and subdural effusion will acquire good prognosis after timely surgical treatment. IAC complete disappearance warrants no such important attention for the good prognosis.
From gene to dose: Long-read sequencing and *-allele tools to refine phenotype predictions of CYP2C19
Authors: Graansma Lonneke J. , Zhai Qinglian , Busscher Loes , Menafra Roberta , van den Berg Redmar R. , Kloet Susan L. , van der Lee Maaike
Published: March 2023

Background: Inter-individual differences in drug response based on genetic variations can lead to drug toxicity and treatment inefficacy. A large part of this variability is caused by genetic variants in pharmacogenes. Unfortunately, the Single Nucleotide Variant arrays currently used in clinical pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing are unable to detect all genetic variability in these genes. Long-read sequencing, on the other hand, has been shown to be able to resolve complex (pharmaco) genes. In this study we aimed to assess the value of long-read sequencing for research and clinical PGx focusing on the important and highly polymorphic CYP2C19 gene.

Methods and Results: With a capture-based long-read sequencing panel we were able to characterize the entire region and assign variants to their allele of origin (phasing), resulting in the identification of 813 unique variants in 37 samples. To assess the clinical utility of this data we have compared the performance of three different *-allele tools (Aldy, PharmCat and PharmaKU) which are specifically designed to assign haplotypes to pharmacogenes based on all input variants.

Conclusion: We conclude that long-read sequencing can improve our ability to characterize the CYP2C19 locus, help to identify novel haplotypes and that *-allele tools are a useful asset in phenotype prediction. Ultimately, this approach could help to better predict an individual’s drug response and improve therapy outcomes. However, the added value in clinical PGx might currently be limited.
Exploring Australian pharmacists’ perceptions and practices towards reducing the risk of medicines-related harm in aged care residents
Authors: Ali Sheraz , Curtain Colin M. , Peterson Gregory M. , Salahudeen Mohammed S.
Published: March 2023

Background: Older people living in residential aged care facilities frequently experience medicines-related harm. Evidence regarding the perception and practices towards reducing these harms may facilitate the development of customised educational programs for pharmacists providing services in RACFs.

Objective: To explore Australian pharmacists’ opinions and practices towards reducing the risk of medicines-related harm in aged care residents.

Methods: An online survey was developed based on a literature review, expert opinion, and feedback from pharmacists providing services in RACFs. A web link for the survey was shared via professional pharmacy organisations and social media groups with Australian pharmacists providing services in RACFs.

Results: A total of 209 pharmacists participated in the survey. Of these, 76% (n = 158) were residential medication management review embedded pharmacists, and 24% (n = 51) were supply pharmacists for RACFs. Most pharmacists believed that medicines-related harm is common in residents (n = 174, 83%), yet few agreed that pharmacists have enough time to participate in medicines-related harm reduction services (n = 60, 28%). There was a high level of agreement regarding the key risk factors (e.g., inappropriate medicines, anticholinergic drug use, and transitions of care) and potential strategies (e.g., embedded pharmacists in RACFs, educating aged care staff, and collaborative pharmacist-led medication reviews) for reducing medicines-related harm in residents.

Conclusion: Pharmacists agreed that older residents often experience medicines-related harm, but they did not frequently participate in medicines-related harm reduction services. Initiatives to engage pharmacists in team-based harm reduction services and educate aged care staff regarding safe medication management may improve residents’ safety and health outcomes.
Identification of anoikis-related molecular patterns to define tumor microenvironment and predict immunotherapy response and prognosis in soft-tissue sarcoma
Authors: Qi Lin , Chen Fangyue , Wang Lu , Yang Zhimin , Zhang Wenchao , Li Zhi-Hong
Published: March 2023

Background: Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is a massive threat to human health due to its high morbidity and malignancy. STS also represents more than 100 histologic and molecular subtypes, with different prognosis. There is growing evidence that anoikis play a key role in the proliferation and invasion of tumors. However, the effects of anoikis in the immune landscape and the prognosis of STS remain unclear.

Methods: We analyzed the genomic and transcriptomic profiling of 34 anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in patient cohort of pan-cancer and STS from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Single-cell transcriptome was used to disclose the expression patterns of ARGs in specific cell types. Gene expression was further validated by real-time PCR and our own sequencing data. We established the Anoikis cluster and Anoikis subtypes by using unsupervised consensus clustering analysis. An anoikis scoring system was further built based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Anoikis clusters. The clinical and biological characteristics of different groups were evaluated.

Results: The expressions of most ARGs were significantly different between STS and normal tissues. We found some common ARGs profiles across the pan-cancers. Network of 34 ARGs demonstrated the regulatory pattern and the association with immune cell infiltration. Patients from different Anoikis clusters or Anoikis subtypes displayed distinct clinical and biological characteristics. The scoring system was efficient in prediction of prognosis and immune cell infiltration. In addition, the scoring system could be used to predict immunotherapy response.

Conclusion: Overall, our study thoroughly depicted the anoikis-related molecular and biological profiling and interactions of ARGs in STS. The Anoikis score model could guide the individualized management.
Relationships of computed tomography-based small vessel indices of the lungs with ventilation heterogeneity and high transfer coefficients in non-smokers with asthma
Authors: Shimizu Kaoruko , Kimura Hirokazu , Tanabe Naoya , Chubachi Shotaro , Sato Susumu , Suzuki Masaru , Tanimura Kazuya , Iijima Hiroaki , Oguma Akira , Ito Yoichi M. , Wakazono Nobuyasu , Takimoto-Sato Michiko , Matsumoto-Sasaki Machiko , Abe Yuki , Takei Nozomu , Makita Hironi , Nishimura Masaharu , Konno Satoshi ,   Hi-CARAT investigators
Published: March 2023

Background: The mechanism of high transfer coefficients of the lungs for carbon monoxide (Kco) in non-smokers with asthma is explained by the redistribution of blood flow to the area with preserved ventilation, to match the ventilation perfusion.

Objectives: To examine whether ventilation heterogeneity, assessed by pulmonary function tests, is associated with computed tomography (CT)-based vascular indices and Kco in patients with asthma.

Methods: Participants were enrolled from the Hokkaido-based Investigative Cohort Analysis for Refractory Asthma (Hi-CARAT) study that included a prospective asthmatic cohort. Pulmonary function tests including Kco, using single breath methods; total lung capacity (TLC), using multiple breath methods; and CT, were performed on the same day. The ratio of the lung volume assessed using single breath methods (alveolar volume; VA) to that using multiple breath methods (TLC) was calculated as an index of ventilation heterogeneity. The volume of the pulmonary small vessels <5 mm2 in the whole lung (BV5 volume), and number of BV5 at a theoretical surface area of the lungs from the plural surface (BV5 number) were evaluated using chest CT images.

Results: The low VA/TLC group (the lowest quartile) had significantly lower BV5 number, BV5 volume, higher BV5 volume/BV5 number, and higher Kco compared to the high VA/TLC group (the highest quartile) in 117 non-smokers, but not in 67 smokers. Multivariable analysis showed that low VA/TLC was associated with low BV5 number, after adjusting for age, sex, weight, lung volume on CT, and CT emphysema index in non-smokers (not in smokers).

Conclusion: Ventilation heterogeneity may be associated with low BV5 number and high Kco in non-smokers (not in smokers). Future studies need to determine the dynamic regional system in ventilation, perfusion, and diffusion in asthma.
Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal a positive role of BES1 in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Feng Lei , Li Yan , Zhou Yu-Ling , Meng Guang-Hua , Ji Zhao-Lin , Lin Wen-Hui , He Jun-Xian
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Salt stress is a major environmental factor limiting plant growth and development. Previous studies have indicated that the steroidal hormones—brassinosteroids (BRs) are important regulators of plant responses to salt stress. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood.

Methods

(1) Phenotypic analysis ofbes1-D, BES1-RNAiand their wild-type (Col-0) under salt treatments with different concentrations of NaCl. (2) Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of BES1-regulated genes and proteins under salt treatment; (3) qRT-PCR validation of selected BES1-regulated genes under salt stress; (4) Transient transcriptional assay of BES1 regulation on its putative target genes inArabidopsisprotoplasts; (5) Electrophoresis Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) of BES1 binding with its potential target genes.

Results and Discussion

Phenotypic analysis indicated thatbes1-D, a gain-of-function mutant of the BR-regulated transcription factor BES1 inArabidopsisshowed better salt tolerance than the wild-type plant, while a BES1 RNA interference (BES1-RNAi) line was more sensitive to salt stress. Global gene expression profiling and time series clustering analyses identified a total of 1,170 genes whose expression was boosted inbes1-Dunder salt stress. Further GO enrichment and gene functional network analyses identified several key modules that are regulated by BES1 and most sensitive to salt stress perturbations, including stress response, response to ABA and ROS, flavonoid biosynthesis and transmembrane transport. A comparative proteomic analysis performed under the same stress conditions supported the results from the transcriptome analysis. In addition, transient gene transcription assays inArabidopsisprotoplasts andin vitroDNA binding assays verified that BES1 regulates the expression of some ion transporter genes directly and indirectly. Taken together, our results support a positive role of BES1 in plant salt tolerance.
Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the response of Lotus corniculatus roots to low-phosphorus stress
Authors: Zhao Xin , Chen Ke-ke , Wang Lei-ting , Zhao Li-Li , Wang Pu-Chang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A lack of soil phosphorus (P) is a principal factor restricting the normal growth of Lotus corniculatus in the karst area of Guizhou Province, China, but the response mechanism of L. corniculatus under low-phosphorus stress remains unclear.

Methods

Therefore, we treated two selected L. corniculatus lines (low-P-intolerant line 08518 and low-P-tolerant line 01549) from 13 L. corniculatus lines with normal phosphorus (0.5 mmol/L KH2PO4, NP) and low phosphorus (0.005 mmol/L KH2PO4, LP) concentrations to study changes in morphological, physiological and transcriptome data under low-phosphorus stress.

Results

The low-P-tolerant line 01549 exhibited better performance under low-phosphorus stress. Compared with the NP treatment, all root morphological indicators of the low-P-tolerant line 01549 increased, and those of the low-P-intolerant line 08518 decreased under low-P stress. Compared with the NP treatment, acid phosphatase (ACP), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities, and the malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP) and proline (Pro) contents of the two L. corniculatus lines increased under low-P stress. A transcriptome analysis of L. corniculatus showed that a total of 656 and 2243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in line 01549 and line 08518, respectively. Meanwhile, the main pathways, such as carbohydrate metabolism, acid phosphatases, phosphate transporters and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, as well as related genes were also screened by performing a KEGG enrichment analysis.

Discussion

The findings provide an essential point of reference for studying the physiological and molecular mechanism of the response to low-P stress in L. corniculatus.
Divergent responses of plant functional traits and biomass allocation to slope aspects in four perennial herbs of the alpine meadow ecosystem
Authors: Zhou Tianyang , Du Wentao , Wang Jinniu , Zhang Lin , Gao Jing , Shi Ning , Wang Lihua , Wu Yan , Tian Binghui
Published: March 2023

Slope aspect can cause environmental heterogeneity over relatively short distances, which in turn affects plant distribution, community structure, and ecosystem function. However, the response and adaptation strategies of plants to slope aspects via regulating their physiological and morphological properties still remain poorly understood, especially in alpine ecosystems. Here, we selected four common species, including Bistorta macrophylla, Bistorta vivipara, Cremanthodium discoideum, and Deschampsia littoralis, to test how biomass allocation and functional traits of height, individual leaf area, individual leaf mass, and specific leaf area (SLA) respond to variation in slope aspect in the Minshan Mountain, eastern Tibetan Plateau. We found that the slope aspect affected SLA and stem, flower mass fraction with higher values at southwest slope aspect, which is potentially related to light environment. The low-temperature environment caused by the slope aspect facilitates the accumulation of root biomass especially at the northeast slope aspect. Cremanthodium discoideum and D. littoralis invested more in belowground biomass in southeast and southwest slope aspects, although a large number of significant isometric allocations were found in B. macrophylla and B. vivipara. Finally, we found that both biotic and abiotic factors are responsible for the variation in total biomass with contrasting effects across different species. These results suggest that slope aspect, as an important topographic variable, strongly influences plant survival, growth, and propagation. Therefore, habitat heterogeneity stemming from topographic factors (slope aspect) can prevent biotic homogenization and thus contribute to the improvement of diverse ecosystem functioning.
Plastid DNA sequences and oospore characters of some European taxa of Tolypella section Tolypella (Characeae) identify five clusters, including one new cryptic Tolypella taxon from Sardinia, but they do not coincide with current morphological descriptions
Authors: Holzhausen Anja , Nowak Petra , Ballot Andreas , Becker Ralf , Gebert Jasmina , Gregor Thomas , Karol Kenneth G. , Lambert Elisabeth , Pérez William , Raabe Uwe , Schneider Susanne C. , Stewart Nick , van de Weyer Klaus , Wilde Volker , Schubert Hendrik
Published: March 2023

In Europe, the genusTolypella(Characeae) comprises four to eightTolypellataxa in sectionsRothiaandTolypellathat have been distinguished by vegetative morphology and gametangial characters such as antheridial size and oospore wall ornamentation. However, morphological differentiation is difficult in some cases due to overlapping and variable vegetative features, which in many cases are difficult to observe clearly. To clarify the taxonomic status of the five European taxa ofTolypellain sectionTolypella, sequence data of the plastid genesatpB,rbcL andpsbC forTolypella glomerata(Desv.) Leonh.,Tolypella hispanicaAllen,Tolypella nidifica(O.F. Müll.) A. Braun,Tolypella normaniana(Nordst.) Nordst. andTolypella salinaCor. were combined with data on oospore morphology, including oospore wall ornamentation. Gene sequence data identified five distinct clusters, but they were not consistent with the morphologically identified five taxa.T. glomerataconsisted of some of the samples morphologically identified asT. glomerataand seven samples ofT. normaniana, while the remainingT. glomeratasamples clustered with specimens of unclear affiliation (Tolypellasp.). We identified two clusters ofT. hispanicawithin the European material: clusterT. hispanicaI consisted of samples from various locations, whereas the second cluster (T. hispanicaII) consisted of samples ofT. hispanicafrom Sardinia Island. The remaining cluster consisted of all the specimens that had been determined asT. salinaorT. nidificain addition to two specimens ofT. normaniana. Oospore morphology was most clearly distinguishable forT. glomerata. Oospore characteristics for all other taxa were not as informative but showed some geographical and/or environmentally influenced differences, especially forT. nidificaandT. salina. Our results suggest the need to further check the different taxonomy ofTolypellasect.Tolypellain which specimens normally identified asT. glomeratamight be two different taxa,T. glomerataand an unidentified taxon;T. nidificaandT. salinaare not separate taxa;T. normanianais a diminutive variant of two differentTolypellataxa; andT. hispanicacomprises two different taxa, one from the Mediterranean island Sardinia.
Regulatory network of GSK3-like kinases and their role in plant stress response
Authors: Song Yun , Wang Ying , Yu Qianqian , Sun Yueying , Zhang Jianling , Zhan Jiasui , Ren Maozhi
Published: March 2023

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) family members are evolutionally conserved Ser/Thr protein kinases in mammals and plants. In plants, the GSK3s function as signaling hubs to integrate the perception and transduction of diverse signals required for plant development. Despite their role in the regulation of plant growth and development, emerging research has shed light on their multilayer function in plant stress responses. Here we review recent advances in the regulatory network of GSK3s and the involvement of GSK3s in plant adaptation to various abiotic and biotic stresses. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying how plants cope with environmental stresses through GSK3s-hormones crosstalk, a pivotal biochemical pathway in plant stress responses. We believe that our overview of the versatile physiological functions of GSK3s and underlined molecular mechanism of GSK3s in plant stress response will not only opens further research on this important topic but also provide opportunities for developing stress-resilient crops through the use of genetic engineering technology.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed the key pathways and hub genes of potassium regulating cotton root adaptation to salt stress
Authors: Ju Feiyan , Sun Liyuan , Xiong Cai , Wang Zhuo , Yu Huilian , Pang Jiali , Bai Hua , Zhao Wengqing , Zhou Zhiguo , Chen Binglin
Published: March 2023

Soil salinization is one of the main abiotic stresses affecting cotton yield and planting area. Potassium application has been proven to be an important strategy to reduce salt damage in agricultural production. However, the mechanism of potassium regulating the salt adaptability of cotton has not been fully elucidated. In the present research, the appropriate potassium application rate for alleviating salt damage of cotton based on different K+/Na+ ratios we screened, and a gene co-expression network based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using the transcriptome data sets treated with CK (0 mM NaCl), S (150 mM NaCl), and SK8 (150 mM NaCl + 9.38 mM K2SO4) was constructed. In this study, four key modules that are highly related to potassium regulation of cotton salt tolerance were identified, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glutathione metabolism pathway were identified as the key biological processes and metabolic pathways for potassium to improve cotton root salt adaptability. In addition, 21 hub genes and 120 key candidate genes were identified in this study, suggesting that they may play an important role in the enhancement of salt adaptability of cotton by potassium. The key modules, key biological pathways and hub genes discovered in this study will provide a new understanding of the molecular mechanism of potassium enhancing salinity adaptability in cotton, and lay a theoretical foundation for the improvement and innovation of high-quality cotton germplasm.
RNA methylation in plants: An overview
Authors: Shinde Harshraj , Dudhate Ambika , Kadam Ulhas S. , Hong Jong Chan
Published: March 2023

RNA methylation is an important post-transcriptional modification that influences gene regulation. Over 200 different types of RNA modifications have been identified in plants. In animals, the mystery of RNA methylation has been revealed, and its biological role and applications have become increasingly clear. However, RNA methylation in plants is still poorly understood. Recently, plant science research on RNA methylation has advanced rapidly, and it has become clear that RNA methylation plays a critical role in plant development. This review summarizes current knowledge on RNA methylation in plant development. Plant writers, erasers, and readers are highlighted, as well as the occurrence, methods, and software development in RNA methylation is summarized. The most common and abundant RNA methylation in plants is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In Arabidopsis, mutations in writers, erasers, and RNA methylation readers have affected the plant’s phenotype. It has also been demonstrated that methylated TRANSLATIONALLY CONTROLLED TUMOR PROTEIN 1-messenger RNA moves from shoot to root while unmethylated TCTP1-mRNA does not. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, in conjunction with next-generation sequencing, has been a watershed moment in plant RNA methylation research. This method has been used successfully in rice, Arabidopsis, Brassica, and maize to study transcriptome-wide RNA methylation. Various software or tools have been used to detect methylated RNAs at the whole transcriptome level; the majority are model-based analysis tools (for example, MACS2). Finally, the limitations and future prospects of methylation of RNA research have been documented.
Investigating the impact of written emotion disclosure on the level of occupational stress among intensive care nurses
Authors: Jafariathar Zahra , Haghighi Shayesteh , Jahani Simin , Maraghi Elham
Published: March 2023

Objective

The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the impact of rewriting pleasant events on the level of occupational stress in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses.

Methods

This is a quasi-experimental research conducted on nurses working in the intensive care units of Imam Khomeini and Golestan hospitals in Ahvaz, from July to November 2021. Seventy-six nurses were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and were then randomly assigned to the intervention and the control groups. The nurses’ demographic information form and the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) were used to collect data. In the intervention group, the technique of rewriting pleasant events was used for 8 weeks, at least once a week. The data was analyzed with SPSS V20.

Results

No significant difference in the demographic characteristics was observed between the intervention and the control groups (p > 0.05). The pre-intervention occupational stress of the nurses in the intervention and the control groups were reported to be 173.86 ± 26.75 and 173.05 ± 24.47, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.89). After the intervention, the occupational stress scores were 134.21 ± 16.09 and 172.36 ± 24.33, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering the impact of rewriting pleasant events on the level of occupational stress of ICU nurses, it is recommended that nursing managers and nurses plan training programs for nurses in this area, and encourage other nurses to do so, too. It is also suggested to implement this intervention on the nurses of other wards as well.
Development and validation of the multidimensional impacts of movement scale (MIMS) for yoga, weightlifting, and running
Authors: Lynn Sarah , Basso Julia C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Movement is an essential element in maintaining overall well-being, producing both physical and mental health benefits. Yoga is a mindful movement practice, with traditional yogic texts providing a framework, called the Koshas, that delineates how an intentional movement practice may impact multidimensional aspects of an individual. To date, no self-report measure examines the multifaceted ways that movement affects the individual at a physical and psychological level. Therefore, we developed the Multidimensional Impacts of Movement Scale (MIMS) by aligning ancient yogic traditions with current neuroscientific concepts.

Methods

MIMS was developed based on the five categories of the Koshas; 9 questions per Kosha resulted in 45 total questions. Participants (n = 103) self-identified as having yoga, running, or weightlifting as their primary movement practice, engaging in this practice at least 30 min per session, once a week, for the past 3 months. Participants engaged in their usual movement practice and then (within 2 h of their workout session) completed the MIMS along with a series of previously validated questionnaires. After a period of 2 weeks, participants completed their normal movement practice once again and took the MIMS a second time to assess test–retest reliability and Cronbach’s alpha. Validity testing included convergent and divergent validity testing through Pearson’s product-moment correlations and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

One-hundred and three participants completed all study measures. Test–retest reliability demonstrated stability over time (r = 0.737, p < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha was between 0.775 and 0.840 for each of the factors, p < 0.001. MIMS was sensitive to confirmatory and discriminatory validity testing. Validity was also demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis (i.e., Chi Square, Comparative Fit Index, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation).

Conclusion

MIMS is a valid and reliable tool to measure the multidimensional impacts of movement. The tool provides information about the effects of movement on a range of physical and psychological elements including subscales representing the body, energy, mind, intuition, and contentment. Physical activities that include aspects of mindfulness may demonstrate the most robust effects on the MIMS.
Foggy connections, cloudy frontiers: On the (non-)adaptation of lexical structures
Authors: Urban Matthias
Published: March 2023

While research on possible adaptive processes in language history has recently centered mostly on phonological variables, here, I return the focus on the lexicon in two different ways. First, I take up the familiar theme of the responsiveness of language structure to the local conditions at different elevations of the earth’s surface by exploring further the idea that language communities at high altitudes may tend not to distinguish lexically, as, e.g., English does, between “cloud” and “fog.” Analyses of a global dataset of languages as well as in-depth study of the languages of the Central Andes are consistent in showing a wide spread of colexification of “cloud” and “fog” across elevations, whereas distinguishing languages tend more to be spoken at lower elevations. Statistically, there is global support for the idea that colexification is triggered by high elevation, but a closer look, in particular at the Andean dataset, paints a more nuanced picture. Concretely, it shows that in some language families, there are consistent preferences for either colexifying or distinguishing between “cloud” and “fog.” In particular, the behavior of the large Quechuan family, which ranges across high- and low-elevation environments but still is consistently colexifying, shows no evidence for adaptive processes within language families. This result is open to various interpretations and explanations, for they suggest lineage-specific preferences for or against colexification that run counter to global trends. It is also at odds with the notions of “efficient communication” and “communicative need” as far as they relate to lexical categories and bars mechanistic or deterministic views on the processes in which the categories of languages are molded.
Shifting attitudes toward suicide over time: A latent profile analysis using the Korea National Suicide Survey
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Rhee Sang Jin , Kim Min Ji , Park Christopher Hyung Keun , Yang Jeong Hun , Son Kyunghoon , Park Jong-Ik , Ahn Yong Min
Published: March 2023

Introduction

South Korea has a high suicide rate, and changes in sociodemographic factors can further increase the rate. This study aims to (1) classify participants using the Attitudes toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) through latent profile analysis (LPA), (2) identify and compare the associations between sociodemographic factors with the ATTS in two survey years (2013, 2018), and (3) determine the moderating effect of survey year.

Methods

Six sub-factors of the ATTS were used for LPA with a total of 2,973 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between groups, and multinomial logistic regression was conducted for each survey year. A moderation analysis was conducted with the survey year as moderator.

Results

LPA identified three groups of attitudes toward suicide: incomprehensible (10.3%), mixed (52.8%), and permissive (36.9%). The proportion of permissive attitudes increased from 2013 (32.3%) to 2018 (41.7%). Participants reporting suicidal behavior were more likely to be in the mixed and permissive groups than the incomprehensible group in both years. People reporting no religious beliefs were associated with the permissive group in the two survey years. The influence of education and income levels on groups differed by survey year.

Discussion

There were significant changes between 2013 and 2018 in attitudes toward suicide in the Korean population.