bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Renal Denervation for the Management of Heart Rate in Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Le , Xiong Yulong , Hu Zhao , Yao Yan
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The effect of renal denervation (RDN) on heart rate (HR) in patients with hypertension had been investigated in many studies, but the results were inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of RDN on HR control.

Methods:

Databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched until September 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs of RDN in hypertensive patients with outcome indicators, such as HR, were selected. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for evaluating the changes in HR from baseline using fixed-effects or random-effects models. The Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to identify the relationship between the changes of HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Results:

In the current meta-analysis, 681 subjects from 16 individual studies were included. This study showed that RDN could reduce office HR in patients with hypertension [WMD = −1.93 (95% CI: −3.00 to −0.85, p < 0.001)]. In addition, 24-h HR and daytime HR were decreased after RDN [WMD = −1.73 (95% CI: −3.51 to −0.31, p = 0.017) and −2.67 (95% CI: −5.02 to −0.32, p = 0.026) respectively], but nighttime HR was not significantly influenced by RDN (WMD = −2.08, 95% CI: −4.57 to 0.42, p = 0.103). We found that the reduction of HR was highly related to the decrease of SBP (r = 0.658, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Renal denervation could reduce office, 24-h, and daytime HR, but does not affect nighttime HR. And the effect is highly associated with blood pressure (BP) control.

Systematic Review Registration:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021283065.
Microbial Alkalinity Production and Silicate Alteration in Methane Charged Marine Sediments: Implications for Porewater Chemistry and Diagenetic Carbonate Formation
Authors: Meister Patrick , Herda Gerhard , Petrishcheva Elena , Gier Susanne , Dickens Gerald R. , Bauer Christian , Liu Bo
Published: January 2022

A numerical reaction-transport model was developed to simulate the effects of microbial activity and mineral reactions on the composition of porewater in a 230-m-thick Pleistocene interval drilled in the Peru-Chile Trench (Ocean Drilling Program, Site 1230). This site has porewater profiles similar to those along many continental margins, where intense methanogenesis occurs and alkalinity surpasses 100 mmol/L. Simulations show that microbial sulphate reduction, anaerobic oxidation of methane, and ammonium release from organic matter degradation only account for parts of total alkalinity, and excess CO2 produced during methanogenesis leads to acidification of porewater. Additional alkalinity is produced by slow alteration of primary aluminosilicate minerals to kaolinite and SiO2. Overall, alkalinity production in the methanogenic zone is sufficient to prevent dissolution of carbonate minerals; indeed, it contributes to the formation of cemented carbonate layers at a supersaturation front near the sulphate-methane transition zone. Within the methanogenic zone, carbonate formation is largely inhibited by cation diffusion but occurs rapidly if cations are transported into the zone via fluid conduits, such as faults. The simulation presented here provides fundamental insight into the diagenetic effects of the deep biosphere and may also be applicable for the long-term prediction of the stability and safety of deep CO2 storage reservoirs.
Challenges to Implementing Environmental-DNA Monitoring in Namibia
Authors: Perry Iain , Jâms Ifan B. , Casas-Mulet Roser , Hamutoko Josefina , Marchbank Angela , Lendelvo Selma , Naomab Erold , Mapani Benjamin , Creer Simon , Wanke Heike , Durance Isabelle , Kille Peter
Published: January 2022

By identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse. The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighbouring countries.
Dissolved Organic Carbon Loading Stimulates Sediment Phosphorus Mobilization and Release: Preliminary Evidence From Xiangshan Port, East China Sea
Authors: Dong Xu-Meng , Ma Shuo-Nan , Wang Hai-Jun , Li Yuan-Yuan , Li Yan , Xu Ji-Lin
Published: January 2022

Increasing concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) have been observed in coastal ecosystems worldwide over the past decade, and tight coupling of the carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) biogeochemical cycle has been recognized in aquatic ecosystems. However, there is still no consensus regarding the potential effects of DOC loading on sediment P release. In a 2-month mesocosm experiment, we tested the effects of DOC enrichment on sediment P release in six glass aquariums. Two treatments were set: Control (without sodium acetate (Na(CH3COO)) addition) and Na(CH3COO) addition (equivalent to 5 mg C L−1). The results showed the following: 1) DOC loading stimulated sediment P mobilization and release, as indicated by increases in the labile P recorded for 7-cm-deep sediment using diffusive gradients in thin films, the flux of P across the sediment–water interface, and the total P concentrations in the overlying water; and 2) stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity, increased P-solubilizing bacteria proportion, and decreased dissolved oxygen concentration were likely the primary mechanisms behind the DOC-stimulated sediment P mobilization and release. These results provide insight into the promotion of sediment P release induced by C addition. Further studies investigating the quantitative relationships between DOC loadings and P release are needed to fully elucidate the coupled roles of C and P, especially those based on large-scale field investigations with broader C forms and loadings.
Sodium Chloride Added to Diluted Concord Grape Juice Prior to Fermentation Results in a Highly Attractive Bait for Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Piñero Jaime C. , Godoy-Hernandez Heriberto , Giri Ajay , Wen Xiaojian
Published: January 2022

At the interface of behavioral chemical ecology and pest management lays the evaluation of kairomones that can be used for either, monitoring or attract-and-kill of insect pests. Diluted Concord grape juice (DGJ) was previously reported to be highly attractive to male and femaleD. suzukii. Here, we conducted cage and field studies aimed at (1) comparing the attractiveness of fresh DGJ against that of commercial lures over a 3-year period in multiple locations, (2) quantifying the effects of DGJ aging for 1 and 2 weeks onD. suzukiiattraction, and (3) ascertaining the effects of adding sodium chloride to DGJ prior to fermentation on the outcome. For all field studies, captures of non-target insects were recorded. Combined findings from the cage and field studies comparing DGJ and commercial lures indicate that fresh DGJ is as attractive or more attractive than the commercial lures that were evaluated. The results of the aging studies revealed that 7- and 14- day old DGJ baits are at least twice as attractive to femaleD. suzukiiwhen compared to fresh DGJ. The response of other Drosophilids to the aged olfactory treatments mirrored that ofD. suzukii.Remarkably, the addition of 2% sodium chloride to DGJ prior to aging resulted in a fourfold increase in attractiveness to male and femaleD. suzukiiwhile reducing the number of non-target insects captured in traps. In conclusion, DGJ is an effective bait that can be deployed in traps and, when 2% sodium chloride is added, the resulting material outcompetes the performance of commercial lures and greatly reduces captures of non-target insects, thereby increasing bait selectivity. Overall, our findings increase our understanding ofD. suzukiiolfactory-driven behavior in response to fruit-based odor and demonstrate the potential use of a low-cost attractant for farmers who are not able to monitor forD. suzukiiwhen commercially produced lures are expensive or less accessible.
Analysis of Autozygosity Using Whole-Genome Sequence Data of Full-Sib Families in Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)
Authors: De los Ríos-Pérez Lidia , Druet Tom , Goldammer Tom , Wittenburg Dörte
Published: January 2022

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) has emerged as a high value species to the aquaculture industry. However, its farming techniques are at an early stage and its production is often performed without a selective breeding program, potentially leading to high levels of inbreeding. In this study, we identified and characterized autozygosity based on genome-wide runs of homozygosity (ROH) on a sample of parental and offspring individuals, determined effective population size (Ne), and assessed relatedness among parental individuals. A mean of 2,235 ± 526 and 1,841 ± 363 ROH segments per individual, resulting in a mean inbreeding coefficient of 0.33 ± 0.06 and 0.25 ± 0.06 were estimated for the progeny and parents, respectively. Ne was about 12 until four generations ago and at most 106 for 63 generations in the past, with varying genetic relatedness amongst the parents. This study shows the importance of genomic information when family relationships are unknown and the need of selective breeding programs for reproductive management decisions in the aquaculture industry.
Immunosuppressive Therapy After Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Systemic Sclerosis Patients—High Efficacy of Rituximab
Authors: Gernert Michael , Tony Hans-Peter , Fröhlich Matthias , Schwaneck Eva Christina , Schmalzing Marc
Published: January 2022

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients often need immunosuppressive medication (IS) for disease control. If SSc is progressive despite IS, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a treatment option for selected SSc patients. aHSCT is effective with good available evidence, but not all patients achieve a treatment-free remission after aHSCT. Thus far, data about the need of IS after aHSCT in SSc is not published. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of IS after aHSCT, its efficacy, and the occurrence of severe adverse events (SAEs).

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with SSc who had undergone aHSCT were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Clinical data, including IS, SAEs, and lung function data, were collected.

Results

Sixteen of 27 (59.3%) patients received IS after aHSCT. Methotrexate, rituximab, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxychloroquine were most commonly used. The main reason for starting IS was SSc progress. Nine patients received rituximab after aHSCT and showed an improvement in modified Rodnan skin score and a stabilization of lung function 2 years after rituximab. SAEs in patients with IS after aHSCT (50.0%) were not more common than in patients without IS (54.6%). SAEs were mostly due to SSc progress, secondary autoimmune diseases, or infections. Two deaths after aHSCT were transplantation related and three during long-term follow-up due to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Conclusion

Disease progression and secondary autoimmune diseases may necessitate IS after aHSCT in SSc. Rituximab seems to be an efficacious treatment option in this setting. Long-term data on the safety of aHSCT is reassuring.
Improving the Sodium Storage Performance of Porous Carbon Derived From Covalent Organic Frameworks Through N, S Co-Doping
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Zhang Zijian , Zhang Xueqi , Sun Haiquan , Hu Quan , Wang Haibao
Published: January 2022

Heteroatom doping, which has long been considered as one of the most efficient approaches to significantly enhance the sodium storage ability of carbonaceous anodes, has drawn increasing attention. Compared with single doping, dual doping can introduce more defects and accelerate ionic diffusion. In addition, the synergistic effect between the dual doped atoms can significantly improve the electrochemical performances. Besides, exploring novel precursors with excellent properties, which can induce porous structure and rapid pathways for electrons/ions in the resultant carbonaceous anode, is still full of challenges. Herein, nitrogen and sulfur–co-doped urchin-like porous carbon (NSC) was fabricated through a combined strategy including carbonization and subsequent sulfidation, using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as precursors. Because of the dual doping–endowed rich defects, high electronic conductivity, and favorable capacitive behavior, the resultant NSC exhibited excellent sodium storage performances, delivering superior sodium storage capacity (483.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles) and excellent cycling stability up to 1,000 cycles (231.6 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1). Importantly, such remarkable electrochemical performances of the resultant carbonaceous anode may shed light on the efficient conversion of COFs to functional materials.
Novel Suturing Methods for the Management of Traumatic Choroidal Avulsion in Globe Injuries
Authors: Chen Huijin , Yang Jiarui , Wang Changguan , Feng Xuefeng , Feng Kang , Ma Zhizhong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To explore the long-term efficacy of novel choroidal suturing methods including trans-scleral mattress suturing (TSS) and intraocular suturing (IOS) in the treatment of choroidal avulsion.

Design

Prospective cohort, hospital-based study.

Methods

A total of 24 patients who were diagnosed with choroidal avulsion were enrolled in this study. The demographic characteristics, baseline information of trauma, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected before surgery, and the anatomic abnormities of the globe were recorded before or during surgery. All patients were diagnosed with choroidal avulsion and underwent choroid suturing treatment during vitrectomy, postoperative functional variables including BCVA and IOP, anatomic variables including retinal and choroidal reattachment rate, and silicone oil migration rate, which were recorded at the regular follow-ups at least 1 year after surgery.

Results

All patients with open globe injury involved zone III, 70.8% of the patients presented with two quadrants of the avulsed choroid, and 29.2% with one quadrant involved; moreover, all patients had complications with retinal detachment (RD), of which 58.3% of patients had closed funnel retinal detachment. TSS was applied in nineteen patients and IOS in five patients. Postoperatively, a significant improvement on LogMAR BCVA was observed at each follow-up from 3.57 ± 0.69 before surgery to 2.82 ± 0.98 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05), and the proportion of no light perception (NLP) was also reduced from 69.6 to 37.5%. IOP was markedly elevated from 6.4 ± 4.1 mmHg preoperatively to 11.3 ± 4.3 mmHg at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). Choroidal reattachment was achieved in 91.7% of patients; two patients were observed with silicone oil migration at 3 months after surgery and underwent drainage of suprachoroidal silicone oil and sclera buckling. Meanwhile, retinal attachment was observed in 95.8% of patients, only one patient developed partial RD due to postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and secondary vitrectomy was performed; all patients were observed with complete retinal and choroidal attachment at the last follow-up. Eventually, four patients were silicone oil-free, and 20 patients were silicone oil-dependent.

Conclusions

Choroidal suturing proved to be an effective method to fix the avulsed choroid, which greatly improved the BCVA and maintained the IOP, and efficiently increased the choroidal and retinal reattachment rate and preservation of the eyeball.
Computational Methods for Single-Cell Imaging and Omics Data Integration
Authors: Watson Ebony Rose , Taherian Fard Atefeh , Mar Jessica Cara
Published: January 2022

Integrating single cell omics and single cell imaging allows for a more effective characterisation of the underlying mechanisms that drive a phenotype at the tissue level, creating a comprehensive profile at the cellular level. Although the use of imaging data is well established in biomedical research, its primary application has been to observe phenotypes at the tissue or organ level, often using medical imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, and PET. These imaging technologies complement omics-based data in biomedical research because they are helpful for identifying associations between genotype and phenotype, along with functional changes occurring at the tissue level. Single cell imaging can act as an intermediary between these levels. Meanwhile new technologies continue to arrive that can be used to interrogate the genome of single cells and its related omics datasets. As these two areas, single cell imaging and single cell omics, each advance independently with the development of novel techniques, the opportunity to integrate these data types becomes more and more attractive. This review outlines some of the technologies and methods currently available for generating, processing, and analysing single-cell omics- and imaging data, and how they could be integrated to further our understanding of complex biological phenomena like ageing. We include an emphasis on machine learning algorithms because of their ability to identify complex patterns in large multidimensional data.
Neuroprotective Effects of a Small Mitochondrially-Targeted Tetrapeptide Elamipretide in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Nhu Nguyen Thanh , Xiao Shu-Yun , Liu Yijie , Kumar V. Bharath , Cui Zhen-Yang , Lee Shin-Da
Published: January 2022

Neural mitochondrial dysfunction, neural oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, toxic protein accumulation, and neural apoptosis are common causes of neurodegeneration. Elamipretide, a small mitochondrially-targeted tetrapeptide, exhibits therapeutic effects and safety in several mitochondria-related diseases. In neurodegeneration, extensive studies have shown that elamipretide enhanced mitochondrial respiration, activated neural mitochondrial biogenesisviamitochondrial biogenesis regulators (PCG-1α and TFAM) and the translocate factors (TOM-20), enhanced mitochondrial fusion (MNF-1, MNF-2, and OPA1), inhibited mitochondrial fission (Fis-1 and Drp-1), as well as increased mitophagy (autophagy of mitochondria). In addition, elamipretide has been shown to attenuate neural oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and ROS), neuroinflammation (TNF, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and toxic protein accumulation (Aβ). Consequently, elamipretide could prevent neural apoptosis (cytochrome c, Bax, caspase 9, and caspase 3) and enhance neural pro-survival (Bcl2, BDNF, and TrkB) in neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that elamipretide may prevent the progressive development of neurodegenerative diseasesviaenhancing mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fusion, and neural pro-survival pathway, as well as inhibiting mitochondrial fission, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, toxic protein accumulation, and neural apoptosis. Elamipretide or mitochondrially-targeted peptide might be a targeted agent to attenuate neurodegenerative progression.
Medical Imaging Biomarker Discovery and Integration Towards AI-Based Personalized Radiotherapy
Authors: Pang Yaru , Wang Hui , Li He
Published: January 2022

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been used for high-accurate physical dose distribution sculpture and employed to modulate different dose levels into Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), Clinical Target Volume (CTV) and Planning Target Volume (PTV). GTV, CTV and PTV can be prescribed at different dose levels, however, there is an emphasis that their dose distributions need to be uniform, despite the fact that most types of tumour are heterogeneous. With traditional radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, we can identify biological target volume from functional images against conventional GTV derived from anatomical imaging. Functional imaging, such as multi parameter MRI and PET can be used to implement dose painting, which allows us to achieve dose escalation by increasing doses in certain areas that are therapy-resistant in the GTV and reducing doses in less aggressive areas. In this review, we firstly discuss several quantitative functional imaging techniques including PET-CT and multi-parameter MRI. Furthermore, theoretical and experimental comparisons for dose painting by contours (DPBC) and dose painting by numbers (DPBN), along with outcome analysis after dose painting are provided. The state-of-the-art AI-based biomarker diagnosis techniques is reviewed. Finally, we conclude major challenges and future directions in AI-based biomarkers to improve cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment.
Aminophylline Induces Two Types of Arrhythmic Events in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Klimovic Simon , Scurek Martin , Pesl Martin , Beckerova Deborah , Jelinkova Sarka , Urban Tomas , Kabanov Daniil , Starek Zdenek , Bebarova Marketa , Pribyl Jan , Rotrekl Vladimir , Brat Kristian
Published: January 2022

Cardiac side effects of some pulmonary drugs are observed in clinical practice. Aminophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator with documented proarrhythmic action, may serve as an example. Data on the action of aminophylline on cardiac cell electrophysiology and contractility are not available. Hence, this study was focused on the analysis of changes in the beat rate and contraction force of human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) and HL-1 cardiomyocytes in the presence of increasing concentrations of aminophylline (10 µM–10 mM in hPSC-CM and 8–512 µM in HL-1 cardiomyocytes). Basic biomedical parameters, namely, the beat rate (BR) and contraction force, were assessed in hPSC-CMs using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The beat rate changes under aminophylline were also examined on the HL-1 cardiac muscle cell line via a multielectrode array (MEA). Additionally, calcium imaging was used to evaluate the effect of aminophylline on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. The BR was significantly increased after the application of aminophylline both in hPSC-CMs (with 10 mM aminophylline) and in HL-1 cardiomyocytes (with 256 and 512 µM aminophylline) in comparison with controls. A significant increase in the contraction force was also observed in hPSC-CMs with 10 µM aminophylline (a similar trend was visible at higher concentrations as well). We demonstrated that all aminophylline concentrations significantly increased the frequency of rhythm irregularities (extreme interbeat intervals) both in hPSC-CMs and HL-1 cells. The occurrence of the calcium sparks in HL-1 cardiomyocytes was significantly increased with the presence of 512 µM aminophylline. We conclude that the observed aberrant cardiomyocyte response to aminophylline suggests an arrhythmogenic potential of the drug. The acquired data represent a missing link between the arrhythmic events related to the aminophylline/theophylline treatment in clinical practice and describe cellular mechanisms of methylxanthine arrhythmogenesis. An AFM combined with hPSC-CMs may serve as a robust platform for direct drug effect screening.
An Augmented-Reality Holographic Stereogram Based on 3D Optical Field Information Manipulation and Reconstruction
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Jing Tao , Qu Qiang , Zhang Ping , Li Pei , Yang Qian , Jiang Xiaoyu , Yan Xingpeng
Published: January 2022

Holographic stereogram comprises a hotspot in the field of three-dimensional (3D) display. It can reconstruct the light field information of real and virtual scenes at the same time, further improving the comprehensibility of the scene and achieving the “augmentation” of the scene. In this paper, an augmented reality-holographic stereogram based on 3D reconstruction is proposed. First, the point cloud data is generated by VisualSFM software, and then the 3D mesh model is reconstructed by MeshLab software. The obtained scene model and virtual scene are rendered simultaneously to obtain the real and virtual fusion scene. Analysis of experimental results shows that the proposed method can effectively realize augmented reality-holographic stereogram.
Elevated Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level Associated With Decreasing Insulin Secretion May Forecast Memory Dysfunction in Patients With Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huang Xi , Xie Zuolin , Wang Chenchen , Wang Shaohua
Published: January 2022

Background

With the progressive course of diabetes and the decline in islet function, the cognitive dysfunction of patients aggravated.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the Val66Met polymorphism in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 169 Chinese patients with T2DM were involved and divided into long-term (diabetes duration >10 years) and short-term (diabetes duration ≤10 years) diabetes, and in each group, the patients were separated as MCI and the control. Demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and cognitive performances were assessed. The plasma BDNF level was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Val66Met polymorphisms were analyzed.

Results

Long-term T2DM have lower 2 h postprandial C-peptide (p < 0.05). The BDNF level was slightly higher in patients with MCI than in the controls in each duration group without statistical significance. The relationship of BDNF to Montreal Cognitive Assessment was not proven either. However, in the long-term diabetes group, BDNF concentration remained as an independent factor of logical memory test (β = −0.27; p < 0.05), and they were negatively correlated (r = −0.267; p = 0.022); BDNF was also negatively correlated with fasting C-peptide (r = −0.260; p = 0.022), 2 h postprandial C-peptide (r = −0.251; p = 0.028), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = −0.312; p = 0.006). In genotypic groups, BDNF Val/Val performed better in logical memory test than Met/Met and Val/Met.

Conclusion

Elevated peripheral BDNF level associated with declined islet function, when combined with its Val66Met polymorphism, may forecast memory dysfunction in patients with long-term T2DM.
Analysis of Glucosinolate Content and Metabolism Related Genes in Different Parts of Chinese Flowering Cabbage
Authors: Feng Xianjun , Ma Jiajun , Liu Zhiqian , Li Xuan , Wu Yinghua , Hou Leiping , Li Meilan
Published: January 2022

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are important secondary metabolites that play important defensive roles in cruciferous plants. Chinese flowering cabbage, one of the most common vegetable crops, is rich in GSLs and thus has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer in humans. Many genes that are involved in GSL biosynthesis and metabolism have been identified in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana; however, few studies investigated the genes related to GSL biosynthesis and metabolism in Chinese flowering cabbage. In the present study, the GSL composition and content in three different organs of Chinese flowering cabbage (leaf, stalk, and flower bud) were determined. Our results showed that the total GSL content in flower buds was significantly higher than in stalks and leaves, and aliphatic GSLs were the most abundant GSL type. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the variations of GSL content, we analyzed the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in GSL biosynthesis and transport in different tissues of Chinese flowering cabbage using RNA sequencing; the expression levels of most genes were found to be consistent with the pattern of total GSL content. Correlation and consistency analysis of differentially expressed genes from different organs with the GSL content revealed that seven genes (Bra029966, Bra012640, Bra016787, Bra011761, Bra006830, Bra011759, and Bra029248) were positively correlated with GSL content. These findings provide a molecular basis for further elucidating GSL biosynthesis and transport in Chinese flowering cabbage.
R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor NtMYB330 Regulates Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis and Seed Germination in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Zhao Lu , Song Zhongbang , Wang Bingwu , Gao Yulong , Shi Junli , Sui Xueyi , Chen Xuejun , Zhang Yihan , Li Yongping
Published: January 2022

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are important phenolic compounds and PA biosynthesis is regulated by a ternary MBW complex consisting of a R2R3-MYB regulator, a bHLH factor and a WDR protein. In this study, a tobacco R2R3-MYB factor NtMYB330 was characterized as the PA-specific regulator in which the PA biosynthesis was promoted in the flowers of NtMYB330-overexpressing lines while decreased in the flowers of ntmyb330 mutants. NtMYB330 can interact with flavonoid-related bHLH partner NtAn1b and WDR protein NtAn11-1, and the NtMYB330-NtAn1b complex is required to achieve strong transcriptional activation of the PA-related structural genes NtDFR1, NtANS1, NtLAR1 and NtANR1. Our data reveal that NtMYB330 regulates PA biosynthesis in seeds and affects seed germination, in which NtMYB330-overexpressing lines showed higher PA accumulations in seed coats and inhibited germination, while ntmyb330 mutants had reduced seed coat PAs and improved germination. NtMYB330 affects seed germination possibly through two mechanisms: modulating seed coat PAs to affect coat-imposed dormancy. In addition, NtMYB330 regulates the expressions of abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin acid (GA) signaling-related genes, affecting ABA-GA crosstalk and seed germination. This study reveals that NtMYB330 specifically regulates PA biosynthesis via formation of the MBW complex in tobacco flowers and affects germination through adjustment of PA concentrations and ABA/GA signaling in tobacco seeds.
Exploring Quality Evaluation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Institutions Using Deep Learning Approach and Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Wang Changlin , Zheng Puyang , Zhang Fengrui , Qian Yufeng , Zhang Yiyao , Zou Yulin
Published: January 2022

The quality of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education (IEE) in higher institutions is closely related to the degree to which the undergraduates (UGs) absorb relevant innovation and entrepreneurship knowledge and their entrepreneurial motivation. Thus, an effective Evaluation of Educational Quality (EEQ) is essential. In particular, fault tree analysis (FTA), a common EEQ approach, has some disadvantages, such as fault data reliance and insufficient uncertainties handleability. Thereupon, this article first puts forward a theoretical model based on the deep learning (DL) method to analyze the factors of IEE quality; consequently, based on the traditional FTA, fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) is proposed to evaluate the reliability of IEE classroom teaching for college teachers and students. Finally, based on the top event of entrepreneurial teaching failure, the hyper-ellipsoid model is implemented to restrict the interval probability of basic events and describe the deviation of uncertain events. Furthermore, the model accuracy is verified by a questionnaire survey (QS), based upon which the factors of IEE quality are analyzed. The results show that the designed QS has good reliability, validity, and fitness; the path coefficients of cooperative ability to critical thinking and innovative thinking are 0.9 and 0.66, respectively, indicating that the students’ cooperative ability plays a vital role in the classroom teaching. By calculation, the probability of “teaching failure” in entrepreneurial classroom teaching is 0.395, 3, 0.462, and 5. To sum up, the proposed method can effectively and quantitatively evaluate the quality of IEE in higher institutions, thus providing a certain basis for formulating relevant improvement strategies. The purpose is to provide important technical support for improving the IEE quality.
Maternal History of Adverse Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Impact Toddlers’ Early Socioemotional Wellbeing: The Benefits of Infant Mental Health-Home Visiting
Authors: Ribaudo Julie , Lawler Jamie M. , Jester Jennifer M. , Riggs Jessica , Erickson Nora L. , Stacks Ann M. , Brophy-Herb Holly , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine L.
Published: January 2022

Background

The present study examined the efficacy of the Michigan Model of Infant Mental Health-Home Visiting (IMH-HV) infant mental health treatment to promote the socioemotional wellbeing of infants and young children. Science illuminates the role of parental “co-regulation” of infant emotion as a pathway to young children’s capacity for self-regulation. The synchrony of parent–infant interaction begins to shape the infant’s own nascent regulatory capacities. Parents with a history of childhood adversity, such as maltreatment or witnessing family violence, and who struggle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress may have greater challenges in co-regulating their infant, thus increasing the risk of their children exhibiting social and emotional problems such as anxiety, aggression, and depression. Early intervention that targets the infant–parent relationship may help buffer the effect of parental risk on child outcomes.

Methods

Participants were 58 mother–infant/toddler dyads enrolled in a longitudinal randomized control trial testing the efficacy of the relationship-based IMH-HV treatment model. Families were eligible based on child age (<24 months at enrollment) and endorsement of at least two of four socio-demographic factors commonly endorsed in community mental health settings: elevated depression symptoms, three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) parenting stress, and/or child behavior or development concerns. This study included dyads whose children were born at the time of study enrollment and completed 12-month post-baseline follow-up visits. Parents reported on their own history of ACEs and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as their toddler’s socioemotional development (e.g., empathy, prosocial skills, aggression, anxiety, prolonged tantrums).

Results

Maternal ACEs predicted more toddler emotional problems through their effect on maternal PTSD symptoms. Parents who received IMH-HV treatment reported more positive toddler socioemotional wellbeing at follow-up relative to the control condition. The most positive socioemotional outcomes were for toddlers of mothers with low to moderate PTSD symptoms who received IMH-HV treatment.

Conclusion

Results indicate the efficacy of IMH-HV services in promoting more optimal child socioemotional wellbeing even when mothers reported mild to moderate PTSD symptoms. Results also highlight the need to assess parental trauma when infants and young children present with socioemotional difficulties.
The Role of Self-Care Activities (SASS-14) in Depression (PHQ-9): Evidence From Slovakia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gavurova Beata , Popesko Boris , Ivankova Viera , Rigelsky Martin
Published: January 2022

In the ongoing situation, when the world is dominated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the development of self-care programs appears to be insufficient, while their role in mental health may be crucial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between self-care activities and depression in the general Slovak population, but also in its individual gender and age categories. This was achieved by validating the self-care screening instrument, assessing differences, and evaluating the associations using quantile regression analysis. The final research sample consisted of 806 participants [males: 314 (39%), females: 492 (61%)] and data were collected through an online questionnaire from February 12, 2021 to February 23, 2021. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression (α = 0.89) and Self-Care Activities Screening Scale (SASS-14) [health consciousness (HC) (α = 0.82), nutrition and physical activity (NPA) (α = 0.75), sleep quality (SLP) (α = 0.82), and interpersonal and intrapersonal coping strategies (IICS) (α = 0.58)] were used as screening measures. Mild depressive symptoms were found in 229 participants (28.41%), moderate depressive symptoms in 154 participants (19.11%), moderately severe depressive symptoms in 60 participants (7.44%) and severe depressive symptoms in 43 participants (5.33%). The main findings revealed the fact that individual self-care activities were associated with depression. This supported the idea that well-practiced self-care activities should be an immediate part of an individual's life in order to reduce depressive symptoms. Sleep quality played an important role, while HC indicated the need for increased attention. Other dimensions of self-care also showed significant results that should not be overlooked. In terms of depression, females and younger individuals need targeted interventions. The supportive educational intervention developed based on the self-care theory can help manage and maintain mental health during a stressful period, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Health policy leaders should focus on health-promoting preventive self-care interventions, as the demand for them increases even more during the pandemic.
Transfer Learning for Operator Selection: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Durgut Rafet , Aydin Mehmet Emin , Rakib Abdur
Published: January 2022

In the past two decades, metaheuristic optimisation algorithms (MOAs) have been increasingly popular, particularly in logistic, science, and engineering problems. The fundamental characteristics of such algorithms are that they are dependent on a parameter or a strategy. Some online and offline strategies are employed in order to obtain optimal configurations of the algorithms. Adaptive operator selection is one of them, and it determines whether or not to update a strategy from the strategy pool during the search process. In the field of machine learning, Reinforcement Learning (RL) refers to goal-oriented algorithms, which learn from the environment how to achieve a goal. On MOAs, reinforcement learning has been utilised to control the operator selection process. However, existing research fails to show that learned information may be transferred from one problem-solving procedure to another. The primary goal of the proposed research is to determine the impact of transfer learning on RL and MOAs. As a test problem, a set union knapsack problem with 30 separate benchmark problem instances is used. The results are statistically compared in depth. The learning process, according to the findings, improved the convergence speed while significantly reducing the CPU time.
Hydrogels Are Reinforced with Colombian Fique Nanofibers to Improve Techno-Functional Properties for Agricultural Purposes
Authors: Guancha-Chalapud Marcelo A. , Serna-Cock Liliana , Tirado Diego F.
Published: January 2022

Colombia is the world’s largest producer of fique fibers (Furcraea bedinghausii), with a net production of 30,000 tons per year. This work proposes to revalue waste from the Colombian fique agroindustry. For this purpose, cellulose nanofibers were obtained from fique and used as reinforcement material to create acrylic superabsorbent hydrogels. Unreinforced acrylic hydrogels (AHR0) and acrylic hydrogels reinforced with fique nanofibers at 3% w/w (AHR3), 5% w/w (AHR5), and 10 % w/w (AHR10) were synthesized using the solution polymerization method. The best hydrogel formulation for agricultural purposes was chosen by comparing their swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By raising the nanofiber concentration to 3% (AHR3), the best-chosen formulation, the interaction between the nanofibers and the polymer matrix increased, which favored the network stability. However, beyond AHR3, there was a higher viscosity of the reactive system, which caused a reduction in the mobility of the polymer chains, thus disfavoring the swelling capacity. The reinforced hydrogel proposed in this study (AHR3) could represent a contribution to overcoming the problems of land dryness present in Colombia, an issue that will worsen in the coming years due to the climate emergency.
Influences of Propagation Method, Rootstock, Number of Axes, and Cultivation Site on ‘Fuji’ Scions Grown as Single or Multi-Leader Trees in the Nursery
Authors: Lezzer Paolo , Tustin Stuart , Corelli-Grappadelli Luca , Serra Sara , Anthony Brendon , Dorigoni Alberto , Musacchi Stefano
Published: January 2022

The adoption of high-density plantings (HDP) in apple orchards started with the introduction of dwarfing rootstocks from East Malling’s (UK) breeding program. A range of spindle-derived training systems have been developed to improve light interception/distribution with a variation in leader numbers. Many of these training systems cannot guarantee early, consistent, and uniform illumination of the entire canopy. For this reason, planar 2-D canopies have been developed with varying numbers of primary axes with numerous second-order shoots. In this trial, carried out at the nursery level, three sites were selected: one in New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay Research Centre) and two in Italy (Bologna and Trento). Trees were produced with a single-, bi-, and tri-axis system utilizing three rootstocks (‘M27’, ‘M9’, ‘MM106’), characterized by an increasing level of vigor. The cultivation site played an important role in modulating early tree performance. Multi-leader trees reduced average shoot length in the Italian sites in the first year after grafting. The number of shoots and total growth developed on multi-leader trees was higher than single-axis trees. This may benefit growers that seek to use canopy architecture manipulation to fill space and control vigor when establishing HDP orchards.
Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases in the Daily Life of Ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum (79 CE, Italy): A Review of Animal–Human–Environment Interactions through Biological, Historical and Archaeological Sources
Authors: Tanga Carmen , Remigio Marta , Viciano Joan
Published: January 2022

There is no doubt that the cultural and urban environments contributed to the animal–human interaction in the daily life of the ancient Roman world. The singularity of the circumstances of the burial of Pompeii and Herculaneum, together with literary sources and the extraordinary state of preservation of the archaeological and biological material found, has provided researchers with an opportunity, unique in its kind, to reconstruct the life and ways of living of its inhabitants. This study illustrates the main drivers and mechanisms for the distribution and transmission of zoonotic diseases in these ancient Roman populations, such as (i) the large number and role that different animal species played in the ancient Roman world; (ii) the environmental conditions for the survival of parasites, pathogens and vectors; (iii) the great variety and intensity of commercial activities and occupations that presented certain risks of infections; (iv) the absence of adequate safety controls during processing, distribution and preservation of foodstuffs in unsuitable environments and some culinary habits; (v) the inadequate mechanisms of the disposal of human waste and the biotic contamination of watercourses and reservoirs; and finally (vi) the use of animals related to religious and cultural practices.
The Serum Concentration of Vancomycin as a Diagnostic Predictor of Nephrotoxic Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Zamoner Welder , Eid Karina Zanchetta Cardoso , de Almeida Lais Maria Bellaver , Pierri Isabella Gonçalves , Santos Adriano dos , Balbi André Luis , Ponce Daniela
Published: January 2022

The impact of serum concentrations of vancomycin is a controversial topic. Results: 182 critically ill patients were evaluated using vancomycin and 63 patients were included in the study. AKI occurred in 44.4% of patients on the sixth day of vancomycin use. Vancomycin higher than 17.53 mg/L between the second and the fourth days of use was a predictor of AKI, preceding AKI diagnosis for at least two days, with an area under the curve of 0.806 (IC 95% 0.624–0.987, p = 0.011). Altogether, 46.03% of patients died, and in the Cox analysis, the associated factors were age, estimated GFR, CPR, and vancomycin between the second and the fourth days. Discussion: The current 2020 guidelines recommend using Bayesian-derived AUC monitoring rather than trough concentrations. However, due to the higher number of laboratory analyses and the need for an application to calculate the AUC, many centers still use therapeutic trough levels between 15 and 20 mg/L. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a narrower range of serum concentration of vancomycin was a predictor of AKI in critically ill septic patients, preceding the diagnosis of AKI by at least 48 h, and it can be a useful monitoring tool when AUC cannot be used.
Effect of Doxycycline in Decreasing the Severity of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Mice
Authors: Tsai Bo-Yang , Lai Yi-Hsin , Chiu Chun-Wei , Hsu Chih-Yu , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Chen Yueh-Lin , Tsai Pei-Jane , Hung Yuan-Pin , Ko Wen-Chien
Published: January 2022

Background: Doxycycline possesses antibacterial activity against Clostridioides difficile and anti-inflammatory effects. Materials and Methods: The influence of doxycycline on the development of CDI was studied in an established animal model of CDI using C57BL/6 mice. Results: Mice intraperitoneally administered doxycycline had higher cecum weight (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1 g; p < 0.001) and less body weight reduction (0.7 ± 0.5 g vs. −17.4 ± 0.2 g; p < 0.001) than untreated mice infected with C. difficile. Oral doxycycline, metronidazole, or vancomycin therapy resulted in less body weight reduction in mice with CDI than in untreated mice (1.1 ± 0.1 g, 1.3 ± 0.2 g, 1.2 ± 0.1 g, vs. 2.9 ± 0.3 g; p < 0.001). Doxycycline therapy led to lower expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (0.4 ± 0.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3, p = 0.02), and higher levels of zonula occludens-1 (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1, p = 0.02) in colonic tissues than in untreated mice. Conclusions: Concurrent intraperitoneal administration of doxycycline and oral C. difficile challenge does not aggravate the disease severity of CDI, and oral doxycycline may be a potential therapeutic option for CDI.