bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Omental Lipoma in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Duan Xufei , Yan Xueqiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Lipoma is a common benign tumor derived from adipose tissue, with an incidence of nearly 10%. It is the most common mesenchymal tumor throughout the body. However, the pathogenesis of lipoma is not clear yet, and the increased incidence is attributable to obesity, elevated serum cholesterol, diabetes, trauma, radiation, familial predisposition, and chromosome. Primary omental tumor is a rare lipoma occurring in the greater omentum, most of which is reported in the form of clinical case reports. Nevertheless, primary omental tumor is even rarer in children. To date, there have been few reports of clinical cases.

Case Presentation

We report a rare case of primary omental lipoma in a 6-year-old boy. After an accidental fall, a CT scan found that he had a tumor in the left upper abdomen. He had no history of abdominal pain, abdominal mass, vomiting, etc. The boy was admitted to the hospital within 3 days, and was diagnosed with an intra-abdominal tumor. After admission, abdominal ultrasound and enhanced CT showed a 71 ×40 ×60 mm mass in the left middle abdomen, which was considered a lipoma. There was no abnormality in tumor markers. Through laparoscopic surgery, intraoperative exploration revealed that the tumor was located in the left mid-upper abdomen, and was yellow, solid, soft, and isolated. The intraoperative diagnosis was an omental lipoma. We used an ultrasonic knife to resect the omentum close to the base of the tumor. The tumor was completely resected, put in a retrieval bag and sealed. Finally, the left and right sides of the umbilical incision were extended to take out the tumor tissue. The child received liquid food 6 h after the operation and was discharged 3 days later. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was an omental lipoma. He was seen at follow-up 3 months after discharge and had no complaints, an abnominal ultrasound showed no tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Primary omental lipoma in children is a rare benign tumor of the omentum. Its etiology and pathology are not clear. US, CT, and MRI can facilitate clinical diagnosis and preoperative evaluation. Laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment, and the prognosis of children is favorable. This case is beneficial to improve the clinical knowledge of pediatric surgeons about this rare disease.
The Safety of Intralesional Steroid Injections in Young Children and Their Effectiveness in Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures—A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: van Hal Annefleur R. L. , Pulvirenti Rebecca , den Hartog Floris P. J. , Vlot John
Published: January 2022

Objective

Intralesional steroid injections (ISI) are a widely used technique for various pediatric indications and represent a possible adjuvant treatment for anastomotic esophageal strictures. Yet, no consensus has been reached neither on their safety in the pediatric population or their effectiveness in esophageal atresia patients. This systematic review aimed to assess the safety of ISI in young children through a meta-analysis and to summarize the current knowledge on the effectiveness of ISI in anastomotic esophageal strictures.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar up to August 16 2021. Studies focusing on ISI and involving children up to 2 years were included in the meta-analysis for the safety assessment. All studies evaluating the use of ISI as adjuvant treatment in anastomotic esophageal strictures in children were included in the systematic review to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

The literature search yielded 8,253 articles. A total of 57 studies were included, of which 55 for the safety and five for the effectiveness assessment. The overall complication rate was 7%, with a greater incidence of local complications compared to systemic complications. Six studies (with a total of 367 patients) evaluated adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels, of which four reported hypothalamic-pituitary axis suppression. Two children (0.6%) received replacement therapy and all patients recovered uneventfully. A mean number of 1.67 ISI were performed per esophageal atresia (EA) patient. A reduction of needed dilatations was seen after ISI, compared to the number of dilatations performed before the intervention (5.2 vs. 1.3).

Conclusion

The insufficient data emphasized the need for further prospective and comparative studies. Results from this meta-analysis and systematic review address ISI as a safe and effective technique. Close clinical follow-up and growth curve evaluation are advisable in patients receiving ISI.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021281584.
Computer-Aided Detection of Retinopathy of Prematurity Severity in Preterm Infants via Measurement of Temporal Vessel Width and Angle
Authors: Huang Yo-Ping , Vadloori Spandana , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: January 2022

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disorder that occurs in preterm infants with low birth weight and is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. Early identification of high-risk patients and early diagnosis and timely treatment of ROP can substantially improve patients' visual outcomes. However, manual screening consumes both time and resources. Telescreening using retinal fundus images has the potential to reduce the burden engendered by the necessity of on-site screening. Recently, substantial progress has been made in using computer-aided diagnosis with retinal fundus images, and this approach has attracted considerable attention for the diagnosis of eye diseases. Abnormalities of and alterations in retinal blood vessels may relate to the occurrence and progression of ROP. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that ROP severity may be associated with the angle and width of arteries and veins. We computationally determined the artery–artery and vein–vein angles in the temporal quadrants—the temporal artery angle (TAA) and temporal vein angle (TVA)—under normal conditions and in different ROP stages. We also estimated retinal vessel width—temporal artery width (TAW) and temporal vein width (TVW)—by applying the Radon transform method to fundus images. Our results revealed significant decreases in TAA and TVA and increases in TAW and TVW with increasing ROP severity (all P < 0.0001).In addition, we observed positive TAA–TVA and TAW–TVW correlations (both P < 0.0001). The TAA was negatively correlated with the TAW (r = −0.162, P = 0.0314). These retinal vessel features may be useful in assisting ophthalmologists in the early detection of ROP and its progression.
Lipoic Acid-Coated Silver Nanoparticles: Biosafety Potential on the Vascular Microenvironment and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Hajtuch Justyna , Santos-Martinez Maria Jose , Wojcik Michal , Tomczyk Ewelina , Jaskiewicz Maciej , Kamysz Wojciech , Narajczyk Magdalena , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To study and compare the antibacterial properties and the potential cytotoxic effects of commercially available uncoated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with lipoic acid coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPsLA) developed by our group. The antibacterial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic properties of those NPs were assessed with the main objective of investigating if AgNPsLA could maintain their antibacterial properties while improving their biosafety profile over uncoated AgNPs within the blood vessel’s microenvironment.

Methods: Comercially available uncoated 2.6 nm AgNPs and 2.5 nm AgNPsLA synthesized and characterized as previously described by our group, were used in this study. Antimicrobial activity was assessed on a wide range of pathogens and expressed by minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Assessment of cytotoxicity was carried out on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using an MTT test. Detection of reactive oxygen species, cell apoptosis/necrosis in HUVEC, and measurement of mitochondrial destabilization in HUVEC and platelets were performed by flow cytometry. The potential harmful effect of nanoparticles on red blood cells (RBCs) was investigated measuring hemoglobin and LDH released after exposure to NPs. Transmission electron microscopy was also used to determine if AgNPs and AgNPsLA could induce any ultrastructural changes on HUVEC cells and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Results: AgNPs and AgNPsLA had antimicrobial properties against pathogens associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections. AgNPs, in contrast to AgNPsLA, induced ROS production and apoptosis in HUVEC, ultrastructural changes in HUVEC and S. aureus, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane in HUVEC and platelets, and also hemolysis.

Conclusion: AgNPsLA synthesized by our group have antimicrobial activity and a better biosafety profile than uncoated AgNPs of similar size. Those observations are of critical importance for the future in vivo investigations and the potential application of AgNPsLA in medical devices for human use.
The Thirty-Day Mortality Rate and Nephrotoxicity Associated With Trough Serum Vancomycin Concentrations During Treatment of Enterococcal Infections: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Katip Wasan , Okonogi Siriporn , Oberdorfer Peninnah
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vancomycin trough levels in patients with documented enterococcal infections and mortality, clinical outcomes, microbiological outcomes, and nephrotoxicity. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with enterococcus infections who were prescribed vancomycin with therapeutic drug monitoring during January 2010 and December 2019 at Chiang Mai University Hospital (CMUH). The study enrolled 300 participants who met the inclusion criteria and were prescribed vancomycin with therapeutic drug monitoring. The results of this study showed that, after propensity score matching, a vancomycin trough of ≥15 mg/L was associated with significant differences in 30-days mortality compared to a vancomycin trough of <15 mg/L (aHR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21–0.82; p = 0.011). Likewise, a vancomycin trough of ≥15 mg/L was associated with significant differences in the clinical response (aHR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26–0.94; p = 0.032), microbiological response (aHR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.87; p = 0.025) and nephrotoxicity (aHR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.39–7.23; p = 0.006), compared with a vancomycin trough of <15 mg/L. However, sub-group analysis found that very high trough levels (>20 mg/L) were also associated with a high rate of nephrotoxicity (aHR: 3.55, 95% CI 1.57–8.07, p = 0.002), when compared with a vancomycin trough of <15 mg/L. The target vancomycin trough concentration was ≥15 mg/L and this target can be an optimal alternative to the use of area under the curve (AUC) values for monitoring the treatment of enterococcal infection.
Promoting Apoptosis, a Promising Way to Treat Breast Cancer With Natural Products: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Yuan Lie , Cai Yongqing , Zhang Liang , Liu Sijia , Li Pan , Li Xiaoli
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer is one of the top-ranked malignant carcinomas associated with morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Chemotherapy is one of the main approaches to breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer initially responds to traditional first- and second-line drugs (aromatase inhibitor, tamoxifen, and carboplatin), but eventually acquires resistance, and certain patients relapse within 5 years. Chemotherapeutic drugs also have obvious toxic effects. In recent years, natural products have been widely used in breast cancer research because of their low side effects, low toxicity, and good efficacy based on their multitarget therapy. Apoptosis, a programmed cell death, occurs as a normal and controlled process that promotes cell growth and death. Inducing apoptosis is an important strategy to control excessive breast cancer cell proliferation. Accumulating evidence has revealed that natural products become increasingly important in breast cancer treatment by suppressing cell apoptosis. In this study, we reviewed current studies on natural product–induced breast cancer cell apoptosis and summarized the proapoptosis mechanisms including mitochondrial, FasL/Fas, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, and mitogen-activated protein kinase–mediated pathway. We hope that our review can provide direction in the search for candidate drugs derived from natural products to treat breast cancer by promoting cell apoptosis.
Barriers and Enablers for Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in the Era of COVID-19: A Qualitative Study From Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Dujaili Juman Abdulelah , Jabeen Musarat , Umair Malik Muhammad , Chuah Lay-Hong , Hashmi Furqan Khurshid , Awaisu Ahmed , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: January 2022

Background: With the increased availability of safe antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years, achieving optimal adherence and patient retention is becoming the biggest challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). Care retention is influenced by several socioeconomic, socio-cultural, and government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aim to explore barriers and facilitators to adherence to ART among PLWH in Pakistan in general and COVID-19 pandemic related in particular.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 25 PLWH from December 2020 to April 2021 in the local language (Urdu) at the ART centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. Interviews were audio-recorded in the local Urdu language, and bilingual expert (English, Urdu) transcribed verbatim, coded for themes and sub-themes, and analyzed using a phenomenological approach for thematic content analysis.

Results: Stigma and discrimination, fear of HIV disclosure, economic constraints, forgetfulness, religion (Ramadan, spiritual healing), adverse drug reactions, lack of social support, alternative therapies, and COVID-19-related lock-down and fear of lesser COVID-19 care due to HIV associated stigma were identified as barriers affecting the retention in HIV care. At the same time, positive social support, family responsibilities, use of reminders, the beneficial impact of ART, and initiation of telephone consultations, courier delivery, and long-term delivery of antiretrovirals during COVID-19 were identified as facilitators of HIV retention.

Conclusion: Improving adherence and retention is even more challenging due to COVID-19; therefore, it requires the integration of enhanced access to treatment with improved employment and social support. HIV care providers must understand these reported factors comprehensively and treat patients accordingly to ensure the continuum of HIV care. A coordinated approach including different stakeholders is required to facilitate patient retention in HIV care and consequently improve the clinical outcomes of PLWH.
Dioscin Reduces Vascular Damage in the Retina of db/db Mice by Inhibiting the VEGFA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Guang Yan , Sun Hong Yan , Meng Ting , Cheng Chu Chu , Zhao Hui Pan , Luo Xiao Ling , Yang Ming Ming
Published: January 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes that has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. VEGFA is necessary in the physiological state to maintain endothelial activity and physical properties of blood vessels. VEGFA plays an important role in the promotion of neovascularization; therefore, inhibition of VEGFA can degrade the structure of blood vessels and reduce neovascularization. In the present study, HERB, a high-throughput experimental and reference-oriented database of herbal medicines, was used for compound mining targeting VEGFA. The compounds most likely to interact with VEGFA were screened by molecular docking. Next, the compounds were used to verify whether it could inhibit the activity of the VEGF signaling pathway in vitro and neovascularization in vivo. In vitro, we found that dioscin could inhibit the activation of the VEGFA–VEGFR2 signaling pathway and cell proliferation of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells in a high-glucose (HG) environment. A more important dioscin intervention inhibits the expression of pro-angiogenic factors in the retinas of db/db mice. In conclusion, our study indicates that dioscin reduces the vascular damage and the expression of pro-angiogenic factors in the retina of db/db mice and implies an important and potential application of dioscin for treatment of DR in clinics.
Beyond Fetal Immunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Antenatal Corticosteroids and Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Zeng Yue , Ge Ge , Lei Chunyan , Zhang Meixia
Published: January 2022

Background:Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of childhood blindness. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) exposure is known to ameliorate the risk of and mortality of neonatal morbidities. However, the effect of ACS on ROP development is currently unknown. We conducted a meta-analysis with up-to-date evidence to assess the association between ACS exposure and the development of ROP in at-risk preterm infants.

Methods:PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to May 2021, supplemented with manual search from reference lists. Studies with a control group reporting ROP rate in ACS-exposed infants were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated utilizing a random-effects model. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for assessment of risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-regressions were performed to explore the predictive role of confounders for between-study variance.

Results:A total of 63 studies, involving 196,264 infants, were included. Meta-analysis showed ACS exposure was not associated with ROP occurrence (uOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80–1.07; aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.7–1.08). Results from extremely immature subgroups revealed significant reduced risks of ROP occurrence in ACS-exposed infants. ACS exposure was associated with significantly lower odds of ROP progression in adjusted analysis (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.89) instead of unadjusted analysis (uOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.08). Meta-regression showed birth weight and patent ductus arteriosus of the cohort were associated with ROP occurrence, sample size and study design strongly associated with ROP progression in ACS-exposed infants.

Conclusion:ACS treatment may decrease, but not prevent, the severity of ROP. Findings from severe ROP should be interpreted with caution owing to limited studies and the possibility of false-positive results. Considering the particular benefits in extremely immature infants, we recommend routine usage of ACS in mothers with threatened delivery to this particular birth cohort to prevent ROP occurrence. Future studies adjusting for major confounders are warranted to mitigate risk of bias in such observational evidence.
Alteration of EIF2 Signaling, Glycolysis, and Dopamine Secretion in Form-Deprived Myopia in Response to 1% Atropine Treatment: Evidence From Interactive iTRAQ-MS and SWATH-MS Proteomics Using a Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Zhu Ying , Bian Jing Fang , Lu Da Qian , To Chi Ho , Lam Carly Siu-Yin , Li King Kit , Yu Feng Juan , Gong Bo Teng , Wang Qiong , Ji Xiao Wen , Zhang Hong Mei , Nian Hong , Lam Thomas Chuen , Wei Rui Hua
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Atropine, a non-selective muscarinic antagonist, effectively slows down myopia progression in human adolescents and several animal models. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. The current study investigated retinal protein changes of form-deprived myopic (FDM) guinea pigs in response to topical administration of 1% atropine gel (10 g/L).

Methods: At the first stage, the differentially expressed proteins were screened using fractionated isobaric tags for a relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) approach, coupled with nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) (n = 24, 48 eyes) using a sample pooling technique. At the second stage, retinal tissues from another cohort with the same treatment (n = 12, 24 eyes) with significant ocular changes were subjected to label-free sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) proteomics for orthogonal protein target confirmation. The localization of Alpha-synuclein was verified using immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging.

Results: A total of 1,695 proteins (8,875 peptides) were identified with 479 regulated proteins (FC ≥ 1.5 or ≤0.67) found from FDM eyes and atropine-treated eyes receiving 4-weeks drug treatment using iTRAQ-MS proteomics. Combining the iTRAQ-MS and SWATH-MS datasets, a total of 29 confident proteins at 1% FDR were consistently quantified and matched, comprising 12 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated proteins which differed between FDM eyes and atropine treated eyes (iTRAQ: FC ≥ 1.5 or ≤0.67, SWATH: FC ≥ 1.4 or ≤0.71, p-value of ≤0.05). Bioinformatics analysis using IPA and STRING databases of these commonly regulated proteins revealed the involvement of the three commonly significant pathways: EIF2 signaling; glycolysis; and dopamine secretion. Additionally, the most significantly regulated proteins were closely connected to Alpha-synuclein (SNCA). Using immunostaining (n = 3), SNCA was further confirmed in the inner margin of the inner nuclear layer (INL) and spread throughout the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the retina of guinea pigs.

Conclusion: The molecular evidence using next-generation proteomics (NGP) revealed that retinal EIF2 signaling, glycolysis, and dopamine secretion through SNCA are implicated in atropine treatment of myopia in the FDM-induced guinea pig model.
Stern-Gerlach Interferometry for Tests of Quantum Gravity and General Applications
Authors: Lokare Yash
Published: January 2022

Stern-Gerlach and/or matter-wave interferometry has garnered significant interest amongst members of the scientific community over the past few decades. Early theoretical results by Schwinger et al. demonstrate the fantastic precision capabilities required to realize a full-loop Stern-Gerlach interferometer, i.e., a Stern-Gerlach setup that houses the capability of recombining the split wave-packets in both, position and momentum space over a certain characteristic interferometric time. Over the years, several proposals have been put forward that seek to use Stern-Gerlach and/or matter-wave interferometry as a tool for a myriad of applications of general interest, some of which include tests for fundamental physics (viz., quantum wave-function collapse, stringent tests for the Einstein equivalence principle at the quantum scale, breaking the Standard Quantum Limit (SQL) barrier, and so forth), precision sensing, quantum metrology, gravitational wave detection and inertial navigation. In addition, a large volume of work in the existing literature has been dedicated to the possibility of using matter-wave interferometry for tests of quantum gravity. Inspired by the developments in this timely research field, this Perspective attempts to provide a general overview of the theory involved, the challenges that are yet to be addressed and a brief outlook on what lays ahead.
Imaging Erythrocyte Sedimentation in Whole Blood
Authors: Darras Alexis , Breunig Hans Georg , John Thomas , Zhao Renping , Koch Johannes , Kummerow Carsten , König Karsten , Wagner Christian , Kaestner Lars
Published: January 2022

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is one of the oldest medical diagnostic tools. However, currently there is some debate on the structure formed by the cells during the sedimentation process. While the conventional view is that erythrocytes sediment as separate aggregates, others have suggested that they form a percolating gel, similar to other colloidal suspensions. However, visualization of aggregated erythrocytes, which would settle the question, has always been challenging. Direct methods usually study erythrocytes in 2D situations or low hematocrit (∼1%). Indirect methods, such as scattering or electric measurements, provide insight on the suspension evolution, but cannot directly discriminate between open or percolating structures. Here, we achieved a direct probing of the structures formed by erythrocytes in blood at stasis. We focused on blood samples at rest with controlled hematocrit of 45%, from healthy donors, and report observations from three different optical imaging techniques: direct light transmission through thin samples, two-photon microscopy and light-sheet microscopy. The three techniques, used in geometries with thickness from 150 μm to 3 mm, highlight that erythrocytes form a continuous network with characteristic cracks, i.e., a colloidal gel. The characteristic distance between the main cracks is of the order of ∼100 μm. A complete description of the structure then requires a field of view of the order of ∼1 mm, in order to obtain a statistically relevant number of structural elements. A quantitative analysis of the erythrocyte related processes and interactions during the sedimentation need a further refinement of the experimental set-ups.
Spatial Statistics for Understanding Tissue Organization
Authors: Behanova Andrea , Klemm Anna , Wählby Carolina
Published: January 2022

Interpreting tissue architecture plays an important role in gaining a better understanding of healthy tissue development and disease. Novel molecular detection and imaging techniques make it possible to locate many different types of objects, such as cells and/or mRNAs, and map their location across the tissue space. In this review, we present several methods that provide quantification and statistical verification of observed patterns in the tissue architecture. We categorize these methods into three main groups: Spatial statistics on a single type of object, two types of objects, and multiple types of objects. We discuss the methods in relation to four hypotheses regarding the methods' capability to distinguish random and non-random distributions of objects across a tissue sample, and present a number of openly available tools where these methods are provided. We also discuss other spatial statistics methods compatible with other types of input data.
Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Double-Stranded RNA-Degrading Nuclease in the Tawny Crazy Ant (Nylanderia fulva)
Authors: Lei Jiaxin , Tan Yongan , List Fabian , Puckett Robert , Tarone Aaron M. , Vargo Edward L. , Zhu-Salzman Keyan
Published: January 2022

RNA interference is a powerful tool that post-transcriptionally silences target genes. However, silencing efficacy varies greatly among different insect species. Recently, we attempted to knock down some housekeeping genes in the tawny crazy ant (Nylanderia fulva), a relatively new invasive species in the southern United States, but only achieved relatively low silencing efficiency when dsRNA was orally administered. Here, we detected divalent cation-dependent, dsRNA-degrading activity in the midgut fluid of worker ants in ex vivo assays. To determine whether dsRNA degradation could contribute to low effectiveness of oral RNAi in N. fulva, we cloned its sole dsRNase gene (NfdsRNase). The deduced amino acid sequence contained a signal peptide and an endonuclease domain. Sequence alignment indicated a high degree of similarity with well-characterized dsRNases, particularly the six key residues at active sites. We also identified dsRNase homologs from five other ant species and found a tight phylogenetic relationship among ant dsRNases. NfdsRNase is expressed predominantly in the abdomen of worker ants. Oral delivery of dsRNA of NfdsRNase significantly reduced the expression of NfdsRNase transcripts, and substantially suppressed dsRNA-degrading activity of worker ants’ midgut fluids as well. Our data suggest that dsRNA stability in the alimentary tract is an important factor for gene silencing efficiency in N. fulva, and that blocking NfdsRNase in gut lumen could potentially improve RNAi, a novel pest management tactic in control of N. fulva and other ant species.
Structural and Chemical Biology Approaches Reveal Isoform-Selective Mechanisms of Ligand Interactions in Mammalian Cryptochromes
Authors: Miller Simon , Hirota Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2022

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are core components of the circadian feedback loop in mammals, which regulates circadian rhythmicity in a variety of physiological processes including sleep–wake cycles and metabolism. Dysfunction of CRY1 and CRY2 isoforms has been associated with a host of diseases, such as sleep phase disorder and metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence for distinct roles of CRY1 and CRY2 has highlighted the need for CRY isoform-selective regulation; however, highly conserved sequences in CRY ligand-binding sites have hindered the design of isoform-selective compounds. Chemical biology approaches have been identifying small-molecule modulators of CRY proteins, which act in isoform-non-selective and also isoform-selective manners. In this review, we describe advances in our understanding of CRY isoform selectivity by comparing X-ray crystal structures of mammalian CRY isoforms in apo form and in complexes with compounds. We discuss how intrinsic conformational differences in identical residues of CRY1 and CRY2 contribute to unique interactions with different compound moieties for isoform selectivity.
Generation Mean Analysis Reveals the Predominant Gene Effects for Grain Iron and Zinc Contents in Pearl Millet
Authors: Pujar Mahesh , Govindaraj Mahalingam , Gangaprasad S. , Kanatti Anand , Gowda T. H. , Dushyantha Kumar B. M. , Satish K. M.
Published: January 2022

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a climate-resilient dryland cereal that has been identified as a potential staple food crop that can contribute to alleviating micronutrient malnutrition, particularly with respect to grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents, in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. In this regard, an understanding of the inheritance pattern of genes involved in Fe and Zn contents is vital for devising appropriate breeding methods to genetically enhance their levels in grains. In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic effects underlying such inheritance and their interactions based on the generation mean analyses. Four experimental crosses and their six generations (P1, P2, F1, BCP1, BCP2, and F2) were independently evaluated in a compact family block design in 2017 rainy and 2018 summer seasons. ANOVA revealed highly significant mean squares (p < 0.01) among different generations for grain Fe and Zn contents. Six-parameter generation mean analyses revealed a predominance of additive genetic effect and a significant (p < 0.05) additive × dominant interaction for the grain Fe content. The additive genetic effect for the grain Zn content was also highly significant (p < 0.01). However, interaction effects contributed minimally with respect to most of the crosses for the grain Zn content and hence we assume that a simple digenic inheritance pattern holds true for it. Furthermore, we established that narrow-sense heritability was high for the grain Fe content (>61.78%), whereas it was low to moderate for the grain Zn content (30.60–59.04%). The lack of superior parent heterosis coupled with non-significant inbreeding depression for Fe and Zn contents in grains further confirmed the predominance of an additive genetic effect. These findings will contribute to strategizing a comprehensive breeding method to exploit the available variability of grain Fe and Zn contents for the development of biofortified hybrids of pearl millet.
Specific Rhizobacteria Responsible in the Rhizosheath System of Kengyilia hirsuta
Authors: Chen Youjun , Chen Chen , Zhou Qingping , Hu Jian , Lei Yingxia , Liu Wenhui
Published: January 2022

The rhizosheath is a critical interface supporting the exchange of resources between plants and their associated environment of soil. Favorable microenvironment of rhizosphere soil provides the rhizosheath formed and then promotes desert plant survival. However, it remains unclear how rhizosheath benefits the colonization of pioneer plants in alpine desert under changing environment. In this study, we investigated the effect of different soil moisture and sterilization treatments (three moisture levels and unsterilized or sterilized soil) on rhizosheath forming process of Kengyilia hirsuta (K. hirsuta), a sand-inhabiting and drought-resistant pioneer plant of the Tibetan Plateau desert. The results showed that in both unsterilized and sterilized soil, increasing soil moisture first increased and then decreased rhizosheath weight, with the highest value is 25%. During rhizosheath formation, developing rhizosheaths were selectively enriched in the bacterial genera Massilia and Arthrobacter. These suggest the existence of a highly specialized signal recognition system during rhizosheath formation that involves the accumulation of bacteria. These bacterial species exhibited different roles in the process of rhizosheath formation and is an advantageous strategy for K. hirsuta.
Metabolic Profiling and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Key Role of Flavonoids in Internode Coloration of Phyllostachys violascens cv. Viridisulcata
Authors: Wei Han-tian , Hou Dan , Ashraf Muhammad Furqan , Lu Hai-Wen , Zhuo Juan , Pei Jia-long , Qian Qi-xia
Published: January 2022

Bamboo, being an ornamental plant, has myriad aesthetic and economic significance. Particularly, Phyllostachys violascens cv. Viridisulcata contains an internode color phenotype in variation in green and yellow color between the sulcus and culm, respectively. This color variation is unique, but the underlying regulatory mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we used metabolomic and transcriptomic strategies to reveal the underlying mechanism of variation in internode color. A total of 81 metabolites were identified, and among those, prunin as a flavanone and rhoifolin as a flavone were discovered at a high level in the culm. We also found 424 differentially expressed genes and investigated three genes (PvGL, PvUF7GT, and PvC12RT1) that might be involved in prunin or rhoifolin biosynthesis. Their validation by qRT-PCR confirmed high transcript levels in the culm. The results revealed that PvGL, PvUF7GT, and PvC12RT1 might promote the accumulation of prunin and rhoifolin which were responsible for the variation in internode color of P. violascens. Our study also provides a glimpse into phenotypic coloration and is also a valuable resource for future studies.
WinRoots: A High-Throughput Cultivation and Phenotyping System for Plant Phenomics Studies Under Soil Stress
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Wenjing , Cao Qicong , Zheng Xiaojian , Yang Jingting , Xue Tong , Sun Wenhao , Du Xinrui , Wang Lili , Wang Jing , Zhao Fengying , Xiang Fengning , Li Shuo
Published: January 2022

Soil stress, such as salinity, is a primary cause of global crop yield reduction. Existing crop phenotyping platforms cannot fully meet the specific needs of phenomics studies of plant response to soil stress in terms of throughput, environmental controllability, or root phenotypic acquisition. Here, we report the WinRoots, a low-cost and high-throughput plant soil cultivation and phenotyping system that can provide uniform, controlled soil stress conditions and accurately quantify the whole-plant phenome, including roots. Using soybean seedlings exposed to salt stress as an example, we demonstrate the uniformity and controllability of the soil environment in this system. A high-throughput multiple-phenotypic assay among 178 soybean cultivars reveals that the cotyledon character can serve as a non-destructive indicator of the whole-seedling salt tolerance. Our results demonstrate that WinRoots is an effective tool for high-throughput plant cultivation and soil stress phenomics studies.
Genome-Wide Analysis of KNOX Transcription Factors and Expression Pattern of Dwarf-Related KNOX Genes in Pear
Authors: Liu Jianlong , Zhang Chenxiao , Han Jingyue , Fang Xiaoyun , Xu Hongpeng , Liang Chenglin , Li Dingli , Yang Yingjie , Cui Zhenhua , Wang Ran , Song Jiankun
Published: January 2022

KNOTTED1-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factors (TFs) belonging to the homeobox TF family play important roles in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stress. However, little information is available on KNOX TF in pear (Pyrus). In this study, 19 PbKNOXs TFs were re-identified in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the TFs were clustered into three groups with 10 conserved motifs, some of which were group- or subgroup-specific, implying that they are important for the functions of the KNOX in these clades. PbKNM1 and PbKNM2 are KNM (encodes a MEINOX domain but not a homeodomain) genes identified in pear for the first time. KNOX genes in Pyrus and Malus were closely related, and a collinear relationship among PbKNOX genes in Pyrus and Malus was observed. Analysis of the expression patterns of PbKNOX genes in different tissues, at various growth stages, and in response to abiotic and biotic stress revealed that PbKNOXs are involved in plant growth and development. Our comparative transcriptional analysis of dwarf mutant varieties revealed that genes belonging to class I are highly expressed compared with genes in other classes. Analysis of the expression of PbKNOX genes in the hybrid offspring of vigorous and dwarf varieties revealed that PbKNOX genes were highly expressed in the vigorous offspring and weakly expressed in the dwarf offspring. These findings provide new insight into the function of KNOX TFs in pear and will aid future studies of dwarf fruit trees.
Quantification of Respiratory and Muscular Perceived Exertions as Perceived Measures of Internal Loads During Domestic and Overseas Training Camps in Elite Futsal Players
Authors: Lu Yu-Xian , Clemente Filipe M. , Bezerra Pedro , Crowley-McHattan Zachary J. , Cheng Shih-Chung , Chien Chia-Hua , Kuo Cheng-Deng , Chen Yung-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Background

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales with respiratory and muscular illustrations are recognized as simple and practical methods to understand individual psychometric characteristics in breathing and muscle exertion during exercise. However, the implementation of respiratory and muscular RPE to quantify training load in futsal training camps has not been examined. This study investigates respiratory and muscular RPE relationships during domestic training camps (DTC) and overseas training camps (OTC) in an under 20 futsal national team.

Methods

Data collected from eleven field players were used for comparison in this study (age = 18.7 ± 0.7 years, height = 171.9 ± 6.1 cm, body weight = 64.2 ± 8.4 kg). All players reported Borg CR10 RPE (RPECR10) and 7-scales respiratory RPE (RPErespiration) and muscular RPE (RPEmuscle) (Dalhousie pictorial scales) after training sessions and matches. Additionally, total distance covered (TD) and training impulse (TRIMP) were used to quantify external and internal loads via the Polar Team Pro system. Paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the RPECR10, RPErespiration, RPEmuscle, TD, and TRIMP between DTC and OTC. Furthermore, linear regression was performed to determine the relationships among all RPE scales, TD, and TRIMP.

Results

The RPECR10 (p = 0.047), TD (p < 0.001), and TRIMP (p < 0.001) showed significant difference between DTC and OTC. Furthermore, linear regression analyses showed significant correlation between RPErespiration and RPEmuscle (DTC: r = 0.857, p = 0.006; OTC: r = 0.924, p < 0.001), RPECR10 and RPErespiration (DTC: r = 0.857, p = 0.001; OTC: r = 0.863, p = 0.001), and RPECR10 and RPEmuscle (DTC: r = 0.906, p < 0.001; OTC: r = 0.900, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pictorial RPErespiration or RPEmuscle can be used as an alternative to quantify perceived measures of internal loads during DTC and OTC in futsal players. Interpretation of perceived measures of training load and cardiac-related responses in association with external training loads during short-term training camps would be useful in further understanding the demands of futsal players’ experience in these circumstances.
Defining Meditation: Foundations for an Activity-Based Phenomenological Classification System
Authors: Sparby Terje , Sacchet Matthew D.
Published: January 2022

Classifying different meditation techniques is essential for the progress of meditation research, as this will enable discerning which effects are associated with which techniques, in addition to supporting the development of increasingly effective and efficient meditation-based training programs and clinical interventions. However, both the task of defining meditation itself, as well as defining specific techniques, faces many fundamental challenges. Here we describe problems involved in this endeavor and suggest an integrated model for defining meditation. For classifying different meditation techniques, we draw on classical, contemporary, and holistic systems of classification. We analyze different techniques and propose that all meditation techniques are based on a specific set of activities, that is: focusing, releasing, imagining, and moving in relation to an object of meditation, including fields of experience. Meditative activities can be combined and unified in the activities of observing, producing, and being aware. All meditative activities are unified in awareness of awareness. Defining specific meditation techniques may be done by specifying which activities and objects are involved. The advantage of our approach is that it can potentially account for the inner workings of all current systems of classification and hence it lays the foundation for formulating an overarching system of meditation that can guide future research and practice.
Effects of Low-Calorie Nutrition Claim on Consumption of Packaged Food in China: An Application of the Model of Consumer Behavior
Authors: Huang Zeying , Li Haijun , Wang Pei , Huang Jiazhang
Published: January 2022

More and more packaged products in China have been labeled as low-calorie products since the official implementation of nutrition claims in 2007. But little was known about the impact of such claims on the Chinese consumption of low-calorie food on the background of increasing rates of obesity among the Chinese population. This study sought to fill the gap by applying a consumer behavior model to a nationally representative online survey by means of structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that nutrition claims significantly affect the consumption of low-calorie products. Specifically, marketing stimulus on low-calorie products first affected consumer psychology, then consumer decision-making, and finally consumer responses. Despite the significant role of consumer psychology and decision-making in consumption, consumers were susceptible to the influence of targeted marketing strategies for foods with a low-calorie claim. It is recommended that appropriate use of low-calorie nutrition claims by manufacturers and choices of low-calorie food by consumers according to their own needs should be encouraged.
Differential Effects of Anxiety on Internet Gaming Disorder: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Huang Xia , Shi Hong-xia , Li Hui-qin , Guo Wan-jun , Luo Dan , Xu Jia-jun
Published: January 2022

Background

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has become a serious public health problem in East Asia, and studies have reported IGD to be significantly associated with anxiety, but no causal relationship between the two has yet been demonstrated. Children are at high risk of developing IGD, however, previous studies have principally focused on the condition in adults and adolescents and reported non-clinical samples. A large-scale survey is needed to research and evaluate IGD and anxiety in children and adolescents to understand the current situation of IGD in children and explore the impact of IGD on anxiety.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between March 1 and July 31, 2021. A total of 10,479 school children and adolescents in the western provinces of China were selected by convenience sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data anonymously. The questionnaire covered IGD and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Welch's ANOVA Test and Games-Howell test were used to test for differences in anxiety levels between IGD groups. Poisson regression analysis was used to further investigate the key predictors of IGD.

Results

3.2% of participants (n = 334) (95% CI: 2.9–3.2%) were classified as at high risk of presenting with IGD, 71.1% (n = 7,454) (95% CI: 70.3–72.0%) were classified as low-risk players, and 25.7% (n = 2,691) (95% CI: 24.9–26.5%) were classified as non-gaming. The average RCMAS score was (7.18 ± 7.534). The high-risk group had a higher total score RCMAS, as well as scoring higher in its three dimensions. Regression analysis using gender, age, and total RCMAS score as independent variables, and risk of IGD as a dependent variable showed that the odds ratio (OR) for gender was 2.864 (95% CI: 2.267–3.618), and the OR for total RCMAS score was 1.101 (95% CI: 1.087–1.114). The OR for age was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Anxiety was a predictor of IGD, with statistically significant group differences in total anxiety, as well as the dimensions of physiological anxiety, social correlation, and sensitivity. The timely assessment of anxiety in children and adolescents, training social skills, and facilitating effective integration into society could be effective ways of reducing the incidence and impact of IGD.
The Explanation of Adolescent Delinquent Behaviors Based on Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) in Iran: The Role of Individual Vulnerability, Opportunity Risk Availability, and Perceived Support
Authors: Darvishi Mona , Atef Vahid Mohammad Kazem , Elhami Athar Mojtaba , Trejos-Castillo Elizabeth , Habibi Asgarabad Mojtaba
Published: January 2022

This study tested the generality of Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) in explaining adolescents' problem behavior in Iran. Data were collected from 392 adolescents (Mage = 15.97, SD = 1.12, 55.4% girls) who completed the Adolescent Health and Development Questionnaire (AHDQ) to assess the individual vulnerability, opportunity risk availability, perceived support, and delinquent behaviors. Results indicated that individual vulnerability and opportunity risk availability had a significant relationship with delinquent behaviors and a significant interaction with perceived support in their influence on delinquent behaviors. Further, perceived support was negatively associated with delinquent behaviors. Our results were consistent with PBT's explanatory model for adolescents' problem behavior in Western countries and are informative about problem behavior involvement among Iranian adolescents and the design of interventions.