bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of pyroptosis-related lncRNA signature and AC005253.1 as a pyroptosis-related oncogene in prostate cancer
Authors: Yu JiangFan , Tang Rui , Li JinYu
Published: September 2022

Background

Pyroptosis and prostate cancer (PCa) are closely related. The role of pyroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (PRLs) in PCa remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the relationship between PRL and PCa prognosis.

Methods

Gene expression and clinical signatures were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. A PRL risk prediction model was established by survival random forest analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Functional enrichment, immune status, immune checkpoints, genetic mutations, and drug susceptibility analyses related to risk scores were performed by the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis, and copy number variation analysis. PRL expression was verified in PCa cells. Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, wound healing, transwell, and Western blotting assay were used to detect the proliferation, migration, invasion, and pyroptosis of PCa cells, respectively.

Results

Prognostic features based on six PRL (AC129507.1, AC005253.1, AC127502.2, AC068580.3, LIMD1-AS1, and LINC01852) were constructed, and patients in the high-score group had a worse prognosis than those in the low-score group. This feature was determined to be independent by Cox regression analysis, and the area under the curve of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year receiver operating characteristic curves in the testing cohort was 1, 0.93, and 0.92, respectively. Moreover, the external cohort validation confirmed the robustness of the PRL risk prediction model. There was a clear distinction between the immune status of the two groups. The expression of multiple immune checkpoints was also reduced in the high-score group. Gene mutation proportion in the high-score group increased, and the sensitivity to drugs increased significantly. Six PRLs were upregulated in PCa cells. Silencing of AC005253.1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in DU145 and PC-3 cells. Moreover, silencing of AC005253.1 promoted pyroptosis and inflammasome AIM2 expression.

Conclusions

Overall, we constructed a prognostic model of PCa with six PRLs and identified their expression in PCa cells. The experimental verification showed that AC005253.1 could affect the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PCa cells. Meanwhile, AC005253.1 may play an important role in PCa by affecting pyroptosis through the AIM2 inflammasome. This result requires further research for verification.
Plasma oncology: Adjuvant therapy for head and neck cancer using cold atmospheric plasma
Authors: Li Xuran , Rui Xiaoqing , Li Danni , Wang Yanhong , Tan Fei
Published: September 2022

The worldwide incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) exceeds half a million cases annually, and up to half of the patients with HNC present with advanced disease. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for many HNCs, although radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy might contribute to individual patient’s treatment plan. Irrespective of which modality is chosen, disease prognosis remains suboptimal, especially for higher staging tumors. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has recently demonstrated a substantial anti-tumor effect. After a thorough literature search, we provide a comprehensive review depicting the oncological potential of CAP in HNC treatment. We discovered that CAP applies to almost all categories of HNC, including upper aerodigestive tract cancers, head and neck glandular cancers and skin cancers. In addition, CAP is truly versatile, as it can be applied not only directly for superficial or luminal tumors but also indirectly for deep solid organ tumors. Most importantly, CAP can work collaboratively with existing clinical oncotherapies with synergistic effect. After our attempts to elaborate the conceivable molecular mechanism of CAP’s anti-neoplastic effect for HNC, we provide a brief synopsis of recent clinical and preclinical trials emphasizing CAP’s applicability in head and neck oncology. In conclusion, we have enunciated our vision of plasma oncology using CAP for near future HNC treatment.
Perceptions and experiences of Congolese midwives implementing a low-cost battery-operated heart rate meter during newborn resuscitation
Authors: Thornton Madeline , Ishoso Daniel , Lokangaka Adrien , Berkelhamer Sara , Bauserman Melissa , Eilevstjønn Joar , Iyer Pooja , Kamath-Rayne Beena D. , Mafuta Eric , Myklebust Helge , Patterson Janna , Tshefu Antoinette , Bose Carl , Patterson Jackie K.
Published: September 2022

Background

900,000 newborns die from respiratory depression each year; nearly all of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Deaths from respiratory depression are reduced by evidence-based resuscitation. Electronic heart rate monitoring provides a sensitive indicator of the neonate's status to inform resuscitation care, but is infrequently used in low-resource settings. In a recent trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, midwives used a low-cost, battery-operated heart rate meter (NeoBeat) to continuously monitor heart rate during resuscitations. We explored midwives' perceptions of NeoBeat including its utility and barriers and facilitators to use.

Methods

After a 20-month intervention in which midwives from three facilities used NeoBeat during resuscitations, we surveyed midwives and conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) regarding the incorporation of NeoBeat into clinical care. FGDs were conducted in Lingala, the native language, then transcribed and translated from Lingala to French to English. We analyzed data by: (1) coding of transcripts using Nvivo, (2) comparison of codes to identify patterns in the data, and (3) grouping of codes into categories by two independent reviewers, with final categories determined by consensus.

Results

Each midwife from Facility A used NeoBeat on an estimated 373 newborns, while each midwife at facilities B and C used NeoBeat an average 24 and 47 times, respectively. From FGDs with 30 midwives, we identified five main categories of perceptions and experiences regarding the use of NeoBeat: (1) Providers' initial skepticism evolved into pride and a belief that NeoBeat was essential to resuscitation care, (2) Providers viewed NeoBeat as enabling their resuscitation and increasing their capacity, (3) NeoBeat helped providers identify flaccid newborns as liveborn, leading to hope and the perception of saving of lives, (4) Challenges of use of NeoBeat included cleaning, charging, and insufficient quantity of devices, and (5) Providers desired to continue using the device and to expand its use beyond resuscitation and their own facilities.

Conclusion

Midwives perceived that NeoBeat enabled their resuscitation practices, including assisting them in identifying non-breathing newborns as liveborn. Increasing the quantity of devices per facility and developing systems to facilitate cleaning and charging may be critical for scale-up.
A population-based study on prevalence and predisposing risk factors of infant functional gastrointestinal disorders in a single center in Southern Fujian
Authors: Huang Huanhuan , Wang Caiyun , Lin Wei , Zeng Yongbin , Wu Bin
Published: September 2022

Background and aim

The prevalence of infant functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) varies across different areas but is largely unknown in southern Fujian. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of infant FGIDs in southern Fujian according to Rome IV diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective questionnaire-based survey was conducted among healthy infants between 0 and 3 months of age in southern Fujian. A total of 1,006 infants who received a physical examination from October 2017 to October 2018 were recruited in this study. Parents or caregivers provided demographic information and completed the questionnaire on gastrointestinal symptoms for infants. Infants with FGIDs were diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria.

Results

Based on the Rome IV criteria, the prevalence of having a FGID in infants is 58.3% (586/1,006). The most common FGIDs in infants were regurgitation (45.7%, 460/1,006), followed by difficult defecation (3.6%, 36/1,006), functional constipation (3.2%, 32/1,006), and colic (2.4%, 24/1,006). No infants fulfilled diagnostic criteria for rumination syndrome and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Among the infants with FGIDs, 457 cases (78.0%, 457/586) were found with single FGID. Combined FGIDs were diagnosed in 129 (22.0%, 129/586) infants; of whom, 21.2% (124/586) had double disorders and 0.9% (5/586) had triple disorders. The most common combined FGIDs were regurgitation and difficult defecation (12.8%), followed by regurgitation and colic (2.4%). Risk factor analysis revealed that younger paternal age (B = 0.424, P = 0.004), paternal history of FGIDs (B = 0.821, P = 0.000), maternal history of FGIDs (B = 0.427, P = 0.012), and probiotics received in infant (B = 0.324, P = 0.032) were associated with an increased risk of infant FGIDs, whereas vitamin D supplementation after birth (B = −0.690, P = 0.000) can reduce the risk of developing FGIDs.

Conclusion

FGIDs are common in infants living in southern Fujian according to Rome IV diagnostic criteria. The most common FGIDs in infants were regurgitation, difficult defecation, and functional constipation. Factors including younger paternal age, parental history of FGIDs, and the probiotic supplementation in infant showed a significant association with infant FGIDs. Whereas, vitamin D supplementation in infant was found to be a protective factor against FGIDs.
Identification of cellular heterogeneity and immunogenicity of chondrocytes via single-cell RNA sequencing technique in human osteoarthritis
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Li Zhuang , Ji Mingliang , Lin Yucheng , Chen Yuzhi , Lu Jun
Published: September 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) has placed a heavy burden to the economy and humanistics. To explore the biological functions and markers of chondrocytes contributes significantly to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.

Methods: We systematically analyzed the immunogenicity and biological function of varied chondrocytes at single cell resolution, and identified the chondrocyte subtypes and biomarkers involved in the development of OA, which are verified in the bulk sequencing cohort.

Results: Based on previous study, we defined eight subtypes of chondrocytes with different biological functions, finding out that effector chondrocytes (ECs) and fibrocartilage chondrocytes (FCs) may promote the development of OA. Compared with other chondrocytes, ECs and FCs show stronger immunogenicity. FCs mainly affects the degeneration of cartilage caused by fibrous degeneration, while ECs mainly exerts immune function and causes tissues inflammation. In addition, the canonical gene markers of EC and FC assist with the prediction of OA, which has been verified in Bulk RNA sequencing data from two GEO datasets.

Conclusion: In summary, this study provides a new perspective for the exploration of cellular heterogeneity and pathophysiology in OA and will make contribution to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.
Designing Ln3+-doped BiF3 particles for luminescent primary thermometry and molecular logic
Authors: Zanella Sofia , Trave Enrico , Moretti Elisa , Talon Aldo , Back Michele , Carlos Luís D. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Brites Carlos D. S.
Published: September 2022

The design of molecular materials suitable for disparate fields could lead to new advances in engineering applications. In this work, a series of Ln3+-doped BiF3 sub-microparticles were synthesized through microwave-assisted synthesis. The effects of doping are evaluated from the structural and morphological viewpoint. In general, increasing the Ln3+ concentration the octahedral habitus is distorted to a spheric one, and some aggregates are visible without any differences in the crystalline phase. The optical response of the samples confirms that the BiF3 materials are suitable hosts for the luminescence of the tested trivalent lanthanide (Ln3+) ions (Ln = Eu, Tb, Tm, Ho, Er, Yb). A Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped sample is presented as an illustrative example of all-photonic molecular logic operations and primary luminescent thermometry.
A bi-dimensional compressed Luneburg lens antenna for miniaturization based on transformation optics
Authors: Zang Yadan , Zhu Yongzhong , Xie Wenxuan , Yang Yufei , Bu Lijun , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Transformed Luneburg lens has been widely employed to provide aberration-free imaging and high-gain antenna system, but whose focal plane and beam scanning range decrease correspondingly. In this paper, a two-dimensional compressed elliptical cylindrical Luneburg lens is presented based on transformation optics (TO) to achieve miniaturization and wide-angle beam steering. The Jacobian matrix and the permittivity tensor are calculated after supposing formulas to compress the focal plane, while maintaining the lens’ inherent performance. The gradient permittivity is achieved by two ring-type periodic unit cells on the basis of the Equivalent Medium Theory. The lens is then attached between a pair of parallel metal plates to further improve its gain and lower the side lobe level (SLL). To demonstrate this assumption, a prototype of this Luneburg lens is manufactured by isotropic material and 3D printing technique. The antenna operates at 3.3–5 GHz with a peak gain of 16.1/15.9 dBi. A 2D beam scanning range of ±50° and ± 20° can be implemented by merely five feeds, the side lobe level keeping less than -16.3/-16 dB. Measured results coincide well with theoretical predictions, offering a beneficial transformation mapping to both microwaves and optics.
Kink solutions with power law tails
Authors: Khare Avinash , Saxena Avadh
Published: September 2022

We present a comprehensive review about the various facets of kink solutions with a power law tail, which have received considerable attention during the last few years. This area of research is in its early stages; although several aspects have become clear by now, there are a number of issues which have only been partially understood or not understood at all. We first discuss the aspects which are reasonably well known and then address in some detail the issues which are only partially or not understood at all. We present a wide class of higher (than sixth) order field theory models admitting implicit kink as well as mirror kink solutions where the two tails facing each other have a power law or a power-tower type fall off, whereas the other two ends not facing each other could have either an exponential or a power law tail. The models admitting implicit kink solutions where the two ends facing each other have an exponential tail while the other two ends have a power law tail are also discussed. Moreover, we present several field theory models which admit explicit kink solutions with a power law fall off; we note that in all these polynomial models while the potential V(ϕ) is continuous, its derivative is discontinuous. We also discuss one of the most important and only partially understood issues of the kink–kink and the kink–antikink forces in case the tails facing each other have a power law fall off. Finally, we briefly discuss the kink–antikink collisions at finite velocity and present some open questions.
Effects of taichi on physical and psychological health of college students: A systematic review
Authors: Qi Fengmeng , Soh Kim Geok , Mohd Nasirudddin Nasnoor Juzaily , Mai Yiqiang
Published: September 2022

Background: Increasing studies have documented taichi’s usefulness in physical and psychological health in various participants, especially patients or the elderly. However, there is a need for a systematic review to evaluate its effects and health benefits among college students.

Objective:The present study aims to evaluate the current literature surrounding the effects of taichi on physical and psychological health among college students and identify the experimental areas for future research to establish guidelines for learning and teaching taichi in university.

Methods: The literature search involved several databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). Subsequent research utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA checklist. In addition, the “QualSyst” tool assessed the quality of full-text articles.

Results: A total of 22 articles were analysed, out of which eight were strong, and 14 were of moderate quality. It is challenging to conduct a meta-analysis since the research contents were distributed differently. The general finding demonstrated that Taichi interventions have beneficial effects on college students. For example, the physical and psychological health benefits compared to other control groups include balance, leg strength, flexibility, cardiopulmonary functions, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving attention. However, there are some uncertain parameters in a state of poor or no evidence, such as upper strength, mood, and psychoticism.

Conclusion: Overall, this study shows that Taichi exercise is beneficial for college students compared to the control group. Evidence of health benefits for females is more than males. In addition, the current evidence showed that the effectiveness of taichi does not match some other sports such as Pilates, Yoga, Mindfulness courses, and even bodybuilding exercise. This research analyzed the mind-body mechanism of included studies. It revealed that it is difficult for college students, as a beginner of Taichi, to regulate an even breathing and quiet mind while maintaining low posture movements. Therefore, this study assumes that relaxation theories and approaches of Taichi that are easier to understand and closer to Chinese traditional Taichi theory are more appropriate in the research trials compared with coordination theory.

Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021278032.
Utility of sample entropy from intraoperative cerebral NIRS oximetry data in the diagnosis of postoperative cognitive improvement
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Huo Ran , Yuan Wanzhong , Yuan Huishu , Wang Tao , Li Nan
Published: September 2022

Background: Appropriate monitoring and early recognition of postoperative cognitive improvement (POCI) are essential. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed the predictive potential of POCI. Non-linear dynamical analysis is a powerful approach for understanding intraoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2).

Objective: We hypothesized that the sample entropy (SampEn) value of intraoperative rSO2 has the potential to predict POCI.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 2019 and December 2020 in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. A total of 126 consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were screened. 57 patients were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of rSO2 for the prediction of POCI.

Results: 33 patients (57.9%) developed POCI on postoperative day. The SampEn values of rSO2 were significantly higher in the POCI group (p < 0.05). SampEn remained an independent predictor of POCI in multivariate analysis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of SampEn of rSO2 for POCI were 0.706 (95% CI, 0.569–0.843; p = 0.008). Addition of preoperative MoCA assessment and blood pressure-lowering treatment increased the AUC to 0.808 (95% CI, 0.697–0.919; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The SampEn value of rSO2 showed promise as a predictor of POCI. Non-linear analysis could be used as a supplementary method for intraoperative physiological signals.
Increase in peak oxygen uptake and Andersen test performance in children from age six to ten: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)
Authors: Mamen Asgeir , Lindberg Morten , Fredriksen Per Morten
Published: September 2022

The increased prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among children because of lack of physical activity is concerning. The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project was set up to combine learning activities and physical activity, thus reducing sedentariness during school time. The current study aimed to measure and describe the longitudinal and cross-sectional development of oxygen uptake and running performance in children at ages six and ten. The validity of the Andersen Test in predicting V̇O2peak in these age groups was also evaluated. Eighty-six children (53 boys, 33 girls) with complete datasets at ages 6 and 10 years were included in the longitudinal study, while 192 children (106 boys, 86 girls) were included in the cross-sectional analysis because they missed data from 1 year. Oxygen uptake was measured using a metabolic analyser and maximal treadmill running, while the distance covered during the AT determined running performance. Body mass, height, and waist-to-height ratios were recorded. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between oxygen uptake and running performance. The cross-sectional results did not differ from the longitudinal data for anthropometrical data, oxygen uptake and running performance. Height, body mass and waist-to-height ratio did not differ between the sexes at ages six or ten. Boys had significantly higher peak oxygen uptake than girls at 6 years of age, irrespective of how oxygen uptake was expressed. Allometric scaling of oxygen uptake revealed differences between sexes at both ages. Longitudinal running performance increased in both sexes from 6 to 10 years. Boys ran significantly longer only at age ten. The association between oxygen uptake and running performance varied according to how the oxygen uptake was expressed and with sex and age. Ten-year-old girls had the highest correlations in the longitudinal investigation, from r2 = 0.48 (fV̇O2peak) to 0.65 (rV̇O2peak) between AT and V̇O2peak. The AT was found to be as valid as the 20-m shuttle run test in estimating peak oxygen uptake, with a random measurement error of approximately 11% of mean values.
Synergistic effect of graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles as biostimulant improves the postharvest life of cut flower bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.)
Authors: Thakur Meenakshi , Chandel Anjali , Guleria Shweta , Verma Vipasha , Kumar Raghawendra , Singh Gurpreet , Rakwal Anjali , Sharma Diksha , Bhargava Bhavya
Published: September 2022

The bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.) is one of the important tropical cut flowers. Generally, flowers like bird of paradise (BOP) grown for the commercial ornamental market must be of high pre and postharvest quality. Thus, to improve the postharvest longevity and increase marketability, the relative efficacy of two different biologically synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated. The novel proprietary stimulants were graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (SNPs). The NP treatments were applied as a vase (lower concentrations) solutions. Among all the applied treatments, the synergistic effect of GO + SNPs at 1 µL L−1 vase solution significantly (p =0.05) prolongs the post-harvest life of cut flowers of BOP. Increased vase life over the deionized water (DI) control was associated with better maintenance of relative water uptake, relative fresh weight, suppressed microbial density at stem-end and delay of stem blockage, reduced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, and POD activity. In contrast to control, administration of NPs gave better results for all analyzed parameters. Application of biologically synthesized NPs in combination (GO + SNPs at 1 µL L−1) extended the vase life of cut flowers by 6 days compared with control flowers, and overall, showed better results than the control. The findings of the studies revealed that the standardized NPs could have more potential in prolonging the postharvest life of cut flowers in BOP. Thus, this technique can be used as a novel postharvest technology for commercial application in cut flowers.
Development and applications of a collection of single copy gene-based cytogenetic DNA markers in garden asparagus
Authors: You Chen , Wen Ruidong , Zhang Zhilong , Cheng Guangqian , Zhang Yulan , Li Ning , Deng Chuanliang , Li Shufen , Gao Wujun
Published: September 2022

Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, 2n = 2x = 20 chromosomes) is an important dioecious vegetable crop and a model species for studying sex chromosome formation and evolution. However, few molecular cytogenetic studies on garden asparagus have been reported because of its small metaphase chromosomes, the scarcity of distinguished cytogenetic markers, and the high content of repetitive sequences. In this study, a set of single copy genes free of repetitive sequences with sizes ranging from 4.3 kb to 8.2 kb were screened and used as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify individual chromosomes of garden asparagus. The chromosome-specific signal distribution patterns of these probes enabled the distinguishment of each pair of chromosomes. The sequence assembly and cytogenetic map were successfully integrated, and the results confirmed that the chromosome 1 representing the sex chromosome in the genome assembly is chromosome 5 in the karyotype analysis. The cytogenetic identification of the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) was implemented using a mixed probe derived from a number of MSY-specific single copy sequences. In addition, the chromosome orthologous relationship between garden asparagus (A1–A10, karyotypic analysis) and its hermaphrodite close relative, A. setaceus (B1–B10, karyotypic analysis), was analyzed using this collection of chromosome-specific cytological markers. The results showed that B3 is the ortholog of sex chromosome A5 and thus may represent the ancestral autosome of the current sex chromosome in garden asparagus. Chromosomes B5, B4, B1, B8, B7, and B9 are the orthologs of A2, A3, A4, A7, A8, and A10, respectively. The chromosome identification, cytogenetic recognition of MSY, and the orthologous relationship analysis between garden asparagus and A. setaceus are valuable for the further investigation of the sex chromosome emergence and evolutionary mechanism of garden asparagus and genome structure evolution in the Asparagus genus.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of terpene synthase (TPS) genes in celery reveals their regulatory roles in terpenoid biosynthesis
Authors: Li Mengyao , Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Jin , Sun Yue , Du Jiageng , Wang Zhuo , Luo Ya , Zhang Yong , Chen Qing , Wang Yan , Lin Yuanxiu , Zhang Yunting , He Wen , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru
Published: September 2022

Terpenes are an important class of secondary metabolites in celery, which determine its flavor. Terpene synthase (TPS) has been established as a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of terpenes. This study systematically analyzed all members of the TPS gene family of celery (Apium graveolens) based on whole genome data. A total of 39 celery TPS genes were identified, among which TPS-a and TPS-b represented the two largest subfamilies. 77 cis-element types were screened in the promoter regions of AgTPS genes, suggesting the functional diversity of members of this family. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that AgTPS genes were enriched in multiple terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Transcript abundance analysis and qRT-PCR showed that most AgTPS genes were differentially expressed in different tissues and colors of celery, with AgTPS 6, 9, and 11 expressed differentially in tissues, while AgTPS31, 32, and 38 are expressed differently in colors. More than 70% of the celery volatile compounds identified by HS-SPME-GC/MS were terpene, and the most critical compounds were β-Myrcene, D-Limonene, β-Ocimene and γ-Terpinene. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that compounds (E)-β-Ocimene, D-Limonene, β-Myrcene and γ-Terpinene predominantly accounted for the variation. Further correlation analysis between gene expression and terpenoid accumulation showed that the four genes AgTPS9, 25, 31 and 38 genes may have positive regulatory effects on the synthesis of D-Limonene and β-Myrcene in celery. Overall, this study identified key candidate genes that regulate the biosynthesis of volatile compounds and provide the foothold for the development and utilization of terpenoids in celery.
Terpenoids and their gene regulatory networks in Opisthopappus taihangensis ‘Taihang Mingzhu’ as detected by transcriptome and metabolome analyses
Authors: Liu Hua , Chen Wendan , Chai Yuhong , Liu Wenchao , Chen Haixia , Sun Lei , Tang Xiaowei , Luo Chang , Chen Dongliang , Cheng Xi , Wang Fengjun , Yuan Xiaohuan , Huang Conglin
Published: September 2022

‘Taihang Mingzhu’ is the hybrid offspring of Opisthopappus taihangensis, and it has an excellent characteristic of whole-plant fragrance. At present, the genes and metabolites involved in the synthesis of its aromatic compounds are unknown because of the paucity of molecular biology studies on flowering in the Opisthopappus Shih genus. To elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids, the main aromatic compounds in ‘Taihang Mingzhu’, we conducted transcriptome and metabolite analyses on its leaves and bud, inflorescences at the color-development, flowering, and full-bloom stages. A total of 82,685 unigenes were obtained, of which 43,901 were annotated on the basis of information at the protein databases Nr, SwissProt, KEGG, and COG/KOG (e-value<0.00001). Using gas headspace solid-phase microextraction chromatography – mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS), 1350 metabolites were identified, the most abundant of which were terpenoids (302 metabolites). Analyses of the gene regulatory network of terpenoids in ‘Taihang Mingzhu’ identified 52 genes potentially involved in the regulation of terpenoid synthesis. The correlations between genes related to terpenoid metabolism/regulation and metabolite abundance were analyzed. We also extracted the essential oil from the leaves of ‘Taihang Mingzhu’ by hydrodistillation, and obtained 270 aromatic compounds. Again, the most abundant class was terpenoids. These results provide guidance for the extraction of essential oil from ‘Taihang Mingzhu’ leaves and flowers. In addition, our analyses provide valuable genetic resources to identify genetic targets to manipulate the aromatic profiles of this plant and other members the Opisthopappus Shih genus by molecular breeding.
Effect and mechanism of eugenol on storage quality of fresh-peeled Chinese water chestnuts
Authors: Chen Zhe , Xu Yuhan , Lu Yang , Miao Zeyu , Yi Yang , Wang Limei , Hou Wenfu , Ai Youwei , Wang Hongxun , Min Ting
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of eugenol treatment on fresh-peeled Chinese water chestnuts (CWCs). The results found that eugenol treatment maintained the appearance of fresh-peeled CWCs, accompanied by higher L* value, total solids and O2 contents, as well as lower browning degree, weight loss rate, CO2 content, a* and b* values. In addition, eugenol treatment significantly reduced the activities of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and polyphenol oxidase, as well as the total content of soluble quinone in fresh-peeled CWCs. Meanwhile, fresh-peeled CWCs treated with eugenol showed markedly lower content of total flavonoids, which may be related to yellowing. Furthermore, eugenol treatment suppressed the rates of O2·- and OH·- production as well as the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde in fresh-peeled CWCs. During the storage, eugenol treatment not only increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase as well as the DPPH free radical scavenging rate, but also increased the total phenolics, ascorbic acid and glutathione contents. In summary, eugenol treatment delayed the surface discoloration of fresh-peeled CWCs by improving the antioxidant capacity, inhibiting the phenolic compound metabolism and scavenging ROS, thus effectively maintaining the quality of fresh-peeled CWCs while extending their shelf life.
Distinct role of subunits of the Arabidopsis RNA polymerase II elongation factor PAF1C in transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Obermeyer Simon , Stöckl Richard , Schnekenburger Tobias , Moehle Christoph , Schwartz Uwe , Grasser Klaus D.
Published: September 2022

Transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is dynamic and highly regulated, thereby contributing to the implementation of gene expression programs during plant development or in response to environmental cues. The heterohexameric polymerase-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) stabilizes the RNAPII elongation complex promoting efficient transcript synthesis. In addition, PAF1C links transcriptional elongation with various post-translational histone modifications at transcribed loci. We have exposed Arabidopsis mutants deficient in the PAF1C subunits ELF7 or CDC73 to elevated NaCl concentrations to provoke a transcriptional response. The growth of elf7 plants was reduced relative to that of wildtype under these challenging conditions, whereas cdc73 plants exhibited rather enhanced tolerance. Profiling of the transcriptional changes upon NaCl exposure revealed that cdc73 responded similar to wildtype. Relative to wildtype and cdc73, the transcriptional response of elf7 plants was severely reduced in accord with their greater susceptibility to NaCl. The data also imply that CDC73 is more relevant for the transcription of longer genes. Despite the fact that both ELF7 and CDC73 are part of PAF1C the strikingly different transcriptional response of the mutants upon NaCl exposure suggests that the subunits have (partially) specific functions.
Ultrasonication affects the melatonin and auxin levels and the antioxidant system in potato in vitro
Authors: Pesti-Asbóth Georgina , Molnár-Bíróné Piroska , Forgács Ildikó , Remenyik Judit , Dobránszki Judit
Published: September 2022

Melatonin is an ancient hormone whose physiological effects have been extensively studied in animals and human. We now know that it also plays a prominent role in the growth and development of plants. In our present experiment, the relationship between endogenous melatonin and the antioxidant system was investigated in potato plant grown in vitro. Changes in redox homeostasis under ultrasound stress were examined. The concentration of small molecule antioxidants and enzymes of the three-level antioxidant pathway was measured. ELISA method was used to determine the melatonin levels in plant tissues at each growth stage (0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks after subculturing the explants) both in control and ultrasound-treated plants. Ultrasound stress activated the three-level defense system and decreased the endogenous melatonin levels. Melatonin was able to provide protection against membrane damage caused by drastic ultrasound treatment. Melatonin at the heart of the redox network is a key component regulating various biochemical, cellular, and physiological responses. It has a dual role, as it is able to act both as a growth regulator and an antioxidant. A close relationship was evidenced between the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid and melatonin and ascorbic acid.
ZmNAC074, a maize stress-responsive NAC transcription factor, confers heat stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Xi Yan , Ling Qiqi , Zhou Yue , Liu Xiang , Qian Yexiong
Published: September 2022

The harsh environment such as high temperature greatly limits the growth, development and production of crops worldwide. NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) play key regulatory roles in abiotic stress responses of plants. However, the functional roles of NAC TFs in heat stress response of maize remain elusive. In our present study, we identified and isolated a stress-responsive NAC transcription factor gene in maize, designated as ZmNAC074 and orthologous with rice OsNTL3. Further studies revealed that ZmNAC074 may encode a membrane-bound transcription factor (MTF) of NAC family in maize, which is comprised of 517 amino acid residues with a transmembrane domain at the C-terminus. Moreover, ZmNAC074 was highly expressed and induced by various abiotic stresses in maize seedlings, especially in leaf tissues under heat stress. Through generating ZmNAC074 transgenic plants, phenotypic and physiological analyses further displayed that overexpression of ZmNAC074 in transgenic Arabidopsis confers enhanced heat stress tolerance significantly through modulating the accumulation of a variety of stress metabolites, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, soluble protein, chlorophyll and carotenoid. Further, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of most ROS scavenging and HSR- and UPR-associated genes in transgenic Arabidopsis were significantly up-regulated under heat stress treatments, suggesting that ZmNAC074 may encode a positive regulator that activates the expression of ROS-scavenging genes and HSR- and UPR-associated genes to enhance plant thermotolerance under heat stress conditions. Overall, our present study suggests that ZmNAC074 may play a crucial role in conferring heat stress tolerance in plants, providing a key candidate regulatory gene for heat stress tolerance regulation and genetic improvement in maize as well as in other crops.
Genome-wide identification and adaptive evolution of CesA/Csl superfamily among species with different life forms in Orchidaceae
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Jing , Lin Wei , Deng Ban , Lin Lixian , Lv Xuanrui , Hu Qilin , Liu Kunpeng , Fatima Mahpara , He Bizhu , Qiu Dongliang , Ma Xiaokai
Published: September 2022

Orchidaceae, with more than 25,000 species, is one of the largest flowering plant families that can successfully colonize wide ecological niches, such as land, trees, or rocks, and its members are divided into epiphytic, terrestrial, and saprophytic types according to their life forms. Cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes are key regulators in the synthesis of plant cell wall polysaccharides, which play an important role in the adaptation of orchids to resist abiotic stresses, such as drought and cold. In this study, nine whole-genome sequenced orchid species with three types of life forms were selected; the CesA/Csl gene family was identified; the evolutionary roles and expression patterns of CesA/Csl genes adapted to different life forms and abiotic stresses were investigated. The CesA/Csl genes of nine orchid species were divided into eight subfamilies: CesA and CslA/B/C/D/E/G/H, among which the CslD subfamily had the highest number of genes, followed by CesA, whereas CslB subfamily had the least number of genes. Expansion of the CesA/Csl gene family in orchids mainly occurred in the CslD and CslF subfamilies. Conserved domain analysis revealed that eight subfamilies were conserved with variations in orchids. In total, 17 pairs of CesA/Csl homologous genes underwent positive selection, of which 86%, 14%, and none belonged to the epiphytic, terrestrial, and saprophytic orchids, respectively. The inter-species collinearity analysis showed that the CslD genes expanded in epiphytic orchids. Compared with terrestrial and saprophytic orchids, epiphytic orchids experienced greater strength of positive selection, with expansion events mostly related to the CslD subfamily, which might have resulted in strong adaptability to stress in epiphytes. Experiments on stem expression changes under abiotic stress showed that the CslA might be a key subfamily in response to drought stress for orchids with different life forms, whereas the CslD might be a key subfamily in epiphytic and saprophytic orchids to adapt to freezing stress. This study provides the basic knowledge for the further systematic study of the adaptive evolution of the CesA/Csl superfamily in angiosperms with different life forms, and research on orchid-specific functional genes related to life-history trait evolution.
Seed- and leaf-based expression of FGF21-transferrin fusion proteins for oral delivery and treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Hou Hsuan-Wu , Bishop Christopher A. , Huckauf Jana , Broer Inge , Klaus Susanne , Nausch Henrik , Buyel Johannes F.
Published: September 2022

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global disease with no effective medication. The fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can reverse this liver dysfunction, but requires targeted delivery to the liver, which can be achieved via oral administration. Therefore, we fused FGF21 to transferrin (Tf) via a furin cleavage site (F), to promote uptake from the intestine into the portal vein, yielding FGF21-F-Tf, and established its production in both seeds and leaves of commercial Nicotiana tabacum cultivars, compared their expression profile and tested the bioavailability and bioactivity in feeding studies. Since biopharmaceuticals need to be produced in a contained environment, e.g., greenhouses in case of plants, the seed production was increased in this setting from 239 to 380 g m–2 a–1 seed mass with costs of 1.64 € g–1 by side branch induction, whereas leaves yielded 8,193 g m–2 a–1 leave mass at 0.19 € g–1. FGF21-F-Tf expression in transgenic seeds and leaves yielded 6.7 and 5.6 mg kg–1 intact fusion protein, but also 4.5 and 2.3 mg kg–1 additional Tf degradation products. Removing the furin site and introducing the liver-targeting peptide PLUS doubled accumulation of intact FGF21-transferrin fusion protein when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana from 0.8 to 1.6 mg kg–1, whereas truncation of transferrin (nTf338) and reversing the order of FGF21 and nTf338 increased the accumulation to 2.1 mg kg–1 and decreased the degradation products to 7% for nTf338-FGF21-PLUS. Application of partially purified nTf338-FGF21-PLUS to FGF21–/– mice by oral gavage proved its transfer from the intestine into the blood circulation and acutely affected hepatic mRNA expression. Hence, the medication of NASH via oral delivery of nTf338-FGF21-PLUS containing plants seems possible.
Expression analysis of PIN family genes in Chinese hickory reveals their potential roles during grafting and salt stress
Authors: Yang Ying , Mei Jiaqi , Chen Juanjuan , Yang Ying , Gu Yujie , Tang Xiaoyu , Lu Huijie , Yang Kangbiao , Sharma Anket , Wang Xiaofei , Yan Daoliang , Wu Rongling , Zheng Bingsong , Yuan Huwei
Published: September 2022

Grafting is an effective way to improve Chinese hickory while salt stress has caused great damage to the Chinese hickory industry. Grafting and salt stress have been regarded as the main abiotic stress types for Chinese hickory. However, how Chinese hickory responds to grafting and salt stress is less studied. Auxin has been proved to play an essential role in the stress response through its re-distribution regulation mediated by polar auxin transporters, including PIN-formed (PIN) proteins. In this study, the PIN gene family in Chinese hickory (CcPINs) was identified and structurally characterized for the first time. The expression profiles of the genes in response to grafting and salt stress were determined. A total of 11 CcPINs with the open reading frames (ORFs) of 1,026–1,983 bp were identified. Transient transformation in tobacco leaves demonstrated that CcPIN1a, CcPIN3, and CcPIN4 were localized in the plasma membrane. There were varying phylogenetic relationships between CcPINs and homologous genes in different species, but the closest relationships were with those in Carya illinoinensis and Juglans regia. Conserved N- and C-terminal transmembrane regions as well as sites controlling the functions of CcPINs were detected in CcPINs. Five types of cis-acting elements, including hormone- and stress-responsive elements, were detected on the promoters of CcPINs. CcPINs exhibited different expression profiles in different tissues, indicating their varied roles during growth and development. The 11 CcPINs responded differently to grafting and salt stress treatment. CcPIN1a might be involved in the regulation of the grafting process, while CcPIN1a and CcPIN8a were related to the regulation of salt stress in Chinese hickory. Our results will lay the foundation for understanding the potential regulatory functions of CcPIN genes during grafting and under salt stress treatment in Chinese hickory.
Effect of paternalistic leadership on Chinese youth elite athletes’ satisfaction: Resilience as a moderator
Authors: Liu Pan , Li Sitan , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiumei , Guo Lingling , Li Juan
Published: September 2022

This study extended the research on the relationship between youth elite athletes’ satisfaction and coaches’ paternalistic leadership by identifying athletes’ resilience as a moderator. A total of 221 youth elite football (i.e., soccer) players aged 13–19 years old who are students of a Chinese professional football boarding school participated in a questionnaire survey. The study found no correlation between the three dimensions of coaches’ paternalistic leadership (authoritative leadership, benevolent leadership, and moral leadership) and the youth athletes’ satisfaction. The results also showed that the interaction of resilience and moral leadership affects the youth elite athletes’ satisfaction, whereas resilience does not play a moderating role in the relationship between authoritative leadership or benevolent leadership and satisfaction. As the results of the study are different from those of other scholars, they may reveal the uniqueness of youth elite football players in boarding schools. This study further analyzed the possible reasons for this result and prospected (or indicated) the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. Based on the conclusion, the study recommended that youth elite football schools should pay attention to the results of scientific research in leadership styles and apply them to practice in the future.
The protective effect of grit on clinical nurses’ occupational psychological distress: Mediating and suppressing effects of Hope
Authors: Peng Xueping , Wu Dongmei
Published: September 2022

As at a high-risk group of psychological distress, nurses generally experience varying degrees of stress, anxiety, and depression. This paper identifies the positive factors that may negatively regulate the psychological pain of clinical nurses and their mechanisms of action, providing reliable references for clinical nurse support management. The effects and mechanisms of hope and the two components of grit consistency of interest and perseverance of effort) on clinical nurses’ psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were observed in this study. A total of 635 Chinese clinical nurses (90.4% female) completed an anonymous questionnaire for the survey. As expected, hope, consistency of interest, and perseverance of effort were negatively correlated with the three indicators of psychological distress (r = −0.21 ~ −0.38, p < 0.01). Path analysis results showed that hope significantly mediated the negative effect of consistency of interest on psychological distress, with an effect of 12.96%. Hope also covered up the perseverance of effort on psychological distress, the effect of 110.63%. In the influence of consistency of interest and perseverance of effort on psychological distress, hope contributed a vital mediating. Based on these results, it can be concluded that grit and hope have protective effects on psychological distress in clinical nurses. Significantly increasing the level of hope or grit may effectively prevent and reduce psychological distress in clinical nurses.