bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Combing Group Executive Functioning and Online Parent Training on School-Aged Children With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chu Liting , Zhu Peiying , Ma Chenhuan , Pan Lizhu , Shen Li , Wu Danmai , Wang Yu , Yu Guangjun
Published: February 2022

Objective

The acceptance of drug treatment for younger children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in China remains low. Here, we explored the clinical benefits of a non-pharmaceutical intervention method combining a group and executive function training and an online parent training program, termed group executive functioning and online parent training (GEF-OPT), for school-aged students with ADHD through a randomized controlled trial.

Method

A total of 145 children (aged 6–8 years) were formally registered and randomized to the intervention group (n = 73) and waitlist group (n = 72). The enrolled children received eight sessions of GEF-OPT treatment, which consists of a hospital-based children executive function (EF) training program and an online parent training program. Treatment outcome was assessed by a parent/teacher report questionnaire and neurophysiological experiment.

Results

After eight sessions of intervention, children in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in inattentive symptom compared to the waitlist group (14.70 ± 4.35 vs. 16.03 ± 2.93; p = 0.024), but an insignificant difference in hyperactive-impulsivity (9.85 ± 5.30 vs. 10.69 ± 5.10; p = 0.913). Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder was significantly reduced in the intervention group (7.03 ± 4.39 vs. 8.53 ± 4.41; p = 0.035). Children in the intervention group had greater reduction in the scores of behavioral regulation index (inhibition, emotional control) and metacognition index (working memory, planning/organization, monitoring) in executive function than those in the waitlist group (p < 0.05). Significant effects were also found in learning problem of Weiss Functional Impairment Scale–Parent form and parental distress between two groups at post-treatment (p < 0.05). In line with this, the result of go/no-go task showed significant improvements in accuracy change (4.45 ± 5.50% vs. 1.76 ± 3.35%; p = 0.001) and reaction time change (47.45 ± 62.25 s vs. 16.19 ± 72.22 s; p = 0.007) in the intervention group compared with the waitlist group.

Conclusion

We conclude that participants in the GEF-OPT program improved outcomes for inattentive symptom, executive function, learning problems, and parental distress. GEF-OPT is a promising non-pharmaceutical therapeutic option for younger children.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR2100052803.
Comparing Adherence of Continuous and Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP and APAP) in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Children
Authors: Tovichien Prakarn , Kulbun Aunya , Udomittipong Kanokporn
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The treatment outcomes of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are affected by positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence, which may be affected by the type of device used. Continuous PAP (CPAP) devices deliver a continuous and fixed air pressure level, whereas automatic PAP (APAP) devices automatically adjust the pressure to meet changing needs during sleep. The adherence, tolerance and consistency of OSA-children's use of CPAP and APAP devices were compared.

Study design

One-year, observational cohort study.

Methods

Twenty-seven OSA-children were enrolled. Fourteen (52%) used CPAP, and 13 (48%) used APAP. The adherence, tolerance, and consistency of the PAP usage by the two groups were compared.

Results

Overall, 11 of the 27 children (41%) showed good PAP adherence. The CPAP patients averaged 4.9 h of device usage on the days used, for 60% of days, with 6 of 14 (43%) demonstrating good adherence. In comparison, the APAP patients averaged 3.2 h for 55% of days, with 5 of 13 (38%) exhibiting good adherence. The 2 groups showed no differences in their adherence, tolerance, or consistency of device usage (P values, 0.816, 0.609, and 0.720, respectively). Although the adherence of both groups improved in the second 6 months, it was without statistical significance (P values, 0.400 and 0.724). Age, sex, baseline apnea-hypopnea index, comorbidities, prescribed period, device type, mask type, and caregiver education-level were not risk factors for poor PAP adherence.

Conclusions

No differences in the adherence, tolerance, or consistency of the children's use of CPAP and APAP were revealed in this small inhomogeneous cohort study with limited resources.
Derivation of a Human In Vivo Benchmark Dose for Bisphenol A from ToxCast In Vitro Concentration Response Data Using a Computational Workflow for Probabilistic Quantitative In Vitro to In Vivo Extrapolation
Authors: Loizou George , McNally Kevin , Paini Alicia , Hogg Alex
Published: February 2022

A computational workflow which integrates physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modelling; global sensitivity analysis (GSA), Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation and the Virtual Cell Based Assay (VCBA) for the estimation of the active, freein vitroconcentration of chemical in the reaction medium was developed to facilitate quantitativein vitrotoin vivoextrapolation (QIVIVE). The workflow was designed to estimate parameter and model uncertainty within a computationally efficient framework. The workflow was tested using a human PBK model for bisphenol A (BPA) and high throughput screening (HTS)in vitroconcentration-response data, for estrogen and pregnane X receptor activation determined in human liver and kidney cell lines, from the ToxCast/Tox21 database.In vivobenchmark dose 10% lower confidence limits (BMDL10) for oral uptake of BPA (ng/kg BW/day) were calculated from thein vivodose-responses and compared to the human equivalent dose (HED) BMDL10for relative kidney weight change in the mouse derived by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Three from fourin vivoBMDL10values calculated in this study were similar to the EFSA values whereas the fourth was much smaller. The derivation of an uncertainty factor (UF) to accommodate the uncertainties associated with measurements using human cell linesin vitro, extrapolated toin vivo, could be useful for the derivation of Health Based Guidance Values (HBGV).
Effects of Shenkang Pills on Early-Stage Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice via Inhibiting AURKB/RacGAP1/RhoA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Fujing , Fan Jia’er , Pei Tingting , He Zhuo’en , Zhang Jiaxing , Ju Liliang , Han Zhongxiao , Wang Mingqing , Xiao Wei
Published: February 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, so there is an urgent need to suppress its development at early stage. Shenkang pills (SKP) are a hospital prescription selected and optimized from effective traditional Chinese medicinal formulas for clinical treatment of DN. In the present study, liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) and total contents qualification were applied to generate a quality control standard of SKP. For verifying the therapeutic effects of SKP, db/db mice were administered intragastrically with SKP at a human-equivalent dose (1.82 g/kg) for 4 weeks. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of SKP were analyzed by the renal RNA sequencing and network pharmacology. LC-Q-TOF-MS identified 46 compounds in SKP. The total polysaccharide and organic acid content in SKP were 4.60 and 0.11 mg/ml, respectively, while the total flavonoid, saponin, and protein content were 0.25, 0.31, and 0.42 mg/ml, respectively. Treatment of SKP significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, improved renal function, and ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and focal foot processes effacement in db/db mice. In addition, SKP protected podocytes from injury by increasing nephrin and podocin expression. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses revealed that 430 and 288 genes were up and down-regulated in mice treated with SKP, relative to untreated controls. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes mainly involved in modulation of cell division and chromosome segregation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and network pharmacology analysis indicated that aurora kinase B (AURKB), Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (RacGAP1) and SHC binding, and spindle associated 1 (shcbp1) might be the core targets of SKP. This protein and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) were found overexpression in db/db mice, but significantly decreased with SKP treatment. We conclude that SKP can effectively treat early-stage DN and improve renal podocyte dysfunction. The mechanism may involve down-regulation of the AURKB/RacGAP1/RhoA pathway.
The Pore-Forming Subunit C2IIa of the Binary Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin Reduces the Chemotactic Translocation of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Eisele Julia , Schreiner Simone , Borho Joscha , Fischer Stephan , Heber Sebastian , Endres Sascha , Fellermann Maximilian , Wohlgemuth Lisa , Huber-Lang Markus , Fois Giorgio , Fauler Michael , Frick Manfred , Barth Holger
Published: February 2022

The binary C2 toxin of Clostridium (C.) botulinum consists of two non-linked proteins, the enzyme subunit C2I and the separate binding/transport subunit C2II. To exhibit toxic effects on mammalian cells, proteolytically activated C2II (C2IIa) forms barrel-shaped heptamers that bind to carbohydrate receptors which are present on all mammalian cell types. C2I binds to C2IIa and the toxin complexes are internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis. In acidified endosomal vesicles, C2IIa heptamers change their conformation and insert as pores into endosomal membranes. These pores serve as translocation-channels for the subsequent transport of C2I from the endosomal lumen into the cytosol. There, C2I mono-ADP-ribosylates G-actin, which results in depolymerization of F-actin and cell rounding. Noteworthy, so far morphological changes in cells were only observed after incubation with the complete C2 toxin, i.e., C2IIa plus C2I, but not with the single subunits. Unexpectedly, we observed that the non-catalytic transport subunit C2IIa (but not C2II) alone induced morphological changes and actin alterations in primary human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs, alias neutrophils) from healthy donors ex vivo, but not macrophages, epithelial and endothelial cells, as detected by phase contrast microscopy and fluorescent microscopy of the actin cytoskeleton. This suggests a PMN selective mode of action for C2IIa. The cytotoxicity of C2IIa on PMNs was prevented by C2IIa pore blockers and treatment with C2IIa (but not C2II) rapidly induced Ca2+ influx in PMNs, suggesting that pore-formation by C2IIa in cell membranes of PMNs is crucial for this effect. In addition, incubation of primary human PMNs with C2IIa decreased their chemotaxis ex vivo through porous culture inserts and in co-culture with human endothelial cells which is closer to the physiological extravasation process. In conclusion, the results suggest that C2IIa is a PMN-selective inhibitor of chemotaxis. This provides new knowledge for a pathophysiological role of C2 toxin as a modulator of innate immune cells and makes C2IIa an attractive candidate for the development of novel pharmacological strategies to selectively down-modulate the excessive and detrimental PMN recruitment into organs after traumatic injuries.
Antibiotic Disruption of the Gut Microbiota Enhances the Murine Hepatic Dysfunction Associated With a High-Salt Diet
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Li Mengjie , Cui Bo , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that antibiotic exposure is related to metabolic malfunctions, such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Liver impairment and hypertrophy of adipose cells are related to high salt consumption. This research aims to investigated the physiological mechanism of a high salt diet (HSD) enhanced antibiotic-induced hepatic injury and mitochondrial abnormalities in mice. The mice were fed a HSD with or without penicillin G (PEN) for 8 weeks and the gut metabolome, untargeted faecal metabolomics, and intestinal function were evaluated. The results revealed that HSD, PEN and their combination (HSPEN) significantly changed the gut microbial community. HSPEN mice exhibited more opportunistic pathogens (such as Klebsiella and Morganella) and reduced probiotic species (including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus). The main variations in the faecal metabolites of the HSPEN group were identified, including those connected with entero-hepatic circulation (including bile acids), tryptophan metabolism (i.e., indole derivatives) and lipid metabolism (e.g., erucic acid). Furthermore, increased intestinal permeability and immunologic response caused greater hepatic damage in the HSPEN group compared to the other groups. These findings may have important implications for public health.
Luteinizing Hormone Suppression by Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation Is Associated With Higher Implantation Rate for Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Who Underwent in vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles: Comparing With Short Protocol
Authors: Chen Chen , Yu Sha , Yu Weina , Yan Zhiguang , Jin Wei , Si Jiqiang , Li Menghui , Cai Renfei , Li Dongying , Wang Li , Chen Qiuju , Kuang Yanping , Lyu Qifeng , Long Hui
Published: February 2022

Background

Many studies have demonstrated the positive clinical value of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who underwent assisted reproductive technology. However, the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective observational study to compare the clinical outcomes of women with PCOS who underwent PPOS or the short protocol to identify possible factors that influence the outcome.

Methods

This study included 304 patients who underwent PPOS and 152 patients who underwent short protocol from April 2014 to July 2019 after propensity-score matching. Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) dose, hormone profile, embryo development, and clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles were compared. The primary outcome measure was the implantation rate. Logistic regression was performed to identify contributing factors, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to calculate the cutoff of luteinizing hormone (LH) difference ratio in clinical outcomes.

Results

Compared with the short protocol, PPOS resulted in a higher implantation rate (43.4% vs. 31.9%, P < 0.05), clinical pregnancy rate (61.8% vs. 47.4%, P < 0.05), and live birth rate (48.4% vs. 36.8%, P < 0.05). Similar fertilization, cleavage, and valid embryo rate per oocyte retrieved between groups were observed. The LH difference ratio was positively associated with implantation rate [P = 0.027, odds ratio (OR) = 1.861, 95% CI: 1.074–3.226]. The relationship between the LH difference ratio with clinical outcomes was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and comparisons among patients grouped by the LH difference ratio.

Conclusion

The implantation rate was associated with the LH difference ratio during ovary stimulation in patients with PCOS. Our results provide the explanation why PPOS shows the positive clinical outcomes for patients with PCOS.
Methodology for Cross-Talk Elimination in Simultaneous Voltage and Calcium Optical Mapping Measurements With Semasbestic Wavelengths
Authors: Uzelac Ilija , Crowley Christopher J. , Iravanian Shahriar , Kim Tae Yun , Cho Hee Cheol , Fenton Flavio H.
Published: February 2022

Most cardiac arrhythmias at the whole heart level result from alteration of cell membrane ionic channels and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) cycling with emerging spatiotemporal behavior through tissue-level coupling. For example, dynamically induced spatial dispersion of action potential duration, QT prolongation, and alternans are clinical markers for arrhythmia susceptibility in regular and heart-failure patients that originate due to changes of the transmembrane voltage (Vm) and [Ca2+]i. We present an optical-mapping methodology that permits simultaneous measurements of the Vm - [Ca2+]i signals using a single-camera without cross-talk, allowing quantitative characterization of favorable/adverse cell and tissue dynamical effects occurring from remodeling and/or drugs in heart failure. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally in six different species the existence of a family of excitation wavelengths, we termed semasbestic, that give no change in signal for one dye, and thus can be used to record signals from another dye, guaranteeing zero cross-talk.
Concurrent Evolution of Biomechanical and Physiological Parameters With Running-Induced Acute Fatigue
Authors: Prigent Gäelle , Apte Salil , Paraschiv-Ionescu Anisoara , Besson Cyril , Gremeaux Vincent , Aminian Kamiar
Published: February 2022

Understanding the influence of running-induced acute fatigue on the homeostasis of the body is essential to mitigate the adverse effects and optimize positive adaptations to training. Fatigue is a multifactorial phenomenon, which influences biomechanical, physiological, and psychological facets. This work aimed to assess the evolution of these three facets with acute fatigue during a half-marathon. 13 recreational runners were equipped with one inertial measurement unit (IMU) on each foot, one combined global navigation satellite system-IMU-electrocardiogram sensor on the chest, and an Android smartphone equipped with an audio recording application. Spatio-temporal parameters for the running gait, along with the heart rate, its variability and complexity were computed using validated algorithms. Perceived fatigability was assessed using the rating-of-fatigue (ROF) scale at every 10 min of the race. The data was split into eight equal segments, corresponding to at least one ROF value per segment, and only level running parts were retained for analysis. During the race, contact time, duty factor, and trunk anteroposterior acceleration increased, and the foot strike angle and vertical stiffness decreased significantly. Heart rate showed a progressive increase, while the metrics for heart rate variability and complexity decreased during the race. The biomechanical parameters showed a significant alteration even with a small change in perceived fatigue, whereas the heart rate dynamics altered at higher changes. When divided into two groups, the slower runners presented a higher change in heart rate dynamics throughout the race than the faster runners; they both showed similar trends for the gait parameters. When tested for linear and non-linear correlations, heart rate had the highest association with biomechanical parameters, while the trunk anteroposterior acceleration had the lowest association with heart rate dynamics. These results indicate the ability of faster runners to better judge their physiological limits and hint toward a higher sensitivity of perceived fatigue to neuromuscular changes in the running gait. This study highlights measurable influences of acute fatigue, which can be studied only through concurrent measurement of biomechanical, physiological, and psychological facets of running in real-world conditions.
Alpha-Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide: New Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Migraine
Authors: Kumar Ambrish , Williamson Maelee , Hess Andrew , DiPette Donald J. , Potts Jay D.
Published: February 2022

Alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP) is a vasodilator neuropeptide of the calcitonin gene family. Pharmacological and gene knock-out studies have established a significant role of α-CGRP in normal and pathophysiological states, particularly in cardiovascular disease and migraines. α-CGRP knock-out mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced pressure-overload heart failure have higher mortality rates and exhibit higher levels of cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death compared to the wild-type TAC-mice. However, administration of α-CGRP, either in its native- or modified-form, improves cardiac function at the pathophysiological level, and significantly protects the heart from the adverse effects of heart failure and hypertension. Similar cardioprotective effects of the peptide were demonstrated in pressure-overload heart failure mice when α-CGRP was delivered using an alginate microcapsules-based drug delivery system. In contrast to cardiovascular disease, an elevated level of α-CGRP causes migraine-related headaches, thus the use of α-CGRP antagonists that block the interaction of the peptide to its receptor are beneficial in reducing chronic and episodic migraine headaches. Currently, several α-CGRP antagonists are being used as migraine treatments or in clinical trials for migraine pain management. Overall, agonists and antagonists of α-CGRP are clinically relevant to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease and migraine pain, respectively. This review focuses on the pharmacological and therapeutic significance of α-CGRP-agonists and -antagonists in various diseases, particularly in cardiac diseases and migraine pain.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Intestinal Inflammation and Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Hayashi Yuki , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with repeated remissions and relapses. As the disease progresses, fibrosis and narrowing of the intestine occur, leading to severe complications such as intestinal obstruction. Endoscopic balloon dilatation, surgical stricture plasty, and bowel resection have been performed to treat intestinal stenosis. The clinical issue is that some patients with CD have a recurrence of intestinal stenosis even after the medical treatments. On the other hand, there exist no established medical therapies to prevent stenosis. With the progressive intestinal inflammation, cytokines and growth factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF-β), stimulate intestinal myofibroblasts, contributing to fibrosis of the intestine, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and mesenteric fat hypertrophy. Therefore, chronically sustained inflammation has long been considered a cause of intestinal fibrosis and stenosis. Still, even after the advent of biologics and tighter control of inflammation, intestinal fibrosis’s surgical rate has not necessarily decreased. It is essential to elucidate the mechanisms involved in intestinal fibrosis in CD from a molecular biological level to overcome clinical issues. Recently, much attention has been paid to several key molecules of intestinal fibrosis: peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor gamma (PPARγ), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), adherent-invasiveEscherichia coli(AIEC), Th17 immune response, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). As a major problem in the treatment of CD, the pathophysiology of patients with CD is not the same and varies depending on each patient. It is necessary to integrate these key molecules for a better understanding of the mechanism of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.
An Efficient Hairy Root System for Validation of Plant Transformation Vector and CRISPR/Cas Construct Activities in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Nguyen Doai Van , Hoang Trang Thi-Huyen , Le Ngoc Thu , Tran Huyen Thi , Nguyen Cuong Xuan , Moon Yong-Hwan , Chu Ha Hoang , Do Phat Tien
Published: February 2022

Hairy root induction system has been applied in various plant species as an effective method to study gene expression and function due to its fast-growing and high genetic stability. Recently, these systems have shown to be an effective tool to evaluate activities of CRISPR/Cas9 systems for genome editing. In this study, Rhizobium rhizogenes mediated hairy root induction was optimized to provide an effective tool for validation of plant transformation vector, CRISPR/Cas9 construct activities as well as selection of targeted gRNAs for gene editing in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Under the optimized conditions including OD650 at 0.4 for infection and 5 days of co-cultivation, the highest hairy root induction frequency reached 100% for the cucumber variety Choka F1. This procedure was successfully utilized to overexpress a reporter gene (gus) and induce mutations in two Lotus japonicus ROOTHAIRLESS1 homolog genes CsbHLH66 and CsbHLH82 using CRISPR/Cas9 system. For induced mutation, about 78% of transgenic hairy roots exhibited mutant phenotypes including sparse root hair and root hair-less. The targeted mutations were obtained in individual CsbHLH66, CsbHLH82, or both CsbHLH66 and CsbHLH82 genes by heteroduplex analysis and sequencing. The hairy root transformation system established in this study is sufficient and potential for further research in genome editing of cucumber as well as other cucumis plants.
Two Aquaporin Genes, GhPIP2;7 and GhTIP2;1, Positively Regulate the Tolerance of Upland Cotton to Salt and Osmotic Stresses
Authors: Guo Anhui , Hao Jianfeng , Su Ying , Li Bin , Zhao Nan , Zhu Meng , Huang Yi , Tian Baoming , Shi Gongyao , Hua Jinping
Published: February 2022

Aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate the transport of water and small molecules across intrinsic membranes and play a critical role in abiotic stresses. In this study, 111, 54, and 56 candidate AQP genes were identified in Gossypium hirsutum (AD1), Gossypium arboreum (A2), and Gossypium raimondii (D5), respectively, and were further classified into five subfamilies, namely, plasma intrinsic protein (PIP), tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIP), nodulin 26-like intrinsic protein (NIP), small basic intrinsic protein (SIP), and uncategorized X intrinsic protein (XIP). Transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed some high-expression GhPIPs and GhTIPs (PIP and TIP genes in G. hirsutum, respectively) in drought and salt stresses. GhPIP2;7-silenced plants decreased in the chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and peroxidase (POD) activity comparing the mock control (empty-vector) under 400 mM NaCl treatment, which indicated a positive regulatory role of GhPIP2;7 in salt tolerance of cotton. The GhTIP2;1-silenced cotton plants were more sensitive to osmotic stress. GhTIP2;1-overexpressed plants exhibited less accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde but higher proline content under osmotic stress. In summary, our study elucidates the positive regulatory roles of two GhAQPs (GhPIP2;7 and GhTIP2;1) in salt and osmotic stress responses, respectively, and provides a new gene resource for future research.
How Stress Affects Your Budget—Stress Impacts on Starch Metabolism
Authors: Ribeiro Camila , Stitt Mark , Hotta Carlos Takeshi
Published: February 2022

Starch is a polysaccharide that is stored to be used in different timescales. Transitory starch is used during nighttime when photosynthesis is unavailable. Long-term starch is stored to support vegetative or reproductive growth, reproduction, or stress responses. Starch is not just a reserve of energy for most plants but also has many other roles, such as promoting rapid stomatal opening, making osmoprotectants, cryoprotectants, scavengers of free radicals and signals, and reverting embolised vessels. Biotic and abiotic stress vary according to their nature, strength, duration, developmental stage of the plant, time of the day, and how gradually they develop. The impact of stress on starch metabolism depends on many factors: how the stress impacts the rate of photosynthesis, the affected organs, how the stress impacts carbon allocation, and the energy requirements involved in response to stress. Under abiotic stresses, starch degradation is usually activated, but starch accumulation may also be observed when growth is inhibited more than photosynthesis. Under biotic stresses, starch is usually accumulated, but the molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. In this mini-review, we explore what has been learned about starch metabolism and plant stress responses and discuss the current obstacles to fully understanding their interactions.
Multi-Omic Investigation of Low-Nitrogen Conditional Resistance to Clubroot Reveals Brassica napus Genes Involved in Nitrate Assimilation
Authors: Aigu Yoann , Daval Stéphanie , Gazengel Kévin , Marnet Nathalie , Lariagon Christine , Laperche Anne , Legeai Fabrice , Manzanares-Dauleux Maria J. , Gravot Antoine
Published: February 2022

Nitrogen fertilization has been reported to influence the development of clubroot, a root disease of Brassicaceae species, caused by the obligate protist Plasmodiophora brassicae. Our previous works highlighted that low-nitrogen fertilization induced a strong reduction of clubroot symptoms in some oilseed rape genotypes. To further understand the underlying mechanisms, the response to P. brassicae infection was investigated in two genotypes “Yudal” and HD018 harboring sharply contrasted nitrogen-driven modulation of resistance toward P. brassicae. Targeted hormone and metabolic profiling, as well as RNA-seq analysis, were performed in inoculated and non-inoculated roots at 14 and 27 days post-inoculation, under high and low-nitrogen conditions. Clubroot infection triggered a large increase of SA concentration and an induction of the SA gene markers expression whatever the genotype and nitrogen conditions. Overall, metabolic profiles suggested that N-driven induction of resistance was independent of SA signaling, soluble carbohydrate and amino acid concentrations. Low-nitrogen-driven resistance in “Yudal” was associated with the transcriptional regulation of a small set of genes, among which the induction of NRT2- and NR-encoding genes. Altogether, our results indicate a possible role of nitrate transporters and auxin signaling in the crosstalk between plant nutrition and partial resistance to pathogens.
No Support for the Neolithic Plant Invasion Hypothesis: Invasive Species From Eurasia Do Not Perform Better Under Agropastoral Disturbance in Early Life Stages Than Invaders From Other Continents
Authors: Bellini Ginevra , Erfmeier Alexandra , Schrieber Karin
Published: February 2022

Pre-adaptation to disturbance is an important driver of biological invasions in human-altered ecosystems. Agropastoralism is one of the oldest forms of landscape management. It surged 12,000 years ago in Western Asia and it was then imported to Europe starting 8,000 years ago. The Neolithic Plant Invasion hypothesis suggests that Eurasian plants succeed at invading agroecosystems worldwide thanks to their adaptation to agropastoralism, which derives from these species’ long co-evolution with such practice. Plant species from Western Asia are predicted to have the highest degree of adaptation to agropastoralism, since they have co-evolved with such practice for several millennia more than European plants, and non-Eurasian species should be poorly adapted due to their relatively short exposure. However, this Eurocentric perspective largely ignores that several other cultures around the world independently developed and implemented agropastoralism through history, which challenges this hypothesized superior adaptation of Eurasian species. Here, we tested whether the early-life performance of invasive plants under disturbance depends on their geographical origin and the associated assumed exposure time to agropastoralism. We selected 30 species divided into three groups: exposure long, native to Western Asia; exposure medium, native to Central Europe; exposure short, native to America. Three soil disturbance treatments (control/compaction/tilling) combined with two space occupancy levels (available/occupied) were applied to monospecific experimental units (n = 900), each containing 50 seeds. We predicted that Eurasian species would benefit more from disturbance in terms of germination and seedling performance than species with shorter assumed exposure to agropastoralism, and that this effect would be stronger when space is occupied. Contrary to these expectations, all species groups profited equally from disturbance, while non-Eurasian species were most hampered by space occupancy. For germination success and speed, exposure long species had higher values than exposure short species, regardless of the disturbance treatment. These results do not support that Eurasian species possess a higher adaptation to agropastoralism, but rather that non-Eurasian species can cope just as well with the associated disturbances. We discuss how future experiments that address the complex relationships between species interactions, plant life-phases and the quality of disturbance can help to understand the role of land-use history in plant invasion success.
Germplasm Resources and Strategy for Genetic Breeding of Lycium Species: A Review
Authors: Gong Haiguang , Rehman Fazal , Ma Yun , A Biao , Zeng Shaohua , Yang Tianshun , Huang Jianguo , Li Zhong , Wu Dongpo , Wang Ying
Published: February 2022

Lyciumspecies (goji), belonging to Solanaceae, are widely spread in the arid to semiarid environments of Eurasia, Africa, North and South America, among which most species have affinal drug and diet functions, resulting in their potential to be a superior healthy food. However, compared with other crop species, scientific research on breedingLyciumspecies lags behind. This review systematically introduces the present germplasm resources, cytological examination and molecular-assisted breeding progress inLyciumspecies. Introduction of the distribution ofLyciumspecies around the world could facilitate germplasm collection for breeding. Karyotypes of different species could provide a feasibility analysis of fertility between species. The introduction of mapping technology has discussed strategies for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping inLyciumspecies according to different kinds of traits. Moreover, to extend the number of traits and standardize the protocols of trait detection, we also provide 1,145 potential traits (275 agronomic and 870 metabolic) in different organs based on different reference studies onLycium, tomato and other Solanaceae species. Finally, perspectives on goji breeding research are discussed and concluded. This review will provide breeders with new insights into breedingLyciumspecies.
Effects of Low Temperature Stress on Source–Sink Organs in Wheat and Phosphorus Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Xu Hui , Hassan Muhammad A. , Sun Dongyue , Wu Zhaochen , Jiang Gang , Liu Binbin , Ni Qianqian , Yang Wenkang , Fang Hao , Li Jincai , Chen Xiang
Published: February 2022

The 21st century presents many challenges to mankind, including climate change, fast growing human population, and serious concerns over food security. Wheat is a leading cereal crop that largely fulfills the global food needs. Low temperature stress accompanied by nutrient-starved soils is badly disrupting the source–sink relationship of wheat, thus causing an acute decline in final yield and deteriorating the grain quality. This review paper aimed to understand how low temperature stress affects wheat source–sink organs (i.e., leaves, roots, and spikes) and how phosphorus application reliefs in alleviating its harmful consequences. Also, we discussed mitigation strategies to enhance wheat capacity to adapt to varying temperature extremes and made rational recommendations based on modern agronomic and breeding approaches. Therefore, this study is likely to establish a solid foundation for improving the tolerance to low temperature stress and to improve its phosphorus utilization efficiency in wheat.
Identifying Bixa orellana L. New Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases 1 and 4 Potentially Involved in Bixin Biosynthesis
Authors: Us-Camas Rosa , Aguilar-Espinosa Margarita , Rodríguez-Campos Jacobo , Vallejo-Cardona Alba Adriana , Carballo-Uicab Víctor Manuel , Serrano-Posada Hugo , Rivera-Madrid Renata
Published: February 2022

Carotene cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) are a large family of Fe2+ dependent enzymes responsible for the production of a wide variety of apocarotenoids, such as bixin. Among the natural apocarotenoids, bixin is second in economic importance. It has a red-orange color and is produced mainly in the seeds of B. orellana. The biosynthesis of bixin aldehyde from the oxidative cleavage of lycopene at 5,6/5′,6′ bonds by a CCD is considered the first step of bixin biosynthesis. Eight BoCCD (BoCCD1-1, BoCCD1-3, BoCCD1-4, CCD4-1, BoCCD4-2, BoCCD4-3 and BoCCD4-4) genes potentially involved in the first step of B. orellana bixin biosynthesis have been identified. However, the cleavage activity upon lycopene to produce bixin aldehyde has only been demonstrated for BoCCD1-1 and BoCCD4-3. Using in vivo (Escherichia coli) and in vitro approaches, we determined that the other identified BoCCDs enzymes (BoCCD1-3, BoCCD1-4, BoCCD4-1, BoCCD4-2, and BoCCD4-4) also participate in the biosynthesis of bixin aldehyde from lycopene. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed a peak corresponding to bixin aldehyde (m/z 349.1) in pACCRT-EIB E. coli cells that express the BoCCD1 and BoCCD4 proteins, which was confirmed by in vitro enzymatic assay. Interestingly, in the in vivo assay of BoCCD1-4, BoCCD4-1, BoCCD4-2, and BoCCD4-4, bixin aldehyde was oxidized to norbixin (m/z 380.2), the second product of the bixin biosynthesis pathway. In silico analysis also showed that BoCCD1 and BoCCD4 proteins encode functional dioxygenases that can use lycopene as substrate. The production of bixin aldehyde and norbixin was corroborated based on their ion fragmentation pattern, as well as by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This work made it possible to clarify at the same time the first and second steps of the bixin biosynthesis pathway that had not been evaluated for a long time.
A Research Publication and Grant Preparation Program for Native American Faculty in STEM: Implementation of the Six R’s Indigenous Framework
Authors: Grant Anne D. , Swan Katherine , Wu Ke , Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills Ruth , Hill Salena , Kinch Amy
Published: February 2022

Faculty members in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines are typically expected to pursue grant funding and publish to support their research or teaching agendas. Providing effective professional development programs on grant preparation and management and on research publications is crucial. This study shares the design and implementation of such a program for Native STEM faculty (NAF-STEM) from two tribal colleges and one public, non-tribal, Ph.D. granting institution during a 3-year period. The overall development and implementation of the program is centered on the six R’s Indigenous framework – Respect, Relationship, Representation, Relevance, Responsibility, and Reciprocity. The role of NAF-STEM and their interactions with the program, as members of the community formed by their participation, impacted the program. Their practices and the program co-emerged over time, each providing structure and meaning for the other. Through such reciprocity, NAF-STEM and the program research team continually refined the program through their mutual engagement. They took on the shared responsibility of the program while they participated in and shaped its practices. The process and results of formative and summative assessment and the impact of COVID-19 on the program are reported. Results of the program offer lessons on the implementation of six R’s framework in professional development at institutions of higher education.
Two Test Assembly Methods With Two Statistical Targets
Authors: Huijing Zheng , Junjie Li , Pingfei Zeng , Chunhua Kang
Published: February 2022

In educational measurement, exploring the method of generating multiple high-quality parallel tests has become a research hotspot. One purpose of this research is to construct parallel forms item by item according to a seed test, using two proposed item selection heuristic methods [minimum parameters–information–distance method (MPID) and minimum information–parameters–distance method (MIPD)]. Moreover, previous research addressing test assembly issues has been limited mainly to situations in which the information curve of the item pool or seed test has a normal or skewed distribution. However, in practice, the distributions of information curves for tests are diverse. These include multimodal distributions, the most common type of which is the bimodal distribution. Therefore, another main aim of this article is to extend the information curves of unimodal distributions to bimodal distributions. Thus, this study adopts simulation research to compare the results of two item, response, theory (IRT)-based item matching methods (MPID and MIPD) using different information curve distributions for item pools or seed tests. The results show that the MPID and MIPD methods yield rather good performance in terms of both two statistical targets when the information curve has a unimodal distribution, and two new methods yield better performance than two existing methods in terms of test information functions target when the information curve has a bimodal distribution.
The Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in Urban and Rural China, 2013–2018
Authors: Wu Jinjing , KC Samir , Luy Marc
Published: February 2022

Background

Gender differences in mortality are embedded within mortality transitions. Rural residents generally lag behind their urban counterparts in the transitions. The study objective is to identify major causes of death that drive gender differences in mortality in urban and rural China.

Methods

We use age-, gender-, urban-rural- and cause-specific mortality data (2013–2018) derived from the national mortality surveillance system that covered about 24% of the Chinese population. We apply Arriaga's method to decompose age- and cause-specific contributions to the gender gap in life expectancy at birth. Analyses are stratified by urban-rural residence.

Results

Women had a higher life expectancy at birth than men in both urban and rural areas. Cancers, cardiovascular disease, external causes, and respiratory disease accounted for more than 90% of the gender gap in both areas during 2013–2018. In urban areas, the gender gap decreased from 5.17 years in 2013–2015 to 4.98 years in 2016–2018. In rural areas, the gender gap stayed rather constant (2013–2015: 5.68 years; 2016–2018: 5.65 years). Traffic accidents, among external causes, contributed the most to decreasing the gender gap (urban: −0.07 years; rural: −0.10 years), especially in the 0–44 age group. However, the decrease in the gender gap was counteracted by an increase in the gender gap attributable to ischemic heart disease (urban: +0.05 years; rural: +0.08 years) and lung cancer (urban: +0.02 years; rural: +0.05 years) in older age groups. The gender gap attributable either to cerebrovascular disease or to chronic lower respiratory disease decreased in urban areas but increased in rural areas.

Conclusions

The urban-rural variations in the cause-specific contributions to the gender gap in China suggest the necessity of implementing urban-rural-specific interventions to improve population health and health equity.
HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infection Among Warao Indigenous Refugees in the Brazilian Amazon: Challenges for Public Health in Times of Increasing Migration
Authors: Abreu Isabella Nogueira , Lopes Felipe Teixeira , Lima Carlos Neandro Cordeiro , Barbosa Alexandre do Nascimento , Oliveira Lehi Rodrigues de , Fujishima Mayumi Aragão , Freitas Felipe Bonfim , Santos Mike Barbosa dos , Lima Vitor Nina de , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura M. V. , Castelo-Branco Socorro , Silva Hilton P. da , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is endemic in indigenous populations of the Americas. We describe herein the prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection among Warao indigenous refugees from Venezuela living in Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Methods

In total, 101 individuals of both sexes (43 men and 58 women) between 18 and 77 years of age were investigated. Blood samples were collected and separated into plasma and leukocytes. Serological screening was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Murex HTLV-I+II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK), and seropositive samples were submitted to proviral DNA extraction followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A nested PCR of the env region (630 bp) followed by enzymatic digestion with XhoI was performed to identify the molecular subtype of HTLV-2, in addition to sequencing analysis of the 5'LTR-I and 5′-LTR-II regions.

Results

Of the 101 individuals analyzed, 3 (3.0%) were seropositive. Molecular analysis of the pol and tax genes confirmed the HTLV-1 infection in a 55-year-old woman and HTLV-2 infection in a man (68 years old) and a woman (23 years old). HTLV-2 strains were defined by enzymatic digestion as belonging to the HTLV-2b subtype. The sequencing of the 5′LTR regions confirmed the presence of subtype 2b and identified HTLV-1 as belonging to subtype 1A (Cosmopolitan) and the Transcontinental subgroup. Among the infected patients, it was possible to conduct medical interviews with two individuals after delivery of the result. One patient with HTLV-2 reported symptoms such as joint pain, foot swelling, frequent headache, dizziness and lower back pain. The HTLV-1-positive woman was diagnosed with a tumor, dementia, urinary incontinence, felt body pain, and had spots on her body. The presence of the HTLV-2b subtype highlights the prevalence of this molecular variant among indigenous South Americans, as well as the presence of HTLV-1 Transcontinental, which has a worldwide distribution.

Conclusion

These results reveal a high prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among Warao immigrants, suggesting migratory flow as a virus spread mechanism among human populations and alert public authorities to the need to create epidemiological surveillance programs, public social and health policies aimed at welcoming immigrants in the Brazilian territory.
Trends in Quality Controlled Precipitation Indicators in the United States Midwest and Great Lakes Region
Authors: Baule William J. , Andresen Jeffrey A. , Winkler Julie A.
Published: February 2022

Changes in precipitation can have broad and significant societal impacts. A number of previous studies that analyzed changes in precipitation across the Great Lakes and Midwest for a variety of time periods and using a range of quality-control standards and methods observed increased precipitation rates and totals, although there was considerable site-to-site variability, even for sites in close physical proximity. Biases and discontinuities in precipitation observations may contribute to this variability. This study identifies and examines changes in precipitation utilizing a unique approach to observation series screening over a region encompassing the Great Lakes and broader Midwestern region of the United States for the period 1951–2019. A multiple tier procedure was utilized to identify high quality input data series from the Global Historical Climatology Network-Daily dataset. Annual and seasonal time series of precipitation indicators were calculated and subjected to breakpoint analysis as further quality control. Trends were analyzed across a broad range of related indicators, from totals and frequencies of threshold events to event duration and potential linkages with total precipitable water. Results indicate that annual precipitation has generally increased across the region in terms of totals, although there is substantial variation across the study domain in the significance and magnitude of annual trends by indicator. Annual trends were spatially most consistent across eastern areas of the study domain while relatively greater station-to-station variability in trend significance and magnitude was observed across northern and western portions. Significant trends were generally fewer in number for seasonal precipitation indicators and less spatially coherent. The greatest number of significant trends occurred in fall with the fewest in spring. Correlation of indicator trends with trends of mean total precipitable water suggests weak correlations annually and moderate correlations at the seasonal scale. The trends of the precipitation indicators in our study exhibited more coherent spatial patterns when compared with studies with different quality control criteria, illustrating the importance of quality control of observations in climatic studies and highlighting the complexity of the changing character of precipitation.