bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer-associated fibroblasts in acute leukemia
Authors: Gu Ling , Liao Ping , Liu Hanmin
Published: December 2022

Although the prognosis for acute leukemia has greatly improved, treatment of relapsed/refractory acute leukemia (R/R AL) remains challenging. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis and therapeutic resistance; therefore, BMM-targeted strategies should be a potent protocol for treating R/R AL. The targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in solid tumors has received much attention and has achieved some progress, as CAFs might act as an organizer in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, over the last 10 years, attention has been drawn to the role of CAFs in the BMM. In spite of certain successes in preclinical and clinical studies, the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mean targeting them is a big challenge. Herein, we review the heterogeneity and roles of CAFs in the BMM and highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with acute leukemia therapies that involve the targeting of CAFs.
Factors influencing the length of stay among patients admitted to a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshaikh Reem , AlKhalifah Ahmed , Fayed Amel , AlYousef Sawsan
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to assess the variables contributing to the length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit. This study utilized a retrospective design by analyzing data from the Virtual Pediatric Systems web-based database. The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital—King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019. The patients were admitted to intensive care with complex medical and surgical diseases. The variables were divided into quantitative and qualitative parameters, including patient data, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, and complications. Data from 3,396 admissions were analyzed. In this cohort, the median and mean length of stay were 2.8 (interquartile range, 1.08–7.04) and 7.43 (standard deviation, 14.34) days, respectively. The majority of long-stay patients—defined as those staying longer than 30 days—were less than 12 months of age (44.79%), had lower growth parameters (p < 0.001), and had a history of admission to pediatric intensive care units. Moreover, the majority of long-stay patients primarily suffered from respiratory diseases (51.53%) and had comorbidities and complications during their stay (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of all variables revealed that central line-associated bloodstream infections (p < 0.001), external ventricular drain insertion (p < 0.005), tracheostomy (p < 0.001), and use of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) had the most significant associations with a longer stay in the pediatric intensive care unit. The factors associated with longer stays included the admission source, central nervous system disease comorbidity, and procedures performed during the stay. Factors such as respiratory support were also associated with prolonged intensive care unit stays.
Avocado oil alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and inflammation in rats fed a high fat–High fructose diet
Authors: García-Berumen Claudia Isabel , Vargas-Vargas Manuel Alejandro , Ortiz-Avila Omar , Piña–Zentella Rosa María , Ramos-Gómez Minerva , Figueroa–García María del Consuelo , Mejía-Zepeda Ricardo , Rodríguez–Orozco Alain Raimundo , Saavedra–Molina Alfredo , Cortés-Rojo Christian
Published: December 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, and in advanced stages, by inflammation and fibrosis. Excessive ROS production due to mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to NAFLD development, making the decrease in mitochondrial ROS production an emerging target to alleviate NAFLD. Previously, we have shown that avocado oil, a source of several bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects, decreases oxidative stress by improving the function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) and decreasing ROS levels in mitochondria of diabetic and hypertensive rats. Therefore, we tested in this work whether avocado oil alleviates NAFLD by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. NAFLD was induced in rats by a high fat—high fructose (HF) diet administered for six (HF6) or twelve (HF12) weeks. Hepatic steatosis, hypertrophy and inflammation were detected in both the HF6 and HF12 groups. Hyperglycemia was observed only in the HF12 group. The HF6 and HF12 groups displayed dyslipidemia, impairments in mitochondrial respiration, complex III activity, and electron transfer in cytochromes in the complex III. This led to an increase in the levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation. The substitution of the HF6 diet by standard chow and avocado oil for 6 weeks (HF6+AVO + D), or supplementation of the HF12 diet with avocado oil (HF12 + AVO), ameliorated NAFLD, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and counteracted mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress. The substitution of the HF6 diet by standard chow without avocado oil did not correct many of these abnormalities, confirming that the removal of the HF diet is not enough to counteract NAFLD and mitochondrial dysfunction. In summary, avocado oil decreases NAFLD by improving mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Autophagy modulates growth and development in the moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Pettinari Georgina , Finello Juan , Plaza Rojas Macarena , Liberatore Franco , Robert Germán , Otaiza-González Santiago , Velez Pilar , Theumer Martin , Agudelo-Romero Patricia , Enet Alejandro , González Claudio , Lascano Ramiro , Saavedra Laura
Published: December 2022

Physcomitrium patens apical growing protonemal cells have the singularity that they continue to undergo cell divisions as the plant develops. This feature provides a valuable tool to study autophagy in the context of a multicellular apical growing tissue coupled to development. Herein, we showed that the core autophagy machinery is present in the moss P. patens, and characterized the 2D and 3D growth and development of atg5 and atg7 loss-of-function mutants under optimal and nutrient-deprived conditions. Our results showed that 2D growth of the different morphological and functional protonemata apical growing cells, chloronema and caulonema, is differentially modulated by this process. These differences depend on the protonema cell type and position along the protonemal filament, and growth condition. As a global plant response, the absence of autophagy favors the spread of the colony through protonemata growth at the expense of a reduction of the 3D growth, such as the buds and gametophore development, and thus the adult gametophytic and reproductive phases. Altogether this study provides valuable information suggesting that autophagy has roles during apical growth with differential responses within the cell types of the same tissue and contributes to life cycle progression and thus the growth and development of the 2D and 3D tissues of P. patens.
Influence of leadership empowering behavior on employee innovation behavior: The moderating effect of personal development support
Authors: Ye Pinghao , Liu Liqiong , Tan Joseph
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of this study is to explore the influence of leadership empowering behavior (personal development support, participative decision making and delegation of authority) and thriving at work (vigor, learning) on employee innovation behavior and analyze the moderating effect of personal development support on participative decision making and innovation behavior. The questionnaire survey method is used to survey Chinese industrial workers, and a total of 290 valid questionnaires are collected. The model is verified using SmartPLS. Results show that the personal development support and participative decision making dimensions of leadership empowering behavior have a significant positive influence on employee innovation behavior. Vigor and learning has a significant positive influence on employee innovation behavior, and personal development support has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between participative decision making and innovative behavior.
Exploring the relationships between personality and color preferences
Authors: Jue Juliet , Ha Jung Hee
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study set out to quantitatively examine the relationship between personality and color, focusing on connotations and preference.

Method

A total of 854 Koreans, aged from 20 to 60, participated in the study. They indicated which colors they associated with various personality words, completed the Ten Item Personality Inventory, and ranked their color preferences. We analyzed the data using frequency analysis, correlation analysis, t-tests, regression analysis, and cluster analysis.

Results

The analyses revealed that all five personality types have characteristic color associations. Through regression analysis, we found that color preference can significantly predict personality. The comparison among personality groups produced by cluster analysis confirmed that people with strong specific personalities prefer the colors that symbolize their personalities.

Discussion

This study’s findings highlight the relationship between personality and color preference. The limitations and suggestions for future studies are also presented.
Relationship between green entrepreneurship orientation, integration of opportunity and resource capacities and sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Li Wenjin , Sun Yu , Gao Yang
Published: December 2022

Green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) and sustainability have been the hot topics in green entrepreneurship research. The GEO integrates market orientation (MO) and environmental orientation (EO), and enterprises need to increase resource investment. However, it is not clear whether this strategic orientation can help new ventures achieve sustainable competitive advantages (SCA). In addition, the integrated role of opportunities and resources in the process of green entrepreneurship cannot be ignored. To fill the gap, we analyzed survey data from 274 emerging green enterprises in China, and we examined the effect of GEO on SCA. Additionally, we proposed the concept of integration of opportunity and resources capabilities (IORC) by integrating the core factors of green entrepreneurship. It can be divided into internal integration (ITI) and external integration (ETI), and the moderating effect of IORC on this relationship was also inspected. The results indicated that GEO significantly affects SCA, and IORC positively moderates the relationships between GEO and SCA. Indeed, compared with the enterprises that adopt a single strategic orientation, enterprises that adopt GEO can obtain greater SCA. In addition, focusing on the internal and external integration of IORC can further enhance the acquisition of SCA. This study not only integrates the theories of entrepreneurship and sustainable development but also compensates for the lack of green entrepreneurship theory while providing practical guidance for new enterprises seeking to engage in green entrepreneurship.
Influences of relative deprivation on health inequality of rural residents in China: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Tao ChunHai , Xu Jun , Tao RuoYan , Wang ZiYu , Li JiaYi
Published: December 2022

Analyzing the relationship between individual relative deprivation and rural residents’ health inequality is a deepening of the research on the social impact of individual relative deprivation. On the theoretical basis of the absolute and relative income hypothesis, using the data of China Family Panel Studies in 2018, taking other residents in the village as the reference group, this paper selects the relative income deprivation and absolute income to comprehensively quantify the generalized impact of farmers’ income gap, introduces the psychological capital guidance mechanism, and constructs a moderated-mediation model for the impact of relative deprivation on the health inequality of rural residents in China from the three dimensions of self-assessment of health, mental health and physical health. The estimation results of the multi-layer model show that the relative income deprivation of rural residents has a significant impact on health inequality, among which the impact of mental health is the strongest. Compared with physical health, the mediated transmission of psychological capital has a more significant impact between the relative deprivation of rural residents and mental health. Compared with low-income groups, high-income residents can better alleviate the negative effect of income relative deprivation on psychological capital poverty and health inequality, and the regulatory effect on physical health is most significant. Therefore, China can improve the health of the rural poor through fiscal policies such as improving the tax system and strengthening the supervision of various government funds.
Case Report: A unique case of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from ehrlichiosis infection
Authors: Hlaing Swe Swe , Kurian Christine Jane , Tan Jennie , Behling Eric , Hussein Ahmed Kamel Abou
Published: December 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a highly detrimental syndrome that can progress to multiorgan failure, necessitating the resources of an intensive care unit, with a mortality rate as high as 40%. Secondary HLH is usually triggered by infection, most often from a viral infection or malignancy. Management of HLH in adults is challenging as treatment algorithms targeting hyperinflammation are based on pediatric protocols, such as HLH-94 and HLH-2004. To our knowledge, there are only a few reported cases of HLH secondary to ehrlichiosis infection and none in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Here, we present a unique case of HLH secondary to ehrlichiosis infection in an 82-year-old female successfully treated with antibiotics and steroids.
Role of post-transplant graft scintigraphy in kidney donation after circulatory death
Authors: Belhoste Manon , Allenbach Gilles , Agius Thomas , Meier Raphael P. H. , Venetz Jean-Pierre , Corpataux Jean-Marc , Schneider Antoine , Golshayan Déla , Prior John O. , Déglise Sébastien , Nicod-Lalonde Marie , Longchamp Alban
Published: December 2022

Background

There is no consensus on how to predict post-transplant function of donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys. Thus, we aimed to identify renal scintigraphy parameters that could predict 1-year kidney function.

Methods

In this single center study, we included all consecutive DCD kidney recipients between 2013 and 2021 (n = 29). Patients who did not have a scintigraphy within 10 days of transplantation (n = 3), recipients of multiple organs and less than 18 years old were excluded (n = 1). Primary endpoint was the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

Median eGFR and serum creatinine at 1 year were 67 µmol/L (56–81) and 111 ml/min (99–132), respectively. Among parameters tested, the 3rd/2nd-minute activity ratio had the best diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.74 and 0.71, for eGFR and creatinine) 1 year post transplantation. Using 1.21 as the best cut off, the 3rd/2nd-minute activity ratio specificity and sensitivity to predict eGFR >60 ml/min was 0.82 and 0.83. Renal function was significantly better at 1 week, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation in patients with 3rd/2nd-minute activity ratios above 1.21.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the 3rd/2nd-minute activity ratio can predict graft function at 1 year. The benefit of post-transplant scintigraphy should be further validated in a prospective cohort.
Numerical Simulations of Spray Combustion in Jet Engines
Authors: Åkerblom Arvid , Pignatelli Francesco , Fureby Christer
Published: December 2022

The aviation sector is facing a massive change in terms of replacing the currently used fossil jet fuels (Jet A, JP5, etc.) with non-fossil jet fuels from sustainable feedstocks. This involves several challenges and, among them, we have the fundamental issue of current jet engines being developed for the existing fossil jet fuels. To facilitate such a transformation, we need to investigate the sensitivity of jet engines to other fuels, having a wider range of thermophysical specifications. The combustion process is particularly important and difficult to characterize with respect to fuel characteristics. In this study, we examine premixed and pre-vaporized combustion of dodecane, Jet A, and a synthetic test fuel, C1, based on the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) certified pathway behind an equilateral bluff-body flameholder, spray combustion of Jet A and C1 in a laboratory combustor, and spray combustion of Jet A and C1 in a single-sector model of a helicopter engine by means of numerical simulations. A finite rate chemistry (FRC) large eddy simulation (LES) approach is adopted and used together with small comprehensive reaction mechanisms of around 300 reversible reactions. Comparison with experimental data is performed for the bluff-body flameholder and laboratory combustor configurations. Good agreement is generally observed, and small to marginal differences in combustion behavior are observed between the different fuels.
Reverse Design of a Novel Coupling Strut for Vibration Attenuation in the Helicopter Cabin
Authors: Ding Ming , Jiang Jinhui , Zhang Fang , Liang Xiao , Shen Nansun
Published: December 2022

Helicopter gearbox support strut is one of the main research objects in the field of vibration and noise control in helicopter cabins. Aiming to further widen the vibration attenuation range of traditional Bragg periodic struts, a novel type of Local resonance (LR)/Bragg coupling periodic strut with graded parameters as well as the reverse design method is proposed. Combined with the spectral element method (SEM) and the transfer matrix method (TMM), the analytical expression of the transform relationship of longitudinal vibrations through the coupling strut is yielded. The impacts of different parameters on the boundaries of bandgaps are explored according to the results of simulation analysis. On this basis, the gradient of parameters is determined, and then all unknown structural parameters can also be determined. Compared with the traditional Bragg periodic struts and the LR/Bragg coupling periodic strut with non-graded parameters, the presented strut has an obvious advantage of widening the low-frequency bandgaps below 500 Hz.
Deteriorating Harmful Effects of Drought in Cucumber by Spraying Glycinebetaine
Authors: Metwaly El-Saied E. , Al-Yasi Hatim M. , Ali Esmat F. , Farouk Hamada A. , Farouk Saad
Published: December 2022

In order to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water in dry regions, refining water use efficiency (WUE) is a key issue in sustainable productivity. Furthermore, glycinebetaine (GlyBet) is a vital osmoprotectant produced in crops for improving drought tolerance; however, little is known about its role in improving plant WUE under field conditions in non-accumulating plants such as cucumber. In order to elucidate the effectiveness of GlyBet concentrations (0, 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/L) in mitigating the deleterious effects of drought (e.g., well-watered (1250 m3/fed), moderate drought (950 m3/fed), and severe drought (650 m3/fed)), field experiments were conducted at Elmia village, Dakahlia, Egypt in the 2020 and 2021 seasons on vegetative growth, some physiological attributes, as well as yield and quality. Drought considerably decreased vegetative growth, yield and its components, leaf relative water content, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations compared with well-watered plants while increasing electrolyte leakage. The most harmful causes were severe drought. However, exogenous spraying with GlyBet substantially boosted the mentioned attributes, but reduced electrolyte leakage within well-watering. Commonly 6000 mg/L contributed to the maximum growth and productivity, preserving cucumber plant water status above other concentrations or untreated plants. Under extreme drought, the application of 6000 mg/L GlyBet had a beneficial effect on moderating the damage of water deficit on cucumber plant growth and productivity. Overall, using GlyBet as a cost-effective and eco-friendly biostimulant six times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days from sowing) has the potential to mitigate drought damage while also increasing yield; however, more research is needed to determine the optimal rate and timing of application.
Effect Mechanism of Solar Radiation on Maize Yield Formation
Authors: Yang Yunshan , Liu Guangzhou , Guo Xiaoxia , Liu Wanmao , Xue Jun , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Li Shaokun , Hou Peng
Published: December 2022

Solar dimming due to global climate change is becoming increasingly more common in some agricultural areas. Such low-light stress inhibits maize ear number, kernel number per unit area (KN), and kernel weight (KW) as vital yield components. However, which yield component factors are most important for yield formation under low-light stress remains unknown. In this study at Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China, in 2019 and 2020, we planted three maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Denghai 618 (DH618), Xianyu 335 (XY335), and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958)) at two densities (7.5 × 104 (D1) and 12 × 104 (D2) plants ha−1). We used four shading treatments (85% (S1), 70% (S2), and 50% (S3) natural light and no shading (CK)) from the three-leaf stage until maturity to create different light conditions. KN was the key factor that directly affected yield under low-light stress. For every 100 MJ m−2 decrease in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the KN decreased by 803.2 kernels per m2 . When the PAR was >674.3 MJ m−2 , KW tended to stabilize at 36.2 g/hundred kernels and the growth rate was 5.82 g/100 MJ m−2 per hundred kernels. DH618 and XY335 KNs were more sensitive to lowered solar radiation than ZD958. When density increased, DH618 required fewer light resources than the other cultivars to produce an equivalent amount of photosynthates for kernels. Therefore, in the face of climate change, particularly solar dimming, there is an urgent need to breed maize cultivars, such as DH618, with low-light stress tolerance and high grain yield.
Survival and Feeding Behavior of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Adults on Common Cover Crops in Citrus
Authors: George Justin , Kanissery Ramdas , Bashyal Mahesh , Tamayo Blessy , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: December 2022

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterial pathogen responsible for citrus greening disease. To explore the possibility that cover crops in citrus groves may serve as refuges for this pathogen vector during unfavorable host conditions, psyllid feeding was investigated on six common cover crop species and citrus using electrical penetration graph (EPG) recordings and behavioral bioassays. EPG recordings showed that the proportion of time spent by D. citri feeding on xylem was similar or higher on all tested cover crops (17%–32%) compared to the positive control (12%), the preferred host, Citrus macrophylla. Very little to no phloem feeding was observed on cover crops by the adults. In the choice assays, more D. citri adults settled on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) than on the host, C. macrophylla, 24 h after release. No-choice assays showed that the citrus cover crop species evaluated extend the survival of D. citri up to 8 d because of xylem feeding. Our results indicate that some cover crop species may be less suitable refuge sites for D. citri than others, but none served as breeding sites or supported more than 8 d of survival.
Influence of Effective Microorganisms and Clinoptilolite on Gut Barrier Function, Intestinal Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens during Induced Eimeria tenella Infection
Authors: Ciszewski Artur , Jarosz Łukasz S. , Kalinowski Marcin , Marek Agnieszka , Grądzki Zbigniew , Grabowski Sebastian , Hejdysz Marcin , Nowaczewski Sebastian , Rysiak Anna
Published: December 2022

The prohibition of certain coccidiostats in poultry has created a need to seek an alternative to control Eimeria infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) in a multi-strain probiotic (Bokashi®), with clinoptilolite as a feed supplement on the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and redox enzymes in the caecal tissue of chickens infected with E. tenella. The integrity of the intestinal barrier was tested by determining the concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) in the chicken’s serum. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens received diets with a 0.5% or 0.8% concentration of the probiotic together with clinoptilolite. The experiment used 5 treatment groups, and a control group, each with 5 replicates with 20 birds. The results indicate that the use of the 8 kg/t of feed multi-strain probiotic together with clinoptilolite in the diet of poultry caused a significant reduction in the number of E. tenella oocysts in the faeces and caecum and significantly improved the growth rate of chicken broilers infected with E. tenella. In addition, the probiotic and clinoptilolite enhanced antioxidant processes in the caecal mucosa and reduced oxidative stress induced by E. tenella infection.
Recovery of Energy and Nutrients from Mycotoxin-Contaminated Food Products through Biological Treatments in a Circular Economy Perspective: A Review
Authors: Cucina Mirko , Tacconi Chiara
Published: December 2022

Mycotoxins’ contamination of food products is a well-known issue that is gaining interest nowadays due to increasing contaminations that are also related to climate change. In this context, and considering the principles of Circular Economy, finding robust and reliable strategies for the decontamination and valorisation of mycotoxin-contaminated products becomes mandatory. Anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting appear as promising biological treatments to degrade mycotoxins and allow for recovering energy (i.e., biogas production) and materials (i.e., nutrients from digestate and/or compost). The aim of the present paper was to carry out an organic revision of the state of the art of energy and materials recovery from mycotoxin-contaminated food products through biological treatments, highlighting results and research gaps. Both processes considered were not generally affected by the contamination of the feedstocks, proving that these compounds do not affect process stability. Mycotoxins were highly removed due to the concurrence of microbiological and physical agents in AD and composting. From the literature review, emerged the points that still need to be addressed before considering large scale application of these processes, which are (i) to deepen the knowledge of biochemical transformations of mycotoxins during the processes, (ii) to assess the fate of mycotoxins’ residues and metabolites in soil once digestate/compost are applied, (iii) to evaluate and optimize the integration of AD and composting in order to increase the environmental and economical sustainability of the processes, and (iv) to update legislation and regulations to allow the agricultural reuse of organic fertilizers obtained from contaminated feedstocks.
Effect of Ecotype and Environment on Oil Content, Fatty Acid, and Sterol Composition of Seed, Kernel, and Epicarp of the Atlas Pistachio
Authors: Labdelli Amina , Tahirine Mohammed , Foughalia Abdelhamid , Zemour Kamel , Cerny Muriel , Adda Ahmed , Simon Valérie , Merah Othmane
Published: December 2022

The Atlas pistachio fruits are an important source of food due to their high fat content and medicinal interest in arid lands. For a better use, it is necessary to understand the diversity and distribution of lipids in their fruit. The purpose of the present study is to determine oil content, fatty acid, and phytosterol composition using gas chromatography of three ecotypes in Algeria during two consecutive years. The seed oil contents ranged from 32 to 47.8% depending on both year and ecotype. Unsaturated fatty acids (FA) represent at least 71% of total FA. The fruit contains a considerable level of phytosterols. The highest level of oil content and unsaturated FA were observed in the fruit of Bechar regardless of the part of the fruit. The study indicated that oil quality of the Atlas pistachio seed varies according to genotype and environmental conditions, and the findings could help breeders for diversity and selection program management.
Selection of Reference Genes for Transcription Studies Considering Co-Regulation and Average Transcriptional Stability: Case Study on Adventitious Root Induction in Olive (Olea europaea L.) Microshoots
Authors: Noceda Carlos , Peixe Augusto , Arnholdt-Schmitt Birgit
Published: December 2022

Selection of reference genes (RGs) for normalization of PCR-gene expression data includes two crucial steps: determination of the between-sample transcriptionally more stable genes, and subsequent choosing of the most suitable genes as internal controls. Both steps can be carried out through generally accepted strategies, each having different strengths and weaknesses. The present study proposes reinforcement of the normalization of gene expression data by integrating analytical revision at critical steps of those accepted procedures. In vitro olive adventitious rooting was used as an experimental system. Candidate RGs were ranked according to transcriptional stability according to several methods. An algorithm of one of these programs (GeNorm) was adapted to allow for partial automatization of RG selection for any strategy of transcriptional-gene stability ordering. In order to choose the more appropriate set of RGs, the achieved results were analytically revised, with special emphasis on biasing effects such as co-regulation. The obtained putative RG sets were also tested for cases restricted to fewer variables. The set formed by the genes H2B, OUB and ACT is valid for normalization in transcriptional studies on olive microshoot rooting when comparing treatments, time points and assays. Such internal reference is now available for wider expression studies on any target gene in similar biological systems. The overall methodology aims to constitute a guide for general application.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Head in Laodelphax striatellus upon Rice Stripe Virus Infection
Authors: Yu Youxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qian Mingshi , Zhang Qiuxin , Yang Guoqing , Xu Gang
Published: December 2022

Rice stripe virus (RSV) is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus, in a circulative-propagative manner. Multiple studies have proved that RSV can manipulate vector insects to facilitate its transmission and can alter the gene expressions in viruliferous SBPH. However, to the best of our knowledge, nobody has investigated the gene expressions in the head of SBPH after RSV acquisition. In this study, to investigate the genes and gene functions regulated by RSV infection in the head of SBPH, we used RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptional profiles between SBPH head samples that acquired RSV or not. Compared with the non-viruliferous SBPH, a total of 336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the head samples of viruliferous SBPH groups, including 186 up-regulated and 150 down-regulated genes. Here, we focused on DEGs that may be involved in RSV replication or transmission, primarily genes associated with the nervous system, cytochrome P450s, sugar metabolism, the olfactory system, and cuticular process, as well as genes that have been previously reported to affect virus transmission in insect vectors including ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3), ecdysone response gene (E74A), and vitellogenin receptor (VgR). Finally, we verified the accuracy of the transcriptome sequencing results using qRT-PCR by selecting 16 DEGs. Our results can contribute to the understanding of the effects of RSV infection on gene regulation in the head of SBPH and provide insight into the control of plant virus transmission and insect vectors.
Deciphering Early Movements and Domestication of Coffea arabica through a Comprehensive Genetic Diversity Study Covering Ethiopia and Yemen
Authors: Montagnon Christophe , Sheibani Faris , Benti Tadesse , Daniel Darrin , Bote Adugna Debela
Published: December 2022

The coffee species Coffea arabica is facing numerous challenges regarding climate change, pests and disease pressure. Improved varieties will be part of the solution. Making optimal use of the scarce genetic diversity of the species is hence essential. In this paper, we present the first study of C. arabica genetic diversity covering its complete native habitat in Ethiopia together with its main domestication centers: Yemen and Hararghe region in Ethiopia. All in all, 555 samples were analyzed with a set of Single Sequence Repeat markers. Through admixture genetic analysis, six clusters were identified. A total of two “Core Ethiopian” clusters did not participate in the domestication of the species. There were four clusters that were part of the “Domestication Pathway” of C. arabica. The first one was named “Ethiopian Legacy” as it represents the genetic link between “Core Ethiopia” and the “Domestication Pathway” in Yemen and Hararghe. The geographic origin of this cluster in Ethiopia was the south of Ethiopia, namely Gedio, Guji and Sidama, which hence appears as the source of coffee seeds that led to the domestication of C. arabica. In Yemen, in addition to the “Ethiopian Legacy” cluster, we confirmed the “Typica/Bourbon” and “New-Yemen” clusters. In Hararghe, the “Harrar” cluster, never described before, likely originates from a re-introduction of domesticated coffee from Yemen into this region of Ethiopia. Cultivated varieties around the world today originate from the “Ethiopian Legacy” and “Typica/Bourbon” clusters and but none are related to the “new-Yemen” and “Harrar” clusters. Implications for breeding strategies are discussed.
Effects of Phenological Changes on Plant Production—From the View of Stipa krylovii
Authors: Yu Hongying , Zhou Guangsheng , Lv Xiaomin , He Qijin , Zhou Mengzi
Published: December 2022

Global warming has changed plant phenology and induced variations in the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the influence of phenological changes on plant production. We carried out a three-year in situ experiment in Inner Mongolia and used Stipa krylovii as an example to examine the phenological changes and their importance to plant production under changes in temperature and precipitation. We found that precipitation, temperature, and their interactions had no significant impact on the start of the growing season (SOS) or vegetative growth length (VGL). Precipitation had significant impacts on the end of the growing season (EOS), the length of the growing season (LOS), and reproductive growth length (RGL). The precipitation addition treatments of T2.0W + 50% (2 °C warming and 50% precipitation addition) and T1.5W + 50% (1.5 °C warming and 50% precipitation addition) significantly delayed the EOS by 6.7 d and 5.4 d, and significantly prolonged the LOS by 9.3 d and 9.3 d, respectively. Precipitation significantly changed the net CO2 assimilation rate (Pn) of the heading stage. There was no significant difference in the dry mass among all the treatments. The SOS and VGL had significant negative impacts on the dry mass of Stipa krylovii, while temperature, precipitation, and the EOS had no significant direct effect on it. Our results imply that the SOS was more important than the EOS in regulating the plant production of Stipa krylovii. This study can facilitate the understanding of the response of productivity to phenological dynamics and improve the accuracy of simulating the terrestrial ecosystem carbon budget.
Evaluation of the Sustainability of Vineyards in Semi-Arid Climates: The Case of Southeastern Spain
Authors: García Castellanos Begoña , García García Benjamín , García García José
Published: December 2022

Vineyards in southeastern Spain, although subjected to a semi-arid climate, generate multiple environmental and socioeconomic benefits. However, they have an uncertain future, mainly due to the price of grapes, as well as the limited water resources and the effects of climate change. For this reason, in this work a sustainability evaluation was carried out through life cycle costing analysis (LCC) combined with life cycle assessment (LCA) for four vineyard models characteristic of the area: two rainfed (conventional and organic) and two irrigated (conventional and organic). The greatest differences in the cost structure between the rainfed and irrigated systems are due to the amortization of the infrastructure of the irrigated vineyards, which requires high gross production, via productivity in kilos or in a grape price that prioritizes quality. In addition, the environmental impacts are greater due to this infrastructure. The differences between conventional and organic production for each type of vineyard are of little relevance. The inputs of this crop are minimized, to lower costs, and this entails low economic and environmental costs. However, conventional management entails slightly higher impacts than organic management.
Assessing the Suitability of Selection Approaches and Genetic Diversity Analysis for Early Detection of Salt Tolerance of Barley Genotypes
Authors: Javed Muhammad Matloob , Al-Doss Abdullah A. , Tahir Muhammad Usman , Khan Muhammad Altaf , El-Hendawy Salah
Published: December 2022

Assessment of the salt tolerance of a large genotype collection at the early growth stages may assist in the fast-tracking improvement of salt-tolerant barley genotypes in breeding programs. This study aimed to investigate the ability of traits related to seed germination ability and seedling growth performance with helping of nine sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers to detect the salt tolerance of 70 barley genotypes during the early growth stages. The different genotypes were exposed to three salt concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) and evaluated for salt tolerance by looking at germination percentage, germination index, and mean germination time during eight days as well as the lengths and weights of seedling shoot and root after 21 days from sowing. The results showed that genotypic variations in germination ability and seedling growth performance obviously appeared under 200 and 100 mM NaCl, respectively. The germination traits exhibited a strong correlation among themselves, whereas they had a poor correlation with seedling traits. A strong and positive correlation was only observed for shoot fresh weight with shoot length and root fresh weight under salinity conditions. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components, which explained 53% of the total variability, succeeded to identify the genotypes with high salt tolerance during only one stage (germination or seedling stage) and both stages. Cluster analysis based on the stress tolerance index of germination and seedling traits grouped 70 genotypes into four key clusters, with genotypes grouped in cluster 1 and cluster 2 being salt tolerant during the germination stage and moderately tolerant during the seedling stage; the opposite was found with the genotypes grouped in cluster 4. According to Ward’s method, the salt tolerance of genotypes that ranked as most salt-tolerant (T) or salt-sensitive (S) remained almost unchanged during germination and seedling stages. In contrast, a change in salt tolerance with both stages was found for the genotypes that ranked as moderately salt-tolerant (MT) and salt-sensitive (MS) genotypes. The nine SRAP markers divided the tested genotypes into two distinct clusters, with clusters B had the most T and MT genotypes. Finally, using appropriate statistical methods presented in this study with SRAP markers will be useful for assessing the salt tolerance of a large number of barley genotypes and selecting the genotypes tolerant of and sensitive to salinity at the early growth stage.
Morphological, Physiological and Quality Performances of Basil Cultivars under Different Fertilization Types
Authors: Teliban Gabriel-Ciprian , Burducea Marian , Mihalache Gabriela , Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Popa Lorena-Diana , Bodale Ilie , Vlăduț Nicolae-Valentin , Cojocaru Alexandru , Munteanu Neculai , Stan Teodor , Caruso Gianluca , Stoleru Vasile
Published: December 2022

The prospect of replacing traditional chemical fertilization with organic and microorganism-based fertilization meets the current demand for more sustainable cropping systems and healthy food. In this respect, research was carried out to evaluate the effects of the factorial combination between four basil cultivars (‘Aromat de Buzau’, ‘Macedon’, ‘Cuisoare’ and ‘Serafim’) and three types of fertilization, namely chemical fertilization (with a solid chemical fertilizer), organic fertilization (with chicken manure formulate) and microorganisms’ fertilization (with microorganisms formulate), on basil yield, biochemical and physiological parameters and essential oil composition. The results showed that the biometric parameters (plant height, number of stems and leaves and leaf area) were significantly influenced by the cultivar; ‘Macedon’ obtained the highest values of plant height (64.7 cm) and number of stems (20.33) and leaves (618.3) and ‘Serafim’ the largest leaf area (4901.7 cm2 per plant), while the type of fertilization did not affect these parameters. Regarding the biomass, the influence of the cultivar was not significant on fresh biomass but was significant on dry biomass, with ‘Macedon’ showing the highest value (56.4 g·plant−1 dry biomass). The mentioned parameters were significantly influenced by the type of fertilization, with the highest values recorded with chemical fertilization. Both the cultivar and the fertilization type significantly influenced the physiological parameters (the total content of assimilatory pigments and photosynthesis). Five phenolic compounds were quantified from leaf extracts by HPLC-MS (caffeic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and quercitrin). Hyperoside was identified only in ‘Macedon’, while the rest of the compounds were found in all the cultivars and varied depending on the cultivar and fertilization type. Regarding the composition of the essential oil, variation was found depending on the cultivar and fertilization type. In ‘Aromat de Buzau’, the main compounds were methyl chavicol and β-linalool; in ‘Macedon’, geranial and neral; and in ‘Cuisoare’ and ‘Serafim’, β-linalool. Moreover, the PCA showed that the ‘Serafim’ cultivar has exclusive properties compared to the other cultivars. Our results highlight that identifying the most effective interaction between genotype and fertilization type allows to optimize yield and quality targets for sweet basil.
Insights into Long-Term Acclimation Strategies of Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in Response to Multi-Decadal Cyclical Drought
Authors: Nagahatenna Dilrukshi S. K. , Furlan Tarita S. , Edwards Everard J. , Ramesh Sunita A. , Pagay Vinay
Published: December 2022

Changing climatic conditions across Australia’s viticulture regions is placing increasing pressure on resources such as water and energy for irrigation. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify superior drought tolerant grapevine clones by exploring the extensive genetic diversity of early European clones in old vineyards. Previously, in a field trial, we identified drought-tolerant (DT) dry-farmed Cabernet Sauvignon clones that had higher intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) under prolonged soil moisture deficiency compared to drought-sensitive (DS) clones. To investigate whether the field-grown clones have been primed and confer the drought-tolerant phenotypes to their subsequent vegetative progenies, we evaluated the drought responses of DT and DS progenies under two sequential drought events in a glasshouse alongside progenies of commercial clones. The DT clonal progenies exhibited improved gas exchange, photosynthetic performance and WUEi under recurrent drought events relative to DS clonal progenies. Concentration of a natural priming agent, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), was significantly higher in DT progenies relative to other progenies under drought. Although DT and commercial clones displayed similar drought acclimation responses, their underlying hydraulic, stomatal and photosynthetic regulatory mechanisms were quite distinct. Our study provides fundamental insights into potential intergenerational priming mechanisms in grapevine.
Effects of Phosphorus Supply on Seed Yield and Quality in Flax
Authors: Xie Yaping , Li Yang , Qi Yanni , Wang Limin , Zhao Wei , Li Wenjuan , Dang Zhao , Zhang Jianping , Wang Xingzhen , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Xingrong , Cui Zhengjun , Shi Linrong , Lv Zhongcheng
Published: December 2022

Flaxseed, which is rich in lignan, α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, and several minerals, is an important food and nutrition source. In this study, trials were conducted at Yongdeng over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019), with three cultivars (Longyaza 1, Longya 14, and Zhangya 2) and five application rates of phosphorus (P) (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg P2O5 ha−1). We examined the effects of P on the seed yield, and the yields and contents of dietary fiber, lignan, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). We found that P fertilization positively influenced yields of seed and levels of lignan, Fe, and Cu, showing average increases of 15, 20, 24, and 28%, respectively, compared with plants not given P over the 2-year study. Additionally, P fertilization resulted in increased concentrations of Fe and Cu in flaxseed of 8 and 2%, respectively. P fertilization negatively affected the levels of dietary fiber, Zn, and Mn, which were reduced by 7, 11, and 7%, respectively, in comparison with the control. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that appropriate P application is an effective strategy for improving yields of seed, lignan, Fe, and Cu in flax production and for enhancing concentrations of Fe and Cu in flax.
Beneficial Effect of Exogenously Applied Calcium Chloride on the Anatomy and Fast Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Rhododendron × pulchrum Leaves Following Short-Term Heat Stress Treatment
Authors: Shen Jianshuang , Cheng Hefeng , Li Xueqin , Pan Xiangdong , Hu Yue , Jin Songheng
Published: December 2022

The heat tolerance of plants can be improved by using exogenous calcium chloride (CaCl2) to cope with temperature fluctuations. Since global climates continue to warm, it is important to further explore the way in which plants respond to heat stress with the use of CaCl2. We aimed to explore the effect of exogenous CaCl2 on the leaf microstructure, leaf epidermal ultrastructure, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of Rhododendron × pulchrum (R. × pulchrum) under heat stress. In the leaves of R. × pulchrum treated with exogenous CaCl2, compared to the control, the thickness of the epidermis, spongy tissues, and stomatal aperture increased, whereas the stomata density and ratio of closed/open stomata decreased. In the leaves of R. × pulchrum under heat stress conditions, compared to the control, the values of the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), the performance index on an absorption basis (PIABS), the quantum yield for the reduction of terminal electron acceptors on the acceptor side of PSI (φRo), and the energy absorbed per unit cross-section of a photosynthesizing object at the moment of achieving the fluorescence maximum (ABS/CSM) all decreased, whereas the quantum yield of the energy dissipation (φDo) increased significantly. However, these differences disappeared when R. × pulchrum was treated with exogenous CaCl2. This suggests that exogenous CaCl2 can improve the heat tolerance in R. × pulchrum by regulating the leaf anatomical structure and the behavior of epidermal cells and stomata in leaves, protecting the stability of photosystems I and II and improving the electron transfer from QA to QB. Our study could provide a theoretical basis for the breeding, further research, and utilization of Rhododendron in the context of global warming.