bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontogeny and Phylogeny of a New Hypotrichous Ciliate (Protista, Ciliophora), Metaurostylopsis alrasheidi n. sp., With Establishment of a New Genus Monourostylopsis n. gen.
Authors: Song Wenya , Qiao Yu , Dong Jingyi , Bourland William A. , Zhang Tengteng , Luo Xiaotian
Published: November 2020

In the present study, based on both morphologic and phylogenetic analyses, a new genus, Monourostylopsis n. gen., and new species, Metaurostylopsis alrasheidi n. sp. as well as a new combination, Monourostylopsis antarctica (Jung et al., 2011) n. comb. (original combination: Metaurostylopsis antarcticaJung et al., 2011), are suggested. The new genus is diagnosed mainly by having three or more frontoterminal cirri, a midventral complex with midventral pairs and a single midventral row, one right marginal row and two or more left marginal rows. The new genus can be easily separated from the morphologically similar genera mainly by having single right marginal row (vs. two or more right marginal rows). Based on live observation and protargol staining, the morphology and morphogenesis of a new species, M. alrasheidi n. sp. isolated from China, were investigated. The new species can be characterized by: two types of cortical granules; about 22 adoral membranelles; three or four frontoterminal, four or five transverse cirri; about eight midventral pairs and a midventral row of three or four unpaired midventral cirri; three or four left and right marginal rows. The main morphogenetic features of Metaurostylopsis alrasheidi n. sp. can be summarized as: (1) the entire parental ciliature, including the oral apparatus, is renewed; (2) the oral primordium of the proter probably originates within a pouch; (3) the oral primordium of the opisthe forms de novo on the cell surface; (4) the anlagen of marginal rows and dorsal kineties are formed intrakinetally, and (5) the fusion of macronuclear nodules results in an irregular branched mass prior to karyokinesis. In the phylogenetic trees, all the available Metaurostylopsis sequences cluster together in a clade with full support (ML/BI: 100/1.00) revealing that the genus is monophyletic within the large group of core urostylids.
Challenging Ultra Grain Refinement of Ferrite in Low-C Steel Only by Heat Treatment
Authors: Park Myeong-heom , Shibata Akinobu , Tsuji Nobuhiro
Published: November 2020

It is well-known that grain refinement is one of the most effective ways to improve strength of metals without addition of alloying elements. In order to obtain bulky metals having ultrafine grained (UFG) microstructures with average grain sizes smaller than 1 μm, severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes have made a great success. However, there are still big barriers to realize UFG metallic materials, especially UFG steels, in large scale industries, since severe plastic deformation processes usually need special techniques and equipment, and large deformation forces are required for heavy plastic deformations. Cyclic heat treatments to repeat martensitic transformation and austenitization have been known as a simple way to fabricate fine-grained austenitic structures in steels. In the present study, we tried to make final ferrite microstructures ultrafine in a low-C steel by means of the cyclic heat treatment. Evolution of microstructures during the cyclic heat treatment was systematically investigated, putting stress on the change of grain sizes of austenite and ferrite. The austenite grain size decreased with increasing the number of heat treatment cycles, and the minimum average austenite grain size obtained was 11 μm. By having furnace-cooling from austenite states with various grain sizes, ferrite microstructures with different mean grain sizes were fabricated. We could successfully obtain a fine-grained ferrite structure with a mean grain size of 4.5 μm and nearly a random texture through the heat treatment without deformation. Microstructural features and mechanical properties of the obtained fine-grained ferritic structures were investigated by scanning electron microscope/electron back-scattering diffraction measurements and a tensile test at room temperature. The specimens with ferrite + pearlite microstructure with the smallest average ferrite grain size of 4.5 μm managed both high strength (yield strength of 375 MPa and tensile strength of 500 MPa) and large tensile ductility (uniform elongation of 20% and total elongation of 39%) in the simple 2Mn-0.1C steel.
Keratin 17 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zeng Yong , Zou Min , Liu Yan , Que Keting , Wang Yunbing , Liu Changan , Gong Jianpin , You Yu
Published: November 2020

Keratin 17 (K17), a member of type I acidic epithelial keratin family, has been reported to be upregulated in many malignant tumors and to be involved in promoting the development of tumors. However, the precise role of K17 in progression of pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, we found that K17 expression was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines and that upregulated expression was associated with the pathological grade and poor prognosis. K17 expression served as an independent predictor of pancreatic cancer survival. Meanwhile, we showed that knocking down K17 induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and tumor growth in xenografts in mice. However, K17 upregulation inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. Further mechanistic study revealed that K17 knockdown promoted cell cycle progression by upregulating CyclinD1 expression and repressed cell apoptosis. However, K17 upregulation suppressed cell cycle progression by decreasing CyclinD1 expression, and induced apoptosis by increasing the levels of cleaved Caspase3. In addition, K17 knockdown promoted pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion, but K17 upregulation suppressed cell migration and invasion. Moreover, knocking down K17 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer cell by inhibiting E-cadherin expression and inducing Vimentin expression, and the effects of K17 upregulation were opposite to that of K17downregulation. Taken together, our findings suggest that K17 functions as a potential tumor suppressor, even though it is upregulated in pancreatic cancer.
ReCodLiver0.9: Overcoming Challenges in Genome-Scale Metabolic Reconstruction of a Non-model Species
Authors: Hanna Eileen Marie , Zhang Xiaokang , Eide Marta , Fallahi Shirin , Furmanek Tomasz , Yadetie Fekadu , Zielinski Daniel Craig , Goksøyr Anders , Jonassen Inge
Published: November 2020

The availability of genome sequences, annotations, and knowledge of the biochemistry underlying metabolic transformations has led to the generation of metabolic network reconstructions for a wide range of organisms in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. When modeled using mathematical representations, a reconstruction can simulate underlying genotype-phenotype relationships. Accordingly, genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) can be used to predict the response of organisms to genetic and environmental variations. A bottom-up reconstruction procedure typically starts by generating a draft model from existing annotation data on a target organism. For model species, this part of the process can be straightforward, due to the abundant organism-specific biochemical data. However, the process becomes complicated for non-model less-annotated species. In this paper, we present a draft liver reconstruction, ReCodLiver0.9, of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), a non-model teleost fish, as a practicable guide for cases with comparably few resources. Although the reconstruction is considered a draft version, we show that it already has utility in elucidating metabolic response mechanisms to environmental toxicants by mapping gene expression data of exposure experiments to the resulting model.
Oral Anticoagulation and Risk of Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy: Data From the Nordictus Registry
Authors: Ramos-Araque María E. , Chavarría-Miranda Alba , Gómez-Vicente Beatriz , López-Cancio Martínez Elena , Castañón Apilánez María , Castellanos Mar , López Fernández María , Tejada Meza Herbert , Marta Moreno Javier , Tejada García Javier , Beltrán Rodríguez Iria , de la Riva Patricia , Díez Noemi , Arias Rivas Susana , Santamaría Cadavid María , Bravo Anguiano Yolanda , Bártulos Iglesias Mónica , Palacio Portilla Enrique Jesús , Revilla García Marian , Timiraos Fernández Juan José , Arenaza Basterrechea Naroa , Maciñeiras Montero José Luis , Vicente Alba Pablo , Julián Villaverde Francisco José , Pinedo Brochado Ana , Azkune Itxaso , Mar Freijo M. , Luna Alain , Arenillas Juan F.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate if prior oral anticoagulation (OAC) and its type determines a greater risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) subjected to mechanical thrombectomy.

Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with AIS included in the prospective reperfusion registry NORDICTUS, a network of tertiary stroke centers in Northern Spain, from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Prior use of oral anticoagulants, baseline variables, and international normalized ratio (INR) on admission were recorded. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome was the relation between INR and sICH, and we evaluated mortality and functional outcome at 3 months by modified Rankin scale. We compared patients with and without previous OAC and also considered the type of oral anticoagulants.

Results: About 1.455 AIS patients were included, of whom 274 (19%) were on OAC, 193 (70%) on vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and 81 (30%) on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Anticoagulated patients were older and had more comorbidities. Eighty-one (5.6%) developed sICH, which was more frequent in the VKA group, but not in DOAC group. OAC with VKA emerged as a predictor of sICH in a multivariate regression model (OR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.01–3.51], p = 0.04) and was not related to INR level on admission. Prior VKA use was not associated with worse outcome in the multivariate regression model nor with mortality at 3 months.

Conclusions: OAC with VKA, but not with DOACs, was an independent predictor of sICH after mechanical thrombectomy. This excess risk was associated neither with INR value by the time thrombectomy was performed, nor with a worse functional outcome or mortality at 3 months.
Outcomes for Surgery in Stage IA Large Cell Lung Neuroendocrine Compared With Other Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database
Authors: Zou Liqing , Guo Tiantian , Ye Luxi , Zhou Yue , Chu Li , Chu Xiao , Ni Jianjiao , Zhu Zhengfei , Yang Xi
Published: November 2020

Background

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine cancer (LCNEC) is commonly classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Even for stage I disease, after surgery the survival is always poor, but clinical research on LCNEC is scant and always with unsatisfying sample sizes. Thus, we conduct the first study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to compare survival after surgery between stage I LCNEC and other types of NSCLC.

Methods

From 2004 to 2016, 473 patients with stage IA LCNEC, 17,669 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) and 8,475 patients with lung squamous cell cancer (LSCC), all treated with surgery were identified. In addition, 1:1 PSM was used, and overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between groups were compared.

Results

The 5-year OS rates and CSS rates for LCNEC were 52.5% and 81.5%, respectively. Overall, both OS and CSS were significantly superior for stage IA LADC than LCNEC (for OS: HR 0.636, 95% CI 0.568-0.712; for CSS: HR 0.688, 95% CI 0.561–0.842, LCNEC as reference), while comparable for LSCC with LCNEC (for OS: HR 0.974, 95% CI 0.869–1.091; for CSS: HR 0.907, 95% CI 0.738–1.115). PSM generated 471 pairs when LCNEC was compared with LADC and both OS and CSS were significantly better in LADC than LCNEC (for OS: HR 0.580, 95% CI 0.491–0.686; for CSS: HR 0.602, 95% CI 0.446–0.814). Of note, for the subgroup of patients ≤ 65 years old, HRs for both OS and CSS were lower (for OS: HR 0.470; for CSS: HR 0.482). As for comparison between LCNEC and LSCC, PSM generated 470 pairs. Differently, only CSS was significantly superior in LSCC than LCNEC (HR 0.563, 95% CI 0.392–0.807), while OS was not. Further grouping by age showed only CSS between two groups for patients with age ≤ 65 years old was significantly different (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

We report the first survival comparison after surgery between stage IA LCNEC and other types of NSCLC by SEER database and PSM. Our results demonstrated after surgery, stage IA LCNEC was worse in survival, especially compared to LADC. Extra clinical care should be paid, especially for younger patients. More studies investigating adjuvant therapy are warranted.
PROTAC Bromodomain Inhibitor ARV-825 Displays Anti-Tumor Activity in Neuroblastoma by Repressing Expression of MYCN or c-Myc
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Lim Su Lin , Tao Yanfang , Li Xiaolu , Xie Yi , Yang Chun , Zhang Zimu , Jiang You , Zhang Xianbing , Cao Xu , Wang Hairong , Qian Guanghui , Wu Yi , Li Mei , Fang Fang , Liu Ying , Fu Mingcui , Ding Xin , Zhu Zhenghong , Lv Haitao , Lu Jun , Xiao Sheng , Hu Shaoyan , Pan Jian
Published: November 2020

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in childhood. To date, targeting MYCN, a well-established driver gene in high-risk neuroblastoma, is still challenging. In recent years, inhibition of bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) proteins shows great potential in multiple of Myc-driven tumors. ARV-825 is a novel BET inhibitor using proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology which degrades target proteins by the proteasome. In this study, we investigated the effect of ARV-825 in neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that ARV-825 treatment robustly induced proliferative suppression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in NB cells. Moreover, ARV-825 efficiently depleted BET protein expression, subsequently repressing the expression of MYCN or c-Myc. In the NB xenograft model, ARV-825 profoundly reduced tumor growth and led to the downregulation of BRD4 and MYCN expression in mice. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that PROTAC BET inhibitor is an efficient way to achieve MYCN/c-Myc manipulation, and ARV-825 can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Analyzing Branch‐specific Dendritic Spikes Using an Ultrafast Laser Scalpel
Authors: Castañares Michael L. , Bachor Hans-A. , Daria Vincent R.
Published: November 2020

Dendritic spikes facilitate neuronal computation and they have been reported to occur in various regions of the dendritic tree of cortical neurons. Spikes that occur only on a select few branches are particularly difficult to analyze especially in complex and intertwined dendritic arborizations where highly localized application of pharmacological blocking agents is not feasible. Here, we present a technique based on highly targeted dendrotomy to tease out and study dendritic spikes that occur in oblique branches of cortical layer five pyramidal neurons. We first analyze the effect of cutting dendrites in silico and then confirmed in vitro using an ultrafast laser scalpel. A dendritic spike evoked in an oblique branch manifests at the soma as an increase in the afterdepolarization (ADP). The spikes are branch-specific since not all but only a few oblique dendrites are observed to evoke spikes. Both our model and experiments show that cutting certain oblique branches, where dendritic spikes are evoked, curtailed the increase in the ADP. On the other hand, cutting neighboring oblique branches that do not evoke spikes maintained the ADP. Our results show that highly targeted dendrotomy can facilitate causal analysis of how branch-specific dendritic spikes influence neuronal output.
The Induction of an Effective dsRNA-Mediated Resistance Against Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus by Exogenous Application of Double-Stranded RNA Largely Depends on the Selection of the Viral RNA Target Region
Authors: Tabein Saeid , Jansen Marco , Noris Emanuela , Vaira Anna Maria , Marian Daniele , Behjatnia S. Ali Akbar , Accotto Gian Paolo , Miozzi Laura
Published: November 2020

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a devastating plant pathogen, causing huge crop losses worldwide. Unfortunately, due to its wide host range and emergence of resistance breaking strains, its management is challenging. Up to now, resistance to TSWV infection based on RNA interference (RNAi) has been achieved only in transgenic plants expressing parts of the viral genome or artificial microRNAs targeting it. Exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for inducing virus resistance in plants, namely RNAi-based vaccination, represents an attractive and promising alternative, already shown to be effective against different positive-sense RNA viruses and viroids. In the present study, the protection efficacy of exogenous application of dsRNAs targeting the nucleocapsid (N) or the movement protein (NSm) coding genes of the negative-sense RNA virus TSWV was evaluated in Nicotiana benthamiana as model plant and in tomato as economically important crop. Most of the plants treated with N-targeting dsRNAs, but not with NSm-targeting dsRNAs, remained asymptomatic until 40 (N. benthamiana) and 63 (tomato) dpi, while the remaining ones showed a significant delay in systemic symptoms appearance. The different efficacy of N- and NSm-targeting dsRNAs in protecting plants is discussed in the light of their processing, mobility and biological role. These results indicate that the RNAi-based vaccination is effective also against negative-sense RNA viruses but emphasize that the choice of the target viral sequence in designing RNAi-based vaccines is crucial for its success.
Reproductive Assurance Maintains Red-Flowered Plants of Lysimachia arvensis in Mediterranean Populations Despite Inbreeding Depression
Authors: Jiménez-López Francisco J. , Ortiz Pedro L. , Talavera María , Arista Montserrat
Published: November 2020

Flower color polymorphism, an infrequent but phylogenetically widespread condition in plants, is captivating because it can only be maintained under a few selective regimes but also because it can drive intra-morph assortative mating and promote speciation.Lysimachia arvensisis a polymorphic species with red or blue flowered morphs. In polymorphic populations, which are mostly Mediterranean, pollinators prefer blue-flowered plants to the red ones, and abiotic factors also favors blue-flowered plants. We hypothesize that the red morph is maintained in Mediterranean areas due to its selfing capacity. We assessed inbreeding depression in both color morphs in two Mediterranean populations and genetic diversity was studied via SSR microsatellites in 20 natural populations. Results showed that only 44–47% of selfed progeny of the red plants reached reproduction while about 72–91% of blue morph progeny did it. Between-morph genetic differentiation was high and the red morph had a lower genetic diversity and a higher inbreeding coefficient, mainly in the Mediterranean. Results suggest that selfing maintaining the red morph in Mediterranean areas despite its inbreeding depression. In addition, genetic differentiation between morphs suggests a low gene flow between them, suggesting reproductive isolation.
A Retrotransposon Insertion in GhMML3_D12 Is Likely Responsible for the Lintless Locus li3 of Tetraploid Cotton
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yan , Zhu Shouhong , Fang Shengtao , Zhao Lanjie , Guo Yan , Wang Junyi , Yuan Li , Lu Youjun , Liu Fang , Yao Jinbo , Zhang Yongshan
Published: November 2020

Cotton (Gossypium) seed fibers can be divided into lint (long) or fuzz (very short). Using fiberless (fuzzless-lintless) mutants, the lint initiation gene Li3 was identified by map-based cloning. The gene is an R2R3-MYB transcription factor located on chromosome D12 (GhMML3_D12). Sequence analysis revealed that li3 is a loss-of-function allele containing a retrotransposon insertion in the second exon that completely blocks the gene’s expression. The genetic loci n2 and n3 underlying the recessive fuzzless phenotype in Gossypium hirsutum were also mapped. The genomic location of n3 overlapped with that of the dominant fuzzless locus N1, and n3 appeared to be a loss-of-function allele caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation in the coding region of GhMML3_A12. The n2 allele was found to be co-located with li3 and originated from G. babardense. n2 and li3 are possibly the multiple alleles of the GhMML3_D12 gene. Genetic analysis showed that Li3 and N3 are a pair of homologs with additive effects for the initiation of fibers (fuzz or lint). In addition, the presence of another locus was speculated, and it appeared to show an inhibitory effect on the expression of GhMML3. These findings provide new information about the genetic factors affecting the initiation of fibers in cotton.
Molecular and Toxicity Analyses of White Granulated Sugar and Other Processing Products Derived From Transgenic Sugarcane
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Yang Benpeng , Wang Juangang , Feng Xiaoyan , Feng Cuilian , Zhao Tingting , Shen Linbo , Wang Qinnan , Wu Zhuandi , Zhang Shuzhen , Ma Zhengqiang
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to prepare the sugar industry for the possible introduction of genetically modified (GM) sugarcane and derived retail sugar products and to address several potential public concerns regarding the characteristics and safety of these products. GM sugarcane lines with integrated Cry1Ab and EPSPS foreign genes were used for GM sugar production. Traditional PCR, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed in analyzing leaves, stems, and other derived materials during sugar production, such as fibers, clarified juices, filter mud, syrups, molasses, and final GM sugar product. The toxicity of GM sugar was examined with a feeding bioassay using Helicoverpa armigera larvae. PCR and RT-qPCR results showed that the leaves, stems, fibers, juices, syrups, filter mud, molasses, and white granulated sugar from GM sugarcane can be distinguished from those derived from non-GM sugarcane. The RT-qPCR detection method using short amplified product primers was more accurate than the traditional PCR method. Molecular analysis results indicated that trace amounts of DNA residues remain in GM sugar, and thus it can be accurately characterized using molecular analysis methods. ELISA results showed that only the leaves, stems, fibers, and juices sampled from the GM sugarcane differed from those derived from the non-GM sugarcane, indicating that filter mud, syrup, molasses, and white sugar did not contain detectable Cry1Ab and EPSPS proteins. Toxicity analysis showed that the GM sugar was not toxic to the H. armigera larvae. The final results showed that the GM sugar had no active proteins despite containing trace amounts of DNA residues. This finding will help to pave the way for the commercialization of GM sugarcane and production of GM sugar.
Silicon Enhances Biomass and Grain Yield in an Ancient Crop Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter]
Authors: Ligaba-Osena Ayalew , Guo Wanli , Choi Sang Chul , Limmer Matthew Alan , Seyfferth Angelia L. , Hankoua Bertrand B.
Published: November 2020

Silicon (Si) is one of the beneficial plant mineral nutrients which is known to improve biotic and abiotic stress resilience and productivity in several crops. However, its beneficial role in underutilized or “orphan” crop such as tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] has never been studied before. In this study, we investigated the effect of Si application on tef plant performance. Plants were grown in soil with or without exogenous application of Na2SiO3 (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mM), and biomass and grain yield, mineral content, chlorophyll content, plant height, and expression patterns of putative Si transporter genes were studied. Silicon application significantly increased grain yield (100%) at 3.0 mM Si, and aboveground biomass yield by 45% at 5.0 mM Si, while it had no effect on plant height. The observed increase in grain yield appears to be due to enhanced stress resilience and increased total chlorophyll content. Increasing the level of Si increased shoot Si and Na content while it significantly decreased the content of other minerals including K, Ca, Mg, P, S, Fe, and Mn in the shoot, which is likely due to the use of Na containing Si amendment. A slight decrease in grain Ca, P, S, and Mn was also observed with increasing Si treatment. The increase in Si content with increasing Si levels prompted us to analyze the expression of Si transporter genes. The tef genome contains seven putative Si transporters which showed high homology with influx and efflux Lsi transporters reported in various plant species including rice. The tef Lsi homologs were deferentially expressed between tissues (roots, leaves, nodes, and inflorescences) and in response to Si, suggesting that they may play a role in Si uptake and/or translocation. Taken together, these results show that Si application improves stress resilience and yield and regulates the expression of putative Si transporter genes. However, further study is needed to determine the physiological function of the putative Si transporters, and to study the effect of field application of Si on tef productivity.
Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Protective and Therapeutic Potential of Nature
Authors: Touloumakos Anna K. , Barrable Alexia
Published: November 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent in many western populations. Large studies have put the likelihood of having at least one ACE above 50% of the general population. ACEs and the associated experience of chronic stress, moreover, have been consistently linked with a variety of negative physical and psychological health outcomes across the lifespan from behavioral problems and cognitive difficulties early on, to greater chance of suffering from a mental health disorder and engaging in self destructing behaviors. The literature puts forward several protective factors, such as mother-child relations, parental health, and community engagement. In this perspective paper we put forward the potential of regular nature engagement as a possible additional protective factor. Nature’s therapeutic potential has been well documented, for many psychopathologies and mental health difficulties. Yet studies looking at the protective and therapeutic potential of nature with people with ACEs are remarkably limited in numbers. In this perspective piece we conduct a search of the literature to find previous applications of nature as a protective or therapeutic intervention for people with ACEs. We highlight the gap in the current literature, and put forward various mechanisms of action that justify a closer exploration of this area in further research.
Healthcare Professionals’ Acceptance of Digital Cognitive Rehabilitation
Authors: van der Ham Ineke J. M. , van der Vaart Rosalie , Miedema Anouk , Visser-Meily Johanna M. A. , van der Kuil Milan N. A.
Published: November 2020

With technological possibilities in healthcare steadily increasing, more tools for digital cognitive rehabilitation become available. Acceptance of such technological advances is crucial for successful implementation. Therefore, we examined technology acceptance specifically for this form of rehabilitation in a sample of healthcare providers involved in cognitive rehabilitation. An adjusted version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was used, including the subscales for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm (toward use), and intention to use, which all contribute to actual use of a specific technology. Results indicate a generally favorable attitude toward the use of digital cognitive rehabilitation and positive responses toward the TAM constructs. Only for subjective norm, a neutral mean response was found, indicating that this could pose a potential obstacle toward implementation. Potential differences between subgroups of different age, gender, and professional background were assessed. Age and gender did not affect the attitude toward digital cognitive rehabilitation. Occupational therapists showed lower scores than healthcare psychologists and physiatrists with regard to perceived usefulness, possibly linked to a difference in operational and managerial tasks. The findings of his study stimulate further implementation of digital cognitive rehabilitation, where the role of subjective norms should be specifically considered.
Prevalence of Workaholism Among Egyptian Healthcare Workers With Assessment of Its Relation to Quality of Life, Mental Health and Burnout
Authors: Kasemy Zeinab A. , Abd-Ellatif Eman E. , Abdel Latif Asmaa A. , Bahgat Nadia M. , Shereda Hanaa Mohammad Abo , Shattla Safaa Ibrahim , Aboalizm Samira E. , Abd Elhy Asmaa Hamed , Allam Abeer R. , Ramadan Ahmed N. , Amer Hemat Mostafa , Ahmed Naglaa Abdelmawgoud , AlJifri Abobakr A. , El Dalatony Mervat M.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Work is a social double edged weapon activity that may have positive and negative effects on individual's quality of life and health.

Objectives: To estimate workaholism prevalence and to determine its effects on quality of life, mental health, and burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, 1,080 Egyptian participants distributed as HCWs and non-HCWs were recruited. The study included 4 questionnaires to assess workaholism, quality of life (QoL), Psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ), and General health questionnaire (GHQ). Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was applied to critical specialty HCWs in addition to pro-inflammatory markers including Il6, TNFα, and CoQ10.

Results: This study revealed that 24.4 and 24.8% of HCWs were workaholic and hardworking, respectively, in comparison to 5.9 and 28.1% among non-HCWs (P < 0.001). Somatic symptoms and anxiety/ insomnia domains of GHQ were higher among HCWs than non-HCWs (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). QoL was significantly lower among HCWs than non-HCWs (P < 0.001). Workaholism was reported among 43.2% of HCWs with critical specialty (P < 0.001). Components of PCQ components were significantly higher among HCWs with critical specialty than non-critical HCWs while QoL showed the reverse (P < 0.05). Working excessively was a predictor to burnout [Emotional exhaustion (β = –0.23) and depersonalization (β = −0.25)] and TNFα (β = 0.41). Emotional exhaustion was a predictor to Il6 (β = 0.66), TNFα (β = 0.73), and CoQ10 (β = −0.78).

Conclusion: There is a significant association between workaholism and psychologically poor-health and poor quality of life among HCWs. Critical specialty healthcare workers showed association between workaholism, burnout and pro-inflammatory markers. Addressing of personal characteristics, supporting factors in the work environment and periodic examination of the healthcare workers and responding accordingly is required.
COVID-19—Zoonosis or Emerging Infectious Disease?
Authors: Haider Najmul , Rothman-Ostrow Peregrine , Osman Abdinasir Yusuf , Arruda Liã Bárbara , Macfarlane-Berry Laura , Elton Linzy , Thomason Margaret J. , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Ansumana Rashid , Kapata Nathan , Mboera Leonard , Rushton Jonathan , McHugh Timothy D. , Heymann David L. , Zumla Alimuddin , Kock Richard A.
Published: November 2020

The World Health Organization defines a zoonosis as any infection naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. The pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been classified as a zoonotic disease, however, no animal reservoir has yet been found, so this classification is premature. We propose that COVID-19 should instead be classified an “emerging infectious disease (EID) of probable animal origin.” To explore if COVID-19 infection fits our proposed re-categorization vs. the contemporary definitions of zoonoses, we reviewed current evidence of infection origin and transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 virus and described this in the context of known zoonoses, EIDs and “spill-over” events. Although the initial one hundred COVID-19 patients were presumably exposed to the virus at a seafood Market in China, and despite the fact that 33 of 585 swab samples collected from surfaces and cages in the market tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, no virus was isolated directly from animals and no animal reservoir was detected. Elsewhere, SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in animals including domesticated cats, dogs, and ferrets, as well as captive-managed mink, lions, tigers, deer, and mice confirming zooanthroponosis. Other than circumstantial evidence of zoonotic cases in mink farms in the Netherlands, no cases of natural transmission from wild or domesticated animals have been confirmed. More than 40 million human COVID-19 infections reported appear to be exclusively through human-human transmission. SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 do not meet the WHO definition of zoonoses. We suggest SARS-CoV-2 should be re-classified as an EID of probable animal origin.
72 Years of Homemaking in Waiting Zones: Lebanon's “Permanently Temporary” Palestinian Refugee Camps
Authors: El Masri Yafa
Published: November 2020

The “permanently temporary” Palestinian refugee community, present in Lebanon since 1948 with no solution in sight, has the highest rate of abject poverty within all five areas of operation of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East (UNRWA), and it still occupies the same limited geographic space it did 72 years ago. This harsh reality stems from the refugees' statelessness but is also worsened by the local conditions imposed by the Lebanese legislation and (non)settlement policy aimed at preventing refugees from becoming permanent. Within this situation, we look at practices of agency enacted by camp dwellers to provide lacking life necessities and improve living conditions in the camps. This paper will identify and analyze coping mechanisms and homemaking practices undertaken by Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, operating within the framework set by Brun and Fábos (2015), which conceptualized home and homemaking for people in protracted displacement through identifying a refugee's “home, Home and HOME.” Building on Donna Haraway's concept of situated knowledge, this paper uses data collected from participant observations, interviews, ethnographic and autoethnographic recordings analyzed through the lens of my own positioned rationality as a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon. Further, the paper will explore how Palestinian refugees establish camp spaces as a “home-Home-HOME,” despite their uncertain futures, through vertical expansion of buildings, stories and family bonding, in addition to trading and micro-markets. The paper will also deduce how refugees' informal coping mechanisms offer a way of strengthening community bonds, making home in those, otherwise, uncomfortable “waiting zones,” and finally, envisioning new ideas for restructuring the camp beyond the rule of formal institutions.
Planting Density Effects on Grow Rate, Biometric Parameters, and Biomass Calorific Value of Selected Trees Cultivated as SRC
Authors: Berbeć Adam Kleofas , Matyka Mariusz
Published: November 2020

Agricultural land is mostly devoted to food production. Production of biomass is limited, as it competes for land with basic food production. To reduce land loss for growing food, biomass can be grown on marginal lands that are not usable for food production. The density of plantings have to be optimized to maximize yield potential. The presented study compares yield parameters end energy potential of six species of biomass plants (poplar, Siberian elm, black alder, white birch, boxelder maple, silver maple) cultivated in 18 planting densities from 3448 to 51,282 plants per hectare as short rotation coppice (SRC). Biomass yield parameters depended on both cultivated species and planting density. Green mass, dry mass, and shoot diameter was dropping with the increasing planting density for most tested species. Calculated yield of dry mass was dropping with increasing planting density for black alder, increasing for Siberian elm and boxelder maple. White birch and silver maple yields were optimal at moderate planting densities (25,000–30,000). White birch and boxelder maple had the highest average higher heating value (HHV). The optimal density of plantings should be chosen to best suit both the needs of cultivated species and to optimize the most important parameters of produced biomass.
Effect of Selenium Form and Salicylic Acid on the Accumulation of Selenium Speciation Forms in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce
Authors: Kowalska Iwona , Smoleń Sylwester , Czernicka Małgorzata , Halka Maryia , Kęska Kinga , Pitala Joanna
Published: November 2020

Selenium (Se) uptake by plants depends on its form and salicylic acid (SA) can increase the efficiency of plant biofortification in Se. This study investigated the effects of selenite (Na2SeO3) and selenomethionine (SeMet) applied individually or together with SA on a total content of Se, Se speciation forms, yield and content of sugars and ascorbic acid of lettuce, as well as activity of selenocysteine methyltransferase (smt) and methionine methyltransferase (mmt) genes of the Se metabolic pathway. Lettuce was grown in the nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Se and SA were used at doses of 0.5 and 10.0 mg dm−3 of the nutrient solution, respectively. The treatments were: 1. control, 2. Na2SeO3, 3. Na2SeO3 + SA, 4. SeMet, 5. SeMet + SA, 6. SA. Se was accumulated more in the roots than the leaves. SeMet was more effective in biofortification than Na2SeO3. SA enhanced Se uptake, especially organic Se. Plants supplied with SeMet alone or SeMet + SA accumulated in their leaves mainly SeMet and methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), while those treated with Na2SeO3 or Na2SeO3 + SA accumulated MeSeCys and selenite (SeO3−2). The roots showed no expression of smt, while the expression of two mmt genes was independent of either Se or SA. The leaves of plants supplied with Na2SeO3 demonstrated the strongest expression of mmt and smt.
Optimal Harvest Time for Preventing Hot Pepper Seed Browning during Cold Storage Is Associated with Seed Maturity
Authors: Park Me-Hea , Lee Jung-Soo , Yang Eun-Young , Do Gyung-Ran , Hong Yoon-Pyo
Published: November 2020

Chilling injury (CI), which causes seed browning in pepper, may arise following long-term cold storage, and is a major cause of postharvest losses. To explore potential strategies of minimizing the associated postharvest losses, the present study investigated the optimal pepper harvest time that could reduce levels of seed browning, in addition to the relationship between fruit maturity and seed browning. Fruits harvested 15 days after flowering (DAF) were sensitive to cold storage at 4 °C and exhibited 100% seed browning (CI index, 4.0); in contrast, the seed browning rate of fruits harvested 35 DAF was 10% (CI index, 0.4) within 7 days of cold storage. Seed antioxidant activity was higher in seeds harvested at early stages (15 DAF to 20 DAF) than in seeds harvested at later stages (40 DAF to 50 DAF) at the beginning of storage. Pericarps of fruit harvested at 50 DAF exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Lipoxygenase, catalase, and peroxidase activity, and the expression levels of cell wall-related genes, pectin methylesterase-like protein, and endo-β-1,4-glucanase were higher in seeds of immature fruit harvested 15 DAF than in seeds of mature fruit harvested 35 DAF. The seeds of the fruit harvested 35 DAF were fully developed with the seed coat separated from the endosperm and did not turn brown under low-temperature storage. The lack of seed browning observed in mature fruit under low-temperature storage could be attributed to physical protection provided by the seed coat rather than cold stress resistance conferred by antioxidants.
Micropropagation of Tulip via Somatic Embryogenesis
Authors: Podwyszyńska Małgorzata , Marasek-Ciolakowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

An effective method of tulip regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) was developed. Explants, flower stem slices excised from cooled bulbs were incubated in darkness on MS modified media containing auxins alone (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid—2,4-D, 1-naphthalene acetic acid—NAA and 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridine carboxylic acid—picloram) or combined with thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0.1 and 0.5 mg L−1. Yellowish-white callus with a granular structure was developed in the presence of all auxins on the cut surface from the tissues of the vascular bundles. From this, lines of embryogenic calli were derived. The addition of TDZ to the medium with auxins significantly stimulated somatic embryo formation. Cyclic and the most intensive proliferation of embryogenic callus as well as embryo formation was obtained in the presence of 2,4-D at 0.1 mg L−1 combined with TDZ at 0.5 mg L−1. Addition of proline enhanced either callus proliferation rate or frequency of embryo formation. The best quality embryos with cotyledons longer than 10 mm able to form bulbs were recorded when TDZ was replaced with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at the concentration of 0.1 mg L−1. Histomorphology showed that the development of somatic embryos could have either external or internal origins. Embryos of external origin were initiated by cell division on the edge of embryogenic calli. Embryos of internal origin resulted from the division of parenchyma cells inside the tissue. Embryonic cells were characterized by their small volume, regular shape, dense cytoplasm and large nuclei. The globular embryos were covered by a distinct layer of periderm. Then, the embryos developed into structures having leaf-shaped cotyledons with a procambial strand and a sideward-orientated meristem of the vegetative apex (stolon). Cotyledon embryos did not show vascular connections with the parent tissue, and they did not develop embryonic roots.
Critical Leaf Magnesium Concentrations for Adequate Photosynthate Production of Soilless Cultured Cherry Tomato—Interaction with Potassium
Authors: Guan Xilin , Liu Dunyi , Liu Bin , Wu Changchun , Liu Chuanyun , Wang Xiaozhong , Zou Chunqin , Chen Xinping
Published: November 2020

Magnesium (Mg) is essential to many plant physiological and biochemical processes; however, understanding how Mg nutrition quantitatively affects the production, partitioning, and utilization of photoassimilates is still lacking, especially in soilless culture systems. We focused on the roles of Mg in yield formation and interactions with potassium (K) nutrition of cherry tomato. Cherry tomato yield, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter weight, and K, Mg, and calcium (Ca) uptake were investigated in two soilless experiments with seven Mg levels and five K levels. The results showed that low (<1 mM) and high (>4 mM) Mg supply limited cherry tomato yield by decreasing dry matter accumulation by 22.6–78.1% and harvest index by 13.9–40.7%. The critical leaf Mg concentrations required for adequate photosynthate production in the first and second harvest periods were 4.67 and 5.52 g·kg−1, respectively. However, over-supply of Mg reduced leaf K and Ca concentrations and limited plant uptake of K and Ca. Moreover, adjusting K concentrations in solution could influence plant Mg functions in photosynthesis and, therefore, cherry tomato growth. Overall, balanced Mg and K application increased Mg, K, and Ca uptake, as well as Mg concentrations in leaves, which could maintain a sustainable photosynthetic rate and plant dry matter formation.
Screening and Identification of Brown Planthopper Resistance Genes OsCM9 in Rice
Authors: Park Jae-Ryoung , Yun Sopheap , Jan Rahmatullah , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: November 2020

The brown planthopper (BPH) is a major pest that causes serious damage to rice in countries with mild climates, including Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam. Although a large number of BPH-resistant genes have been reported, BPH has recently evolved rapidly and in a variable manner due to rapid climate change and an unpredictable environment. The synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants is essential, as it provides resistance to various stressors, including pests such as BPH. For QTL mapping, a Samgang/Nagdong double haploid (SNDH) 113 population was used. The BPH resistance gene was screening by measure the resistance score using the phenotype that appeared after BPH inoculation in the 113 SNDH population. QTL mapping was used, and SSR marker RM584-RM225 of chromosome 6 and SSR marker RM331-S8024 of chromosome 8 were commonly identified. These locations contained transcription factors, phytohormones, signaling molecules, kinases, and secondary metabolites that defend plants from stressors in the environment. This region of chromosome 8 also contained a sequence similar to that of rice Choristmate mutase (OsCM9). CM is a gene that is not only found in rice, but also in thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.), maize (Zea mays L.), and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). After inoculation with BPH, the relative expression levels of OsCM9 were greater in the line resistant to BPH than in the line susceptible to BPH. The newly identified BPH-resistant gene OsCM9 can be used for the development of rice varieties that are capable of resisting sudden damage due to BPH, as the evolution of BPH due to climate change has had negative impacts on rice crops.
Behavior of Ten Coffee Cultivars against Hemileia vastatrix in San Ramón (Chanchamayo, Peru)
Authors: Borjas-Ventura Ricardo , Alvarado-Huaman Leonel , Castro-Cepero Viviana , Rebaza-Fernández Diana , Gómez-Pando Luz , Julca-Otiniano Alberto
Published: November 2020

The objective of this research was to know the behavior of ten coffee cultivars against Hemileia vastatrix in San Ramón (Chanchamayo, Peru). The test was carried out from April 2017 to March 2018 at the Coffee Germplasm Bank, at the Regional Development Institute “La Génova” (San Ramón, Chanchamayo) of La Molina National Agrarian University. 10 cultivars were selected (Catimor, Pache, Mundo Novo, Pacamara, Caturra, Catuaí, Bourbon, Typica, Maragogype and Geisha), each one with 5 plants (2 × 1 m) of seven years of age, installed under the shade of trees of Inga sp. (12 × 12 m). For the statistical analysis, it was worked as a Completely Random Design, considering each cultivar as a treatment and each plant as a repetition. The severity was evaluated throughout a year, in the lower, middle and upper third of each plant, using a graphic scale. For the months with high severity, a comparison of means obtained in each third of the plant and for each variety was made. Then, the severity means obtained in each cultivar were compared. The results showed that the severity was different in each of the ten cultivars evaluated. Throughout the year, the highest severity values corresponded to the months of April, May and June 2017. The severity was greater in the lower third and was decreasing until the upper third of the plant, presenting statistically significant differences. Maragogype, presented the highest severity (15.9%) and Pacamara the lowest (1.3%), values that were also statistically different.