bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of microRNA/lncRNA Intertwined With the Wnt/β-Catenin Axis in Regulating the Pathogenesis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hu Xue , Zhang Qiang , Xing Wanying , Wang Wan
Published: June 2022

Objective (s): In this mini-review, we aimed to discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway modulation in triple-negative breast cancer, particularly the contribution of lncRNAs and miRNAs in its regulation and their possible entwining role in breast cancer pathogenesis, proliferation, migration, or malignancy.

Background: Malignant tumor formation is very high for breast cancer in women and is a leading cause of death all over the globe. Among breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer is rife in premenopausal women, most invasive, and prone to metastasis. Complex pathways are involved in this cancer’s pathogenesis, advancement, and malignancy, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway is conserved among vertebrates and is necessary for sustaining cell homeostasis. It is regulated by several elements such as transcription factors, enhancers, non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs and miRNAs), etc.

Methods: We evaluated lncRNAs and miRNAs differentially expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) from the cDNA microarray data set literature survey. Using in silico analyses combined with a review of the current literature, we anticipated identifying lncRNAs and miRNAs that might modulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Result: The miRNAs and lncRNAs specific to triple-negative breast cancer have been identified based on literature and database searches. Tumorigenesis, metastasis, and EMT were all given special attention. Apart from cross-talk being essential for TNBC tumorigenesis and treatment outcomes, our results indicated eight upregulated and seven downregulated miRNAs and 19 upregulated and three downregulated lncRNAs that can be used as predictive or diagnostic markers. This consolidated information could be useful in the clinic and provide a combined literature resource for TNBC researchers working on the Wnt/β-catenin miRNA/lncRNA axis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, because the Wnt pathway and miRNAs/lncRNAs can modulate TNBC, their intertwinement results in a cascade of complex reactions that affect TNBC and related processes. Their function in TNBC pathogenesis has been highlighted in molecular processes underlying the disease progression.
Profiling COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events by Statistical and Ontological Analysis of VAERS Case Reports
Authors: Guo Wenxin , Deguise Jessica , Tian Yujia , Huang Philip Chi-En , Goru Rohit , Yang Qiuyue , Peng Suyuan , Zhang Luxia , Zhao Lili , Xie Jiangan , He Yongqun
Published: June 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been developed to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines have been effective in reducing the rate and severity of COVID-19 infection but also have been associated with various adverse events (AEs). In this study, data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was queried and analyzed via the Cov19VaxKB vaccine safety statistical analysis tool to identify statistically significant (i.e., enriched) AEs for the three currently FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines. An ontology-based classification and literature review were conducted for these enriched AEs. Using VAERS data as of 31 December 2021, 96 AEs were found to be statistically significantly associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and/or Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine had a higher crude reporting rate of AEs compared to the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Females appeared to have a higher case report frequency for top adverse events compared to males. Using the Ontology of Adverse Event (OAE), these 96 adverse events were classified to different categories such as behavioral and neurological AEs, cardiovascular AEs, female reproductive system AEs, and immune system AEs. Further statistical comparison between different ages, doses, and sexes was also performed for three notable AEs: myocarditis, GBS, and thrombosis. The Pfizer vaccine was found to have a closer association with myocarditis than the other two COVID-19 vaccines in VAERS, while the Janssen vaccine was more likely to be associated with thrombosis and GBS AEs. To support standard AE representation and study, we have also modeled and classified the newly identified thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) AE and its subclasses in the OAE by incorporating the Brighton Collaboration definition. Notably, severe COVID-19 vaccine AEs (including myocarditis, GBS, and TTS) rarely occur in comparison to the large number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the United States, affirming the overall safety of these COVID-19 vaccines.
Predictive Capacity of Beat-to-Beat Blood Pressure Variability for Cardioautonomic and Vascular Dysfunction in Early Metabolic Challenge
Authors: Fares Souha A. , Bakkar Nour-Mounira Z. , El-Yazbi Ahmed F.
Published: June 2022

Diabetic patients present established cardiovascular disease at the onset of diagnostic metabolic symptoms. While premature autonomic and vascular deterioration considered risk factors for major cardiovascular complications of diabetes, present in initial stages of metabolic impairment, their early detection remains a significant challenge impeding timely intervention. In the present study, we examine the utility of beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) parameters in capturing subtle changes in cardiac autonomic and vascular control distinguishing between various risk categories, independent of the average BP. A rat model of mild hypercaloric (HC) intake was used to represent the insidious cardiovascular changes associated with early metabolic impairment. Invasive hemodynamics were used to collect beat-to-beat BP time series in rats of either sex with different durations of exposure to the HC diet. Linear (standard deviation and coefficient of variation) and nonlinear (approximate entropy, ApEn, and self-correlation of detrended fluctuation analysis, α) BPV parameters were calculated to assess the impact of early metabolic impairment across sexes and feeding durations. HC-fed male, but not female, rats developed increased fat:lean ratio as well as hyperinsulinemia. Unlike linear parameters, multivariate analysis showed that HC-fed rats possessed lower ApEn and higher α, consistent with early changes in heart rate variability and blunting of parasympathetic baroreceptor sensitivity, particularly in males. Moreover, logistic regression demonstrated the superiority of nonlinear parameters of diastolic BPV in predicting a prediabetic disease state. Our findings support the use of nonlinear beat-to-beat BPV for early detection of cardiovascular derangements in the initial stages of metabolic impairment.
Fiber-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Trace-Gas Sensing in the High-Concentration Gas Background With an Anti-Resonant Hollow Core Fiber
Authors: Qian Guochao , Wan Fu , Zhou Feng , Wang Jianxin , Kong Weiping , Chen Weigen
Published: June 2022

In this article, with an anti-resonant hollow core fiber (ARHCF), fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FERS) for trace-gas sensing in a high-concentration gas background is demonstrated for the first time. The performance of the apparatus is verified by detecting trace-gas in the high concentration SF6 and gaseous impurities in the high concentration C2H6. With a 1.5 W laser source and 60 s exposure time, the limit of detection (LOD) of gases at tens of ppm levels is achieved, including carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4), propyne (C3H4), propylene (C3H6), and propane (C3H8). Quantification of multi-gas with great accuracy exceeding 94% is also realized. It shows that the FERS can demonstrate the ability of multi-gas sensing with high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy.
Genetic Architecture of Powdery Mildew Resistance Revealed by a Genome-Wide Association Study of a Worldwide Collection of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Authors: Speck Adrien , Trouvé Jean-Paul , Enjalbert Jérôme , Geffroy Valérie , Joets Johann , Moreau Laurence
Published: June 2022

Powdery mildew is one of the most important diseases of flax and is particularly prejudicial to its yield and oil or fiber quality. This disease, caused by the obligate biotrophic ascomycete Oïdium lini, is progressing in France. Genetic resistance of varieties is critical for the control of this disease, but very few resistance genes have been identified so far. It is therefore necessary to identify new resistance genes to powdery mildew suitable to the local context of pathogenicity. For this purpose, we studied a worldwide diversity panel composed of 311 flax genotypes both phenotyped for resistance to powdery mildew resistance over 2 years of field trials in France and resequenced. Sequence reads were mapped on the CDC Bethune reference genome revealing 1,693,910 high-quality SNPs, further used for both population structure analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWASs). A number of four major genetic groups were identified, separating oil flax accessions from America or Europe and those from Asia or Middle-East and fiber flax accessions originating from Eastern Europe and those from Western Europe. A number of eight QTLs were detected at the false discovery rate threshold of 5%, located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 13, and 14. Taking advantage of the moderate linkage disequilibrium present in the flax panel, and using the available genome annotation, we identified potential candidate genes. Our study shows the existence of new resistance alleles against powdery mildew in our diversity panel, of high interest for flax breeding program.
Microneedle Array-Assisted, Direct Delivery of Genome-Editing Proteins Into Plant Tissue
Authors: Viswan Anchu , Yamagishi Ayana , Hoshi Masamichi , Furuhata Yuichi , Kato Yoshio , Makimoto Natsumi , Takeshita Toshihiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Iwata Futoshi , Kimura Mitsuhiro , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Nakamura Chikashi
Published: June 2022

Genome editing in plants employing recombinant DNA often results in the incorporation of foreign DNA into the host genome. The direct delivery of genome-editing proteins into plant tissues is desired to prevent undesirable genetic alterations. However, in most currently available methods, the point of entry of the genome-editing proteins cannot be controlled and time-consuming processes are required to select the successfully transferred samples. To overcome these limitations, we considered a novel microneedle array (MNA)-based delivery system, in which the needles are horizontally aligned from the substrate surface, giving it a comb-like configuration. We aimed to deliver genome-editing proteins directly into the inner layers of leaf tissues; palisade, the spongy and subepidermal L2 layers of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) which include cells that can differentiate into germlines. The array with needles 2 μm wide and 60 μm long was effective in inserting into Arabidopsis thaliana leaves and Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybeans) SAM without the needles buckling or breaking. The setup was initially tested for the delivery of Cre recombinase into the leaves of the reporter plant A. thaliana by quantifying the GUS (β-glucuronidase) expression that occurred by the recombination of the loxP sites. We observed GUS expression at every insertion. Additionally, direct delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) targeting the PDS11/18 gene in soybean SAM showed an 11 bp deletion in the Cas9 RNP target site. Therefore, this method effectively delivered genome-editing proteins into plant tissues with precise control over the point of entry.
Effects of Different Shading Treatments on the Biomass and Transcriptome Profiles of Tea Leaves (Camellia sinensis L.) and the Regulatory Effect on Phytohormone Biosynthesis
Authors: Fang Zhou-Tao , Jin Jing , Ye Ying , He Wei-Zhong , Shu Zai-Fa , Shao Jing-Na , Fu Zhu-Sheng , Lu Jian-Liang , Ye Jian-Hui
Published: June 2022

Our previous study showed that colored net shading treatments had comparable effects on the reduction of bitter and astringent compounds such as flavonol glycosides in tea leaves, compared with black net shading treatment, whereas the effects on the biomass and phytohormones are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the phytohormone and transcriptome profiles of tea leaves under different shading treatments, using black, blue, and red nets with the same shade percentages. The bud density, fresh weight of 100 buds, and yield under blue net shading treatments were greatly elevated by 2.00-fold, 1.24-fold, and 2.48-fold, compared with black net shading treatment, while their effects on flavonoid composition were comparable with black net shading treatment. The transcriptome profiles of different shade net-treated samples were well resolved and discriminated from control. The KEGG result indicated that the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathways, and plant hormone signal transduction were differentially regulated by different shading treatments. The co-expression analysis showed that the contents of salicylic acid and melatonin were closely correlated with certain light signal perception and signaling genes (p < 0.05), and UVR8, PHYE, CRY1, PHYB, PHOT2, and HY5 had more close interactions with phytohormone biosynthetic genes (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that different shading treatments can mediate the growth of tea plants, which could be attributed to the regulatory effect on phytohormones levels, providing an instruction for the production of summer/autumn tea and matcha.
Different Responses in Root Water Uptake of Summer Maize to Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Gao Yang , Chen Jinsai , Wang Guangshuai , Liu Zhandong , Sun Weihao , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Xiaoxian
Published: June 2022

Modifying farming practices combined with breeding has the potential to improve water and nutrient use efficiency by regulating root growth, but achieving this goal requires phenotyping the roots, including their architecture and ability to take up water and nutrients from different soil layers. This is challenging due to the difficulty of in situ root measurement and opaqueness of the soil. Using stable isotopes and soil coring, we calculated the change in root water uptake of summer maize in response to planting density and nitrogen fertilization in a 2-year field experiment. We periodically measured root-length density, soil moisture content, and stable isotopes δ18O and δD in the plant stem, soil water, and precipitation concurrently and calculated the root water uptake based on the mass balance of the isotopes and the Bayesian inference method coupled with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the root water uptake increased asymptotically with root-length density and that nitrogen application affected the locations in soil from which the roots acquired water more significantly than planting density. In particular, we find that reducing nitrogen application promoted root penetration to access subsoil nutrients and consequently enhanced their water uptake from the subsoil, while increasing planting density benefited water uptake of the roots in the topsoil. These findings reveal that it is possible to manipulate plant density and fertilization to improve water and nutrient use efficiency of the summer maize and the results thus have imperative implications for agricultural production.
Self-Reported Depression Is Associated With Aberration in Emotional Reactivity and Emotional Concept Coding
Authors: Sheoran Himansh , Srivastava Priyanka
Published: June 2022

Cognitive impairment, alterations in mood, emotion dysregulation are just a few of the consequences of depression. Despite depression being reported as the most common mental disorder worldwide, examining depression or risks of depression is still challenging. Emotional reactivity has been observed to predict the risk of depression, but the results have been mixed for negative emotional reactivity (NER). To better understand the emotional response conflict, we asked our participants to describe their feeling in meaningful sentences alongside reporting their reactions to the emotionally evocative words. We presented a word on the screen and asked participants to perform two tasks, rate their feeling after reading the word using the self-assessment manikin (SAM) scale, and describe their feeling using the property generation task. The emotional content was analyzed using a novel machine-learning algorithm approach. We performed these two tasks in blocks and randomized their order across participants. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to categorize participants into self-reported non-depressed (ND) and depressed (D) groups. Compared to the ND, the D group reported reduced positive emotional reactivity when presented with extremely pleasant words regardless of their arousal levels. However, no significant difference was observed between the D and ND groups for negative emotional reactivity. In contrast, we observed increased sadness and inclination toward low negative context from descriptive content by the D compared to the ND group. The positive content analyses showed mixed results. The contrasting results between the emotional reactivity and emotional content analyses demand further examination between cohorts of self-reported depressive symptoms, no-symptoms, and MDD patients to better examine the risks of depression and help design early interventions.
Resilience and Risk Factors Predict Family Stress Among Married Palestinians in Israel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hassan-Abbas Niveen M.
Published: June 2022

The present study examined effects of sociodemographic, risk, and resilience factors on marital, parental, and financial stress early in the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 480 married Palestinians living in Israel, using self-report questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed. Then, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict each of the three stress measures. Finally, dominance analyses were conducted to compare the contributions of sociodemographic, risk, and resilience factors. The results showed considerable differences between predictors of marital and parental stress and predictors of financial stress. For marital and parental stress, resilience factors mainly family resilience were the strongest predictors, followed by risk factors and then sociodemographic characteristics. For financial stress, risk factors (mainly financial damage and prior stressful life events) were the strongest predictors, followed by sociodemographic characteristics and resilience factors (mainly individual resilience). These results suggest that family and individual resilience reduce marital and parental stress under difficult conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Though resilience has been found to ameliorate financial stress to some extent, it appears that other measures are required to manage stress related to financial difficulties.
Determining the Role of Influencers’ Marketing Initiatives on Fast Fashion Industry Sustainability: The Mediating Role of Purchase Intention
Authors: Liu Mengmeng
Published: June 2022

Celebrity influence plays a significant role in fostering the consumers’ impulse buying tendency and purchase intention. In the modern advertising era, the celebrity endorsement characteristics have driven the firms’ promotion campaigns, stimulating consumer purchasing behavior through celebrity branding. The study signifies the relationship between celebrity’s traits of trustworthiness, attractiveness, credibility, and expertise influence consumers’ impulse behavior. The data was collected from the 371 customers of the fast fashion industry by using the convenient-sampling technique. SMART-PLS was used for data analysis by applying structural equation modeling. The study results show that celebrity trustworthiness, the attractiveness of a celebrity endorser, the credibility of a celebrity endorser, and celebrity expertise positively impact purchase intention and impulse buying tendency. Purchase intention plays a mediating role between independent and dependent variables.
Distinguishing the Associations Between Evening Screen Time and Sleep Quality Among Different Age Groups: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sun Long , Li Keqing , Zhang Lili , Zhang Yunshu
Published: June 2022

Objective

The age differences in the association between screen time and sleep problems have been implied in many studies, and this study aims to distinguish the associations between evening screen time and sleep quality among different age groups.

Methods

This is a population-based, cross-sectional study among community residents aged ≥18 years in China. A total of 21,376 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Averaged evening screen time (AEST), sociodemographic information, and health-related behaviors were also evaluated in this study.

Results

In the 18-to-34-year age group, compared with people without AEST, ≤1 h/day (β = 0.34, p < 0.05) and >3 h/day (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) of AEST were significantly associated with poor sleep quality, and a reverse S-shaped relationship for this association was shown. In the 35-to-49-year and 50-to-64-year age groups, ≤1 h/day (β = 0.43 and 0.36, both p < 0.001), ≤2 h/day (β = 0.43 and 0.31, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01), ≤3 h/day (β = 0.62 and 0.61, both p < 0.001), and >3 h/day (β = 1.55 and 1.88, both p < 0.001) of AEST were positively associated with poor sleep quality. In the 65-year-and-older age group, a J-shaped relationship was found, and ≤3 h/day (β = 0.82, p < 0.001) and >3 h/day (β = 1.84, p < 0.001) of AEST were associated with poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

Associations between AEST and sleep quality among different age groups are different. In the 18-to-34-year and 65-year-and-older age groups, acceptable AEST is not related to sleep quality. In the 35-to-49-year and 50-to-64-year age groups, AEST was harmful to sleep quality.
Utilization and Acceptability of Formal and Informal Support for Adolescents Following Self-Harm Before and During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Results From a Large-Scale English Schools Survey
Authors: Geulayov Galit , Borschmann Rohan , Mansfield Karen L. , Hawton Keith , Moran Paul , Fazel Mina
Published: June 2022

Background

Little is known about the perceived acceptability and usefulness of supports that adolescents have accessed following self-harm, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

To examine the utilization and acceptability of formal, informal, and online support accessed by adolescents following self-harm before and during the pandemic.

Method

Cross-sectional survey (OxWell) of 10,560 secondary school students aged 12–18 years in the south of England. Information on self-harm, support(s) accessed after self-harm, and satisfaction with support received were obtained via a structured, self-report questionnaire. No tests for significance were conducted.

Results

1,457 (12.5%) students reported having ever self-harmed and 789 (6.7%) reported self-harming during the first national lockdown. Informal sources of support were accessed by the greatest proportion of respondents (friends: 35.9%; parents: 25.0%). Formal sources of support were accessed by considerably fewer respondents (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: 12.1%; psychologist/ psychiatrist: 10.2%; general practitioner: 7.4%). Online support was accessed by 8.6% of respondents, and 38.3% reported accessing no support at all. Informal sources of support were rated as most helpful, followed by formal sources, and online support. Of the respondents who sought no support, 11.3% reported this as being helpful.

Conclusions

More than a third of secondary school students in this sample did not seek any help following self-harm. The majority of those not seeking help did not find this to be a helpful way of coping. Further work needs to determine effective ways of overcoming barriers to help-seeking among adolescents who self-harm and improving perceived helpfulness of the supports accessed.
Effect of Shrub Encroachment on Alpine Grass Soil Microbial Community Assembly
Authors: Dengzeng Zhuoma , Ma Wenming , Wang Changting , Tang Sihong , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2022

Shrub encroachment is a common phenomenon in grasslands all over the world. However, little is known about the consequences of shrub encroachment on soil microbial community structure in different layers. We investigated the effects of three common shrub encroachment (Potentilla fruticosa, Spiraea alpina, and Caragana microphylla) on grassland soil bacterial communities at the surface and deep layers in Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate the bacterial communities, and Fourier translation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to assess the soil organic carbon (SOC) chemical composition in surface and deep layers of shrub-encroached alpine grassland. Shrub encroachment has significantly increased SOC degradation in deep layer. After shrub invasion, the bacterial alpha-diversity in the surface and deep soil was higher than in grassland soil (except for the surface layer of C. microphylla). Factors driving bacterial community changes in soil surface and deep layer were different. Among the soil properties that were measured, SOC content was the primary factor that altered soil bacterial community composition in surface soil, while SOC chemical composition (aromatic and polysaccharides) was the main driver in the deep layer. A total of 39 and 42 biomarkers were found by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) in the surface and deep soil layer among the four sampling groups, respectively. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) showed that the most abundant predicted functional genes belonged to categories of metabolism (52.83%) in the primary metabolic pathway. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results also showed that the key factors affecting bacterial metabolic function appear to be SOC, pH, and aromatics, which are largely consistent with those affecting community composition. We suggest that shrub encroachment affect the structure, diversity, and predicted functions of bacterial communities, thus affecting the C cycle in this region.
Aspects Towards the Anastomotic Healing in Crohn’s Disease: Clinical Approach and Current Gaps in Research
Authors: Chaim F.H.M. , Negreiros L.M.V. , Steigleder K.M. , Siqueira N.S.N. , Genaro L.M. , Oliveira P.S.P. , Martinez C.A.R. , Ayrizono M.L.S. , Fagundes J.J. , Leal R.F.
Published: June 2022

Anastomotic leakage is a major complication in gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery and its occurrence increases morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is even higher in Crohn’s disease surgeries. Several authors have identified factors involved in the pathophysiology of anastomotic leak in the literature, aiming to reduce its occurrence and, therefore, improve its surgical treatment. Surgical technique is the most discussed topic in studies on guiding the performance of side-to-side stapled anastomosis. Preoperative nutritional therapy also has been shown to reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. Other factors remain controversial – immunomodulator use and biologic therapy, antibiotics, and gut microbiota – with studies showing a reduction in the risk of complication while other studies show no correlation. Although mesenteric adipose tissue has been related to disease recurrence, there is no evidence in the literature that it is related to a higher risk of anastomotic leakage. Further exploration on this topic is necessary, including prospective research, to support the development of techniques to prevent anastomotic leakage, in this way benefiting the inflammatory bowel disease patients who have to undergo a surgical procedure.
Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lui Austin , Kumar Kevin K. , Grant Gerald A.
Published: June 2022

The optimal management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the pediatric population has not been well studied. There are a limited number of research articles studying the management of TBI in children. Given the prevalence of severe TBI in the pediatric population, it is crucial to develop a reference TBI management plan for this vulnerable population. In this review, we seek to delineate the differences between severe TBI management in adults and children. Additionally, we also discuss the known molecular pathogenesis of TBI. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI will inform clinical management and development of therapeutics. Finally, we propose a clinical algorithm for the management and treatment of severe TBI in children using published data.
The Prevalence of Klebsiella spp. Associated With Bovine Mastitis in China and Its Antimicrobial Resistance Rate: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Limei , Gu Xiaolong , Qu Weijie
Published: June 2022

Understanding distribution of bovine mastitis pathogen Klebsiella spp. can contribute to the treatment decision and the control within programs of bovine mastitis, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance rates of Klebsiella spp. associated with bovine mastitis in China. Three databases, namely, PubMed, Google scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, were utilized to obtain relevant publications. According to PRISMA reporting standards, a total of 38 publications were included in the research, among them, 7 papers included an AMR test. The pooled prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was 5.41% (95% CI: 3.87–7.50%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence was higher in South China (8.55%, 95% CI: 3.57–19.09%) than in North China (4.22%, 95% CI: 2.46–7.14%), in 2010–2020 (7.45%, 95% CI: 5.29–110.40%) than in 2000–2010 (3.14%, 95% CI: 1.90–15.14%), and in the clinical bovine mastitis cases (7.49%, 95% CI: 3.71–14.54%) than in the subclinical cases (4.03%, 95% CI: 1.55–10.08%). The pooled AMR rate revealed that Klebsiella spp. were most resistant to sulfonamides (45.07%, 95% CI: 27.72–63.71%), followed by tetracyclines (36.18%, 95% CI: 23.36–51.34%), aminoglycosides (27.47%, 95% CI: 17.16–40.92%), β-lactams (27.35%, 95% CI: 16.90–41.05%), amphenicol (26.82%, 95% CI: 14.17–44.87%), lincosamides (21.24%, 95% CI: 7.65–46.75%), macrolides (20.98%, 95% CI: 7.20–47.58%), polypeptides (15.51%, 95% CI: 6.46–32.78%), and quinolones (7.8%, 95% CI: 3.25–17.56%). The climate difference between South and North China and the natural pathogenicity of Klebsiella spp. may be the primary reasons for its distribution, and the prevalence of Klebsiella spp. indicated that the genus is an increasing hazard to the dairy industry. The prevalence of AMR in China is commonly higher than in the European countries and Canada, this is a very important concern for strategy programs to control bovine mastitis caused by Klebsiella spp. in China.
Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt Alleviates Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Induced Low Growth Performance, Redox Status Imbalance, and Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Suckling Piglets
Authors: Bai Kaiwen , Jiang Luyi , Wang Tian
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of redox status imbalance and hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction induced by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and relieve this condition through dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) supplementation during the suckling period. Thirty normal birth weight (NBW) and 30 IUGR newborns were selected from 20 sows. Briefly, 1 NBW and 1 IUGR newborn were obtained from each litter of 10 sows, and 10 NBW and 10 IUGR newborns were obtained. Additionally, 2 NBW and 2 IUGR newborns were obtained from each litter of another 10 sows, and 20 NBW newborns were allocated to the N [basic milk diets (BMDs)] and ND (BMDs+0.1% DMG-Na) groups. Furthermore, 20 IUGR newborns were assigned to the I (BMDs) and ID (BMDs+0.1% DMG-Na) groups. The results revealed that the growth performance, serum and hepatic redox status, and hepatic gene and protein expression levels were lower (P < 0.05) in the I group compared to the N group. Additionally, supplementation with DMG-Na (ND and ID groups) improved (P < 0.05) these parameters compared to the non-supplemented groups (N and I groups). In conclusion, the activity of Nrf2/SIRT1/PGC1α was inhibited in IUGR newborns, and this led to their hepatic dysfunctions. Supplementation with DMG-Na activated Nrf2/SIRT1/PGC1α in IUGR newborns, thereby improving their performance.
Epidemiological Investigation of Porcine Pseudorabies Virus in Hebei Province, China, 2017–2018
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Cui Huan , Zhang Wuchao , Meng Lijia , Chen Ligong , Wang Zhongyi , Zhao Kui , Chen Zhaoliang , Qiao Sina , Liu Juxiang , Guo Zhendong , Dong Shishan
Published: June 2022

Pseudorabies (PR) is a serious disease affecting the pig industry in China, and it is very important to understand the epidemiology of pseudorabies virus (PRV). In the present study, 693 clinical samples were collected from Bartha-K61 vaccinated pigs with symptoms of suspected PRV infection between January 2017 and December 2018. All cases were referred for full clinical autopsy with detailed examination of histopathological examination, virus isolation and genetic evolution analysis of the PRV glycoprotein E (gE) gene. In addition, PRV gE antibodies in 3,449 serum samples were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The clinical data revealed that abortion and stillbirth are the most frequent appearances in pregnant sows of those cases. Histopathological examination exhibited a variety of pathological lesions, such as lobar pneumonia, hepatitis, lymphadenitis, nephritis, and typical nonsuppurative encephalitis. A total of 248 cases tested positive for the PRV gE gene. 11 PRV variants were isolated and confirmed by gE gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These strains had 97.1%-100.0% nucleotide homology with the PRV reference strains. Notably, the isolated strains were highly homologous and clustered in the same branch as HSD-1/2019, which caused human acute encephalitis. Serological tests showed that the positive rate of PRV gE antibody in the 3449 serum samples collected from the Hebei Province was 46.27%. In conclusion, PRV variant strains Are high prevalence in the Hebei Province, which not only causes huge economic losses to the breeding industry but also potentially poses a threat to public health.
SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Enables the Identification of Delta/Omicron Co-Infections in Argentina
Authors: Pisano María Belén , Sicilia Paola , Zeballos Maximiliano , Lucca Andrea , Fernandez Franco , Castro Gonzalo M. , Goya Stephanie , Viegas Mariana , López Laura , Barbás María Gabriela , Ré Viviana E.
Published: June 2022

Molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for the early detection of new variants and lineages. In addition, detection of co-infections with more than one SARS-CoV-2 lineage has been sporadically reported. In this work, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants was performed on 2,067 RNA samples (Ct > 30) obtained during December 2021 and January 2022 from Córdoba province, Argentina, by real-time RT-PCR specific for variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) relevant mutations (TaqMan™ SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel, Applied Biosystems). The following distribution of variants was obtained: Omicron (54.9%), Delta (44.2%), and Lambda (0.8%). Three samples (0.1%), from the last week of December, were compatible with a Delta/Omicron co-infection. One of them was sequenced by NGS-Illumina, obtaining reads for both VOCs. One of the co-infected patients presented with severe symptoms, was not vaccinated, and had risk factors (older than 60 years and arterial hypertension). We describe for the first time in Argentina the identification of cases of co-infection with two SARS-CoV-2 lineages, VOCs Delta and Omicron, during the third COVID-19 wave in the country (a high viral circulation period), when Delta and Omicron co-circulated. Our findings highlight the importance of continuing molecular surveillance, in order to elucidate possible recombination events and the emergence of new variants.
Examining Risk Factors for Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Focusing on Older Adults in South Korea
Authors: Kim Sujin , Hwang Jongnam
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Mental health is the cornerstone of public health, particularly for older adults. There is a clear need to examine the impact of COVID-19 on mental health among older adults in South Korea, where the incidence of COVID-19 was relatively low and widespread transmission was controlled without a national lockdown.

Methods: This analysis included a total of 1917 participants from the Experience Survey on Healthcare Use of Older Adults, which was conducted for adults aged 65 years or older by face-to-face interview.

Results: The results showed that older adults with a good understanding of COVID-19 public health measures were less likely to experience mental health problems. In contrast, those with a greater risk perception of contracting COVID-19 had higher odds of experiencing tension and anxiety in addition to sadness and depression. Older adults who had a greater fear of COVID-19 and perceived higher-risk of contracting COVID-19 experienced more sleep problems.

Conclusion: The findings provide new evidence on the factors that influence the mental health of older adults in South Korea during the pandemic and suggest the development of policy interventions.
The Efficient Processing of Moving k-Farthest Neighbor Queries in Road Networks
Authors: Cho Hyung-Ju
Published: June 2022

Given a set of facilities F and a query point q, a k-farthest neighbor (kFN) query returns the k farthest facilities f1,f1,⋯,fk from q. This study considers the moving k-farthest neighbor (MkFN) query that constantly retrieves the k facilities farthest from a moving query point q in a road network. The main challenge in processing MkFN queries in road networks is avoiding the repeated retrieval of candidate facilities as the query point arbitrarily moves along the road network. To this end, this study proposes a moving farthest search algorithm (MOFA) to compute valid segments for the query segment in which the query point is located. Each valid segment has the same k facilities farthest from the query locations in the valid segment. Therefore, MOFA retrieves candidate facilities only once for the query segment and computes valid segments using these candidate facilities, thereby avoiding the repeated retrieval of candidate facilities when the query point moves. An empirical study using real-world road networks demonstrates the superiority and scalability of MOFA compared to a conventional solution.
Simulations and Experiments of Soil Temperature Distribution after 2.45 GHz Long-Term Microwave Treatment
Authors: Sun Xiaohe , Zhao Chunjiang , Yang Shuo , Ma Haolin , Zhai Changyuan
Published: June 2022

Soil disinfection is an important agronomic measure to prevent soil-borne diseases, insects, weeds and other hazards. Based on the premise of being environmentally friendly, microwave soil disinfection can improve crop yield and quality in a pollution-free, residue-free and green way. The law of microwave soil heating is the theoretical basis of microwave soil disinfection. Therefore, in this paper, loess soil of North China and black soil of Northeast China are used as test materials to explore the law of soil heating under the action of microwaves. First, COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to simulate the temperature field change in the microwave-irradiated soil, and a simulation model of the temperature field of the microwave-irradiated soil was constructed to analyze the effective working range and temperature distribution characteristics of the microwave-irradiated soil. Second, using the 2.45 GHz microwave treatment, the following conditions were tested: soil moisture conditions of 10%, 15%, 20% and 23% (within the natural moisture content range). The loess and black soil were treated by microwave irradiation for 1~12 min, respectively (1 min/time increment). A single-factor experiment was designed to explore the influence of these factors on the soil heating law. The results show that the two soil surface temperatures are positively correlated with the soil moisture content, both of which satisfy Tsurface23% > Tsurface20% > Tsurface15% > Tsurface10%, and the surface temperature of black soil is higher than that of loess. According to the experimental results of the internal temperature distribution of loess and black soil irradiated by microwaves, the surface equations of “irradiation time–soil depth-soil temperature” and “irradiation time–soil moisture content–soil temperature” were constructed by surface fitting. When the irradiation time and moisture conditions are the same, the average temperature inside the irradiation area satisfies T¯α black soil > T¯α loess. The results of long-term microwave soil heating preliminarily confirmed the feasibility of microwave soil disinfection and the optimal conditions of microwave irradiation in loess of North China and Northeast black soil, which provides a certain reference for the study of soil-borne diseases inactivation at high temperature.
The Combination of Plant Extracts and Probiotics Improved Jejunal Barrier and Absorption Capacity of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Yang Lijie , Ma Xiangming , Yang Chongwu , Jiang Shan , Yang Weiren , Jiang Shuzhen
Published: June 2022

Plant extracts and probiotics play a vital role in maintaining animal intestinal health. However, their joint compatibility program still needs to be further explored. In our study, thirty two piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to divided into four treatments, which included basal diet, basal diet + 1000 mg/kg probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO), basal diet + 500 mg/kg Illicium verum extracts (IVE), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1000 mg/kg PGO. All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. Results showed that dietary supplementation of PGO and IVE increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and lysine (p < 0.05). Likewise, the net protein utilization (NPU) was also improved (p < 0.05). What is more, adding PGO and IVE reduced crypt depth, increased villus length, and chrionic gland ratio of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, IVE or PGO that was applied alone can increase the expression of Occludin, Zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 1 (SGLT1) in jejunum (p < 0.05). Our results strongly suggest that the combination of IVE and PGO can improve the nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets by increasing the expression of nutrient transport vectors (SGLT1 and CAT1) and tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) in the jejunum. In conclusion, the combination of plant extracts and probiotics is a vital strategy to improve animal health before the advent of antibiotic substitutes with absolute advantages.
Early Plant Development in Intermediate Wheatgrass
Authors: Cattani Douglas John , Asselin Sean Robert
Published: June 2022

Early seedling developmental morphology influences plant growth and development and ultimately crop biomass and grain yields. We used six half-sibling plants of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) (Thinopyrum intermedium, (Host), Barkworth and Dewey) to develop an obligate outcrossing species, to develop six maternal lines. Thousand seed weights (TSW) were consistently different amongst plants, averaging from 6.28 to 9.62 g over the three harvest years. Seedlings from the largest seed of each line were studied for early plant development under controlled conditions (22 °C/18 °C, 16/8 h day/night) with destructive harvests at 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after imbibition (DAI) through six grow-outs. Haun stage, and tiller umber and origin, were noted daily, and dry weight plant−1 (DWP) measured at the dates noted above. Leaf-blade length and width were measured in four grow-outs and leaf area estimated. Seedling development data showed some differences between lines and was similar in all lines studied. Data was combined to garner an understanding of early IWG development. Tillering began as the third leaf completed emergence. Coleoptile tillers and rhizomes were infrequent. DWP was best estimated using the main stem leaf area. A large-, a medium- and a small-seeded line were statistically identical for many characteristics including DWP indicating that TSW did not influence seedling vigor. The main stem leaf area may be used non-destructively to improve plant populations for early DWP selection.
Genetic Dissection of Stem Branch Trait and Envisioning of Fixing Heterosis by Vegetative Reproduction in Oryza rufipogon
Authors: Wang Feijun , Lu Chengkai , Wan Jinpeng , Yang Jun , Liu Lei , Zhang Feifei , Wu Zihao , Zhang Xiao , Chang Guimei , Yu Diqiu , Xu Peng
Published: June 2022

The stem branch trait of the stolon enables the common wild rice to produce new individuals through vegetative reproduction habit. In order to understand the genetic mechanism of stem branch character, we developed introgression lines (ILs) with the irrigated rice variety Yundao1 (YD1, Oryza sativa) as the recipient parent and Yuanjiang common wild rice (YJCWR, O. rufipogon) as the donor parent for subsequent identification of the relevant genes. An IL named IL-J85 was selected, which can originate new individuals from stem branches on stem nodes. Furthermore, the newly formed individuals can survive cutting to bear normally and produce the same yield per plant as IL-J85, which saved the growth time and production cost. Two QTLs (quantitative traits loci) related to the stem branch trait, qSBR1 and qSBR5, were first mapped on chromosomes 1 and 5. The near isogenic lines NIL-Y37 and NIL-D1 in the background of Yunjing 37 and Dianjingyou 1 were cultivated, showing the same characteristics as IL-J85. Our results provide new insights into the underlying genetic mechanism of the stem branch trait in the common wild rice and have the value of breeding utilization using vegetative reproduction to fix heterosis and breed new rice varieties with the cutting characteristic.
Pre-Harvest Fruit Splitting of Citrus
Authors: Krajewski Andrew , Ebert Timothy , Schumann Arnold , Waldo Laura
Published: June 2022

Under specific conditions, the fruit on citrus trees will split open. The damaged fruit is unmarketable and provides a habitat for fungal and insect pests that can reproduce and then damage currently marketable fruit. Losses of 30 to over 50 percent of the crop are possible with some cultivars. This is a physiological disorder that starts with nutrient imbalances at flowering that result in mechanically weak areas in the rind. These rupture if interior parts of the fruit expand faster than the peel can stretch. The disconnect between problem initiation and symptom expression provides many challenges to experimental designs and interpretation. Consequently, no solution has been found despite over a century of research into the problem. This is also a problem for growers because they can only see the problem after it is too late to correct. Our goal is to define the problem and highlight successes and failures in finding a solution. The review should help direct continuing research and provide information to extension personnel to help guide growers towards productive solutions.