bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes Improve Cell Survival Rate and Reduce Oxidative Injury in Cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox Embryogenic Callus
Authors: Ren Li , Deng Shan , Chu Yunxia , Zhang Yiying , Zhao Hong , Chen Hairong , Zhang Di 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Cryopreservation is the best way for long-term in vitro preservation of plant germplasm resources. The preliminary studies found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative stress and ice-induced membrane damage are the fundamental causes of cell death in cryopreserved samples. How to improve plant cryopreservation survival rate is an important scientific issue in the cryobiology field.Results: This study found that the survival rate was significantly improved by adding single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to plant vitrification solution (PVS) in cryopreservation of Agapanthus praecox embryogenic callus (EC), and analyzed the oxidative response of cells during the control and SWCNTs-added cryopreservation protocol. The SWCNTs entered EC at the step of dehydration, and mainly located around the cell wall and in the vesicles, and most of SWCNTs moved out of EC during dilution step. Combination with physiological index and gene quantitative expression results, SWCNTs affect ROS signal transduction and antioxidant system response during plant cryopreservation. The EC treated by SWCNTs had higher antioxidant levels, like POD, CAT and GSH than the control group EC. EC mainly depended on AsA-GSH and GPX cycle to scavenge H2O2 in the control cryopreservation, but depended on CAT in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation which lead to low levels of H2O2 and MDA. Elevated antioxidant level in dehydration by adding SWCNTs enhanced cells resistance to injury during cryopreservation. The ROS signals of EC were balanced and stable in the SWCNTs-added cryopreservation.Conclusions: SWCNTs regulated oxidative stress responses of EC during the process, and controlled oxidative damages by the maintenance of ROS homeostasis to achieve high survival rate after cryopreservation. This study is the first to systematically describe the role of carbon nanomaterial in the regulation of plant oxidative stress response, and provided a novel insight into the application of nanomaterials in the field of cryobiology.
Gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Cardon Greet , Dyck Delfien Van 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background.
The aim of this study was to identify gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors.
Methods.
Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances.
Results.
Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower BMI, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.
Conclusions.
Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) alleviates salt damage in tomato by modulating Na+ uptake, the GAD gene, amino acid synthesis and reactive oxygen species metabolism
Authors: Wu Xiaolei , Jia Qiuying , Ji Shengxin , Gong Binbin , Li Jingrui , Lv Guiyun , Gao Hongbo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a four-carbon nonprotein ogenic amino acid, is involved in plant abiotic stress resistance. Previous studies have reported that GABA acts as a signal substance or metabolic product by regulating cytoplasmic pH, polyamine biosynthesis and degradation, NO3− reduction and assimilation, and antioxidant responses in a variety of crops under various environmental stresses. The main purpose of our study was to explore the regulatory mechanism by which exogenous GABA enhances salt tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its effects on the functions of key enzymes.
Results
Exogenous application of 5 mM GABA significantly reduced the salt damage index and increased the plant height, chlorophyll content and dry and fresh weights of tomato plants treated with 175 mM NaCl. GABA significantly reduced Na+ accumulation in leaves and roots by preventing Na+ influx in roots and transportation to leaves. Cloning of the sequences of four SlGAD genes revealed that SlGAD genes played an important role in enhancing the resistance of tomato plants to NaCl stress with GABA application. Among the SlGAD genes, SlGAD1 was the most sensitive and contributed the most to the increase in GAD activity under salt stress even if the SlGAD2 transcriptional expression was the prominent under normal conditions. GABA increased the GAD activity and amino acid contents in tomato leaves compared with the levels under salt stress alone, especially the levels of GABA and proline. In addition, GABA treatment significantly alleviated the active oxygen-related injury of seedlings under salt stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing the contents of active oxygen species (O2∙ and H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
Conclusion
Our data revealed a positive effect of GABA on the resistance of tomato seedlings to salt stress, which was closely associated with GABA's effects on Na+ flux and transportation, the expression and activity of SlGADs, amino acid contents and the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. Exogenous GABA influences NaCl-treated tomato plants by reducing Na+ influx into root and inducing osmotic regulation and antioxidant reactions by increasing SlGAD1 expression and GAD activity, the contents of endogenous GABA and proline and antioxidant enzyme activity.
Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Measuring Gene Expression in Toona Ciliata under Different Experimental Conditions by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis
Authors: song Huiyun , Mao Wenmai , Duan Zhihao , Que Qingmin , Zhou Wei , Chen Xiaoyang , Li Pei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Before studying the gene expression of different organisms, it is important to determine the best reference gene. At present, the most accurate method for detecting gene expression is quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR). By using this method, reference genes that are stable in different biological systems and under different conditions can be obtained. Toona ciliata Roem (T. ciliata). is a valuable and fast-growing timber species. In this study, 20 reference genes were identified through RT-qPCR, as a primary prerequisite for future gene expression analysis. Four different methods, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RankAggreg were used to evaluate the stability of expression of 20 candidate reference genes in various tissues under different conditions. Results: The experimental results showed that TUB-α was the most stably expressed reference gene across all samples; UBC17 was found to be the most stable in leaves & young stems under Hypsipyla robusta (H. robusta) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. In addition, under H. robusta treatment, PP2C59 and UBC5B were the best-performing genes in leaves, while HIS1 and ACT7 were the best reference genes in young stems. Under low temperature (4℃) treatment, the two best reference genes were 60S-18 and TUB-α. The expression of HIS6 and MUB1 was the most stable under PEG6000 treatment. The accuracy of the selected reference genes was verified using transcription factor MYB3(TcMYB3) genes. Conclusions: This is the first report to verify the best reference genes for normalizing gene expression in T. ciliata under different conditions, which will facilitate the future elucidation of gene regulations in this species.
Genome-Wide Association of Rice Response to Blast Fungus Identifies Loci for Robust Resistance Under High Nitrogen.
Authors: Frontini Mathias , Boisnard Arnaud , Frouin Julien , Ouikene Malika , Morel Jean-Benoit , Ballini Elsa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Nitrogen fertilization is known to increase disease susceptibility, a phenomenon called Nitrogen-Induced Susceptibility (NIS). In rice, this phenomenon has been observed in infections with the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. A previous classical genetic study revealed a locus (NIS1) that enhances susceptibility to rice blast under high nitrogen fertilization. In order to further address the underlying genetics of plasticity in susceptibility to rice blast after fertilization, we analyzed NIS under greenhouse-controlled conditions in a panel of 139 temperate japonica rice strains. A genome-wide association analysis was conducted to identify loci potentially involved in NIS by comparing susceptibility loci identified under high and low nitrogen conditions, an approach allowing for the identification of loci validated across different nitrogen environments. We also used a novel NIS Index to identify loci potentially contributing to plasticity in susceptibility under different nitrogen fertilization regimes.Results: A global NIS effect was observed in the population, with the density of lesions increasing by 8%, on average, under high nitrogen fertilization. Three new QTL, other than NIS1, were identified. A rare allele of the RRobN1 locus on chromosome 6 provides robust resistance in high and low nitrogen environments. A frequent allele of the NIS2 locus, on chromosome 5, exacerbates blast susceptibility under the high nitrogen condition. Finally, an allele of NIS3, on chromosome 10, buffers the increase of susceptibility arising from nitrogen fertilization but increases global levels of susceptibility. This allele is almost fixed in temperate japonicas, as a probable consequence of genetic hitchhiking with a locus involved in cold stress adaptation.Conclusions: Our results extend to an entire rice subspecies the initial finding that nitrogen increases rice blast susceptibility. We demonstrate the usefulness of estimating plasticity for the identification of novel loci involved in the response of rice to the blast fungus under different nitrogen regimes.
Identification, Characterization and Functional Analysis of AGAMOUS Subfamily Genes Associated with Floral Organs and Seed Development in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Qi Wenquan , Cao Zhe , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , he yanhong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: AGAMOUS (AG) subfamily genes regulate the floral organs initiation and development, fruit and seed development. At present, there has been insufficient study to explain the function of the AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Marigold (Tagetes erecta), belonging to Asteraceae family, has become an important research target for understanding floral organ development in plants.Results: Four AG subfamily genes of marigold were isolated and phylogenetically grouped into C class (TeAG1 and TeAG2) and D class (TeAGL11-1 and TeAGL11-2) genes according to the ABCDE flower organ development model. And these four genes were highly expressed in reproductive organs of marigold. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that all the four proteins were located in the nucleus. Protein-protein interactions analysis indicated that C class proteins had a wider interaction manner than D class proteins. Function analysis by ectopic expression in Arabidopsis revealed that TeAG1 and TeAGL11-1 displayed a C function specifying the stamen identity and carpel identity, and a D function regulating seed development and petal development, respectively. In addition, overexpression of TeAG1 or TeAGL11-1 also leaded to curling rosette leaf and early flowering in Arabidopsis.Conclusions: Our results provide molecular mechanism of AG subfamily genes for the development of stamens, pistils and ovules in Asteraceae, and technical support for the subsequent manipulate of several floral traits.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus
Authors: Hagag Usama , Almohamad Zakriya Ali , Tawfiek Mohamed Gomaa , Nahas Ayman El 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in veterinary practice continues to grow. MRI is currently the most versatile and informative imaging modality for diagnosis of soft tissue injuries in many animal species; however, veterinary literature describing the MRI of the dromedary camel tarsus is lacking. Our purpose was to describe and compare the MRI images of twelve cadaveric tarsi, examined in 1.5 T MRI scanner, with their corresponding anatomical gross sections. Turbo spin-echo (TSE) T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), proton density-weighted (PD) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained in 3 planes. Tarsi were sectioned into sagittal, dorsal and transverse planes. Relevant osseous and soft tissue structures on MRI images and corresponding cryosections were identified and labeled.
Results
The overall quality of MRI images was adequate and informative. The soft and osseous tissues of the dromedary camel tarsus corresponded well with the gross anatomic sections. The sagittal and dorsal images were the most valuable for evaluation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. T1 and PD sequences provided high anatomical details. T2 and STIR images were valuable for evaluation of synovial fluid. Articular cartilage had homogenous intermediate signal intensity. Subchondral and cortical bone had low signal intensity and cancellous bone had heterogeneous signal intensity. Tendons and ligaments had low signal intensity. Synovial fluid had high signal intensity on T2, PD and STIR sequences and intermediate signal intensity on T1 images.
Conclusions
MRI images provided a thorough evaluation of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. Information provided in the current study is anticipated to serve as a basis for interpretation in clinical situations.
Significant Progressive Heterobeltiosis in Banana Crossbreeding
Authors: Batte Michael , Nyine Moses , Uwimana Brigitte , Swennen Rony , Akech Violet , Brown Allan , Hovmalm Helena Persson , Geleta Mulatu , Ortiz Rodomiro 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterobeltiosis is the phenomenon when the hybrid’s performance is superior to its best performing parent. Banana ( Musa spp. AAA) breeding is a tedious, time-consuming process, taking up to two decades to develop a consumer acceptable hybrid. Exploiting heterobeltiosis in banana breeding will contribute to selecting breeding material with high compatibility, thus increasing banana breeding efficiency. The aim of this study was therefore to determine and document the level of heterobeltiosis of bunch weight and plant stature in the East African highland bananas, in order to identify potential parents that can be used to produce offspring with desired bunch weight and stature after a few crosses. Results: This study found significant progressive heterobeltiosis in cross-bred ‘Matooke’ banana hybrids, also known as NARITAs, when grown together across years with their parents and grandparents in Uganda. All NARITAs exhibited positive heterobeltiosis for bunch weight, whereas half of them had negative heterobeltiosis for stature. NARITA 17 had the highest heterobeltiosis for bunch weight (248.7%), followed by 26666S-1 (229.3%), while the lowest was noted in NARITA 19 (1.2%). Heritability for yield potential and bunch weight were high (0.84 and 0.76 respectively), while that of plant stature was very low (0.0035). There was a positive significant correlation ( P < 0.05) between grandparent heterobeltiosis for bunch weight and genetic distance between NARITAs’ parents (r = 0.39, P = 0.036), bunch weight (r = 0.7, P < 0.001), plant stature (r = 0.38, P = 0.033) and yield potential (r = 0.59, P = 0.0004). Grandparent heterobeltiosis for plant stature was significantly, but negatively, correlated to the genetic distance between NARITA parents (r = -0.6, P = 0.0004). Conclusions: Such significant heterobeltiosis exhibited for bunch weight is to our knowledge the largest among main food crops. Since bananas are vegetatively propagated, the effect of heterobeltiosis is easily fixed in the hybrids and will not be lost over time after the release and further commercialization of these hybrids.
Impact of Combined Training with Different Exercise Intensities on Inflammatory and Lipid Markers in Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis from a 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Magalhães João P. , Santos Diana A. , Correia Inês R. , Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Ribeiro Rogério , Raposo João F. , Matos Andreia , Bicho Manuel D. , Sardinha Luís B. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Exercise is a well-accepted strategy to improve lipid and inflammatory profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the exercise intensity having the most benefits on lipids and inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM remains unclear. We aimed to analyse the impact of a 1-year combined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with resistance training (RT), and a moderate continuous training (MCT) with RT on inflammatory and lipid profile in individuals with T2DM.Methods: Individuals with T2DM (n=80, aged 59 years) performed a 1-year randomized controlled trial and were randomized into three groups (control, n= 27; HIIT with RT, n=25; MCT with RT, n=28). Exercise sessions were supervised with a frequency of 3 days per week. Inflammatory and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Changes in inflammatory and lipid markers were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results: After adjusting for sex, age and baseline moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), circulating levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased for both the MCT with RT (β=-0.70, p=0.034) and HIIT with RT (β=-0.62, p=0.049) groups, whereas, only the HIIT with RT group improved total cholesterol (β=-0.03, p=0.045) and LDL-C (β=-0.03, p=0.034), when compared to control. No effect was observed for C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble form of the haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor CD163 (sCD163), triglycerides and HDL-C in both groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: Favorable adaptations on IL-6 were observed in both the HIIT and MCT combined with RT groups following a long-term 1-year exercise intervention in individuals with T2DM. However, the HIIT with RT group improved to a greater extent the values of total cholesterol and LDL-C, when compared to the MCT with RT group. Therefore, in order to encourage exercise participation and improve inflammatory profile, either exercise protocols may be prescribed, however, HIIT with RT may have further benefits on the lipid profile.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov ID:NCT03144505
The Political Economy of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Taxation in Latin America: Lessons from Mexico, Chile and Colombia
Authors: Carriedo Angela , Koon Adam , Encarnación Luis Manuel , Lee Kelley , Smith Richard , Walls Helen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In Latin America, diet-related non-communicable diseases and sales of sugar-sweetened beverages continue to rise at an alarming rate. Calls for action suggest "multi-sector" and "multi-stakeholder" approaches involving civil society and the private sector, including transnational corporations. While the focus has often been on forming “partnerships” of public and private sectors, ensuring the primacy of public health goals remains a significant governance challenge. This paper analyses this governance challenge using the experiences of Chile, Mexico and Colombia in the adoption of taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages. The three countries offer useful comparisons given their similar political and economic systems, institutional arrangements and regulatory instruments. We conducted a qualitative synthesis of the existing empirical evidence applying a political economy analysis to identify successes and failures during the policy process to adopt and implement the tax.Results: The findings suggest that a major constraint was the political influence of transnational corporations in the policy process and on stakeholders. Intergovernmental support was critical to frame the sugary drinks beverages (SSBs) tax aims, mechanisms and its benefits, and for countries to adopt the measures. Coalitions for and against the tax were critical for the policy debates, and a lack of transparency throughout the agenda setting was diluted by powerful TNCs presences in the countries studied.Conclusion: Governance arrangements involving partnerships with private sector actors should recognize the asymmetry of power among them and address it. Such arrangements should adopt clear mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability of all partners, and avoid the undue influence of unhealthy commodity industries. Support of several governmental entities simultaneously, grassroots groups, and civil society groups in NCD prevention policies is also needed.
The association of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus based on propensity score matching: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Dong Buyuan , Ji Ziwei , He Leye , Chen Hao , Chen Mengxia , Feng Qian , Hu Sunkuan , Jin Rong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies reported that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) may play an important role in the development of diabetes. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that GGT is an independent risk factor for diabetes and to explore whether the association between GGT and the incidence of diabetes is affected by age and gender in the general Japanese population.Methods: This study is a retrospective observational cohort study. The study included 15464 men and women with an average age of 43.71 years from the Japanese health checkup program at Murakami Memorial Hospital from 2004 to 2015. The serum gamma-glutamyl transferase was stratified by quintiles. Patients were stratified by gender and age.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, each additional standard deviation (SD) of GGT increases the risk of diabetes by 6%. The hazard ratio (HR) is 1.06 and the confidence interval (CI) is (1.02, 1.16). Participants in the fourth to fifth quintiles (Q4-5, ≥16U / L) had a higher risk of diabetes than the third quintile of GGT (Q1-3) (HR: 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.86). Compared with the GGT of Q1-3, among men and women aged 40 to 50, the GGT of Q4-5 increased the odds of diabetes by 31% and 13%.Conclusions: GGT is positively correlated with the incidence of diabetes in the Japanese population. Especially in people aged 40-50y, the higher the GGT, the higher the risk of developing diabetes.