Synergy between an emerging monopartite begomovirus and a DNA-B component

AbstractIn recent decades, a legion of monopartite begomoviruses transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci has emerged as serious threats to vegetable crops in Africa. Recent studies in Burkina Faso (West Africa) reported the predominance of pepper yellow vein Mali virus (PepYVMLV) and its frequent association with a previously unknown DNA-B component. To understand the role of this DNA-B component in the emergence of PepYVMLV, we assessed biological traits related to virulence, virus accumulation, location in the tissue and transmission. We demonstrate that the DNA-B component is not required for systemic movement and symptom development of PepYVMLV (non-strict association), but that its association produces more severe symptoms including growth arrest and plant death. The increased virulence is associated with a higher viral DNA accumulation in plant tissues, an increase in the number of contaminated nuclei of the phloem parenchyma and in the transmission rate by B. tabaci. Our results suggest that the association of a DNA-B component with the otherwise monopartite PepYVMLV is a key factor of its emergence.

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The role of silicon in forages: A quantitative X-Ray study

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100126871 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

pp. 416-417

Author(s):

Janet H. Woodward ◽

D. E. Akin

Keyword(s):

Sodium Acetate ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Acetate Buffer ◽

Plant Tissues ◽

Sodium Acetate Buffer ◽

X Ray ◽

Dry Matter Digestibility ◽

Percent Composition

Silicon (Si) is distributed throughout plant tissues, but its role in forages has not been clarified. Although Si has been suggested as an antiquality factor which limits the digestibility of structural carbohydrates, other research indicates that its presence in plants does not affect digestibility. We employed x-ray microanalysis to evaluate Si as an antiquality factor at specific sites of two cultivars of bermuda grass (Cynodon dactvlon (L.) Pers.). “Coastal” and “Tifton-78” were chosen for this study because previous work in our lab has shown that, although these two grasses are similar ultrastructurally, they differ in in vitro dry matter digestibility and in percent composition of Si.Two millimeter leaf sections of Tifton-7 8 (Tift-7 8) and Coastal (CBG) were incubated for 72 hr in 2.5% (w/v) cellulase in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0. For controls, sections were incubated in the sodium acetate buffer or were not treated.

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Role of Farmers Participatory Vegetable Breeding in Kashmir

Journal of AgriSearch ◽

10.21921/jas.v3i1.4104 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

LAL SINGH ◽

PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH ◽

HARI BAKSH ◽

SARVESH SINGH

Keyword(s):

Resource Conservation ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Zero Tillage ◽

Kashmir Valley ◽

Full Control ◽

Conservation Technology ◽

Raised Bed ◽

Selection Of ◽

Conservation Technologies

Vegetable crops are conducting under Farmers Participatory Research Trial in Temperate regions of Kashmir Valley. The trials are designed and managed by farmers, the researchers have only advice for selection of the resource conservation technology (treatments). Farmers have full control over the selection of treatments to be used on his/her field. The main objectives of this type of research is to be established and demonstrate the benefits of resource conservation technologies like raised bed, furrow irrigated planting system, zero tillage etc. over the conventional practices. In these type of trial farmers are briefed about new practices. The participating farmers are encouraged to experiment their own and are given the full control over the selection of subset of resource conservation technologies to be tested on their fields with a view to assess farmer innovation and acceptability.

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Protective Role of Glutathione in the Hippocampus after Brain Ischemia

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22157765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (15) ◽

pp. 7765

Author(s):

Youichirou Higashi ◽

Takaaki Aratake ◽

Takahiro Shimizu ◽

Shogo Shimizu ◽

Motoaki Saito

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Neuronal Death ◽

Excitatory Amino Acid ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Thiol Group ◽

Protective Role ◽

Key Factor ◽

Rate Limiting ◽

Cysteine Uptake

Stroke is a major cause of death worldwide, leading to serious disability. Post-ischemic injury, especially in the cerebral ischemia-prone hippocampus, is a serious problem, as it contributes to vascular dementia. Many studies have shown that in the hippocampus, ischemia/reperfusion induces neuronal death through oxidative stress and neuronal zinc (Zn2+) dyshomeostasis. Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in protecting neurons against oxidative stress as a major intracellular antioxidant. In addition, the thiol group of GSH can function as a principal Zn2+ chelator for the maintenance of Zn2+ homeostasis in neurons. These lines of evidence suggest that neuronal GSH levels could be a key factor in post-stroke neuronal survival. In neurons, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is involved in the influx of cysteine, and intracellular cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for the synthesis of GSH. Recently, several studies have indicated that cysteine uptake through EAAC1 suppresses ischemia-induced neuronal death via the promotion of hippocampal GSH synthesis in ischemic animal models. In this article, we aimed to review and describe the role of GSH in hippocampal neuroprotection after ischemia/reperfusion, focusing on EAAC1.

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Changing Technology or Behavior? The Impacts of a Behavioral Disruption

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13115861 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 5861

Author(s):

Marianne Pedinotti-Castelle ◽

Pierre-Olivier Pineau ◽

Kathleen Vaillancourt ◽

Ben Amor

Keyword(s):

Energy Transition ◽

Energy System ◽

Behavior Changes ◽

Ghg Emission ◽

The North ◽

Behavioral Disruption ◽

Transportation Sector ◽

Key Factor ◽

Additional Costs

Transportation is a key factor in the fight against climate change. Consumer behavior changes in transportation are underrepresented in energy policies, even if they could be essential to achieve the fixed GHG emission reduction targets. To help quantify the role of behaviors in energy transition and their implications on the dynamics of an energy system, this study is conducted using the North American TIMES Energy Model, adapted to Quebec (Canada). A behavioral disruption scenario (an increase in carpooling) is introduced in the model’s transportation sector and is compared to a massive electrification scenario. Our results highlight the fact that a behavioral disruption can lead to the same GHG emission reductions (65%) by 2050 as an electrification policy, while alleviating different efforts (such as additional electrical capacity and additional costs) associated with massive electrification. Moreover, the results are sensitive to behavior-related parameters, such as social discount rates and car lifetimes.

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sFasL—The Key to a Riddle: Immune Responses in Aging Lung and Disease

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22042177 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 2177

Author(s):

Shulamit B. Wallach-Dayan ◽

Dmytro Petukhov ◽

Ronit Ahdut-HaCohen ◽

Mark Richter-Dayan ◽

Raphael Breuer

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Fas Ligand ◽

Death Receptor ◽

Mesenchymal Cells ◽

Soluble Form ◽

Cell Accumulation ◽

Key Factor ◽

Aged Subjects

By dint of the aging population and further deepened with the Covid-19 pandemic, lung disease has turned out to be a major cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. The condition is exacerbated when the immune system further attacks the healthy, rather than the diseased, tissue within the lung. Governed by unremittingly proliferating mesenchymal cells and increased collagen deposition, if inflammation persists, as frequently occurs in aging lungs, the tissue develops tumors and/or turns into scars (fibrosis), with limited regenerative capacity and organ failure. Fas ligand (FasL, a ligand of the Fas cell death receptor) is a key factor in the regulation of these processes. FasL is primarily found in two forms: full length (membrane, or mFasL) and cleaved (soluble, or sFasL). We and others found that T-cells expressing the mFasL retain autoimmune surveillance that controls mesenchymal, as well as tumor cell accumulation following an inflammatory response. However, mesenchymal cells from fibrotic lungs, tumor cells, or cells from immune-privileged sites, resist FasL+ T-cell-induced cell death. The mechanisms involved are a counterattack of immune cells by FasL, by releasing a soluble form of FasL that competes with the membrane version, and inhibits their cell death, promoting cell survival. This review focuses on understanding the previously unrecognized role of FasL, and in particular its soluble form, sFasL, in the serum of aged subjects, and its association with the evolution of lung disease, paving the way to new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

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Innovative Work Behavior—A Key Factor in Business Performance? The Role of Team Cognitive Diversity and Teamwork Climate in This Relationship

Journal of Risk and Financial Management ◽

10.3390/jrfm14040185 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 185

Author(s):

Nadežda Jankelová ◽

Zuzana Joniaková ◽

Juraj Mišún

Keyword(s):

Business Performance ◽

Main Tool ◽

Work Behavior ◽

Cognitive Diversity ◽

Staff Perceptions ◽

Innovative Work Behavior ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Key Factor ◽

Innovative Work

The aim of our paper is to examine whether the support of innovative work behavior by management is positively related to business performance and at the same time, whether this relationship is mediated by the teamwork climate and cognitive diversity of teams. Cognitive diversity is defined as differences in knowledge and perspective, which arise from professional diversity and account for its positive effects. A teamwork climate represents staff perceptions of collaboration between personnel. Business performance is defined by the level of sales. Our sample consisted of 211 managers of companies operating in Slovakia, and data collection took place in the form of a questionnaire. The main tool for examining the mechanism of operation of the investigated relationships is mediation using regression analysis and the Sobel test to determine the significance of the indirect effect of mediation variables. The findings point to a significant direct relationship between the innovative work behavior of company employees and business performance. The intensity of this relationship can be partly influenced by promoting cognitive diversity, especially in the area of knowledge and ways of thinking. The significant role of a teamwork climate was not demonstrated in the examined model.

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HIF-1α promoted vasculogenic mimicry formation in lung adenocarcinoma through NRP1 upregulation in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03682-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Ran Fu ◽

Wenwen Du ◽

Zongli Ding ◽

Yi Wang ◽

Yue Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Adenocarcinoma ◽

Vasculogenic Mimicry ◽

Tube Formation ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Vimentin Expression ◽

Cell Metastasis ◽

Therapeutic Value ◽

Key Factor ◽

Important Form

AbstractNeovascularization is a key factor that contributes to tumor metastasis, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an important form of neovascularization found in highly invasive tumors, including lung cancer. Despite the increasing number of studies focusing on VM, the mechanisms underlying VM formation remain unclear. Herein, our study explored the role of the HIF-1α/NRP1 axis in mediating lung adenocarcinoma metastasis and VM formation. HIF-1α, NRP1 expression, and VM in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patient samples were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR), western blot, transwell assay, wound healing assay, and tube formation assay were performed to verify the role of HIF-1α/NRP1 axis in LUAD metastasis and VM formation. ChIP and luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm whether NRP1 is a direct target of HIF-1α. In LUAD tissues, we confirmed a positive relationship between HIF-1α and NRP1 expression. Importantly, high HIF-1α and NRP1 expression and the presence of VM were correlated with poor prognosis. We also found that HIF-1α could induce LUAD cell migration, invasion, and VM formation by regulating NRP1. Moreover, we demonstrated that HIF-1α can directly bind to the NRP1 promoter located between −2009 and −2017 of the promoter. Mechanistically, MMP2, VE-cadherin, and Vimentin expression were affected. HIF-1α plays an important role in inducing lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis and VM formation via upregulation of NRP1. This study highlights the potential therapeutic value of targeting NRP1 for suppressing lung adenocarcinoma metastasis and progression.

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Body image, self-esteem, and sense of masculinity in patients with prostate cancer: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Journal of Cancer Survivorship ◽

10.1007/s11764-021-01007-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Bowie ◽

Oliver Brunckhorst ◽

Robert Stewart ◽

Prokar Dasgupta ◽

Kamran Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Body Image ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Qualitative Studies ◽

Prostate Cancer Survivors ◽

Key Factor ◽

Key Topics

Abstract Purpose Body image, self-esteem, and masculinity are three interconnected constructs in men with prostate cancer, with profound effects on quality of life. This meta-synthesis aimed to evaluate all known qualitative studies published studying the effect of prostate cancer on these constructs. Methods A systematic review utilising PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases up to May 2020 was conducted in line with PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. All qualitative studies of men’s experiences with body image, self-esteem, and masculinity whilst living with prostate cancer were included. A thematic meta-synthesis was conducted to identify emergent descriptive and analytical themes under the main study constructs. Results Of 2188 articles identified, 68 were included. Eight descriptive themes were identified under two analytical themes: ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Patient’ and ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Survivor’. These described the distress caused by changes to body image, sexual functioning, sense of masculinity, and self-esteem, and the subsequent discourses men engaged with to cope with and manage their disease. A key element was increased flexibility in masculinity definitions, and finding other ways to re-affirm masculinity. Conclusions Prostate cancer has an important effect on men’s health post-diagnosis, and we identified strong relationships between each construct evaluated. The role of hegemonic masculinity is important when considering men’s coping mechanisms and is also a key factor when addressing these constructs in counselling post-treatment. Implications for Cancer Survivors This meta-synthesis provides key topics that uniquely affect prostate cancer survivors, enabling these patients to be effectively counselled, and have their concerns recognised by clinicians.

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The roles and mechanisms of hypoxia in liver fibrosis

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-021-02854-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jingyao Cai ◽

Min Hu ◽

Zhiyang Chen ◽

Zeng Ling

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Theoretical Basis ◽

Liver Diseases ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Clinical Intervention ◽

Chronic Liver Injury ◽

Key Factor

AbstractLiver fibrosis occurs in response to any etiology of chronic liver injury. Lack of appropriate clinical intervention will lead to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously affecting the quality of life of patients, but the current clinical treatments of liver fibrosis have not been developed yet. Recent studies have shown that hypoxia is a key factor promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Hypoxia can cause liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis can, in turn, profoundly further deepen the degree of hypoxia. Therefore, exploring the role of hypoxia in liver fibrosis will help to further understand the process of liver fibrosis, and provide the theoretical basis for its diagnosis and treatment, which is of great significance to avoid further deterioration of liver diseases and protect the life and health of patients. This review highlights the recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms of hypoxia in developments of liver fibrosis.

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The Biochemical Diagnosis of Acromegaly

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10051147 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 1147

Author(s):

Amit Akirov ◽

Hiba Masri-Iraqi ◽

Idit Dotan ◽

Ilan Shimon

Keyword(s):

English Language ◽

Diagnostic Delay ◽

Tolerance Test ◽

Oral Glucose ◽

Published Data ◽

Biochemical Diagnosis ◽

Key Factor ◽

Assay Methods ◽

Serum Gh

Background: The diagnosis of acromegaly still poses a clinical challenge, and prolonged diagnostic delay is common. The most important assays for the biochemical diagnosis and management of acromegaly are growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Objective: Discuss the role of IGF-1, basal serum GH, and nadir GH after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients with acromegaly. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the published data on the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of acromegaly. An English-language search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed from inception to 1 January 2021. The reference lists of relevant studies were also reviewed. Results: Serum IGF-1 levels, basal GH values, and nadir GH after OGTT play a major role in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients with acromegaly. Measurement of IGF-1 levels is the key factor in the diagnosis and monitoring of acromegaly, but basal and nadir GH following OGTT are also important. However, several factors may significantly influence the concentrations of these hormones, including assay methods, physiologic and pathologic factors. In some cases, discordant GH and IGF-1 levels may be challenging and usually requires additional data and monitoring. Conclusion: New GH and IGF-1 standards are much more precise and provide more accurate tools to diagnose and monitor patients with acromegaly. However, all these biochemical tools have their limitations, and these should be taken under consideration, along with the history, clinical features and imaging studies, when assessing patients for acromegaly.

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