Three-time Points Research Articles

Plasma advanced glycation end products and the subsequent risk of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes in the DCCT/EDIC

IntroductionTo assess impact of glycemic control on plasma protein-bound advanced glycation end products (pAGEs) and their association with subsequent microvascular disease.Research design and methodsEleven pAGEs were measured by liquid chromatography-mass...

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Implementation Facilitation Training Program.

While implementation scientists are documenting an increasing number of implementation strategies that support the uptake of evidence-based practices and other clinical innovations, little is known about how to transfer this knowledge to those who conduct implementation efforts in the frontline clinical practice settings. We developed, implemented, and conducted a preliminary evaluation of a training program for one strategy, implementation facilitation (IF). The training program targets facilitation practitioners, clinical managers, and researchers. This paper describes the development of the training program, the program components, and the results from an evaluation of IF knowledge and skills reported by a subset of people who participated in the training. Findings from the evaluation indicate that this training program significantly increased trainees' perceived knowledge of and confidence in applying IF skills. Further research is needed to examine whether ongoing mentoring helps trainees retain confidence in applying some IF skills over the longer term.

Effect of grouped raising method on reproductive performance of MLAC:ICR mice in controlled condition at National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals

The descriptive study was conducted on 132 Mlac: ICR dams and 924 pups raised at the National Institute for Control of Vaccine and Biologicals from June to December 2020 to evaluate the effect of grouping method on reproductive efficiency of Mlac:ICR mice. The study results revealed that there was no difference (p>0.05) in the physical scores of dams at weaning among grouped (3 litters/cage) compare to individual rearing dams (1litter/cage). The pups’ weight gain of grouped litters was higher compared to control litter. The mean weight/pup at 7, 14, and 20 days (weaning) of the control group was 5.94 gr, 8.97 gr, and 12.33 gram, respectively. The average weight of the litter group’s pup at the same measured time point was 6.51 gr, 9.7 gr, and 13.25 gram, respectively. The difference in body weight at all three-time points between two groups of mice was statistically significant (p<0.05). The results suggested that group 3 litter/cage did not affect the physical parameters of the dams and elevate reproductive performance in terms of weight gain of the pups and the number of survived offspring at weaning.

The effect of slow-stroke back massage on chemotherapy-related fatigue in women with breast cancer: An assessor blinded, parallel group, randomized control trial

ObjectiveThis randomized controlled parallel-group trial was conducted to investigate the effect of slow-stroke back massage (SSBM) on the level of fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsSixty-four women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to SSBMG (n:32), who received SSBM, and CG (n:32), who received routine treatment only. Women with breast cancer in the intervention group received SSBM for a total of 20 min, 10 min before and after each chemotherapy infusion (2nd, 3rd, and 4th cycle). The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was completed before and after three cycles of chemotherapy (2nd, 3rd, and 4th) to assess the level of fatigue in women with breast cancer. ResultsAfter using SSBM, the BFI score was significantly lower in SSBMG than in CG (p 0.001) at all three-time points (1st, 2nd, and 3rd-time points). While the within-group change (Δ) in SSBMG differed significantly between time points (p = 0.018, η2 = 0.14), in contrast, the within-group change (Δ) in CG was found not to differ between time points. ConclusionThis study has shown that SSBM, one of the non-pharmacological methods, has a positive effect on the level of fatigue in women with breast cancer.

Abstract 11397: Impact of Von Willebrand Factor Multimer Abnormalities on Blood Loss After Aortic Valve Replacement Using the Semi-Automated Hydragel 5 Multimer Assay

Introduction: Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS) is common in patients with severe aortic stenosis (sAS), which is characterized by the loss of high-molecular-weight multimers (HMWM) of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF abnormalities are improved after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). While conventional multimer analysis is technically challenging, lengthy and non-standardized, recently a new semi-automated multimer assay, the Hydragel 5 VWF multimers (H5VWM) has become available. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze VWF abnormalities by H5VWM in patients undergoing SAVR in terms of echocardiography parameter and perioperative bleeding. Methods: We prospectively included 52 patients (age: 67.9±7.2 years; 53.8% male) undergoing SAVR. Patients were divided in two groups (A: abnormal VWF, n=24; B: normal VWF, n=28). Blood samples and echocardiographic data were collected at three time points (TP): day before SAVR (TP1), 7 days (TP2), and 3 months (TP3) after SAVR. Blood loss from chest drainage and the use of blood and haemostatic products were evaluated peri- and postoperatively. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Loss of HMWM was present in 38.5%. After SAVR the level of HMWM had increased significantly compared to baseline in group A. At TP3, we observed no loss of HMWM at all. Bleeding occurred in 15% (A: 17% vs. B: 14%; p>0.999) with need of re-thoracotomy in about 10% (A: 8% vs. B: 11%; p>0.999). There was no significant difference in postoperative bleeding in the first 24hrs (A: 491 ml vs. B: 701ml; p=0.255). Also, peri- and postoperative need of blood transfusion and haemostatic agents were similar between both groups. HMWM was inversely correlated with the peak aortic gradient (R=-0.557; p<0.001) and positively correlated with the aortic valve area (R=0.292; p=0.04). Conclusion: Loss of HMWM was not associated with increased postoperative bleeding in patients with sAS. Echocardiographic parameters could predict the loss of HMWM. The complete restoration of altered VWF at three months postoperatively, demonstrated by H5VWM, seems to be indicative for successful SVAR. Therefore, H5VWM, as a rapid and sensitive assay, could be included as diagnostic tool of suspected aVWS in AS patients.

Psychosocial safety climate, work engagement and organizational commitment in Malaysian research universities: the mediating role of job resources

PurposeThe current study is an examination of the effects of psychosocial safety climate on work engagement, organisational commitment and to mediate job resources in Malaysian research universities (RUs) during pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe population of this study consisted of full-time lecturers who work in Malaysian RUs at least a year. A sampling technique was used to select the respondents for this study. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were administered to respondents from 5 Malaysian RUs with 484 usable questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 48.4%.FindingsThe present study’s objective is to examine psychosocial safety climate’s (PSC) effect, job resources on work engagement and organizational commitment. The study also aims to test the mediating roles of job resources on PSC’s relationship, work engagement and organizational commitment. It is interesting to note that the relationship between PSC and work engagement was not significant.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the present study had contributed to the existing literature, the present study’s result cannot be generalized. Suggestions for future research include an attempt to conduct a study over three-time points that looks at both the employee’s perspective, managerial perspective and organizational perspective within the workplace. All correlation and cross-sectional studies identified the need for a comprehensive three-wave study to examine the model’s longitudinal effects accurately.Practical implicationsThe finding shown that university is suggested to apply higher PSC to allow their management discover more ways to increase the adequate job resources to support lecturers in RUs and in improving their work engagement and organizational commitment.Originality/valueThe integration of PSC in academicians of Malaysian RUs provides a novel perspective.

Dynamic of migration and labor productivity in the rural area of PATANAS villages

The agricultural sector still becomes a source of household income in rural areas, although its role tends to decrease. In the period 2011‒2015, the number of agricultural workers decreased about 1% per year and is inversely proportional to the increasing Indonesian labor, which reached an average of 1.2% per year. Several leading causes of labor decreases are migration and productivity issues in the agricultural sector. This paper aims to determine migration and labor productivity dynamics in three-time points in villages on Panel Petani Nasional Program (PATANAS) located at three agroecosystems: plantation, secondary crop, and vegetable. Amount of respondents in each agroecosystem were 312, 232, and 121 farmers. Data analysis was presented descriptively. The results of the study indicated that labor productivity varies between agroecosystems. The highest increase in productivity occurred in vegetable, then secondary crop, and plantation. Labor productivity in the agricultural sector is inversely proportional to the migration on an agroecosystem. There is not excessive migration in the vegetable agroecosystems since labor productivity is highest than the others. There is a phenomenon of increasing working family members followed by an increase in the number of migrations. This phenomenon negatively impacts the agricultural sector because there is no increase in the number of workers in the agricultural sector. There is a trend for young people in PATANAS villages to undertake permanent migration. Increasing labor productivity in rural areas predicted could reduce labor migration. Efforts that can be created are gradually encouraging off-farm and non-farm activities, including small-scale agro-industries.

Testing the efficacy and acceptability of video-reflexive methods in personal protective equipment training for medical interns: a mixed methods study

ObjectivesTo test the efficacy and acceptability of video-reflexive methods for training medical interns in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).DesignMixed methods study.SettingA tertiary-care teaching hospital, Sydney, January 2018–February 2019.Participants72...

The role of lovastatin in the attenuation of COVID-19

The mounting evidence regarding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 indicated that the cytokine storm has an axial role in the severity of this disease, which may lead to thrombotic complications, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and myocardial damage, among other consequences. It has recently been demonstrated that statins are known to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and immunomodulatory features; however, their advantage has not been evaluated in COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of lovastatin in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19. The case-control study consists of 284 ICU patients, which classified into three groups as follows: 1) the patients who no received lovastatin as a control (92 patients), 2) patients received 20 mg per day lovastatin (99 patients), and 3) patients received 40 mg per day lovastatin (93 patients). Each group's demographic and clinical parameters, along with CRP, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 levels, and mortality rate, were studied in three-time points. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between our study groups in terms of age and sex. (P > 0.05). Besides, in patients, receiving lovastatin the CRP, IL-6, IL-8 levels were significantly decreased from T1 to T3 than to the control group. Our results also showed that the use of lovastatin in COVID-19 patients significantly reduced the length of hospitalization in the ICU compared with the control group. In addition, our results showed that the mortality rate in patients receiving lovastatin was lower when compared to the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Since the cytokine storm is a significant factor in the pathology of SARS-CoV-2, our findings highlighted the potential use of lovastatin to mitigate the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A possible pathogenic correlation between neutrophil elastase (NE) enzyme and inflammation in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

A growing body of evidence indicates that neutrophil elastase (NE) is involved in the pathogenesis of respiratory infectious diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to analyze the dynamic changes in serum levels of NE associated with inflammation, disease activity, and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. We measured the serum concentrations of NE, C-Reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)- 4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and vitamin D levels in 83 ICU and 69 non-ICU patients compared with 82 healthy subjects (HS) in three-time points (T1-T3). Serum levels of NE, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP in ICU and non-ICU patients were significantly higher than HS (P < 0.001) in three-time points. Also, serum levels of NE, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP in ICU patients were significantly higher than in non-ICU patients (P < 0.05). On the day of admission (T1), the levels of NE, CRP, IL-6, IL-8 were gradually decreased from T1 to T3. At the same time, IL-4 and IL-10 were gradually increased from T1 to T2 and then reduced to T3. Further analyses demonstrated that the levels of NE, IL-6, and IL-8 in deceased patients were significantly higher than in recovered patients (P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that markers, including NE, IL-6, and IL-8, were valuable indicators in evaluating the activity of COVID-19. Overall, our results signify the critical role of NE in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and also, further support that NE has a potential therapeutic target for the attenuation of COVID-19 severity.

1031Predictors of Lung function change over the life course: a systematic review

Abstract Background Throughout life, lung function increases, peaks, plateaus and declines. These phases can be influenced by several exposures. Despite the growing body of evidence, the association between these factors and lung function change over the lif course has not been systematically reviewed. Methods Using a pre-defined protocol, two authors independently identified publications related to lung function trajectories and extracted relevant information. We included studies that identified/developed/modelled/reported lung function trajectories based on at least three-time points. Due to heterogeneity in the exposures and methods used to model lung function trajectories, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Results A total of 12 population-based cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 were birth cohorts. 4 studies used cluster analysis techniques to develop trajectories while the others used generalized linear interactive modelling. Eight factors were identified, by 2 or more studies, as predictors for reduced lung growth, decline and/or persistently low trajectories. They were low birth weight and parental asthma (n = 2); childhood asthma and allergic sensitization (n = 4); childhood lower respiratory tract infections and childhood persistent wheezing, and environmental tobacco smoke (n = 3); and childhood eczema (n = 2). Conclusions Our review identified risk factors for lung function change that have been consistent at least across two studies. Key messages These findings suggest preventive measures directed at childhood asthma and infections, and tobacco exposure will help promote lung health and prevent unhealthy lung function trajectories.

Establishment of a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a rat model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is now considered a reasonable option to salvage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, we lack a rodent model for experimental studies. This study was undertaken to establish an animal model of VV ECMO in ARDS rats. A total of 18 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (350 ± 50 g) were used in this study. Using a rat model of oleic acid (OA)-induced ARDS, VV ECMO was established through cavoatrial cannulation of the right jugular vein for venous drainage and venous reinfusion with a specially designed three-cavity catheter. Continuous arterial pressure monitoring was implemented by using a catheter through cannulation of the right femoral artery. The central temperature was monitored with a rectal probe. Arterial blood gas monitoring was implemented by a blood gas analyzer at three-time points: at baseline, 1-hour (after OA modeling), and 3.5-hour (after VV ECMO support). Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were harvested respectively for protein concentration and pulmonary histologic evaluation to confirm the alleviation of lung injury during VV ECMO. Following ARDS induced by OA, ten rats were successfully established on VV ECMO without failure and survived the ECMO procedure. VV ECMO alleviated lung injury and restored adequate circulation for the return of lung function and oxygenation. VV ECMO was associated with decreased lung injury score, wet/dry weight ratio, and fluid leakage into airspaces. We have established a reliable, economical, and functioning ARDS rat model of VV ECMO.

Predictors and consequences of non-suicidal self-injury in relation to life, peer, and school factors

IntroductionNumerous life, peer, and school-related factors have been found to be associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents; however, most studies have not explored the possible reciprocal nature of these associations. The aim of the current study was to examine bidirectional and longitudinal associations between NSSI and several life, peer, and school-related factors (i.e., stressful life events, peer relationships, academic achievement, and attitudes towards school). MethodCommunity-based adolescents completed questionnaires assessing the variables of interest at three time points; age 12 (T1; 55.09% girls), age 13 (T2; 56.95% girls), and ages 14–15 (T3; 57.41% girls). In total, 529 adolescents provided complete data across all three-time points. ResultsAnalyses showed a bidirectional association between NSSI and both attitudes towards school and stressful life events. Specifically, stressful life events at T2 predicted engagement in NSSI at T3, and NSSI at T2 predicted increased risk of stressful life events at T3. Similarly, having negative attitudes towards school predicted NSSI at T2, which, in turn, predicted negative attitudes towards school at T3. Further, academic achievement at T1 was negatively associated with NSSI at T2. Peer relationships were neither a predictor nor a consequence of NSSI. ConclusionsOur results suggest that NSSI can be both a predictor and a consequence of various life, and school factors. Focus on these factors in prevention and intervention efforts for NSSI among adolescents may be warranted.

Comparative transcriptome and proteome provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the postharvest deterioration of Pleurotus tuoliensis fruitbodies during storage

The Pleurotus tuoliensis (Pt), a precious edible mushroom with high economic value, is widely popular for its rich nutrition and meaty texture. However, rapid postharvest deterioration depreciates the commercial value of Pt and severely restricts its marketing. By RNA-Seq transcriptomic and TMT-MS MS proteomic, we study the regulatory mechanisms of the postharvest storage of Pt fruitbodies at 25 ℃ for 0, 38, and 76 h (these three-time points recorded as groups A, B, and C, respectively). 2,008 DEGs (Differentially expressed genes) were identified, and all DEGs shared 265 factors with all DEPs (Differentially expressed proteins). Jointly, the DEGs and DEPs of two-omics showed that the category of the metabolic process contained the most DEGs and DEPs in the biological process by GO (Gene Ontology) classification. The top 17 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways with the highest sum of DEG and DEP numbers in groups B/A (38 h vs. 0 h) and C/A (76 h vs. 0 h) and pathways closely related to energy metabolism were selected for analysis and discussion. Actively expression of CAZymes (Carbohydrate active enzymes), represented by laccase, chitinase, and β-glucanase, directly leads to the softening of fruitbodies. The transcription factor Rlm1 of 1,3-β-glucan synthase attracted attention with a significant down-regulation of gene levels in the C/A group. Laccase also contributes, together with phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), to the discoloration reaction in the first 76 h of the fruitbodies. Significant expression of several crucial enzymes for EMP (Glycolysis), Fatty acid degradation, and Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation at the gene or protein level supply substantial amounts of acetyl-CoA to the TCA cycle. Citrate synthase (CS), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), and three mitochondrial respiratory complexes intensify respiration and produce high levels of ROS (Reactive oxygen species) by significant up-regulation. In the ROS scavenging system, only Mn-SOD was significantly up-regulated at the gene level and was probably interacted with Hsp60 (Heat shock protein 60), which was significantly up-regulated at the protein level, to play a dominant role in antioxidation. Three types of stresses - cell wall stress, starvation, and oxidative stress - were suffered by Pt fruitbodies postharvest, resulting in cell cycle arrest and gene expression disorder.

Promoting effect of rapamycin on osteogenic differentiation of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells.

BackgroundStem cells located in the maxillary sinus membrane can differentiate into osteocytes. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of rapamycin (RAPA) on the osteogenic differentiation of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells (MSMSCs).MethodsColony-forming unit assay, immunophenotype identification assay, and multi-differentiation assay confirmed characteristics of MSMSCs obtained from SD rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry (FCM) identified the initial autophagic level of MSMSCs induced by RAPA. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) evaluated subsequent autophagic levels and osteogenic differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and alizarin red staining (ARS) evaluated subsequent osteogenic differentiation. We performed a histological examination to clarify in vivo osteogenesis with ectopic bone mass from BALB/c nude mice.ResultsMSMSCs possessed an active proliferation and multi-differentiation capacity, showing a phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells. The autophagic level increased with increasing RAPA (0, 10, 100, 1,000 nM) and decreased over time. ALP activity and calcium nodules forming in four RAPA-treated groups on three-time points (7, 14, 21 d) showed significant differences. Col1a1, Runx2, and Spp1 expressed most in 100 nM RAPA group on 7 and 14 d. Osteogenesis-related genes except for Ibsp expression between four groups tended to be consistent on 21 d. 100 nM and 10 nM RAPA-treated groups showed more bone formation in vivo.ConclusionRAPA can promote osteogenic differentiation of MSMSCs, indicating a possible relationship between osteogenic differentiation and autophagy.

What Happened Pre- and during COVID-19 in South Korea? Comparing Physical Activity, Sleep Time, and Body Weight Status

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the changes in physical activity (PA), sleep time (ST), and body weight (BW) Pre- and during COVID-19 in South Korea, and specifically, PA data were obtained during COVID-19 at three-time points based on the multilevel social distancing policies. All data were surveyed by questionnaires online and offline, and participants were required to fill in the monthly average of daily step counts were recorded an application on participants’ smartphone devices from Pre-COVID-19 (2019 year) and during COVID-19 (2020 year). Participants were 834 adults (males: 54.4%, female: 45.6%) and all statistical analyses were summarized by SPSS 25.0 program. The monthly average of daily step counts was 6747.09 during Pre-COVID-19, but the PA during COVID-19 was 5812.11 daily step counts per month. Also, there were significant pairwise differences between average PA Pre-COVID-19 and each level of social distancing (p < 0.001). After COVID-19, the participants who slept less than 7 h decreased by 3.6%, while those who slept more than 9 h increased by that much. As a result of BW, 269 participants responded their BW changed during COVID-19, and 199 of them reported they gained BW during COVID-19 (74.0%). Although self-reported questionnaires may have led to an under-or over-estimation of ST and BW, the present study found that the environment in which the COVID-19 is prevalent had adverse relationships on PA, ST, and BW. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies to motivate individuals for remaining physically active and getting adequate sleep while maintaining social distancing due to the presence of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Hallmarks of tumor-associated microglia response to experimental U87 human glioblastoma xenograft

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest primary brain neoplasm, heavily infiltrated with tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAM), which has received a great deal of interest. Bearing in mind that the number of peripheral macrophages by the 14th day is negligible, in our study TAM were referred to as microglia. Here we evaluated histopathological characterization of TAM and kinetics of their infiltration in U87 orthotopic GBM, a commonly used model in preclinical research. To mimic different stages of GBM growth, we evaluated three-time points. Our data showed that the highest areal density of TAM was 7 days after GBM inoculation, with ability to proliferate early after initiation of GBM growth. The areal density of TAM within the tumor correlated with GBM growth and proliferation. Moreover, microglia underwent substantial morphological changes upon exposure to GBM cells. A transition from ramified morphology in peritumoral area to ameboid shape with larger soma and shortened, thick branches in the tumor core was observed. Higher areal fraction of blood vessels also correlated with the areal density of TAM. Given these pro-invasive features of microglia, this GBM model represents a good basis for further testing microglia as a target and new strategy to fight with.

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Induced by Needle Puncture and Ovariectomy: A Rat Coccygeal Model.

Objectives To establish a novel animal model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in rats and to investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) intervention in this model. Methods This study was divided into two parts: animal model (four groups: Sham, ovariectomy (OVX), Puncture, and OVX+Puncture; three-time points: 4, 8, and 12 weeks; three female rats/group/time point) and drug intervention (Sham, OVX+Puncture+corn oil, and OVX+Puncture+E2; three female rats/group). The rats were analyzed by micromagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and safranin-O staining. Results MRI and histological scores significantly differed among the four groups at the three-time points (all P < 0.05). IVDD progressed with time in the OVX, Puncture, and OVX+Puncture groups (all P < 0.05). The changes were the most obvious in the OVX+Puncture group. In the E2 intervention part, the Veh group had the worst MRI signals and histological scores (P < 0.05). The MRI scores in the E2 group were less obvious compared to the Sham group (P > 0.05). Also, the histological scores were significantly different between the Sham and E2 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The combination of ovariectomy and needle puncture can synergically induce IVDD in rat coccygeal discs. Estrogen treatment can effectively ameliorate IVDD progression in the newly established IVDD models.

Transcriptome and Co-expression Network Analyses Reveal Differential Gene Expression and Pathways in Response to Severe Drought Stress in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Drought is one of the major abiotic stress factors limiting peanut production. It causes the loss of pod yield during the pod formation stage. Here, one previously identified drought-tolerant cultivar, “L422” of peanut, was stressed by drought (35 ± 5%) at pod formation stage for 5, 7, and 9 days. To analyze the drought effects on peanut, we conducted physiological and transcriptome analysis in leaves under well-watered (CK1, CK2, and CK3) and drought-stress conditions (T1, T2, and T3). By transcriptome analysis, 3,586, 6,730, and 8,054 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in “L422” at 5 days (CK1 vs T1), 7 days (CK2 vs T2), and 9 days (CK3 vs T3) of drought stress, respectively, and 2,846 genes were common DEGs among the three-time points. Furthermore, the result of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed one significant module that was closely correlated between drought stress and physiological data. A total of 1,313 significantly up-/down-regulated genes, including 61 transcription factors, were identified in the module at three-time points throughout the drought stress stage. Additionally, six vital metabolic pathways, namely, “MAPK signaling pathway-plant,” “flavonoid biosynthesis,” “starch and sucrose metabolism,” “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,” “glutathione metabolism,” and “plant hormone signal transduction” were enriched in “L422” under severe drought stress. Nine genes responding to drought tolerance were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) verification and the results agreed with transcriptional profile data, which reveals the reliability and accuracy of transcriptome data. Taken together, these findings could lead to a better understanding of drought tolerance and facilitate the breeding of drought-resistant peanut cultivars.

A possible pathogenic role of Syndecan-1 in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

A cell-surface heparan proteoglycan called Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) has multiple roles in healthy and pathogenic conditions, including respiratory viral infection. In this study, we explore the dynamic alternation in the levels of SDC-1 in cases with COVID-19. A total of 120 cases definitely diagnosed with COVID-19 were admitted to the Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from December 1, 2020, to January 29, 2021, and included in our study. Also, 58 healthy subjects (HS) were chosen as the control group. Patients were classified into two groups: 1) ICU patients and (63 cases) 2) non-ICU patients (57 cases). The dynamic changes of serum SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and Vit D levels a well as the disease activity were investigated in three-time points (T1-T3). Our results indicated that the COVID-19 patients had significantly increased SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels than in HS, while the Vit D levels in COVID-19 patients were significantly lower than HS. Further analysis demonstrated that the SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels in ICU patients were significantly higher than in non-ICU patients. Tracking dynamic changes in the above markers indicated that on the day of admission, the SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels were gradually increased on day 5 (T2) and then gradually decreased on day 10 (T3). ROC curve analysis suggests that markers mentioned above, SDC-1, IL-6, and IL-18 are valuable indicators in evaluating the activity of COVID-19. All in all, it seems that the serum SDC-1 levels alone or combined with other markers might be a good candidate for disease activity monitoring.