bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNFAIP8 controls murine intestinal stem cell homeostasis and regeneration by regulating microbiome-induced Akt signaling
Authors: Goldsmith Jason R. , Spitofsky Nina , Zamani Ali , Hood Ryan , Boggs Amanda , Li Xinyuan , Li Mingyue , Reiner Elizabeth , Ayyaz Arshad , Etwebi Zienab , Lu Ling , Rivera Guzman Javier , Bou-Dargham Mayassa J. , Cathoupolis Terry , Hakonarson Hakon , Sun Honghong , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Gonzalez Michael V. , Chen Youhai H.
Published: May 2020

The intestine is a highly dynamic environment that requires tight control of the various inputs to maintain homeostasis and allow for proper responses to injury. It was recently found that the stem cell niche and epithelium is regenerated after injury by de-differentiated adult cells, through a process that gives rise to Sca1+ fetal-like cells and is driven by a transient population of Clu+ revival stem cells (revSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate this dynamic process have not been fully defined. Here we show that TNFAIP8 (also known as TIPE0) is a regulator of intestinal homeostasis that is vital for proper regeneration. TIPE0 functions through inhibiting basal Akt activation by the commensal microbiota via modulating membrane phospholipid abundance. Loss of TIPE0 in mice results in injury-resistant enterocytes, that are hyperproliferative, yet have regenerative deficits and are shifted towards a de-differentiated state. Tipe0−/− enterocytes show basal induction of the Clu+ regenerative program and a fetal gene expression signature marked by Sca1, but upon injury are unable to generate Sca-1+/Clu+ revSCs and could not regenerate the epithelium. This work demonstrates the role of TIPE0 in regulating the dynamic signaling that determines the injury response and enables intestinal epithelial cell regenerative plasticity.
Transcriptional activation during cell reprogramming correlates with the formation of 3D open chromatin hubs
Authors: Di Stefano Marco , Stadhouders Ralph , Farabella Irene , Castillo David , Serra François , Graf Thomas , Marti-Renom Marc A.
Published: May 2020

Chromosome structure is a crucial regulatory factor for a wide range of nuclear processes. Chromosome conformation capture (3C)-based experiments combined with computational modelling are pivotal for unveiling 3D chromosome structure. Here, we introduce TADdyn, a tool that integrates time-course 3C data, restraint-based modelling, and molecular dynamics to simulate the structural rearrangements of genomic loci in a completely data-driven way. We apply TADdyn on in situ Hi-C time-course experiments studying the reprogramming of murine B cells to pluripotent cells, and characterize the structural rearrangements that take place upon changes in the transcriptional state of 21 genomic loci of diverse expression dynamics. By measuring various structural and dynamical properties, we find that during gene activation, the transcription starting site contacts with open and active regions in 3D chromatin domains. We propose that these 3D hubs of open and active chromatin may constitute a general feature to trigger and maintain gene transcription.
Molecular molds for regularizing Kondo states at atom/metal interfaces
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Zhu Liang , Li Bin , Li Jingcheng , Gao Pengfei , Yang Longqing , Zhao Aidi , Luo Yi , Hou Jianguo , Zheng Xiao , Wang Bing , Yang Jinlong
Published: May 2020

Adsorption of magnetic transition metal atoms on a metal surface leads to the formation of Kondo states at the atom/metal interfaces. However, the significant influence of surrounding environment presents challenges for potential applications. In this work, we realize a novel strategy to regularize the Kondo states by moving a CoPc molecular mold on an Au(111) surface to capture the dispersed Co adatoms. The symmetric and ordered structures of the atom-mold complexes, as well as the strong dπ–π bonding between the Co adatoms and conjugated isoindole units, result in highly robust and uniform Kondo states at the Co/Au(111) interfaces. Even more remarkably, the CoPc further enables a fine tuning of Kondo states through the molecular-mold-mediated superexchange interactions between Co adatoms separated by more than 12 Å. Being highly precise, efficient and reproducible, the proposed molecular mold strategy may open a new horizon for the construction and control of nano-sized quantum devices.
Discrete populations of isotype-switched memory B lymphocytes are maintained in murine spleen and bone marrow
Authors: Riedel René , Addo Richard , Ferreira-Gomes Marta , Heinz Gitta Anne , Heinrich Frederik , Kummer Jannis , Greiff Victor , Schulz Daniel , Klaeden Cora , Cornelis Rebecca , Menzel Ulrike , Kröger Stefan , Stervbo Ulrik , Köhler Ralf , Haftmann Claudia , Kühnel Silvia , Lehmann Katrin , Maschmeyer Patrick , McGrath Mairi , Naundorf Sandra , Hahne Stefanie , Sercan-Alp Özen , Siracusa Francesco , Stefanowski Jonathan , Weber Melanie , Westendorf Kerstin , Zimmermann Jakob , Hauser Anja E. , Reddy Sai T. , Durek Pawel , Chang Hyun-Dong , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Radbruch Andreas
Published: May 2020

At present, it is not clear how memory B lymphocytes are maintained over time, and whether only as circulating cells or also residing in particular tissues. Here we describe distinct populations of isotype-switched memory B lymphocytes (Bsm) of murine spleen and bone marrow, identified according to individual transcriptional signature and B cell receptor repertoire. A population of marginal zone-like cells is located exclusively in the spleen, while a population of quiescent Bsm is found only in the bone marrow. Three further resident populations, present in spleen and bone marrow, represent transitional and follicular B cells and B1 cells, respectively. A population representing 10-20% of spleen and bone marrow memory B cells is the only one qualifying as circulating. In the bone marrow, all cells individually dock onto VCAM1+ stromal cells and, reminiscent of resident memory T and plasma cells, are void of activation, proliferation and mobility.
Continuously controllable photoconductance in freestanding BiFeO3 by the macroscopic flexoelectric effect
Authors: Guo Rui , You Lu , Lin Weinan , Abdelsamie Amr , Shu Xinyu , Zhou Guowei , Chen Shaohai , Liu Liang , Yan Xiaobing , Wang Junling , Chen Jingsheng
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Flexoelectricity induced by the strain gradient is attracting much attention due to its potential applications in electronic devices. Here, by combining a tunable flexoelectric effect and the ferroelectric photovoltaic effect, we demonstrate the continuous tunability of photoconductance in BiFeO3 films. The BiFeO3 film epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 is transferred to a flexible substrate by dissolving a sacrificing layer. The tunable flexoelectricity is achieved by bending the flexible substrate which induces a nonuniform lattice distortion in BiFeO3 and thus influences the inversion asymmetry of the film. Multilevel conductance is thus realized through the coupling between flexoelectric and ferroelectric photovoltaic effect in freestanding BiFeO3. The strain gradient induced multilevel photoconductance shows very good reproducibility by bending the flexible BiFeO3 device. This control strategy offers an alternative degree of freedom to tailor the physical properties of flexible devices and thus provides a compelling toolbox for flexible materials in a wide range of applications.
Integrated redox-active reagents for photoinduced regio- and stereoselective fluorocarboborylation
Authors: Zhang Weigang , Zou Zhenlei , Zhao Wenxuan , Lu Shuo , Wu Zhengguang , Huang Mengjun , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Yi , Liang Yong , Zhu Yi , Zheng Youxuan , Pan Yi
Published: May 2020

Vinylboronates and alkylboronates are key components in variegated transformations in all facets of chemical science. The synthesis of vinylboronates and alkylboronates suffers from step-tedious and poor stereoselective procedures. We have developed a regulated radical difunctionalization strategy for the construction of fluorine-containing vinylboronates and alkylboronates with an integrated redox-active reagent IMDN-SO2RF. This bench-stable imidazolium sulfonate cationic salt offers a scalable and operational protocol for the fluoroalkylation-borylation of unsaturated hydrocarbons in a high regio- and stereoselective manner. The products can be further transformed into valuable fluorinated building blocks.
Genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of the symbiosis between a leguminous plant and a nitrogen-fixing bacterium
Authors: diCenzo George C. , Tesi Michelangelo , Pfau Thomas , Mengoni Alessio , Fondi Marco
Published: May 2020

The mutualistic association between leguminous plants and endosymbiotic rhizobial bacteria is a paradigmatic example of a symbiosis driven by metabolic exchanges. Here, we report the reconstruction and modelling of a genome-scale metabolic network ofMedicago truncatula(plant) nodulated bySinorhizobium meliloti(bacterium). The reconstructed nodule tissue contains five spatially distinct developmental zones and encompasses the metabolism of both the plant and the bacterium. Flux balance analysis (FBA) suggests that the metabolic costs associated with symbiotic nitrogen fixation are primarily related to supporting nitrogenase activity, and increasing N2-fixation efficiency is associated with diminishing returns in terms of plant growth. Our analyses support that differentiating bacteroids have access to sugars as major carbon sources, ammonium is the main nitrogen export product of N2-fixing bacteria, and N2fixation depends on proton transfer from the plant cytoplasm to the bacteria through acidification of the peribacteroid space. We expect that our model, called ‘Virtual Nodule Environment’ (ViNE), will contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of legume nodules, and may guide experimental studies and engineering of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Magnetic mechanism for the biological functioning of hemoglobin
Authors: Mayda Selma , Kandemir Zafer , Bulut Nejat , Maekawa Sadamichi
Published: May 2020

The role of magnetism in the biological functioning of hemoglobin has been debated since its discovery by Pauling and Coryell in 1936. The hemoglobin molecule contains four heme groups each having a porphyrin layer with a Fe ion at the center. Here, we present combined density-functional theory and quantum Monte Carlo calculations for an effective model of Fe in a heme cluster. In comparison with these calculations, we analyze the experimental data on human adult hemoglobin (HbA) from the magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements. In both the deoxygenated (deoxy) and the oxygenated (oxy) cases, we show that local magnetic moments develop in the porphyrin layer with antiferromagnetic coupling to the Fe moment. Our calculations reproduce the magnetic susceptibility measurements on deoxy and oxy-HbA. For deoxy-HbA, we show that the anomalous MCD signal in the UV region is an experimental evidence for the presence of antiferromagnetic Fe-porphyrin correlations. The functional properties of hemoglobin such as the binding of O2, the Bohr effect and the cooperativity are explained based on the magnetic correlations. This analysis suggests that magnetism could be involved in the functioning of hemoglobin.
Fluctuations in measured radioactive decay rates inside a modified Faraday cage: Correlations with space weather
Authors: Milián-Sánchez V. , Scholkmann F. , Fernández de Córdoba P. , Mocholí-Salcedo A. , Mocholí F. , Iglesias-Martínez M. E. , Castro-Palacio J. C. , Kolombet V. A. , Panchelyuga V. A. , Verdú G.
Published: May 2020

For several years, reports have been published about fluctuations in measured radioactive decay time-series and in some instances linked to astrophysical as well as classical environmental influences. Anomalous behaviors of radioactive decay measurement and measurement of capacitance inside and outside a modified Faraday cage were documented by our group in previous work. In the present report, we present an in-depth analysis of our measurement with regard to possible correlations with space weather, i.e. the geomagnetic activity (GMA) and cosmic-ray activity (CRA). Our analysis revealed that the decay and capacitance time-series are statistically significantly correlated with GMA and CRA when specific conditions are met. The conditions are explained in detail and an outlook is given on how to further investigate this important finding. Our discovery is relevant for all researchers investigating radioactive decay measurements since they point out that the space weather condition during the measurement is relevant for partially explaining the observed variability.
Multiplicative modulations enhance diversity of hue-selective cells
Authors: Mehrani Paria , Mouraviev Andrei , Tsotsos John K.
Published: May 2020

There is still much to understand about the brain’s colour processing mechanisms and the transformation from cone-opponent representations to perceptual hues. Moreover, it is unclear which area(s) in the brain represent unique hues. We propose a hierarchical model inspired by the neuronal mechanisms in the brain for local hue representation, which reveals the contributions of each visual cortical area in hue representation. Hue encoding is achieved through incrementally increasing processing nonlinearities beginning with cone input. Besides employing nonlinear rectifications, we propose multiplicative modulations as a form of nonlinearity. Our simulation results indicate that multiplicative modulations have significant contributions in encoding of hues along intermediate directions in the MacLeod-Boynton diagram and that our model V2 neurons have the capacity to encode unique hues. Additionally, responses of our model neurons resemble those of biological colour cells, suggesting that our model provides a novel formulation of the brain’s colour processing pathway.
Perinatal outcomes from preterm and early term births in a multicenter cohort of low risk nulliparous women
Authors: Souza Renato T. , Costa Maria L. , Mayrink Jussara , Feitosa Francisco E. , Rocha Filho Edilberto A. , Leite Débora F. , Vettorazzi Janete , Calderon Iracema M. , Sousa Maria H. , Passini Renato , Baker Philip N. , Kenny Louise , Cecatti Jose G. ,   The Preterm SAMBA study group*, Parpinelli Mary A. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Galvão Rafael B. , Guida José Paulo , Santana Danielly S. , de Lucena Daisy , Sousa Benedita , Melo Elias F. , Anacleto Danilo , Pfitscher Lucia , Brust Luiza , Cassettari Bianca F. , Franchini Kleber G. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C.
Published: May 2020

Preterm birth is the major contributor for neonatal and under-five years mortality rates and also accounts for a short- and long-term adverse consequences up to adulthood. Perinatal outcomes may vary according to lots of factors as preterm subtype, late prematurity, which account for the vast majority of cases, country and population characteristics. An under-recognition of the perinatal outcomes and its associated factors might have underpowered strategies to provide adequate care and prevent its occurrence. We aim to estimate the frequency of maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with different categories of preterm and term births, factors associated with poorer perinatal outcomes and related management interventions. A multicentre prospective cohort in five maternities in Brazil between 2015 and 2018. Nulliparous low-risk women with singletons were included. Comprehensive data were collected during three antenatal visits (at 19–21weeks, 27–29 weeks and 37–39 weeks). Maternal and perinatal outcomes were also collected according to maternal and neonatal medical records. Women who had spontaneous (sPTB) and provider-initiated (pi-PTB) preterm birth were compared to those who had term birth. Also, late preterm birth (after 34 weeks), and early term (37–38 weeks) were compared to full term birth (39–40 weeks). Bivariate analysis estimated risk ratios for maternal and adverse outcomes. Finally, a multivariate analysis was conducted to address factors independently associated with any adverse perinatal outcome (APO). In total, 1,165 women had outcome data available, from which 6.7% had sPTB, 4.0% had pi-PTB and 89.3% had a term birth. sPTB and pi-PTb were associated with poorer perinatal outcomes, as well as late sPTB, late pi-PTB and early term neonates. pi-PTB (RRadj 8.12, 95% CI [2.54–25.93], p-value 0.007), maternal weight gain between 20 and 27 weeks <p10 (RRadj 2.04, 95% CI [1.23–3.38], p-value 0.018) and participants from the Northeast centres (RRadj 2.35, 95% CI [1.11–4.95], p-value 0.034) were independently associated with APO. According to our findings, Brazil would benefit from strategies to more accurately identify women at higher risk for PTB, to promote evidenced-based decision in preterm and early term provider-initiated deliveries, and to prevent perinatal adverse outcomes.
Molecular sexing in Japanese murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume) and a tandem-repeat polymorphism on the W chromosome
Authors: Hatakeyama Hitoshi , Nakamura Yutaka , Konaka Takahiro , Nishida Shin , Kriangwanich Wannapimol , Uematsu Kazuyoshi , Tsuchida Shuichi
Published: May 2020

The Japanese murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume) is an endangered small seabird species in Japan. Molecular sexing using PCR targeting of the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1(CHD1) has been used for sex identification. Specifically, PCR using any of three commonly used primer sets (CHD1F/1R, 2550F/2718R and P2/P8) has permitted sexing in many bird species. CHD1F/1R and 2550F/2718R permitted molecular sexing in Japanese murrelet; however, P2/P8 did not permit. To generate a primer pair that permits efficient molecular sexing in this species, a new primer set, CHD1F1/1R1, was prepared to permit amplification of smaller products from degraded DNA samples. The electrophoretic patterns of PCR products amplified with the new primer set were easily classified as female or male. Additionally, the PCR product indicated the presence of a polymorphism in the fragment from chromosome W. The PCR fragments of long-type (WL) and short-type (WS) polymorphisms were observed only in females. When the distribution of the CHD1 gene on chromosome W of 61 female Japanese murrelet on Biroujima Island in Miyazaki Prefecture, WL and WS were observed in 90.2% and 9.8%. The DNA polymorphism is derived from the number of copies of a 32-bp-repeat unit, with WL and WS corresponding to two and one 32-bp-repeats, respectively.
Differential functions of ERK1 and ERK2 in lung metastasis processes in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Gagliardi Maria , Pitner Mary Kathryn , Park Jihyun , Xie Xuemei , Saso Hitomi , Larson Richard A. , Sammons Rachel M. , Chen Huiqin , Wei Caimiao , Masuda Hiroko , Chauhan Gaurav , Kondo Kimie , Tripathy Debu , Ueno Naoto T. , Dalby Kevin N. , Debeb Bisrat G. , Bartholomeusz Chandra
Published: May 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by metastasis, drug resistance and high rates of recurrence. With a lack or targeted therapies, TNBC is challenging to treat and carries a poor prognosis. Patients with TNBC tumors expressing high levels of ERK2 have a poorer prognosis than those with low ERK2-expressing tumors. The MAPK pathway is often found to be highly activated in TNBC, however the precise functions of the ERK isoforms (ERK1 and ERK2) in cancer progression have not been well defined. We hypothesized that ERK2, but not ERK1, promotes the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and metastasis in TNBC. Stable knockdown clones of the ERK1 and ERK2 isoforms were generated in SUM149 and BT549 TNBC cells using shRNA lentiviral vectors. ERK2 knockdown significantly inhibited anchorage-independent colony formation and mammosphere formation, indicating compromised self-renewal capacity. This effect correlated with a reduction in migration and invasion. SCID-beige mice injected via the tail vein with ERK clones were employed to determine metastatic potential. SUM149 shERK2 cells had a significantly lower lung metastatic burden than control mice or mice injected with SUM149 shERK1 cells. The Affymetrix HGU133plus2 microarray platform was employed to identify gene expression changes in ERK isoform knockdown clones. Comparison of gene expression levels between SUM149 cells with ERK2 or ERK1 knockdown revealed differential and in some cases opposite effects on mRNA expression levels. Those changes associated with ERK2 knockdown predominantly altered regulation of CSCs and metastasis. Our findings indicate that ERK2 promotes metastasis and the CSC phenotype in TNBC.
A Report On Fluctuating Free Convection Flow Of Heat Absorbing Viscoelastic Dusty Fluid Past In A Horizontal Channel With MHD Effect
Authors: Ali Farhad , Bilal Muhammad , Gohar Madeha , Khan Ilyas , Sheikh Nadeem Ahmad , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: May 2020

The free convective unsteady fluctuating, MHD flow of electrically conducting viscoelastic dusty fluid in a channel-driven with the impact of oscillating pressure gradient and the motion of the upper plate has been studied in this article. The noteworthy heat generation/absorption has also taken into account, the heat generation established the mechanism of heat transfer by both the momentum of fluid and the motion of dust particle and absorption of heat by the dust particle is because of conduction. The coupled governing partial differential equations are reduced to the ordinary differential equation through the assumed periodic solutions. Analytical solutions for the velocity of the fluid as well as the velocity of dust particles and for energy equation of the fluid and for dust particles are obtained by using Poincare-Light Hill Perturbation Technique. The influence of various parameters of interest is discussed on the velocity and temperature profiles of the fluid and particles. The evolution of fluid-phase and dusty-phase with dual behavior of the magnetic parameter for both boundary layer and free stream velocities has been discussed. The boundary layer velocity decreased with an increase in magnetic parameter, while at the free stream flow, the result is quite opposite. The above result of magnetic field is worthwhile and can be used to control the boundary layer thickness. The current work also concludes that by increasing the Peclet number and concentration of the dust particles retards the boundary layer velocity. Furthermore, various physical parameters like coefficient of heat absorption, concentration of the dust particles, peclet number, magnetic parameter, and temperature relaxation time parameter retard the motion of dusty-phase, while Grashof number enhances the flow of dusty-phase. Other properties of fluid, which have great importance for engineers are, the rate of heat transfer and skin friction. It is shown in Table 1 that by increasing the value of Peclet number from 1 to 2 it increases the rate of heat transfer from 1.3263 to 1.3387. Furthermore, Table 2 shows that by increasing the concentration parameter from 2 to 4 the skin friction increases from 2.3872 to 4.7799.
A mesophotic black coral forest in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Chimienti Giovanni , De Padova Diana , Mossa Michele , Mastrototaro Francesco
Published: May 2020

A forest of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata was found from 52 to 80 m depth in three different sites at Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA; Mediterranean Sea), with two of them hosting a monospecific forest on horizontal and vertical substrates. Colonies of A. subpinnata showed a mean density between 0.22 ± 0.03 and 2.40 ± 0.26 colonies m−2 (maximum local values of 2.4–7.2 colonies m−2). The link between the local distribution of A. subpinnata and the main oceanographic features confirmed the fundamental role of the currents in shaping the distribution of the species in presence of hard substrata. This black coral forest represents the only one known thus far in the Adriatic Sea, but it could be linked with other unseen forests all over the Mediterranean Sea. The associated megafauna highlights the importance of these forests as habitat for species of both conservation and commercial importance but, at the same time, makes such habitat a target for fishing practices, as many lost fishing gears were found within the coral forest. The enlargement of the MPA borders and the enforcement of controls in the area of the A. subpinnata forest is urgently needed for the proper conservation of this protected species.
Exposure of biosynthesized nanoscale ZnO to Brassica juncea crop plant: morphological, biochemical and molecular aspects
Authors: Mazumder Jahirul Ahmed , Khan Ehasanullah , Perwez Mohammad , Gupta Meetu , Kumar Sanjay , Raza Khalid , Sardar Meryam
Published: May 2020

The present work describes the in vitro synthesis and characterization of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an enzyme alpha amylase, the synthesized nanoparticles were used to study their beneficial effect in the growth and development of Brassica juncea. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) image reveals the average size of ZnO NPs was 11 nm and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) suggests nanoparticles were crystalline in nature. In-silico study confirmed lysine, glutamine and tyrosine present in alpha amylase enzyme, plays a crucial role in the reduction of Zinc acetate dihydrate to ZnO NPs. The biochemical parameters and oxidative enzymes of Brassica juncea were compared with ZnO NPs treated plants. The effect of ZnO NPs on the cellular expression of metal tolerant protein (BjMTP) and cation efflux transporter gene (BjCET2) was also studied. The results indicate that nanoparticles can be used as a replacement for traditional harmful chemical fertilizers.
Ectopic calcification and formation of mineralo-organic particles in arteries of diabetic subjects
Authors: Wu Cheng-Yeu , Martel Jan , Young John D.
Published: May 2020

Vascular calcification occurs in various diseases including atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes but the mechanism underlying mineral deposition remains incompletely understood. Here we examined lower limb arteries of type 2 diabetes subjects for the presence of ectopic calcification and mineral particles using histology, electron microscopy and spectroscopy analyses. While arteries of healthy controls showed no calcification following von Kossa staining, arteries from 83% of diabetic individuals examined (19/23) revealed microscopic mineral deposits, mainly within the tunica media. Mineralo-organic particles containing calcium phosphate and proteins such as albumin, fetuin-A and apolipoprotein-A1 were detected in calcified arteries. Ectopic calcification and mineralo-organic particles were observed in a majority of diabetic patients and predominantly in arteries showing hyperplasia. While a low number of subjects was examined and information about disease severity and patient characteristics is lacking, these calcifications and mineralo-organic particles may represent signs of tissue dysfunction.
Mimicking climate warming effects on Alaskan soil microbial communities via gradual temperature increase
Authors: Ballhausen Max-Bernhard , Hewitt Rebecca , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: May 2020

Climate change can trigger shifts in community structure and may therefore pose a severe threat to soil microbial communities, especially in high northern latitudes such as the Arctic. Arctic soils are covered by snow and ice throughout most of the year. This insulation shields them from high temperature variability and low surface temperatures. If this protective layer thaws, these soils are predicted to warm up at 1.5x to 4x the rate of other terrestrial biomes. In this study, we sampled arctic soils from sites with different elevations in Alaska, incubated them for 5 months with a simulated, gradual or abrupt temperature increase of +5 °C, and compared bacterial and fungal community compositions after the incubation. We hypothesized that the microbial communities would not significantly change with a gradual temperature treatment, whereas an abrupt temperature increase would decrease microbial diversity and shift community composition. The only differences in community composition that we observed were, however, related to the two elevations. The abrupt and gradual temperature increase treatments did not change the microbial community composition as compared to the control indicating resistance of the microbial community to changes in temperature. This points to the potential importance of microbial dormancy and resting stages in the formation of a “buffer” against elevated temperatures. Microbial resting stages might heavily contribute to microbial biomass and thus drive the responsiveness of arctic ecosystems to climate change.
High-flow nasal cannula ventilation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in ischemic stroke patients requiring nasogastric tube feeding: a preliminary study
Authors: Ho Chien-Hui , Chen Chia-Ling , Yu Chung-Chieh , Yang Yao-Hung , Chen Chung-Yao
Published: May 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increasing risk of recurrent stroke and mortality. Nasogastric tubes used by dysphagic stroke patients may interfere with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) due to air leakage. This study was evaluated the effects and short-term tolerability of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy for OSA in stroke patients with nasogastric intubation. The HFNC titration study was performed in post-acute ischemic stroke patients with nasogastric intubation and OSA. Then, participants were treated with HFNC therapy in the ward for one week. Eleven participants (eight males) who were all elderly with a median age of 72 (IQR 67–82) years and a body mass index of 23.5 (IQR 22.0–26.6) completed the titration study. The HFNC therapy at a flow rate up to 50~60 L/min significantly decreased the apnea-hypopnea index from 52.0 events/h (IQR 29.9–61.9) to 26.5 events/h (IQR 3.3–34.6) and the total arousal index from 34.6 (IQR 18.6–42.3) to 15.0 (IQR 10.3–25.4). The oxygen desaturation index was also significantly decreased from 53.0 events/h (IQR 37.0–72.8) to 16.2 events/h (IQR 0.8–20.1), accompanied by a significant improvement in the minimum SpO2 level. Finally, only three participants tolerated flow rates of 50~60 L/minute in one-week treatment period. Conclusively, HFNC therapy at therapeutic flow rate is effective at reducing the OSA severity in post-acute ischemic stroke patients with nasogastric intubation. Owing to the suboptimal acceptance, HFNC might be a temporary treatment option, and CPAP therapy is suggested after the nasogastric tube is removed.
Disentangling neuronal inhibition and inhibitory pathways in the lateral habenula
Authors: Webster Jack F. , Vroman Rozan , Balueva Kira , Wulff Peer , Sakata Shuzo , Wozny Christian
Published: May 2020

The lateral habenula (LHb) is hyperactive in depression, and thus potentiating inhibition of this structure makes an interesting target for future antidepressant therapies. However, the circuit mechanisms mediating inhibitory signalling within the LHb are not well-known. We addressed this issue by studying LHb neurons expressing either parvalbumin (PV) or somatostatin (SOM), two markers of particular sub-classes of neocortical inhibitory neurons. Here, we find that both PV and SOM are expressed by physiologically distinct sub-classes. Furthermore, we describe multiple sources of inhibitory input to the LHb arising from both local PV-positive neurons, from PV-positive neurons in the medial dorsal thalamic nucleus, and from SOM-positive neurons in the ventral pallidum. These findings hence provide new insight into inhibitory control within the LHb, and highlight that this structure is more neuronally diverse than previously thought.
Inhibition of mTOR delayed but could not prevent experimental collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Miesen Laura , Eymael Jennifer , Sharma Shagun , Loeven Markus A. , Willemsen Brigith , Bakker-van Bebber Marinka , Mooren Fieke , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Dijkman Henry , Wetzels Jack F. M. , Jansen Jitske , van der Vlag Johan , Smeets Bart
Published: May 2020

Anti-Thy1.1 transgenic mice develop glomerular lesions that mimic collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in humans with collapse of the glomerular tuft and marked hyperplasia of the parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Immunostaining of phosphor-S6 ribosomal protein (pS6RP) revealed high mTOR activity in PECs of the FSGS lesions of these mice. In this study we questioned whether the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (sirolimus) could attenuate the development and progression of glomerulosclerotic lesions in the anti-Thy1.1 transgenic mice. We observed reduced mTOR signalling and proliferation in human parietal epithelial cells after rapamycin treatment. Experiments with anti-Thy1.1. mice showed that early treatment with sirolimus reduced the development of glomerular lesions and glomerular cell proliferation at day 4. Levels of albuminuria, podocyte injury and podocyte number were similar in the sirolimus and vehicle treated groups. The initial beneficial effects of sirolimus treatment were not observed at day 7. Late sirolimus treatment did not reduce albuminuria or the progression of glomerulosclerosis. Taken together, rapamycin attenuated PEC proliferation and the formation of early FSGS lesions in experimental FSGS and reduced human PEC proliferation in vitro. However, the initial inhibition of PEC proliferation did not translate into a decline of albuminuria nor in a sustained reduction in sclerotic lesions.
Dental implant placement is a possible risk factor for the development of multiple cracks in non-endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Rosen Eyal , Volmark Yael , Beitlitum Ilan , Nissan Joseph , Nemcovsky Carlos E. , Tsesis Igor
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential risk factors, including the placement of dental implants, for the development of tooth cracks. A series of 212-patients, who were referred for endodontic treatment, were retrospectively screened, of which 72 (34%) patients had been diagnosed with 80-cracked teeth confirmed with an operating microscope. These patients had an average age of 53-years and were equally distributed between genders. Forty-one percent of the cracked teeth were diagnosed after the placement of dental implants, with an average of 3-implants per patient. Seventy percent of the cracks were diagnosed more than 1-year after implant loading. Implant placement was associated with higher odds of having multiple cracks (OR = 9.78, CI:2.320, 41.216)(p < 0.05). The proportion of cracked premolars was relatively high (30%), and most cracked teeth (79%) were vital and with a normal periapical diagnosis (86%). Most cracked teeth (71%) had an amalgam restoration, and teeth restored with amalgam were at a higher risk of having multiple cracks (p < 0.05). Clinicians should be aware of a common profile of endodontic patients with multiple cracks in a non-endodontically treated premolar, restored with an amalgam restoration, which was diagnosed with the cracks more than 1-year after reconstruction utilizing multiple implants.
Can Daily Walking Alone Reduce Pneumonia-Related Mortality among Older People?
Authors: Ikeda Takaaki , Inoue Sumito , Konta Tsuneo , Murakami Masayasu , Fujimoto Shouichi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Narita Ichiei , Kondo Masahide , Shibagaki Yugo , Kasahara Masato , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Pneumonia-related mortality is expected to increase in aging societies. This prospective cohort study examined whether daily walking (1 hour/day) could reduce pneumonia-related mortality among older people who lacked other exercise habits. We analysed data from Japanese Specific Health Checkup across 82 municipalities in 7 prefectures among participants aged ≥65 years who participated in daily walking but did not regularly engage in other forms of exercise (n = 132,448). Information on walking habits and health-related indicators was assessed at a baseline survey conducted between 2008 and 2014. Pneumonia-related and all-cause mortality were followed for a median of 3.4 years. We performed a competing risk model with propensity score matching to evaluate the association between daily walking habits and pneumonia-related mortality. Our propensity-matched analysis revealed a significant association between daily walking and pneumonia-related mortality among older people who lacked other exercise habits, such that the sub-hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals were 0.58 (0.39, 0.86). This study extends the findings of previous research on the effects of exercise on pneumonia by demonstrating that daily walking alone is sufficient to reduce pneumonia-related mortality among older people who do not regularly engage in other exercise habits.
Optical mapping of the pig heart in situ under artificial blood circulation
Authors: Martišienė Irma , Karčiauskas Dainius , Navalinskas Antanas , Mačianskienė Regina , Kučinskas Audrius , Treinys Rimantas , Grigalevičiūtė Ramunė , Zigmantaitė Vilma , Ralienė Laima , Benetis Rimantas , Jurevičius Jonas
Published: May 2020

The emergence of optical imaging has revolutionized the investigation of cardiac electrical activity and associated disorders in various cardiac pathologies. The electrical signals of the heart and the propagation pathways are crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of various cardiac pathological conditions, including arrhythmia. The synthesis of near-infrared voltage-sensitive dyes and the voltage sensitivity of the FDA-approved dye Cardiogreen have increased the importance of optical mapping (OM) as a prospective tool in clinical practice. We aimed to develop a method for the high-spatiotemporal-resolution OM of the large animal hearts in situ using di-4-ANBDQBS and Cardiogreen under patho/physiological conditions. OM was adapted to monitor cardiac electrical behaviour in an open-chest pig heart model with physiological or artificial blood circulation. We detail the methods and display the OM data obtained using di-4-ANBDQBS and Cardiogreen. Activation time, action potential duration, repolarization time and conduction velocity maps were constructed. The technique was applied to track cardiac electrical activity during regional ischaemia and arrhythmia. Our study is the first to apply high-spatiotemporal-resolution OM in the pig heart in situ to record cardiac electrical activity qualitatively under artificial blood perfusion. The use of an FDA-approved voltage-sensitive dye and artificial blood perfusion in a swine model, which is generally accepted as a valuable pre-clinical model, demonstrates the promise of OM for clinical application.
Chloroplast development at low temperature requires the pseudouridine synthase gene TCD3 in rice
Authors: Lin Dongzhi , Kong Rongrong , Chen Lu , Wang Yulu , Wu Lanlan , Xu Jianlong , Piao Zhongze , Lee Gangseob , Dong Yanjun
Published: May 2020

Low temperature affects a broad spectrum of cellular components in plants, such as chloroplasts, as well as plant metabolism. On the other hand, pseudouridine (Ψ) synthases are required for the most abundant post-transcriptional modification of RNA in Escherichia coli. However, the role of rice Ψ synthases in regulating chloroplast development at low temperature remains elusive. In this study, we identified the rice thermo-sensitive chlorophyll-deficient (tcd3) mutant, which displays an albino phenotype before the 4-leaf stage and ultimately dies when grown at 20 °C, but can grow normally at 32 °C. Genetic analysis showed that the mutant trait is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene (tcd3). Map-based cloning, complementation and knockout tests revealed that TCD3 encodes a chloroplast-localized Ψ synthase. TCD3 is a cold-induced gene that is mainly expressed in leaves. The disruption of TCD3 severely affected the transcript levels of various chloroplast-associated genes, as well as ribosomal genes involved in chloroplast rRNA assembly at low temperature (20 °C), whereas the transcript levels of these genes were normal at high temperature (32 °C). These results provide a first glimpse into the importance of rice Ψ synthase gene in chloroplast development at low temperatures.
Identification of Reference Genes in Chicken Intraepithelial Lymphocyte Natural Killer Cells Infected with Very-virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus
Authors: Boo Sook Yee , Tan Sheau Wei , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Ho Chai Ling , Omar Abdul Rahman , Yeap Swee Keong
Published: May 2020

Due to the limitations in the range of antibodies recognising avian viruses, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is still the most widely used method to evaluate the expression of immunologically related genes in avian viruses. The objective of this study was to identify suitable reference genes for mRNA expression analysis in chicken intraepithelial lymphocyte natural killer (IEL-NK) cells after infection with very-virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Fifteen potential reference genes were selected based on the references available. The coefficient of variation percentage (CV%) and average count of these 15 genes were determined by NanoString technology for control and infected samples. The M and V values for shortlisted reference genes (ACTB,GAPDH,HMBS,HPRT1,SDHA,TUBB1andYWHAZ) were calculated using geNorm and NormFinder.GAPDH,YWHAZandHMBSwere the most stably expressed genes. The expression levels of three innate immune response related target genes,CASP8,IL22andTLR3, agreed in the NanoString and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) results using one or two reference genes for normalisation (notHMBS). In conclusion,GAPDHandYWHAZcould be used as reference genes for the normalisation of chicken IEL-NK cell gene responses to infection with vvIBDV.
The Impact of Electron Correlation on Describing QM/MM Interactions in the Attendant Molecular Dynamics Simulations of CO in Myoglobin
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Lu Chenhui , Yang Maoyou
Published: May 2020

The impact of the dispersion and electron correlation effects on describing quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) interactions in QM/MM molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was explored by performing a series of up to 2 ns QM/MM MD simulations on the B states of the myoglobin–carbon monoxide (MbCO) system. The results indicate that both dispersion and electron correlations play significant roles in the simulation of the ratios of two B states (B1/B2), which suggests that the inclusion of the electron correlation effects is essential for accurately modeling the interactions between QM and MM subsystems. We found that the QM/MM interaction energies between the CO and the surroundings statistically present a linear correlation with the electric fields along the CO bond. This indicates that QM/MM interactions can be described by a simple physical model of a dipole with constant moment under the action of the electric fields. The treatment provides us with an accurate and effective approach to account for the electron correlation effects in QM/MM MD simulations.
A gland-sparing, intraoral sialolithotomy approach for hilar and intraparenchymal multiple stones in the submandibular gland
Authors: Shi Huan , Zhao Jun , Hze-Khoong Eugene Poh , Liu Shixin , Yin Xuelai , Hu Yongjie
Published: May 2020

Multiple intraglandular sialolithiasis for stones deep in the glandular parenchyma may require submandibulectomies, especially if sialendoscopic facilities are unavailable. We describe a gland-sparing intraoral sialolithotomy approach for both hilar and intraparenchymal multiple sialoliths. Nine patients with obstructive sialadenitis resulting from multiple sialoliths in both the deep hilar region and the submandibular gland parenchyma were selected for this study. Ultrasonography and computer tomography (CT) scans were performed to determine the location, number and sizes of the calculi and the distance between hilar and intraparenchymal sialoliths. All sialoliths were removed via gland-sparing, intraoral sialolithotomy. In all, 27 stones were found in the 9 patients. The hilar and deeper sialoliths were 4.5–11 and 0.8–4.5 mm, respectively, in diameter. The largest distance between the hilar and intraparenchymal sialoliths was 28.3 mm. Sialoliths in the hilar region were excised through an intraoral incision before deeper intraparenchymal stones were eased out of the same incision site. Postoperative follow-up imaging verified complete sialolith removal. Therefore, submandibular gland multiple sialoliths in the hilum and parenchyma can be successfully removed via an intraoral sialolithotomy under general anesthesia, thereby preserving the gland and restoring its secretory function.
Seasonal and spatial dynamics of the planktonic trophic biomarkers in the Strait of Georgia (northeast Pacific) and implications for fish
Authors: Costalago David , Forster Ian , Nemcek Nina , Neville Chrys , Perry R. Ian , Young Kelly , Hunt Brian P. V.
Published: May 2020

Fish growth and survival are largely determined by the nutritional quality of their food, and the fish that grow quickly during early life stages are more likely to reproduce. To adequately estimate the quality of the prey for fish, it is necessary to understand the trophic links at the base of the food-web. Trophic biomarkers (e.g., stable isotopes and fatty acids) are particularly useful to discriminate and quantify food-web relationships. We explored the connections between plankton food-web components, and the seasonal and spatial dynamics of the trophic biomarkers and how this determines the availability of high-quality prey for juvenile Pacific salmon and Pacific herring in the Strait of Georgia, Canada. We demonstrate that the plankton food-web in the region is largely supported by diatom and flagellate production. We also show that spatial differences in terms of energy transfer efficiency exist in the region. Further, we found that the fatty acid composition of the zooplankton varied seasonally, matching a shift from diatom dominated production in the spring to flagellate dominated production in the summer. This seasonal shift conferred a higher nutritional value to zooplankton in the summer, indicating better quality prey for juvenile salmon and herring during this period.
Oxytocin receptor gene and parental bonding modulate prefrontal responses to cries: a NIRS Study
Authors: Cataldo Ilaria , Neoh Michelle Jin-Yee , Chew Wei Fang , Foo Jia Nee , Lepri Bruno , Esposito Gianluca
Published: May 2020

The ability to interpret and regulate emotions relies on experiences of emotional socialization, obtained firstly through the interaction with the parents, and on genetic features that affect how individuals take on social situations. Evidence from the genetic field states that specific allelic variations of the oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms regulate physiological modulation of human behavior, especially concerning responses to social cues and affiliative behaviors. Starting from this gene-by-environment interaction frame, we assessed 102 young adults for OXTr rs53576 and rs2254298, recalled parental bonding (using the Parental Bonding Instrument), and recorded participants’ neural responses to social stressors using Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS). The results highlight that higher genetic susceptibility (G/G homozygous) to familiar context and positive early life interactions modulate more optimal neural responses to general social cues, in terms of promptness to action. With regards to the dimensions of parental bonding, we found lateralized effects, with greater activation in the right prefrontal cortex for Care subscales, and on the left side of the prefrontal cortex for Overprotection. Results provide evidence to understand the neurological mechanisms behind the negative impact of poor parenting practices on the child.