bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐pill combination of cilnidipine, an l‐/n‐type calcium channel blocker, and valsartan reduces the day‐by‐day variability of morning home systolic blood pressure in patients with treated hypertension: A sub‐analysis of the HOPE‐combi survey
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Matsuda Saori , Nagahama Shinobu , Kurose Yoshiki , Sugii Hitoshi , Teshima Tsukasa , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: January 2021

We examined the effects of a fixed‐dose single‐pill combination of cilnidipine (10 mg), an L‐/N‐type calcium channel blocker, and valsartan (80 mg) (SPC of Cil/Val) on the day‐by‐day variability of morning home systolic blood pressure (MHSBP) in 616 patients with treated hypertension for 12 months as a sub‐analysis of the HOPE‐Combi survey, multicentral, post‐marketing, and prospective observational survey. The SPC of Cil/Val was administrated once a day in the morning. The SPC of Cil/Val decreased the standard deviation (SD, from 6.3 ± 4.8 to 5.1 ± 3.8 mmHg, p < .01), coefficient of variation (from 4.3 ± 3.2 to 3.8 ± 2.9%, p < .05), average real variability (ARV, from 7.9 ± 6.6 to 6.3 ± 5.1 mmHg, p < .01), and the difference between maximum and minimum (MMD, from 11.9 ± 9.2 to 9.7 ± 7.2 mmHg, p < .01) of MHSBP. The variability of MHSBP increased with age; however, this was not increased in patients ≥70 years at the baseline. In elderly patients (≥70 years, N = 283), the SPC of Cil/Val decreased the SD (from 6.9 ± 5.6 to 5.6 ± 4.4 mmHg, p < .01), ARV (from 8.6 ± 7.7 to 6.9 ± 5.7 mmHg, p < .05), and MMD (from 13.2 ± 10.7 to 10.7 ± 8.3 mmHg, p < .01) of MHSBP at 12 months; the reduction in these MHSBP variability parameters was comparable to that in adults <70 years. These results suggest that the SPC of Cil/Val is effective in reducing day‐by‐day variability of MHSBP in elderly patients.
Analysis of genes encoding for proteolytic enzymes and cytotoxic proteins as virulence factors of Piscirickettsia salmonis in SHK‐1 cells
Authors: Figueroa Jaime , Villagrán Daniela , Cartes Carlos , Solis Camila , Nourdin‐Galindo Guillermo , Haussmann Denise
Published: January 2021

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the causative agent of Piscirickettsiosis, a systemic disease generating high mortality rates in farmed salmon cultures of southern Chile. Proteolytic enzymes are important virulence factors since they play a key role in bacterial invasion and proliferation within the host. Bacteria growing in muscle tissues are known to secrete proteases, but no proteolytic enzymes have been described in P. salmonis to date. A battery of putative protease genes was found in the genomes and available strains of P. salmonis by bioinformatics analyses, and their identity was established through comparison with protease genes in databases. The transcript levels of five candidate genes were analysed by in vitro infection and qPCR. All strains were found to generate protease activity to varying degrees, and this was significantly increased when bacteria infected a salmon cell line. Gene expression of several types of proteases was also evidenced, with the highest levels corresponding to the type 1 secretion system (T1SS), which is also involved in the transport of haemolysin A, although transcripts with significant levels of peptidase M4 (thermolysin) and CLP protease were also found.
Glucocorticoids attenuate interleukin‐6‐induced c‐Fos and Egr1 expression and impair neuritogenesis in PC12 cells
Authors: Bongartz Hannes , Seiß Elena Anne , Bock Jörg , Schaper Fred
Published: January 2021

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a cytokine primarily known for immune regulation. There is also growing evidence that IL‐6 triggers neurogenesis and impacts neural development, both life‐long occurring processes that can be impaired by early‐life and adult stress. Stress induces the release of glucocorticoids by activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. On the cellular level, glucocorticoids act via the ubiquitously expressed glucocorticoid receptor. Thus, we aimed to elucidate whether glucocorticoids affect IL‐6‐induced neural development. Here, we show that IL‐6 signalling induces neurite outgrowth in adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway‐dependent manner, since neurite outgrowth was diminished upon Mek‐inhibitor treatment. Using quantitative biochemical approaches, such as qRT‐PCR analysis of Hyper‐IL‐6 treated PC12 cells, we show that neurite outgrowth induced by IL‐6 signalling is accompanied by early and transient MAPK‐dependent mRNA expression of immediate early genes coding for proteins such as early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) and c‐Fos. This correlates with reduced proliferation and prolonged G0/G1 cell cycle arrest as determined by monitoring the cellular DNA content using flow cytometry. These results indicate for IL‐6 signalling‐induced neural differentiation. Interestingly, the glucocorticoid Dexamethasone impairs early IL‐6 signalling‐induced mRNA expression of c‐Fos and Egr1 and restrains neurite outgrowth. Impaired Egr1 and c‐Fos expression in neural development is implicated in the aetiology of neuropathologies. Thus, it appears likely that stress‐induced release of glucocorticoids, as well as therapeutically administered glucocorticoids, contribute to the development of neuropathologies by reducing the expression of Egr1 and c‐Fos, and by restraining IL‐6‐dependent neural differentiation.

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Comparing development and regeneration in the submandibular gland highlights distinct mechanisms
Authors: Chatzeli Lemonia , Teshima Tathyane H. N. , Hajihosseini Mohammad K. , Gaete Marcia , Proctor Gordon B. , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: January 2021

A common question in organ regeneration is the extent to which regeneration recapitulates embryonic development. To investigate this concept, we compared the expression of two highly interlinked and essential genes for salivary gland development, Sox9 and Fgf10, during submandibular gland development, homeostasis and regeneration. Salivary gland duct ligation/deligation model was used as a regenerative model. Fgf10 and Sox9 expression changed during regeneration compared to homeostasis, suggesting that these key developmental genes play important roles during regeneration, however, significantly both displayed different patterns of expression in the regenerating gland compared to the developing gland. Regenerating glands, which during homeostasis had very few weakly expressing Sox9‐positive cells in the striated/granular ducts, displayed elevated expression of Sox9 within these ducts. This pattern is in contrast to embryonic development, where Sox9 expression was absent in the proximally developing ducts. However, similar to the elevated expression at the distal tip of the epithelium in developing salivary glands, regenerating glands displayed elevated expression in a subpopulation of acinar cells, which during homeostasis expressed Sox9 at lower levels. A shift in expression of Fgf10 was observed from a widespread mesenchymal pattern during organogenesis to a more limited and predominantly epithelial pattern during homeostasis in the adult. This restricted expression in epithelial cells was maintained during regeneration, with no clear upregulation in the surrounding mesenchyme, as might be expected if regeneration recapitulated development. As both Fgf10 and Sox9 were upregulated in proximal ducts during regeneration, this suggests that the positive regulation of Sox9 by Fgf10, essential during development, is partially reawakened during regeneration using this model. Together these data suggest that developmentally important genes play a key role in salivary gland regeneration but do not precisely mimic the roles observed during development.
Clinicopathological analysis of oral and maxillofacial acinic cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Kirschnick Laura Borges , Silveira Felipe Martins , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Carrard Vinicius Coelho , dos Santos Jean Nunes , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Manoela Domingues
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the available data regarding acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Methods

A search strategy was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases.

Results

Available data revealed a slight female preference (54.73%) and a mean age at diagnosis of 47.51 ± 19.85 years. The parotid glands (67.72%) were most frequently affected, and most cases were asymptomatic (69.54%). A microcystic histopathological pattern was reported in 21.56% of the cases, and the Periodic acid‐Schiff was the staining method most frequently used, after the hematoxylin and eosin staining, in the tumors analyzed. The lesions were mainly treated by surgical removal (72.32%). Recurrence was reported in 81 cases (27.83%) and metastasis in 100 (42.91%). Statistical data analysis revealed that tumors located in major salivary glands and exhibiting high‐grade histology were associated with local recurrence (P = .01). In addition, the patients older than 57 years, lesions with bone involvement, the high‐grade tumors and the cases with a history of recurrence and metastasis were associated with a lower overall survival (P < .05).

Conclusion

By assembling all eligible cases in the literature, the present systematic review determined the most common clinicopathological profile of acinic cell carcinoma and the most relevant prognostic factors in a distinctly representative sample. The survey demonstrated the importance of considering the histopathological grading in order to better define the treatment for each case.
Prey type constrains growth and photosynthetic capacity of the kleptoplastidic ciliate Mesodinium chamaeleon (Ciliophora)
Authors: Moeller Holly V. , Hsu Veronica , Lepori‐Bui Michelle , Mesrop Lisa Y. , Chinn Cara , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: January 2021

Kleptoplastidic, or chloroplast‐stealing, lineages offer insight into the process of acquiring photosynthesis. By quantifying the ability of these organisms to retain and use photosynthetic machinery from their prey, we can understand how intermediaries on the endosymbiosis pathway might have evolved regulatory and maintenance mechanisms. Here, we focus on a mixotrophic kleptoplastidic ciliate, Mesodinium chamaeleon, noteworthy for its ability to retain functional chloroplasts from at least half a dozen cryptophyte algal genera. We contrasted the performance of kleptoplastids from blue‐green and red cryptophyte prey as a function of light level and feeding history. Our experiments showed that starved M. chamaeleon cells are able to maintain photosynthetic function for at least 2 weeks and that M. chamaeleon containing red plastids lost chlorophyll and electron transport capacity faster than those containing blue‐green plastids. However, likely due to increased pigment content and photosynthetic rates in red plastids, M. chamaeleon had higher growth rates and more prolonged growth when feeding on red cryptophytes. For example, M. chamaeleon grew rapidly and extensively when fed the blue‐green cryptophyte Chroomonas mesostigmatica, but this growth appeared to hinge on high levels of feeding supporting photosynthetic activity. In contrast, even starved M. chamaeleon containing red plastids from Rhodomonas salina could achieve high photosynthetic rates and extensive growth. Our findings show that plastid origin impacts the maintenance and magnitude of photosynthetic activity, though whether this is due to variation in ciliate control or gradual loss of plastid function in ingested prey cells remains unknown.
The Influence of Bacteria on the Growth, Lipid Production, and Extracellular Metabolite Accumulation by Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Chorazyczewski Adam M. , Huang I‐Shuo , Abdulla Hussain , Mayali Xavier , Zimba Paul V.
Published: January 2021

To examine the impact of heterotrophic bacteria on microalgal physiology, we co‐cultured the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum with six bacterial strains to quantify bacteria‐mediated differences in algal biomass, total intracellular lipids, and for a subset, extracellular metabolite accumulation. A Marinobacter isolate significantly increased algal cell concentrations, dry biomass, and lipid content compared to axenic algal cultures. Two other bacterial strains from the Bacteroidetes order, of the genera Algoriphagus and Muricauda, significantly lowered P. tricornutum biomass, leading to overall decreased lipid accumulation. These three bacterial co‐cultures (one mutualistic, two competitive) were analyzed for extracellular metabolites via untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to compare against bacteria‐free cultures. Over 80% of the extracellular metabolites differentially abundant in at least one treatment were in higher concentrations in the axenic cultures, in agreement with the hypothesis that the co‐cultured bacteria incorporated algal‐derived organic compounds for growth. Furthermore, the extracellular metabolite profiles of the two growth‐inhibiting cultures were more similar to one another than the growth‐promoting co‐culture, linking metabolite patterns to ecological role. Our results show that algal–bacterial interactions can influence the accumulation of intracellular lipids and extracellular metabolites, and suggest that utilization and accumulation of compounds outside the cell play a role in regulating microbial interactions.
Durability of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance and subsequent risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Aixin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Lu Junfeng , Jin Yi , Ma Lina , Hu Zhongjie , Zheng Yanhong , Shen Chengli , Chen Xinyue
Published: January 2021

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is regarded as the ideal endpoint for antiviral treatment. However, reports on the durability of and outcomes after HBsAg seroclearance are few, which has become a focus in clinical practice. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the durability and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence after HBsAg seroclearance after treatment cessation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline and Web of Science for studies that reported the durability and HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance published between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2020. Data were analysed by a random‐effects model. Thirty‐eight studies and 43,924 patients were finally included. The results showed that HBsAg seroclearance was durable, with a pooled recurrence rate of 6.19% (95% CI: 4.10%–8.68%). There was no significant difference in recurrence rates after different seroclearance methods or among recurrence types and different regions. Anti‐HBs seroconversion resulted in a significantly reduced recurrence rate (RR = 0.25, p < .001). Patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance had significantly lower HCC incidence than HBsAg‐positive (RR = 0.41, p < .001). The pooled HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance was 1.88%; this rate was reduced to 0.76% among patients without baseline cirrhosis. In conclusion, the analysis during an average follow‐up of 4.74 years suggested that in patients who experienced sustained HBsAg seroclearance and anti‐HBs seroconversion, this was associated with low HCC incidence. Patients without baseline cirrhosis benefited even more. We emphasize the importance of gaining HBsAg seroclearance while highlighting the benefits of achieving this as early as possible.
Comparison of epiphyte algal assemblages on the leaves of marine seagrasses Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Asch, and the lessepsian Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch in Chebba (East of Tunisia)
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Ben Brahim Mounir , Jebara Amel , Jribi Imed
Published: January 2021

This study aims to investigate biometric parameters and epiphytic algae on the leaves of three seagrass species Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, and Halophila stipulacea, which co‐occur in Eastern coast of Tunisia (islet of Kaboudia, Chebba). Sampling was conducted at six stations (5 m depth) during March 2017. Biometrical measurements showed that shoot density and leaf surface area of P. oceanica and the C. nodosa were higher than those of H. stipulacea. Epiphyte covers were correlated with biometric parameters of the three host plants. Epiphyte algal assemblages were more abundant and more diversified on the leaves of P. oceanica and C. nodosa than those on the leaves of H. stipulacea. Significant differences were found for all epiphytic algae groups among the three seagrass species. Seagrass species characteristics (meadow type, shape forms of leaves, life span, and growth rate) seem to be responsible of these dissimilarities in epiphytic algae communities. No apparent negative interactions of H. stipulacea with P. oceanica and C. nodosa have been observed. No invasive epiphytic algae species were found on the leaves of H. stipulacea. It seems that it is a recent installation of H. stipulacea in this area since its density (average 416.23 shoot m−2) was relatively low.
Rapid evolution of latitudinal clines in growth and defence of an invasive weed
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Mu , Pan Yuanfei , Huang Heyan , Pan Xiaoyun , Sosa Alejandro , Hou Yuping , Zhu Zhengcai , Li Bo
Published: January 2021

Re‐establishment of heritable latitudinal clines in growth‐related traits has been recognised as evidence for adaptive evolution in invasive plants. However, less information is known about latitudinal clines in defence and joint clinal evolution of growth and defence in invasive plants.

We planted 14 native Argentinean populations and 14 introduced Chinese populations of Alternanthera philoxeroides in replicate common gardens in China. We investigated the latitudinal clines of traits related to growth and defence, and plasticity of these traits in relation to experiment site and soil nitrogen.

We found that chemical defence decreased with latitude in introduced populations but increased with latitude in native populations. For growth rate, latitudinal clines were positive in introduced populations but nonexistent in native populations. There were also parallel positive latitudinal clines in total/shoot biomass and specific leaf area. Experiment site affected the occurrence or magnitude of latitudinal clines in growth rate, branch intensity and triterpenoid saponins concentration. Introduced populations were more plastic to experiment site and soil nitrogen than native populations.

We provide evidence for rapid evolution of clines in growth and defence in an invasive plant. Altered herbivory gradients and trade‐off between growth and defence may explain nonparallel clines between the native and introduced ranges.
Global patterns and a latitudinal gradient of flower disparity: perspectives from the angiosperm order Ericales
Authors: Chartier Marion , von Balthazar Maria , Sontag Susanne , Löfstrand Stefan , Palme Thomas , Jabbour Florian , Sauquet Hervé , Schönenberger Jürg
Published: January 2021

Morphological diversity (disparity) is an essential but often neglected aspect of biodiversity. Hence, it seems timely and promising to re‐emphasize morphology in modern evolutionary studies. Disparity is a good proxy for the diversity of functions and interactions with the environment of a group of taxa. In addition, geographical and ecological patterns of disparity are crucial to understand organismal evolution and to guide biodiversity conservation efforts.

Here, we analyse floral disparity across latitudinal intervals, growth forms, climate types, types of habitats, and regions for a large and representative sample of the angiosperm order Ericales.

We find a latitudinal gradient of floral disparity and a decoupling of disparity from species richness. Other factors investigated are intercorrelated, and we find the highest disparity for tropical trees growing in African and South American forests.

Explanations for the latitudinal gradient of floral disparity may involve the release of abiotic constraints and the increase of biotic interactions towards tropical latitudes, allowing tropical lineages to explore a broader area of the floral morphospace. Our study confirms the relevance of biodiversity parameters other than species richness and is consistent with the importance of species interactions in the tropics, in particular with respect to angiosperm flowers and their pollinators.
Perception of the pathogen‐induced peptide RGF7 by the receptor‐like kinases RGI4 and RGI5 triggers innate immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Na , Zhang Lina , He Yunxia , Cai Chao , Zhou Jinggeng , Li Jia , Meng Xiangzong
Published: January 2021

Signaling peptides play crucial roles in plant growth, development and defense. We report here that the Arabidopsis thaliana secreted peptide, ROOT MERISTEM GROWTH FACTOR 7 (RGF7), functions as an endogenous elicitor to trigger plant immunity.

Expression of the RGF7 precursor‐encoding gene (preRGF7) is highly induced in Arabidopsis leaves upon infection by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. The pathogen‐responsive preRGF7 expression is regulated by the transcription factor WRKY33 and its upstream mitogen‐activated protein kinases MPK3/MPK6 and calcium‐dependent protein kinases CPK5/CPK6. In the absence of pathogen attack, chemically induced expression of preRGF7 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants was sufficient to trigger immune responses. Pre‐induction of preRGF7 expression in transgenic Arabidopsis also led to enhanced immune responses and increased resistance to P. syringae infection.

Biochemical and genetic analyses demonstrated that RGF7 is perceived by the leaf‐expressed RGF1 INSENSITIVE (RGI) family receptors RGI4 and RGI5. The SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASES (SERKs) BAK1 and SERK4 are also involved in RGF7 perception via forming RGF7‐induced receptor‐complexes with RGI4 and RGI5.

These results indicate that the pathogen‐induced RGF7 peptide, perceived by the RGI4/RGI5‐BAK1/SERK4 receptor complexes, acts as a new damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and plays a significant role in Arabidopsis immunity.
ERECTA signaling regulates plant immune responses via chromatin‐mediated promotion of WRKY33 binding to target genes
Authors: Cai Hanyang , Huang Youmei , Chen Fangqian , Liu Liping , Chai Mengnan , Zhang Man , Yan Maokai , Aslam Mohammad , He Qing , Qin Yuan
Published: January 2021

The signaling pathway mediated by the receptor‐like kinase ERECTA (ER) plays important roles in plant immune responses, but the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Genetic interactions between ER signaling and the chromatin remodeling complex SWR1 in the control of plant immune responses were studied. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and yeast one‐hybrid analysis were applied to identify ER‐WRKY33 downstream components. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses were further investigated.

In this study, we show that the chromatin remodeling complex SWR1 enhances resistance to the white mold fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Arabidopsis thaliana via a process mediated by ER signaling. We identify a series of WRKY33 target YODA DOWNSTREAM (YDD) genes and demonstrate that SWR1 and ER signaling are required to enrich H2A.Z histone variant and H3K4me3 histone modification at YDDs and the binding of WRKY33 to YDD promoters upon S. sclerotiorum infection. We also reveal that the binding of WRKY33 to YDD promoters in turn promotes the enrichment of H2A.Z and H3K4me3 at YDD genes, thereby forming a positive regulatory loop to activate YDDs expression.

Our study reveals how H2A.Z, H3K4me3 and ER signaling mutually regulate YDDs gene expression upon pathogen infection, highlighting the critical role of chromatin structure in ER‐signaling‐mediated plant immune responses.
Ancient and recent gene duplications as evolutionary drivers of the seed maturation regulators DELAY OF GERMINATION1 family genes
Authors: Nishiyama Eri , Nonogaki Mariko , Yamazaki Satoru , Nonogaki Hiroyuki , Ohshima Kazuhiko
Published: January 2021

The DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1) family genes (DFGs) in Arabidopsis thaliana are involved in seed dormancy, reserve accumulation, and desiccation tolerance. Decoding the molecular evolution of DFGs is key to understanding how these seed programs evolved. This article demonstrates that DFGs have diverged in the four lineages DOG1, DOG1‐LIKE4 (DOGL4), DOGL5 and DOGL6, whereas DOGL1, DOGL2 and DOGL3 arose separately within the DOG1 lineage. The systematic DFG nomenclature proposed in this article addresses the current issues of inconsistent DFG annotation and highlights DFG genomic synteny in angiosperms. DFG pseudogenes, or collapsed coding sequences, hidden in the genomes of early‐diverging angiosperms are documented here. They suggest ancient birth and loss of DFGs over the course of angiosperm evolution. The proposed models suggest that the origin of DFG diversification dates back to the most recent common ancestor of living angiosperms. The presence of a single form of DFG in nonflowering plants is discussed. Phylogenetic analysis of gymnosperm, lycophyte, and liverwort DFGs and similar genes found in mosses and algae suggests that DFGs diverged from the TGACG motif‐binding transcription factor genes before the divergence of the bryophyte lineage.
An optimized genetically encoded dual reporter for simultaneous ratio imaging of Ca2+ and H+ reveals new insights into ion signaling in plants
Authors: Li Kunkun , Prada Juan , Damineli Daniel S. C. , Liese Anja , Romeis Tina , Dandekar Thomas , Feijó José A. , Hedrich Rainer , Konrad Kai Robert
Published: January 2021

Whereas the role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in plant signaling is well studied, the physiological significance of pH‐changes remains largely undefined.

Here we developed CapHensor, an optimized dual‐reporter for simultaneous Ca2+ and pH ratio‐imaging and studied signaling events in pollen tubes (PTs), guard cells (GCs), and mesophyll cells (MCs). Monitoring spatio‐temporal relationships between membrane voltage, Ca2+‐ and pH‐dynamics revealed interconnections previously not described.

In tobacco PTs, we demonstrated Ca2+‐dynamics lag behind pH‐dynamics during oscillatory growth, and pH correlates more with growth than Ca2+. In GCs, we demonstrated abscisic acid (ABA) to initiate stomatal closure via rapid cytosolic alkalization followed by Ca2+ elevation. Preventing the alkalization blocked GC ABA‐responses and even opened stomata in the presence of ABA, disclosing an important pH‐dependent GC signaling node. In MCs, a flg22‐induced membrane depolarization preceded Ca2+‐increases and cytosolic acidification by c. 2 min, suggesting a Ca2+/pH‐independent early pathogen signaling step. Imaging Ca2+ and pH resolved similar cytosol and nuclear signals and demonstrated flg22, but not ABA and hydrogen peroxide to initiate rapid membrane voltage‐, Ca2+‐ and pH‐responses.

We propose close interrelation in Ca2+‐ and pH‐signaling that is cell type‐ and stimulus‐specific and the pH having crucial roles in regulating PT growth and stomata movement.
The Arabidopsis R‐SNARE VAMP714 is essential for polarisation of PIN proteins and auxin responses
Authors: Gu Xiaoyan , Fonseka Kumari , Agneessens Julien , Casson Stuart A. , Smertenko Andrei , Guo Guangqin , Topping Jennifer F. , Hussey Patrick J. , Lindsey Keith
Published: January 2021

The plant hormone auxin and its directional intercellular transport play a major role in diverse aspects of plant growth and development. The establishment of auxin gradients requires the asymmetric distribution of members of the auxin efflux carrier PIN‐FORMED (PIN) protein family to the plasma membrane. An endocytic pathway regulates the recycling of PIN proteins between the plasma membrane and endosomes, providing a mechanism for dynamic localisation.

N‐Ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor adaptor protein receptors (SNAP receptors, SNAREs) mediate fusion between vesicles and target membranes and are classed as Q‐ or R‐SNAREs based on their sequence. We analysed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function mutants, dominant‐negative transgenics and localisation of the Arabidopsis R‐SNARE VAMP714 protein to understand its function.

We demonstrate that VAMP714 is essential for the insertion of PINs into the plasma membrane, for polar auxin transport, root gravitropism and morphogenesis. VAMP714 gene expression is upregulated by auxin, and the VAMP714 protein co‐localises with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi vesicles and with PIN proteins at the plasma membrane.

It is proposed that VAMP714 mediates the delivery of PIN‐carrying vesicles to the plasma membrane, and that this forms part of a positive regulatory loop in which auxin activates a VAMP714‐dependent PIN/auxin transport system to control development.
Golgi‐localised manganese transporter PML3 regulates Arabidopsis growth through modulating Golgi glycosylation and cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Chang‐Hong , Wang Chao , Singh Somesh , Fan Ni , Liu Shuo , Zhao Li , Cao Hengliang , Xie Wenxiang , Yang Chengwei , Huang Chao‐Feng
Published: January 2021

Golgi is a critical compartment for both the reutilisation of the essential micronutrient manganese (Mn) and its detoxification. However, whether Mn plays a role in the Golgi remains to be demonstrated in plants.

We characterised the function of PML3, a member of the Unknown Protein Family UPF0016, in Mn transport and the regulation of plant growth, Golgi glycosylation and cell wall biosynthesis in Arabidopsis. We also investigated the relationship of PML3 with NRAMP2, a trans‐Golgi network localised Mn transporter.

PML3‐GFP is preferentially localised in the cis‐Golgi. PML3 can transport Mn to rescue the hypersensitivity of yeast mutant Δpmr1 to excess Mn. Two mutant alleles of PML3 displayed reduced plant growth and impaired seed development under Mn‐deficient conditions. The pml3 mutants also showed impaired Golgi glycosylation and cell wall biosynthesis under Mn deficiency. Double mutations of PML3 and NRAMP2 showed improved plant growth compared with that of single mutants under Mn deficiency, implying that PML3 and NRAMP2 play opposite roles in the regulation of Golgi Mn levels.

Our results suggest that PML3 mediates Mn uptake into the Golgi compartments, which is required for proper protein glycosylation and cell wall biosynthesis under Mn‐deficient conditions.
China's antenatal care promoting early childhood development: evidence from a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wu Tianchen , Niu Jieqiong , Yin Xiaohan , Zhao Chunxia , Huang Xiaona , Wang Xiaoli
Published: January 2021

The Chinese government has established a three‐tier maternal care system covering the entire country and providing integrated antenatal care (ANC) for pregnancies. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of ANC services on early childhood development. A community‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted for mothers’ ANC visits and assessments of early childhood development in Shanxi and Guizhou provinces, China. A total of 1660 mother–child dyads were included in current analyses: 29.2% of mothers did not receive any ANC (ANC1), 23.3% of mothers received ANC three or fewer times (ANC2), and 47.5% of mothers received ANC four or more times (ANC3). Children whose mothers received ANC services had a significantly lower risk of overall developmental delay (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44–0.81 for ANC2; and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34–0.59 for ANC3) and social‐emotional developmental delay (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.94 for ANC3). Furthermore, a significant pathway relationship mediated by maternal depression and nurturing care was found between ANC and developmental delay. This study showed ANC services significantly reduced the risk of developmental delay in offspring. We also suggest that a nationwide ANC system can be a good delivery platform for scaled‐up early childhood development interventions.
Comparing surface digitization techniques in palaeontology using visual perceptual metrics and distance computations between 3D meshes
Authors: Díez Díaz Verónica , Mallison Heinrich , Asbach Patrick , Schwarz Daniela , Blanco Alejandro
Published: January 2021

The use of surface digitization techniques and methods in palaeontology has increased in the last two decades, mainly due to recent improvements in devices and software. However, many digitization efforts are published only as 3D models, with only a few details on the exact protocols used and sometimes not even indicating how to access these digital data, thus reducing the long‐term reusability of the obtained files. It is important to include this information, as the applied techniques and workflows have significant effects on the final quality of 3D models. We compare 3D meshes created by seven different surface digitization techniques and protocols for a sauropod caudal vertebra and a testudine turtle in a flat slab of rock. These two specimens represent typical examples of objects in vertebrate palaeontology collections, making them a suitable sample for our tests. Besides these quantitative and topological comparisons we also have computed visual perceptual metrics, which aim to predict the visual quality of a 3D model as perceived by a human observer. Our results agree with previous works, confirming that photogrammetry is one of the most suitable options for obtaining high quality 3D models of fossils, producing higher quality meshes than current structured light 3D scanners.
Soil chemical legacies trigger species‐specific and context‐dependent root responses in later arriving plants
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Schempp Hannes , Spachmann Sina Maria , Störzer Laura , van Dam Nicole M. , Temperton Vicky M. , Weinhold Alexander
Published: January 2021

Soil legacies play an important role for the creation of priority effects. However, we still poorly understand to what extent the metabolome found in the soil solution of a plant community is conditioned by its species composition and whether soil chemical legacies affect subsequent species during assembly. To test these hypotheses, we collected soil solutions from forb or grass communities and evaluated how the metabolome of these soil solutions affected the growth, biomass allocation and functional traits of a forb (Dianthus deltoides) and a grass species (Festuca rubra). Results showed that the metabolomes found in the soil solutions of forb and grass communities differed in composition and chemical diversity. While soil chemical legacies did not have any effect onF.rubra, root foraging byD.deltoidesdecreased when plants received the soil solution from a grass or a forb community. Structural equation modelling showed that reduced soil exploration byD.deltoidesarose via either a root growth‐dependent pathway (forb metabolome) or a root trait‐dependent pathway (grass metabolome). Reduced root foraging was not connected to a decrease in total N uptake. Our findings reveal that soil chemical legacies can create belowground priority effects by affecting root foraging in later arriving plants.
Optical Properties of New Terbium(III) Ternary Complexes Containing Anionic 6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐heptafluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐octanedione and Neutral Sensitizers in Solution, Solid and PMMA Thin Films: Intra and Interphase Colour Tuning
Authors: Ahmad Bhat Shabir , Iftikhar Khalid
Published: January 2021

Four new terbium(III) ternary complexes, [Tb(fod)3(indazole)] (1), [Tb(fod)3(tptz)] (2), [Tb(fod)3(impy)] (3) and [Tb(fod)3(tppo)2] (4) with 6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐heptafluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐octanedione, (Hfod) and N and O donors are synthesized and structurally characterized. The photoluminescence of the complexes are studied in solid, chloroform solution and thin PMMA hybrid films (PMMA is a poly(methyl methacrylate)). The ligand‐based emission is dominant in solution of 3 and 4. The effect of ancillary ligands on the photoluminescence of terbium(III) ion is investigated. The mechanism of energy transfer is discussed and correlates the luminescence of acceptor terbium ion with the triplet state energy level of donor ligands. Among the four complexes studied, the luminescence from 1 is most intense followed by 2, 4 and 3. The Commission International de I’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates of these complexes are calculated and presented. The complexes 3 and 4 show intraphase color tuning when excited under different UV wavelengths. The emission color of [Tb(fod)3(tppo)2] (4) changes from pure blue to turquoise green via almost pure white under 360, 328 and 280 nm UV excitation wavelengths respectively. The [Tb(fod)3(impy)] (3) show similar results. The complex [Tb(fod)3(tptz)] (2) displays interphase color tuning from yellow (solution) to turquoise green (solid) and fascinatingly incorporation of complex in PMMA polymer generates white light under same excitation wavelength (360 nm).
Association of previous schistosome infection with fatty liver and coronary heart disease: A cross‐sectional study in china
Authors: Zou Zhuo‐qun , Liu Mei , Zhong Huai‐qin , Guan Guo‐yue
Published: January 2021

Background

More than 11 million people were estimated to have been infected by Schistosoma japonicum in China before the 1950s. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the longitudinal effects of previous schistosome infection (PSI).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of PSI with fatty liver and coronary heart disease in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in regions which were all reportedly heavily endemic for S japonicum in China. All data were collected using a questionnaire administered and health examinations by well‐trained medical professionals. 2867 participants aged 40 years and older were enrolled. Among these, 731 patients with PSI were selected as study subjects and 2136 subjects served as controls. Comparisons between groups were performed with or without an adjustment for a covariate, using Student's t tests for continuous variables and chi‐square testing for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the associations between PSI and fatty liver or coronary heart disease.

Results

The PSI participants had significantly lower levels of triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, uric acid, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, platelet, total protein and globulin as well as a lower prevalence of fatty liver (13.3% vs 53.6%, P < .001) and coronary heart disease (3.4% vs 6.0%, P < .05) compared with the uninfected, contemporaneous controls (without PSI), whereas the PSI participants had higher levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, direct bilirubin and a higher prevalence of hepatic dysfunction compared with those without PSI (P < .05).

Conclusion

We found PSI significantly negatively associated with fatty liver and coronary heart disease. However, further studies on schistosomiasis may provide new directions for prevention and treatment of fatty liver and coronary heart disease.
The two sides of the coin: joint project leader interaction in university‐industry collaboration projects
Authors: Sjöö Karolin , Hellström Tomas
Published: January 2021

This article focuses on how academic and industrial leaders view central aspects of the initiation, collaboration process, and the outcomes in government‐funded R&D projects. In much previous work on university‐industry collaborations (UICs), universities or researchers and/or firms have been studied without any direct reference to the other party, thus neglecting the fact that the motivations, perceptions, and actions involved in UICs are two‐sided at least. In contrast, this study builds on interviews with academic‐industry project leader pairs to identify how both sides perceive the initiation, interaction, conditions, and outcomes of the collaborative project. While there is unexpected overlap in both parties’ perceptions of goals and utilities of the collaboration, there is also a clear tendency for academics to stress the less tangible or distant factors (e.g., ‘a culture’, ‘priorities’, or general university support), while industry actors emphasize more tangible operative factors (e.g., collaborative networks, timing issues, having project owners and conflict resolution procedures). This might illustrate different cultural or professional mores as well as different notions of what types of efficiencies to seek collaborative R&D in general.
Nonstationary space–time covariance functions induced by dynamical systems
Authors: Senoussi Rachid , Porcu Emilio
Published: January 2021

This article provides a novel approach to nonstationarity by considering a bridge between differential equations and spatial fields. We consider the dynamical transformation of a given spatial process undergoing the action of a temporal flow of space diffeomorphisms. Such dynamical deformations are shown to be connected to certain classes of ordinary and partial differential equations. The natural question arises of how such dynamical diffeomorphisms convert the original spatial covariance function, specifically if the original covariance is spatially stationary or isotropic. We first challenge this question from a general perspective, and then turn into the special cases of both d‐dimensional Euclidean spaces, and hyperspheres. Several examples of dynamical diffeomorphisms defined in these spaces are given and some emphasis has been put on the stationary reducibility problem. We provide a simple illustration to show the performance of the maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of a family of dynamically deformed covariance functions.
Semiparametric estimation and model selection for conditional mixture copula models
Authors: Liu Guannan , Long Wei , Yang Bingduo , Cai Zongwu
Published: January 2021

Conditional copula models allow the dependence structure among variables to vary with covariates, and thus can describe the evolution of the dependence structure with those factors. This paper proposes a conditional mixture copula which is a weighted average of several individual conditional copulas. We allow both the weights and copula parameters to vary with a covariate so that the conditional mixture copula offers additional flexibility and accuracy in describing the dependence structure. We propose a two‐step semi‐parametric estimation method and develop asymptotic properties of the estimators. Moreover, we introduce model selection procedures to select the component copulas of the conditional mixture copula model. Simulation results suggest that the proposed procedures have a good performance in estimating and selecting conditional mixture copulas with different model specifications. The proposed model is then applied to investigate how the dependence structures among international equity markets evolve with the volatility in the exchange rate markets.
Usefulness of ultrasound in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and correlation with histopathological findings: A series of 30 cases
Authors: Diago Adrian , Llombart Beatriz , Serra‐Guillen Carlos , Arana Estanislao , Guillén Carlos , Requena Celia , Traves Victor , Bancalari Bernardo , Bernia Eduardo , Ríos‐Viñuela Elisa , Sanmartín Onofre
Published: January 2021

Background

Small series of ultrasound findings in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) have been published, but the usefulness of this technique as a preoperative planning tool for tumor resection has not been studied.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with DFSP at our hospital that underwent ultrasound examination. Depth of invasion was evaluated by ultrasound and histopathology. Accuracy of ultrasound for assessing depth of tumor invasion was estimated.

Results

Thirty histopathologically confirmed DFSPs were studied. Classic finger‐like projections were observed in 73.3% of cases. A posterior hyperechoic area extending deep into the subcutaneous tissue correlated with the honeycomb DFSP pattern and was observed in 53.3% of patients. Concordance between ultrasound and histopathologic depth measurements was excellent. Lateral tumor extension and Doppler activity were not evaluated in our series.

Conclusion

Ultrasound showed excellent prediction of depth of invasion. Further studies are required to define the usefulness of ultrasound for determining lateral tumor extension.
Bayesian survival model induced by frailty for lifetime with long‐term survivors
Authors: Cancho Vicente G. , Barriga Gladys D. C. , Cordeiro Gauss M. , Ortega Edwin M. M. , Suzuki Adriano K.
Published: January 2021

It is introduced the proportional hazards frailty model to allow a discrete distribution for the frailty variable. Frailty zero can be interpreted as being immune or cured. It is defined a class of survival models induced by a discrete frailty having a mixed Poisson distribution, which can account for unobserved dispersion. Further, a new regression to evaluate the effects of covariates in the cure fraction is constructed. Several former cure survival models are special cases of the proposed modeling framework. The inferential approach is based on Bayesian methods. Some simulation results are provided to assess the performance of the new regression. Its importance is illustrated by means of an application to colorectal cancer data.
A comparative study of sono‐urethrography using saline, agitated saline, and an ultrasound contrast agent in normal beagles
Authors: Lee Dahae , Yoon Sooa , Kim Cheolhyun , Choi Jihye
Published: January 2021

Sono‐urethrography is a technique used to evaluate the integrity of the urethra utilizing fluid dilation of the urethral lumen. The purpose of this prospective, method comparison, pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of sono‐urethrography in male dogs and to compare the quality of the images obtained using three different contrast solutions. The prostatic, membranous, and penile urethra was evaluated using saline, agitated saline, and ultrasound contrast agent (Sonovue) in 10 adult, male Beagles. Visibility of the urethral wall was better with sono‐urethrography than with conventional ultrasonography, and the conspicuity of urethra could be assessed using all solutions. Hyperechoic lines created by agitated saline and Sonovue were more useful than anechoic saline in allowing identification of the urethra. Visibility scores for the internal margin of the urethral wall using sono‐urethrography were significantly higher with saline and one‐minute post agitated saline injection. However, the individual layers of the urethral wall could not be observed, regardless of the contrast solution used. Shadowing created by the pelvic bone deteriorated the window through which the urethra could be visualized, and this could not be overcome using sono‐urethrography. The results of this study indicated that sono‐urethrography is a feasible option for the visualization of the male urethra in dogs. The authors recommend sono‐urethrography using saline or agitated saline infusion to evaluate the urethral wall and lumen. Sono‐urethrography using ultrasound contrast agent can be applied to assess the integrity of the urethra by improving its conspicuity.
“Less pain with more gain”—Managing wound‐related pain with cannabis‐based medicines
Authors: Maida Vincent , Biasi Stefano A
Published: January 2021

Wound‐related pain poses a serious challenge for patients and physicians. It is a complex pathophysiologic construct that may be stratified, from the patient's perspective, into baseline pain and breakthrough pain. The current paradigm for treating wound related pain involves the overuse of opioids and other co‐analgesics with little regard for breakthrough pain. These standard medications have a propensity for deleterious side effects while some of them inhibit wound healing, effectively perpetuating the wound and the related pain. In particular, the overuse of opioids is a contributor to the global opioid crisis. It is evident that a new paradigm needs to be considered. Cannabis‐based medicines are a prominent prospect under investigation for their potential to reduce dosages of status quo analgesics while effectively reducing pain. The authors propose a new paradigm that emphasizes the use of Cannabis‐Based Medicines, delivered through multiple routes, while recommending the need for more foundational scientific investigation into mechanisms, and clinical controlled trials to determine optimal combinations, dosages, and protocols.