bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Washed Microbiota Transplantation Accelerates the Recovery of Abnormal Changes by Light-Induced Stress in Tree Shrews
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Qianqian , Huang Qi , Lv Meng , Li Pan , Dai Jing , Zhou Minjie , Xu Jialu , Zhang Faming , Gao Jun
Published: June 2021

The gut and brain interact constantly in a complex fashion. Its intricacy and intrigue is progressively being revealed in the study of the “gut–brain axis”. Among many factors, abnormal light exposure is a potential powerful stressor, which is becoming ever more pervasive in our modern society. However, little is known about how stress, induced by staying up late by light, affects the gut–brain axis. We addressed this question by extending the normal circadian light for four hours at night in fifteen male tree shrews to simulate the pattern of staying up late in humans. The behavior, biochemical tests, microbiota dynamics, and brain structure of tree shrews were evaluated. The simple prolongation of light in the environment resulted in substantial changes of body weight loss, behavioral differences, total sleep time reduction, and an increased level of urine cortisol. These alterations were rescued by the treatment of either ketamine or washed microbiota transplantation (WMT). Importantly, the sustainability of WMT effect was better than that of ketamine. Magnetic Resonance Imaging analysis indicated that ketamine acted on the hippocampus and thalamus, and WMT mainly affected the piriform cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus. In conclusion, long-term light stimulation could change the behaviors, composition of gut microbiota and brain structure in tree shrews. Targeting microbiota thus certainly holds promise as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders, including but not limited to stress-related diseases.
Intracellular Interactions Between Arboviruses and Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Reyes Jerica Isabel L. , Suzuki Yasutsugu , Carvajal Thaddeus , Muñoz Maria Nilda M. , Watanabe Kozo
Published: June 2021

Aedes aegypti is inherently susceptible to arboviruses. The geographical expansion of this vector host species has led to the persistence of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya human infections. These viruses take advantage of the mosquito’s cell to create an environment conducive for their growth. Arboviral infection triggers transcriptomic and protein dysregulation in Ae. aegypti and in effect, host antiviral mechanisms are compromised. Currently, there are no existing vaccines able to protect human hosts from these infections and thus, vector control strategies such as Wolbachia mass release program is regarded as a viable option. Considerable evidence demonstrates how the presence of Wolbachia interferes with arboviruses by decreasing host cytoskeletal proteins and lipids essential for arboviral infection. Also, Wolbachia strengthens host immunity, cellular regeneration and causes the expression of microRNAs which could potentially be involved in virus inhibition. However, variation in the magnitude of Wolbachia’s pathogen blocking effect that is not due to the endosymbiont’s density has been recently reported. Furthermore, the cellular mechanisms involved in this phenotype differs depending on Wolbachia strain and host species. This prompts the need to explore the cellular interactions between Ae. aegypti-arboviruses-Wolbachia and how different Wolbachia strains overall affect the mosquito’s cell. Understanding what happens at the cellular and molecular level will provide evidence on the sustainability of Wolbachia vector control.
ATI-2307 Exhibits Equivalent Antifungal Activity in Cryptococcus neoformans Clinical Isolates With High and Low Fluconazole IC50
Authors: Gerlach Elliot S. , Altamirano Sophie , Yoder J. Marina , Luggya Tony S. , Akampurira Andrew , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Rhein Joshua , Nielsen Kirsten
Published: June 2021

Half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) to the experimental drug ATI-2307 and complete inhibition (IC90) of the common clinically used antifungal drug amphotericin B were determined by microbroth dilution assay for a collection of 69 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from Uganda that had high fluconazole IC50 values. The majority of the clinical isolates tested had fluconazole IC50 at or above 8 µg/mL, but were susceptible to both amphotericin B (IC90 ≤1 μg/mL) and ATI-2307 (IC50 ≤0.0312 µg/mL). No correlation between increased fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and ATI-2307 or amphotericin B MIC was observed, suggesting that the cellular changes impacting fluconazole susceptibility did not impact the effectiveness of ATI-2307. Our results suggest that ATI-2307 is a promising new antifungal drug for use in the context of high fluconazole or other antifungal drug MICs and/or in combination drug therapy regimens.
Advanced Hyperspectral Analysis of Sediment Core Samples from the Chew Bahir Basin, Ethiopian Rift, in the Spectral Range from 0.25 to 17 µm: Support for Climate Proxy Interpretation
Authors: Arnold Gabriele E. , Foerster Verena , Trauth Martin H. , Lamb Henry , Schaebitz Frank , Asrat Asfawossen , Szczech Claudia , Günter Christina
Published: June 2021

Establishing robust environmental proxies at newly investigated terrestrial sedimentary archives is a challenge, because straightforward climate reconstructions can be hampered by the complex relationship between climate parameters and sediment composition, proxy preservation or (in)sufficient sample material. We present a minimally invasive hyperspectral bidirectional reflectance analysis on discrete samples in the wavelength range from 0.25 to 17 µm on 35 lacustrine sediment core samples from the Chew Bahir Basin, southern Ethiopia for climate proxy studies. We identified and used absorption bands at 2.2 μm (Al–OH), at 2.3 μm (Mg–OH), at 1.16 μm (analcime), and at 3.98 μm (calcite) for quantitative spectral analysis. The band depth ratios at 2.3/2.2 μm in the spectra correlate with variations in the potassium content of the sediment samples, which also reflect periods of increased Al-to-Mg substitution in clay minerals during drier climatic episodes. During these episodes of drier conditions, absorption bands diagnostic of the presence of analcime and calcite support this interpretation, with analcime indicating the driest conditions. These results could be compared to qualitative analysis of other characteristic spectral properties in the spectral range between 0.25 and 17 µm. The results of the hyperspectral measurements complement previous sedimentological and geochemical analyses, allowing us in particular to resolve more finely the processes of weathering in the catchment and low-temperature authigenic processes in the sediment. This enables us to better understand environmental changes in the habitat of early humans.
Fossil Corals With Various Degrees of Preservation Can Retain Information About Biomineralization-Related Organic Material
Authors: Drake Jeana L. , Guillermic Maxence , Eagle Robert A. , Jacobs David K.
Published: June 2021

Scleractinian corals typically form a robust calcium carbonate skeleton beneath their living tissue. This skeleton, through its trace element composition and isotope ratios, may record environmental conditions of water surrounding the coral animal. While bulk unrecrystallized aragonite coral skeletons can be used to reconstruct past ocean conditions, corals that have undergone significant diagenesis have altered geochemical signatures and are typically assumed to retain insufficient meaningful information for bulk or macrostructural analysis. However, partially recrystallized skeletons may retain organic molecular components of the skeletal organic matrix (SOM), which is secreted by the animal and directs aspects of the biomineralization process. Some SOM proteins can be retained in fossil corals and can potentially provide past oceanographic, ecological, and indirect genetic information. Here, we describe a dataset of scleractinian coral skeletons, aged from modern to Cretaceous plus a Carboniferous rugosan, characterized for their crystallography, trace element composition, and amino acid compositions. We show that some specimens that are partially recrystallized to calcite yield potentially useful biochemical information whereas complete recrystalization or silicification leads to significant alteration or loss of the SOM fraction. Our analysis is informative to biochemical-paleoceanographers as it suggests that previously discounted partially recrystallized coral skeletons may indeed still be useful at the microstructural level.
Rapid Weakening of Tropical Cyclones in Monsoon Gyres Over the Western North Pacific: A Revisit
Authors: Song Kexin , Tao Li , Gao Jianyun
Published: June 2021

The low-level monsoon trough over the western North Pacific (WNP) can evolve into a large cyclonic circulation, which is often termed a monsoon gyre (MG). Previous studies have revealed that tropical cyclones (TCs) embedded in MGs can experience rapid weakening (RW) and such RW might be attributed to the convective activity in the southeastern quadrant of the MG, which could induce asymmetries in a TC’s inner core structure, while the environmental factors, including the sea surface temperature (SST) and vertical wind shear (VWS), were not primary contributors to RW events. In this study, the possible role of large-scale environmental factors in association with the RW of TCs in MGs over the WNP is revisited based on the best-track TC and global reanalysis data during 2000–2018. Results indicate that TCs tend to weaken rapidly when they are embedded in the eastern semicircle of a MG, with the extreme RW events often occurring in the southeastern quadrant of a MG. However, different from previous studies, results from this study demonstrated that lower SST and strong large-scale VWS in the eastern semicircle of a MG are two major environmental factors contributing to the RW of TCs in MGs over the WNP. The different findings in this study from those in previous studies could be partly due to the different methods used to obtain the MG circulations and partly due to the environmental factors being analyzed in different quadrants of MG in this study.
Investigating the reliability and validity of the Toddler Home Learning Environment (THLE) scale
Authors: Hall James , Sylva Kathy , Sammons Pamela , Smees Rebecca , Evangelou Maria , Smith Teresa , Goff Jenny
Published: June 2021

Home learning environments prior to school are well-known predictors of educational trajectories but research has neglected children aged under three. The new Toddler Home Learning Environment (THLE) scale is one response and this paper investigates its reliability and validity. The THLE is an adaptation of the Preschool HLE (PHLE) measure developed by the Effective Pre-School Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) investigation in the 1990s. The THLE was developed as part of the Evaluation of Children’s Centers in England (ECCE) investigation that followed a sample of 2,608 of families from 14 to 38 months. The THLE was administered at 14 months, the PHLE at 38. The 8-item THLE evidences internal consistency via statistical reliability coefficients and Confirmatory Factor Analysis plus measurement validity via statistically significant and research-appropriate associations with the PHLE, three measures of child development, and child and parent demographics. This paper moves the HLE literature forward with a new parental self-report scale of the HLE that is for use with toddlers.
Therapeutic Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Female Reproductive Diseases
Authors: Liao Zhiqi , Liu Chang , Wang Lan , Sui Cong , Zhang Hanwang
Published: June 2021

Reproductive disorders, including intrauterine adhesion (IUA), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are great threats to female reproduction. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells derived–extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have presented their potentials to cure these diseases, not only for the propensity ability they stemmed from the parent cells, but also for the higher biology stability and lower immunogenicity, compared to MSCs. EVs are lipid bilayer complexes, functional as mediators by transferring multiple molecules to recipient cells, such as proteins, microRNAs, lipids, and cytokines. EVs appeared to have a therapeutic effect on the female reproductive disorder, such as repairing injured endometrium, suppressing fibrosis of endometrium, regulating immunity and anti-inflammatory, and repressing apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) in ovaries. Although the underlying mechanisms of MSC-EVs have reached a consensus, several theories have been proposed, including promoting angiogenesis, regulating immunity, and reducing oxidate stress levels. In the current study, we summarized the current knowledge of functions of MSC-EVs on IUA, POI, and PCOS. Given the great potentials of MSC-EVs on reproductive health, the critical issues discussed will guide new insights in this rapidly expanding field.
Associations of Serum Magnesium With Insulin Resistance and Testosterone in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Luo Xi , Cai Wang-Yu , Ma Hong-Li , Cong Jing , Chang Hui , Gao Jing-Shu , Shen Wen-Juan , Wang Yu , Yang Xin-Ming , Wu Xiao-Ke
Published: June 2021

Objective

This article aimed to investigate whether serum magnesium is associated with insulin resistance index and testosterone level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and Methods

Overall 1000 women with PCOS were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and a cross-sectional analysis of the association of serum magnesium with glucose metabolism markers and testosterone was performed. Serum magnesium, glucose metabolism markers and testosterone were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI). Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between serum magnesium, insulin resistance and testosterone.

Results

In comparative analyses, women with higher quartile of serum magnesium had significantly lower fasting glucose, HOMA-IR and testosterone. Multiple linear regression showed serum magnesium was independently negatively associated with insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, testosterone and positively associated with QUICKI (P for trend <0.05) after adjusting confounding covariates. Logistic regression showed serum magnesium in quartile 1 and 2 were independently associated with insulin resistance status (Quartile 1: OR: 2.15, 95%CI: 1.35-3.40, P = 0.001; Quartile 2: OR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.20-3.02, P = 0.006), while quartile 1 was marginally associated with hyperandrogenemia status (Quartile 1: OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 0.99-2.11, P = 0.055) after adjusting confounding covariates.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that lower serum magnesium was associated with aggravated insulin resistance and higher testosterone levels among women with PCOS.
Energy Paradoxes
Authors: Madureira Nuno Luis
Published: June 2021

In the domain of energy systems, paradoxes show that history runs often against what is expected or predicted. This article reviews the paradoxes related with the transition from wood to coal, and then from coal/oil to nuclear, and concludes by lifting a corner of the veil on the paradoxes that have already surfaced in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy (green paradoxes).
A Random Forest and Current Fault Texture Feature–Based Method for Current Sensor Fault Diagnosis in Three-Phase PWM VSR
Authors: Kou Lei , Gong Xiao-dong , Zheng Yi , Ni Xiu-hui , Li Yang , Yuan Quan-de , Dong Ya-nan
Published: June 2021

Three-phase PWM voltage-source rectifier (VSR) systems have been widely used in various energy conversion systems, where current sensors are the key component for state monitoring and system control. The current sensor faults may bring hidden danger or damage to the whole system; therefore, this paper proposed a random forest (RF) and current fault texture feature–based method for current sensor fault diagnosis in three-phase PWM VSR systems. First, the three-phase alternating currents (ACs) of the three-phase PWM VSR are collected to extract the current fault texture features, and no additional hardware sensors are needed to avoid causing additional unstable factors. Then, the current fault texture features are adopted to train the random forest current sensor fault detection and diagnosis (CSFDD) classifier, which is a data-driven CSFDD classifier. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation experiments. The result shows that the current sensor faults can be detected and located successfully and that it can effectively provide fault locations for maintenance personnel to keep the stable operation of the whole system.
Association of CLDN6 and CLDN10 With Immune Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer: A Study of the Claudin Family
Authors: Gao Peipei , Peng Ting , Cao Canhui , Lin Shitong , Wu Ping , Huang Xiaoyuan , Wei Juncheng , Xi Ling , Yang Qin , Wu Peng
Published: June 2021

Background

The claudin family is a group of transmembrane proteins related to tight junctions. While their involvement in cancer has been studied extensively, their relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment remains poorly understood. In this research, we focused on genes related to the prognosis of ovarian cancer and explored their relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment.

Methods

The cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics database was used to obtain the genetic variation pattern of the claudin family in ovarian cancer. The ONCOMINE and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were used to explore the mRNA expression of claudins in cancers. The prognostic potential of these genes was examined via the Kaplan-Meier plotter. The enrichment of immunological signatures was determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The correlations between claudins and the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer were investigated via the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER).

Results

Claudin genes were altered in 363 (62%) of queried patients/samples. Abnormal expression levels of claudins were observed in various cancers. Among them, CLDN3, CLDN4, CLDN6, CLDN10, CLDN15, and CLDN16 were significantly correlated with overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer. GSEA revealed that CLDN6 and CLDN10 were significantly enriched in immunological signatures of B cell, CD4 T cell, and CD8 T cell. Furthermore, CLDN6 and CLDN10 were negatively correlated and positively correlated, respectively, with immune cell infiltration in ovarian cancer. The expression levels of CLDN6 and CLDN10 were also negatively correlated and positively correlated, respectively, with various gene markers of immune cells in ovarian cancer. Thus, CLDN6 and CLDN10 may participate in immune cell infiltration in ovarian cancer, and these mechanisms may be the reason for poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Our study showed that CLDN6 and CLDN10 were prognostic biomarkers correlated with the immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer. These results reveal new roles for CLDN6 and CLDN10 as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Genotype–Phenotype Analysis of RPGR Variations: Reporting of 62 Chinese Families and a Literature Review
Authors: Yang Junxing , Zhou Lin , Ouyang Jiamin , Xiao Xueshan , Sun Wenmin , Li Shiqiang , Zhang Qingjiong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

RPGR is the most common cause of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), of which female carriers are also frequently affected. The aim of the current study was to explore the RPGR variation spectrum and associated phenotype based on the data from our lab and previous studies.

Methods

Variants in RPGR were selected from exome sequencing data of 7,092 probands with different eye conditions. The probands and their available family members underwent comprehensive ocular examinations. Similar data were collected from previous reports through searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Systematic analyses of genotypes, phenotypes and their correlations were performed.

Results

A total of 46 likely pathogenic variants, including nine missense and one in-frame variants in RCC1-like domain and 36 truncation variants, in RPGR were detected in 62 unrelated families in our in-house cohort. In addition, a total of 585 variants, including 491 (83.9%) truncation variants, were identified from the literature. Systematic analysis of variants from our in-house dataset, literature, and gnomAD suggested that most of the pathogenic variants of RPGR were truncation variants while pathogenic missense and in-frame variants were enriched in the RCC1-like domain. Phenotypic variations were present between males and female carriers, including more severe refractive error but better best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in female carriers than those in males. The male patients showed a significant reduction of BCVA with increase of age and males with exon1-14 variants presented a better BCVA than those with ORF15 variants. For female carriers, the BCVA also showed significant reduction with increase of age, but BCVA in females with exon1-14 variants was not significant difference compared with those with ORF15 variants.

Conclusion

Most pathogenic variants of RPGR are truncations. Missense and in-frame variants located outside of the RCC1-like domain might be benign and the pathogenicity criteria for these variants should be considered with greater caution. The BCVA and refractive error are different between males and female carriers. Increase of age and location of variants in ORF15 contribute to the reduction of BCVA in males. These results are valuable for understanding genotypes and phenotypes of RPGR.
Organ-Specific Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Involved in the Stem Specialization of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.)
Authors: Chen Si , Xu Xin , Ma Ziyan , Liu Jianxiu , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2021

As an important warm-season turfgrass and forage grass species with wide applications, bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) simultaneously has shoot, stolon and rhizome, three types of stems with different physiological functions. To better understand how the three types of stems differentiate and specialize, we generated an organ-specific transcriptome dataset of bermudagrass encompassing 114,169 unigenes, among which 100,878 and 65,901 could be assigned to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and the Gene Ontology (GO) terms, respectively. Using the dataset, we comprehensively analyzed the gene expression of different organs, especially the shoot, stolon and rhizome. The results indicated that six organs of bermudagrass all contained more than 52,000 significantly expressed unigenes, however, only 3,028 unigenes were enrich-expressed in different organs. Paired comparison analyses further indicated that 11,762 unigenes were differentially expressed in the three types of stems. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that 39 KEGG pathways were enriched with the differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs). Specifically, 401 DEGs were involved in plant hormone signal transduction, whereas 1,978 DEGs were transcription factors involved in gene expression regulation. Furthermore, in agreement with the starch content and starch synthase assay results, DEGs encoding starch synthesis-related enzymes all showed the highest expression level in the rhizome. These results not only provided new insights into the specialization of stems in bermudagrass but also made solid foundation for future gene functional studies in this important grass species and other stoloniferous/rhizomatous plants.
Comparative Genomics Identifies Putative Interspecies Mechanisms Underlying Crbn-Sall4-Linked Thalidomide Embryopathy
Authors: Kowalski Thayne Woycinck , Caldas-Garcia Gabriela Barreto , Gomes Julia do Amaral , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Schuler-Faccini Lavínia , Recamonde-Mendoza Mariana , Paixão-Côrtes Vanessa Rodrigues , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz
Published: June 2021

The identification of thalidomide–Cereblon-induced SALL4 degradation has brought new understanding for thalidomide embryopathy (TE) differences across species. Some questions, however, regarding species variability, still remain. The aim of this study was to detect sequence divergences between species, affected or not by TE, and to evaluate the regulated gene co-expression in a murine model. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of proteins experimentally established as affected by thalidomide exposure, evaluating 14 species. The comparative analysis, regarding synteny, neighborhood, and protein conservation, was performed in 42 selected genes. Differential co-expression analysis was performed, using a publicly available assay, GSE61306, which evaluated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) exposed to thalidomide. The comparative analyses evidenced 20 genes in the upstream neighborhood of NOS3, which are different between the species who develop, or not, the classic TE phenotype. Considering protein sequence alignments, RECQL4, SALL4, CDH5, KDR, and NOS2 proteins had the biggest number of variants reported in unaffected species. In co-expression analysis, Crbn was a gene identified as a driver of the co-expression of other genes implicated in genetic, non-teratogenic, limb reduction defects (LRD), such as Tbx5, Esco2, Recql4, and Sall4; Crbn and Sall4 were shown to have a moderate co-expression correlation, which is affected after thalidomide exposure. Hence, even though the classic TE phenotype is not identified in mice, a deregulatory Crbn-induced mechanism is suggested in this animal. Functional studies are necessary, especially evaluating the genes responsible for LRD syndromes and their interaction with thalidomide–Cereblon.
Case Report: A Novel COL1A1 Missense Mutation Associated With Dentineogenesis Imperfecta Type I
Authors: Zeng Yuting , Pan Yuhua , Mo Jiayao , Ling Zhiting , Jiang Lifang , Xiong Fu , Yan Wenjuan
Published: June 2021

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a clinical and genetic disorder that results in bone fragility, blue sclerae and dentineogenesis imperfecta (DGI), which is mainly caused by a mutation in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes, which encode type I procollagen.

Case Report: A missense mutation (c.1463G > C) in exon 22 of the COL1A1 gene was found using whole-exome sequencing. However, the cases reported herein only exhibited a clinical DGI-I phenotype. There were no cases of bone disease or any other common abnormal symptom caused by a COL1A1 mutation. In addition, the ultrastructural analysis of the tooth affected with non-syndromic DGI-I showed that the abnormal dentine was accompanied by the disruption of odontoblast polarization, a reduced number of odontoblasts, a reduction in hardness and elasticity, and the loss of dentinal tubules, suggesting a severe developmental disorder. We also investigated the odontoblast differentiation ability using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that were isolated from a patient with DGI-I and cultured. Stem cells isolated from patients with DGI-I are important to elucidate their pathogenesis and underlying mechanisms to develop regenerative therapies.

Conclusion: This study can provide new insights into the phenotype-genotype association in collagen-associated diseases and improve the clinical diagnosis of OI/DGI-I.
Genetics of Resistance to Common Root Rot (Spot Blotch), Fusarium Crown Rot, and Sharp Eyespot in Wheat
Authors: Su Jun , Zhao Jiaojie , Zhao Shuqing , Li Mengyu , Pang Shuyong , Kang Zhensheng , Zhen Wenchao , Chen Shisheng , Chen Feng , Wang Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Due to soil changes, high density planting, and the use of straw-returning methods, wheat common root rot (spot blotch), Fusarium crown rot (FCR), and sharp eyespot (sheath blight) have become severe threats to global wheat production. Only a few wheat genotypes show moderate resistance to these root and crown rot fungal diseases, and the genetic determinants of wheat resistance to these devastating diseases are poorly understood. This review summarizes recent results of genetic studies of wheat resistance to common root rot, Fusarium crown rot, and sharp eyespot. Wheat germplasm with relatively higher resistance are highlighted and genetic loci controlling the resistance to each disease are summarized.
Vitamin D and Exercise Are Major Determinants of Natural Killer Cell Activity, Which Is Age- and Gender-Specific
Authors: Oh Sooyeon , Chun Sukyung , Hwang Sena , Kim Jongseok , Cho Yuri , Lee Jooho , Kwack KyuBum , Choi Sang-Woon
Published: June 2021

Background

The coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic reminds us of the importance of immune function, even in immunologically normal individuals. Multiple lifestyle factors are known to influence the immune function.

Objective

The aim was to investigate the association between NK cell activity (NKA) and multiple factors including vitamin D, physical exercise, age, and gender.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional association study using health check-up and NKA data of 2,095 subjects collected from 2016 to 2018 in a health check-up center in the Republic of Korea. NKA was measured using the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation method. The association of NKA with 25-(OH)-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and other factors was investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The average age of subjects was 48.8 ± 11.6 years (52.9% of subjects were female). Among 2,095 subjects, 1,427 had normal NKA (NKA ≥ 500 pg IFN-γ/mL), while 506 had low NKA (100 ≤ NKA < 500 pg/mL), and 162 subjects had very low NKA (NKA < 100 pg/mL). Compared to men with low 25(OH)D serum level (< 20 ng/mL), vitamin D replete men (30–39.9 ng/mL) had significantly lower risk of very low NKA (OR: 0.358; 95% CI: 0.138, 0.929; P = 0.035). In women, both low exercise (OR: 0.529; 95% CI: 0.299, 0.939; P = 0.030) and medium to high exercise (OR: 0.522; 95% CI: 0.277, 0.981; P = 0.043) decreased the risk compared to lack of physical exercise. Interestingly, in men and women older than 60 years, physical exercise significantly decreased the risk. Older-age was associated with increased risk of very low NKA in men, but not in women.

Conclusion

Physical exercise and vitamin D were associated with NKA in a gender- and age-dependent manner. Age was a major risk factor of very low NKA in men but not in women.
Regulation of the Immune System Development by Glucocorticoids and Sex Hormones
Authors: Quatrini Linda , Ricci Biancamaria , Ciancaglini Cecilia , Tumino Nicola , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Through the release of hormones, the neuro-endocrine system regulates the immune system function promoting adaptation of the organism to the external environment and to intrinsic physiological changes. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and sex hormones not only regulate immune responses, but also control the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation and subsequent maturation of immune cell subsets. During the development of an organism, this regulation has long-term consequences. Indeed, the effects of GC exposure during the perinatal period become evident in the adulthood. Analogously, in the context of HSC transplantation (HSCT), the immune system development startsde novofrom the donor HSCs. In this review, we summarize the effects of GCs and sex hormones on the regulation of HSC, as well as of adaptive and innate immune cells. Moreover, we discuss the short and long-term implications on hematopoiesis of sex steroid ablation and synthetic GC administration upon HSCT.
Fc Gamma Receptors as Regulators of Bone Destruction in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Zuo Yuyue , Deng Guo-Min
Published: June 2021

Bone erosion is one of the primary features of inflammatory arthritis and is caused by excessive differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) have been implicated in osteoclastogenesis. Our recent studies demonstrate that joint-deposited lupus IgG inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. FcγRI is required for RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and lupus IgG-induced signaling transduction. We reviewed the results of studies that analyzed the association between FcγRs and bone erosion in inflammatory arthritis. The analysis revealed the dual roles of FcγRs in bone destruction in inflammatory arthritis. Thus, IgG/FcγR signaling molecules may serve as potential therapeutic targets against bone erosion.
Cnidarian Pattern Recognition Receptor Repertoires Reflect Both Phylogeny and Life History Traits
Authors: Emery Madison A. , Dimos Bradford A. , Mydlarz Laura D.
Published: June 2021

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are evolutionarily ancient and crucial components of innate immunity, recognizing danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and activating host defenses. Basal non-bilaterian animals such as cnidarians must rely solely on innate immunity to defend themselves from pathogens. By investigating cnidarian PRR repertoires we can gain insight into the evolution of innate immunity in these basal animals. Here we utilize the increasing amount of available genomic resources within Cnidaria to survey the PRR repertoires and downstream immune pathway completeness within 15 cnidarian species spanning two major cnidarian clades, Anthozoa and Medusozoa. Overall, we find that anthozoans possess prototypical PRRs, while medusozoans appear to lack these immune proteins. Additionally, anthozoans consistently had higher numbers of PRRs across all four classes relative to medusozoans, a trend largely driven by expansions in NOD-like receptors and C-type lectins. Symbiotic, sessile, and colonial cnidarians also have expanded PRR repertoires relative to their non-symbiotic, mobile, and solitary counterparts. Interestingly, cnidarians seem to lack key components of mammalian innate immune pathways, though similar to PRR numbers, anthozoans possess more complete immune pathways than medusozoans. Together, our data indicate that anthozoans have greater immune specificity than medusozoans, which we hypothesize to be due to life history traits common within Anthozoa. Overall, this investigation reveals important insights into the evolution of innate immune proteins within these basal animals.
Defects in Macrophage Reprogramming in Cancer Therapy: The Negative Impact of PD-L1/PD-1
Authors: Cai Hao , Zhang Yichi , Wang Jian , Gu Jinyang
Published: June 2021

Classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages are two polarized subsets of macrophages at the extreme ends of a constructed continuum. In the field of cancer research, M2 macrophage reprogramming is defined as the repolarization of pro-tumoral M2 to anti-tumoral M1 macrophages. It is known that colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1)/CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) and CSF2/CSF2R signaling play important roles in macrophage polarization. Targeting CSF1/CSF1R for M2 macrophage reprogramming has been widely performed in clinical trials for cancer therapy. Other targets for M2 macrophage reprogramming include Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), TLR8, TLR9, CD40, histone deacetylase (HDAC), and PI3Kγ. Although macrophages are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, M1 macrophages are less effective at phagocytosis and antigen presenting, which are required properties for the activation of T cells and eradication of cancer cells. Similar to T and dendritic cells, the “functionally exhausted” status might be attributed to the high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). PD-L1 is expressed on both M1 and M2 macrophages. Macrophage reprogramming from M2 to M1 might increase the expression of PD-L1, which can be transcriptionally activated by STAT3. Macrophage reprogramming or PD-L1/PD-1 blockade alone is less effective in the treatment of most cancers. Since PD-L1/PD-1 blockade could make up for the defect in macrophage reprogramming, the combination of macrophage reprogramming and PD-L1/PD-1 blockade might be a novel treatment strategy for cancer therapy.
Innovative Material Can Mimic Coral and Boulder Reefs Properties
Authors: Margheritini Lucia , Møldrup Per , Jensen Rasmus Lund , Frandsen Kirstine Meyer , Antonov Yovko Ivanov , Kawamoto Ken , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Vaccarella Raffaele , Bjørgård Trine Larsen , Simonsen Morten Enggrob
Published: June 2021

Low-Voltage Mineral Deposition technology (LVMD), widely known as Biorock, has previously been suggested as support for coral reef restoration, as hypothesized high porosity, wide pore-size distribution and connectivity, and good strength properties may facilitate biological functions (for example larvae settlement) and durability. In this technology, very low voltage induces an electrical current that initiates precipitation and accretion of hard minerals (aragonite and calcite) on a metal in seawater. This technology has been discussed mainly for its biological value, while this paper wants to highlight also its engineering value as artificial reef material. Indeed, some of the properties that makes it valuable in one domain are also supporting its use in the other. Because the metal on which the precipitation takes place can be of any shape and size, so can the artificial reef and its mechanical strength characteristics are above the ones of corals and similar to concrete, indicating adequate durability. Coral and boulder reefs suffering from degradation have severe implications on biodiversity, protection from flooding, and cultural value and therefore understanding how to persevere and re-establish these ecosystems is central for sustainable intervention in the marine environment. By comparing chemical-physical characteristics of Coral Porites Exoskeleton (CPE), one typical reef building coral type, LVMD and High-Voltage Mineral Deposition (HVMD), we show that they possess highly similar properties including chemical composition, density, total porosity, pore-size distribution, physical and chemical heterogeneity, total and external surface areas, and comparable mechanical strength.
Mid-Late Holocene Paleoenvironmental and Sea Level Reconstruction on the Al Lith Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ghandour Ibrahim M. , Al-Zubieri Aaid G. , Basaham Ali S. , Mannaa Ammar A. , Al-Dubai Talha A. , Jones Brian G.
Published: June 2021

Late Quaternary paleoenvironments are of particular interest to understand how the Earth System’s climate will respond to the undramatic changes during this period, compared with the broader glacial-interglacial variations. In this study, a shallow sediment core (2.84 m long) retrieved from the Red Sea coastal zone in northern Ghubbat al Mahasin, south of Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia, is used to reconstruct the mid-Late Holocene paleoenvironments and sea level based on a multiproxy approach. Remote sensing data, sedimentary facies, benthic foraminiferal assemblages, δ18O and δ13C stable isotopes, elemental composition and14C dating were utilized. The stratigraphy of the core shows three distinctive depositional units. The basal pre 6000 year BP unit consists of unfossiliferous fine to medium sand sharply overlain by black carbonaceous mud and peat, suggesting deposition in a coastal/flood plain under a warm and humid climate. The middle unit (6000-3700 year BP) records the start and end of the marine transgression in this area. It consists of gray argillaceous sand containing bivalve and gastropod shell fragments and a benthic foraminiferal assemblage attesting a lagoonal or quiet shallow marine environment. The upper unit (<3700 year BP) consists of unfossiliferous yellowish-brown argillaceous fine-grained sands deposited on an intertidal flat. Both middle-and upper-units stack in a regressive shallowing upward pattern although they may be separated by a hiatus. The overall regressive facies and the stable isotopic data are consistent with a late Holocene sea-level fall and a change to a more arid climate.
Acute Hypertensive Retinochoroidopathy Secondary to an Anti-cancer Drug (apatinib): The First Case Report
Authors: Yao Bangtao , Liu Gang , Wang Bei , Cao Qian
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute hypertensive retinochoroidopathy is a rare, severe ocular disease, characterized by retinal and choroidal ischaemia. Untreated cases are associated with high mortality and poor visual outcomes. Patients subjected to treatment with the anti-neoplasic drug apatinib may trigger this disease. The purpose of this article is to describe in detail an acute hypertensive retinochoroidopathy in a young Chinese woman treated with apatinib.

Case Presentation: A 40-year-old young Chinese woman presented a sudden but painless reduction of visual acuity in both eyes. She was previously diagnosed with gastric cancer and metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma. The treatment consisted radical gastrectomy, transabdominal hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, and 250 mg oral apatinib per day. After 58 days of apatinib administration, the patient immediately sought consult for a sudden decrease in vision. Her blood pressure was 208/136 mmHg and, based on the clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with acute hypertensive retinochoroidopathy.

Conclusions: This is the first case report of an apatinib-related acute hypertensive retinochoroidopathy diagnosed using fundal photograph, fundus fluorescein angiography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography simultaneously. It is crucial to develop a suitable strategy for management and prevention of this adverse event.
Microbial Phosphorus Mobilization Strategies Across a Natural Nutrient Limitation Gradient and Evidence for Linkage With Iron Solubilization Traits
Authors: Wang Shi , Walker Robert , Schicklberger Marcus , Nico Peter S. , Fox Patricia M. , Karaoz Ulas , Chakraborty Romy , Brodie Eoin L.
Published: June 2021

Microorganisms have evolved several mechanisms to mobilize and mineralize occluded and insoluble phosphorus (P), thereby promoting plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the linkages between microbial P-solubilization traits and the preponderance of insoluble P in natural ecosystems are not well known. We tested the P solubilization traits of hundreds of culturable bacteria representative of the rhizosphere from a natural gradient where P concentration and bioavailability decline as soil becomes progressively more weathered. Aluminum, iron phosphate and organic P (phytate) were expected to dominate in more weathered soils. A defined cultivation medium with these chemical forms of P was used for isolation. A combination of soil chemical, spectroscopic analyses and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to understand thein situability for solubilization of these predominant forms of P. Locations with more occluded and organic P harbored the greatest abundance of P-mobilizing microorganisms, especiallyBurkholderiaceae(CaballeroniaandParaburkholderiaspp.). Nearly all bacteria utilized aluminum phosphate, however fewer could subsist on iron phosphate (FePO4) or phytate. Microorganisms isolated from phytic acid were also most effective at solubilizing FePO4, suggesting that phytate solubilization may be linked to the ability to solubilize Fe. Significantly, we observed Fe to be co-located with P in organic patches in soil. Siderophore addition in lab experiments reinstated phytase mediated P-solubilization from Fe-phytate complexes. Taken together, these results indicate that metal-organic-P complex formation may limit enzymatic P solubilization from phytate in soil. Additionally, the linked traits of phytase and siderophore production were mostly restricted to specific clades within theBurkholderiaceae. We propose that Fe complexation of organic P (e.g., phytate) represents a major constraint on P turnover and availability in acidic soils, as only a limited subset of bacteria appear to possess the traits required to access this persistent pool of soil P.
A Novel Partitivirus That Confer Hypovirulence to the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum liriopes
Authors: Zhu Jun Zi , Guo Jun , Hu Zhao , Zhang Xu Tong , Li Xiao Gang , Zhong Jie
Published: June 2021

Here, we report a novel double-stranded RNA virus designated Colletotrichum liriopes partitivirus 1 (ClPV1) from the plant pathogenic fungus C. liriopes. ClPV1 genome has two double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), named as dsRNA 1 and dsRNA 2, which in the lengths of 1,807 and 1,706 bp, respectively. The dsRNA 1 and dsRNA 2 encoded proteins showing significant amino acid (aa) sequence identity to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP) of partitiviruses, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis using the aa sequences of RdRp and CP indicated that ClPV1 was grouped to members of the putative Epsilonpartitivirus genus in the Partitiviridae family. Spherical viral particles in approximately 35 nm in diameter and packaging the ClPV1 genome were isolated. Virus elimination and virus transfection with purified viral particles, and biological comparison revealed that ClPV1 could reduce the virulence and conidia production of C. liriopes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of mycovirus in C. liriopes fungus.
Cross-Sectional Variations in Structure and Function of Coral Reef Microbiome With Local Anthropogenic Impacts on the Kenyan Coast of the Indian Ocean
Authors: Wambua Sammy , Gourlé Hadrien , de Villiers Etienne P. , Karlsson-Lindsjö Oskar , Wambiji Nina , Macdonald Angus , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , de Villiers Santie
Published: June 2021

Coral reefs face an increased number of environmental threats from anthropomorphic climate change and pollution from agriculture, industries and sewage. Because environmental changes lead to their compositional and functional shifts, coral reef microbial communities can serve as indicators of ecosystem impacts through development of rapid and inexpensive molecular monitoring tools. Little is known about coral reef microbial communities of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). We compared taxonomic and functional diversity of microbial communities inhabiting near-coral seawater and sediments from Kenyan reefs exposed to varying impacts of human activities. Over 19,000 species (bacterial, viral and archaeal combined) and 4,500 clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (COGs) were annotated. The coral reefs showed variations in the relative abundances of ecologically significant taxa, especially copiotrophic bacteria and coliphages, corresponding to the magnitude of the neighboring human impacts in the respective sites. Furthermore, the near-coral seawater and sediment metagenomes had an overrepresentation of COGs for functions related to adaptation to diverse environments. Malindi and Mombasa marine parks, the coral reef sites closest to densely populated settlements were significantly enriched with genes for functions suggestive of mitigation of environment perturbations including the capacity to reduce intracellular levels of environmental contaminants and repair of DNA damage. Our study is the first metagenomic assessment of WIO coral reef microbial diversity which provides a much-needed baseline for the region, and points to a potential area for future research toward establishing indicators of environmental perturbations.