bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural changes during the symbiotic seed germination of Gastrodia elata with fungi, with emphasis on the fungal colonization region
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Guo Shun-Xing , Lee Yung-I 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundGastrodia elatais a fully mycoheterotrophic orchid and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The life cycle ofG. elatarequires an association with two different fungi-Mycenafor seed germination andArmillariafor tuber growth. The association withArmillariais representative of the phytophagous type of orchid mycorrhiza: the intracellular hyphae are lysed without forming condensed pelotons. However, whether the association withMycenaduring seed germination belongs to the same type of orchid mycorrhiza is unknown.ResultsHistological and ultrastructural studies revealed several notable features in different developmental stages. First, a thickened cell wall with papillae-like structures appeared during fungal penetration in the suspensor end cell, epidermal cells and cortical cells of germinating embryos. In addition, the formation of two distinctive cell types in the colonized region of a protocorm (i.e., the passage canal cell filled with actively growing fungal hyphae) can be observed in the epidermal cell, and the distinctive digestion cell with a dense cytoplasm appears in the cortex. Finally, within the digestion cell, numerous electron-dense tubules form a radial system and attach to degrading fungal hyphae. The fungal hyphae appear to be digested through endocytosis.ConclusionsThe present study provides important structural evidence for the phytophagous type of orchid mycorrhiza in the symbiotic germination ofG. elatawithMycena. This case demonstrates a particular nutrient transfer network betweenG. elataand its litter-decaying fungal partner.
Immediate implant placement in molar extraction sites: a 1-year prospective case series pilot study
Authors: Meijer Henny J. A. , Raghoebar Gerry M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
There is a growing tendency to place single tooth implants immediately after extracting a failing tooth in the posterior region. The aim of this prospective case series pilot study was to evaluate immediate implant placement in molar post-extraction sites during a 1-year follow-up period.

Materials and methods
Fifteen consecutive patients with a single failing molar in the maxilla or mandible, and presenting enough bone to expect primary implant stability and an implant site free of infection, were included. The implants, with a large thread depth and sharp thread edges, were placed in each patient according to a two-staged surgical procedure. Three months later, a full contour screw-retained zirconia restoration with an angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 month and 12 months after placing the restoration. In addition, the patients’ satisfaction with the restoration was scored after 12 months.

Results
Four out of 15 of the mobile implants had to be removed before the 1-year evaluation. The implant and restoration survival rates were 73.3% at the 1-year evaluation (n = 15). The mean marginal bone loss, from loading to the 12-month follow-up, was 0.17 mm (n = 11). The mean plaque, calculus, peri-implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth scores were low, depicting healthy peri-implant conditions. The patients were very satisfied.

Conclusion
It was demonstrated, within the limitations of this study, that immediate placement of regular diameter implants in molar post-extraction sites in the maxilla and mandible resulted in a high implant failure rate during a 1-year follow-up period.

Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Register, NL8117. Registered 24 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8117.
Probiotics and oxytocin nasal spray as neuro-social-behavioral interventions for patients with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kong Xue-Jun , Liu Jun , Li Jing , Kwong Kenneth , Koh Madelyn , Sukijthamapan Piyawat , Guo Jason J. , Sun Zhenyu Jim , Song Yiqing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Oxytocin (OXT), as a neuropeptide, plays a role in emotional and social behaviors. Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) supplementation led to an OXT-dependent behavioral improvement in ASD mouse models. Despite some promising results from animal studies, little is known about the efficacy of supplementation with L. reuteri, alone or with exogenous OXT therapy, on social-behavioral functions in ASD patients. This paper presents a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full trial comparing oral supplementation of L. reuteri probiotics and intranasal OXT spray to placebo on the effect of social and behavioral functions in ASD patients. The study will also capture preliminary estimates of the efficacy of the proposed interventions in ASD patients.

Methods
This pilot trial is a two-staged, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Throughout the study (0–24 weeks), 60 patients with ASD will be randomly assigned to receive either oral L. reuteri probiotics or placebo. In the second study stage (13–24 weeks), all participants will receive intranasal OXT spray. As primary outcomes, serum OXT levels will be assayed and social behaviors will be assessed via the Autism Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale which are validated questionnaires, an objective emotional facial matching test, and a new video-based eye-tracking test. Secondary outcomes include the GI-severity-index and Bristol Stool Chart to assess GI function and gut microbiome/short-chain fatty acids. All the outcomes will be assessed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24.

Discussion
This pilot study will provide important information on the feasibility of recruitment, blinding and concealment, treatment administration, tolerability and adherence, specimen collection, outcome assessment, potential adverse effects, and the preliminary efficacy on both primary and secondary outcomes. If successful, this pilot study will inform a larger randomized controlled trial fully powered to examine the efficacies of oral L. reuteri probiotics and/or intranasal OXT spray on social-behavioral improvement in ASD patients.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03337035. Registered 8 November 2017.
Converting SACFOR data for statistical analysis: validation, demonstration and further possibilities
Authors: Strong James Asa , Johnson Magnus 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: the context and purpose of the study
Semi-quantitative scales are often used for the rapid assessment of species composition and abundance during time-limited surveys. The semi-quantitative SACFOR abundance scale was developed to support the observation of marine habitats, communities and species and is widely used in the UK. As such, there is now a vast accumulation of SACFOR data. However, there several acknowledged limitations associated with its format that prevent re-analysis.

Methods: how the study was performed and statistical tests used
A conversion process is proposed here that allows: (i) the merging of taxa within counts or cover data sub-sets; (ii) observations, based on either counts and cover, to be unified into one matrix; (iii) counts and cover data to have an equal weighting in the final matrix; and (iv) the removal of the influence of body size and growth form from the final values. To achieve this, it is only possible to preserve the ordinal structure of the data set.

Results: the main findings
Simulations verified that the SACFOR conversion process (i) converted random cover and counts data whilst maintaining the majority of the ordinal structure and (ii) aligned abundance values regardless of whether it was recorded as a cover or count. A case study is presented, that uses real SACFOR observations, to demonstrate the conversion process and the application of statistical analyses routinely used in ecological assessments.

Conclusions: brief summary and potential implications
It is hoped that the SACFOR conversion process proposed here facilitates: (i) the quantitative re-analysis of the burgeoning SACFOR data repository; and (ii) initiates a debate on alternative methods for the conversion of SACFOR data into analysable end products.
The efficacy of uterine artery embolization with gelatin sponge for retained products of conception with bleeding and future pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Kimura Yasushi , Osuga Keigo , Nagai Keisuke , Hongyo Hidenari , Tanaka Kaishu , Ono Yusuke , Higashihara Hiroki , Matsuzaki Shinya , Endo Masayuki , Kimura Tadashi , Tomiyama Noriyuki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Retained products of conception (RPOC) with hemorrhage need intervention when RPOC persist and remain symptomatic. The safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for RPOC using gelatin sponge (GS) alone, and fertility after UAE for RPOC remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the efficacy of UAE for RPOC with bleeding and future pregnancy outcomes.

Methods
Between 2007 and 2016, 14 patients (mean age, 33 years old) diagnosed as RPOC with bleeding received UAE using GS at our institution. Pregnancy outcomes were vaginal delivery (n = 7), miscarriage (n = 4), and termination (n = 3). Four patients received dilation and curettage/evacuation (D&C/E) for treatment of RPOC before bleeding occurred. The mean time interval from the end of pregnancy to bleeding was 28 days. Technical success, clinical success, complications, angiographic features and fertility after UAE were retrospectively assessed.

Results
Technical success was achieved in 13 patients (93%) and clinical success was achieved in all 14 patients. No major complications occurred. The angiographic features of RPOC were tortuous feeders with flow into a focal blush of contrast (n = 14). Additional findings were pseudoaneurysm (n = 6), early venous return (n = 4), and extravasation (n = 2). Pseudoaneurysm was observed significantly more often in patients who received D&C/E before UAE compared to those who received conservative treatment alone (P = 0.015). The mean follow-up period was 29 months. Six patients achieved six pregnancies an average of 29 months after UAE.

Conclusion
UAE using GS may be an effective and safe treatment for RPOC with hemorrhage that can preserve fertility.
The effect of aggregation of pathogen and biocontrol microbe propagules on biocontrol potential: a simple modelling study
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Hu Xiaoping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEffective use of biocontrol agents (BCAs) is a potentially important component of sustainable agriculture. The ecological processes determining the success of biocontrol are complex, which may partly explain the limited success of biocontrol against plant diseases in field crops. Understanding the ecological characteristics of BCAs in addition to biocontrol mechanisms and direct biocontrol efficacy, including their survival and dispersal under heterogeneous conditions, is critically important to improve biocontrol efficacy. In this simulation study, we focused on the effects of the spatial aggregation of initial pathogen and biocontrol propagules (inocula) under spatially homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions on biocontrol potential. The simulation showed that, as expected, increasing the biocontrol propagule density led to increased biocontrol potential. Under a given inoculum density, increasing spatial aggregation of BCAs is not only likely to reduce biocontrol potential but also to increase variabilities in biocontrol outcomes. A spatially random distribution of BCA propagules is most likely to result in best biocontrol outcomes. Spatial aggregation of BCAs is more important than spatial heterogeneity in influencing biocontrol potential. Thus, the present simulation study illustrates the importance of ensuring a close-to-homogeneous distribution of BCA propagules for maximising biocontrol potential. By the same reasoning, a faster host growth rate will reduce biocontrol potential if BCA cannot keep up with host growth in terms of coverage: increasing BCA aggregation essentially leads to decreased effective coverage.
Heterothallism and potential hybridization events inferred for twenty-two yellow morel species
Authors: Du Xi-Hui , Wu Dongmei , Kang Heng , Wang Hanchen , Xu Nan , Li Tingting , Chen Keliang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMating-type genes are central to sexual reproduction in ascomycete fungi and result in the establishment of reproductive barriers. Together with hybridization, they both play important roles in the evolution of fungi. Recently, potential hybridization events and MAT genes were separately found in the Elata Clade of Morchella. Herein, we characterized the MAT1–1-1 and MAT1–2-1 genes of twenty-two species in the Esculenta Clade, another main group in the genus Morchella, and proved heterothallism to be the predominant mating strategy among the twenty-two species tested. Ascospores of these species were multi-nuclear and had many mitochondrial nucleoids. The number of ascospore nuclei might be positively related with the species distribution range. Phylogenetic analyses of MAT1–1-1, MAT1–2-1, intergenic spacer (IGS), and partial histone acetyltransferase ELP3 (F1) were performed and compared with the species phylogeny framework derived from the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-a) to evaluate their species delimitation ability and investigate potential hybridization events. Conflicting topologies among these genes genealogies and the species phylogeny were revealed and hybridization events were detected between several species. Different evolutionary patterns were suggested for MAT genes between the Esculenta and the Elata Clades. Complex evolutionary trajectories of MAT1–1-1, MAT1–2-1, F1 and IGS in the Esculenta Clade were highlighted. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the importance of hybridization and gene transfer in Morchella and especially for the appearance of reproductive modes during its evolutionary process.
Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views
Authors: Owens Christabel , Fox Fiona , Redwood Sabi , Davies Rosemary , Foote Lisa , Salisbury Naomi , Williams Salena , Biddle Lucy , Thomas Kyla 
Published: February 2020

Background
Patients often have very different ideas from clinicians about what they want treatments to achieve. Their views on what outcomes are important are not always reflected in trials.

Aims
To elicit the views of people who self-harm on the most commonly used outcome measures and to identify the outcomes that matter to them.

Method
We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 people with histories of self-harm, recruited from hospital and community settings. We conducted thematic analysis using a framework approach and used visual mapping to arrive at our final analysis and interpretation.

Results
Participants' accounts contained a number of challenges to the validity and meaningfulness of current trial outcome measures. Five broad issues emerged: (a) relationship between frequency and severity of self-harm; (b) behavioural substitution; (b) self-management skills; (d) the role of self-harm as survival tool and affect regulator, and (e) strategic self-presentation. We show how these affect the visibility and measurability of commonly used outcomes. The outcomes that mattered to participants focused on positive achievements in three domains: (a) general functioning and activities of everyday living; (b) social participation, and (c) engagement with services. Participants conceptualised these as both measures and means of sustained improvement.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that current self-harm trial science rests on flawed assumptions about the relationship between mental states and behaviours and about our ability to measure both. Greater understanding of the outcomes that matter to people who self-harm is needed to inform both intervention development and trial design.
Initial and relapse prodromes in adult patients with episodes of bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Andrade-González Nelson , Álvarez-Cadenas Laura , Saiz-Ruiz Jerónimo , Lahera Guillermo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background.
Distinguishing prodromes of bipolar disorder (BD) specific to children/adolescents, adults, and elderly patients is essential. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine initial and relapse prodromes identifying adult patients with BD.

Methods.
PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched using a predetermined strategy. A controlled process of study selection and data extraction was performed.

Results.
The 22 articles selected included 1,809 adult patients with BD. Initial prodromes cited most frequently in these studies showed low specificity. Among relapse prodromes cited most frequently, more talkative than usual, increased energy/more goal-directed behavior, thoughts start to race, increased self-esteem, strong interest in sex, increase in activity, and spending too much were identified exclusively before a manic/hypomanic episode, while loss of interest and hypersomnia were detected only before a depressive episode. Initial prodromal phases lasted longer than prodromal relapse phases. In the selected studies, the most used prodrome identification procedure was the clinical interview.

Conclusions.
For adult patients with BD, initial and relapse prodromes of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes were identified. It is proposed that the most frequent prodromes found in this review be incorporated into a smartphone app that monitors the functioning of people at risk of BD and patients who have already been diagnosed. Data from this app would constitute a relevant source of big data.
FGF21 and the Physiological Regulation of Macronutrient Preference
Authors: Hill Cristal M , Qualls-Creekmore Emily , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf , Soto Paul , Yu Sangho , McDougal David H , Münzberg Heike , Morrison Christopher D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The ability to respond to variations in nutritional status depends on regulatory systems that monitor nutrient intake and adaptively alter metabolism and feeding behavior during nutrient restriction. There is ample evidence that the restriction of water, sodium, or energy intake triggers adaptive responses that conserve existing nutrient stores and promote the ingestion of the missing nutrient, and that these homeostatic responses are mediated, at least in part, by nutritionally regulated hormones acting within the brain. This review highlights recent research that suggests that the metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts on the brain to homeostatically alter macronutrient preference. Circulating FGF21 levels are robustly increased by diets that are high in carbohydrate but low in protein, and exogenous FGF21 treatment reduces the consumption of sweet foods and alcohol while alternatively increasing the consumption of protein. In addition, while control mice adaptively shift macronutrient preference and increase protein intake in response to dietary protein restriction, mice that lack either FGF21 or FGF21 signaling in the brain fail to exhibit this homeostatic response. FGF21 therefore mediates a unique physiological niche, coordinating adaptive shifts in macronutrient preference that serve to maintain protein intake in the face of dietary protein restriction.
The Complex Signaling Pathways of the Ghrelin Receptor
Authors: Hedegaard Morten Adler , Holst Birgitte 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe ghrelin receptor (GhrR) is known for its strong orexigenic effects in pharmacological doses and has long been considered as a promising target for the treatment of obesity. Several antagonists have been developed to decrease the orexigenic signaling, but none of these have been approved for the treatment of obesity because of adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Heterodimerization and biased signaling are important concepts for G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, and the influence of these aspects on the GhrR may be important for feeding behavior and obesity. GhrR has been described to heterodimerize with other GPCRs, such as the dopamine receptors 1 and 2, leading to a modulation of the signaling properties of both dimerization partners. Another complicating factor of GhrR-mediated signaling is its ability to activate several different signaling pathways on ligand stimulation. Importantly, some ligands have shown to be “biased” or “functionally selective,” implying that the ligand favors a particular signaling pathway. These unique signaling properties could have a sizeable impact on the physiological functions of the GhrR system. Importantly, heterodimerization may explain why the GhrR is expressed in areas of the brain that are difficult for peptide ligands to access. One possibility is that the purpose of GhrR expression is to modulate the function of other receptors in addition to merely being independently activated. We suggest that a deeper understanding of the signaling properties of the GhrR will facilitate future drug discovery in the areas of obesity and weight management.
Passive diffusion through nuclear pore complexes regulates levels of the yeast SAGA and SLIK coactivator complexes
Authors: Makio Tadashi , Wozniak Richard W. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) control gene expression by regulating the bi-directional exchange of proteins and RNAs between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, including access of transcriptional regulators to the nucleoplasm. Here, we show that the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) nucleoporin Nup170, in addition to binding and silencing subtelomeric genes, supports transcription of genes regulated by the SAGA transcriptional activator complex. Specifically, we show that a lower amount of SAGA complex is bound to target genes in the absence of Nup170. Consistent with this observation, levels of the SAGA complex are decreased in cells lacking Nup170, while those of the SAGA-related SLIK complexes are increased. This change in the ratio of SAGA to SLIK complexes is due to increased nuclear activity of Pep4, a protease responsible for production of the SLIK complex. Further analyses of various nucleoporin mutants revealed that the increased nuclear entry of Pep4 observed in the nup170Δ mutant likely occurs as the consequence of an increase in the sieving limits of the NPC diffusion channel. On the basis of these results, we propose that changes in passive diffusion rates represent a mechanism for regulating SAGA- and SLIK complex-mediated transcriptional events.