bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the impact of heat on wheat dormancy, late maturity α-amylase and grain size under controlled conditions in diverse germplasm
Authors: Barrero Jose M. , Porfirio Luciana , Hughes Trijntje , Chen Jing , Dillon Shannon , Gubler Frank , Ral Jean-Philippe F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the Australian wheat belts, short episodes of high temperatures or hot spells during grain filling are becoming increasingly common and have an enormous impact on yield and quality, bringing multi-billion losses annually. This problem will become recurrent under the climate change scenario that forecast increasing extreme temperatures, but so far, no systematic analysis of the resistance to hot spells has yet been performed in a diverse genetic background. We developed a protocol to study the effects of heat on three important traits: grain size, grain dormancy and the presence of Late Maturity α-Amylase (LMA), and we validated it by analysing the phenotypes of 28 genetically diverse wheat landraces and exploring the potential variability existing in the responses to hot spells. Using controlled growth environments, the different genotypes were grown in our standard conditions until 20 days after anthesis, and then moved for 10 days into a heat chamber. Our study showed that our elevated temperature treatment during mid-late filling triggered multiple detrimental effects on yield and quality. We observed a reduction in grain size, a reduction in grain dormancy and increased LMA expression in most of the tested genotypes, but potential resistant lines were identified for each analyzed trait opening new perspectives for future genetic studies and breeding for heat-insensitive commercial lines.
Differential effects of pollution on adult and recruits of a canopy-forming alga: implications for population viability under low pollutant levels
Authors: de Caralt Sònia , Verdura Jana , Vergés Alba , Ballesteros Enric , Cebrian Emma 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMarine macroalgal forests are highly productive and iconic ecosystems, which are seriously threatened by number of factors such as habitat destruction, overgrazing, ocean warming, and pollution. The effect of chronic, but low levels of pollutants on the long-term survival of the canopy-forming algae is not well understood. Here we test the effects of low concentrations (found in good quality water-bodies) of nitrates, heavy metals copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), and herbicides (glyphosate) on both adults and recruits of Carpodesmia crinita, a Mediterranean canopy forming macroalga. We show that although adult biomass, height and photosynthetic yield remain almost unaffected in all the assays, low Cu levels of 30 µg/L completely suppress adult fertility.
In addition, all the assays have a strong and negative impact on the survival and growth of recruits; in particular, glyphosate concentrations above 1 µg/L almost totally inhibit their survival. These results suggest that the long-term viability of C. crinita may be severely compromised by low pollutant levels that are not affecting adult specimens. Our results provide important data for a better understanding of the present-day threats to marine canopy-forming macroalgae and for the design of future management actions aimed at preserving macroalgal forests.
Synthesis of bio-oil from waste Trichosanthes cucumerina seeds: a substitute for conventional fuel
Authors: Manimaran Rajayokkiam , Murugu Mohan Kumar Kandasamy , Sathiya Narayanan Nagarajan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study explores the methodology for the synthesis of bio-oil from waste trichosanthes cucumerina seeds by the solvent extraction method. It investigates the yield percentage, concentration of free fatty acids and acid contents in the extracted bio-oil. Effects of size of the crushed seeds, moisture content, extraction time, solvent to seed ratio and extraction temperatures were examined. The non-polar hexane solvent resulted in a higher percentage of oil yield (28.4 ± 0.4%) for the crushed seed size of 0.21 mm, 6% moisture content, 270 min extraction time, 68 °C temperature and 6:1(ml/g) of solvent to seed ratio. The synthesized bio-oil was characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrum and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy analysis. The properties of the bio-oil and biodiesel were assessed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists standards. The obtained methyl-ester by trans-esterification process results in the fuel properties closer to the conventional fuel. Thus, Trichosanthes cucumerina bio-diesel can be used as a potential substitute.
The potential roles of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 in the development of diabetic nephropathy and actin polymerization
Authors: Moon Sung-Je , Jeong Jin Young , Kim Jae-Hoon , Choi Dong-Hee , Choi Hyunsu , Chang Yoon-Kyung , Na Ki Ryang , Lee Kang Wook , Lee Chul-Ho , Choi Dae Eun , Hwang Jung Hwan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that has been involved in the progression of several kidney injuries. However, the roles of NQO1 in DN are still unclear. We investigated the effects of NQO1 deficiency in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN mice. NQO1 was upregulated in the glomerulus and podocytes under hyperglycemic conditions. NQO1 knockout (NKO) mice showed more severe changes in blood glucose and body weight than WT mice after STZ treatment. Furthermore, STZ-mediated pathological parameters including glomerular injury, blood urea nitrogen levels, and foot process width were more severe in NKO mice than WT mice. Importantly, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was higher in healthy, non-treated NKO mice than WT mice. ACR response to STZ or LPS was dramatically increased in the urine of NKO mice compared to vehicle controls, while it maintained a normal range following treatment of WT mice. More importantly, we found that NQO1 can stimulate actin polymerization in an in vitro biochemical assay without directly the accumulation on F-actin. In summary, NQO1 has an important role against the development of DN pathogenesis and is a novel contributor in actin reorganization via stimulating actin polymerization.
A national database analysis for factors associated with thyroid cancer occurrence
Authors: Lee Joon-Hyop , Youn Sora , Jung Sohee , Kim Kwangsoo , Chai Young Jun , Chung Yoo Seung , Park Won Seo , Lee Kyu Eun , Yi Ka Hee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn order to analyze the associations between thyroid cancer and environmental factors, we analyzed the national sample cohort representative of the entire population provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service database record from 2006 to 2015. The cohort was categorized according to age, body mass index, income, residential areas, frequency of exercise, frequency of alcohol drinking, diet, presence or absence of hyperthyroidism, presence or absence of hypothyroidism, and smoking data. Age ≥ 55 years (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.88), lower income (0.57, 0.40–0.80), and current smoking (0.69, 0.55–0.85) were associated with lower thyroid cancer occurrence among men. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (1.51, 1.26–1.82), higher income (1.44, 1.19–1.76), urban residence (1.24, 1.03–1.49), and presence of hypothyroidism (3.31, 2.38–4.61) or hyperthyroidism (2.46, 1.75–3.46) were associated with higher thyroid cancer occurrence among men. Age ≥ 55 years (0.63, 0.56–0.71), moderate alcohol drinking (0.87, 0.77–0.99), and current smoking (0.56, 0.37–0.85) were associated with lower thyroid cancer occurrence among women. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (1.41, 1.26–1.57), frequent exercise (1.21, 1.07–1.36), higher income (1.18, 1.06–1.32), urban residence (1.17, 1.06–1.29), and presence of hypothyroidism (1.60, 1.40–1.82) or hyperthyroidism (1.38, 1.19–1.61) were associated with higher thyroid cancer occurrence among women. In conclusion, age ≥ 55 years and current smoking were associated with lower thyroid cancer occurrence, while BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, higher income, urban residence, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism were associated with higher occurrence in both men and women.
Response guided therapy for reducing duration of direct acting antivirals in chronic hepatitis C infected patients: a Pilot study
Authors: Etzion Ohad , Dahari Harel , Yardeni David , Issachar Assaf , Nevo-Shor Anat , Cohen-Naftaly Michal , Ashur Yaffa , Uprichard Susan L. , Arbib Orly Sneh , Munteanu Daniela , Braun Marius , Cotler Scott J. , Abufreha Naim , Keren-Naus Ayelet , Shemer-Avni Yonat , Mor Orna , Murad Jayanah , Novack Victor , Shlomai Amir 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has transformed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management. We aimed to prospectively (real-time) evaluate the feasibility of using a response-guided therapy approach, based on mathematical modeling of early viral kinetics, to reduce the duration of DAAs therapy. Patients were treated with DAAs according to the physicians’ preference. HCV was measured at baseline and at day 2 and weeks 1, 2 and 4 after treatment initiation. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained-virological response (SVR) at 12 and/or 24 weeks post-treatment. Twenty-nine patients (mean age 54 ± 16, 44% females, 73% with HCV genotype 1), were enrolled and all completed therapy. Treatment duration was shortened in 11 of the 29 patients (38%). SVR was achieved in 28 of the 29 patients (97%). Relapse occurred post treatment in a single case of a non-cirrhotic male with genotype 3, who was treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for 6 weeks. Virus sequencing did not identify baseline or treatment emergent resistance associated substitutions. Real-time mathematical modeling of early HCV kinetics can be utilized for shortening DAAs duration in approximately 40% of patients without compromising treatment efficacy.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03603327.
Neuron type-specific expression of a mutant KRAS impairs hippocampal-dependent learning and memory
Authors: Ryu Hyun-Hee , Kang Minkyung , Hwang Kyoung-Doo , Jang Han Byul , Kim Sang Jeong , Lee Yong-Seok 
Published: October 2020

AbstractKRAS mutations are associated with rare cases of neurodevelopmental disorders that can cause intellectual disabilities. Previous studies showed that mice expressing a mutant KRAS have impaired the development and function of GABAergic inhibitory neurons, which may contribute to behavioural deficits in the mutant mice. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the role of excitatory neurons in these behavioural deficits in adults are not fully understood. Herein, we report that neuron type-specific expression of a constitutively active mutant KRASG12V in either excitatory or inhibitory neurons resulted in spatial memory deficits in adult mice. In inhibitory neurons, KRASG12V induced ERK activation and enhanced GABAergic synaptic transmission. Expressing KRASG12V in inhibitory neurons also impaired long-term potentiation in the hippocampal Shaffer-collateral pathway, which could be rescued by picrotoxin treatment. In contrast, KRASG12V induced ERK activation and neuronal cell death in excitatory neurons, which might have contributed to the severe behavioural deficits. Our results showed that both excitatory and inhibitory neurons are involved in mutant KRAS-associated learning deficits in adults via distinct cellular mechanisms.
Unveiling the effect of dietary essential oils supplementation in Sparus aurata gills and its efficiency against the infestation by Sparicotyle chrysophrii
Authors: Firmino Joana P. , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Sarasquete Carmen , Ortiz-Delgado Juan B. , Balasch Joan Carles , Tort Lluis , Estevez Alicia , Reyes-López Felipe E. , Gisbert Enric 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA microencapsulated feed additive composed by garlic, carvacrol and thymol essential oils (EOs) was evaluated regarding its protective effect in gills parasitized by Sparicotyle chrysophrii in Sparus aurata. A nutritional trial (65 days) followed by a cohabitation challenge with parasitized fish (39 days) were performed. Transcriptomic analysis by microarrays of gills of fish fed the EOs diet showed an up-regulation of genes related to biogenesis, vesicular transport and exocytosis, leukocyte-mediated immunity, oxidation–reduction and overall metabolism processes. The functional network obtained indicates a tissue-specific pro-inflammatory immune response arbitrated by degranulating acidophilic granulocytes, sustained by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. The histochemical study of gills also showed an increase of carboxylate glycoproteins containing sialic acid in mucous and epithelial cells of fish fed the EOs diet, suggesting a mucosal defence mechanism through the modulation of mucin secretions. The outcomes of the in vivo challenge supported the transcriptomic results obtained from the nutritional trial, where a significant reduction of 78% in the abundance of S. chrysophrii total parasitation and a decrease in the prevalence of most parasitic developmental stages evaluated were observed in fish fed the EOs diet. These results suggest that the microencapsulation of garlic, carvacrol and thymol EOs could be considered an effective natural dietary strategy with antiparasitic properties against the ectoparasite S. chrysophrii.
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) population study in experimentally infected pigs developing PCV2-systemic disease or a subclinical infection
Authors: Correa-Fiz Florencia , Franzo Giovanni , Llorens Anna , Huerta Eva , Sibila Marina , Kekarainen Tuija , Segalés Joaquim 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPorcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is a single stranded DNA virus with one of the highest mutation rates among DNA viruses. This ability allows it to generate a cloud of mutants constantly providing new opportunities to adapt and evade the immune system. This pig pathogen is associated to many diseases, globally called porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD) and has been a threat to pig industry since its discovery in the early 90’s. Although 11 ORFs have been predicted from its genome, only two main proteins have been deeply characterized, i.e. Rep and Cap. The structural Cap protein possesses the majority of the epitopic determinants of this non-enveloped virus. The evolution of PCV2 is affected by both natural and vaccine-induced immune responses, which enhances the genetic variability, especially in the most immunogenic Cap region. Intra-host variability has been also demonstrated in infected animals where long-lasting infections can take place. However, the association between this intra-host variability and pathogenesis has never been studied for this virus. Here, the within-host PCV2 variability was monitored over time by next generation sequencing during an experimental infection, demonstrating the presence of large heterogeneity. Remarkably, the level of quasispecies diversity, affecting particularly the Cap coding region, was statistically different depending on viremia levels and clinical signs detected after infection. Moreover, we proved the existence of hyper mutant subjects harboring a remarkably higher number of genetic variants. Altogether, these results suggest an interaction between genetic diversity, host immune system and disease severity.
Cell shape regulates subcellular organelle location to control early Ca2+ signal dynamics in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Calizo R. C. , Bell M. K. , Ron A. , Hu M. , Bhattacharya S. , Wong N. J. , Janssen W. G. M. , Perumal G. , Pederson P. , Scarlata S. , Hone J. , Azeloglu E. U. , Rangamani P. , Iyengar R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe shape of the cell is connected to its function; however, we do not fully understand underlying mechanisms by which global shape regulates a cell’s functional capabilities. Using theory, experiments and simulation, we investigated how physiologically relevant cell shape changes affect subcellular organization, and consequently intracellular signaling, to control information flow needed for phenotypic function. Vascular smooth muscle cells going from a proliferative and motile circular shape to a contractile fusiform shape show changes in the location of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, inter-organelle distances, and differential distribution of receptors in the plasma membrane. These factors together lead to the modulation of signals transduced by the M3 muscarinic receptor/Gq/PLCβ pathway at the plasma membrane, amplifying Ca2+ dynamics in the cytoplasm, and the nucleus resulting in phenotypic changes, as determined by increased activity of myosin light chain kinase in the cytoplasm and enhanced nuclear localization of the transcription factor NFAT. Taken together, our observations show a systems level phenomenon whereby global cell shape affects subcellular organization to modulate signaling that enables phenotypic changes.
Effects of physical activity and stress on the relationship between social capital and quality of life among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Zhao Jie , Ma Yong , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Ozaki Akihiko , Chen Wan-Li , Wang Jing-Ya , Zhang Yu-Xin , Chen Lin-Li , Wang Ji-Wei , Yu Jin-Ming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the serial multiple mediation of physical activity and perceived stress in the relationship between individual social capital and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). This study was conducted among 520 BCSs between March and April 2017 in Shanghai, China. Data were collected using the Individual Social Capital Scale, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Ordinary least-squares regression and the bootstrap method was used to test the significance of the serial multiple mediation model. The serial-multiple mediations of physical activity and perceived stress were found significant in the relationship of QOL with all five dimensions of individual social capital. The separate mediations of two single mediating variables were found significant in the relationship of QOL with control over life and feeling about the community. In the relationship of QOL with social participation, social network and social support, the separate mediation of physical activity was significant, while the separate mediation of perceived stress was not significant. A multidisciplinary team approach and a variety of delivery systems are needed to address the social, physical and psychological issues for improving QOL among BCSs.
Reduced EGFR and increased miR-221 is associated with increased resistance to temozolomide and radiotherapy in glioblastoma
Authors: Areeb Zammam , Stuart Sarah F. , West Alice J. , Gomez Juliana , Nguyen Hong P. T. , Paradiso Lucia , Zulkifli Ahmad , Jones Jordan , Kaye Andrew H. , Morokoff Andrew P. , Luwor Rodney B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDespite aggressive treatment with temozolomide and radiotherapy and extensive research into alternative therapies there has been little improvement in Glioblastoma patient survival. Median survival time remains between 12 and 15 months mainly due to treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms behind treatment resistance and the lack of success with anti-EGFR therapy in the clinic. After generating a number of treatment resistant Glioblastoma cell lines we observed that resistant cell lines lacked EGFR activation and expression. Furthermore, cell viability assays showed resistant cells were significantly less sensitive to the anti-EGFR agents when compared to parental cell lines. To further characterise the resistance mechanism in our cells microRNA prediction software identified miR-221 as a negative regulator of EGFR expression. miR-221 was up-regulated in our resistant cell lines, and this up-regulation led to a significant reduction in EGFR expression in both our cultured cell lines and a large cohort of glioblastoma patient tumor tissue.
Abrogation of HLA surface expression using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing: a step toward universal T cell therapy
Authors: Lee Jeewon , Sheen Joong Hyuk , Lim Okjae , Lee Yunjung , Ryu Jihye , Shin Duckhyang , Kim Yu Young , Kim Munkyung 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAs recent advancements in the chimeric antigen receptor-T cells have revolutionized the way blood cancers are handled, potential benefits from producing off-the-shelf, standardized immune cells entail the need for development of allogeneic immune cell therapy. However, host rejection driven by HLA disparity in adoptively transferred allogeneic T cells remains a key obstacle to the universal donor T cell therapy. To evade donor HLA-mediated immune rejection, we attempted to eliminate T cell’s HLA through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. First, we screened 60 gRNAs targeting B2M and multiple sets of gRNA each targeting α chains of HLA-II (DPA, DQA and DRA, respectively) using web-based design tools, and identified specific gRNA sequences highly efficient for target deletion without carrying off-target effects. Multiplex genome editing of primary human T cells achieved by the newly discovered gRNAs yielded HLA-I- or HLA-I/II-deficient T cells that were phenotypically unaltered and functionally intact. The overnight mixed lymphocyte reactions demonstrated the HLA-I-negative cells induced decreased production of IFN-γ and TNF-α in alloreactive T cells, and deficiency of HLA-I/II in T cells further dampened the inflammatory responses. Taken together, our approach will provide an efficacious pathway toward the universal donor cell generation by manipulating HLA expression in therapeutic T cells.
Improvement of glucose metabolism in pregnant women through probiotic supplementation depends on gestational diabetes status: meta-analysis
Authors: Łagowska Karolina , Malinowska Anna M. , Zawieja Bogna , Zawieja Emilia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on glucose metabolism in pregnant women using data from randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, this meta-analysis examines whether the observed effects depend on the presence or absence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and if the effect is dependent on the type of supplement used (probiotic or synbiotic). We performed a literature search of databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library) and identified all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to May 2019. We compared the effects of probiotic supplementation with the administration of placebos in pregnant women with and without GDM. The systematic review and meta-analysis protocol were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews as number CRD 42019111467. 1119 study participants from 15 selected studies were included. The participants in four studies did not have GDM (being recruited to the study before week 20 of pregnancy) and the participants in the rest of the studies were diagnosed with GDM between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation. The meta-analysis showed that supplementation lowers serum glucose, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR index, but only in pregnant women with GDM. Moreover, both probiotics and synbiotics lower serum insulin level and HOMA-IR index, but the glucose lowering effect is specific only to probiotics and not synbiotics. Probiotic supplementation may improve glucose metabolism in pregnant women with GDM. There is a need for more RCT studies with larger groups to better estimate this effect.