bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidant stress and renal function among children with chronic kidney disease: a repeated measures study
Authors: Jacobson Melanie H. , Liu Mengling , Wu Yinxiang , Furth Susan , Warady Bradley , Trachtman Howard , Trasande Leonardo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIt is hypothesized that chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces oxidant stress which contributes to the decline in kidney function. However, few studies have incorporated longitudinal designs and no studies have investigated this association among children. Using data from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study, we examined longitudinal associations between urinary biomarkers of oxidant stress, 8-OH deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane, and measures of renal function and blood pressure among children with CKD. Baseline levels of 8-OHdG were positively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time and a log-unit increase in baseline 8-OHdG predicted a 5.68 ml/min/1.73 m2 increase in eGFR (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.75, 7.61). This association was attenuated when longitudinal measures of 8-OHdG were analyzed in relation to longitudinal eGFR (per log-unit increase in 8-OHdG, β = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.39). Baseline 8-OHdG concentrations were also associated with decreased proteinuria over time, as measured by urinary protein:creatinine ratio. In addition, F2-isoprostane concentrations were associated with increases in eGFR, but only when baseline levels (vs. longitudinal levels) were considered in relation to longitudinal eGFR. There were no significant associations between either 8-OHdG or F2-isoprostane and blood pressure over time. Urinary measures of oxidant stress are not associated with worsening GFR over time. Our findings suggest that excretion of these biomarkers may be influenced by changes in glomerular and tubular function in varying patterns, which would limit their value in evaluating the impact of oxidant stress on CKD progression in children.
Short-term flooding increases CH4 and N2O emissions from trees in a riparian forest soil-stem continuum
Authors: Schindler Thomas , Mander Ülo , Machacova Katerina , Espenberg Mikk , Krasnov Dmitrii , Escuer-Gatius Jordi , Veber Gert , Pärn Jaan , Soosaar Kaido 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOne of the characteristics of global climate change is the increase in extreme climate events, e.g., droughts and floods. Forest adaptation strategies to extreme climate events are the key to predict ecosystem responses to global change. Severe floods alter the hydrological regime of an ecosystem which influences biochemical processes that control greenhouse gas fluxes. We conducted a flooding experiment in a mature grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) forest to understand flux dynamics in the soil-tree-atmosphere continuum related to ecosystem N2O and CH4 turn-over. The gas exchange was determined at adjacent soil-tree-pairs: stem fluxes were measured in vertical profiles using manual static chambers and gas chromatography; soil fluxes were measured with automated chambers connected to a gas analyser. The tree stems and soil surface were net sources of N2O and CH4 during the flooding. Contrary to N2O, the increase in CH4 fluxes delayed in response to flooding. Stem N2O fluxes were lower although stem CH4 emissions were significantly higher than from soil after the flooding. Stem fluxes decreased with stem height. Our flooding experiment indicated soil water and nitrogen content as the main controlling factors of stem and soil N2O fluxes. The stems contributed up to 88% of CH4 emissions to the stem-soil continuum during the investigated period but soil N2O fluxes dominated (up to 16 times the stem fluxes) during all periods. Conclusively, stem fluxes of CH4 and N2O are essential elements in forest carbon and nitrogen cycles and must be included in relevant models.
The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism affects negative memory bias in civilian women with PTSD
Authors: Hori Hiroaki , Itoh Mariko , Yoshida Fuyuko , Lin Mingming , Niwa Madoka , Hakamata Yuko , Ino Keiko , Imai Risa , Ogawa Sei , Matsui Mie , Kamo Toshiko , Kunugi Hiroshi , Kim Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMemory abnormalities are considered a core feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies attempting to quantify such memory dysfunction in PTSD have reported that individuals with this disorder exhibit selective memory bias toward negative material. The low expression Met allele of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism has been associated with the aetiology of PTSD and with memory abnormalities. It is therefore possible that theBDNFVal66Met polymorphism can moderate the relationship between PTSD and memory bias. Here we examined this association in 50 civilian women with PTSD and 70 non-trauma-exposed healthy control women. All subjects were genotyped for theBDNFVal66Met (rs6265) polymorphism. Negative memory bias was assessed using a recognition memory task. Patients showed significantly greater negative memory bias compared to controls. In patients, negative memory bias significantly increased with increasing numbers of Met alleles; while no significant relationship was seen in controls. Further pairwise analyses revealed that patients with the Met allele had significantly greater negative memory bias than controls. These results suggest that the relationship between PTSD and negative memory bias can be moderated by theBDNFVal66Met polymorphism. More studies are needed to further clarify the relationship between this polymorphism and memory abnormalities in PTSD.
Systematic analysis of the Hippo pathway organization and oncogenic alteration in evolution
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Han Han , Seo Gayoung , Vargas Rebecca Elizabeth , Yang Bing , Chuc Kimberly , Zhao Huabin , Wang Wenqi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Hippo pathway is a central regulator of organ size and a key tumor suppressor via coordinating cell proliferation and death. Initially discovered in Drosophila, the Hippo pathway has been implicated as an evolutionarily conserved pathway in mammals; however, how this pathway was evolved to be functional from its origin is still largely unknown. In this study, we traced the Hippo pathway in premetazoan species, characterized the intrinsic functions of its ancestor components, and unveiled the evolutionary history of this key signaling pathway from its unicellular origin. In addition, we elucidated the paralogous gene history for the mammalian Hippo pathway components and characterized their cancer-derived somatic mutations from an evolutionary perspective. Taken together, our findings not only traced the conserved function of the Hippo pathway to its unicellular ancestor components, but also provided novel evolutionary insights into the Hippo pathway organization and oncogenic alteration.
Fecal bacteria and metabolite responses to dietary lysozyme in a sow model from late gestation until lactation
Authors: Xu Shengyu , Shi Jiankai , Dong Yanpeng , Li Zimei , Wu Xiaoling , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Li Jian , Feng Bin , Fang Zhengfeng , Zhuo Yong , Wang Jianping , Wu De , Ren Zhihua , Shen Yanping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLysozyme (LZM) is a natural anti-bacterial protein that is found in the saliva, tears and milk of all mammals including humans. Its anti-bacterial properties result from the ability to cleave bacterial cell walls, causing bacterial death. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary LZM on fecal microbial composition and variation in metabolites in sow. The addition of LZM decreased the fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Zonulin and endotoxin in the serum, and feces, were decreased with lysozyme supplementation. Furthermore, fecal concentrations of lipocalin-2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were also decreased while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased by lysozyme supplementation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 region suggested that fecal microbial levels changed at different taxonomic levels with the addition of LZM. Representative changes included the reduction of diversity between sows, decreased Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes and Spirochaetes during lactation as well as an increase in Lactobacillus. These findings suggest that dietary lysozyme supplementation from late gestation to lactation promote microbial changes, which would potentially be the mechanisms by which maternal metabolites and inflammatory status was altered after LZM supplementation.
Natural history footage provides new reef fish biodiversity information for a pristine but rarely visited archipelago
Authors: Liggins Libby , Sweatman Jenny Ann , Trnski Thomas , Duffy Clinton A. J. , Eddy Tyler D. , Aguirre J. David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThere remain parts of our planet that are seldom visited by humans, let alone scientists. In such locations, crowd-sourced or citizen scientist data can be critical in describing biodiversity and detecting change. Rangitāhua, the Kermadec Islands, are 750 km from the nearest human-habitation. Although our knowledge of this near pristine location has increased with recent biodiversity expeditions, we still lack comprehensive understanding of the marine biodiversity surrounding the islands. In 2015, professional underwater videographers were commissioned to produce a nature documentary focused on Rangitāhua’s reefs. We strategically surveyed the raw documentary video and examined how biodiversity estimates differed from traditional scientific surveys. We uncovered three new fish species records for Rangitāhua, extending the known distribution for each species, two of which are also new records for New Zealand waters. Comparison of documentary video footage with scientific survey methods showed that estimates of reef fish species richness from the documentary video were similar to stationary surveys, but lower than non-stationary surveys. Moreover, all survey methods, including documentary video, captured different fish assemblages, reflecting each method’s particular bias. Overall, we provide a proof-of-concept for how collaborations between scientists and professional natural historians, such as videographers and photographers, can provide valuable biodiversity information.
Early detection of red palm weevil using distributed optical sensor
Authors: Ashry Islam , Mao Yuan , Al-Fehaid Yousef , Al-Shawaf Abdulmoneim , Al-Bagshi Mansour , Al-Brahim Salman , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRed palm weevil (RPW) poses a serious threat to the cultivation of date palms. It is considered to be the most destructive epidemic pest of palms, responsible for massive economic losses worldwide. Curative methods for RPW are not difficult to apply; however, the early detection of the pest remains a great challenge. Although several detection techniques have been implemented for the early detection of RPW, none of these methods have been proven to be reliable. Here, we use an optical-fiber-distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) as a paradigm shift technology for the early detection of RPW. Our sensitive sensor shows a detection of feeding sound produced by larvae as young as 12 days, in an infested tree. In comparison with existing, commonly-used technologies, this novel sensing technique represents a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative that could provide 24-7, real-time monitoring of 1,000 palm trees or even more. It could also monitor the temperature, an essential feature to control farm fires, another major problem for the cultivation of palm trees around the world.
Dissecting the Genetic Complexity of Fusarium Crown Rot Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Pariyar Shree R. , Erginbas-Orakci Gul , Dadshani Said , Chijioke Oyiga Benedict , Léon Jens , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Grundler Florian M. W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFusarium crown rot (FCR) is one of the most important diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). FCR is mainly caused by the fungal pathogens Fusarium culmorum and F. pseudograminearum. In order to identify new sources of resistance to FCR and to dissect the complexity of FCR resistance, a panel of 161 wheat accessions was phenotyped under growth room (GR) and greenhouse conditions (GH). Analysis of variance showed significant differences in crown rot development among wheat accessions and high heritability of genotype-environment interactions for GR (0.96) and GH (0.91). Mixed linear model analysis revealed seven novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to F. culmorum on chromosomes 2AL, 3AS, 4BS, 5BS, 5DS, 5DL and 6DS for GR and eight QTLs on chromosomes on 3AS, 3BS, 3DL, 4BS (2), 5BS, 6BS and 6BL for GH. Total phenotypic variances (R²) explained by the QTLs linked to GR and GH were 48% and 59%, respectively. In addition, five favorable epistasis interactions among the QTLs were detected for both GR and GH with and without main effects. Epistatic interaction contributed additional variation up to 21% under GR and 7% under GH indicating strong effects of environment on the expression of QTLs. Our results revealed FCR resistance responses in wheat to be complex and controlled by multiple QTLs.
In-vivo vascular application via ultra-fast bioprinting for future 5D personalised nanomedicine
Authors: Foresti Ruben , Rossi Stefano , Pinelli Silvana , Alinovi Rossella , Sciancalepore Corrado , Delmonte Nicola , Selleri Stefano , Caffarra Cristina , Raposio Edoardo , Macaluso Guido , Macaluso Claudio , Freyrie Antonio , Miragoli Michele , Perini Paolo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe design of 3D complex structures enables new correlation studies between the engineering parameters and the biological activity. Moreover, additive manufacturing technology could revolutionise the personalised medical pre-operative management due to its possibility to interplay with computer tomography. Here we present a method based on rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) 3D printer, reconstruction cutting, nano dry formulation, fast freeze gelation, disinfection and partial processes for the 5D digital models functionalisation. We elaborated the high-resolution computer tomography scan derived from a complex human peripheral artery and we reconstructed the 3D model of the vessel in order to obtain and verify the additive manufacturing processes. Then, based on the drug-eluting balloon selected for the percutaneous intervention, we reconstructed the biocompatible eluting-freeform coating containing 40 nm fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) by means of RFP printer and we tested the in-vivo feasibility. We introduced the NPs-loaded 5D device in a rat’s vena cava. The coating dissolved in a few minutes releasing NPs which were rapidly absorbed in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) in-vitro. We developed 5D high-resolution self-dissolving devices incorporating NPs with the perspective to apply this method to the personalised medicine.
The extracytoplasmic function sigma factor σVreI is active during infection and contributes to phosphate starvation-induced virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Otero-Asman Joaquín R. , Quesada José M. , Jim Kin K. , Ocampo-Sosa Alain , Civantos Cristina , Bitter Wilbert , Llamas María A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe extracytoplasmic function sigma factor σVreI of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa promotes transcription of potential virulence determinants, including secretion systems and secreted proteins. Its activity is modulated by the VreR anti-σ factor that inhibits the binding of σVreI to the RNA polymerase in the absence of a (still unknown) inducing signal. The vreI-vreR genes are expressed under inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation, a physiological condition often encountered in the host that increases P. aeruginosa pathogenicity. However, whether or not σVreI is active in vivo during infection and contributes to the Pi starvation-induced virulence of this pathogen has not been analyzed yet. Using zebrafish embryos and a human alveolar basal epithelial cell line as P. aeruginosa hosts, we demonstrate in this work that σVreI is active during infection and that lack of σVreI considerably reduces the Pi starvation-induced virulence of this pathogen. Surprisingly, lack of the σVreI inhibitor, the VreR anti-σ factor, also diminishes the virulence of P. aeruginosa. By transcriptomic analyses we show that VreR modulates gene expression not only in a σVreI-dependent but also in a σVreI-independent manner. This includes potential virulence determinants and transcriptional regulators that could be responsible for the reduced virulence of the ΔvreR mutant.
Association between Serum Calcium and Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease among Community-dwelling Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Cheng-Wai , Fang Wen-Hui , Chen Yuan-Yuei , Wang Chung-Ching , Kao Tung-Wei , Wu Chen-Jung , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSerum calcium, although only comprising 1% of total body calcium, is involved in intracellular signal pathways, vascular dilatation/constriction, and muscle contraction, which are crucial for insulin secretion, cholesterol catabolism, and blood pressure regulation. As far as we know, research on the relationship between serum calcium level and metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes, and hypertension in one longitudinal study is rare. Owing to the crucial role of serum calcium in human cardiometabolic physiology and lack of related study so far, this study aims to describe the relationship between serum calcium level and the incidence of MetS, diabetes, and hypertension. During the period 2010–2016, there are two parts to our study: cross-sectional analysis and longitudinal analysis. Logistic regression was applied for cross-sectional analysis of the association between serum calcium level or albumin-corrected calcium (ACCA) and the prevalence of MetS, diabetes, or hypertension. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for calculating of optimal cut-off value of serum calcium and ACCA. Cox proportional regression for development of MetS, diabetes, and hypertension according to different cut-off values of serum calcium level and ACCA were conducted. At baseline, there were 27,364 participants in our study. Serum calcium level had positive association with diabetes in the total population, male, and female. ACCA level had positive association with diabetes in the total population, male, and female. In unadjusted and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, serum calcium level was associated with increased risk of incident MetS in the total population and male. ACCA was associated with increased risk of incident MetS in the total population and male. ACCA was associated with increased risk of incident diabetes in the total population and male participants. This study describes the relationship between serum calcium level and the incidence of MetS, diabetes, and hypertension. Higher serum calcium level is associated with increased risk of MetS, diabetes, and hypertension.
Effect of manual approaches with osteopathic modality on brain correlates of interoception: an fMRI study
Authors: Cerritelli Francesco , Chiacchiaretta Piero , Gambi Francesco , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Barassi Giovanni , Visciano Christian , Bellomo Rosa Grazia , Saggini Raoul , Ferretti Antonio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present randomised placebo controlled trial explored the extent to which osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) affects brain activity, particularly the insula, during both an “interoceptive awareness” and “exteroceptive awareness” task in a sample of 32 right-handed adults with chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) randomly assigned to either the OMT or sham group. Patients received 4 weekly sessions and fMRI was performed at enrolment (T0), immediately after the first session (T1) and at 1 month (T2). The results revealed that the OMT produced a distinct and specific reduction in BOLD response in specific brain areas related to interoception, i.e., bilateral insula, ACC, left striatum and rMFG. The observed trend across the three time points appears uncharacteristic. At T1, a marginal increase of the BOLD response was observed in all the above-mentioned areas except the rMFG, which showed a decrease in BOLD response. At T2, the response was the opposite: areas related to interoception (bilateral insula and ACC) as well as the rMFG and left striatum demonstrated significant decreased in BOLD response. The findings of this study provide an insight into the effects of manual therapies on brain activity and have implications for future research in the field.
Biomolecular analyses reveal the age, sex and species identity of a near-intact Pleistocene bird carcass
Authors: Dussex Nicolas , Stanton David W. G. , Sigeman Hanna , Ericson Per G. P. , Gill Jacquelyn , Fisher Daniel C. , Protopopov Albert V. , Herridge Victoria L. , Plotnikov Valery , Hansson Bengt , Dalén Love 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAncient remains found in permafrost represent a rare opportunity to study past ecosystems. Here, we present an exceptionally well-preserved ancient bird carcass found in the Siberian permafrost, along with a radiocarbon date and a reconstruction of its complete mitochondrial genome. The carcass was radiocarbon dated to approximately 44–49 ka BP, and was genetically identified as a female horned lark. This is a species that usually inhabits open habitat, such as the steppe environment that existed in Siberia at the time. This near-intact carcass highlights the potential of permafrost remains for evolutionary studies that combine both morphology and ancient nucleic acids.
Restoring drifted electron microscope volumes using synaptic vesicles at sub-pixel accuracy
Authors: Stephensen Hans Jacob Teglbjærg , Darkner Sune , Sporring Jon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImaging ultrastructures in cells using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) yields section-by-section images at nano-resolution. Unfortunately, we observe that FIB-SEM often introduces sub-pixel drifts between sections, in the order of 2.5 nm. The accumulation of these drifts significantly skews distance measures and geometric structures, which standard image registration techniques fail to correct. We demonstrate that registration techniques based on mutual information and sum-of-squared-distances significantly underestimate the drift since they are agnostic to image content. For neuronal data at nano-resolution, we discovered that vesicles serve as a statistically simple geometric structure, making them well-suited for estimating the drift with sub-pixel accuracy. Here, we develop a statistical model of vesicle shapes for drift correction, demonstrate its superiority, and provide a self-contained freely available application for estimating and correcting drifted datasets with vesicles.
Binding of the periplakin linker requires vimentin acidic residues D176 and E187
Authors: Odintsova Elena , Mohammed Fiyaz , Trieber Catharine , Rodriguez-Zamora Penelope , Al-Jassar Caezar , Huang Tzu-Han , Fogl Claudia , Knowles Timothy , Sridhar Pooja , Kumar Jitendra , Jeeves Mark , Chidgey Martyn , Overduin Michael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPlakin proteins form connections that link the cell membrane to the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. Their interactions are mediated by a highly conserved linker domain through an unresolved mechanism. Here analysis of the human periplakin linker domain structure reveals a bi-lobed module transected by an electropositive groove. Key basic residues within the periplakin groove are vital for co-localization with vimentin in human cells and compromise direct binding which also requires acidic residues D176 and E187 in vimentin. We propose a model whereby basic periplakin linker domain residues recognize acidic vimentin side chains and form a complementary binding groove. The model is shared amongst diverse linker domains and can be used to investigate the effects of pathogenic mutations in the desmoplakin linker associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Linker modules either act solely or collaborate with adjacent plakin repeat domains to create strong and adaptable tethering within epithelia and cardiac muscle.