bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Symbiotic Mechanism of Ustilago esculenta-Induced Gall Formation of Zizania latifolia
Authors: Li Jie , Lu Zhiyuan , Yang Yang , Hou Jinfeng , Yuan Lingyun , Chen Guohu , Wang Chenggang , Jia Shaoke , Feng Xuming , Zhu Shidong 
Published: January 2021

Zizania latifolia is a perennial aquatic vegetable, whose symbiosis with the fungus Ustilago esculenta (member of Basidiomycota, class Ustilaginaceae) results in the establishment of swollen gall formations. Here, we analyzed symbiotic relations of Z. latifolia and U. esculenta, using a triadimefon (TDF) treatment and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Specifically, accurately identify the whole growth cycle of Z. latifolia. Microstructure observations showed that the presence of U. esculenta could be clearly observed after gall formation but was absent after the TDF treatment. A total of 17,541 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, based on the transcriptome. According to gene ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway results, plant hormone signal transduction, and cell wall–loosening factors were all significantly enriched due to U. esculenta infecting Z. latifolia; relative expression levels of hormone-related genes were identified, of which downregulation of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA)-related DEGs was most pronounced in JB_D versus JB_B. The ultra–high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that IAA, zeatin+trans zeatin riboside, and gibberellin 3 were increased under U. esculenta infection. Based on our results, we proposed a hormone–cell wall loosening model to study the symbiotic mechanism of gall formation after U. esculenta infects Z. latifolia. Our study thus provides a new perspective for studying the physiological and molecular mechanisms of U. esculenta infection of Z. latifolia causing swollen gall formations as well as a theoretical basis for enhancing future yields of cultivated Z. latifolia. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. 2021
The Root Lesion Nematode EffectorPpen10370Is Essential for Parasitism ofPratylenchus penetrans
Authors: Vieira Paulo , Vicente Cláudia S. L. , Branco Jordana , Buchan Gary , Mota Manuel , Nemchinov Lev G. 
Published: January 2021

The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans is a migratory species that attacks a broad range of crops. Like other plant pathogens, P. penetrans deploys a battery of secreted protein effectors to manipulate plant hosts and induce disease. Although several candidate effectors of P. penetrans have been identified, detailed mechanisms of their functions and particularly their host targets remain largely unexplored. In this study, a repertoire of candidate genes encoding pioneer effectors of P. penetrans was amplified from mixed life stages of the nematode, and candidate effectors were cloned and subjected to transient expression in a heterologous host, Nicotiana benthamiana, using potato virus X–based gene vector. Among seven analyzed genes, the candidate effector designated as Ppen10370 triggered pleiotropic phenotypes substantially different from those produced by wild type infection. Transcriptome analysis of plants expressing Ppen10370 demonstrated that observed phenotypic changes were likely related to disruption of core biological processes in the plant due to effector-originated activities. Cross-species comparative analysis of Ppen10370 identified homolog gene sequences in five other Pratylenchus species, and their transcripts were found to be localized specifically in the nematode esophageal glands by in situ hybridization. RNA silencing of the Ppen10370 resulted in a significant reduction of nematode reproduction and development, demonstrating an important role of the esophageal gland effector for parasitism.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Effect of deep neuromuscular blockade on serum cytokines and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement
Authors: Oh Chung-Sik , Lim Ho Yung , Jeon Hong Jun , Kim Tae-Hoon , Park Hyun-Jun , Piao Liyun , Kim Seong-Hyop 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND
Deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may reduce muscle injury and related inflammation. The inflammation is one of the pathophysiological processes of peri-operative complications.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the degree of inflammation and related postoperative complications including postoperative delirium (POD) and peri-operative bleeding according to the degree of NMB during general anaesthesia for total hip replacement.

DESIGN
A prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING
Tertiary, university hospital, single centre.

PATIENTS
Eighty-two patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery were included in the final analysis.

INTERVENTIONS
Moderate (Mod) and deep (Deep) NMB groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The changes in inflammatory cytokines were measured. The incidence of POD was evaluated by using confusion assessment method (CAM). The differences of postoperative bleeding and peri-operative oxygenation in both groups were also measured.

RESULTS
The NMB reversal duration was significantly longer in the Mod NMB group than in the Deep NMB group. Changes in interleukin-6 were significantly smaller in the Deep NMB group than in the Mod NMB group (P < 0.001). The incidence of POD was not significantly different between groups (34 versus 17% in Mod and Deep NMB groups, respectively; P = 0.129). The amount of postoperative bleeding until postoperative day 2 was significantly greater in the Mod NMB group than in the Deep NMB group (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that inflammation related to peri-operative complications could be associated with the depth of NMB during total hip replacement. However, the incidence of POD might not be associated to the depth of NMB.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of United States. (Identifier: NCT02507609). Online address: http://clinicaltrials.gov
Pre-operative anaemia and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery
Authors: Kwon Ji-Hye , Park Jungchan , Lee Seung-Hwa , Lee Jong Hwan , Min Jeong Jin , Kim Jihoon , Oh Ah Ran , Seo Wonho , Hyeon Cheol Won , Yang Kwangmo , Choi Jin-ho , Lee Sang-Chol , Kim Kyunga , Ahn Joonghyun , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND
Pre-operative anaemia is associated with adverse outcomes of noncardiac surgery, but its association with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) has not been fully investigated.

OBJECTIVE
The association between pre-operative anaemia and MINS.

DESIGN
A single-centre retrospective cohort study.

SETTING
Tertiary care referral centre.

PATIENTS
Patients with measured cardiac troponin (cTn) I levels after noncardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS
Patients were separated according to pre-operative anaemia (haemoglobin <13 g dl−1 in men and <12 g dl−1 in women). Anaemia was further stratified into mild and moderate-to-severe at a haemoglobin level threshold of 11 g dl−1.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was MINS, defined as a peak cTn I level more than 99th percentile of the upper reference limit within 30 postoperative days.

RESULTS
Data from a total of 35 170 patients were collected, including 22 062 (62.7%) patients in the normal group and 13 108 (37.3%) in the anaemia group. After propensity score matching, 11919 sets of patients were generated, and the incidence of MINS was significantly associated with anaemia [14.5 vs. 21.0%, odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47 to 1.68, P < 0.001]. For the entire population, multivariable analysis showed a graded association between anaemia severity and MINS (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.43, P < 0.001 for mild anaemia and OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.94, P < 0.001 for moderate-to-severe anaemia compared with the normal group) and a significantly higher incidence of MINS for moderate-to-severe anaemia than mild anaemia (18.6 vs. 28.6%, OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.50, P < 0.001). The estimated threshold for pre-operative haemoglobin associated with MINS was 12.2 g dl−1, with an area under the curve of 0.622.

CONCLUSIONS
Pre-operative anaemia was independently associated with MINS, suggesting that MINS may be related to the association between anaemia and postoperative mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
SMC 2019-08-048
The short-term efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser therapy for vulvovaginal symptoms in menopause, breast cancer, and lichen sclerosus
Authors: Gardner Alyssa N. , Aschkenazi Sarit O. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To review the short-term effects and safety of vulvovaginal fractional microablative CO2 laser therapy on atrophy symptoms using validated questionnaires pre- and posttreatment.

Methods:
This is a retrospective chart review from January, 2016 to December, 2019 on 139 women with vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, who completed three treatments about 6 weeks apart. All were >18 years old and nonpregnant. As is the practice in our clinic for all women receiving treatment, they were surveyed prior to the 1st and 3rd treatments with validated questionnaires, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ), as well as a visual analog scale (VAS). Paired t test was completed on the pre- and post FSFI and VAS scores. Pre- and postproportions of the VSQ were evaluated by the Fisher's exact test. Means were presented for each study variable. Multivariable regression analysis was completed on continuous and binomial variables for scores predictors.

Results:
Mean age was 62 years with a mean follow-up of 13.8 weeks. Concomitant topical estrogen was reported in 53% (n = 74). Breast cancer diagnosis was documented in 27% (n = 38), and lichen sclerosus in 22% (n = 31). All FSFI scores improved (pre: 12.7, post: 19.0, P < 0.001). The VSQ showed 18 of 21 questions significantly improved (P < 0.05). The VAS showed significant improvement in painful intercourse (pre: 6.6, post: 2.4, P < 0.001), and vulvar dryness (pre: 4.6, post: 1.5, P < 0.001). Posttreatments, 17 additional women became sexually active. No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:
Fractional CO2 laser may be effective and safe for the treatment vulvovaginal atrophy.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A700.
Predicting treatment toxicity in older adults with cancer
Authors: Menjak Ines B. , Giffoni de Mello Morais Mata Danilo , Chesney Tyler R. , Haase Kristen R. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review
To provide an overview of the recent advancements in predicting toxicity associated with cancer treatment in older patients.

Recent findings
Various screening tools and validated risk calculators have been shown to help predict toxicity from surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy has been more challenging to select the appropriate tool to reliably predict patients at risk for toxicity and noncompliance. Ongoing work on electronic geriatric assessment tools is showing promise in making comprehensive assessment more feasible.

Summary
Selecting appropriate cancer therapy is particularly important in older patients, and validated tools have been developed to guide clinicians for surgery and chemotherapy; however, radiotherapy toxicity remains an area for further development, as does the uptake of existing tools into routine oncology practice.
Autism associatedSHANK3missense point mutations impact conformational fluctuations and protein turnover at synapses
Authors: Bucher Michael , Niebling Stephan , Han Yuhao , Molodenskiy Dmitry , Kreienkamp Hans-Jürgen , Svergun Dmitri , Kim Eunjoon , Kostyukova Alla S. , Kreutz Michael R. , Mikhaylova Marina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMembers of the SH3- and ankyrin-rich repeat (SHANK) protein family are considered as master scaffolds of the post-synaptic density of glutamatergic synapses. Several missense mutations within the canonical SHANK3 isoform have been proposed as causative for the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, there is a surprising paucity of data linking missense mutation-induced changes in protein structure and dynamics to the occurrence of ASD-related synaptic phenotypes. In this work, we focus on two ASD-associated point mutations, both located within the same domain of SHANK3. In a proof-of-principle study we demonstrate that both mutant proteins show indeed distinct changes in secondary and tertiary structure as well as higher conformational fluctuations. Local and surprisingly also distal structural disturbances of protein folding result in altered synaptic targeting and changes of protein turnover at synaptic sites.
Extracellular endosulfatase Sulf-2 harbours a chondroitin/dermatan sulfate chain that modulates its enzyme activity
Authors: Masri Rana El , Seffouh Amal , Roelants Caroline , Seffouh Ilham , Gout Evelyne , Pérard Julien , Dalonneau Fabien , Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Noborn Fredrik , Nikpour Mahnaz , Larson Göran , Crétinon Yoann , Uchimura Kenji , Daniel Régis , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Filhol Odile , Vivès Romain R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSulfs represent a class of unconventional sulfatases, which differ from all other members of the sulfatase family by their structures, catalytic features and biological functions. Through their specific endosulfatase activity in extracellular milieu, Sulfs provide an original post-synthetic regulatory mechanism for heparan sulfate complex polysaccharides and have been involved in multiple physiopathological processes, including cancer. However, Sulfs remain poorly characterized enzymes, with major discrepancies regarding theirin vivofunctions. Here we show that human Sulf-2 (HSulf-2) features a unique polysaccharide post-translational modification. We identified a chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain, attached to the enzyme substrate binding domain. We found that this GAG chain affects enzyme/substrate recognition and tunes HSulf-2 activityin vitroandin vivousing a mouse model of tumorigenesis and metastasis. In addition, we showed that mammalian hyaluronidase acted as a promoter of HSulf-2 activity by digesting its GAG chain. In conclusion, our results highlight HSulf-2 as a unique proteoglycan enzyme and its newly-identified GAG chain as a critical non-catalytic modulator of the enzyme activity. These findings contribute in clarifying the conflicting data on the activities of the Sulfs and introduce a new paradigm into the study of these enzymes.
Differential phase register of Hes1 oscillations with mitoses underlies cell-cycle heterogeneity in ER+ breast cancer cells
Authors: Sabherwal Nitin , Rowntree Andrew , Marinopoulou Elli , Pettini Tom , Hourihane Sean , Thomas Riba , Kursawe Jochen , Soto Ximena , Papalopulu Nancy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHere, we study the dynamical expression of endogenously labelled Hes1, a transcriptional repressor implicated in controlling cell proliferation, to understand how cell-cycle length heterogeneity is generated in ER+ breast cancer cells. We find that Hes1 shows oscillatory expression with approximately 25h periodicity and during each cell-cycle has a variable peak in G1, a trough around G1-S transition and a less variable second peak in G2/M. Compared to other subpopulations, the cell-cycle in CD44HighCD24Lowcancer stem cells is longest and most variable. Most cells divide around the peak of the Hes1 expression wave but preceding mitoses in slow dividing CD44HighCD24Lowcells appear phase-shifted, resulting in a late-onset Hes1 peak in G1. The position, duration and shape of this peak, rather than the Hes1 expression levels, are good predictors of cell-cycle length. Diminishing Hes1 oscillations by enforcing sustained expression slows down the cell-cycle, impairs proliferation, abolishes the dynamic expression of p21, and increases the percentage of CD44HighCD24Lowcells. Reciprocally, blocking the cell-cycle causes an elongation of Hes1 periodicity, suggesting a bidirectional interaction of the Hes1 oscillator and the cell-cycle. We propose that Hes1 oscillations are functionally important for the efficient progression of the cell-cycle and that the position of mitosis in relation to the Hes1 wave underlies cell-cycle length heterogeneity in cancer cell subpopulations.Significance statementTumours exhibit heterogeneities that are not due to mutations, including Cancer Stem Cells with different potencies. We show that the cancer stem cell state predisposed to dormancyin vivohas a highly variable and long cell-cycle. Using single-cell live-imaging for the transcriptional repressor Hes1 (a key molecule in cancer), we show a new type of circadian-like oscillatory expression of Hes1 in all cells in the population. The most potent cancer stem cells tend to divide around the trough of the Hes1 oscillatory wave, a feature predictive of a long cell-cycle. A novel concept proposed here is that the position of cell division with respect to the Hes1 wave is predictive of its prospective cell-cycle length and cancer cellular sub-state.
Reduced miR-184-3p expression occurring in Type 2 diabetic pancreatic islets protects β-cells from lipotoxic and proinflammatory apoptosis via a CRTC1-dependent mechanism
Authors: Grieco Giuseppina E. , Brusco Noemi , Nigi Laura , Formichi Caterina , Fignani Daniela , Licata Giada , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Salvini Laura , Tinti Laura , Po Agnese , Ferretti Elisabetta , Sebastiani Guido , Dotta Francesco 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLoss of functional β-cell mass in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) involves molecular mechanisms including β-cell apoptosis, dysfunction, and/or dedifferentiation. MicroRNA miR-184-3p has been demonstrated to be involved in multiple β-cell functions including insulin secretion, proliferation and survival. However, downstream targets and upstream regulators of miR-184-3p have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we showed that levels of miR-184-3p are reduced in human T2D pancreatic islets and that its reduction protected β-cells from lipotoxic- and inflammatory-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, CREB-Transcriptional Coactivator-1 (CRTC1) is a direct target of miR-184-3p and indeed its expression is upregulated in human T2D pancreatic islets. The downregulation of miR-184-3p in β-cells induced the upregulation of CRTC1 both at mRNA and protein level. Of note, miR-184-3p protection effect was dependent on CRTC1, since its silencing in human β-cells abrogates the protective mechanism exerted by miR-184-3p inhibition. Additionally, we found that the β-cell specific transcription factor NKX6.1, whose DNA binding sites were predicted to be present in human and mouse MIR184 gene promoter sequence, was reduced in T2D human pancreatic islets, in line with miR-184-3p downregulation, and was positively correlated with microRNA expression. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and mRNA silencing experiments, we demonstrated that NKX6.1 directly controls both human and murine miR-184 expression.In conclusion, we found that miR-184-3p expression is controlled by the β-cell specific transcription factor NKX6.1 and that miR-184-3p reduction protects β-cells from apoptosis through the upregulation of its target gene CRTC1.
The geometry of the representation of decision variable and stimulus difficulty in the parietal cortex
Authors: Okazawa Gouki , Hatch Christina E. , Mancoo Allan , Machens Christian K. , Kiani Roozbeh 
Published: January 2021

SummaryLateral intraparietal (LIP) neurons represent formation of perceptual decisions involving eye movements. In circuit models for these decisions, neural ensembles that encode actions compete to form decisions. Consequently, decision variables (DVs) are represented as partially potentiated action plans, where ensembles increase their average responses for stronger evidence supporting their preferred actions. As another consequence, DV representation and readout are implemented similarly for decisions with identical competing actions, irrespective of input and task context differences. Here, we challenge those core principles using a novel face-discrimination task, where LIP firing rates decrease with supporting evidence, contrary to conventional motion-discrimination tasks. These opposite response patterns arise from similar mechanisms in which decisions form along curved population-response manifolds misaligned with action representations. These manifolds rotate in state space based on task context, necessitating distinct readouts. We show similar manifolds in lateral and medial prefrontal cortices, suggesting a ubiquitous representational geometry across decision-making circuits.
ERK signaling licenses SKN-1A/NRF1 for proteasome production and proteasomal stress resistance
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qu Hai-Yan , Wu Ziyun , Na Huimin , Hourihan John , Zhang Fang , Zhu Feimei , Isik Meltem , Walhout Albertha J.M. , Feng Yu-Xiong , Blackwell T. Keith 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ubiquitin-proteasome system is vital for cell growth and homeostasis, but for most cancers proteasomal inhibition has not been effective as a therapy. Normal and cancer cells adapt to proteasomal stress through an evolutionarily conserved recovery response, in which the transcription factor NRF1 upregulates proteasome subunit genes. Starting with aC. elegansscreen to identify regulators of the recovery response, here we show that this response depends upon phosphorylation of NRF1 on a single residue by the growth factor-activated kinase ERK1/2. Inhibition of this phosphorylation impairs NRF1 nuclear localization and proteasome gene activation, sensitizesC. elegansand cancer cells to proteasomal stress, and synergizes with proteasome inhibition to retard human melanoma growthin vivoin a mouse model. The evolutionarily conserved ERK1/2-NRF1 axis couples proteasome production to growth signaling, and represents a promising new strategy for expanding the range and efficacy of proteasomal inhibition therapy in cancer.
Total factor productivity of the non-life insurers in India: Malmquist index with a new decomposition
Authors: Ilyas Ashiq Mohd , Rajasekaran S. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to measure the change and the sources of change in total factor productivity (TFP) of the Indian non-life insurance sector over the period 2005–2016.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the bootstrapped Malmquist index (MI) to assess the changes in the TFP and adopts a decomposition approach proposed by Balk and Zofío (2018). Moreover, it utilises truncated regression to identify the determinants of the TFP. In addition, it employs Wilcoxon-W test and t-test to scrutinise the difference between the state-owned and the private insurers in terms of variations in TFP and its various components.FindingsThe results divulge a miniature improvement in TFP of the insurance sector, which is primarily attributable to the improvement in scale efficiency (economies of scale). The results also reveal that there are no significant TFP differences across the ownership. However, private insurers have better scale efficiency and lower input-mix efficiency than state-owned insurers. In addition, the results unveil that size, diversification and reinsurance have a negative impact on the TFP, while age has a positive impact on it.Practical implicationsThe results may help the policymakers to frame new consolidation policies. Moreover, the findings may guide the decision-makers of the Indian non-life insurance companies to abate inefficiency and improve TFP.Originality/valueThis study estimates bias-corrected changes in TFP and efficiency in the non-life insurance sector. Moreover, it adopts an elaborated decomposition of the MI to identify the true sources of change in the TFP.