bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional characterisation of fatty acyl desaturase, Fads2, and elongase, Elovl5, in the Boddart's goggle‐eyed goby Boleophthalmus boddarti (Gobiidae) suggests an incapacity for long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Soo Han‐Jie , Sam Ka Kei , Chong Joey , Lau Nyok‐Sean , Ting Seng Yeat , Kuah Meng‐Kiat , Kwang Sim Yee , Ranjani Manogoran , Shu‐Chien Alexander Chong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe biosynthesis of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA), a process to convert C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or arachidonic acid (ARA), requires the concerted activities of two enzymes, the fatty acyl desaturase (Fads) and elongase (Elovl). This study highlights the cloning, functional characterisation and tissue expression pattern of a Fads and an Elovl from the Boddart's goggle‐eyed goby (Boleophthalmus boddarti), a mudskipper species widely distributed in the Indo‐Pacific region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the cloned fads and elovl are clustered with other teleost orthologs, respectively. The investigation of the genome of several mudskipper species, namely Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, Periophthalmus schlosseri and Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus, revealed a single Fads2 and two elongases, Elovl5 and Elovl4 for each respective species. A heterologous yeast assay indicated that the B. boddarti Fads2 possessed low desaturation activity on C18 PUFA and no desaturation on C20 and C22 PUFA substrates. In comparison, the Elovl5 showed a wide range of substrate specificity, with a capacity to elongate C18, C20 and C22 PUFA substrates. An amino acid residue that affects the capacity to elongate C22:5n‐3 was identified in the B. boddarti Elovl5. Both genes are highly expressed in brain tissue. Among all tissues, DHA is highly concentrated in neuron‐rich tissues, whereas EPA is highly deposited in gills. Taken together, the results showed that due to the inability to perform desaturation steps, B. boddarti is unable to biosynthesise LC‐PUFA, relying on dietary intake to acquire these nutrients.
Temporal and latitudinal comparisons of reproductive parameters in a heavily exploited shark, the bonnethead, Sphyrna tiburo (L. 1758), in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Palacios‐Hernández Daniela , Castillo‐Géniz José L. , Méndez‐Loeza Iván , Pérez‐Jiménez Juan C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the southern Gulf of Mexico, the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, is one of the most frequently captured species in landings of small‐scale fisheries. Based on the analysis of two fishery‐dependent sampling periods (1993–1994 and 2007–2014), this study aimed to determine reproductive parameters and identify temporal differences between the two time periods. In the first sampling period, 776 males and 352 females with a size range of 28.0–120.0 cm total stretched length (LT) were analysed, and in the second sampling period, 387 males and 432 females with a size range of 28.0–122.0 cm LT were analysed. The size at 50% maturity in the second sampling period was significantly different between sexes, 82.6 cm LT for females and 73.8 cm LT for males (no estimation was possible for the first sampling period). The size at 50% maternity was not different between sampling periods, 97.3 cm LT for the first sampling period and 99.0 cm LT for the second sampling period. Litter size varied from 3 to 19 embryos and the average was not statistically different in both periods, 10.1 (S.D. = 3.8) for the first sampling period and 11.3 (S.D. = 3.5) for the second sampling period. The female reproductive cycle is asynchronous, and it seems to be annual, with a gestation period of 5–6 months, and a consecutive ovarian cycle and gestation period. Temporal (between sampling periods) and latitudinal (southern Gulf versus northern regions) variations occur in the synchronicity of the reproductive cycle, temporal variation in the relationship between maternal length and litter size, and latitudinal variation in average size of mature sharks.
BDNF deficiency and enriched environment treatment affect neurotransmitter gene expression differently across ages
Authors: Dong Brittany E. , Chen Hao , Sakata Kazuko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDeficiency of activity‐induced expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) disturbs neurotransmitter gene expression. Enriched environment treatment (EET) ameliorates the defects. However, how BDNF deficiency and EET affect the neurotransmitter gene expression differently across ages remains unclear. We addressed this question by determining the neurotransmitter gene expression across three life stages in wild‐type and activity‐dependent BDNF‐deficient (KIV) mice. Mice received 2‐months of standard control treatment (SCT) or EET at early‐life development (ED: 0–2 months), young adulthood (2–4 months), and old adulthood (12–14 months) (N = 16/group). Half of these mice received additional 1‐month SCT to examine persisting EET effects. High‐throughput quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction measured expression of 81 genes for dopamine, adrenaline, serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetylcholine, and BDNF systems in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus. Results revealed that BDNF deficiency mostly reduced neurotransmitter gene expression, greatest at ED in the FC. EET increased expression of a larger number of genes at ED than adulthood, particularly in the KIV FC. Many genes down‐regulated in KIV mice were up‐regulated by EET, which persisted when EET was provided at ED (e.g., 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) transporter [5HTT], ADRA1D, GRIA3, GABRA5, GABBR2). In both the regions, BDNF deficiency decreased the density of gene co‐expression network specifically at ED, while EET increased the density and hub genes (e.g., GAT1, GABRG3, GRIN1, CHRNA7). These results suggest that BDNF deficiency, which occurs under chronic stress, causes neurotransmitter dysregulations prominently at ED, particularly in the FC. EET at ED may be most effective to normalize the dysregulations, providing persisting effects later in life.OPEN SCIENCE BADGES

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. More information about the Open Science badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Water‐soluble variant of human Lynx1 positively modulates synaptic plasticity and ameliorates cognitive impairment associated with α7‐nAChR dysfunction
Authors: Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Shulepko Mikhail A. , Bychkov Maxim L. , Kulbatskii Dmitrii S. , Shlepova Olga V. , Vasilyeva Nathalia A. , Andreev-Andrievskiy Alexander A. , Popova Anfisa S. , Lagereva Evgeniya A. , Loktyushov Eugene V. , Koshelev Sergey G. , Thomsen Morten S. , Dolgikh Dmitry A. , Kozlov Sergey A. , Balaban Pavel M. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Lyukmanova Ekaterina N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLynx1 is a GPI‐tethered protein colocalized with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain areas important for learning and memory. Previously, we demonstrated that at low micromolar concentrations the water‐soluble Lynx1 variant lacking GPI‐anchor (ws‐Lynx1) acts on α7‐nAChRs as a positive allosteric modulator. We hypothesized that ws‐Lynx1 could be used for improvement of cognitive processes dependent on nAChRs. Here we showed that 2 µM ws‐Lynx1 increased the acetylcholine‐evoked current at α7‐nAChRs in the rat primary visual cortex L1 interneurons. At higher concentrations ws‐Lynx1 inhibits α7‐nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with IC50 ~ 50 µM. In mice, ws‐Lynx1 penetrated the blood‐brain barrier upon intranasal administration and accumulated in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Chronic ws‐Lynx1 treatment prevented the olfactory memory and motor learning impairment induced by the α7‐nAChRs inhibitor methyllycaconitine (MLA). Enhanced long‐term potentiation and increased paired‐pulse facilitation ratio were observed in the hippocampal slices incubated with ws‐Lynx1 and in the slices from ws‐Lynx1‐treated mice. Long‐term potentiation blockade observed in MLA‐treated mice was abolished by ws‐Lynx1 co‐administration. To understand the mechanism of ws‐Lynx1 action, we studied the interaction of ws‐Lynx1 and MLA at α7‐nAChRs, measured the basal concentrations of endogenous Lynx1 and the α7 nAChR subunit and their association in the mouse brain. Our findings suggest that endogenous Lynx1 limits α7‐nAChRs activation in the adult brain. Ws‐Lynx1 partially displaces Lynx1 causing positive modulation of α7‐nAChRs and enhancement of synaptic plasticity. Ws‐Lynx1 and similar compounds may constitute useful hits for treatment of cognitive deficits associated with the cholinergic system dysfunction.
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Hydrological cycle changes under global warming and their effects on multiscale climate variability
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhou Lei , Foltz Gregory R. , Qu Xia , Ying Jun , Tokinaga Hiroki , Mechoso Carlos R. , Li Jinbao , Gu Xingyu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDespite a globally uniform increase in the concentrations of emitted greenhouse gases, radiatively forced surface warming can have significant spatial variations. These define warming patterns that depend on preexisting climate states and through atmospheric and oceanic dynamics can drive changes of the hydrological cycle with global‐scale feedbacks. Our study reviews research progress on the hydrological cycle changes and their effects on multiscale climate variability. Overall, interannual variability is expected to become stronger in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and weaker in the Atlantic. Global monsoon rainfall is projected to increase and the wet season to lengthen despite a slowdown of atmospheric circulation. Strong variations among monsoon regions are likely to emerge, depending on surface conditions such as orography and land–sea contrast. Interdecadal climate variability is expected to modulate the globally averaged surface temperature change with pronounced anomalies in the polar and equatorial regions, leading to prolonged periods of enhanced or reduced warming. It is emphasized that advanced global observations, regional simulations, and process‐level investigations are essential for improvements in understanding, predicting, and projecting the modes of climate variability, monsoon sensitivity, and energetic fluctuations in a warming climate.
Potential association between oral mucosal nevus and melanoma: A preliminary clinicopathologic study
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Yang , Du Guanhuan , Zhou Zengtong , Yang Xi , Shi Linjun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess potential association between oral nevi (ON) and nevus‐associated melanoma (NAM), in which melanoma cells coexist with nevus cells.MethodsA total of 74 ON patients and 7 NAM patients were retrospectively reviewed. Comparative and regression analyses of clinical and histological data were performed between two groups.ResultsThe mean age of the patients with ON was 36.5 years compared with that of 54.7 years of the patients with NAM (p = .008). Gender ratio was female predominance for ON (1.64:1 ratio) and male predominance for NAM (6:1 ratio). The most common location of ON and NAM was the palate (31.1%) and gingiva (71.4%), respectively. Univariate regression analysis revealed that elderly male patients (≥60 years) with junctional ON located on the gingiva correlate with higher risk of melanoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that junctional type of ON was an independent factor (adjusted OR, 38.32; 95% CI, 3.20–458.64; p = .004) associated significantly with increased risk for melanoma.ConclusionsThe preliminary study for the first time elucidated the clinicopathologic features of a Chinese series of ON and evaluated the potential association between ON and NAM with a limited sample size. Further large multicenter studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Salivary protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders in alcohol and tobacco dependents
Authors: Penteado Carlos Antonio Schaffer , Batista Thiago Beltrami Dias , Chaiben Cassiano Lima , Bonacin Bruna Guedes , Ventura Talita M. O. , Dionizio Aline , Couto Souza Paulo Henrique , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Azevedo‐Alanis Luciana Reis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the oral condition of alcohol and tobacco dependents and identify salivary protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders.Subjects and methodsThirty‐three male volunteers were evaluated for alcohol abuse rehabilitation; nine were selected for proteomic analysis. Intraoral examination was performed, and non‐stimulated saliva was collected. Salivary proteins were extracted and processed for analysis. A list of proteins identified in saliva was generated from the database and manually revised, obtaining the total number of candidate biomarkers for oral disorders.ResultsThe mean age (n = 33) was 42.94 ± 8.61 years. Fourteen (42.4%) subjects presented with 23 oral mucosa changes, and 31 (94%) had dental plaque. A total of 282 proteins were found in saliva (n = 9), of which 26 were identified as candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders. After manual review, 21 proteins were selected. The highest number of candidates for biomarkers was associated with carcinoma of head and neck (n = 10), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n = 6), and periodontal disease (n = 6).ConclusionAlcohol and tobacco dependents showed gingival inflammation, and less than half of them showed oral mucosa changes. Twenty‐one protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders were identified in saliva. The two major oral disorders in number of candidates for biomarkers were head and neck cancer and periodontal disease.
Exogenous strigolactones impact metabolic profiles and phosphate starvation signalling in roots
Authors: Gamir Jordi , Torres‐Vera Rocío , Rial Carlos , Berrio Estefanía , de Souza Campos Pedro M. , Varela Rosa M. , Macías Francisco A. , Pozo María J. , Flors Victor , López‐Ráez Juan A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractStrigolactones (SLs) are important ex‐planta signalling molecules in the rhizosphere, promoting the association with beneficial microorganisms, but also affecting plant interactions with harmful organisms. They are also plant hormones in‐planta, acting as modulators of plant responses under nutrient‐deficient conditions, mainly phosphate (Pi) starvation. In the present work, we investigate the potential role of SLs as regulators of early Pi starvation signalling in plants. A short‐term pulse of the synthetic SL analogue 2′‐epi‐GR24 promoted SL accumulation and the expression of Pi starvation markers in tomato and wheat under Pi deprivation. 2′‐epi‐GR24 application also increased SL production and the expression of Pi starvation markers under normal Pi conditions, being its effect dependent on the endogenous SL levels. Remarkably, 2′‐epi‐GR24 also impacted the root metabolic profile under these conditions, promoting the levels of metabolites associated to plant responses to Pi limitation, thus partially mimicking the pattern observed under Pi deprivation. The results suggest an endogenous role for SLs as Pi starvation signals. In agreement with this idea, SL‐deficient plants were less sensitive to this stress. Based on the results, we propose that SLs may act as early modulators of plant responses to P starvation.
Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Anti‐epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antibody Cetuximab and Photosensitizer IR700DX in the Mouse Skin‐fold Window Chamber Model
Authors: Peng Wei , de Bruijn Henriette S. , ten Hagen Timo L. M. , van Dam Go M. , Roodenburg Jan L. N. , Berg Kristian , Witjes Max J. H. , Robinson Dominic J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTargeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) in head/neck cancer patients with a conjugate of the anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, Cetuximab and a phthalocyanine photosensitizer IR700DX is under way, but the exact mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. In this study, the EGFR‐overexpressing human head/neck OSC‐19‐luc2‐cGFP tumor with transfected GFP gene was used in a skin‐fold window chamber model in BALB/c nude mice. The uptake and localization of the conjugate in the tumor and its surrounding normal tissues were studied by an intravital confocal laser scanning microscopy with image analyses. The tumor was also irradiated with 690 nm laser light 24 h after conjugate administration. The vascular and tumor responses were examined by morphological evaluation and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The amount of conjugate in the tumor peaked at 24–48 h after injection. Image analyses of colocalization correlation parameters demonstrated a high fraction of the conjugate IR700DX colocalized in the GFP‐expressing tumor cells. PDT‐treated tumors showed extensive necrotic/apoptotic destruction with little vascular damage, while IHC showed no HIF‐1α expression and decreased EGFR and Ki67 expression with activated caspase‐3 overexpression, indicating a direct killing of tumor cells through both necrotic and apoptotic cell death.
Differential Responses of Growth and Photochemical Performance of Marine Diatoms to Ocean Warming and High Light Irradiance
Authors: Wu Yaping , Zhang Mengjuan , Li Zhenzhen , Xu Juntian , Beardall John 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDiatoms have relatively high biomass in mid‐ to high‐latitude oceans, which is also the most sensitive region to climate change. Photoautotrophs are thus predicted to become exposed to both higher temperatures and increased solar irradiance. In this study, we examined the consequences of such changes for the growth and photo‐physiology of two diatoms by mimicking the scenarios that correspond to present day and that predicted for the end of this century. Elevated light induced higher rates of damage to photosystem II (PSII) that significantly reduced photochemical yields of both diatoms. Treatments including UV radiation induced ~ 50% inhibition of PSII under present PAR levels. Generally, warming alleviated UVR inhibition, resulting in higher photochemical yields, and faster recovery during dim light exposure. Therefore, concurrent increase of irradiance and temperature mitigated UV inhibition of PSII by 8–15%. The growth was stimulated by warming under PAR treatment, while less stimulation, or even decreased growth rates were found under the PAR + UVR treatment. Results suggest that ocean warming could fully offset the inhibition of high light on PSII. However, under the latter higher UVR stress scenario, the energetic expenditure required by the diatoms to repair damage could lead to their lower overall growth in future oceans.
Identification and comprehensive analysis of the CLV3/ESR‐related (CLE) gene family in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Han S. , Khan M. H. U. , Yang Y. , Zhu K. , Li H. , Zhu M. , Amoo O. , Khan S. U. , Fan C. , Zhou Y. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The CLE (CLAVATA3/ESR) gene family, encoding a group of small secretory peptides, plays important roles in cell‐to‐cell communication, thereby controlling a broad spectrum of development processes. The CLE family has been systematically characterized in some plants, but not in Brassica napus.

In the present study, 116 BnCLE genes were identified in the B. napus genome, including seven unannotated, six incorrectly predicted and five multi‐CLE domain‐encoding genes. These BnCLE members were separated into seven distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis, which might facilitate the functional characterization of the peptides.

Further characterization of CLE pre‐propeptides revealed 31 unique CLE peptides from 45 BnCLE genes, which may give rise to distinct roles of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family. The biological activity of these unique CLE dodecamer peptides was tested further through in vitro peptide assays. Variations in several important residues were identified as key contributors to the functional differentiation of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family in B. napus. Expression profile analysis helped to characterize possible functional redundancy and sub‐functionalization among the BnCLE members.

This study presents a comprehensive overview of the CLE gene family in B. napus and provides a foundation for future evolutionary and functional studies.
Differing trade elasticities for intra‐ and international distances: A gravity approach
Authors: Query Jason 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUsing the gravity model of trade, I estimate the impact that within‐country transportation distance has on international trade levels. Combining multiple data sets, I create a measure for the distance U.S. agricultural goods travel before leaving the country. In order to account for endogeneity in production location choice, I use potential agricultural production as an instrument for actual agricultural production. I find that internal distance is statistically significant and large in magnitude. A 10% reduction in the distance a good travels within the exporting country increases trade by roughly 3%.
Frequency and management of non‐obstetric fistula in the Democratic Republic of Congo: experience from the Fistula Care Plus project
Authors: Mpunga Mafu Michel , Banze Don Félicien , Nembunzu Dolores , Maroyi Raha , Paluku Justin , Kinja Rachel , Kitambala Esther , Tena‐Tena Aussak Brian , Bulu Bobina Ruth , Amisi Notia , Mukuliboy Ange , Diop Altine , Tripathi Vandana , Romanzi Lauri , Delamou Alexandre 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the frequency, causes and post‐repair outcomes of NOF in hospitals supported by the Fistula Care Plus (FC+) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsRetrospective cohort study from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 in three FC + supported fistula repair sites.ResultsOf 1984 women treated for female genital fistula between 2015 and 2017 in the three FC + supported hospitals, 384 (19%) were considered to be non‐obstetric fistula (NOF) cases. 49.3% were married/in a relationship at the time of treatment vs. 69% before the fistula, P < 0.001. Type III (n = 247; 64.3%) and type I (n = 121; 31.5%) fistulas according to Kees/Waaldijk classification were the most common. The main causes of NOF were medical procedure (n = 305; 79.4%); of these, caesarean section (n = 234; 76.7%) and hysterectomy (n = 54; 17.7%) were the most common. At hospital discharge, the fistula was closed and dry in 353 women (95.7%).ConclusionNon‐obstetric fistula, particularly due to iatrogenic causes, was relatively common in the DRC, calling for more prevention that includes improved quality of care in maternal health services.