bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in humans associated with Aedes canadensis, Coquillettidia perturbans and Culiseta melanura mosquitoes with the virus in New York State from 1971 to 2012 by analysis of aggregated published data
Authors: Sherwood J. A. , Stehman S. V. , Howard J. J. , Oliver J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
From 1971 to 2012, in New York State, years with human Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) were more strongly associated with the presence of Aedes canadensis, Coquillettidia perturbans and Culiseta melanura mosquitoes infected with the EEE virus (Fisher's exact test, one-sided P = 0.005, 0.03, 0.03) than with Culiseta morsitans, Aedes vexans, Culex pipiens-restuans, Anopheles quadrimaculatus or Anopheles punctipennis (P = 0.05, 0.40, 0.33, 1.00, 1.00). The estimated relative risk of a case in a year in which the virus was detected vs. not detected was 14.67 for Ae. canadensis, 6.38 for Cq. perturbans and 5.50 for Cs. morsitans. In all 5 years with a case, Cs. melanura with the virus was detected. In no year was there a case in the absence of Cs. melanura with the virus. There were 18 years with no case in the presence of Cs. melanura with the virus. Such observations may identify the time of increased risk, and when the methods may be used to prevent or reduce exposure to vector mosquito species in this geographic region.
DNA methylation and integrity in aged seeds and regenerated plants
Authors: Mira Sara , Pirredda Michela , Martín-Sánchez Marcos , Marchessi Jesús E. , Martín Carmen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeed longevity is a complex process of key ecological and agronomic importance. DNA damage is a significant factor affecting seed ageing. Likewise, epigenetic changes can control gene expression and, therefore, seed response to ageing. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of ageing on nucleic acid stability and to identify reliable molecular markers that might help to monitor epigenetic changes within plant genetic resources during conservation. DNA profiles, evaluated by RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), and methylation patterns, obtained by MSAP (methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism), were compared in non-aged and agedMentha aquaticaseeds and plants produced by them. Germination decreased to 50% by storing seeds at 35°C and 12% wc for 28 days. RAPD profiles were 99% similar in these aged seeds compared to non-aged seeds. However, seedlings produced from the aged seeds showed a 13% dissimilarity compared to seedlings produced from the non-aged seeds. About 8% difference in the MSAP epigenetic profile was detected in seeds after storage and 16% difference was detected in the seedlings produced from them. This indicates that stress from high temperature and humidity during storage induced changes on the methylation state of seeds, and that changes were also detectable in the regenerated plants. Our results suggest that DNA integrity was compromised in seeds during ageing, and on seedlings produced by aged seeds. Genotype screening techniques such as RAPD and MSAP have the potential as markers of nucleic acid stability during seed ageing.
Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country
Authors: Sasanfar Bahareh , Toorang Fatemeh , Maleki Farzad , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Zendehdel Kazem 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and risk of breast cancer among Iranian women.Design:In this hospital-based case–control study, dietary intake of participants was collected using a 168-item validated FFQ. Dietary TAC was assessed using FRAP assay considering. Logistic regression was used to obtain ORs for breast cancer across quartiles of dTAC.Setting:Cancer Institute, Iran.Participants:We included 412 women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer and 456 apparently healthy controls.Results:Mean dTAC was 11·3 ± 5·8 for cases and 12·1 ± 7·9 for controls. A trend towards significant inverse association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in the whole population; such that after controlling for several potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of dTAC were 0·39 times less likely to have breast cancer than those in the lowest quartile (0·61; 95 % CI: 0·38, 0·99, P < 0·05). In the stratified analysis by menopausal status, we found that postmenopausal women with the greatest dTAC had lower odds for breast cancer, compared with those with the lowest dTAC (0·47; 95 % CI: 0·24, 0·93, P < 0·05). This association strengthened after additional adjustment for BMI (0·28; 95 % CI: 0·11, 0·72, P < 0·05). No significant association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women.Conclusions:We found that dietary TAC was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer, in particular among postmenopausal women. Prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Regulation and function of capicua in mammals
Authors: Lee Yoontae 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCapicua (CIC) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor. CIC contains a high-mobility group (HMG) box that recognizes specific DNA sequences to regulate the expression of various target genes. CIC was originally identified inDrosophila melanogasteras a transcriptional repressor that suppresses the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. This molecule controls normal organ growth and tissue patterning as well as embryogenesis inDrosophila. Recent studies have also demonstrated its extensive functions in mammals. For example, CIC regulates several developmental and physiological processes, including lung development, abdominal wall closure during embryogenesis, brain development and function, neural stem cell homeostasis, T cell differentiation, and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. CIC is also associated with the progression of various types of cancer and neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type-1, systemic autoimmunity, and liver injury. In this review, I provide a broad overview of our current understanding of the regulation and functions of CIC in mammals and discuss future research directions.
Molecular basis of ALK1-mediated signalling by BMP9/BMP10 and their prodomain-bound forms
Authors: Salmon Richard M. , Guo Jingxu , Wood Jennifer H. , Tong Zhen , Beech John S. , Lawera Aleksandra , Yu Minmin , Grainger David J. , Reckless Jill , Morrell Nicholas W. , Li Wei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractActivin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1)-mediated endothelial cell signalling in response to bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) and BMP10 is of significant importance in cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, detailed molecular mechanisms of ALK1-mediated signalling remain unclear. Here, we report crystal structures of the BMP10:ALK1 complex at 2.3 Å and the prodomain-bound BMP9:ALK1 complex at 3.3 Å. Structural analyses reveal a tripartite recognition mechanism that defines BMP9 and BMP10 specificity for ALK1, and predict that crossveinless 2 is not an inhibitor of BMP9, which is confirmed by experimental evidence. Introduction of BMP10-specific residues into BMP9 yields BMP10-like ligands with diminished signalling activity in C2C12 cells, validating the tripartite mechanism. The loss of osteogenic signalling in C2C12 does not translate into non-osteogenic activity in vivo and BMP10 also induces bone-formation. Collectively, these data provide insight into ALK1-mediated BMP9 and BMP10 signalling, facilitating therapeutic targeting of this important pathway.
The translational landscape of ground state pluripotency
Authors: Atlasi Yaser , Jafarnejad Seyed Mehdi , Gkogkas Christos G. , Vermeulen Michiel , Sonenberg Nahum , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTranslational control plays a central role in regulation of gene expression and can lead to significant divergence between mRNA- and protein-abundance. Here, we used genome-wide approaches combined with time-course analysis to measure the mRNA-abundance, mRNA-translation rate and protein expression during the transition of naïve-to-primed mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We find that the ground state ESCs cultured with GSK3-, MEK-inhibitors and LIF (2iL) display higher ribosome density on a selective set of mRNAs. This set of mRNAs undergo strong translational buffering to maintain stable protein expression levels in 2iL-ESCs. Importantly, we show that the global alteration of cellular proteome during the transition of naïve-to-primed pluripotency is largely accompanied by transcriptional rewiring. Thus, we provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of the global changes in gene expression in different states of ESCs and dissect the relative contributions of mRNA-transcription, translation and regulation of protein stability in controlling protein abundance.
MACROD2 deficiency promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis by activating GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Zheng-Jun , Luo Chu-Bin , Xin Hao-Yang , Hu Zhi-Qiang , Zhu Gui-Qi , Li Jia , Zhou Shao-Lai 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStructural variations (SVs) influence the development and progression of multiple types of cancer. The genes affected by SVs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their contribution to tumor growth and metastasis remain unknown. In this study, through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we identified MACROD2 as the gene most frequently affected by SVs, which were associated with low MACROD2 expression levels. Low MACROD2 expression was predictive of tumor recurrence and poor overall survival. MACROD2 expression was decreased in HCC cell lines, especially those with high metastatic potential. MACROD2 knockdown in HCC cells markedly enhanced proliferation and invasiveness in vitro and tumor progression in vivo and promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). By contrast, MACROD2 overexpression reversed EMT and inhibited HCC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, MACROD2 deficiency suppressed glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity and activated β-catenin signaling, which mediated the effect of MACROD2 on HCC. In clinical HCC samples, decreased MACROD2 expression was correlated with the activation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling and the EMT phenotype. Overall, our results revealed that MACROD2 is frequently affected by SVs in HCC, and its deficiency promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling.
Attosecond pulse retrieval from noisy streaking traces with conditional variational generative network
Authors: Zhu Zheyuan , White Jonathon , Chang Zenghu , Pang Shuo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAccurate characterization of an attosecond pulse from streaking trace is an indispensable step in studying the ultrafast electron dynamics on the attosecond scale. Conventional attosecond pulse retrieval methods face two major challenges: the ability to incorporate a complete physics model of the streaking process, and the ability to model the uncertainty of pulse reconstruction in the presence of noise. Here we propose a pulse retrieval method based on conditional variational generative network (CVGN) that can address both demands. Instead of learning the inverse mapping from a streaking trace to a pulse profile, the CVGN models the distribution of the pulse profile conditioned on a given streaking trace measurement, and is thus capable of assessing the uncertainty of the retrieved pulses. This capability is highly desirable for low-photon level measurement, which is typical in attosecond streaking experiments in the water window X-ray range. In addition, the proposed scheme incorporates a refined physics model that considers the Coulomb-laser coupling and photoelectron angular distribution in streaking trace generation. CVGN pulse retrievals under various simulated noise levels and experimental measurement have been demonstrated. The results showed high pulse reconstruction consistency for streaking traces when peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeds 6, which could serve as a reference for future learning-based attosecond pulse retrieval.
Combination therapy using human papillomavirus L1/E6/E7 genes and archaeosome: a nanovaccine confer immuneadjuvanting effects to fight cervical cancer
Authors: Karimi Hesam , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Abdoli Asghar , Banijamali Razieh Sadat 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major health problem in women. DNA vaccines are a perfect approach to immunization, but their potency in clinical trials has been insufficient for generating effective immunity, which may be related to the degradation of the DNA via nucleases, poor delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and insufficient uptake of DNA plasmids by cells upon injection. Archaeosome is a nano-delivery systems based on liposomes with their immunological role have been developed for gene delivery. In this study, human papillomavirus type 16 genes, containing truncated L1, E6, and E7, were simultaneously used in combination therapy with archaeosome and assessed in vivo. Findings supported that archaeosomes promotes immune responses to DNA vaccines and a long-term CTL response was generated with a low antigen dose. Combination therapy with archaeosome/L1/E6/E7 vaccines exhibited a strong cytolytic activity against tumor cells and induced prophylactic and therapeutic effect against the development of tumor in the animal model.
Associations between early-life food deprivation during World War II and risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes at adulthood
Authors: Mink Julia , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Charles Marie-Aline , Allais Olivier , Fagherazzi Guy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework suggests that early-life experiences affect long-term health outcomes. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the long-run effects of exposure to World War II-related food deprivation during childhood and adolescence on the risk of suffering from hypertension and type 2 diabetes at adulthood for 90,226 women from the French prospective cohort study E3N. We found that the experience of food deprivation during early-life was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (+0.7%, 95% CI: 0.073–1.37%) and hypertension (+2.6%, 95% CI: 0.81–4.45%). Effects were stronger for individuals exposed at younger ages. Exposed individuals also achieved lower levels of education, slept less, and were more frequently smokers than unexposed individuals. These results are compatible with both the latency and the pathway models proposed in the DOHaD framework which theorise the association between early life exposure and adult health through both a direct link and an indirect link where changes in health determinants mediate health outcomes.
On the Origin of the Anomalous Behavior of Lipid Membrane Properties in the Vicinity of the Chain-Melting Phase Transition
Authors: Kuklin Alexander , Zabelskii Dmitrii , Gordeliy Ivan , Teixeira José , Brûlet Annie , Chupin Vladimir , Cherezov Vadim , Gordeliy Valentin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBiomembranes are key objects of numerous studies in biology and biophysics of great importance to medicine. A few nanometers thin quasi two-dimensional liquid crystalline membranes with bending rigidity of a few kT exhibit unusual properties and they are the focus of theoretical and experimental physics. The first order chain-melting phase transition of lipid membranes is observed to be accompanied by a pseudocritical behavior of membrane physical-chemical properties. However, the investigation of the nature of the anomalous swelling of a stack of lipid membranes in the vicinity of the transition by different groups led to conflicting conclusions about the level of critical density fluctuations and their impact on the membrane softening. Correspondingly, conclusions about the contribution of Helfrich’s undulations to the effect of swelling were different. In our work we present a comprehensive complementary neutron small-angle and spin-echo study directly showing the presence of significant critical fluctuations in the vicinity of the transition which induce membrane softening. However, contrary to the existing paradigm, we demonstrate that the increased undulation forces cannot explain the anomalous swelling. We suggest that the observed effect is instead determined by the dominating increase of short-range entropic repulsion.
Cardiotrophin-1 Deficiency Abrogates Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Miteva Kapka , Baptista Daniela , Montecucco Fabrizio , Asrih Mohamed , Burger Fabienne , Roth Aline , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Mach François , Brandt Karim J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) diseases. We investigated the effect of CT-1 deficiency in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in double knockout Apoe−/−ct-1−/− mice. Apoe−/− C57Bl/6 or Apoe−/−ct-1−/− C57Bl/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). After sacrifice, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids and systemic paracrine factors were measured. Intraplaque lipid and collagen content were quantified in the aortic sections. Immune cell populations in spleen, lymph nodes and aorta were analysis by flow cytometry. Apoe−/−ct-1−/− mice in accelerated atherosclerosis exhibited a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-C, atherosclerotic plaques size in the aortic root and in the abdominal aorta and improved plaque stability in comparison to Apoe−/− mice. CT-1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice on (HCD) promoted atheroprotective immune cell responses, as demonstrated by a rise in plasma anti-inflammatory immune cell populations (regulatory T cells, Tregs; regulatory B cells, Bregs and B1a cells) and atheroprotective IgM antibodies. CT-1 deficiency in advanced atherosclerosis mediated regulation of paracrine factors, such as interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-9, IL-15, IL-27, CXCL5, MCP-3, MIP-1α and MIP-1β. In a model of advanced atherosclerosis, CT-1 deficiency induced anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective effects which resulted in abrogation of atheroprogression.
Within-season movements of Alpine songbird distributions are driven by fine-scale environmental characteristics
Authors: Ceresa Francesco , Brambilla Mattia , Monrós Juan S. , Rizzolli Franco , Kranebitter Petra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInformation about distribution and habitat use of organisms is crucial for conservation. Bird distribution within the breeding season has been usually considered static, but this assumption has been questioned. Within-season movements may allow birds to track changes in habitat quality or to adjust site choice between subsequent breeding attempts. Such movements are especially likely in temperate mountains, given the substantial environmental heterogeneity and changes occurring during bird breeding season. We investigated the within-season movements of breeding songbirds in the European Alps in spring-summer 2018, using repeated point counts and dynamic occupancy models. For all the four species for which we obtained sufficient data, changes in occupancy during the season strongly indicated the occurrence of within-season movements. Species occupancy changed during the season according to fine-scale vegetation/land-cover types, while microclimate (mean temperature) affected initial occupancy in two species. The overall occupancy rate increased throughout the season, suggesting the settlement of new individuals coming from outside the area. A static distribution cannot be assumed during the breeding season for songbirds breeding in temperate mountains. This needs to be considered when planning monitoring and conservation of Alpine birds, as within-season movements may affect the proportion of population/distribution interested by monitoring or conservation programs.
On the repulsive interaction between localised vegetation patches in scarce environments
Authors: Berríos-Caro E. , Clerc M. G. , Escaff D. , Sandivari C. , Tlidi M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFragmentation followed by desertification in water-limited resources and/or nutrient-poor ecosystems is a major risk to the biological productivity of vegetation. By using the vegetation interaction-redistribution model, we analyse the interaction between localised vegetation patches. Here we show analytically and numerically that the interaction between two or more patches is always repulsive. As a consequence, only a single localised vegetation patch is stable, and other localised bounded states or clusters of them are unstable. Following this, we discuss the impact of the repulsive nature of the interaction on the formation and the selection of vegetation patterns in fragmented ecosystems.
CD44 Receptor Mediates Urate Crystal Phagocytosis by Macrophages and Regulates Inflammation in A Murine Peritoneal Model of Acute Gout
Authors: Bousoik Emira , Qadri Marwa , Elsaid Khaled A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGout is a chronic arthritis caused by the deposition of poorly soluble monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in peripheral joints. Resident macrophages initiate inflammation in response to MSU mediated by NF-κB nuclear translocation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We investigated the role of CD44, a transmembrane receptor, in mediating MSU phagocytosis by macrophages. We used an antibody that sheds the extracellular domain (ECD) of CD44 to study the role of the receptor and its associated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in macrophage activation. We also studied the significance of CD44 in mediating MSU inflammationin-vivo.Cd44−/−BMDMs showed reduced MSU phagocytosis, LDH release, IL-1β expression and production compared toCd44+/+BMDMs. Elevated CD44 staining was detected intracellularly and CD44 colocalized with α-tubulin as a result of MSU exposure and ECD-shedding reduced MSU phagocytosis in murine and human macrophages. Anti-CD44 antibody treatment reduced NF-κB p65 subunit nuclear levels, IL-1β expression, pro-IL-1β and IL-8 production in MSU stimulated THP-1 macrophages (p < 0.01). The effect of the antibody was mediated by an enhancement in PP2A activity. CD44 ECD-shedding reduced the conversion of procaspase-1 to active caspase-1, caspase-1 activity and resultant generation of mature IL-1β in macrophages. Neutrophil and monocyte influx and upregulated production of IL-1β was evident in wildtype mice. MSU failed to trigger neutrophil and monocyte recruitment inCd44−/−mice and lower IL-1β levels were detected in peritoneal lavages fromCd44−/−mice (p < 0.01). Anti-CD44 antibody treatment reduced neutrophil and monocyte recruitment and resulted in reduced lavage IL-1β levels in the same model. CD44 plays a biologically significant role in mediating phagocytosis of MSU and downstream inflammation and is a novel target in gout treatment.