bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleolar localization of the Notch4 intracellular domain underpins its regulation of the cellular response to genotoxic stressors
Authors: Saini Neetu , Sarin Apurva 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCell survival is one of the many cellular processes regulated by Notch family of proteins. A comparison of human breast cancer cell lines, which differ in the levels of endogenous Notch4, implicated the protein in regulating susceptibility to apoptosis triggered by genomic damage. In agreement with this observation, increased susceptibility to genotoxic damage was observed following siRNA ablations of Notch4 in two breast cancer cell lines. Further, overexpressing Notch4 intracellular domain (NIC4) tagged to GFP (NIC4-GFP), protected cells from apoptosis triggered by genotoxic drugs. In cells immune-stained for endogenous Notch4, protein was detected in the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, which was also confirmed by the co-localization of NIC4-GFP with RFP-tagged nucleolar proteins in breast cancer cells or the unrelated HEK cell line. Linking functional outcomes to nucleolar localization, NIC4-GFP protection from apoptosis, required the nucleolar proteins Nucleolin and Fibrillarin. Consistently, immunoprecipitation analysis revealed associations between nucleolar proteins—Nucleolin and Nucleophosmin—and Notch4. Microscopy-based biophysical analysis of live cells showed that nucleolar and nucleoplasmic pools of NIC4-GFP are mobile, with some sequestration of nucleolar NIC4-GFP pools. A nucleolar excluded form, NIC4_3RA-GFP, generated by site-directed mutagenesis of the nucleolar localization sequence in NIC4, could not protect from apoptosis triggered by genotoxic stressors. However, transcriptional activity or protection from apoptosis triggered by endoplasmic stress was comparable in cells expressing NIC4_3RA-GFP or NIC4-GFP. Together, the data show that nucleolar localization of NIC4 is critical for the regulation of genomic damage and may be uncoupled from its activities in the nucleoplasm. This study identifies intrinsic features of NIC4 that regulate signaling outcomes activated by the receptor by controlling its spatial localization.
Structural and functional insight into the effect of AFF4 dimerization on activation of HIV-1 proviral transcription
Authors: Tang Dan , Chen Chunjing , Liao Ga , Liu Jiaming , Liao Banghua , Huang QingQing , Chen Qianqian , Zhao Jiahui , Jiang Hui , Duan Jinsong , Huang Jin , Wang Kunjie , Wang Jiawei , Zhou Cuiyan , Chu Wendan , Li Wenqi , Sun Bo , Li Zhonghan , Dai Lunzhi , Fu Xianghui , Cheng Wei , Xue Yuhua , Qi Shiqian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSuper elongation complex (SEC) is a positive regulator of RNA polymerase II, which is required for HIV-1 proviral transcription. AFF1/4 is the scaffold protein that recruits other components of SEC and forms dimer depending on its THD domain (TPRL with Handle Region Dimerization Domain). Here we report the crystal structure of the human AFF4-THD at the resolution of 2.4 Å. The α4, α5, and α6 of one AFF4-THD mediate the formation of a dimer and pack tightly against the equivalent part of the second molecule in the dimer of AFF-THD. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that single mutations of either Phe1014 or Tyr1096 of AFF4 to alanine impair the formation of the AFF4 dimer. In addition, transactivation assay also indicated that Phe1014 and Tyr1096 of AFF4 are critical to the transactivation activity of AFF4. Interestingly, the corresponding residues Phe1063 and Tyr1145 in AFF1 have an effect on the transactivation of HIV-1 provirus. However, such mutations of AFF1/4 have no effect on the interaction of AFF1/4 with other subunits of the SEC. Together, our data demonstrated that the dimerization of AFF1/4 is essential to transactivation of HIV-1 provirus.
Dynamic unidirectional anisotropy in cubic FeGe with antisymmetric spin-spin-coupling
Authors: Josten Nicolas , Feggeler Thomas , Meckenstock Ralf , Spoddig Detlef , Spasova Marina , Chai Ke , Radulov Iliya , Li Zi-An , Gutfleisch Oliver , Farle Michael , Zingsem Benjamin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStrong unidirectional anisotropy in bulk polycrystalline B20 FeGe has been measured by ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Such anisotropy is not present in static magnetometry measurements. B20 FeGe exhibits inherent Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, resulting in a nonreciprocal spin-wave dispersion. Bulk and micron sized samples were produced and characterized. By X-band ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy at 276 K ± 1 K, near the Curie temperature, a distribution of resonance modes was observed in accordance with the cubic anisotropy of FeGe. This distribution exhibits a unidirectional anisotropy, i.e. shift of the resonance field under field inversion, of KUD = 960 J/m3 ± 10 J/m3, previously unknown in bulk ferromagnets. Additionally, more than 25 small amplitude standing spin wave modes were observed inside a micron sized FeGe wedge, measured at 293 K ± 2 K. These modes also exhibit unidirectional anisotropy. This effect, only dynamically measurable and not detectable in static magnetometry measurements, may open new possibilities for directed spin transport in chiral magnetic systems.
Transient Cell Membrane Disruptions induce Calcium Waves in Corneal Keratocytes
Authors: Chen Zhong , Lu Xiaowen , McGee-Lawrence Meghan E. , Watsky Mitchell A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine if transient cell membrane disruptions (TPMDs) in single keratocytes can trigger signaling events in neighboring keratocytes. Stromal cells were cultured from human corneas (HCSC) and mouse corneas (MCSC). TPMDs were produced using a multiphoton microscope in Cal-520-AM loaded cells. TPMD-induced calcium increases (Ca++i) were measured in Ca++-containing and Ca++-free solutions containing thapsigargin, ryanodine, BAPTA-AM, 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), apyrase, BCTC, AMG 9810, or AMTB. Fluorescence intensity was recorded as the number of cells responding and the area under the fluorescence versus time curve. The maximum distance of responding neighboring cells in ex vivo human corneas was measured. Connexin 43 protein in HCSC and MCSC was examined using immunofluorescence staining, and corneal rubbing was applied to confirm whether TPMDs occur following mechanical manipulation. Our results demonstrate that single cell TPMDs result in Ca++ waves in neighboring keratocytes both in culture and within ex vivo corneas. The source of Ca++ is both intra-and extra-cellular, and the signal can be mediated by ATP and/or gap junctions, and is species dependent. Stromal rubbing confirmed that TPMDs do occur following mechanical manipulation. Keratocyte TPMDs and their associated signaling events are likely common occurrences following minor or major corneal trauma.
A cluster-randomized trial of the effectiveness of a triple-faceted intervention promoting adherence to primary care physician visits by diabetes patients: J-DOIT2 large-scale trial (J-DOIT2-LT)
Authors: Noda Mitsuhiko , Hayashino Yasuaki , Yamazaki Katsuya , Suzuki Hikari , Goto Atsushi , Kato Masayuki , Izumi Kazuo , Kobayashi Masashi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe aimed to assess whether a triple-faceted intervention program administered in the primary care setting could decrease the risk of insufficient adherence to primary care physician (PCP) appointments among this patient population. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled study to assess the effects of a 1-year intervention. The primary outcome was insufficient adherence to regular PCP attendance for diabetes treatment, defined as failure to visit a PCP within 2 months of an original appointment date. The intervention consisted of mailing patient reminders of their PCP appointments, providing patients with health education aimed at lifestyle modification and benchmarking PCP procedures. Eleven municipal level district medical associations employing 192 PCPs were divided into two subregions for assignment to intervention and control clusters, with 971 and 1,265 patients assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. Primary outcome data were available for 2,200 patients. The intervention reduced insufficient adherence to regular PCP appointments by 63% (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.58). In conclusion, a triple-faceted intervention program consisting of health education, appointment reminders, and physician benchmarking may decrease the risk of incomplete adherence to regular PCP appointments by diabetes patients.
Subwavelength plasmonic nanoantenna as a Plasmonic Induced Polarization Rotator (PI-PR)
Authors: Hayat Qaisar , Geng Junping , Liang Xianling , Jin Ronghong , Hayat Khizar , He Chong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article reports the finding of the plasmonic induced polarization rotation and propagation rotation when the plane EM wave radiates the adjacent active coated nano particle and large dielectric sphere at resonant frequency. The results investigate that the incident electromagnetic planewave excites the TM21 mode in the large size dielectric sphere at first, which affects the TM11 mode field from the coated nano particle. Consequently, when the combined active coated nano particle and large dielectric sphere are in resonant, the main E–field polarization direction becomes parallel to the propagation direction of the original planewave and main beam of the pattern becomes omnidirectional i.e. both rotates by 90°. Furthermore, the polarization and propagation rotation angle varies with different size of the dielectric sphere. Likewise, the structure of dielectric sphere clamped by two active nanoparticles is also showing plasmonic induced polarization and propagation rotation along with TM11 mode from each coated nano particle (CNP) having 180° phase difference. In addition to this, the induced polarization rotation was also verified by the Electric Hertzian Dipole (EHD). The integration of this simpler geometry with other optical devices has possible applications in polarization manipulation, nano-sensors and detectors on nanoscale.
Development of a fast and efficient root transgenic system for functional genomics and genetic engineering in peach
Authors: Xu Shengli , Lai Enhui , Zhao Lei , Cai Yaming , Ogutu Collins , Cherono Sylvia , Han Yuepeng , Zheng Beibei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPeach is an economically import fruit crop worldwide, and serves as a model species of the Rosaceae family as well. However, peach functional genomics studies are severely hampered due to its recalcitrance to regeneration and stable transformation. Here, we report a fast and efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system in peach. Various explants, including leaf, hypocotyl and shoot, were all able to induce transgenic hairy roots, with a transformation efficiency of over 50% for hypocotyl. Composite plants were generated by infecting shoots with A. rhizogenes to induce transgenic adventitious hairy roots. The composite plant system was successfully used to validate function of an anthocyanin-related regulatory gene PpMYB10.1 in transgenic hairy roots, and two downstream genes, PpUFGT and PpGST, were strongly activated. Our stable and reproductive A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation system provides an avenue for gene function assay, genetic engineering, and investigation of root-rhizosphere microorganism interaction in peach.
Nucleotide lipid-based hydrogel as a new biomaterial ink for biofabrication
Authors: Dessane Bérangère , Smirani Rawen , Bouguéon Guillaume , Kauss Tina , Ribot Emeline , Devillard Raphaël , Barthélémy Philippe , Naveau Adrien , Crauste-Manciet Sylvie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOne of the greatest challenges in the field of biofabrication remains the discovery of suitable bioinks that satisfy physicochemical and biological requirements. Despite recent advances in tissue engineering and biofabrication, progress has been limited to the development of technologies using polymer-based materials. Here, we show that a nucleotide lipid-based hydrogel resulting from the self-assembly of nucleotide lipids can be used as a bioink for soft tissue reconstruction using injection or extrusion-based systems. To the best of our knowledge, the use of a low molecular weight hydrogel as an alternative to polymeric bioinks is a novel concept in biofabrication and 3D bioprinting. Rheological studies revealed that nucleotide lipid-based hydrogels exhibit suitable mechanical properties for biofabrication and 3D bioprinting, including i) fast gelation kinetics in a cell culture medium and ii) shear moduli and thixotropy compatible with extruded oral cell survival (human gingival fibroblasts and stem cells from the apical papilla). This polymer-free soft material is a promising candidate for a new bioink design.
Ankle and knee extensor muscle effort during locomotion in young and older athletes: Implications for understanding age-related locomotor decline
Authors: Kulmala Juha-Pekka , Korhonen Marko T. , Ruggiero Luca , Kuitunen Sami , Suominen Harri , Heinonen Ari , Mikkola Aki , Avela Janne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAge-related reduction in muscle force generation capacity is similarly evident across different lower limb muscle groups, yet decline in locomotor performance with age has been shown to depend primarily on reduced ankle extensor muscle function. To better understand why ageing has the largest detrimental effect on ankle joint function during locomotion, we examined maximal ankle and knee extensor force development during a two-leg hopping test in older and young men, and used these forces as a reference to calculate relative operating efforts for the knee and ankle extensors as participants walked, ran and sprinted. We found that, across locomotion modes in both age groups, ankle extensors operated at a greater relative effort compared to knee extensors; however, slightly less pronounced differences between ankle and knee extensor muscle efforts were present among older men, mainly due to a reduction in the ankle extensor force generation during locomotion modes. We consider these findings as evidence that reduced ankle push-off function in older age is driven by a tendency to keep ankle extensor effort during locomotion lower than it would otherwise be, which, in turn, may be an important self-optimisation strategy to prevent locomotor-induced fatigue of ankle extensor muscles.
Case-control design identifies ecological drivers of endemic coral diseases
Authors: Caldwell Jamie M. , Aeby Greta , Heron Scott F. , Donahue Megan J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEndemic disease transmission is an important ecological process that is challenging to study because of low occurrence rates. Here, we investigate the ecological drivers of two coral diseases–growth anomalies and tissue loss–affecting five coral species. We first show that a statistical framework called the case-control study design, commonly used in epidemiology but rarely applied to ecology, provided high predictive accuracy (67–82%) and disease detection rates (60–83%) compared with a traditional statistical approach that yielded high accuracy (98–100%) but low disease detection rates (0–17%). Using this framework, we found evidence that 1) larger corals have higher disease risk; 2) shallow reefs with low herbivorous fish abundance, limited water motion, and located adjacent to watersheds with high fertilizer and pesticide runoff promote low levels of growth anomalies, a chronic coral disease; and 3) wave exposure, stream exposure, depth, and low thermal stress are associated with tissue loss disease risk during interepidemic periods. Variation in risk factors across host-disease pairs suggests that either different pathogens cause the same gross lesions in different species or that the same disease may arise in different species under different ecological conditions.
Genomic monitoring to understand the emergence and spread of Usutu virus in the Netherlands, 2016–2018
Authors: Oude Munnink B. Bas , Münger E. , Nieuwenhuijse D. F. , Kohl R. , van der Linden A. , Schapendonk C. M. E. , van der Jeugd H. , Kik M. , Rijks J. M. , Reusken C. B. E. M. , Koopmans M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUsutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus circulating in Western Europe that causes die-offs of mainly common blackbirds (Turdus merula). In the Netherlands, USUV was first detected in 2016, when it was identified as the likely cause of an outbreak in birds. In this study, dead blackbirds were collected, screened for the presence of USUV and submitted to Nanopore-based sequencing. Genomic sequences of 112 USUV were obtained and phylogenetic analysis showed that most viruses identified belonged to the USUV Africa 3 lineage, and molecular clock analysis evaluated their most recent common ancestor to 10 to 4 years before first detection of USUV in the Netherlands. USUV Europe 3 lineage, commonly found in Germany, was less frequently detected. This analyses further suggest some extent of circulation of USUV between the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, as well as likely overwintering of USUV in the Netherlands.
Characteristics of Trocar Site Hernia after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Nofal Mohammad Nibih , Yousef Ali Jad , Hamdan Farouq Fakhri , Oudat Ahmad Hisham 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTrocar site hernia (TSH) is an incisional hernia occurring at the trocar insertion sites after different types of laparoscopic surgeries. The aim of this study is to present characteristics of patient and surgery series with trocar site hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 2930 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two major university- affiliated hospitals from April 2014 to March 2018 and the patient followed up for variable periods of time. Retrospective medical chart review to study trocar site hernia including patient, operation, instruments, and pathologic characteristics described. Six patients had trocar site hernia (incidence 0.20%), the hernias occurred mostly at the umbilical port site after using 10 mm trocar. Risk factors included mainly obesity, female gender and use of 10 mm trocars at midline sites. TSH is more described. It occurs mostly at the umbilical port site. Major risk factors include obesity, diabetes mellitus, lengthy procedure, extension of entry site, and wound infection. Closure of fascial defect is supposed to reduce the incidence despite weak evidence.
Transfusion Challenges in Patients with Hematological Malignancies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Prospective Observational Study from the Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Ddungu Henry , Krantz Elizabeth M. , Kajja Isaac , Naluzze Sandra , Nabbanja Hanifah , Nalubwama Flavia , Phipps Warren , Orem Jackson , Wald Anna , Kiwanuka Noah 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBlood transfusion is fundamental in managing hematologic malignancies. We sought to evaluate the need and availability of blood products for patients with hematological malignancies at Uganda Cancer Institute. We prospectively studied the demand and supply of blood for patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤50 × 109/L), anemia (hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL), and bleeding (WHO grade ≥2). We used Poisson generalized estimating equation regression models for longitudinal binary outcomes. Among 91 patients, the median age was 26 years (IQR, 11–47). Thrombocytopenia occurred on ≥1 day in 58% of patients and on 49% of hospital days. Platelets were transfused to 39% of patients. The mean number of platelet units requested per day was 16.2 (range 0–30); 5.1 (range 0–15) were received. Anemia occurred on ≥1 day in 90% of patients; on 78% of days; and 68% received at least one blood transfusion. The mean number of blood units requested was 36.3 (range 8–57) units per day; 14 (range 0–30) were received. Bleeding occurred on ≥1 day in 19% of patients on 8% of hospital days. Thrombocytopenia and anemia were common, but product availability was substantially below that requested. We recommend increased blood collection and adherence to strict transfusion triggers as strategies to improve blood availability.
One year structural and functional glaucoma progression after trabeculectomy
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Kadziauskienė Aistė , Wong Damon , Ašoklis Rimvydas , Lesinskas Eugenijus , Quang Nguyen Duc , Chong Rachel , Tan Bingyao , Girard Michaël J. A. , Mari Jean Martial , Crowston Jonathan G. , Aung Tin , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe evaluated the changes in visual field mean deviation (VF MD) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy. One hundred patients were examined with VF and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) before trabeculectomy and 4 follow-up visits over one year. Linear mixed models were used to investigate factors associated with VF and RNFL. VF improved during the first 3 months of follow-up (2.55 ± 1.06 dB/year) and worsened at later visits (−1.14 ± 0.29 dB/year). RNFL thickness reduced by −4.21 ± 0.25 µm/year from 1st month of follow-up. Eyes with an absence of initial VF improvement (β = 0.64; 0.30–0.98), RNFL thinning (β = 0.15; 0.08–0.23), increasing intraocular pressure (IOP; β = −0.11; −0.18 to −0.03) and severe glaucoma (β = −10.82; −13.61 to −8.02) were associated with VF deterioration. Eyes with VF deterioration (β = 0.19; 0.08–0.29), increasing IOP (β = −0.09; −0.17 to −0.01), and moderate (β = −6.33; −12.17 to −0.49) or severe glaucoma (β = −19.58; −24.63 to −14.52) were associated with RNFL thinning. Changes in RNFL structure and function occur over a 1-year follow-up period after trabeculectomy. Early VF improvement is more likely to occur in patients with mild/moderate glaucoma, whereas those with severe glaucoma show greater decline over one year. Our findings indicate that progression is observable using OCT, even in late-stage glaucoma.
Phosphorus-solubilizing Trichoderma spp. from Amazon soils improve soybean plant growth
Authors: Bononi Laura , Chiaramonte Josiane Barros , Pansa Camila Cristiane , Moitinho Marta Alves , Melo Itamar Soares 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcidic soils rapidly retain applied phosphorus fertilizers and consequently present low availability of this nutrient to plants. The use of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms to help plant phosphorus (P) absorption is a promising sustainable strategy for managing P deficiencies in agricultural soils. Trichoderma strains have been one of the most studied filamentous fungi for improving the production and development of several crop species mainly due to their capability for symbiotic associations and their ability to control soil-borne plant diseases. Thus, this work sought to bioprospect Trichoderma strains from the Amazon rainforest capable of solubilizing/mineralizing soil phosphate and promoting soybean growth. Soybean plants inoculated with selected Trichoderma strains were cultivated in soil under greenhouse conditions and under a gradient of rock phosphate and triple superphosphate. As a result, 19.5% of the isolated Trichoderma strains were able to solubilize phosphate. In addition, those strains produced different organic acids during the solubilization process. Trichoderma spp. strains showed positive responses in the promotion of soybean growth—from 2.1% to 41.1%—as well as in the efficiency of P uptake-up to 141%. These results reveal the potential of Trichoderma spp. from the Amazon biome as promising biofertilizer agents.