bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced DNA hypomethylation by Folic Acid Deprivation in Bovine Fibroblast Donor Cells Improves Reprogramming of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos
Authors: Jozi Mina , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Moradi Reza , Zadegan Faezeh Ghazvini , Karbalaie Khadijeh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAberrant patterns of DNA methylation are consistent events in SCNT derived embryos and mechanistically are believed to be related to abnormal development. While some epigenetic drugs have been used in attempts to improve SCNT efficiency but some concerns remained toward the safety of these drugs on the health of future offspring. Folate is an essential cofactor in one‐carbon cycle for conversion of homocysteine to methionine, thereby ensuring supply of SAM, the universal methyl donor for many biological methylation reactions including DNA methylation. Therefore, in vitro DNA hypo-methylation can be induced by folate deprivation and this study aims at deciphering the role of folic acid deprivation in culture medium of BFFs for 6 days on SCNT efficiency. Our data revealed that culture of fibroblast cells in folate− medium containing 0.5% FBS did not alter the cell cycle compared to other groups. Flowcytometric analysis revealed that DNA methylation (5-mC level) in folate deprived cells cultured in 0.5% serum was decreased compared to folate+ group. The result of bisulfite sequencing was in accordance with flowcytometric analysis, which indicated a decrease in DNA methylation of POU5F1 promoter. Gene expression analysis revealed an increase in expression of POU5F1 gene in folate− group. The nuclear area of the cells in folate− group was significantly larger than folate+ group. Induced DNA hypomethylation by folate deprivation in the folate− group significantly improved blastocyst rate compared to the folate+ group. DNA methylation level in POU5F1 promoter and ICR of H19 and IGF2 of SCNT derived embryos in the folate− group was similar to the IVF derived blastocysts. In conclusion, our results proposes a promising “non-chemical” instead of “chemical” approach using inhibitors of epigenetic modifier enzymes for improving mammalian SCNT efficiency for agricultural and biomedical purposes.
Inflammation mediates the relationship between obesity and retinal vascular calibre in 11-12 year-olds children and mid-life adults
Authors: Liu Mengjiao , Lycett Kate , Moreno-Betancur Margarita , Wong Tien Yin , He Mingguang , Saffery Richard , Juonala Markus , Kerr Jessica A. , Wake Melissa , Burgner David P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObesity predicts adverse microvasculature from childhood, potentially via inflammatory pathways. We investigated whether inflammation mediates associations between obesity and microvascular parameters. In 1054 children (mean age 11 years) and 1147 adults (44 years) from a cross-sectional study, we measured BMI (z-scores for children) and WHtR, Glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), an inflammatory marker, and retinal arteriolar and venular calibre. Causal mediation analysis methods decomposed a “total effect” into “direct” and “indirect” components via a mediator, considering continuous and categorical measures and adjusting for potential confounders. Compared to normal-weight BMI children, those with overweight or obesity had narrower arteriolar calibre (total effects −0.21 to −0.12 standard deviation (SD)): direct (not mediated via GlycA) effects were similar. Children with overweight or obesity had 0.25 to 0.35 SD wider venular calibre, of which 19 to 25% was mediated via GlycA. In adults, those with obesity had 0.07 SD greater venular calibre, which was completely mediated by GlycA (indirect effect: 0.07 SD, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.16). Similar findings were obtained with other obesity measures. Inflammation mediated associations between obesity and retinal venules, but not arterioles from mid-childhood, with higher mediation effects observed in adults. Interventions targeting inflammatory pathways may help mitigate adverse impacts of obesity on the microvasculature.
Resting-state EEG activity predicts frontoparietal network reconfiguration and improved attentional performance
Authors: Rogala Jacek , Kublik Ewa , Krauz Rafał , Wróbel Andrzej 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMounting evidence indicates that resting-state EEG activity is related to various cognitive functions. To trace physiological underpinnings of this relationship, we investigated EEG and behavioral performance of 36 healthy adults recorded at rest and during visual attention tasks: visual search and gun shooting. All measures were repeated two months later to determine stability of the results. Correlation analyses revealed that within the range of 2–45 Hz, at rest, beta-2 band power correlated with the strength of frontoparietal connectivity and behavioral performance in both sessions. Participants with lower global beta-2 resting-state power (gB2rest) showed weaker frontoparietal connectivity and greater capacity for its modifications, as indicated by changes in phase correlations of the EEG signals. At the same time shorter reaction times and improved shooting accuracy were found, in both test and retest, in participants with low gB2rest compared to higher gB2rest values. We posit that weak frontoparietal connectivity permits flexible network reconfigurations required for improved performance in everyday tasks.
Piscidin-1 Induces Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species-Regulated Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Cheng Meng-Hsuan , Pan Chieh-Yu , Chen Nan-Fu , Yang San-Nan , Hsieh Shuchen , Wen Zhi-Hong , Chen Wu-Fu , Wang Jin-Wei , Lu Wen-Hsien , Kuo Hsiao-Mei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common type of cancer that originates in the bone and usually occurs in young children. OSA patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, and the results were disappointing. Marine antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been the focus of antibiotic research because they are resistant to pathogen infection. Piscidin-1 is an AMP from the hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops) and has approximately 22 amino acids. Research has shown that piscidin-1 can inhibit bacterial infections and has antinociception and anti-cancer properties; however, the regulatory effects of piscidin-1 on mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells are still unknown. We aimed to identify the effects of piscidin-1 on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and apoptosis in OSA cells. Our analyses indicated that piscidin-1 has more cytotoxic effects against OSA cells than against lung and ovarian cancer cells; however, it has no effect on non-cancer cells. Piscidin-1 induces apoptosis in OSA cells, regulates mtROS, reduces mitochondrial antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutase and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and decreases adenosine 5′-triphosphate production, thus leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The mitochondrial antioxidant, mitoTempo, reduces the apoptosis induced by piscidin-1. Results suggest that piscidin-1 has potential for use in OSA treatment.
Multi-scale spatial genetic structure of the vector-borne pathogen ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ in orchards and in wild habitats
Authors: Marie-Jeanne Véronique , Bonnot François , Thébaud Gaël , Peccoud Jean , Labonne Gérard , Sauvion Nicolas 
Published: March 2020

AbstractInferring the dispersal processes of vector-borne plant pathogens is a great challenge because the plausible epidemiological scenarios often involve complex spread patterns at multiple scales. The spatial genetic structure of ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma prunorum’, responsible for European stone fruit yellows disease, was investigated by the application of a combination of statistical approaches to genotype data of the pathogen sampled from cultivated and wild compartments in three FrenchPrunus-growing regions. This work revealed that the prevalence of the different genotypes is highly uneven both between regions and compartments. In addition, we identified a significant clustering of similar genotypes within a radius of 50 km or less, but not between nearby wild and cultivatedPrunus. We also provide evidence that infected plants are transferred between production areas, and that both species of theCacopsylla prunicomplex can spread the pathogen. Altogether, this work supports a main epidemiological scenario where ‘Ca. P. prunorum’ is endemic in — and generally acquired from — wildPrunusby its immature psyllid vectors. The latter then migrate to shelter plants that epidemiologically connect sites less than 50 km apart by later providing infectious mature psyllids to their “migration basins”. Such multi-scale studies could be useful for other pathosystems.
Corticomuscular interactions during different movement periods in a multi-joint compound movement
Authors: Kenville Rouven , Maudrich Tom , Vidaurre Carmen , Maudrich Dennis , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim V. , Ragert Patrick 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile much is known about motor control during simple movements, corticomuscular communication profiles during compound movement control remain largely unexplored. Here, we aimed at examining frequency band related interactions between brain and muscles during different movement periods of a bipedal squat (BpS) task utilizing regression corticomuscular coherence (rCMC), as well as partial directed coherence (PDC) analyses. Participants performed 40 squats, divided into three successive movement periods (Eccentric (ECC), Isometric (ISO) and Concentric (CON)) in a standardized manner. EEG was recorded from 32 channels specifically-tailored to cover bilateral sensorimotor areas while bilateral EMG was recorded from four main muscles of BpS. We found both significant CMC and PDC (in beta and gamma bands) during BpS execution, where CMC was significantly elevated during ECC and CON when compared to ISO. Further, the dominant direction of information flow (DIF) was most prominent in EEG-EMG direction for CON and EMG-EEG direction for ECC. Collectively, we provide novel evidence that motor control during BpS is potentially achieved through central motor commands driven by a combination of directed inputs spanning across multiple frequency bands. These results serve as an important step toward a better understanding of brain-muscle relationships during multi joint compound movements.
Co-abundance analysis reveals hidden players associated with high methane yield phenotype in sheep rumen microbiome
Authors: Ghanbari Maman Leila , Palizban Fahimeh , Fallah Atanaki Fereshteh , Elmi Ghiasi Naser , Ariaeenejad Shohreh , Ghaffari Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem , Kavousi Kaveh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRumen microbial environment hosts a variety of microorganisms that interact with each other to carry out the feed digestion and generation of several by-products especially methane, which plays an essential role in global warming as a greenhouse gas. However, due to its multi-factorial nature, the exact cause of methane production in the rumen has not yet been fully determined. The current study is an attempt to use system modeling to analyze the relationship between interacting components of rumen microbiome and its role in methane production. Metagenomic data of sheep rumen, with equal numbers of high methane yield (HMY) and low methane yield (LMY) samples, were used. As a well-known approach for the systematic comparative study of complex traits, the co-abundance networks were constructed in both operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and gene levels. A gene-catalog of 1,444 different rumen microbial strains was developed as a reference to measure gene abundances. The results from both types of co-abundance networks showed that methanogens, which are the main ruminal source for methanogenesis, need other microbial species to accomplish the task of methane production through producing the main precursor molecules like H2 and acetate for methanogenesis pathway as their byproducts. KEGG Orthology(KO) analysis of the current study shows that the metabolism and growth rate of methanogens will be increased due to the higher rate of the metabolism and carbohydrate/fiber digestion pathways in the hidden elements. This finding proposes that any ruminant methane yield alteration strategy should consider complex interactions of rumen microbiome components as one tightly integrated unit rather than several separate parts.
Cerium/diethyldithiocarbamate complex as a novel corrosion inhibitive pigment for AA2024-T3
Authors: Mohammadi Iman , Shahrabi Taghi , Mahdavian Mohammad , Izadi Mazdak 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, cerium-diethyldithiocarbamate (Ce-DEDTC) complex was synthesized as a novel anti-corrosion pigment. The structure of the synthesized pigment was characterized by employing Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. All of the characterization techniques showed that the Ce-DEDTC pigment was successfully produced. The electrochemical tests were used to investigate the subsequence effect of the synthesized complex on the corrosion behavior of the AA2024-T3. AA2024-T3 showed a wide passive range in the presence of the Ce-DEDTC pigment. Scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle tests were employed to investigate the effect of the synthesized pigment on aluminum surface properties. The result illustrated that the existence of the Ce-DEDTC complex led to the creation of a thin film on the AA2024-T3 surface, which was significantly inhibited the localized corrosion of the aluminum alloy.
Cxcr4 and Sdf-1 are critically involved in the formation of facial and non-somitic neck muscles
Authors: Yahya Imadeldin , Böing Marion , Pu Qin , Puchert Malte , Oedemis Veysel , Engele Jürgen , Brand-Saberi Beate , Morosan-Puopolo Gabriela 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe present study shows that the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis regulates the migration of second branchial arch-derived muscles as well as non-somitic neck muscles. Cxcr4 is expressed by skeletal muscle progenitor cells in the second branchial arch (BA2). Muscles derived from the second branchial arch, but not from the first, fail to form in Cxcr4 mutants at embryonic days E13.5 and E14.5. Cxcr4 is also required for the development of non-somitic neck muscles. In Cxcr4 mutants, non-somitic neck muscle development is severely perturbed. In vivo experiments in chicken by means of loss-of-function approach based on the application of beads loaded with the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 into the cranial paraxial mesoderm resulted in decreased expression of Tbx1 in the BA2. Furthermore, disrupting this chemokine signal at a later stage by implanting these beads into the BA2 caused a reduction in MyoR, Myf5 and MyoD expression. In contrast, gain-of-function experiments based on the implantation of SDF-1 beads into BA2 resulted in an attraction of myogenic progenitor cells, which was reflected in an expansion of the expression domain of these myogenic markers towards the SDF-1 source. Thus, Cxcr4 is required for the formation of the BA2 derived muscles and non-somitic neck muscles.
Brachiaria species influence nitrate transport in soil by modifying soil structure with their root system
Authors: Galdos M. V. , Brown E. , Rosolem C. A , Pires L. F. , Hallett P. D. , Mooney S. J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLeaching of nitrate from fertilisers diminishes nitrogen use efficiency (the portion of nitrogen used by a plant) and is a major source of agricultural pollution. To improve nitrogen capture, grasses such as brachiaria are increasingly used, especially in South America and Africa, as a cover crop, either via intercropping or in rotation. However, the complex interactions between soil structure, nitrogen and the root systems of maize and different species of forage grasses remain poorly understood. This study explored how soil structure modification by the roots of maize (Zea maize), palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) affected nitrate leaching and retention, measured via chemical breakthrough curves. All plants were found to increase the rate of nitrate transport suggesting root systems increase the tendency for preferential flow. The greater density of fine roots produced by palisade grass, subtly decreased nitrate leaching potential through increased complexity of the soil pore network assessed with X-ray Computed Tomography. A dominance of larger roots in ruzigrass and maize increased nitrate loss through enhanced solute flow bypassing the soil matrix. These results suggest palisade grass could be a more efficient nitrate catch crop than ruzigrass (the most extensively used currently in countries such as Brazil) due to retardation in solute flow associated with the fine root system and the complex pore network.
The Applicability of the Clinical Features of English Childhood Apraxia of Speech to Cantonese: A Modified Delphi Survey
Authors: Wong Eddy C. H. , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Tong Michael C. F. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a motor-based speech disorder, has been well studied in English contexts. However, there is a limited understanding of the applicability of its features to other languages. Thus, this study sought to determine the applicability of the features identified in the English CAS literature to Cantonese CAS.

Method

A two-round modified Delphi survey of experts was used to identify the clinical features of CAS in Cantonese speakers. Ten Cantonese-speaking qualified speech therapists were recruited as experts. In Round 1, the experts were asked an open-ended question about the clinical features of Cantonese CAS. In Round 2, the experts were asked to rate the importance of the proposed clinical features for making differential diagnoses of Cantonese CAS on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (
very important
) to 5 (
not important at all
).

Results
In Round 1, the expert panel identified 79 clinical features in nine domains. Sixty-two features (78.5%) were consistent with English CAS. Three English features were not identified in this study, while three features specifically related to Cantonese phonology were identified. In Round 2, 29 clinical features across six domains were found to meet the statistical criteria and were therefore regarded as important for making differential diagnoses of CAS among Cantonese speakers.

Conclusions
The results suggest that the clinical features identified in the English CAS literature are applicable to Cantonese CAS. The consistency of the findings implies that core and possible co-occurring features are shared between English and Cantonese CAS. The six features that were not common in both languages were discussed. Further investigation of CAS in and between different languages is recommended. This study is not the end point. Future studies can empirically examine the lexical tones or pitch variations to develop a possible objective measure for CAS.
Structural Development of Narratives in Arabic: Task Complexity, Age, and Cultural Factors
Authors: Abdalla Fauzia , Mahfoudhi Abdessattar , Alhudhainah Shouq 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis study examines the effect of age and task complexity on the macrostructure of story production in preschool- and school-age Kuwaiti Arabic–speaking children. It also compares the children's production of core and complementary macrostructure story elements.MethodA descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used to explore the participants' narrative skills. A total of 122 monolingual speakers of Kuwaiti Arabic (97 children and 25 adults) participated in this study. The children aged 4;0 to 7;11 (years;months) were randomly recruited from public schools across Kuwait. There were 24 four-year-olds (Kindergarten 1), 23 five-year-olds (Kindergarten 2), 23 six-year-olds (Grade 1), and 27 seven-year-olds (Grade 2). A group of adults was also included to establish a benchmark. Storytelling was elicited from all the participants using two sets of sequential pictures from the Edmonton Narrative Norms Instrument: a one-episode story and a more complex three-episode story (Schneider et al., 2005). Across-group comparisons were conducted to explore the effect of age, story complexity, and type of macrostructure elements on story production.ResultsThe findings revealed a progression by age in the development of story macrostructure, but there was no effect of task complexity. Within all age groups, the core macrostructure components were mastered before the complementary elements.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirmed that cross-linguistic narrative measures could be used in contexts that are culturally and linguistically different with minor adaptations. The piloting of two picture-based stories showed that the shorter one-episode version may be sufficient to evaluate the language development of this age group.
Simulation and experimental illustration of vibration at load rejection in a continuously overloaded large hydrogenerator
Authors: Carounagarane Carunaiselvane , Chelliah Thanga Raj , Appa Sarma SuriVenkata 
Published: March 2020

Large hydro generators are usually overloaded at various situations such as the period when excess water is available and when excess inflow is to be discharged. The period may have extended to many weeks under exigent conditions e.g. six weeks in case of a 1000 MW hydropower plant (HPP) located at northern region, India at 20% overload. All the performance related parameters including vibrations were observed during commissioning except runaway speed test at load rejection. At overloads, if there is a sudden load rejection the vibration transients will be even more severe due to drop in current and internal impedance. Hence this paper aims to analyze the vibration signature of large synchronous generator (SG) when operated at overloads and subjected to sudden load rejection. The substantiation of the factual model of 250 MW hydro generating units (HGU) replicating the case plant has been simulated using SIMSEN software. Apart from case report and simulative validation an experimental verification is also conducted with a prototype model of 2.2 kW SG. This paper provides the feasibility to operate the SG's 20% beyond its rated load as designed with proper maintenance and safety carried out by plant operators.
Schwierige Therapieentscheidungen bei Schlaganfall und Demenz – Aspekte bei schweren vaskulären und fortgeschrittenen degenerativen Hirnerkrankungen
Authors: Guldner Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSevere stroke and neurodegenerative diseases often cause limitations in communication and willing capability. Decision processes in these conditions assume primarily a positive medical indication for any intervention. If not obtainable from an individual by itself, by a disposal or by a legal custodian, the presumed will of a patient has to be detected carefully. Evidence can be raised by an interview of relatives or an individual case discussion in a local ethical comitee. Stroke and dementia can raise the need for palliative care, especially a sufficient analgesia as well as other severe illnesses. Pain in demented persons is often underrated and undertreated. The diagnosis of dementia alone does not limit the indication for curative therapy in general. Ethical comitees or ethical visits are helpful instruments to find out an adequate decision in difficult situations.