bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A microfluidic approach to rapid sperm recovery from heterogeneous cell suspensions
Authors: Vasilescu Steven A. , Khorsandi Shayan , Ding Lin , Bazaz Sajad Razavi , Nosrati Reza , Gook Debra , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe isolation of sperm cells from background cell populations and debris is an essential step in all assisted reproductive technologies. Conventional techniques for sperm recovery from testicular sperm extractions stagnate at the sample processing stage, where it can take several hours to identify viable sperm from a background of collateral cells such as white bloods cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), epithelial cells (ECs) and in some cases cancer cells. Manual identification of sperm from contaminating cells and debris is a tedious and time-consuming operation that can be suitably addressed through inertial microfluidics. Microfluidics has proven an effective technology for high-quality sperm selection based on motility. However, motility-based selection methods cannot cater for viable, non-motile sperm often present in testicular or epididymal sperm extractions and aspirations. This study demonstrates the use of a 3D printed inertial microfluidic device for the separation of sperm cells from a mixed suspension of WBCs, RBCs, ECs, and leukemic cancer cells. This technology presents a 36-fold time improvement for the recovery of sperm cells (> 96%) by separating sperm, RBCS, WBCs, ECs and cancer cells into tight bands in less than 5 min. Furthermore, microfluidic processing of sperm has no impact on sperm parameters; vitality, motility, morphology, or DNA fragmentation of sperm. Applying inertial microfluidics for non-motile sperm recovery can greatly improve the current processing procedure of testicular sperm extractions, simplifying the fertility outcomes for severe forms of male infertility that warrant the surgery.
Evolutionary diversification of cytokinin-specific glucosyltransferases in angiosperms and enigma of missing cis-zeatin O-glucosyltransferase gene in Brassicaceae
Authors: Záveská Drábková Lenka , Honys David , Motyka Václav 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the complex process of homeostasis of phytohormones cytokinins (CKs),O-glucosylation catalyzed by specificO-glucosyltransferases represents one of important mechanisms of their reversible inactivation. The CKO-glucosyltransferases belong to a highly divergent and polyphyletic multigene superfamily of glycosyltransferases, of which subfamily 1 containing UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) is the largest in the plant kingdom. It contains recently discovered O and P subfamilies present in higher plant species but not inArabidopsis thaliana. Thecis-zeatinO-glucosyltransferase (cisZOG) genes belong to the O subfamily encoding a stereo-specificO-glucosylation ofcis-zeatin-type CKs. We studied different homologous genes, their domains and motifs, and performed a phylogenetic reconstruction to elucidate the plant evolution of thecisZOG gene. We found that thecisZOG homologs do not form a clear separate clade, indicating that diversification of thecisZOG gene took place after the diversification of the main angiosperm families, probably within genera or closely related groups. We confirmed that the gene(s) from group O is(are) not present inA. thalianaand is(are) also missing in the family Brassicaceae. However,cisZOG or its metabolites are found among Brassicaceae clade, indicating that remaining genes from other groups (UGT73—group D and UGT85—group G) are able, at least in part, to substitute the function of group O lost during evolution. This study is the first detailed evolutionary evaluation of relationships among different plant ZOGs within angiosperms.
Carbohydrate binding module-fused antibodies improve the performance of cellulose-based lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Elter Adrian , Bock Tina , Spiehl Dieter , Russo Giulio , Hinz Steffen C. , Bitsch Sebastian , Baum Eva , Langhans Markus , Meckel Tobias , Dörsam Edgar , Kolmar Harald , Schwall Gerhard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSince the pandemic outbreak of Covid-19 in December 2019, several lateral flow assay (LFA) devices were developed to enable the constant monitoring of regional and global infection processes. Additionally, innumerable lateral flow test devices are frequently used for determination of different clinical parameters, food safety, and environmental factors. Since common LFAs rely on non-biodegradable nitrocellulose membranes, we focused on their replacement by cellulose-composed, biodegradable papers. We report the development of cellulose paper-based lateral flow immunoassays using a carbohydrate-binding module-fused to detection antibodies. Studies regarding the protein binding capacity and potential protein wash-off effects on cellulose paper demonstrated a 2.7-fold protein binding capacity of CBM-fused antibody fragments compared to the sole antibody fragment. Furthermore, this strategy improved the spatial retention of CBM-fused detection antibodies to the test area, which resulted in an enhanced sensitivity and improved overall LFA-performance compared to the naked detection antibody. CBM-assisted antibodies were validated by implementation into two model lateral flow test devices (pregnancy detection and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies). The CBM-assisted pregnancy LFA demonstrated sensitive detection of human gonadotropin (hCG) in synthetic urine and the CBM-assisted Covid-19 antibody LFA was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies present in serum. Our findings pave the way to the more frequent use of cellulose-based papers instead of nitrocellulose in LFA devices and thus potentially improve the sustainability in the field of POC diagnostics.
The first record of exceptionally-preserved spiral coprolites from the Tsagan-Tsab formation (lower cretaceous), Tatal, western Mongolia
Authors: Rummy Paul , Halaclar Kazim , Chen He 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, seven coprolites from the Lower Cretaceous of Tsagan-Tsab formation have been described. Thus, producing a significant contribution to what we perceived as the first detailed study of coprolites from the Mesozoic deposits in Mongolia. The collected coprolites encompass a total of six spiral amphipolar and one scroll coprolites. We prominently identified four new coprolite ichnotaxa, such as:Hyronocoprus tsagantsabensisandHyronocoprus hunti, to which both are ichnosp. nov.; followed byMegakalocoprus barremianensisandScrollocoprus tatalensis, where both are ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov. Notably, CT scans revealed that all specimens showed various amounts of bony inclusions and scales, hence, deducing that the producers could have had a low acidic digestive track and were unable to dissolve bone matters. Moreover, SEM–EDS analysis concluded its carnivorous nature, thus, pointing towards piscivorous diet. The small sizedScrollocoprusis considered to be the second findings of Mesozoic era’s scroll coprolites, which contain possible plant pollens, a complete infraorbital bone, clusters of bone fragments and rhomboidal-shaped ganoid scales of the prey; and bioerosional scars have been observed on the surface. We suggest those amphipolar spiral ichnotaxa were produced by Asipenceriformes, with Pholidophoriformes as the prey, whileScrollocoprusrepresents fecal excrement of underived fish, possibly of sarcopterygian origins.
On species delimitation, hybridization and population structure of cassava whitefly in Africa
Authors: Elfekih S. , Tay W. T. , Polaszek A. , Gordon K. H. J. , Kunz D. , Macfadyen S. , Walsh T. K. , Vyskočilová S. , Colvin J. , De Barro P. J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Bemisia cassava whitefly complex includes species that cause severe crop damage through vectoring cassava viruses in eastern Africa. Currently, this whitefly complex is divided into species and subgroups (SG) based on very limited molecular markers that do not allow clear definition of species and population structure. Based on 14,358 genome-wide SNPs from 62 Bemisia cassava whitefly individuals belonging to sub-Saharan African species (SSA1, SSA2 and SSA4), and using a well-curated mtCOI gene database, we show clear incongruities in previous taxonomic approaches underpinned by effects from pseudogenes. We show that the SSA4 species is nested within SSA2, and that populations of the SSA1 species comprise well-defined south-eastern (Madagascar, Tanzania) and north-western (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi) putative sub-species. Signatures of allopatric incipient speciation, and the presence of a ‘hybrid zone’ separating the two putative sub-species were also detected. These findings provide insights into the evolution and molecular ecology of a highly cryptic hemipteran insect complex in African, and allow the systematic use of genomic data to be incorporated in the development of management strategies for this cassava pest.
The 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami-induced sediment remobilization on the Sendai shelf, Japan, from a comparison of pre- and post-tsunami surface sediments
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Irino Tomohisa , Saito Yoshiki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTsunamis are generally considered to disturb the seafloor, rework surface sediments, and change seafloor environments. However, the response of the seafloor to such extreme wave events has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we compare the surface sediments before and after the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami on the Sendai shelf and demonstrate that both sandy and muddy sediments were significantly reworked on the shelf. Muddy sediments (> 10 cm thick) were redeposited as graded mud with no or little bioturbation, characterizing the offshore muddy tsunami deposit, while well-sorted sand was found as the sandy tsunami deposit. This redeposited layer could also be retained in the shelf mud sequence. The results imply that the high friction velocity of the tsunami wave and its long-term effect on Sendai Bay might contribute to the large sediment reworking. Part of the resuspended mud moved offshore to the slope area as turbidity currents. Thus, the tsunami is an important mechanism not only for shelf sedimentation but also for deep-sea sedimentation along active plate margins. The detection of134Cs derived from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in the redeposited mud indicates that the suspended shelf water state was maintained for some days after the tsunami.
Nitrogen isotope effects can be used to diagnose N transformations in wastewater anammox systems
Authors: Magyar Paul M. , Hausherr Damian , Niederdorfer Robert , Stöcklin Nicolas , Wei Jing , Mohn Joachim , Bürgmann Helmut , Joss Adriano , Lehmann Moritz F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAnaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) plays an important role in aquatic systems as a sink of bioavailable nitrogen (N), and in engineered processes by removing ammonium from wastewater. The isotope effects anammox imparts in the N isotope signatures (15N/14N) of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate can be used to estimate its role in environmental settings, to describe physiological and ecological variations in the anammox process, and possibly to optimize anammox-based wastewater treatment. We measured the stable N-isotope composition of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate in wastewater cultivations of anammox bacteria. We find that the N isotope enrichment factor15ε for the reduction of nitrite to N2is consistent across all experimental conditions (13.5‰ ± 3.7‰), suggesting it reflects the composition of the anammox bacteria community. Values of15ε for the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (inverse isotope effect, − 16 to − 43‰) and for the reduction of ammonium to N2(normal isotope effect, 19–32‰) are more variable, and likely controlled by experimental conditions. We argue that the variations in the isotope effects can be tied to the metabolism and physiology of anammox bacteria, and that the broad range of isotope effects observed for anammox introduces complications for analyzing N-isotope mass balances in natural systems.
Mechanotransduction channel Piezo is widely expressed in the spider, Cupiennius salei, mechanosensory neurons and central nervous system
Authors: Johnson Jessica A. G. , Liu Hongxia , Höger Ulli , Rogers Samantha M. , Sivapalan Kajanan , French Andrew S. , Torkkeli Päivi H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMechanosensory neurons use mechanotransduction (MET) ion channels to detect mechanical forces and displacements. Proteins that function as MET channels have appeared multiple times during evolution and occur in at least four different families: the DEG/ENaC and TRP channels, as well as the TMC and Piezo proteins. We found twelve putative members of MET channel families in two spider transcriptomes, but detected only one, the Piezo protein, by in situ hybridization in their mechanosensory neurons. In contrast, probes for orthologs of TRP, ENaC or TMC genes that code MET channels in other species did not produce any signals in these cells. An antibody against C. salei Piezo detected the protein in all parts of their mechanosensory cells and in many neurons of the CNS. Unspecific blockers of MET channels, Ruthenium Red and GsMTx4, had no effect on the mechanically activated currents of the mechanosensory VS-3 neurons, but the latter toxin reduced action potential firing when these cells were stimulated electrically. The Piezo protein is expressed throughout the spider nervous system including the mechanosensory neurons. It is possible that it contributes to mechanosensory transduction in spider mechanosensilla, but it must have other functions in peripheral and central neurons.
Role of stromal activin A in human pancreatic cancer and metastasis in mice
Authors: Mancinelli Georgina , Torres Carolina , Krett Nancy , Bauer Jessica , Castellanos Karla , McKinney Ron , Dawson David , Guzman Grace , Hwang Rosa , Grimaldo Sam , Grippo Paul , Jung Barbara 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has extensive stromal involvement and remains one of the cancers with the highest mortality rates. Activin A has been implicated in colon cancer and its stroma but its role in the stroma of PDAC has not been elucidated. Activin A expression in cancer and stroma was assessed in human PDAC tissue microarrays (TMA). Activin A expression in human TMA is significantly higher in cancer samples, with expression in stroma correlated with shorter survival. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) were found to secrete high levels of activin A resulting in PDAC cell migration that is abolished by anti-activin A neutralizing antibody. KPC mice treated with anti-activin A neutralizing antibody were evaluated for tumors, lesions and metastases quantified by immunohistochemistry. KPC mice with increased tumor burden express high plasma activin A. Treating KPC mice with an activin A neutralizing antibody does not reduce primary tumor size but decreases tumor metastases. From these data we conclude that PDAC patients with high activin A expression in stroma have a worse prognosis. PSCs secrete activin A, promoting increased PDAC migration. Inhibition of activin A in mice decreased metastases. Hence, stroma-rich PDAC patients might benefit from activin A inhibition.
An acute phase protein α1-acid glycoprotein mitigates AKI and its progression to CKD through its anti-inflammatory action
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Fujimura Rui , Hiramoto Yuto , Murata Ryota , Nishida Kento , Bi Jing , Imafuku Tadashi , Komori Hisakazu , Maeda Hitoshi , Mukunoki Ayumi , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Tanaka Motoko , Matsushita Kazutaka , Fukagawa Masafumi , Maruyama Toru 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe molecular mechanism for acute kidney injury (AKI) and its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to be unclear. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiological role of the acute phase protein α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in AKI and its progression to CKD using AGP KO mice. Plasma AGP levels in WT mice were increased by about 3.5-fold on day 1–2 after renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR), and these values then gradually decreased to the level before renal IR on day 7–14. On day 1 after renal IR, the AGP KO showed higher renal dysfunction, tubular injury and renal inflammation as compared with WT. On day 14, renal function, tubular injury and renal inflammation in WT had recovered, but the recovery was delayed, and renal fibrosis continued to progress in AGP KO. These results obtained from AGP KO were rescued by the administration of human-derived AGP (hAGP) simultaneously with renal IR. In vitro experiments using RAW264.7 cells showed hAGP treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response. These data suggest that endogenously induced AGP in early renal IR functions as a renoprotective molecule via its anti-inflammatory action. Thus, AGP represents a potential target molecule for therapeutic development in AKI and its progression CKD.
On-site processing of single chromosomal DNA molecules using optically driven microtools on a microfluidic workbench
Authors: Masuda Akihito , Takao Hidekuni , Shimokawa Fusao , Terao Kyohei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe developed optically driven microtools for processing single biomolecules using a microfluidic workbench composed of a microfluidic platform that functions under an optical microscope. The optically driven microtools have enzymes immobilized on their surfaces, which catalyze chemical reactions for molecular processing in a confined space. Optical manipulation of the microtools enables them to be integrated with a microfluidic device for controlling the position, orientation, shape of the target sample. Here, we describe the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of microtools, the microfluidics workbench, including its microtool storage and sample positioning functions, and the use of this system for on-site cutting of single chromosomal DNA molecules. We fabricated microtools by UV lithography with SU-8 and selected ozone treatments for immobilizing enzymes. The microfluidic workbench has tool-stock chambers for tool storage and micropillars to trap and extend single chromosomal DNA molecules. The DNA cutting enzymes DNaseI and DNaseII were immobilized on microtools that were manipulated using optical tweezers. The DNaseI tool shows reliable cutting for on-site processing. This pinpoint processing provides an approach for analyzing chromosomal DNA at the single-molecule level. The flexibility of the microtool design allows for processing of various samples, including biomolecules and single cells.
Corrosion and transformation of solution combustion synthesized Co, Ni and CoNi nanoparticles in synthetic freshwater with and without natural organic matter
Authors: Khort Alexander , Hedberg Jonas , Mei Nanxuan , Romanovski Valentin , Blomberg Eva , Odnevall Inger 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPure metallic Co, Ni, and their bimetallic compositions of Co3Ni, CoNi, and CoNi3 nanomaterials were prepared by solution combustion synthesis. Microstructure, phase composition, and crystalline structure of these nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized along with studies of their corrosion and dissolution properties in synthetic freshwater with and without natural organic matter (NOM). The nanomaterials consisted of aggregates of fine NPs (3–30 nm) of almost pure metallic and bimetallic crystal phases with a thin surface oxide covered by a thin carbon shell. The nanomaterials were characterized by BET surface areas ranging from ~ 1 to 8 m2/g for the Ni and Co NPs, to 22.93 m2/g, 14.86 m2/g, and 10.53 m2/g for the Co3Ni, CoNi, CoNi3 NPs, respectively. More Co and Ni were released from the bimetallic NPs compared with the pure metals although their corrosion current densities were lower. In contrast to findings for the pure metal NPs, the presence of NOM increased the release of Co and Ni from the bimetallic NPs in freshwater compared to freshwater only even though its presence reduced the corrosion rate (current density). It was shown that the properties of the bimetallic nanomaterials were influenced by multiple factors such as their composition, including carbon shell, type of surface oxides, and the entropy of mixing.
Coevolution underlies GPCR-G protein selectivity and functionality
Authors: Seo Min Jae , Heo Joongyu , Kim Kyunghui , Chung Ka Young , Yu Wookyung 
Published: April 2021

AbstractG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate diverse physiological events, which makes them as the major targets for many approved drugs. G proteins are downstream molecules that receive signals from GPCRs and trigger cell responses. The GPCR-G protein selectivity mechanism on how they properly and timely interact is still unclear. Here, we analyzed model GPCRs (i.e. HTR, DAR) and Gα proteins with a coevolutionary tool, statistical coupling analysis. The results suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and dopamine receptors have common conserved and coevolved residues. The Gα protein also have conserved and coevolved residues. These coevolved residues were implicated in the molecular functions of the analyzed proteins. We also found specific coevolving pairs related to the selectivity between GPCR and G protein were identified. We propose that these results would contribute to better understandings of not only the functional residues of GPCRs and Gα proteins but also GPCR-G protein selectivity mechanisms.
Evaluation of the relationship between previous statin use and thyroid cancer using Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data
Authors: Kim So Young , Song Young Shin , Wee Jee Hye , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Lee Chang-Ho , Song Chang Myeon , Park Bumjung , Choi Hyo Geun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe association of thyroid cancer with statin use is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of previous statin use with thyroid cancer in the ≥ 40-year-old population in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. The 5501 patients in the thyroid cancer group were matched with the 22,004 patients in the non-thyroid cancer group for age, sex, income, and region of residence. Previous statin use during the 2 years before the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was examined. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of previous statin use for thyroid cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression analyses. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted. The thyroid cancer group showed more days of previous statin use than the non-thyroid cancer group (72.3, standard deviation [SD] = 181.2 days vs. 64.3, SD = 174.4 days, P = 0.003). Although the odds of previous statin use for thyroid cancer were high in the crude model (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17, P = 0.002), they were low in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.95, P = 0.001). According to age and sex subgroups, the younger (< 60 years old) male group showed lower odds for thyroid cancer according to previous statin use (adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.55–0.88, P = 0.003), but this finding was not observed in other subgroups of older men or in any groups of women. Thyroid cancer was negatively associated with statin use in the previous 2 years in the adjusted model.