bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide investigation and transcriptional profiling of the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Guo Chang‐Feng , Xiong Xing‐Chen , Dong Huan , Qi Xiao‐Quan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTriterpene scaffolds are cyclized by differential functional genes of the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) gene family, which are widely present in plant species. Thirty‐nine OSCs were identified from the hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome. The gene structure organization and the distribution of conserved motifs of OSCs gene family revealed that the TaOSC proteins are highly conserved. By phylogenetic analysis, all OSC proteins from wheat and other cereal crops were clustered into 11 subfamilies (I–XI). Based on the publicly available transcriptional profiling, the tissue‐specific expression patterns of TaOSC during several developmental stages revealed diverged expression patterns, indicating that the TaOSC family has undergone subfunctionalization. Furthermore, homeolog expression bias was commonly detected in the TaOSC subfamilies, such as the expression of Ta5A004900 and Ta5D011800 in the subfamily II were specifically expressed in the leaf sheath and flag leaf sheath. In addition, two genes were strongly induced by Pst, indicating that the two homolog genes are involved in the resistance to powdery mildew. Molecular evolution analysis indicated that the TaOSC family genes were undergone purifying selection. So, the powdery mildew response may be very conservative and important biological function of the Ta5A004900 and Ta5D011800 in wheat. In conclusion, these results can be used to explore the diversity of triterpenes and clarify the mechanism of triterpene cyclization, and also provide useful information for future studies on the function of the TaOSC gene family in bread wheat and other important crops.
Effect of fracture properties of gels on tongue pressure during different phases of squeezing and swallowing
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Tokuda Yoshitsugu , Hori Kazuhiro , Minagi Yoshitomo , Uehara Fumiko , Okawa Jumpei , Ishihara Sayaka , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Ikebe Kazunori , Ono Takahiro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo provide appropriate foods for elderly people with eating difficulties, it is necessary to take account of the ability of compensatory mastication such as tongue squeezing. However, the biomechanics of tongue squeezing is still unclear. The aim of present study is to investigate the effect of the initial mechanical properties of gels on the change in tongue pressure production during squeezing and swallowing. As test sample, nine kinds of gels with three fracture force and three fracture strain were prepared. Tongue pressure during squeezing and swallowing gels was measured by using an ultra‐thin tongue pressure sensor with five measuring points attached on the hard palate in seven healthy participants, and analyzed at four phases; Initial squeeze, Middle squeeze, Last squeeze, and Swallowing. The maximal magnitude of tongue pressure was increased for gels with higher fracture force at most measuring points and was decreased for gels with higher fracture strain at some measuring points on the median line during Initial and Middle squeezing. However, no influence by fracture force and strain was found in magnitude during Last squeezing and Swallowing. The duration of tongue pressure increased for gels with higher force at most measuring points during Middle squeezing, although no influence by strain was found during each phase. The results clearly show how the initial fracture properties of gels influence on tongue pressure production during each phase of food oral processing, which clarified one aspect of squeezing with tongue, as the compensatory mastication.
Infant feeding experiences and concerns among caregivers early in the COVID‐19 State of Emergency in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Fry Hillary L. , Levin Olga , Kholina Ksenia , Bianco Jolene L. , Gallant Jelisa , Chan Kathleen , Whitfield Kyly C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe global emergency caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic has impacted access to goods and services such as health care and social supports, but the impact on infant feeding remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore how caregivers of infants under 6 months of age perceived changes to infant feeding and other food and health‐related matters during the COVID‐19 State of Emergency in Nova Scotia, Canada. Four weeks after the State of Emergency began, between 17 April and 15 May 2020, caregivers completed this online survey, including the Perceived Stress Scale. Participants (n = 335) were 99% female and mostly White (87%). Over half (60%) were breastfeeding, and 71% had a household income over CAD$60,000. Most participants (77%) received governmental parental benefits before the emergency, and 59% experienced no COVID‐19‐related economic changes. Over three quarters of participants (77%) scored moderate levels of perceived stress. Common themes of concern included social isolation, COVID‐19 infection (both caregiver and infant), and a lack of access to goods, namely, human milk substitutes (‘infant formula’), and services, including health care, lactation support, and social supports. Most COVID‐19‐related information was sought from the internet and social media, so for broad reach, future evidence‐based information should be shared via online platforms. Although participants were experiencing moderate self‐perceived stress and shared numerous concerns, very few COVID‐19‐related changes to infant feeding were reported, and there were few differences by socio‐economic status, likely due to a strong economic safety net in this Canadian setting.
Different responses of the blockade of the P2Y1 receptor with BPTU in human and porcine intestinal tissues and in cell cultures
Authors: Traserra Sara , Barber Claudia , Maclnnes Jane , Relea Lucia , MacPherson Lewis C. , Cunningham Margaret R. , Vergara Patri , Accarino Anna , Kennedy Charles , Jimenez Marcel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation is accomplished by activation of P2Y1 receptors, therefore this receptor plays an important role in regulation of gut motility. Recently, BPTU was developed as a negative allosteric modulator of the P2Y1 receptor. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of BPTU on purinergic neurotransmission in pig and human gastrointestinal tissues.MethodsCa2+ imaging in tSA201 cells that express the human P2Y1 receptor, organ bath and microelectrodes in tissues were used to evaluate the effects of BPTU on purinergic responses.Key resultsBPTU concentration dependently (0.1 and 1 µmol L−1) inhibited the rise in intracellular Ca2+ evoked by ADP in tSA201 cells. In the pig small intestine, 30 µmol L−1 BPTU reduced the fast inhibitory junction potential by 80%. Smooth muscle relaxations induced by electrical field stimulation were reduced both in pig ileum (EC50 = 6 µmol L−1) and colon (EC50 = 35 µmol L−1), but high concentrations of BPTU (up to 100 µmol L−1) had no effect on human colonic muscle. MRS2500 (1 µmol L−1) abolished all responses. Finally, 10 µmol L−1 ADPβS inhibited spontaneous motility and this was partially reversed by 30 µmol L−1 BPTU in pig, but not human colonic tissue and abolished by MRS2500 (1 µmol L−1).Conclusions & inferencesBPTU blocks purinergic responses elicited via P2Y1 receptors in cell cultures and in pig gastrointestinal tissue. However, the concentrations needed are higher in pig tissue compared to cell cultures and BPTU was ineffective in human colonic tissue.
Temporal turnover in mycorrhizal interactions: a proof of concept with orchids
Authors: Ventre Lespiaucq Agustina , Jacquemyn Hans , Rasmussen Hanne N. , Méndez Marcos 
Published: February 2021

SummaryTemporal turnover events in biotic interactions involving plants are rarely assessed, although such changes might afford a considerable acclimation potential to the plant. This could enable fairly rapid responses to short‐term fluctuations in growth conditions as well as lasting responses to long‐term climatic trends. Here, we present a classification of temporal turnover encompassing 11 possible scenarios. Using orchid mycorrhiza as a study model, we show that temporal changes are common, and discuss under which conditions temporal turnover of fungal symbiont is expected. We provide six research questions and identify technical challenges that we deem most important for future studies. Finally, we discuss how the same framework can be applied to other types of biotic interactions.
Clinical Comparison of Selective versus Nonselective Decompression for Symptomatic Tandem Stenosis of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Qi‐zun , Gao Jing‐hao , Zhang Liang , Zhang Lu , Chen Bo‐hua 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of the present paper was to reveal the clinical differences between selective and nonselective decompression for symptomatic tandem stenosis of the cervical and thoracic spine (TSCTS).MethodsA total of 34 patients were eligible and included in the study. Among them, 8 patients underwent selective cervical decompression (CD), 15 patients underwent selective thoracic decompression (TD), and 11 patients underwent combined CD and TD (CTD) surgery. Age, sex, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, inpatient expenditure, preoperative upper Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) rate, canal occupation rate, high‐intensity T2‐weighted image (T2WI) of the spinal cord, and preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were compared among the three groups.ResultsThe CD group had shorter operative time (138.8 ± 36.1 vs 229.7 ± 95.8 vs 328.6 ± 94.8, min, P < 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (141.3 ± 116.7 vs 496.7 ± 361.8 vs 654.6 ± 320.5, mL, P = 0.004), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (4.6 ± 1.6 vs 9.0 ± 3.5 vs 10.3 ± 6.6, days, P = 0.008), as well as lower preoperative upper JOA rate (34.1 ± 5.6 vs 53.9 ± 8.4 vs 48.2 ± 15.2, %, P = 0.001) than the TD and CTD groups. The CTD group had higher inpatient expenditure than the CD and TD groups (87,850 ± 18,379 vs 55,100 ± 12,890 vs 55,772 ± 15,715, CNY, P < 0.001). The cervical canal occupation rates were similar among different groups (P > 0.05); however, the TD group showed a higher thoracic canal occupation rate than the CD group (58.3 ± 14.7 vs 43.3 ± 12.3, %, P = 0.035). All positive levels in high‐intensity T2WI of the spinal cord were decompressed. The preoperative JOA scores as well as the postoperative JOA scores at 6 months and at last follow‐up were comparable among the three groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, the JOA recovery rate showed no significant difference among the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionSelective CD or TD alone demonstrated similar clinical effectiveness to nonselective and combined CTD for TSCTS. Individualized surgical decision should be made after meticulous assessments of clinical and radiological manifestations, general patient condition, and socioeconomic factors.
Protection of Icariin Against Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced MC3T3‐E1 Cell Oxidative Damage
Authors: Sun Jian‐bin , Wang Zheng , An Wei‐jun 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective mechanism of icariin against oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide in MC3T3‐E1 cells.MethodsMC3T3‐E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of icariin to explore the optimal dose of icariin. MC3T3‐E1 cells were divided into groups treated with various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM) for 24 h to induce oxidative damage and cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Then, cells were divided into five groups: control, H2O2 (0.2 mM), icariin (0.1 μM) and H2O2 (0.2 mM), + icariin (0.1 μM). Cell viability was detected by CCK‐8 assay. In addition, the content of glutathione and superoxide dismutase and the activity level of malondialdehyde in these treatment groups were determined. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining were also performed to measure the early and late osteogenesis, respectively. Protein expression of β‐catenin and cyclin D1 was measured by western blot assay. Then, we used an antagonist of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway (DKK‐1) and western blot analysis to further explore potential mechanism.ResultsAfter 24 h of exposure to 0.2 mM H2O2, the viability of MC3T3‐E1 cells was significantly decreased compared to that of the control cells. We first found that icariin can promote cell proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, with the dosage 0.1 μM showing the best pro‐proliferative effect. Furthermore, icariin could promote the protein expression of OSX and RUNX2. The results showed that icariin can reverse the inhibitory osteogenic effects of MC3T3‐E1 caused by H2O2. In addition, icariin could increase the Wnt‐signaling related proteins. The results showed that MC3T3‐E1 cells in the H2O2 (0.2 mM) + icariin (0.1 μM) + Wnt‐signaling antagonist (DKK‐1) group had weaker ALP and ARS staining compared with that observed in the control and H2O2 (0.2 mM) + icariin (0.1 μM) groups. The ALP activity and calcium content were decreased in the 0.2 mM H2O2 + 0.1 μM icariin + DKK‐1 group compared to that observed in the 0.2 mM H2O2 + 0.1 μM icariin group.ConclusionThe results showed that icariin can increase the viability of MC3T3‐E1 cells, reverse the oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and protect MC3T3‐E1 cells against H2O2‐induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation, which may occur through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Omalizumab outcomes for up to 6 years in pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma
Authors: Nieto García Antonio , Garriga‐Baraut Teresa , Plaza Martín Ana María , Nieto Cid María , Torres Borrego Javier , Folqué Giménez María del Mar , Lozano Blasco Jaime , Bosque García Montserrat , Moreno‐Galarraga Laura , Tortajada‐Girbés Miguel , Rivas Juesas Cristina , Penín Antón María , Caballero‐Rabasco María Araceli , Gaboli Mirella , López Neyra Alejandro , Navarro Morón Juan , Freixa Benavente Andrea , Valdesoiro Navarrete Laura , Ballester Asensio Esther , Sanz Santiago Verónica , Romero García Raquel , Gimeno Díaz de Atauri Álvaro , Valenzuela Soria Alfredo , Sánchez Mateos Mercedes , Batlles Garrido José , Andrés Martín Anselmo , Campos Alonso Elena , Aragón Fernández Carmen , Vázquez Rodríguez Elena , Martínez Pardo Luz , del‐Río Camacho Genoveva , Mazón Ramos Ángel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundVarious studies have assessed omalizumab outcomes in the clinical practice setting but follow‐up and/or number of patients included were limited. We aim to describe the long‐term outcomes of pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma receiving omalizumab in the largest real‐life cohort reported to date.MethodsANCHORS was a multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study conducted in 25 Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology units in Spain. We collected data of patients < 18 years and initiating omalizumab between 2006 and 2018, from the year prior to omalizumab initiation to discontinuation or last available follow‐up. The primary outcome was the evolution of the annual number of moderate‐to‐severe exacerbations compared with the baseline period.ResultsOf the 484 patients included, 101 (20.9%) reached 6 years of treatment. The mean ± standard deviation number of exacerbations decreased during the first year of treatment (7.9 ± 6.6 to 1.1 ± 2.0, P < .001) and remained likewise for up to 6 years. The other clinical parameters assessed also improved significantly during the first year and stabilized or continued to improve thereafter. The percentage of patients experiencing adverse events was consistently low, and the main reason for discontinuation was good disease evolution.ConclusionIn this large, long‐term, observational study, moderate‐to‐severe exacerbations decreased significantly from the first year of treatment with omalizumab. The beneficial effect was maintained in the long term, along with a good safety profile. Our results position omalizumab as an effective long‐term treatment in pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.
Prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and risk of childhood atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Wenshu , Wang Lei , Yao Hao , Dai Huan , Zheng Rongying , Zhang Weixi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMaternal weight before and during pregnancy influences the health of offspring. Several observational studies have investigated a link between the risk of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) and prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG), but the conclusions of these studies were inconsistent. The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between the risk of childhood AD and prepregnancy maternal BMI and GWG.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 2, 2021. Observational studies investigating the association between the risk of childhood AD and prepregnancy maternal BMI and GWG were included. Fixed‐ or random‐effects models with inverse variance weights were used to calculate pooled risk estimates. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity.ResultsThirteen studies with a total of 114 485 participants were included. Ten studies reported prepregnancy maternal BMI, and five reported GWG. Maternal underweight was associated with a higher risk of childhood AD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐1.10). Continuous BMI was not related to childhood AD (OR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98‐1.02). In comparison with normal GWG, moderate/very high GWG increased the risk of childhood AD (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.08; OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.19, respectively), while low GWG decreased the risk (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89‐0.96). Excessive GWG relative to recommendations was associated with a higher risk of childhood AD (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.10), while a lower risk of childhood AD was associated with inadequate GWG relative to recommendations (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.83‐0.91).ConclusionsMaternal underweight, high GWG, and excessive GWG relative to recommendations are associated with an elevated risk of childhood AD, while low GWG and inadequate GWG relative to recommendations decreased the risk. Weight management before and during pregnancy is encouraged for primary prevention of childhood AD.
Skin necrosis in spinal muscular atrophy: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Weissman Amanda S. , Kennedy Kelsey R. , Powell Matthew R. , Davis Loretta S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 0 is the most severe phenotype of SMA and is characterized by hypotonia, muscle weakness, and respiratory distress. Cutaneous necrosis, first described in an SMA mouse model, can occur in patients with severe disease; the use of targeted treatment versus supportive measures in the setting of skin necrosis is debated. We present a male infant with SMA type 0 with cutaneous necrosis of proximal and distal limbs who improved with supportive care. The seven previously reported cases of SMA skin necrosis are reviewed.
Cellulose accumulation in the secondary cell walls is negatively correlated with the tenderness of new shoots in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Zhang Zhenlu , Zhao Xiuxiu , Zhang Zhengqun , Huang Xiaoqin , Zhang Lixia , Sun Ping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTea, which is usually made from the new shoots of tea plants (Camellia sinensis), is one of the most popular and healthy beverages. The tenderness of new shoots plays a critical role in the production of high‐quality tea; however, the factors affecting the tenderness of the new shoots of tea have not been extensively studied. Here, we show that cellulose accumulation is negatively correlated with the tenderness of new shoots, including leaves and stems, by characterizing the cellulose content and visualizing cellulose in the new shoots of two cultivars (“Huangjinya” and “Yujinxiang”) via toluidine blue staining. We further found that the number of cells with secondary cell walls (SCWs) and the thickness of SCWs increased with the maturity degree of stems in both cultivars. Because cellulose is the most abundant polymer in SCW, we next identified three cellulose synthase CsCesAs, CsCesA4, 7, and 8A, through homologous alignment with Arabidopsis AtCesAs. Protein sequence analysis revealed that these proteins were closely related based on the phylogenetic analysis. We finally showed that the gene expression of the three CsCesAs was positively correlated with the maturity degree and cellulose content of the new shoots. Thus, our data suggest that cellulose accumulation, especially in the SCWs, is negatively correlated with the tenderness of new shoots in tea plants.
Probability of pregnancy to artificial insemination either after detected oestrus or at a fixed time in dairy cows: Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in a large‐scale, on‐farm study
Authors: Ungerfeld Rodolfo , Kmaid Sergio , Baldi Fernando , Salveraglio Virginia 
Published: February 2021

ContentsThe first aim of this study was to determine the influence of the procedures [hormonal treatments for fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) versus insemination at spontaneous oestrus (SEAI)] on several sequential inseminations (AI). A second aim was to determine the influence of some intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their interactions, including characteristics of the animals such as age, season, farm, sire, and AI technician on the response to both procedures. A retrospective analysis was performed from a data base of 120.807 AIs of healthy cows with at least 40–70 days post‐partum at first service. Overall, FTAI achieved slighter greater pregnancy rates than insemination after detected oestrus. The second AI seems to be a key insemination as effects of sire and technician were greater than in the following ones. The use of FTAI or SEAI in one AI did not affect the results of the following AIs, regardless if FTAI or SEAI procedures were used in that AI. Technician had greater variation than sire or farm on final pregnancy rate. The results of each sire for pregnancy rate varied according to the type of insemination, with sires achieving greater results with one or other procedure. Pregnancy rate was positively related to the days in milk in the first two AIs. Results were greater in autumn than in spring services.