bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of breadfruit cultivation to contribute to climate-resilient low latitude food systems
Authors: Yang Lucy , Zerega Nyree , Montgomery Anastasia , Horton Daniel E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe number of people in food crisis around the world is increasing, exacerbated by the challenges of COVID-19 and a rapidly changing climate. Major crop yields are projected to decrease in low-latitude regions due to anthropogenic climate change, making tropical and sub-tropical food systems particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. Increased cultivation of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), often categorized as a neglected and underutilized species (NUS), has been suggested as an agricultural adaptation pathway for food insecure tropical and subtropical regions, due to its potential to enhance climate resilience and overall sustainability of low-latitude agricultural systems. To better understand breadfruit’s cultivation suitability and geographic range in current and future climates, we employ a diverse set of observations and models to delineate the current climatically viable breadfruit range and assess the climatically viable breadfruit range in the future (2061-2080) under stabilization and high emission scenarios. We find that the area of suitable breadfruit range within the tropics and subtropics is projected to decrease ~4.4% in the stabilization scenario and ~4.5% in the high emission scenario. In Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, yield quality and consistency show minimal decreases under the high emission scenario, with increases in total suitable area under both scenarios. In contrast, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the current range of breadfruit suitability is projected to contract ~10.1-11.5% (stabilization-high emission). Present and future model suitability outputs suggest that opportunities to successfully expand breadfruit cultivation over the next several decades exist in sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity is coincidentally high. However, in all regions, high emission scenario conditions reduce the overall consistency and quality of breadfruit yields compared to the stabilization scenario. Our results have the potential to inform global food security adaptation planning and highlight breadfruit as an ideal NUS to incorporate in food security adaptation strategies in a changing climate.
Relating genome completeness to functional predictions
Authors: Liu Jessica , Williams Tre’Andice , Burns John A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGenome and transcriptome assemblies vary in their quality in terms of the connectedness of the assemblies and the amount of biological information captured. Interpreting de novo assemblies from new, poorly characterized, organisms in the context of complex traits can be challenging because, in the absence of a reference, it is difficult to know how much information is enough to claim the presence or absence of a trait. This study uses randomly downsampled proteome files to compare a genome completeness metric, BUSCO, to functional predictions of the complex trait of phagocytosis in known phagocytotic organisms broadly across the eukaryotic tree of life. We find that as additional proteins are added, BUSCO scores increase incrementally, while the phagocytosis prediction follows a sigmoidal curve. Generalizing our findings, we suggest a threshold of the number of BUSCOs detected above which one would expect an accurate prediction, positive or negative, of the complex trait of phagocytosis. While these findings are specific to a single trait, the methods can be extended to consider additional functional traits and predictive frameworks.
Bioorthogonal Functionalization of Material Surfaces with Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Hast Kern , Stone M. Rhia L. , Jia Zhaojun , Baci Melih , Aggarwal Tushar , Izgu Enver Cagri 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe functionalization of material surfaces with biologically active molecules is crucial for enabling technologies in life sciences, biotechnology, and medicine. However, achieving biocompatibility and bioorthogonality with current synthetic methods remains a challenge. We report herein a novel surface functionalization method that proceeds chemoselectively and without a free transition metal catalyst. In this method, a coating is first formed via the tyrosinase-catalyzed putative polymerization of a tetrazine-containing catecholamine (DOPA-Tet). One or more types of molecule of interest containing trans-cyclooctene are then grafted onto the coating via tetrazine ligation. The entire process proceeds under physiological conditions and is suitable for grafting bioactive molecules with diverse functions and structural complexities. Utilizing this method, we functionalized material surfaces with enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase), a cyclic peptide (cyclo[Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys], or c(RGDfK)), and an antibiotic (vancomycin). Colorimetric assays confirmed the maintenance of the biocatalytic activities of the grafted enzymes on the surface. We established the mammalian cytocompatibility of the functionalized materials with fibroblasts. Surface functionalization with c(RGDfK) showed improved fibroblast cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. Microbiological studies with Staphylococcus aureus indicated that surfaces coated using DOPA-Tet inhibit the formation of biofilms. Vancomycin-grafted surfaces additionally display significant inhibition of planktonic S. aureus growth.
OXPHOS Promotes Apoptotic Resistance and Persistence in TH17 cells
Authors: Hong Hanna S. , Mbah Nneka E. , Shan Mengrou , Loesel Kristen , Lin Lin , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Andren Anthony , Hayashi Atsushi , Magnuson Brian , Li Zhaoheng , Xie Yuying , Zhang Li , Lei Yu Leo , Opipari Anthony W. , Argüello Rafael J. , Kryczek Ilona , Kamada Nobuhiko , Zou Weiping , Franchi Luigi , Lyssiotis Costas A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractApoptotic cell death is a cell-intrinsic, immune tolerance mechanism that regulates the magnitude and resolution of T cell-mediated responses. Evasion of apoptosis is critical for the generation of memory T cells, as well as autoimmune T cells, and knowledge of the mechanisms that enable resistance to apoptosis will provide insight into ways to modulate their activity during protective and pathogenic responses. IL-17-producing CD4 T cells (TH17s) are long-lived, memory cells. These features enable their role in host defense, chronic inflammatory disorders, and anti-tumor immunity. A growing number of reports now indicate that TH17s in vivo require mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), a metabolic phenotype that is poorly induced in vitro. To elucidate the role of OXPHOS in TH17 processes, we developed a system to polarize TH17s that metabolically resembled their in vivo counterparts. We discovered that directing TH17s to use OXPHOS promotes mitochondrial fitness, glutamine anaplerosis, and an anti-apoptotic phenotype marked by high BCL-XL and low BIM. Through competitive co-transfer experiments and tumor studies, we further revealed how OXPHOS protects TH17s from cell death while enhancing their persistence in the periphery and tumor microenvironment. Together, our work demonstrates a non-classical role of metabolism in regulating TH17 cell fate and highlights the potential for therapies that target OXPHOS in TH17-driven diseases.
A mycobacterial glycine-rich protein governs actin-based motility
Authors: Hill Norbert S. , Welch Matthew D. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMycobacterium marinum, a close relative of the significant human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, polymerizes host actin at the bacterial surface to drive intracellular movement and cell-to-cell spread during infection. Here, we report the identification and characterization of MirA, the M. marinum actin-based motility factor. MirA is a member of the glycine-rich PE_PGRS family of ESX-5-secreted proteins. MirA uses an amphipathic helix to anchor into the mycobacterial outer membrane and, surprisingly, also the surface of host lipid droplet organelles. The glycine-rich PGRS domain in MirA directly binds and activates host N-WASP to stimulate actin polymerization through the Arp2/3 complex, directing both bacterial and lipid droplet actin- based motility. MirA is dissimilar to known N-WASP activating ligands and may represent a new class of microbial and host actin regulator. Additionally, the MirA-N-WASP interaction represents a model to understand how the enigmatic PE_PGRS proteins contribute to mycobacterial pathogenesis.
High Spatial Resolution MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Fresh-Frozen Bone
Authors: Good Christopher J. , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Butrico Casey E. , Cassat James E. , Caprioli Richard M. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBone and bone marrow are vital to mammalian structure, movement, and immunity. These tissues are also commonly subjected to molecular alterations giving rise to debilitating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, and cancer. Technologies such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) enable the discovery of spatially resolved chemical information in biological tissue samples to help elucidate the complex molecular processes underlying pathology. Traditionally, preparation of native osseous tissue for MALDI IMS has been difficult due to the mineralized composition and heterogenous morphology of the tissue, and compensation for these challenges with decalcification and fixation protocols can remove or delocalize molecular species. Here, sample preparation methods were advanced to enable multimodal MALDI IMS of undecalcified, fresh-frozen murine femurs allowing the distribution of endogenous lipids to be linked to specific tissue structures and cell types. Adhesive-bound bone sections were mounted onto conductive glass slides with a microscopy-compatible glue and freeze-dried to minimize artificial bone marrow damage. Subliming matrix does not induce further bone marrow cracking, and recrystallizing the deposited matrix improves lipid signal. High spatial resolution (10 μm) MALDI IMS was employed to characterize lipid distributions in fresh-frozen bone, and use of complementary microscopy modalities aided tissue and cell assignments. For example, various phosphatidylcholines localize to bone marrow, adipose tissue, marrow adipose tissue, and muscle. Further, sphingomyelin(42:1) was abundant in megakaryocytes, whereas sphingomyelin(42:2) was diminished in this cell type. These data reflect the vast molecular and cellular heterogeneity indicative of the bone marrow and the soft tissue surrounding the femur. Multimodal MALDI IMS has the potential to advance bone-related biomedical research by offering deep molecular coverage with spatial relevance in a preserved native bone microenvironment.
Cross‐National Research: Realised and Potential Contributions
Authors: Lillard Dean R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe HILDA Survey is one of a small but growing number of household‐based, country‐specific longitudinal studies that share similar designs and data on individual and household social and economic wellbeing. All track outcomes over time as individuals dynamically form and dissolve personal and professional relationships. The similarities of the data invite researchers to study, compare and contrast social and economic outcomes of Australians with outcomes of residents of other countries. This review summarises published comparative research that uses HILDA data, notes how HILDA contributes, and highlights how and on what topics scholars might use HILDA data to generate additional insights.
How big can a walking fish be? A theoretical inference based on observations on four land‐dwelling fish genera of South Vietnam
Authors: KUZNETSOV Alexander N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractComparative study of terrestrial locomotion of 4 fish genera including Anabas, Channa, Clarias, and Monopterus, was performed in experimental setting with the substrate surface of wet clay. No special adaptations for terrestrial locomotion were found. Every fish uses for propulsion on land what it already has. Eel‐shaped Monopterus crawls by body undulations in a serpentine or sidewinding technique, the latter of which was not previously observed beyond snakes. The other 3 fish genera walk by body oscillations using stiff appendages as propulsors. When they are located anteriorly, as the serrate operculum in Anabas and the preaxial spine of the pectoral fin in Clarias, the propulsion is termed prolocomotor, when posteriorly, as the spiny anal fin in Channa—metalocomotor. Channa is the heaviest fish walking out of water in our days, quite comparable in size with first Devonian tetrapods Acanthostega and Tulerpeton. A theoretical calculation is suggested for the upper size limit of a fish capable of terrestrial walking without special locomotor adaptations. It should be roughly 20 cm in the vertical dimension of the trunk, which is just a little above the known size of Devonian tetrapodomorph fishes Panderichthys and Elpistostege. The metalocomotor walking technique of Channa is suggested as the closest extant model for terrestrial locomotion at the fish‐tetrapod transition. The major difference is that the metalocomotor propulsor in Channa is represented by the anal fin, while in tetrapodomorphs by the pelvic fins. The sprawled pelvic fins were advantageous in respect of reduced requirement for side‐to‐side tail swinging.
Hemoglobin A1c level is a prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence in stage III non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Moonkyoo , Lim Yu Jin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) might be associated with the severity of tumor hypoxia in patients with cancer. Here, we evaluated the association between the level of HbA1c and survival outcome in stage III non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 104 patients with lung cancer treated with radiotherapy. The HbA1c levels of all patients were checked 1 week before the start of radiotherapy. Survival outcomes were analysed according to the HbA1c level.ResultsThe 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival rates were 88.3%, 68.8%, and 63.0%, respectively, in the patient group with HbA1c levels ≤6% and 75.5%, 54.4%, and 41.8%, respectively, in the patient group with HbA1c levels >6% (p = 0.015). The HbA1c level remained a significant prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence‐free survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio = 2.014, 95% confidence interval = 1.088–3.726, p = 0.026).ConclusionsPretreatment HbA1c level is a significant prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence‐free survival in patients with stage III non‐small cell lung cancer treated with radical radiotherapy. Routine monitoring of pretreatment HbA1c levels and aggressive glycemic control may be considered to prevent the development of locoregional recurrence in these patients.
Tramadol versus codeine and the short‐term risk of cardiovascular events in patients with non‐cancer pain: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ou Linda B. , Azoulay Laurent , Reynier Pauline , Platt Robert W. , Yoon Sarah , Grad Roland , Filion Kristian B. 
Published: October 2021

AimsThe effect of tramadol on the cardiovascular system is largely unknown. There is concern that, with its multimodal mechanism of action to increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the body, it could increase the risk of arterial ischaemia and cardiovascular events. We aimed to compare the short‐term risk of cardiovascular events with the use of tramadol to that of codeine among patients with non‐cancer pain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) with new users of tramadol or codeine from April 1998 to March 2017. Exposure was defined using an approach analogous to an intention‐to‐treat, with a maximum follow‐up of 30 days. The primary endpoint was myocardial infarction, and secondary endpoints were unstable angina, ischaemic stroke, coronary revascularization, cardiovascular death and all‐cause mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for high‐dimensional propensity score.ResultsThe final cohort included 123 394 tramadol users and 914 333 codeine users. When tramadol was compared to codeine, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of myocardial infarction was 1.00 (95% CI 0.81–1.24). There was also no evidence of elevated risks of unstable angina (0.92; 95% CI 0.67–1.27), ischaemic stroke (0.98; 95% CI 0.82–1.17), coronary revascularization (0.97; 95% CI 0.69–1.38), cardiovascular death (1.07; 95% CI 0.93–1.23) or all‐cause mortality (1.03; 95% CI 0.94–1.14) when tramadol was compared to codeine.ConclusionsShort‐term use of tramadol, compared with codeine, was not associated with an increased risk of cardiac events among patients with non‐cancer pain.
Superior outcomes with paediatric protocols in adolescents and young adults with aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Alexander Sarah , Pole Jason D. , Sutradhar Rinku , Crump Michael , Nagamuthu Chenthila , Baxter Nancy N. , Nathan Paul C. 
Published: October 2021

SummarySurvival disparities by locus of care (LOC; paediatric versus adult) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are well documented. Whether similar disparities exist among AYA with aggressive mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) is unknown. We identified all Ontario, Canada AYA aged 15–21 years at diagnosis of B‐NHL between 1992 and 2012. Demographic, disease, treatment and outcome data were chart abstracted. The impact of LOC on event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined, adjusted for patient and disease covariates. Among 176 AYA with B‐NHL, 62 (35·2%) received therapy at paediatric centres. The 5‐year EFS and OS [± standard error (SE)] for the overall cohort were 72·2 [3·4]% and 76·1 [3·2]% respectively. Both EFS and OS were superior among paediatric centre AYA [EFS (± SE) 82·2 (4·9)% vs. 66·7 (4·4)%, P = 0·02; OS 85·5 (4·5)% vs. 71·1 (4·3)%, P = 0·03]. Adjusted for histology, stage and time period, adult centre AYA had inferior EFS [hazard ratio (HR) 2·4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1–4·9, P = 0·02] and OS (HR 2·5, 95% CI 1·1–5·7, P = 0·03). Sensitivity analyses restricted to the latest time period, when most adult centre AYA received rituximab, demonstrated similar disparities. Similar to AYA with ALL, AYA with B‐NHL may benefit from being treated with paediatric protocols. Studies prospectively validating these results are warranted.
Bacterial growth dynamics and pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationships of rifampicin and bedaquiline in BALB/c mice
Authors: Muliaditan Morris , Della Pasqua Oscar 
Published: October 2021

Background and PurposeTranslational efforts in the evaluation of novel anti‐tubercular drugs demand better integration of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic data arising from preclinical protocols. However, parametric approaches that discriminate drug effect from the underlying bacterial growth dynamics have not been fully explored, making it difficult to translate and/or extrapolate preclinical findings to humans. This analysis aims to develop a drug‐disease model that allows distinction between drug‐ and system‐specific properties.Experimental ApproachGiven their clinical relevance, rifampicin and bedaquiline were used as test compounds. A two‐state model was used to describe bacterial growth dynamics. The approach assumes the existence of fast‐ and slow‐growing bacterial populations. Drug effect on the growth dynamics of each subpopulation was characterised in terms of potency (EC50‐F and EC50‐S) and maximum killing rate.Key ResultsThe doubling time of the fast‐ and slow‐growing population was estimated to be 25 h and 42 days, respectively. Rifampicin was more potent against the fast‐growing (EC50‐F = 4.8 mg·L−1), as compared with the slow‐growing population (EC50‐S = 60.2 mg·L−1). Bedaquiline showed higher potency than rifampicin (EC50‐F = 0.19 mg·L−1; EC50‐S = 3.04 mg·L−1). External validation procedures revealed an effect of infection route on the apparent potency of rifampicin.Conclusion and ImplicationsModel parameter estimates suggest that nearly maximum killing rate is achieved against fast‐growing, but not against slow‐growing populations at the tested doses. Evidence of differences in drug potency for each subpopulation may facilitate the translation of preclinical findings and improve the dose rationale for anti‐tubercular drugs in humans.
Analgesic α‐conotoxins modulate native and recombinant GIRK1/2 channels via activation of GABAB receptors and reduce neuroexcitability
Authors: Bony Anuja R. , McArthur Jeffrey R. , Finol‐Urdaneta Rocio K. , Adams David J. 
Published: October 2021

Background and PurposeActivation of GIRK channels via G protein‐coupled GABAB receptors has been shown to attenuate nociceptive transmission. The analgesic α‐conotoxin Vc1.1 activates GABAB receptors resulting in inhibition of Cav2.2 and Cav2.3 channels in mammalian primary afferent neurons. Here, we investigated the effects of analgesic α‐conotoxins on recombinant and native GIRK‐mediated K+ currents and on neuronal excitability.Experimental ApproachThe effects of analgesic α‐conotoxins, Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA, were investigated on inwardly‐rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly co‐expressing either heteromeric human GIRK1/2 or homomeric GIRK2 subunits, with GABAB receptors. The effects of α‐conotoxin Vc1.1 and baclofen were studied on GIRK‐mediated K+ currents and the passive and active electrical properties of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons.Key ResultsAnalgesic α‐conotoxins Vc1.1, RgIA, and PeIA potentiate inwardly‐rectifying K+ currents in HEK293T cells recombinantly expressing human GIRK1/2 channels and GABAB receptors. GABAB receptor‐dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen occurs via a pertussis toxin‐sensitive G protein and is inhibited by the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 55845. In adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, GABAB receptor‐dependent GIRK channel potentiation by Vc1.1 and baclofen hyperpolarizes the cell membrane potential and reduces excitability.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis is the first report of GIRK channel potentiation via allosteric α‐conotoxin Vc1.1‐GABAB receptor agonism, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Such action potentially contributes to the analgesic effects of Vc1.1 and baclofen observed in vivo.
Disrupted affective communication characterizes mothers of infants with disorganized but also ambivalent attachments: An Israeli study
Authors: Ariav‐Paraira Inbar , Oppenheim David , Sagi‐Schwartz Abraham 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study examined whether maternal disrupted communication, which is associated with disorganized infant attachment, also characterizes mothers of ambivalent infants. The study, conducted in Israel, included a Jewish sample (N = 163; 68 Girls) from diverse socioeconomic status, collected between 1991 and 1993 in an earlier study. The sample over‐represented ambivalent and disorganized attachments. Attachment was assessed in the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) at 12 months and disrupted communication was coded from the SSP using the Atypical Maternal Behavior Instrument for Assessment and Classification (AMBIANCE; Lyons‐Ruth et al., 1999). Mothers of ambivalent infants showed higher disrupted communication than mothers of secure, avoidant, and disorganized infants. The findings shed further light on the correlates of ambivalent attachment and call for research regarding maternal and infant characteristics that differentiate ambivalent versus disorganized attachment.