bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serine/threonine kinase 17b (STK17B) signalling regulates Purkinje cell dendritic development and is altered in multiple spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Wu Qin‐Wei , Kapfhammer Josef P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSerine/threonine kinase 17b (STK17B, also known as DRAK2) is known to be a downstream effector of protein kinase C (PKC) in the immune system, in particular T lymphocytes. PKC activity also plays a critical role for dendritic development and synaptic maturation and plasticity in cerebellar Purkinje cells. We present evidence that STK17B is strongly expressed in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells starting in the early postnatal period and remaining highly expressed throughout adult stages and that STK17B is a target of PKC phosphorylation in the cerebellum. STK17B overexpression potentiates the morphological changes of Purkinje cells seen after PKC activation, suggesting that it is a downstream effector of PKC. A phosphorylation mimetic STK17B variant induced a marked reduction of Purkinje cell dendritic tree size, whereas the inhibition of STK17B with the novel compound 16 (Cpd16) could partially rescue the morphological changes of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree after PKC activation. These findings show that STK17B signalling is an important downstream effector of PKC activation in Purkinje cells. Furthermore, STK17B was identified as a molecule being transcriptionally downregulated in mouse models of SCA1, SCA7, SCA14 and SCA41. The reduced expression of STK17B in these mouse models might protect Purkinje cell dendrites from the negative effects of overactivated PKC signalling. Our findings provide new insights in the role of STK17B for Purkinje cell dendritic development and the pathology of SCAs.
Persistent DNA damage alters the neuronal transcriptome suggesting cell cycle dysregulation and altered mitochondrial function
Authors: Vazquez‐Villasenor Irina , Garwood Claire J. , Simpson Julie E. , Heath Paul R. , Mortiboys Heather , Wharton Stephen B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOxidative DNA damage induces changes in the neuronal cell cycle and activates a DNA damage response (DDR) to promote repair, but these processes may be altered under a chronic oxidative environment, leading to the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage and continued activation of a DDR. Failure to repair DNA damage can lead to apoptosis or senescence, which is characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest. Increased oxidative stress and accumulation of oxidative DNA damage are features of brain ageing and neurodegeneration, but the effects of persistent DNA damage in neurons are not well characterized. We developed a model of persistent oxidative DNA damage in immortalized post‐mitotic neurons in vitro by exposing them to a sublethal concentration of hydrogen peroxide following a ‘double stress’ protocol and performed a detailed characterization of the neuronal transcriptome using microarray analysis. Persistent DNA damage significantly altered the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DDR and repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function, suggesting an active DDR response to replication stress and alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and functional validation experiments confirmed hyperactivation of mitochondrial Complex I in response to persistent DNA damage. These changes in response to persistent oxidative DNA damage may lead to further oxidative stress, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and ultimately neurodegeneration.
Response to Comment on ‘Soil carbon persistence governed by plant input and mineral protection at regional and global scales’
Authors: Chen Leiyi , Yang Yuanhe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe demonstrated that ignoring the non‐linear relationship between topsoil Δ14C and plant carbon (C) input in Wu et al.’s analysis was the fundamental reason for the discrepancy between their analysis and ours. By considering such a non‐linear relationship, plant C input still predominantly governs the topsoil C turnover.
Small loci of astroglial glutamine synthetase deficiency in the postnatal brain cause epileptic seizures and impaired functional connectivity
Authors: Farina Maxwell G. , Sandhu Mani Ratnesh S. , Parent Maxime , Sanganahalli Basavaraju G. , Derbin Matthew , Dhaher Roni , Wang Helen , Zaveri Hitten P. , Zhou Yun , Danbolt Niels C. , Hyder Fahmeed , Eid Tore 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe astroglial enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS) is deficient in small loci in the brain in adult patients with different types of focal epilepsy; however, the role of this deficiency in the pathogenesis of epilepsy has been difficult to assess due to a lack of sufficiently sensitive and specific animal models. The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo approach for precise and specific deletions of the GS gene in the postnatal brain.MethodsWe stereotaxically injected various adeno‐associated virus (AAV)–Cre recombinase constructs into the hippocampal formation and neocortex in 22–70‐week‐old GSflox/flox mice to knock out the GS gene in a specific and focal manner. The mice were subjected to seizure threshold determination, continuous video‐electroencephalographic recordings, advanced in vivo neuroimaging, and immunocytochemistry for GS.ResultsThe construct AAV8–glial fibrillary acidic protein–green fluorescent protein–Cre eliminated GS in >99% of astrocytes in the injection center with a gradual return to full GS expression toward the periphery. Such focal GS deletion reduced seizure threshold, caused spontaneous recurrent seizures, and diminished functional connectivity.SignificanceThese results suggest that small loci of GS deficiency in the postnatal brain are sufficient to cause epilepsy and impaired functional connectivity. Additionally, given the high specificity and precise spatial resolution of our GS knockdown approach, we anticipate that this model will be extremely useful for rigorous in vivo and ex vivo studies of astroglial GS function at the brain‐region and single‐cell levels.
Biomass production in mixed short rotation coppice with poplar‐hybrids (Populus spp.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)
Authors: Rebola‐Lichtenberg Jessica , Schall Peter , Ammer Christian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractShort rotation coppice plays an important role for biomass production. Mixing fast‐growing tree species in short rotation coppices may lead to overyielding if the species have complementarity traits. The goal of this study is to analyze biomass yield of eight different poplar hybrids and black locust in mixed short rotation coppice after a rotation of 5 years. Pure and mixed stands were established at two sites of contrasting fertility as a low‐input system. After collecting a sample of trees for the data set, we fitted allometric equations to estimate the overall biomass of the stands. All poplar genotypes showed lower performance in mixtures with black locust, whereas the latter profited from the mixture. In contrast to our expectations, poplars had no advantages from black locust's nitrogen enrichment of the soil. Instead, the dominance and competitiveness of black locust drove to poorer performance of all eight poplar genotypes across both sites.Mixing fast‐growing tree species in short rotation coppices may lead to overyielding if the species have complementarity traits. The goal of this study is to analyze biomass yield of eight different poplar hybrids and black locust in mixed short rotation coppice after a rotation of 5 years. While black locusts profited from mixed cropping, poplars had no advantaged performance. The dominance and competitiveness of black locust drove to poorer performance of all eight poplar genotypes.
Long‐term biochar application governs the molecular compositions and decomposition of organic matter in paddy soil
Authors: Sun Jiali , Li Hongbo , Zhang Deshan , Liu Ruliang , Zhang Aiping , Rengel Zed 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiochar addition can enhance soil quality and sequester carbon. However, changes in soil organic matter (SOM) molecular compositions in response to long‐term biochar addition have rarely been studied. Therefore, we quantified soil organic carbon fractions, carbon‐cycling enzyme activities, and a range of organic compounds and lignin‐derived phenols in the rhizosphere and bulk soils in different rice growth stages in the 8‐year field trial with biochar application rates of 0 (BC‐0), 4.5 (BC‐L), and 13.5 t ha−1 year−1 (BC‐H). We found that higher amounts of biochar addition (BC‐H) increased labile organic carbon (LOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC), and promoted activities of α‐1,4‐glucosidase, β‐D‐cellobiohydrolase and β‐1,4‐xylosidase; in contrast, BC‐L treatment reduced activities of these enzymes. The concentrations of dichloromethane/methanol‐extractable plant‐ and microbial‐derived organic compounds in the rhizosphere and bulk soils at tillering decreased significantly in the treatment with low amount of biochar addition. BC‐L also significantly altered the concentrations of extracted compounds in the rhizosphere soil at tillering and harvest. Concentration of lignin in the bulk soil was significantly reduced in BC‐L at tillering (by 19%) and harvest (by 28%). The concentrations of extracted compounds (e.g., n‐alkanols, n‐alkanoic acids, steroids, and carbohydrates) and lignin were generally significantly higher in the bulk than the rhizosphere soil at tillering and harvest. Long‐term biochar application (BC‐H) promoted lignin decomposition in the bulk soil (at tillering) and the rhizosphere soil (at harvest). Hence, biochar decreased stability of lignin in paddy soil. Our study provided evidence that long‐term biochar application changed the molecular composition and dynamics of degradation of SOM. These results deepen our understanding of the mechanisms governing SOM stability in agricultural ecosystems.
Ecological and behavioural drivers of offspring size in marine teleost fishes
Authors: Vanadzina Karina , Phillips André , Martins Bonnie , Laland Kevin N. , Webster Michael M. , Sheard Catherine 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimOur aim was to evaluate the role of ecological and life‐history factors in shaping global variation in offspring size in a marine clade with a diverse range of parental care behaviours.LocationGlobal.Time periodData sourced from literature published from 1953 until 2019.Major taxa studiedMarine teleost fishes.MethodsWe compiled a species‐level dataset of egg and hatch size for 1,639 species of marine fish across 45 orders. We used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models to evaluate the relationship between offspring size and environmental factors (i.e., mean temperature, chlorophyll‐a and dissolved oxygen content together with their annual variation), as well as latitude, reproductive strategy, parental body size and fecundity. We also tested long‐standing hypotheses about the co‐evolution of offspring size and the presence of parental care in BayesTraits.ResultsAfter controlling for parental body size and phylogenetic history, we find that increased egg size is associated with colder and oxygen‐rich waters, while hatch size further depends on food supply and the reproductive strategy exhibited by the species. Irrespective of the initial investment in egg size, species with parental care or demersal egg development yield larger hatchlings compared to pelagic spawners. We also demonstrate that hatch size has co‐evolved with advanced forms of care in association with parental body but fail to find a relationship with other types of care.Main conclusionsOur study shows that parental care behaviours, together with environmental context, influence the evolution of classic life‐history trade‐offs on a global scale. While the initial investment in eggs is driven primarily by temperature and oxygen content, hatch size also reflects the impact of care an offspring has received throughout development. In support of the ‘offspring‐first’ hypothesis, we find that an increase in hatch size drives the evolution of advanced care provision.
Selected physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability as affected by addition of lecithin and calcium carbonate in extruded breakfast cereals made with silkworm pupae powder and rice flour
Authors: Hirunyophat Patthama , Chalermchaiwat Parisut , On‐nom Nattira , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: September 2021

SummaryEffects of Lecithin (LC):Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) ratios (0.00:0.50, 0.10:0.40, 0.25:0.25, 0.40:0.10 and 0.50:0.00%w/w) on selected physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of extruded breakfast cereals made with silkworm (Samia ricini D.) pupae powder and rice flour were investigated. The control sample was made without LC:CaCO3. Compared to the control, addition of LC significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced sectional expansion index, water solubility index and hardness, while increasing L*, bulk density and water absorption index of the samples. Increasing the CaCO3 level decreased bulk density while increased L*, ΔE*, sectional expansion index and crispness. The LC:CaCO3 interaction influenced aw, moisture, porosity and sensory liking, especially at 0.10:0.40%w/w which was suitable to produce the breakfast cereals. All samples had a protein content between 31.70% and 33.76% (dry basis), which made them qualified as a “high‐protein” source. The white malt–honey flavour coating increased liking scores of the finished product compared to the uncoated ones.
Review: Effect of the combined application of edible coatings and osmotic dehydration on the performance of the process and the quality of pear cubes
Authors: Rodriguez Anabel , Soteras Mario , Campañone Laura 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThe objective of the present work was to evaluate the combined effect of the application of edible coatings (sodium alginate and low methoxyl pectin) and different osmotic dehydration conditions (sucrose solution: 40 and 60 °Brix, temperatures: 20 and 40°C and times: 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h) on pear cubes (water loss, solid gain, performance ratio, the total colour differences, mechanical properties, phenolic content and sensory analysis). The results indicated that samples coated with low methoxyl pectin and treated under 60 °Brix for 16 h at both temperatures (20 and 40°C) presented the best process performance. Statistical analysis showed that the application of the coatings resulted in greater firmness and stiffness of the pear cubes at the end of osmotic dehydration. Besides, alginate coating best preserved the phenolic content (31.4%) than uncoated (26.04%) and pectin‐coated (20.77%) ones. However, total colour differences were not improved with the use of edible coatings (alginate or pectin). In terms of quality, the samples coated with both hydrogels had good overall acceptability by the evaluators and good mechanical properties. However, further studies are required to decrease the difference in colour and leaching of bioactive compounds in pear cubes due to the osmotic dehydration treatment.
Identification, characterisation and inhibition of Geotrichum pseudocandidum spoilage microbe in Gastrodia elata tuber
Authors: Sun Haiyan , Liu Xiao , Pei Jinjin , Hao Danqing , Li Xinsheng , Chen Dejing , Shen Yixiao , Xu Zhimin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGastrodia elata tuber is vulnerable to spoilage after harvested. A fungal strain Geotrichum pseudocandidum causing the spoilage was isolated from Gastrodia elata tuber and identified in this study. The log phase of the strain growth during incubation at 28 °C was from 24 to 48 h. The pH for highest spore production and largest colony formation were 5–6 and 7–9, respectively, while the temperature for them was 20–30 °C. Antifungal natamycin and tea polyphenols extract inhibited the stain at minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.25 and 0.5 mg mL−1, respectively. A short‐time heating treatment at temperature at 65 °C for 10 min also effectively prevented the strain growth. As tea extract is a GRAS (generally recognised as safe) food ingredient, the tea extract treatment could be a safe and non‐thermal treatment to prevent the spoilage of Gastrodia elata tuber with less loss of heat‐sensitive bioactives and other nutrients.
The effect of ultrasound‐vacuum‐assisted extraction on bioactive properties of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus)
Authors: Uslu Nurhan , Özcan Mehmet Musa 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction under vacuum on bioactive properties of peel and flesh of pitaya fruit, and also compare with sonication under atmosphere condition using the principal component analysis (PCA). Vacuum sonication exhibited better results for total phenolic (56.78–71.54 mg GAE per 100 g for peel; 11.03–17.92 mg GAE per 100 g for flesh) and total flavonoid (95.33–115.71 mg QE per 100 g for peel; 13.26–19.36 mg QE per 100 g for flesh) amounts. DPPH free radical scavenging activity values of peel and flesh increased from 1.97 to 2.53 mmol TE kg‐1; from 0.33 to 0.50 mmol TE kg‐1 after sonication process, respectively. The main phenolic compounds of pitaya were identified as catechin (1.15–20.31 mg per 100 g) and rutin (0.88–14.55 mg per 100 g) in peel; catechin (1.11–9.35 mg per 100 g) and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (1.29–3.60 mg per 100 g) in flesh. The combination of vacuum and ultrasound process can be used as a green extraction technology in order to enhance the amounts of bioactive compounds of pitaya fruit.
Post‐burn scar malignancy: 5‐year management review and experience
Authors: Mousa Ahmed K. , Elshenawy Anwar A. , Maklad Salah M. , Bebars Shaimaa M. M. , Burezq Hisham A. , Sayed Sherif E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe study spotlights a severe uncommon post‐burn complication, Marjolin's ulcer, in upper Egypt plastic and wound care centres. This problem is mainly related to inadequate medical care and awareness. No community or race is immune. The underlying malignant transformation mechanism remains unclear. The study aims, according to our experience, to review the prognostic factors through the management protocol of Marjolin's ulcers. This prospective study was conducted in the Aswan University Plastic & Burn surgery department in South Egypt between 2013 and 2020 and investigated 226 patients with chronic post‐burn ulceration. Nineteen cases were proved to have Marjolin's ulcer, and the other cases that had been excluded from being malignant went for reconstruction with split‐thickness skin graft with/without flap after adequate ulcer debridement. The surgical, oncologic, radiologic indications, and prognostic factors were reviewed according to our management outcome—the assessment with follow‐up period extended over 5 years. Histopathology of ulcers ranged among mild, moderate, and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. One scalp ulcer case showed basosquamous pathology. Most cases presented at age above 50, but no age was immune. The mean latent period was 29 years on average. The lesions' sites varied in their anatomic location where they involved the upper extremity, the scalp, and the lower extremity that had a predilection. Although surgical excision is the primary management line for tumour ablation, other factors may change the management course. During the follow‐up period, neoplasm recurrence in the form of lymph node enlargement and/or locoregional metastasis was detected in eight cases. Within 1 year after the intervention, six recurrent cases died, and two were saved. In addition to the case study, this paper reviewed the literature and provided our team a good experience in light of the NCCN protocol for non‐melanotic cutaneous carcinoma, although we suffered limited medical resources. It is concluded that early accurate diagnosis, low‐grade malignancy, and well‐planned individualised surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy were the best prognostic factors. The close follow‐up for an early sign of disease recurrence is paramount.
Low incidence of major complications after the first six hours post atrial fibrillation ablation: Is same‐day discharge safe and feasible in most patients?
Authors: Paul Nordin Astrid , Drca Nikola , Insulander Per , Bastani Hamid , Bourke Tara , Braunschweig Frieder , Kennebäck Göran , von Olshausen Gesa , Sadigh Bita , Saluveer Ott , Tapanainen Jari , Schwieler Jonas , Åkerström Finn , Jensen‐Urstad Mats 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsThis study evaluates the incidence of procedural complications related to catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) to assess the potential feasibility and safety of same‐day discharge in a large cohort.MethodsWe performed an analysis of prospectively collected data of complications of all patients staying overnight after undergoing AF ablation between 2001 and 2020 at a tertiary center. Using medical records, we analyzed complications occurring intraprocedurally until 6 h postablation and between 6 h postablation and discharge the day after the ablation procedure.ResultsIn 5414 AF ablations, we identified a total of 108 (2.0%) major complications occurring intraprocedural or before discharge. Most major complications occurred intraprocedurally or within 6 h after the procedure (n = 96, 1.8%). Twelve (0.2%) major complications occurred between 6 h Postablation and discharge. The most common of these major complications were congestive heart failure (n = 6) and transient ischemic attack (TIA, n = 4). During this time span, 61 (1.1%) minor complications occurred. Factors independently associated with major complications intraprocedurally and until discharge were body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 (p = .009), significant valvular disease (p = .001), cardiomyopathy (p < .001), prior stroke or TIA (p = .014), first‐time procedure versus repeat procedure (p = .013), cryoablation versus radiofrequency (p < .001), and procedure duration (p < .001).ConclusionAfter AF ablation, very few complications occurred between 6 h postprocedure and discharge the next day. Therefore, same‐day discharge is a safe option for a majority of patients.
Cryoablation of atypical atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia
Authors: von Olshausen Gesa , Jemtrén Anette , Schwieler Jonas , Tapanainen Jari , Bourke Tara , Paul‐Nordin Astrid , Benson Lina , Saluveer Ott , Kennebäck Göran , Braunschweig Frieder , Drca Nikola 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimData on ablation for atypical recurrent atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and long‐term follow‐up are generally sparse. Furthermore, the rate of recurrence and safety of cryoablation for atypical AVNRT has not been established. We compared patients cryoablated for atypical AVNRT and typical AVNRT during long‐term follow‐up.MethodsAll patients (n = 2612) who underwent catheter ablation for AVNRT at the Karolinska University Hospital between January 2009 and August 2019 were analyzed. A total of 91 patients undergoing first‐time cryoablation for atypical AVNRT were included. A control group with first‐time cryoablation for typical AVNRT was matched in a 1:1 ratio. Patients were followed‐up for recurrences for a median of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 3.1–7.5 years).ResultsAfter 5 years, AVNRT recurrence occurred in 10 patients (11.0%) in the atypical AVNRT group and in 8 patients (8.8%) in the typical AVNRT group (hazard ratio: 1.31 [95% confidence interval: 0.52–3.32]; p = 0.568). The duration of the index procedure was significantly longer for atypical compared to typical AVNRT ablation (132.1 ± 49.2 min vs. 110.1 ± 38.8 min; p = 0.001). Transient AV blocks occurred in a similar fashion in the atypical compared to typical group (11 [12.1%] vs. 4 [4.9%]; p = 0.103). However, no ablation induced persistent AV block developed in either group.ConclusionCryoablation for atypical AVNRT showed similar rate of recurrences and safety compared to typical AVNRT during long‐term follow‐up.