bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lugdulysin of Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a metalloprotease that inhibits and disrupts protein biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Martinez Juan Pinheiro Oliveira , Vazquez Leonardo , Takeyama Matheus Mikio , Filho Tarcizio José Santos , Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , Guimarães Lorrayne Cardoso , Pereira Eliezer Menezes , Santos Katia Regina Netto Dos 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a commensal skin microorganism that, unlike other coagulase-negative staphylococci, presents increasing clinical importance. This species yields a metalloprotease called lugdulysin that may contribute to its higher degree of virulence. This study aimed to determine the biochemical characterization of the lugdulysin produced by S. lugdunensis clinical isolates and investigate its effect on the formation and disruption of biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The protease was isolated and characterized for its optimal pH and temperature, activity in the presence of inhibitors and enzymatic kinetics. The influence of metal cofactor supplementation on proteolysis was also evaluated, with and without inhibitors. Finally, the protease capacity to inhibit and disrupt biofilms of different S. aureus lineages and biofilm matrix was analyzed.
Results

The protease optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 37° C, respectively. EDTA inhibited the protease, and the activity was not recovered by divalent ion supplementation. In addition, divalent ions did not change enzymatic activity without inhibitors, which was stable for up to 3 hours. Its structure was determined via homology modelling. The protease significantly inhibited the formation and disrupted established biofilms of S. aureus isolates with protein biofilm.
Conclusions

This study confirmed features of the lugdulysin metalloprotease and showed that this S. lugdunensis virulence factor may be a new competition mechanism and/or modulation of the staphylococcal biofilm.
ADAM10- and Presenilin 1/γ-Secretase-Dependent Cleavage of PTPRT Mitigates Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Siling , Zhang Zhongyu , Li Lianwei , Yao Li , Ma Zhanshan , Li Jiali 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPTPRT (receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase T), as a brain-specific type 1 transmembrane protein, plays an important function in neurodevelopment and synapse formation. However, whether PTPRT-dependent signaling is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive.MethodsHere, we first applied biochemistry methods and bioinformatic analysis to test and quantify the processing and expression of PTPRT in both human and mouse models. AAV delivery, primary culture system, electrophysiology, behavior tests were also used in this study.ResultsWe identified that PTPRT intracellular domain (PICD), which was released from ADAM10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT, efficiently translocated to the nucleus via a conserved nuclear localization signal. Inhibition of Ptprt led to accumulation of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), which is a substrate of PTPRT and eventually resulted in neurodegeneration. Consistently, RNA sequencing reveals that expression of the PICD alone can profoundly alter the expression of genes associated with synapse function and dephosphorylation, phosphatase and cell adhesion. Unexpectedly, the downregulated levels of Ptprt mRNA and protein were found in both human and mouse AD brains. Finally, overexpression of PICD alone not only significantly decreases the level of phosph-STAT3Y705 and Ab deposition in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, but also improves synaptic function and behavioral deficits in APP/PS1 mice.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a novel role of the ADAM 10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT in the events can mitigate neurodegeneration of AD and moderate Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.
Drawing the line between sustainable and unsustainable fish: Product differentiation that supports sustainable development through trade measures
Authors: Baumgartner Urs , Bonanomi Elisabeth Bürgi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Unsustainable production practices and increased demand for fish have aggravated negative social, ecological, and environmental impacts in fisheries and aquaculture. Measures to correct bad practices have mainly been introduced by private actors. However, there is increased demand for state intervention, particularly regarding trade regulations concerning fish and other agricultural products. Building on discussions regarding product differentiation through trade measures that favor sustainable products, this study looked at how sustainable and unsustainable fish has been distinguished in Switzerland. In interviewing experts in the fish trade and sales business in Switzerland, the research aimed at understanding the actors and forces that shape the concept of sustainable fish in the country.
Results

Three ways of product differentiation for sustainable fish by private actors were identified: ecolabels, “Swiss produce,” and recommendations in the form of a “consumer guide for fish”. Consumption of sustainable products is currently constrained mainly due to price. Defining “sustainable fish” is challenging and subject to interpretation. All existing measures to differentiate sustainable from unsustainable fish products in Switzerland have shortcomings, particularly in terms of discrimination and inclusiveness. Fish ecolabels play a key role in product differentiation, but experts believe that they fail to accomodate all aspects of sustainability.
Conclusion

Our findings imply that the Swiss state should play a more important role if it targets to fulfill the promise of article 104a of the Swiss Constitution, which seeks to foster sustainable production and cross-border trade relations that contribute toward this goal. Due to similarities between the Swiss and other European fish markets, we assume that governments in general must have an active role in shaping the definition and trade of sustainable fish products. Preferred trade treatment for sustainable fish products is a potential option to increase the production and consumption of sustainable fish. When designing measures for product differentiation, a careful choice is paramount so as not to violate existing trade obligations.
High Small-Scale Variation of Leaf Traits And Their Plasticity Within And Among Genotypes of A Clonal Species
Authors: Jaaska Vello 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Genetic variation of plant traits and their phenotypic plasticity are two supplementary ways of plant adaptation to temporarily fluctuating and spatially heterogeneous environmental conditions. Genetic variability and plasticity of leaf traits have been studied extensively as important indicators of the plant survival. In the case of clonal species with a patchy local distribution of clonal individuals, it would be important to investigate leaf traits at a small spatial scale. Here, small-scale variability of leaf traits and their plasticity within and among clonally spread genotypes in small 2 x 2 m plots was examined on the example of the clonal legume Trifolium alpestre. Seven leaf traits, leaflet length, area, width, fresh and dry weights, dry matter content (LDMC), and specific leaf area (SLA), were measured for ramets of various clonal genotypes sampled from five natural populations of T. alpestre. High variation of leaf traits and their plasticity was detected among the individual ramets of genotypes in 2 x 2 m plots of within the same population, as well as differential variation among the genotypes from different populations. The extent of variation in leaf traits and plasticity was found to be specific for the particular trait, genotype and site. The observed high variation of leaf traits and their plasticity within and among the clonally spread genotypes in local sites of populations is attributed to their differential combined response on the small-scale heterogeneity in the habitat conditions and genetic factors. High variation of leaf traits and their plasticity allows plants effectively respond to spatiotemporally fluctuating environmental conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine TN-01 Reconstitutes T Cells in SIV–infected Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Wang Qiaoli , Zeng Qiongzhen , Ren Zhe , Li Yuefeng , Wang Rongze , Feng Yue , Ye Jianmeng , Song Xiaowei , Qin Shurong , Zhou Pengjun , Zhu Yexuan , Liang Feng , Li Ziyao , Qi Hemei , Qin Li , Jin Fujun , Wang Yifei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) cannot recover the T cell counts in a substantial proportion of AIDS patients and viral loads rapidly rebound after ART suspension. Therefore, exploring novel alternative and adjuvant ART has become a priority in HIV treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have beneficial effects in regulating T cells and our previous clinical trial data have shown that TCM TN-01 maintains good health of patients with AIDS with an unclear mechanism. Herein, we preliminary investigated whether TN-01 influences immune reconstruction to enhance the antiviral immune response in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus monkeys. Methods: The SIV-infected animals were firstly administered with TN-01 alone (5 ml/kg; twice a day, i.g.). More than 2 months later, these 2 SIV-infected rhesus monkeys were intraperitoneally injected with PMPA (30 mg/kg; once a day) and FTC (20 mg/kg; once a day) for about 3 months. Moreover, SIV-infected rhesus monkeys were also administered with TN-01 each 2 weeks from week 23 to week 35 during ART. Flow cytometer were used to assess the phenotype of T cell and plasma was isolated from whole blood for viral load detection. Results: The flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with TN-01 alone or combined with ART significantly upregulated T cells counts and the proportions of T cell subsets. TN-01 treatment also delayed viral rebound after ART suspension. Conclusions: Our data indicate that TN-01 could enhance the efficacy of ART and promote immune reconstruction, suggesting TN-01 treatment as a potent strategy in immune functional cure of HIV infection.
Intravenous Administration of Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Insulin Growth Factor-1 Improves the Neurological Performances of Rats Following Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , wei li , Zhou Yinglian , Ouyang Yuanjiao , Wang Duo , Yue Hui , Jiao Zhuomin , Wang Yifei , Wang Xu , Shi Ying , Xu Yunyun , He Zhijun , Fu Jin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Focal cerebral ischemia is a common cerebrovascular disease with limited treatment options, and new treatments are therefore urgently needed. Hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) are considered ideal cells for the treatment of neurological disorders. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an effective neuroprotective compound. Methods: In the present study, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of HF-MSCs and IGF-1 in focal cerebral ischemia. After middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), rats were randomly divided into six groups. HF-MSCs and IGF-1 were transplanted into rat models by tail vein injection. The fate of transplanted HF-MSCs in the rat brain was assessed using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Beam balance tests and neurological severity scores were used to assess neurological recovery. Results: HF-MSCs labeled with the green fluorescent dye PKH67 were found to colocalize with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and neural-specific markers. Rats in the HF-MSCs, IGF-1 and HF-MSCs + IGF-1 groups exhibited neural differentiation marker expression, with those in the HF-MSCs + IGF-1 group exhibiting the highest levels. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combined treatment of HF-MSCs and IGF-1 can enhance neurological recovery, representing a new therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia.
Microbial Diversity in Cultivated and Feral Vanilla Vanilla Planifolia Orchids Affected by Stem and Rot Disease
Authors: Carbajal-Valenzuela Ireri A. , Muñoz-Sanchez Ariel H. , Hernández-Hernández Juan , Barona-Gómez Francisco , Truong Camille , Cibrian-Jaramillo Angelica 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The worldwide production of vanilla, a native orchid from Mexico, is greatly affected by stem and root rot disease, typically associated with Fusarium oxysporum fungi. We hypothesized that the presence of Fusarium species in vanilla is not sufficient for the plant to express symptoms of the disease. We described the taxonomic composition of endophytic microbiomes in symptomatic, asymptomatic vanilla plants using 16S and ITS rDNA metabarcoding, and ITS Sanger sequences generated from fungal isolates. We compared the bacterial and fungal diversity in vanilla plants from a long-term plantation, and from feral plants found near abandoned plantations that did not present SRD symptoms. No significant differences were found in the species richness of the bacterial and fungal microbiome among feral, or asymptomatic and symptomatic cultivated vanilla. However, significant differences were detected in both fungal and bacterial diversity from different organs in the same plant, with roots being more diverse than stems. We found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, as well as the fungal families Nectriaceae and Xylariaceae, constitute the core of the vanilla microbiome that inhabits the root and stem of both cultivated and feral plants. Our work provides information on the microbial diversity found in root and stem rot in vanilla and lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in fungal diseases in vanilla cultivation.
Research on Hydroforming Micro-Sized Spiral Pipe With Equal Wall Thickness
Authors: Shi Changshuai , Li Jinping , Zhu Xiaohua 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The positive displacement motor is currently the most widely used downhole power tool. In order to reduce the cost of drilling and exploration, small boreholes have been used to replace conventional boreholes. The working conditions are complex, so a high-performance positive displacement motor for micro-holes is required. In order to solve the problem of the difficulty in processing the inner spiral surface of the small size and large aspect ratio, the tiny size spiral tube stator is proposed in this paper and the normal temperature and hot state hydroforming of the small size spiral tube is proposed in this paper. The material is 42crmo, and the uniaxial tensile test is carried out at different temperatures. According to the material mechanical properties experiment and the forming process, the finite element model of the hydroformed spiral tube at different temperatures is established. The study found that the suitable tube size is 48mm in outer diameter, 5.5mm in wall thickness, and 1405mm in length. When the processing temperature is 700℃, the hydraulic pressure required for full expansion of the spiral tube is only 70MPa, and the rebound of the spiral tube is very small. The minimum wall thickness is the maximum of 4.31mm, and the maximum wall thickness is the minimum of 5.356mm, and the wall thickness distribution is relatively uniform. The maximum plastic strain of the spiral tube is 0.65, so the damage to the material during the forming process is small, and when the processing temperature is 700℃, the quality of the spiral tube is better.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Respiratory Diseases Viruses in Poultry During 2020
Authors: Yehia Nahed , Amer Fatma , Samir Abdelhafez , Samy Mohamed , Sedeek Ahmed , Rebie Neveen , Mohammed Wafaa , Aboelenin Salama Mostafa , Soliman Mohamed M. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Hagag Naglaa 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Poultry production has affected by multiple respiratory disease triggering serious economic losses in Egypt. In this study, the situation and genetic evolution of respiratory disease in Egypt during 2020 were studied. We collected 53 samples from infected flocks suffered from respiratory signs and variable mortality rate from nine governorates in Egypt during 2020. The collected samples were examined for detection of respiratory disease viruses (Avian influenza virus (AIV), Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) by rRT-PCR. The single infection was confirmed in 90.6% (37.7% I. B, 30.2% AIV (H5N8), 9.4% I. B and 5.7% NDV) and co-infection of HPAIV (H5N8) + I.BV and LPAIV (H9N2) +IBV were detected in 3.8% in nine governorates. The HA gene of HPAIV (H5N8) were cluster to clad 2.3.4.4.1b in new branch with characteristic specific mutations especially in T140A in antigenic site A and R72S in the receptor binding site when comparing with A/duck/Egypt/F446/2017 with low A.A identity percent with vaccinal strains (H5N1 and H5N2) reach to 91.9-94% and 84.6% respectively. The HA gene of AIV (H9N2) were belong to A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97-like virus clustered with group B with specific mutation (212I) that may be effect on human transmission of the virus. The HVRs of S1 gene of IBV cluster to GI23 (Egy Var I) clad with multiple mutation in HVR1, HVR2 when comparing with IBV/CU/4/2014 and low identity percent (68.3%-78.8%) with vaccine strains (H120, M41, 4/91). In conclusion, the respiratory disease continues circulate and rapidly evolved in Egypt during 2020.
TPX2 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma Cells Through Stabilizing E2F1
Authors: Mao Min , Zhou Lei , Ma Xinglong , Yang Mengkai , Wang Gangyang , Zuo Dongqing , Wang Zhuoying , Wang Zongyi , Zhang Tao , Xu Jing , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone cancer. Recently, more studies have shown that TPX2, a potential oncogene considered to be an important prognostic biomarker, is widely expressed in various tumors. However, until now, little is known about the impacts of TPX2 on the pathogenesis of OS.Methods: TPX2 expression of in OS cells and tissues was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Various assays were used to analyze OS cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The effect of TPX2 on the expression of E2F1 and proteins encoded by E2F1-regulated genes was evaluated by Western blotting. Coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and in vitro ubiquitination assays were employed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of TPX2 on stabilizing E2F1 and maintaining E2F1 signaling.Results: TPX2 is overexpressed in OS and is significantly correlated with the malignant progression of OS. TPX2 probably plays a critical role in the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells in vitro. Furthermore, TPX2 regulates E2F1 signaling by affecting the stability of E2F1, thereby affecting the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells. In addition, PSMD14 impacts the degradation and regulates the stability of E2F1. Most importantly, TPX2 regulates the interaction of E2F1 and PSMD14 to influence E2F1 degradation.Conclusions: Our research not only identifies TPX2 as a promising therapeutic target in cancer but also illuminates its underlying molecular mechanism. We showed that TPX2 promotes the malignant progression of OS by regulating E2F1 signaling.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm for Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Copper Joints from its Microstructures
Authors: Mishra Akshansh , Suman Asmita 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a special type of Artificial Neural Network which takes input in the form of an image. Like Artificial Neural Network they consist of weights that are estimated during training, neurons (activation functions), and an objective (loss function). CNN is finding various applications in image recognition, semantic segmentation, object detection, and localization. The present work deals with the prediction of the welding efficiency of the Friction Stir Welded joints on the basis of microstructure images by carrying out training on 3000 microstructure images and further testing on 300 microstructure images. The obtained results showed an accuracy of 80 % on the validation dataset.
sTNFRII-Fc modification protects human UC-MSCs against apoptosis/autophagy induced by TNF-α and enhances their efficacy in alleviating inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Yang Xuezhi , Li Siyu , Zhang Bingjie , Li Susu , Wang Xinwei , Wang Yueye , Jia Chengyan , Chang Yan , Wei Wei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors represented by etanercept (a fusion protein containing soluble TNF receptor Ⅱ (sTNFRⅡ) and the Fc segment of human IgG1) play a pivotal role in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, long-term use increases the risk of infection and tumors for their systemic inhibition of TNF-α, which disrupts the regular physiological function of this molecular. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based delivery system provides new options for RA treatment with their “homing” and immune-regulation capacities, whereas inflammatory environment (especially TNF-α) is not conducive to MSCs' therapeutic effects by inducing apoptosis/autophagy. Here, we constructed a strain of sTNFRⅡ-Fc-expressing MSCs (sTNFRⅡ-MSC), aiming to offset the deficiency of those two interventions.
Methods

Constructed sTNFRII-Fc lentiviral vector was used to infect human umbilical cord-derived MSCs, and sTNFRII-MSC stable cell line was generated by monoclonal cultivation. In vitro and vivo characteristics of sTNFRII-MSC were assessed by coculture assay and an acute inflammatory model in NOD/SCID mice. The sTNFRII-MSC were transplanted into CIA model, pathological and immunological indicators were detected to evaluate the therapeutic effects of sTNFRII-MSC. The distribution of sTNFRII-MSC was determined by immunofluorescence assay. Apoptosis and autophagy was analyzed by flow cytometry, western blot and immunofluorescence.
Results

sTNFRⅡ-Fc secreted by sTNFRⅡ-MSC present biological activity both in vitro and vivo. sTNFRⅡ-MSC transplantation effectively alleviates mice collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) via migrating to affected area, protecting articular cartilage destruction, modulating immune balance and sTNFRⅡ-MSC showed prolonged internal retention via resisting apoptosis/autophagy induced by TNF-α.
Conclusion

sTNFRⅡ-Fc modification protects MSCs against apoptosis/autophagy induced by TNF-α, in addition to releasing sTNFRⅡ-Fc neutralizing TNF-α to block relevant immune-inflammation cascade, and thus exert better therapeutic effects in alleviating inflammatory arthritis.