bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penetration mechanics of elongated female and male genitalia of earwigs
Authors: Matsumura Yoko , Kamimura Yoshitaka , Lee Chow-Yang , Gorb Stanislav N. , Rajabi Hamed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe unveiled the penile penetration mechanics of two earwig species,Echinosoma horridum, whose intromittent organ, termed virga, is extraordinarily long, andE. denticulatum, whose virga is conversely short. We characterised configuration, geometry, material and bending stiffness for both virga and spermatheca. The short virga ofE. denticulatumhas a material gradient with the stiffer base, whereas the long virga ofE. horridumand the spermathecae of both species are homogeneously sclerotised. The long virga ofE. horridumhas a lower bending stiffness than the spermatheca. The virga ofE. denticulatumis overall less flexible than the spermatheca. We compared our results to a previous study on the penetration mechanics of elongated beetle genitalia. Based on the comparison, we hypothesised that the lower stiffness of the male intromittent organ comparing to the corresponding female structure is a universal prerequisite for the penetration mechanics of the elongated intromittent organ in insects.
A derivative of vitamin B3 applied several days after exposure reduces lethality of severely irradiated mice
Authors: Cheda Aneta , Nowosielska Ewa M. , Gebicki Jerzy , Marcinek Andrzej , Chlopicki Stefan , Janiak Marek K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMost, if not all, of the hitherto tested substances exert more or less pronounced pro-survival effects when applied before or immediately after the exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. In the present study we demonstrate for the first time that 1-methyl nicotinamide (MNA), a derivative of vitamin B3, significantly (1.6 to 1.9 times) prolonged survival of BALB/c mice irradiated at LD30/30 (6.5 Gy), LD50/30 (7.0 Gy) or LD80/30 (7.5 Gy) of γ-rays when the MNA administration started as late as 7 days post irradiation. A slightly less efficient and only after the highest dose (7.5 Gy) of γ-rays was another vitamin B3 derivative, 1-methyl-3-acetylpyridine (1,3-MAP) (1.4-fold prolonged survival). These pro-survival effects did not seem to be mediated by stimulation of haematopoiesis, but might be related to anti-inflammatory and/or anti-thrombotic properties of the vitamin B3 derivatives. Our results show that MNA may represent a prototype of a radioremedial agent capable of mitigating the severity and/or progression of radiation-induced injuries when applied several hours or days after exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation.
Tick defensin γ-core reduces Fusarium graminearum growth and abrogates mycotoxins production with high efficiency
Authors: Leannec-Rialland Valentin , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Atanasova Vessela , Chereau Sylvain , Ponts Nadia , Tonk Miray , Vilcinskas Andreas , Ferrer Nathalie , Valdés James J. , Richard-Forget Florence 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFusarium graminearum is a major fungal pathogen affecting crops of worldwide importance. F. graminearum produces type B trichothecene mycotoxins (TCTB), which are not fully eliminated during food and feed processing. Therefore, the best way to minimize TCTB contamination is to develop prevention strategies. Herein we show that treatment with the reduced form of the γ-core of the tick defensin DefMT3, referred to as TickCore3 (TC3), decreases F. graminearum growth and abrogates TCTB production. The oxidized form of TC3 loses antifungal activity, but retains anti-mycotoxin activity. Molecular dynamics show that TC3 is recruited by specific membrane phospholipids in F. graminearum and that membrane binding of the oxidized form of TC3 is unstable. Capping each of the three cysteine residues of TC3 with methyl groups reduces its inhibitory efficacy. Substitutions of the positively-charged residues lysine (Lys) 6 or arginine 7 by threonine had the highest and the lesser impact, respectively, on the anti-mycotoxin activity of TC3. We conclude that the binding of linear TC3 to F. graminearum membrane phospholipids is required for the antifungal activity of the reduced peptide. Besides, Lys6 appears essential for the anti-mycotoxin activity of the reduced peptide. Our results provide foundation for developing novel and environment-friendly strategies for controlling F. graminearum.
CDC2-like (CLK) protein kinase inhibition as a novel targeted therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer
Authors: Uzor Simon , Porazinski Sean R. , Li Ling , Clark Bethany , Ajiro Masahiko , Iida Kei , Hagiwara Masatoshi , Alqasem Abdullah A. , Perks Claire M. , Wilson Ian D. , Oltean Sebastian , Ladomery Michael R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDysregulation of alternative splicing is a feature of cancer, both in aetiology and progression. It occurs because of mutations in splice sites or sites that regulate splicing, or because of the altered expression and activity of splice factors and of splice factor kinases that regulate splice factor activity. Recently the CDC2-like kinases (CLKs) have attracted attention due to their increasing involvement in cancer. We measured the effect of the CLK inhibitor, the benzothiazole TG003, on two prostate cancer cell lines. TG003 reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in PC3 and DU145 cells. Conversely, the overexpression of CLK1 in PC3 cells prevented TG003 from reducing cell proliferation. TG003 slowed scratch closure and reduced cell migration and invasion in a transwell assay. TG003 decisively inhibited the growth of a PC3 cell line xenograft in nude mice. We performed a transcriptomic analysis of cells treated with TG003. We report widespread and consistent changes in alternative splicing of cancer-associated genes including CENPE, ESCO2, CKAP2, MELK, ASPH and CD164 in both HeLa and PC3 cells. Together these findings suggest that targeting CLKs will provide novel therapeutic opportunities in prostate cancer.
STORM imaging reveals the spatial arrangement of transition zone components and IFT particles at the ciliary base in Tetrahymena
Authors: Hazime Khodor S. , Zhou Zhu , Joachimiak Ewa , Bulgakova Natalia A. , Wloga Dorota , Malicki Jarema J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe base of the cilium comprising the transition zone (TZ) and transition fibers (TF) acts as a selecting gate to regulate the intraflagellar transport (IFT)-dependent trafficking of proteins to and from cilia. Before entering the ciliary compartment, IFT complexes and transported cargoes accumulate at or near the base of the cilium. The spatial organization of IFT proteins at the cilia base is key for understanding cilia formation and function. Using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and computational averaging, we show that seven TZ, nine IFT, three Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), and one centrosomal protein, form 9-clustered rings at the cilium base of a ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. In the axial dimension, analyzed TZ proteins localize to a narrow region of about 30 nm while IFT proteins dock approximately 80 nm proximal to TZ. Moreover, the IFT-A subcomplex is positioned peripheral to the IFT-B subcomplex and the investigated BBS proteins localize near the ciliary membrane. The positioning of the HA-tagged N- and C-termini of the selected proteins enabled the prediction of the spatial orientation of protein particles and likely cargo interaction sites. Based on the obtained data, we built a comprehensive 3D-model showing the arrangement of the investigated ciliary proteins.
Abnormal myocardial work in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Sabatino Jolanda , Borrelli Nunzia , Fraisse Alain , Herberg Jethro , Karagadova Elena , Avesani Martina , Bucciarelli Valentina , Josen Manjit , Paredes Josefa , Piccinelli Enrico , Spada Maraisa , Krupickova Sylvia , Indolfi Ciro , Di Salvo Giovanni 
Published: April 2021

AbstractKawasaki disease (KD) can be associated with high morbidity and mortality due to coronary artery aneurysms formation and myocardial dysfunction. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of non-invasive myocardial work in predicting subtle myocardial abnormalities in Kawasaki disease (KD) children with coronary dilatation (CADL). A total of 100 patients (age 8.7 ± 5 years) were included: 45 children with KD and CADL (KD/CADL) (Z-score > 2.5), 45 age-matched controls (CTRL) and, finally, an additional group of 10 children with KD in absence of coronary dilatation (KD group). Left ventricular (LV) systolic function and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were assessed. Global myocardial work index (MWI) was calculated as the area of the LV pressure-strain loops. From MWI, global Constructive Work (MCW), Wasted Work (MWW) and Work Efficiency (MWE) were estimated. Despite normal LV systolic function by routine echocardiography, KD/CADL patients had lower MWI (1433.2 ± 375.8 mmHg% vs 1752.2 ± 265.7 mmHg%, p < 0.001), MCW (1885.5 ± 384.2 mmHg% vs 2175.9 ± 292.4 mmHg%, p = 0.001) and MWE (994.0 ± 4.8% vs 95.9 ± 2.0%, p = 0.030) compared to CTRL. Furthermore, MWI was significantly reduced in children belonging to the KD group in comparison with controls (KD: 1498.3 ± 361.7 mmHg%; KD vs CTRL p = 0.028) and was comparable between KD/CADL and KD groups (KD/CADL vs KD p = 0.896). Moreover, KD/CADL patients with normal GLS (n = 38) preserved significant differences in MWI and MCW in comparison with CTRL. MWI, MCW and MWE were significantly reduced in KD children despite normal LVEF and normal GLS. These abnormalities seems independent from CADL. Thus, in KD with normal LVEF and normal GLS, estimation of MWI may be a more sensitive indicator of myocardial dysfunction.
The impact of baseline glomerular filtration rate on subsequent changes of glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Yi-Chih , Lai Tai-Shuan , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chen Yung-Ming , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Tu Yu-Kang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHigher baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may yield subsequent steeper GFR decline, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, this correlation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the presence or absence of DM remains controversial. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study in a single medical center between 2011 and 2018. Participants with CKD stage 1 to 3A were enrolled and divided into DM groups and non-DM groups, and then followed up at least every 6 months. We used a linear mixed regression model with centering time variable to overcome the problem of mathematical coupling in the analysis of the relation between baseline GFR and the changes, and compared the results from correct and incorrect specifications of the mixed models. A total number of 1002 patients with 285 diabetic and 717 non-diabetic persons was identified. The linear mixed regression model revealed a significantly negative correlation between baseline GFR and subsequent GFR change rate in both diabetic group and non-diabetic group (r =  − 0.44 [95% confidence interval [CI], − 0.69 to − 0.09]), but no statistical significance in non-diabetic group after within-subject mean centering of time variable (r =  − 0.09 [95% CI, − 0.41 to 0.25]). Our study showed that higher baseline GFR was associated with a subsequent steeper GFR decline in the DM group but not in the non-DM group among patients with early-stage CKD. Exact model specifications should be described in detail to prevent from a spurious conclusion.
He–Ne laser accelerates seed germination by modulating growth hormones and reprogramming metabolism in brinjal
Authors: Swathy Puthanvila Surendrababu , Kiran Kodsara Ramachandra , Joshi Manjunath B , Mahato Krishna Kishore , Muthusamy Annamalai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA plant’s ability to maximize seed germination, growth, and photosynthetic productivity depends on its aptitude to sense, evaluate, and respond to the quality, quantity, and direction of the light. Among diverse colors of light possessing different wavelengths and red light shown to have a high impact on the photosynthetic and growth responses of the plants. The use of artificial light sources where the quality, intensity, and duration of exposure can be controlled would be an efficient method to increase the efficiency of the crop plants. The coherent, collimated, and monochromatic properties of laser light sources enabled as biostimulator compared to the normal light. The present study was attempted to use the potential role of the He–Ne laser as a bio-stimulator device to improve the germination and growth of brinjal and to investigate the possible interactions of plant and laser photons. A substantial enhancement was observed in germination index, germination time and seed vigor index of laser-irradiated than control groups. The enhanced germination rate was correlated with higher GA content and its biosynthetic genes whereas decreased ABA content and its catabolic genes and GA/ABA ratio were noted in laser-irradiated groups during seed germination than control groups. Further the expression of phytochrome gene transcripts, PhyA and PhyB1 were upregulated in laser-irradiated seedlings which correlate with enhanced seed germination than control. Elevated levels of primary metabolites were noted in the early stages of germination whereas modulation of secondary metabolites was observed in later growth. Consequently, significantly increased photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate was perceived in laser-irradiated seedlings compare with control. The current study showed hormone and phytochrome-mediated mechanisms of seed germination in laser-irradiated groups along with the enhanced photosynthetic rate, primary and secondary metabolites.
Structural comparison of Acinetobacter baumannii β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein reductases in fatty acid and aryl polyene biosynthesis
Authors: Lee Woo Cheol , Choi Sungjae , Jang Ahjin , Son Kkabi , Kim Yangmee 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSome Gram-negative bacteria harbor lipids with aryl polyene (APE) moieties. Biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) for APE biosynthesis exhibit striking similarities with fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes. Despite their broad distribution among pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria, the detailed roles of the metabolic products of APE gene clusters are unclear. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase ApeQ produced by an APE gene cluster from clinically isolated virulent Acinetobacter baumannii in two states (bound and unbound to NADPH). An in vitro visible absorption spectrum assay of the APE polyene moiety revealed that the β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase FabG from the A. baumannii FAS gene cluster cannot be substituted for ApeQ in APE biosynthesis. Comparison with the FabG structure exhibited distinct surface electrostatic potential profiles for ApeQ, suggesting a positively charged arginine patch as the cognate ACP-binding site. Binding modeling for the aryl group predicted that Leu185 (Phe183 in FabG) in ApeQ is responsible for 4-benzoyl moiety recognition. Isothermal titration and arginine patch mutagenesis experiments corroborated these results. These structure–function insights of a unique reductase in the APE BGC in comparison with FAS provide new directions for elucidating host–pathogen interaction mechanisms and novel antibiotics discovery.
The larval environment strongly influences the bacterial communities of Aedes triseriatus and Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Juma Elijah O. , Allan Brian F. , Kim Chang-Hyun , Stone Christopher , Dunlap Christopher , Muturi Ephantus J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMosquito bacterial communities are essential in mosquito biology, and knowing the factors shaping these bacterial communities is critical to their application in mosquito-borne disease control. This study investigated how the larval environment influences the bacterial communities of larval stages of two container-dwelling mosquito species, Aedes triseriatus, and Aedes japonicus. Larval and water samples were collected from tree holes and used tires at two study sites, and their bacteria characterized through MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial richness was highest in Ae. japonicus, intermediate in Ae. triseriatus, and lowest in water samples. Dysgonomonas was the dominant bacterial taxa in Ae. triseriatus larvae; the unclassified Comamonadaceae was dominant in water samples from waste tires, while Mycobacterium and Carnobacterium, dominated Ae. japonicus. The two mosquito species harbored distinct bacterial communities that were different from those of the water samples. The bacterial communities also clustered by habitat type (used tires vs. tree holes) and study site. These findings demonstrate that host species, and the larval sampling environment are important determinants of a significant component of bacterial community composition and diversity in mosquito larvae and that the mosquito body may select for microbes that are generally rare in the larval environment.
Transcriptomic analysis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to laminin binding protein (adhesion lipoprotein) and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Jiménez-Munguía Irene , Tomečková Zuzana , Mochnáčová Evelína , Bhide Katarína , Majerová Petra , Bhide Mangesh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniaeinvades the CNS and triggers a strong cellular response. To date, signaling events that occur in the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), in response to pneumococci or its surface adhesins are not mapped comprehensively. We evaluated the response of hBMECs to the adhesion lipoprotein (a laminin binding protein—Lbp) or live pneumococci. Lbp is a surface adhesin recently identified as a potential ligand, which binds to the hBMECs. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-seq of three independent biological replicates and validated with qRT-PCR using 11 genes. In total 350 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after infection withS. pneumoniae,whereas 443 DEGs when challenged with Lbp. Total 231 DEGs were common in both treatments. Integrative functional analysis revealed participation of DEGs in cytokine, chemokine, TNF signaling pathways and phagosome formation. Moreover, Lbp induced cell senescence and breakdown, and remodeling of ECM. This is the first report which maps complete picture of cell signaling events in the hBMECs triggered againstS. pneumoniaeand Lbp. The data obtained here could contribute in a better understanding of the invasion of pneumococci across BBB and underscores role of Lbp adhesin in evoking the gene expression in neurovascular unit.
How to put quantum particles on magic bullet trajectories that can hit two targets without a clear line-of-sight
Authors: Hofmann Holger F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuantum particles move in strange ways, even when they propagate freely in space. As a result of the uncertainty principle, it is not possible to control the initial conditions of particle emission in such a way that the particle will definitely pass through two precisely defined positions along its path, even if it is possible to line up the two positions with the emitter. However, there is also an upside to the quantum mechanical laws of motion: constructive quantum interferences can actually raise probabilities to values higher than those permitted by classical causality. Here, it is shown that conventional interferometric methods can be used to prepare photons in a quantum state in which a non-vanishing fraction of particles will hit both of two possible targets, even though the direct line-of-sight connecting the two targets is blocked at the source. The demonstration of the effect is complicated by the uncertainty principle because the physical detection of a particle at one target disturbs the motion of the particle, making it impossible to determine whether the initial state of motion would have allowed the particle to hit the other target or not. It is nonetheless possible to determine the minimal fraction of “magic bullet” particles that must have hit both targets by showing that the number of particles hitting target A is larger than the number of particles missing target B. Quantum interference effects can thus be used to optimize the path of particles in free space beyond the classical limit of motion along a straight line.
Deep brain electrical neurofeedback allows Parkinson patients to control pathological oscillations and quicken movements
Authors: Bichsel Oliver , Stieglitz Lennart H. , Oertel Markus F. , Baumann Christian R. , Gassert Roger , Imbach Lukas L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractParkinsonian motor symptoms are linked to pathologically increased beta-oscillations in the basal ganglia. While pharmacological treatment and deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduce these pathological oscillations concomitantly with improving motor performance, we set out to explore neurofeedback as an endogenous modulatory method. We implemented real-time processing of pathological subthalamic beta oscillations through implanted DBS electrodes to provide deep brain electrical neurofeedback. Patients volitionally controlled ongoing beta-oscillatory activity by visual neurofeedback within minutes of training. During a single one-hour training session, the reduction of beta-oscillatory activity became gradually stronger and we observed improved motor performance. Lastly, endogenous control over deep brain activity was possible even after removing visual neurofeedback, suggesting that neurofeedback-acquired strategies were retained in the short-term. Moreover, we observed motor improvement when the learnt mental strategies were applied 2 days later without neurofeedback. Further training of deep brain neurofeedback might provide therapeutic benefits for Parkinson patients by improving symptom control using strategies optimized through neurofeedback.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation induces stabilizing modifications in large-scale functional brain networks: towards understanding the effects of taVNS in subjects with epilepsy
Authors: von Wrede Randi , Rings Thorsten , Schach Sophia , Helmstaedter Christoph , Lehnertz Klaus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique considered as a potential supplementary treatment option for subjects with refractory epilepsy. Its exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. We developed an examination schedule to probe for immediate taVNS-induced modifications of large-scale epileptic brain networks and accompanying changes of cognition and behaviour. In this prospective trial, we applied short-term (1 h) taVNS to 14 subjects with epilepsy during a continuous 3-h EEG recording which was embedded in two standardized neuropsychological assessments. From these EEG, we derived evolving epileptic brain networks and tracked important topological, robustness, and stability properties of networks over time. In the majority of investigated subjects, taVNS induced measurable and persisting modifications in network properties that point to a more resilient epileptic brain network without negatively impacting cognition, behaviour, or mood. The stimulation was well tolerated and the usability of the device was rated good. Short-term taVNS has a topology-modifying, robustness- and stability-enhancing immediate effect on large-scale epileptic brain networks. It has no detrimental effects on cognition and behaviour. Translation into clinical practice requires further studies to detail knowledge about the exact mechanisms by which taVNS prevents or inhibits seizures.