bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in Agrobacterium transformation and vector design result in high‐frequency targeted gene insertion in maize
Authors: Peterson Dave , Barone Pierluigi , Lenderts Brian , Schwartz Chris , Feigenbutz Lanie , St. Clair Grace , Jones Spencer , Svitashev Sergei 
Published: May 2021

SummaryCRISPR‐Cas is a powerful DNA double‐strand break technology with wide‐ranging applications in plant genome modification. However, the efficiency of genome editing depends on various factors including plant genetic transformation processes and types of modifications desired. Agrobacterium infection is the preferred method of transformation and delivery of editing components into the plant cell. While this method has been successfully used to generate gene knockouts in multiple crops, precise nucleotide replacement and especially gene insertion into a pre‐defined genomic location remain highly challenging. Here, we report an efficient, selectable marker‐free site‐specific gene insertion in maize using Agrobacterium infection. Advancements in maize transformation and new vector design enabled increase of targeted insertion frequencies by two orders of magnitude in comparison to conventional Agrobacterium‐mediated delivery. Importantly, these advancements allowed not only a significant improvement of the frequency, but also of the quality of generated events. These results further enable the application of genome editing for trait product development in a wide variety of crop species amenable to Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation.
Fluctuating thermal regimes extend longevity and maintain fecundity to increase shelf‐life of Drosophila melanogaster cultures
Authors: Melicher Dacotah , Wilson Amanda M. , Yocum George D. , Rinehart Joseph P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReduced temperatures increase longevity in cold‐tolerant insects, but insects that are not cold‐tolerant experience elevated mortality at constant low temperatures. Fluctuating thermal regimes (FTRs) increase longevity in many insect species while slowing or delaying development and senescence. Under FTR insects are held at low temperature with a daily warm pulse of increased temperature. The model organism Drosophila melanogaster is widely used for diverse research activities and numerous transgenic strains have been developed and must be maintained in continuous culture at stock centres. We measured the effect of FTR that oscillates between 6 and 22 °C on the longevity and fertility of adult D. melanogaster versus a constant temperature of 6 and 22 °C. We demonstrate that FTR increases mean longevity by 8.8‐fold compared to a constant 6 °C and by 5.9‐fold to a constant 22 °C. We assessed male and female fertility of FTR treated adults from 20 to 100 days at 20 day intervals and constant temperature treated adults after 7 days. Under FTR males exhibited increased fertility peaking at 80 days before dropping significantly at 100 days. Mean female fertility declined steadily under FTR but remained at 53% of constant temperature‐treated flies after 60 days. The increased male fertility remains unexplained. Fertility of the offspring of FTR‐treated adults did not differ from flies reared at constant 22 °C. FTR extends generations and cultures incubated under this protocol can establish new cultures. FTR can be used to further investigate the accumulation and mitigation of chill injury and is suitable for reducing maintenance in stock centres.
Paraptosis after ER Photodamage Initiated by m‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl) Chlorin
Authors: Kessel David 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTwo cell lines, A549 (human‐derived nonsmall‐cell lung cancer) and 1c1c7 (mouse hepatoma), were photosensitized with m‐THPC and irradiated under LD90 conditions. After 4 h, a pattern of cytoplasmic vacuoles had formed consistent with the initiation of paraptosis. After irradiation, there was no detectable loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential indicating no significant photodamage to mitochondria. We did, however, observe localization of m‐THPC in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as indicated by fluorescence microscopy. Subsequent ER perturbation is known to result in initiation of paraptosis, another pathway to cell death. While an apoptotic response to m‐THPC has been reported, the ability to target ER and induce paraptosis could explain the efficacy of this agent which could therefore eradicate cell types with an impaired apoptotic response.
Structural Engineering of Fluorescent Self‐Threaded Peptide Probes for Targeted Cell Imaging†
Authors: Schreiber Cynthia L. , Zhai Canjia , Smith Bradley D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSquaraine figure‐eight (SF8) molecules are a new class of deep‐red fluorescent probes that are well suited for fluorescence cell microscopy due to their very high fluorescence brightness and excellent stability. Three homologous SF8 probes, with peptidyl loops that differ by very minor changes in the peptide sequence, were synthesized and assessed for probe uptake by cancer cells. One of probes included the RGD motif that is recognized by many classes of integrin receptors that reside on the surface of the cancer cells, and it permeated the cells by receptor‐mediated endocytosis. In contrast, cell microscopy showed that there was negligible cell uptake of the two homologous SF8 probes indicating differences in probe targeting capability. The synthetic method allows for easy alteration of the peptide sequence; thus, it is straightforward to develop new classes of peptidyl SF8 probes with loop sequences that target other cancer biomarkers.
Stable Transfection of the Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizing Protein SOPP3: Examining Aspects of Intracellular Behavior†
Authors: Mogensen Ditte J. , Westberg Michael , Breitenbach Thomas , Etzerodt Michael , Ogilby Peter R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProtein‐encased chromophores that photosensitize the production of reactive oxygen species, ROS, have been the center of recent activity in studies of oxidative stress. One potential attribute of such systems is that the local environment surrounding the chromophore, and that determines the chromophore’s photophysics, ideally remains constant and independent of the global environment into which the system is placed. Therefore, a protein‐encased sensitizer localized in the mitochondria would arguably have the same photophysics as that protein‐encased sensitizer at the plasma membrane, for example. One thus obtains a useful tool to study processes modulated by spatially localized ROS. One ROS of interest is singlet oxygen, O2(a1Δg). We recently developed a singlet oxygen photosensitizing protein, SOPP, in which flavin mononucleotide, FMN, is encased in a re‐engineered light‐oxygen‐voltage protein. One goal was to ascertain how a version of this system, SOPP3, which selectively makes O2(a1Δg), in vitro, behaves in a cell. We now demonstrate that SOPP3 undergoes exacerbated irradiation‐mediated bleaching when expressed at either the plasma membrane or mitochondria in stable cell lines. We find that the environment around the SOPP3 system affects the bleaching rate, which argues against one of the key suppositions in support of a protein‐encased chromophore.
Role of Light and Plant Hormones in Stem Parasitic Plant (Cuscuta and Cassytha) Twining and Haustoria Induction
Authors: Furuhashi Katsuhisa , Iwase Koji , Furuhashi Takeshi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCuscuta and Cassytha are two distinct stem parasitic plant genera developing haustoria at their stem. The initial step to parasitization is twining onto the host plant. Although twining is the critical first step, less attention has been paid to this aspect in stem haustoria parasitic plant studies. As tendril coiling is also controlled by light and plant hormones, we investigated the role of light (blue, red and far‐red) and hormones (auxin, brassinolide, cytokinin) in twining of stem parasitic plants (Cuscuta japonica and Cassytha filiformis). In general, both Cuscuta and Cassytha showed similar behavior to light cues. The data show that blue light is essential for twining, and a lower far‐red/red light (FR/R) ratio is important for subsequent haustoria induction. Regarding plant hormones, seedlings with solely auxin or cytokinin (iP) under blue light showed not only twining but also haustoria induction, demonstrating that auxin and iP appear to be especially important for induction. Seedlings with solely brassinolide showed no positive influence, but brassinolide together with iP caused twining even under dark conditions. This points to the presence of cross‐talk between brassinolide and cytokinin for twining.
Damping‐off of soybean in southern Brazil can be associated with different species of Globisporangium spp. and Pythium spp.
Authors: Molin Cleisla , Ribeiro Neucimara R. , Matsumoto Marcos N. , Fernando Giasson Nizio , Brollo Joel , Zanardo Bernardo , Pelissoni Marina , Capitanio Suélen , Comín Talia , Deuner Carolina C. , Huzar‐Novakowiski Jaqueline 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDamping‐off of soybean is a common problem in some fields in southern Brazil. Frequently, Phytophthora sojae has been pointed out as the main causal agent. However, questions were raised as to whether other oomycetes could also be present. Hence, the objectives of this study were to isolate, identify, and determine the pathogenicity and aggressiveness of oomycetes isolated from soybean seedlings. Thirty‐three isolates were obtained from 13 fields. Isolates were identified based on morphology and molecular methods. Nine species were recovered: Pythium conidiophorum (n = 14, 42.4%), Globisporangium rostratifingens (n = 7, 21.2%), G. irregulare (n = 2, 6.1%), G. spinosum (n = 1, 3.0%), G. ultimum var. sporangiiferum (n = 2, 6.1%), Pythium acanthicum (n = 2, 6.1%), P. deliense (n = 1, 3.0%), P. inflatum (n = 1, 3.0%), and P. torulosum (n = 3, 9.1%). Pathogenicity and aggressiveness were determined with two soybean cultivars (DM57i52 and NEO530) in a seed rot assay and a root rot assay. All isolates were pathogenic to soybean with variable levels of aggressiveness in both assays. The range of seed disease severity index varied from 7.5 to 100 for DM57i52 and from 23.1 to 100 for NEO530. The mean root disease severity index of the soybean cultivars ranged from 29.4 to 92.8. This is the first official report of G. irregulare, G. rostratifingens, G. spinosum, G. ultimum var. sporangiiferum, P. acanthicum, P. conidiophorum, P. deliense, P. inflatum, and P. torulosum causing damping‐off of soybean in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil.
AlRab7 from Aeluropus lagopoides ameliorates ion toxicity in transgenic tobacco by regulating hormone signaling and reactive oxygen species homeostasis
Authors: Agarwal Parinita , Baraiya Bhagirath M. , Joshi Priyanka S. , Patel Monika , Parida Asish K. , Agarwal Pradeep K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe plants endomembrane system of the cellular compartments with its complex membrane trafficking network facilitates transport of macromolecules. The endomembrane dynamics are essential for maintaining basic and specific cellular functions including adaptation to the extracellular environment. The plant vacuole serves as a reservoir for nutrients and toxic metabolites and performs detoxification processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The overexpression of AlRab7, a vesicle trafficking gene from Aeluropus lagopoides, improved germination and growth and reduced ionic and oxidative stress in transgenics. Moreover, the root and shoot of transgenic tobacco showed differential accumulation of phytohormone ABA and IAA with different ionic stresses. The improved growth (root and shoot length) can be co‐related with higher IAA accumulation with NaCl stress. The low Na+/K+ ratio with different NaCl stress treatments indicates better ion homeostasis in transgenics. Furthermore, the increased stomatal density and higher number of open stomata on both leaf surfaces in transgenics during NaCl stress suggest better gaseous exchange/functioning of guard cells. The maintained or increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and glutathione reductase antioxidative enzyme activities suggest that an extensive reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system was triggered to detoxify cellular ROS, which remained at low levels in transgenics during the different stress treatments. Our results suggest that the AlRab7 transgenic tobacco ameliorates ionic stress by facilitating differential and selective ion transport at vacuolar membrane regulating hormone signaling, ROS homeostasis, stomatal development, and movement.
Association between swallowing disorders and cognitive disorders in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dehaghani Shiva Ebrahimian , Doosti Afsaneh , Zare Morteza 
Published: May 2021

There is no consensus regarding the association between dysphagia and cognition. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the available evidence on the direction and strength of the association between dysphagia and cognition. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies about the association between dysphagia and cognition. A random effects model was used to determine weighted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the impact of each individual study on the pooled results. A total of 1427 participants showed that some cognitive disorders were significantly associated with dysphagia (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.33–4.48). The association between cognition and swallowing disorders suggests that multiple neuroanatomical systems are involved in these two functions.
Cognitive reserve and the effects of virtual reality‐based cognitive training on elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment and normal cognition
Authors: Kim Hyeyoung , Hong Jin Pyo , Kang Jae Myeong , Kim Won‐Hyoung , Maeng Seri , Cho Seo‐Eun , Na Kyoung‐Sae , Oh Seok Hee , Park Jung Woon , Cho Seong‐Jin , Bae Jae Nam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) is a concept proposed to account for discrepancies between the extent of brain pathology and clinical manifestations of that pathology. This study aimed to explore the associations between CR and the effects of cognitive training using fully immersive virtual reality (VR).MethodsA total of 44 older adults (22 cognitively normal, 22 with mild cognitive impairment) underwent eight cognitive training sessions using VR for a period of 4 weeks. CR was assessed using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). To evaluate baseline cognitive function and the effects of VR training, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery was administered to all participants before and after the training.ResultsGreater improvement in the total CERAD score was seen for cognitively normal participants with higher versus lower scores on the Education subdomain of the CRIq. Among patients with mild cognitive impairment, none of the CRIq subdomain scores (Education, Working Activity, Leisure Time) were related to a change in CERAD total scores. The CRIq total score did not predict the improvement of global cognition in either group.ConclusionsThis study revealed different impacts of CR on cognitive training according to the participants' cognitive status. It also suggests that employing three proxies of CR rather than using a composite score would provide a more accurate understanding of one's CR.
Serum‐soluble PD‐L1 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker in sepsis
Authors: Sun Shaoqiong , Chen Yang , Liu Zhaojun , Tian Rui , Liu Jialin , Chen Erzhen , Mao Enqiang , Pan Tingting , Qu Hongping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo investigate whether serum‐soluble PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) is a potential biomarker for identifying sepsis. This study enrolled 64 septic patients, 29 patients with acute appendicitis, 33 patients with acute pancreatitis and 30 healthy volunteers. Sepsis was defined according to the Sepsis 3.0 criteria.[1] The associated clinical parameters were recorded, blood samples were collected on the first day of diagnosis, and serum sPD‐L1 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Compared with the control group, a significant increase in sPD‐L1 levels was observed in patients with sepsis (n = 64). Increased sPD‐L1 expression correlated strongly with increased clinical inflammatory values (CRP, PCT and WBC) and decreased immunological functional parameters (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for sPD‐L1 in combination with the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was superior to the AUC for either sPD‐L1 or SOFA score in regard to the diagnosis of sepsis. sPD‐L1 may represent a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis.
Exploring the role of the multiple sclerosis susceptibility gene CLEC16A in T cells
Authors: Eriksson Anna M. , Leikfoss Ingvild Sørum , Abrahamsen Greger , Sundvold Vibeke , Isom Martine Mesel , Keshari Pankaj K. , Rognes Torbjørn , Landsverk Ole J. B. , Bos Steffan D. , Harbo Hanne F. , Spurkland Anne , Berge Tone 
Published: May 2021

AbstractC‐type lectin‐like domain family 16 member A (CLEC16A) is associated with autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), but its functional relevance is not completely understood. CLEC16A is expressed in several immune cells, where it affects autophagic processes and receptor expression. Recently, we reported that the risk genotype of an MS‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism in CLEC16A intron 19 is associated with higher expression of CLEC16A in CD4+ T cells. Here, we show that CLEC16A expression is induced in CD4+ T cells upon T cell activation. By the use of imaging flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that CLEC16A is located in Rab4a‐positive recycling endosomes in Jurkat TAg T cells. CLEC16A knock‐down in Jurkat cells resulted in lower cell surface expression of the T cell receptor, however, this did not have a major impact on T cell activation response in vitro in Jurkat nor in human, primary CD4+ T cells.
Reconstructing spatial information diffusion networks with heterogeneous agents and text contents
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Wang Wenbo , Zhang Xiaoqi , Li Zhenlong , Yu Dantong , Du Jiaxin , Chen Zhihui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIt is important to reconstruct the hidden network structure from the infection status change of an information propagation process for evidence‐based spatial decision‐making. Unlike previous work, we not only consider the heterogeneity of the propagation agents, but also incorporate the heterogeneity of the text contents of information within the propagation process. In addition, the infection status is no longer restricted to the binary type (infected or not), and we allow the number of pieces of information texts to be counted which represents the degree of infection. The resulting model is a network‐based multivariate recurrent event model, in which the interactions between different types of text, between different agents, between agents and text types, and their mutual impacts on the whole propagation process can be comprehensively investigated. On that basis, a nonparametric mean‐field equation is derived to govern the propagation process, and a compressive sensing algorithm is provided to infer the hidden spatial propagation network from the infection status data. Finally, the proposed methodology is tested through synthetic data and a real data set of information diffusion on Twitter.
Long‐term surveillance for hepatitis E virus in an Italian two‐site farrow‐to‐finish swine farm
Authors: Ianiro Giovanni , Chelli Eleonora , De Sabato Luca , Monini Marina , Ostanello Fabio , Di Bartolo Ilaria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn humans, hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for an acute enterically transmitted hepatitis, which can become chronic in immune‐compromised patients. Genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV‐3 and HEV‐4) are zoonotic, and domestic pigs and wild boar are the main reservoirs. The occurrence of autochthonous cases in Europe, which have been increasing over the last 10 years, has been associated with food‐borne zoonotic transmission of HEV‐3, mainly linked to consumption of undercooked or raw pork products (sausages containing liver) and wild boar meat. Zoonotic HEV‐3 strains are widespread on pig farms, but little information is available on the dynamic of HEV‐3 infection within farms, among pigs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of the infection among pigs of different ages along the production chain by the zoonotic HEVs, and to evaluate how long the virus may persist in the farm environment. The presence of HEV‐RNA was investigated by real‐time reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) in 281 test faecal pools over 19 months (2017–2019) on a two‐site farrow‐to‐finish farm (about 1,000 sows), in Northern Italy. A total of 67/281 test faecal pools (23.8%) resulted positive for the presence of HEV‐RNA (site 1: 59/221, 26.7%; site 2: 8/60, 13.3%). Nucleotide sequencing revealed a unique HEV‐3 viral variant circulating during 19 months of surveillance. The same HEV‐3 strain was detected in the same farm on 2012, indicating the persistence of the same virus over 7 years, and highlighting the role of the environment as a continuous source of infection on pig farms. The results confirmed the circulation of the zoonotic genotype HEV‐3 in pigs before slaughtering.
He kaiwhakatere ahau: A (k)new practice model in the care of rangatahi and whānau
Authors: Makoare Georgina Denise , Makoare Zack Henare , Cram Fiona 
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION: A Kaiwhakatere position funded as part of Te Taitimu Trust’s Ngā Moko Ā Ngā Tūpuna initiative has created a space for a navigation practice model within the context of suicide prevention. The Kaiwhakatere is akin to a “professional auntie” who draws on her knowledge of whakapapa, whenua and whānau to engage rangatahi and whānau and build their connectedness and confidence as Māori.METHOD: Discussions with the Kaiwhakatere (Georgina) and the Chief Executive (Zack) of the Trust have explored the emergence of the Kaiwhakatere practice model. This model draws on Georgina’s social work expertise and her recollections of her own upbringing.IMPLICATIONS: The resulting Taikoko (rising spring tide) practice model of the Kaiwhakatere is grounded in Tākitimutanga to ensure that rangatahi and their whānau are connected to their cultural heritage, to their environment, and to a network of supports and relationships that facilitate their collective resiliency. Early feedback from rangatahi, whānau and education providers has been positive and encouraging.