bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Lateral Organ Boundary-domain Factor CmLBD2 Positively Regulates Pollen Development by Activating CmACOS5 in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Teng Renda , Wu Ze , Xu Sujuan , Hou Huizhong , Zhang Dehua , Chen Fadi , Teng Nianjun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Male sterility, as a common reproductive characteristic in plants, plays an important role in breeding, in which pollen abortion is a key factor leading to male sterility. Here, based on a low expression level gene CmACOS5 in transcriptome of pollen abortive chrysanthemum, a new transcription factor CmLBD2 of the Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain family, which could bind the promoter of CmACOS5 by yeast one-hybrid library was screened. This study revealed the origin and expression pattern of CmLBD2 in chrysanthemum and verified the functions of two genes in pollen development by transgenic means. Inhibiting the expression of CmACOS5 or CmLBD2 can lead to a large reduction in pollen and even abortion in chrysanthemum. Using yeast one-/two-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and luciferase reporter assays, it was verified that CmLBD2 directly binds to the promoter of CmACOS5. These results suggest that LBD2 is a novel, key transcription factor regulating pollen development. This result will provide a new research background for enriching the function of LBD family proteins and also lay a new foundation for the breeding of male sterile lines and the mechanism of pollen development.
Phytoplankton growth at low temperatures: results from low temperature incubations
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Smith Walker O 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The response of phytoplankton to different temperatures has been studied for decades, and although the general relationship of growth to temperature is known to be exponential, the responses at very low temperatures (from −2 to +2°C) are poorly constrained. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a series of growth experiments with eight species of polar phytoplankton; each was grown in batch culture at temperatures ranging from −1.5 to 4°C, and growth rates determined from changes in cell abundance and chlorophyll. We found that different species responded differently to temperature, although the general response was an increase in growth rate at higher temperatures. The mean response from all taxa was less (ca. 35% less) than predicted from the classic [Eppley, R. W. (1972) Temperature and phytoplankton growth in the sea. Fish. Bull., 7, 1063–1085.] formulation. Maximum growth rates also were most reliable when determined from changes in cell abundance. If the variability in maximum growth rates among taxa is reflective of in situ responses to polar temperature increases, it will be challenging to predict the assemblage response to elevated in situ temperatures in future years.
Mechanosensitive ion channels contribute to mechanically evoked rapid leaflet movement in Mimosa pudica
Authors: Tran Daniel , Petitjean Hugues , Chebli Youssef , Geitmann Anja , Sharif-Naeini Reza 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Mechanoperception, the ability to perceive and respond to mechanical stimuli, is a common and fundamental property of all forms of life. Vascular plants such as Mimosa pudica use this function to protect themselves against herbivory. The mechanical stimulus caused by a landing insect triggers a rapid closing of the leaflets that drives the potential pest away. While this thigmonastic movement is caused by ion fluxes accompanied by a rapid change of volume in the pulvini, the mechanism responsible for the detection of the mechanical stimulus remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in the first step of this evolutionarily conserved defense mechanism: the mechanically evoked closing of the leaflet. Our results demonstrate that the key site of mechanosensation in the Mimosa leaflets is the pulvinule, which expresses a stretch-activated chloride-permeable mechanosensitive ion channel. Blocking these channels partially prevents the closure of the leaflets following mechanical stimulation. These results demonstrate a direct relation between the activity of mechanosensitive ion channels and a central defense mechanism of M. pudica.
NIN-like protein7 and PROTEOLYSIS6 functional interaction enhances tolerance to sucrose, ABA, and submergence
Authors: Castillo Mari-Cruz , Costa-Broseta Álvaro , Gayubas Beatriz , León José 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Nitrate (NO3) assimilation and signaling regulate plant growth through the relevant function of the transcription factor NIN-like Protein7 (NLP7). NO3 is also the main source for plants to produce nitric oxide (NO), which regulates growth and stress responses. NO-mediated regulation requires efficient sensing via the PROTEOLYSIS6 (PRT6)-mediated proteasome-triggered degradation of group VII of ethylene response transcription factors through the Cys/Arg N-degron pathway. The convergence of NO3 signaling and N-degron proteolysis on NO-mediated regulation remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional interaction between NLP7 and PRT6 using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) double prt6 nlp7 mutant plants as well as complementation lines overexpressing NLP7 in different mutant genetic backgrounds. prt6 nlp7 mutant plants displayed several potentiated prt6 characteristic phenotypes, including slower vegetative growth, increased NO content, and diminished tolerance to abiotic stresses such as high-sucrose concentration, abscisic acid, and hypoxia–reoxygenation. Although NLP7 has an N-terminus that could be targeted by the N-degron proteolytic pathway, it was not a PRT6 substrate. The potential PRT6- and NO-regulated nucleocytoplasmic translocation of NLP7, which is likely modulated by posttranslational modifications, is proposed to act as a regulatory loop to control NO homeostasis and action.
The response to TNF blockers depending on their comparator in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials: the lessebo effect, a meta-analysis
Authors: Lopez Lea , Griffier Romain , Barnetche Thomas , Lhomme Edouard , Kostine Marie , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Richez Christophe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
To compare the effect of the biological reference agents (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) in RA in pivotal superiority placebo-controlled trials (reference agent vs placebo) vs their effect in equivalence active comparator-controlled trials (reference agent vs biosimilar).

Methods
The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized, double-blind, controlled trials up to March 2020 comparing a biological reference agent vs placebo or biosimilar. The study assessed the ACR 20/50/70 responses of the reference agent in these groups (Reference-pbo and Reference-bs, respectively). The effect of the reference agent in both groups was estimated with 95% CI, pooled using random-effects models and then compared using a meta-regression model.

Results
We included 31 trials. The main characteristics of the population (disease duration and activity, % seropositivity and methotrexate dose) of the population in both groups were similar. The meta-analysis found a better ACR20 response to the biological originator in the Reference-bs group with a global rate of 70% (95% CI, 66, 74) compared with 59% (95% CI, 55, 62) in the reference-pbo group (P =0.001). A significant difference was also found for ACR 50 [44% (95% CI, 39, 50) vs 35% (95% CI, 31, 39), respectively, P &lt;0.01].

Conclusion
The effect of the reference biologic agent was better when compared with an active drug to a placebo. This could be linked to an increased placebo effect in active comparator-controlled studies or a nocebo effect in placebo-controlled studies. This effect can be called the lessebo effect.
CXCR5/CXCL13 pathway, a key driver for migration of regulatory B10 cells, is defective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rempenault Claire , Mielle Julie , Schreiber Kristina , Corbeau Pierre , Macia Laurence , Combe Bernard , Morel Jacques , Daien Claire Immediato , Audo Rachel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Chemokines (CKs) are key players of immune-cell homing and differentiation. CK receptors (CKRs) can be used to define T-cell functional subsets. We aimed to characterize the CKR profile of the regulatory B-cell subset B10+ cells and investigate the CKs involved in their migration and differentiation in healthy donors and patients with RA.

Methods
RNA sequencing and cytometry were used to compare CKR expression between B10+ and B10neg cells. Migration of B10+ and B10neg cells and IL-10 secretion of B cells in response to recombinant CKs or synovial fluid (SF) were assessed.

Results
CXCR5 was expressed at a higher level on the B10+ cell surface as compared with other B cells (referred to as B10neg cells). In line with this, its ligand CXCL13 preferentially attracted B10+ cells over B10neg cells. Interestingly, synovial fluid from RA patients contained high levels of CXCL13 and induced strong and preferential migration of B10+ cells. Besides its role in attracting B10+ cells, CXCL13 also promoted IL-10 secretion by B cells. In RA patients, the level of CXCR5 on B-cell surface was reduced. The preferential migration of RA B10+ cells toward CXCL13-rich SF was lost and CXCL13 stimulation triggered less IL-10 secretion than in healthy donors.

Conclusion
Our results identify that the CXCR5/CXCL13 axis is essential for B10+ cell biology but is defective in RA. Restoring the preferential migration of B10+ within the affected joints to better control inflammation may be part of the therapeutic approach for RA.
Effect of cleaning corn on mycotoxin concentration and nursery pig growth performance
Authors: Yoder Ashton D , Stark Charles R , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Michael D , Paulk Chad B , Gebhardt Jordan , Woodworth Jason C , Jones Cassandra K , Zumbaugh Charles A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Mycotoxins are naturally produced hazards that result from molds grown on cereal grains and other commodities. These molds may produce carcinogenic mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Removing broken kernels has been demonstrated to reduce mycotoxin concentration, but with high variability. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to quantify the magnitude of natural mycotoxin concentration that may be reduced by cleaning corn. Two loads of corn that were naturally contaminated with mycotoxins were procured. Corn for Experiment 1 was contaminated with aflatoxin (1,074 parts per billion; ppb), fumonisin (8.3 parts per million; ppm), and ochratoxin A (206 ppb), while corn for Experiment 2 was contaminated with only fumonisin (5.5 ppm). Corn was cleaned by mechanical sieving. For each experiment, corn was divided into twenty 150 kg runs. Runs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental treatments: 1) no screen 2) 12.7 mm screen, 3) 4.8 mm screen, and 4) 12.7 + 4.8-mm screen. The corn cleaner was sanitized between runs. Three 5 kg corn samples were collected from each run, and analyzed for mycotoxin concentration. In Experiment 1, cleaning reduced (P &lt; 0.05) aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration by an average of 26% and 45%, respectively, compared to the original uncleaned corn level, but did not impact (P &gt; 0.10) ochratoxin A. The resultant screenings had nearly four times the aflatoxin (4,224 ppb) and 7.5 times the fumonisin concentration (60.4 ppm) as the uncleaned corn. In Experiment 2, cleaning reduced (P &lt; 0.05) fumonisin concentration by 32%. The resultant screenings had 19.6 times the fumonisin concentration (65.4 ppm) as the uncleaned corn. To determine the effect that cleaning corn may have on nursery pig growth performance, 360 nursery pigs were used in Experiment 3 to evaluate the impact of cleaning or pelleting on growth performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with corn type (uncleaned vs. cleaned) and feed form (mash vs. pelleted from either mill A or B). Neither cleaning corn nor pellet mill type affected (P &gt; 0.19) nursery pig growth performance. Pelleting improved (P &lt; 0.0001) gain to feed ratio (G:F) by 7.6% compared to mash diets. These data suggest that cleaning is an effective method to legally reduce aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration, but does not impact animal growth performance. Screenings should be used cautiously when feeding to animals.
Acetylation of Abelson interactor 1 at K416 regulates actin cytoskeleton and smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Wang Yinna , Liao Guoning , Wang Ruping , Tang Dale D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractActin cytoskeletal reorganization plays an important role in regulating smooth muscle contraction, which is essential for the modulation of various physiological functions including airway tone. The adapter protein Abi1 (Abelson interactor 1) participates in the control of smooth muscle contraction. The mechanisms by which Abi1 coordinates smooth muscle function are not fully understood. Here, we found that contractile stimulation elicited Abi1 acetylation in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. Mutagenesis analysis identified lysine‐416 (K416) as a major acetylation site. Replacement of K416 with Q (glutamine) enhanced the interaction of Abi1 with neuronal Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein (N‐WASP), an important actin‐regulatory protein. Moreover, the expression of K416Q Abi1 promoted actin polymerization and smooth muscle contraction without affecting myosin light chain phosphorylation at Ser‐19 and vimentin phosphorylation at Ser‐56. Furthermore, p300 is a lysine acetyltransferase that catalyzes acetylation of histone and non‐histone proteins in various cell types. Here, we discovered that a portion of p300 was localized in the cytoplasm of HASM cells. Knockdown of p300 reduced the agonist‐induced Abi1 acetylation in HASM cells and in mouse airway smooth muscle tissues. Smooth muscle conditional knockout of p300 inhibited actin polymerization and the contraction of airway smooth muscle tissues without affecting myosin light chain phosphorylation and vimentin phosphorylation. Together, our results suggest that contractile stimulation induces Abi1 acetylation via p300 in smooth muscle. Acetylation at K416 promotes the coupling of Abi1 with N‐WASP, which facilitates actin polymerization and smooth muscle contraction. This is a novel acetylation‐dependent regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle.
Early Fusion Status After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw Fixation or Traditional Trajectory Screw Fixation
Authors: Sakaura Hironobu , Ikegami Daisuke , Fujimori Takahito , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Mukai Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2021

Study Design:
A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective:
The aim was to examine whether posterior lumbar interbody fusion with cortical bone trajectory screw fixation (CBT-PLIF) is inferior to PLIF using traditional trajectory screw fixation (TT-PLIF) regarding early fusion status and whether the titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage (TP cage) improves early fusion status compared with the same shape pure PEEK cage (P cage).

Summary of Background Data:
We recently reported that the fusion rate was relatively lower after CBT-PLIF than after TT-PLIF, although no significant difference was found and that compared with the carbon PEEK cage, the TP cage significantly reduced the incidence of vertebral endplate cysts (cyst signs) and slightly improved the early fusion rate at 1 year after CBT-PLIF.

Materials and Methods:
The subjects were 37 patients undergoing TT-PLIF using P cages (TT-P group), 24 patients undergoing CBT-PLIF using P cages (CBT-P group), 32 patients undergoing TT-PLIF using TP cages (TT-TP group), and 20 patients undergoing CBT-PLIF using TP cages (CBT-TP group). On multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography at 6 months after surgery, cyst signs were evaluated and classified into diffuse or local cysts. Early fusion status was assessed using both dynamic plain radiographs and multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography at 1-year postoperatively.

Results:
The incidence of the diffuse cyst was 27.0% in the TT-P group, 29.2% in the CBT-P group, 25.0% in the TT-TP group and 25.0% in the CBT-TP group (P>0.05). The early fusion rate was 75.7% in the TT-P group, 75.0% in the CBT-P group, 71.9% in the TT-TP group and 75.0% in the CBT-TP group (P>0.05).

Conclusions:
These results indicate that CBT-PLIF resulted in the equivalent early fusion status to TT-PLIF and that compared with the same shape P cage, the TP cage did not improve early fusion status after both TT-PLIF and CBT-PLIF.
Long Segment Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, Including C2
Authors: Spurgas Morgan P. , Entezami Pouya , Thomas James , DiRisio Darryl J. 
Published: August 2021

Study Design:
A retrospective study of thirteen patients undergoing 5-level anterior spinal surgery for cervical myelopathy.

Objective:
While limited literature exists in reviewing the treatment of high cervical pathology extending caudally, we believe long segment surgery beginning at C2-3 can be accomplished with good success and is an option more patients may benefit from. We aim to describe the technique in accessing the C2-C3 disk space and efficacy of treating multilevel disease beginning at the C2 vertebral body. This includes an extensive technical report and surgical pearls.

Summary of Background Data:
Compression at the level of C2 can be daunting to access because of steep approach required. Few studies have described the technique in reaching the C2 level, with less information describing the efficacy of a 5-level anterior fusion starting at C2.

Methods:
Patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2016 were identified utilizing the department billing database and ICD codes. Patients age, operative indications, levels treated, length of hospital stay, fusion outcome, and operative complications were explored. Independent analysis of fusion was performed.

Results:
The average length of hospital stay was 3.9 days. Eight patients reported significant improvement of hand weakness, numbness, and/or gait at 6 months follow-up. The most frequent complication was dysphagia (23%). One patient experienced recurrent symptoms secondary to nonunion, and another patient suffered a postoperative neurological worsening because of anterior spinal artery syndrome.

Conclusion:
This retrospective review discusses the technique to visualize and fully decompress C2-C3 spinal segments. In addition, we explored the efficacy and perioperative risk in long segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Prognostic Significance of Disease Control at 12 Weeks in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Receiving FOLFIRINOX as First-line Chemotherapy
Authors: Batra Atul , Tang Patricia A. , Cheung Winson Y. 
Published: August 2021

Objectives:
The POLO (Pancreas Cancer Olaparib Ongoing) trial demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with olaparib maintenance in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations who had disease control after 16 weeks of platinum-based first-line therapy. However, in the real-world, the first assessment is usually performed at 12 weeks. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the proportion of real-world patients with APC that have disease control at 12 weeks (DC12) after FOLFIRINOX, assess any associations of baseline variables with DC12, and to determine the effect of DC12 on PFS and overall survival (OS).

Methods:
APC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX from 2011 to 2018 in Alberta, Canada, were identified. We conducted an analysis of baseline characteristics to identify factors associated with DC12 and to compare the PFS and OS of patients with DC12 to those with earlier disease progression.

Results:
We identified 165 APC patients treated with FOLFIRINOX with unknown BRCA1/2 status, of which 56% were men, and the median age at diagnosis was 59 years (interquartile range, 38 to 75 y). Of these, 72 (44%) had DC12. Lower serum carbohydrate antigen 19.9 and normal serum albumin were associated with a higher likelihood of DC12. The PFS and OS of patients with DC12 was significantly higher than those with earlier progression (9.3 vs. 2.5 mo; hazard ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.32; P<0.001; 21.6 vs. 8.9 mo; hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.49; P<0.0001).

Conclusion:
Less than half of real-world patients treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX have DC12. Patients with APC who have higher carbohydrate antigen 19.9 and low albumin are less likely to have DC12. DC12 is significantly associated with longer PFS and OS.
Is Prone Positioning Effective in Improving Hypoxemia for Nonventilated Patients With Covid-19? A Rapid Evidence Assessment
Authors: Holmes Klair , Kazmierczak Kathryn , Irwin Kent E. , Evans Christian C. 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
A relatively high percentage of patients with COVID-19 develop hypoxemia and must be mechanically ventilated. Although prone positioning (PP) has been shown to be effective in improving peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in mechanically ventilated patients with hypoxemia, whether it is effective in nonventilated patients with COVID-19 is not known. The purpose of this rapid evidence assessment was to examine the effectiveness of PP on SpO2 for nonventilated adults with COVID-19 and hypoxemia.

Methods:
The PEDro, Medline Complete, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. The inclusion criteria included nonventilated adults, diagnosed with COVID-19, and treated with PP. The exclusion criteria included patients on mechanical ventilation and <18 years old. The primary outcome was SpO2, and secondary outcomes included PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 ratio. The methodologic quality was appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Methodology Checklist 3.

Results:
Eight studies met all inclusion/exclusion criteria, and a total of 199 patients were included. All studies were cohort or retrospective design, and 4 of 8 met the acceptable threshold for risk of bias. All 5 of the studies that reported SpO2 found an increase in post-PP compared with pre-PP, and 5 studies found that PaO2, PaO2/FiO2, or both increased post-PP compared with pre-PP.

Conclusions:
Owing to heterogeneity in methods and outcomes, as well as varied results, we conclude there is low–moderate support that PP improves SpO2 and other indicators of hypoxemia in nonventilated patients with COVID-19, but not all patients may benefit. In addition, well-controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.