bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Armillaria root rot fungi host single-stranded RNA viruses
Authors: Linnakoski Riikka , Sutela Suvi , Coetzee Martin P. A. , Duong Tuan A. , Pavlov Igor N. , Litovka Yulia A. , Hantula Jarkko , Wingfield Brenda D. , Vainio Eeva J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpecies of Armillaria are distributed globally and include some of the most important pathogens of forest and ornamental trees. Some of them form large long-living clones that are considered as one of the largest organisms on earth and are capable of long-range spore-mediated transfer as well as vegetative spread by drought-resistant hyphal cords called rhizomorphs. However, the virus community infecting these species has remained unknown. In this study we used dsRNA screening and high-throughput sequencing to search for possible virus infections in a collection of Armillaria isolates representing three different species: Armillaria mellea from South Africa, A. borealis from Finland and Russia (Siberia) and A. cepistipes from Finland. Our analysis revealed the presence of both negative-sense RNA viruses and positive-sense RNA viruses, while no dsRNA viruses were detected. The viruses included putative new members of virus families Mymonaviridae, Botourmiaviridae and Virgaviridae and members of a recently discovered virus group tentatively named “ambiviruses” with ambisense bicistronic genomic organization. We demonstrated that Armillaria isolates can be cured of viruses by thermal treatment, which enables the examination of virus effects on host growth and phenotype using isogenic virus-infected and virus-free strains.
Dynamic 31P-MRI and 31P-MRS of lower leg muscles in heart failure patients
Authors: Menon Rajiv G. , Xia Ding , Katz Stuart D. , Regatte Ravinder R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImpaired oxidative metabolism is one of multi-variate factors leading to exercise intolerance in heart failure patients. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the use of dynamic 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and 31P magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to measure PCr resynthesis rate post-exercise as a biomarker for oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle in HF patients and controls. In this prospective imaging study, we recruited six HF patients and five healthy controls. The imaging protocol included 31P-MRS, spectrally selective 3D turbo spin echo for 31P-MRI, and Dixon multi-echo GRE for fat–water imaging on a 3 T clinical MRI scanner. All the subjects were scanned pre-exercise, during plantar flexion exercise, and post-exercise recovery, with two rounds of exercise for 31P -MRS and 31P-MRI, respectively. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare 31P-MRS and 31P-MRI results between the HF and control cohorts. The results show that PCr resynthesis rate was significantly slower in the HF cohort compared to the controls using 31P-MRS (P = 0.0003) and 31P-MRI (P = 0.0014). 31P-MRI showed significant differences between the cohorts in muscle groups (soleus (P = 0.0018), gastrocnemius lateral (P = 0.0007) and gastrocnemius medial (P = 0.0054)). The results from this study suggest that 31P-MRS/31P-MRI may be used to quantify lower leg muscle oxidative metabolism in HF patients, with 31P-MRI giving an additional advantage of allowing further localization of oxidative metabolism deficits. Upon further validation, these techniques may serve as a potentially useful clinical imaging biomarker for staging and monitoring therapies in HF-patients.
Deep divergence between island populations in lichenized fungi
Authors: Werth Silke , Meidl Peter , Scheidegger Christoph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMacaronesia is characterized by a high degree of endemism and represents a noteworthy system to study the evolutionary history of populations and species. Here, we compare the population-genetic structure in three lichen-forming fungi, the widespread Lobaria pulmonaria and two Macaronesian endemics, L. immixta and L. macaronesica, based on microsatellites. We utilize population genetic approaches to explore population subdivision and evolutionary history of these taxa on the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, and the western Iberian Peninsula. A common feature in all species was the deep divergence between populations on the Azores, a pattern expected by the large geographic distance among islands. For both endemic species, there was a major split between archipelagos. In contrast, in the widespread L. pulmonaria, divergent individuals were distributed across multiple archipelagos, suggesting a complex evolutionary history involving repeated migration between islands and mainland.
JAK/STAT inhibitor therapy partially rescues the lipodystrophic autoimmune phenotype in Clec16a KO mice
Authors: Pandey Rahul , Bakay Marina , Strenkowski Bryan P. , Hain Heather S. , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCLEC16A is implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. We generated an inducible whole-body knockout (KO), Clec16aΔUBC mice to address the role of CLEC16A loss of function. KO mice exhibited loss of adipose tissue and severe weight loss in response to defective autophagic flux and exaggerated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and robust cytokine storm. KO mice were glucose tolerant and displayed a state of systemic inflammation with elevated antibody levels, including IgM, IgA, Ig2b and IgG3, significantly reduced circulating insulin levels in the presence of normal food consumption. Metabolic analysis revealed disturbances in the lipid profile, white adipose decreasing concomitantly with enhanced inflammatory response, and energy wasting. Mechanistically, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers excessive hormone sensitive lipases (HSL) mediated lipolysis which contributes to adipose inflammation via activation of JAK-STAT, stress kinases (ERK1/2, P38, JNK), and release of multiple proinflammatory mediators. Treatment with a JAK-STAT inhibitor (tofacitinib) partially rescued the inflammatory lipodystrophic phenotype and improved survival of Clec16aΔUBC mice by silencing cytokine release and modulating ER stress, lipolysis, mitophagy and autophagy. These results establish a mechanistic link between CLEC16A, lipid metabolism and the immune system perturbations. In summary, our Clec16aΔUBC mouse model highlights multifaceted roles of Clec16a in normal physiology, including a novel target for weight regulation and mutation-induced pathophysiology.
Terpene polyacrylate TPA5 shows favorable molecular hydrodynamic properties as a potential bioinspired archaeological wood consolidant
Authors: Cutajar Michelle , Andriulo Fabrizio , Thomsett Megan R. , Moore Jonathan C. , Couturaud Benoit , Howdle Steven M. , Stockman Robert A. , Harding Stephen E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThere is currently a pressing need for the development of novel bioinspired consolidants for waterlogged, archaeological wood. Bioinspired materials possess many advantages, such as biocompatibility and sustainability, which makes them ideal to use in this capacity. Based on this, a polyhydroxylated monomer was synthesised from α-pinene, a sustainable terpene feedstock derived from pine trees, and used to prepare a low molar mass polymer TPA5 through free radical polymerisation. This polymer was extensively characterised by NMR spectroscopy (chemical composition) and molecular hydrodynamics, primarily using analytical ultracentrifugation reinforced by gel filtration chromatography and viscometry, in order to investigate whether it would be suitable for wood consolidation purposes. Sedimentation equilibrium indicated a weight average molar massMwof (4.3 ± 0.2) kDa, with minimal concentration dependence. Further analysis with MULTISIG revealed a broad distribution of molar masses and this heterogeneity was further confirmed by sedimentation velocity. Conformation analyses with the PerrinPand viscosity increment ν universal hydrodynamic parameters indicated that the polymer had an elongated shape, with both factors giving consistent results and a consensus axial ratio of ~ 4.5. These collective properties—hydrogen bonding potential enhanced by an elongated shape, together with a small injectable molar mass—suggest this polymer is worthy of further consideration as a potential consolidant.
Long-term cross calibration of HJ-1A CCD1 and Terra MODIS reflective solar bands
Authors: Liu Li , Shi Tingting , Gao Hailiang , Zhang Xuewen , Han Qijin , Hu Xinkai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSince its launch on September 6, 2008, HJ-1A has been in the orbit for 13 years. The CCD1 sensor on the HJ-1A has four reflected solar bands. Since the calibration frequency is limited to the annual site calibration, cross-calibration is an effective method to improve the calibration frequency. In this paper, we use 420 image pairs of HJ-1A CCD1 and Terra MODIS over the Dunhuang test site for gains calculation, where we take MODIS as the reference sensor. The spectral band adjustment factors (SBAFs) for cross-calibration are then calculated to compensate for the spectral mismatch. The cross-calibration results are also validated by the field calibration results. From 2008 to 2019, a total of six campaigns have been cross-calibrated on the same day. The gain difference between the site calibration and cross-calibration is less than 3%. The long-term cross-calibration results further indicate that due to the adjustment of HJ-1A CCD gain state in October 2009, an abrupt change occurred 405 days after launch. After 12 years of on-orbit operation, the attenuation rate has reached 23.51%, 21.89%, 8.11%, and 13.37%, respectively by the end of 2019 based on the cross-calibration results.
Effective rational humanization of a PASylated anti-galectin-3 Fab for the sensitive PET imaging of thyroid cancer in vivo
Authors: Peplau Emanuel , De Rose Francesco , Eichinger Andreas , Reder Sybille , Mittelhäuser Markus , Scafetta Giorgia , Schwaiger Markus , Weber Wolfgang A. , Bartolazzi Armando , D’Alessandria Calogero , Skerra Arne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe lack of a non-invasive test for malignant thyroid nodules makes the diagnosis of thyroid cancer (TC) challenging. Human galectin-3 (hGal3) has emerged as a promising target for medical TC imaging and diagnosis because of its exclusive overexpression in malignant thyroid tissues. We previously developed a human-chimeric αhGal3 Fab fragment derived from the rat monoclonal antibody (mAb) M3/38 with optimized clearance characteristics using PASylation technology. Here, we describe the elucidation of the hGal3 epitope recognized by mAb M3/38, X-ray crystallographic analysis of its complex with the chimeric Fab and, based on the three-dimensional structure, the rational humanization of the Fab by CDR grafting. Four CDR-grafted versions were designed using structurally most closely related fully human immunoglobulin VH/VL regions of which one—employing the acceptor framework regions of the HIV-1 neutralizing human antibody m66—showed the highest antigen affinity. By introducing two additional back-mutations to the rodent donor sequence, an affinity toward hGal3 indistinguishable from the chimeric Fab was achieved (KD = 0.34 ± 0.02 nM in SPR). The PASylated humanized Fab was site-specifically labelled with the fluorescent dye Cy7 and applied for the immuno-histochemical staining of human tissue sections representative for different TCs. The same protein was conjugated with the metal chelator Dfo, followed by radiolabelling with 89Zr(IV). The resulting protein tracer allowed the highly sensitive and specific PET/CT imaging of orthotopic tumors in mice, which was confirmed by quantitative analysis of radiotracer accumulation. Thus, the PASylated humanized αhGal3 Fab offers clinical potential for the diagnostic imaging of TC.
Magmatic karst reveals dynamics of crystallization and differentiation in basaltic magma chambers
Authors: Kruger Willem , Latypov Rais 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn understanding of magma chamber dynamics relies on answering three important yet highly controversial questions: where, why, and how magma chambers crystallize and differentiate. Here we report on a new natural phenomenon—the undercut-embayed chamber floor in the Bushveld Complex—which allows us to address these questions. The undercut-embayed floor is produced by magmatic karstification (i.e. erosion by dissolution) of the underlying cumulates by replenishing magmas that form basal flows on the chamber floor. This results in a few metres thick three-dimensional framework of spatially interconnected erosional remnants that separate the floor cumulates from the overlying resident melt. The basal flow in this environment is effectively cooled through the floor, inducing heterogeneous nucleation and in situ growth against much of its three-dimensional framework. The solidification front thus propagates in multiple directions from the surfaces of erosional remnants. Fractional crystallization may occur within this environment by convective removal of a compositional boundary layer from in situ growing crystals and is remarkably efficient even in very confined spaces. We propose that the way magma crystallizes and differentiates in the undercut-embayed chamber floor is likely common for the evolution of many basaltic magma chambers.
Interim and end-treatment 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT and bone scan in prostate cancer patients treated with Radium 223 dichloride
Authors: García Vicente Ana María , Amo-Salas Mariano , Cassinello Espinosa Javier , Gómez Díaz Roberto , Soriano Castrejón Ángel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo assess the predictive and prognostic aim of interim and end-treatment 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT (FCH-PET/CT) and 99mTc-methilen diphosphonate bone scintigraphy (BS) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases (CRPC-BM) treated with Radium 223 dichloride (223Ra). Prospective and multicentre ChoPET-Rad study including 82 patients with CRPC-BM. Baseline, after 3 (interim) and 6 doses (end-treatment) BS and FCH PET/CT were performed in patients who meet the study criteria. Clinical variables, imaging and clinical progression were obtained and their association with progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was studied. Agreement between BS and FCH PET/CT response was assessed using Kappa (K) analysis. Median of PFS and OS was 3 and 16 months, respectively. Agreement between interim BS and FCH PET/CT was weak (K: 0.28; p = 0.004). No agreement was observed between end-treatment diagnostic studies. Interim and end-treatment FCH PET/CT were related to PFS (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). Therapeutic failure and interim BS and FCH PET/CT showed association with OS (p < 0.001, p = 0.037 and p = 0.008, respectively). Interim and end-treatment FCH PET/CT were good predictors of biochemical progression in patients treated with 223Ra. Therapeutic failure and progression in interim BS or FCH PET/CT were adverse factors for OS.
Neurodevelopment correlates with gut microbiota in a cross-sectional analysis of children at 3 years of age in rural China
Authors: Rothenberg Sarah E. , Chen Qiurong , Shen Jian , Nong Yanfen , Nong Hua , Trinh Eva P. , Biasini Fred J. , Liu Jihong , Zeng Xiaoyun , Zou Yunfeng , Ouyang Fengxiu , Korrick Susan A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe investigated cross-sectional associations between children’s neurodevelopment and their gut microbiota composition. Study children (36 months of age) lived in rural China (n = 46). Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd Edition, yielding the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI). Children's gut microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene profiling. Microbial diversity was characterized using alpha diversity patterns. Additionally, 3 coabundance factors were determined for the 25 most abundant taxa. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to examine the relationships between Bayley scores (MDI and PDI) and children's gut microbiota. In adjusted models, MDI and PDI scores were not associated with alpha diversity indices. However, in adjusted models, MDI and PDI scores were positively associated with the first coabundance factor, which captured positive loadings for the genera Faecalibacterium, Sutterella, and Clostridium cluster XIVa. For an interquartile range increase in the first coabundance factor, MDI scores increased by 3.9 points [95% confidence interval (CI): 0, 7.7], while PDI scores increased by 8.6 points (95% CI 3.1, 14). Our results highlight the potential for gut microbial compositional characteristics to be important correlates of children's Bayley Scales performance at 36 months of age.
Low dose of zearalenone elevated colon cancer cell growth through G protein-coupled estrogenic receptor
Authors: Lo Emily Kwun Kwan , Lee Jetty Chung-Yung , Turner Paul C. , El-Nezami Hani 
Published: April 2021

AbstractColon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is widely believed that environmental factors contribute to colon cancer development. Zearalenone (ZEA) is non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin that is widely found in the human diet and animal feeds. Most cancer studies of ZEA focused on estrogen sensitive cancers, while few focused on other types, such as colon cancer; despite the gastrointestinal tract being the first barrier exposed to food contaminants. This study investigated the stimulatory effects of ZEA on colon cancer cell lines and their underlying molecular mechanisms. ZEA promoted anchorage independent cell growth and cell cycle progression through promoting G1-to-S phase transition. Proliferative marker, cyclin D1 and Ki67 were found to be upregulated upon ZEA treatment. G protein-coupled estrogenic receptor 1 (GPER) protein expression was promoted upon ZEA treatment suggesting the involvement of GPER. The growth promoting effect mediated through GPER were suppressed by its antagonist G15. ZEA were found to promote the downstream parallel pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and Hippo pathway effector YAP1. Altogether, our observations suggest a novel mechanism by which ZEA could promote cancer growth and provide a new perspective on the carcinogenicity of ZEA.
Topographical transition of submicron pillar array of azo molecular glass induced by circularly polarized light
Authors: Wang Zenan , Hsu Chungen , Wang Xiaogong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe well-aligned submicron patterns on surfaces have attracted wide attention from scientific curiosity to practical applications. Understanding their formation and transition is highly desirable for efficient manufacture of the patterns for many usages. Here, we report a unique observation on self-organized topographical transition of submicron pillar array of an azo molecular glass, induced by irradiation with circularly polarized light. During gradual erasure of the patterns upon exposure to the light, which is a property of this material, a new set of pillars unexpectedly emerge with new one in middle of each triangle cell of the original array. The highly regular pillar array with triple area density is formed and finally stabilized in the process, as revealed by thorough investigation reported here. This unusual observation and its rationalization will be of benefit for deep understanding of the light–matter interaction and can be expected to be applied in different areas.
Female mice are more prone to develop an addictive-like phenotype for sugar consumption
Authors: Wei Shoupeng , Hertle Sarah , Spanagel Rainer , Bilbao Ainhoa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe concept of “sugar addiction” is gaining increasing attention in both the lay media and scientific literature. However, the concept of sugar addiction is controversial and only a few studies to date have attempted to determine the “addictive” properties of sugar using rigorous scientific criteria. Here we set out to systematically test the addictive properties of sugar in male and female mice using established paradigms and models from the drug addiction field. Male and female C57BL/6N (8–10 weeks old) were evaluated in 4 experimental procedures to study the addictive properties of sugar: (i) a drinking in the dark (DID) procedure to model sugar binging; (ii) a long-term free choice home cage drinking procedure measuring the sugar deprivation effect (SDE) following an abstinence phase; (iii) a long-term operant sugar self-administration with persistence, motivation and compulsivity measures and (iv) intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). Female mice were more vulnerable to the addictive properties of sugar than male mice, showing higher binge and long-term, excessive drinking, a more pronounced relapse-like drinking following deprivation, and higher persistence and motivation for sugar. No sex differences were seen in a compulsivity test or reward sensitivity measured using ICSS following extended sugar consumption. This study demonstrates the occurrence of an addictive-like phenotype for sugar in male and female mice, similar to drugs of abuse, and suggests sex-dependent differences in the development of sugar addiction.
High insecticide resistance mediated by different mechanisms in Culex quinquefasciatus populations from the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Talipouo Abdou , Mavridis Konstantinos , Nchoutpouen Elysée , Djiappi-Tchamen Borel , Fotakis Emmanouil Alexandros , Kopya Edmond , Bamou Roland , Kekeunou Sévilor , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Balabanidou Vasileia , Balaska Sofia , Wondji Charles Sinclair , Vontas John , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCulex mosquitoes particularly Culex quinquefasciatus are important arboviral and filariasis vectors, however despite this important epidemiological role, there is still a paucity of data on their bionomics. The present study was undertaken to assess the insecticide resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus populations from four districts of Yaoundé (Cameroon). All Culex quinquefasciatus populations except one displayed high resistance to bendiocarb and malathion with mortalities ranging from 0 to 89% while high resistance intensity against both permethrin and deltamethrin was recorded. Molecular analyses revealed high frequencies of the ACE-1 G119S mutation (ranging from 0 to 33%) and kdr L1014F allele (ranging from 55 to 74%) in all Cx. quinquefasciatus populations. Significant overexpression was detected for cytochrome P450s genes CYP6AA7 and CYP6Z10, as well as for Esterase A and Esterase B genes. The total cuticular hydrocarbon content, a proxy of cuticular resistance, was significantly increased (compared to the S-lab strain) in one population. The study confirms strong insecticide resistance mediated by different mechanisms in Cx. quinquefasciatus populations from the city of Yaoundé. The expansion of insecticide resistance in Culex populations could affect the effectiveness of current vector control measures and stress the need for the implementation of integrated vector control strategies in urban settings.