bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candidatus Eremiobacterota, a metabolically and phylogenetically diverse terrestrial phylum with acid-tolerant adaptations
Authors: Ji Mukan , Williams Timothy J , Montgomery Kate , Wong Hon Lun , Zaugg Julian , Berengut Jonathan F , Bissett Andrew , Chuvochina Maria , Hugenholtz Philip , Ferrari Belinda C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Candidatus phylum Eremiobacterota (formerly WPS-2) is an as-yet-uncultured bacterial clade that takes its name from Ca. Eremiobacter, an Antarctic soil aerobe proposed to be capable of a novel form of chemolithoautotrophy termed atmospheric chemosynthesis, that uses the energy derived from atmospheric H2-oxidation to fix CO2 through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle via type 1E RuBisCO. To elucidate the phylogenetic affiliation and metabolic capacities of Ca. Eremiobacterota, we analysed 63 public metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and nine new MAGs generated from Antarctic soil metagenomes. These MAGs represent both recognized classes within Ca. Eremiobacterota, namely Ca. Eremiobacteria and UBP9. Ca. Eremiobacteria are inferred to be facultatively acidophilic with a preference for peptides and amino acids as nutrient sources. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed Ca. Eremiobacteria cells from Antarctica desert soil to be coccoid in shape. Two orders are recognized within class Ca. Eremiobacteria: Ca. Eremiobacterales and Ca. Baltobacterales. The latter are metabolically versatile, with individual members having genes required for trace gas driven autotrophy, anoxygenic photosynthesis, CO oxidation, and anaerobic respiration. UBP9, here renamed Ca. Xenobia class. nov., are inferred to be obligate heterotrophs with acidophilic adaptations, but individual members having highly divergent metabolic capacities compared to Ca. Eremiobacteria, especially with regard to respiration and central carbon metabolism. We conclude Ca. Eremiobacterota to be an ecologically versatile phylum with the potential to thrive under an array of “extreme” environmental conditions.
The oncogene Mct-1 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via enhancement of Yap-mediated cell proliferation
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Ni Yong , Yang Shikun , Ji Yang , Yang Xinchen , Cheng Feng , Wang Xuehao , Zhang Feng , Rao Jianhua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalignant T-cell-amplified sequence 1 (Mct-1) has been reported as an oncogene in multiple malignant diseases. However, the function of Mct-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression have not been explored. In this study, Mct-1 expression levels in HCC tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Mct-1 shRNAs and overexpression vector were transfected into HCC cells to downregulate or upregulate Mct-1 expression. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the function of Mct-1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed to explore differences in gene expression when silenced Mct-1 expression. Mct-1 was upregulated in HCC specimens and cell lines, and higher expression of Mct-1 was predictive of poor survival. Overexpression of Mct-1 was shown to promote cell proliferation and repress cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The results of RNA-seq indicated that knockdown of Mct-1 suppressed Yap expression, while the results of the luciferase assay also revealed that Mct-1 increases the activity of the Yap promoter. Restoration of Yap expression in Mct-1 knockdown cells partially recovered the promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate that Mct-1 acts as a tumor promoter gene in HCC progression by up-regulating Yap expression and, thus, could serve a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC.
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces sustained humoral immune responses in convalescent patients following symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Wu Jun , Liang Boyun , Chen Cunrong , Wang Hua , Fang Yaohui , Shen Shu , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Baoju , Chen Liangkai , Chen Qi , Wu Yang , Liu Jia , Yang Xuecheng , Li Wei , Zhu Bin , Zhou Wenqing , Wang Huan , Li Sumeng , Lu Sihong , Liu Di , Li Huadong , Krawczyk Adalbert , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang , Deng Fei , Dittmer Ulf , Trilling Mirko , Zheng Xin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLong-term antibody responses and neutralizing activities in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not yet clear. Here we quantify immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) or the nucleocapsid (N) protein, and neutralizing antibodies during a period of 6 months from COVID-19 disease onset in 349 symptomatic COVID-19 patients who were among the first be infected world-wide. The positivity rate and magnitude of IgM-S and IgG-N responses increase rapidly. High levels of IgM-S/N and IgG-S/N at 2-3 weeks after disease onset are associated with virus control and IgG-S titers correlate closely with the capacity to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Although specific IgM-S/N become undetectable 12 weeks after disease onset in most patients, IgG-S/N titers have an intermediate contraction phase, but stabilize at relatively high levels over the 6 month observation period. At late time points, the positivity rates for binding and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies are still >70%. These data indicate sustained humoral immunity in recovered patients who had symptomatic COVID-19, suggesting prolonged immunity.
SUMOylation controls the binding of hexokinase 2 to mitochondria and protects against prostate cancer tumorigenesis
Authors: Shangguan Xun , He Jianli , Ma Zehua , zhang Weiwei , Ji Yiyi , Shen Kai , Yue Zhiying , Li Wenyu , Xin Zhixiang , Zheng Quan , Cao Ying , Pan Jiahua , Dong Baijun , Cheng Jinke , Wang Qi , Xue Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman hexokinase 2 is an essential regulator of glycolysis that couples metabolic and proliferative activities in cancer cells. The binding of hexokinase 2 to the outer membrane of mitochondria is critical for its oncogenic activity. However, the regulation of hexokinase 2 binding to mitochondria remains unclear. Here, we report that SUMOylation regulates the binding of hexokinase 2 to mitochondria. We find that hexokinase 2 can be SUMOylated at K315 and K492. SUMO-specific protease SENP1 mediates the de-SUMOylation of hexokinase 2. SUMO-defective hexokinase 2 preferably binds to mitochondria and enhances both glucose consumption and lactate production and decreases mitochondrial respiration in parallel. This metabolic reprogramming supports prostate cancer cell proliferation and protects cells from chemotherapy-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we demonstrate an inverse relationship between SENP1-hexokinase 2 axis and chemotherapy response in prostate cancer samples. Our data provide evidence for a previously uncovered posttranslational modification of hexokinase 2 in cancer cells, suggesting a potentially actionable strategy for preventing chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer.
Evaluation of influent microbial immigration to activated sludge is affected by different-sized community segregation
Authors: Guo Bing , Sheng Zhiya , Liu Yang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractActivated sludge (AS) microbial communities were analyzed for seasonal variation, a disturbance-recovery event, and separated small aggregates (SAG) to study the influent immigration effect using both neutral immigration model and mass-balance model with operational parameters. SAG differed with AS, and higher immigration impact on SAG was confirmed by both models. Adding the SAG community segregation in the latter model to evaluate the contribution of influent immigration to community disturbance-recovery showed increased impact of immigration.
Cognitive profiles in older males and females
Authors: Jockwitz C. , Wiersch L. , Stumme J. , Caspers S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMales and females are subject to differences in cognitive processing strategies, i.e. the way males and females solve cognitive tasks. So far primarily reported for younger adults, this seems to be especially important in older adults, who also show sex differences in cognitive impairments. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the older adult population with respect to cognitive profiles derived from a large variety of cognitive functions. Using an exploratory component analysis with consecutive confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 676 older adults, neuropsychological performance data in a variety of cognitive domains was decomposed into cognitive components. A general cognitive profile based on the whole group fits unequally well on the two sexes. Importantly, cognitive profiles based on either males or females differ in terms of their composition of cognitive components, i.e. three components in males versus four components in females, with a generally better model fit in females. Thus, related to the established differences in processing styles between males and females the current study found a rather decomposed (or local) cognitive profile in females while males seem to show a holistic (or global) cognitive profile, with more interrelations between different cognitive functions.
The holding temperature of blood during a delay to processing can affect serum and plasma protein measurements
Authors: Ashworth Milton , Small Benjamin , Oldfield Lucy , Evans Anthony , Greenhalf William , Halloran Christopher , Costello Eithne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccurate blood-borne biomarkers are sought for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment stratification. Consistent handling of blood is essential for meaningful data interpretation, however, delays during processing are occasionally unavoidable. We investigated the effects of immediately placing blood samples on ice versus room temperature for 1 h (reference protocol), and holding samples on ice versus room temperature during a 3 h delay to processing. Using Luminex multi-plex assays to assess cytokines (n = 29) and diabetes-associated proteins (n = 15) in healthy subjects, we observed that placing blood samples immediately on ice decreased the serum levels of several cytokines, including PAI-1, MIP1-β, IL-9, RANTES and IL-8. During a delay to processing, some analytes, e.g. leptin and insulin, showed little change in serum or plasma values. However, for approximately half of the analytes studied, a delay, regardless of the holding temperature, altered the measured levels compared to the reference protocol. Effects differed between serum and plasma and for some analytes the direction of change in level varied across individuals. The optimal holding temperature for samples during a delay was analyte-specific. In conclusion, deviations from protocol can lead to significant changes in blood analyte levels. Where possible, protocols for blood handling should be pre-determined in an analyte-specific manner.
Focused ultrasound mediated blood–brain barrier opening is safe and feasible in a murine pontine glioma model
Authors: Englander Zachary K. , Wei Hong-Jian , Pouliopoulos Antonios N. , Bendau Ethan , Upadhyayula Pavan , Jan Chia-Ing , Spinazzi Eleanora F. , Yoh Nina , Tazhibi Masih , McQuillan Nicholas M. , Wang Tony J. C. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Canoll Peter , Feldstein Neil A. , Zacharoulis Stergios , Konofagou Elisa E. , Wu Cheng-Chia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDrug delivery in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is significantly limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Focused ultrasound (FUS), when combined with the administration of microbubbles can effectively open the BBB permitting the entry of drugs across the cerebrovasculature into the brainstem. Given that the utility of FUS in brainstem malignancies remains unknown, the purpose of our study was to determine the safety and feasibility of this technique in a murine pontine glioma model. A syngeneic orthotopic model was developed by stereotactic injection of PDGF-B+PTEN−/−p53−/− murine glioma cells into the pons of B6 mice. A single-element, spherical-segment 1.5 MHz ultrasound transducer driven by a function generator through a power amplifier was used with concurrent intravenous microbubble injection for tumor sonication. Mice were randomly assigned to control, FUS and double-FUS groups. Pulse and respiratory rates were continuously monitored during treatment. BBB opening was confirmed with gadolinium-enhanced MRI and Evans blue. Kondziela inverted screen testing and sequential weight lifting measured motor function before and after sonication. A subset of animals were treated with etoposide following ultrasound. Mice were either sacrificed for tissue analysis or serially monitored for survival with daily weights. FUS successfully caused BBB opening while preserving normal cardiorespiratory and motor function. Furthermore, the degree of intra-tumoral hemorrhage and inflammation on H&E in control and treated mice was similar. There was also no difference in weight loss and survival between the groups (p > 0.05). Lastly, FUS increased intra-tumoral etoposide concentration by more than fivefold. FUS is a safe and feasible technique for repeated BBB opening and etoposide delivery in a preclinical pontine glioma model.
Electromagnetic field and TGF-β enhance the compensatory plasticity after sensory nerve injury in cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Jankowska Milena , Klimek Angelika , Valsecchi Chiara , Stankiewicz Maria , Wyszkowska Joanna , Rogalska Justyna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecovery of function after sensory nerves injury involves compensatory plasticity, which can be observed in invertebrates. The aim of the study was the evaluation of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) nervous system after the sensory nerve injury and assessment of the effect of electromagnetic field exposure (EMF, 50 Hz, 7 mT) and TGF-β on this process. The bioelectrical activities of nerves (pre-and post-synaptic parts of the sensory path) were recorded under wind stimulation of the cerci before and after right cercus ablation and in insects exposed to EMF and treated with TGF-β. Ablation of the right cercus caused an increase of activity of the left presynaptic part of the sensory path. Exposure to EMF and TGF-β induced an increase of activity in both parts of the sensory path. This suggests strengthening effects of EMF and TGF-β on the insect ability to recognize stimuli after one cercus ablation. Data from locomotor tests proved electrophysiological results. The takeover of the function of one cercus by the second one proves the existence of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach escape system, which makes it a good model for studying compensatory plasticity. We recommend further research on EMF as a useful factor in neurorehabilitation.
Transcranial focused ultrasound phase correction using the hybrid angular spectrum method
Authors: Leung Steven A. , Moore David , Webb Taylor D. , Snell John , Ghanouni Pejman , Butts Pauly Kim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe InSightec Exablate system is the standard of care used for transcranial focused ultrasound ablation treatments in the United States. The system calculates phase corrections that account for aberrations caused by the human skull. This work investigates whether skull aberration correction can be improved by comparing the standard of care InSightec ray tracing method with the hybrid angular spectrum (HAS) method and the gold standard hydrophone method. Three degassed ex vivo human skulls were sonicated with a 670 kHz hemispherical phased array transducer (InSightec Exablate 4000). Phase corrections were calculated using four different methods (straight ray tracing, InSightec ray tracing, HAS, and hydrophone) and were used to drive the transducer. 3D raster scans of the beam profiles were acquired using a hydrophone mounted on a 3-axis positioner system. Focal spots were evaluated using six metrics: pressure at the target, peak pressure, intensity at the target, peak intensity, positioning error, and focal spot volume. For three skulls, the InSightec ray tracing method achieved 52 ± 21% normalized target intensity (normalized to hydrophone), 76 ± 17% normalized peak intensity, and 0.72 ± 0.47 mm positioning error. The HAS method achieved 74 ± 9% normalized target intensity, 81 ± 9% normalized peak intensity, and 0.35 ± 0.09 mm positioning error. The InSightec-to-HAS improvement in focal spot targeting provides promise in improving treatment outcomes. These improvements to skull aberration correction are also highly relevant for the applications of focused ultrasound neuromodulation and blood brain barrier opening, which are currently being translated for human use.
Surveillance of salivary properties of pre-orthodontic patients in relation to age and sex
Authors: Kado Isamu , Kunimatsu Ryo , Yoshimi Yuki , Medina Cynthia Concepcion , Yamada Sakura , Tanimoto Kotaro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSaliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries. Although studies have been conducted on saliva properties, their results vary widely depending on population settings. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the results of saliva properties in individuals who attended their first visit for orthodontic treatment. A total of 619 participants were included (387 females and 232 males; mean age: 14.6 years). We conducted oral examinations and saliva (stimulated) tests and evaluated the saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity, along with bacterial culture. Saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were significantly higher in males than in females. However, the Streptococcus mutans score was significantly higher in females than in males even though oral hygiene was better in females. Significant positive correlations were found between age and saliva flow rate and S. mutans score. On the contrary, significant negative correlations were found between age and pH and buffering capacity. These results were similar to other studies where the target population was children or teenagers. Saliva properties of patients starting orthodontic treatment were almost the same as in populations of similar ages.
Evaluation of multi-hazard map produced using MaxEnt machine learning technique
Authors: Javidan Narges , Kavian Ataollah , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Conoscenti Christian , Jafarian Zeinab , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNatural hazards are diverse and uneven in time and space, therefore, understanding its complexity is key to save human lives and conserve natural ecosystems. Reducing the outputs obtained after each modelling analysis is key to present the results for stakeholders, land managers and policymakers. So, the main goal of this survey was to present a method to synthesize three natural hazards in one multi-hazard map and its evaluation for hazard management and land use planning. To test this methodology, we took as study area the Gorganrood Watershed, located in the Golestan Province (Iran). First, an inventory map of three different types of hazards including flood, landslides, and gullies was prepared using field surveys and different official reports. To generate the susceptibility maps, a total of 17 geo-environmental factors were selected as predictors using the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) machine learning technique. The accuracy of the predictive models was evaluated by drawing receiver operating characteristic-ROC curves and calculating the area under the ROC curve-AUCROC. The MaxEnt model not only implemented superbly in the degree of fitting, but also obtained significant results in predictive performance. Variables importance of the three studied types of hazards showed that river density, distance from streams, and elevation were the most important factors for flood, respectively. Lithological units, elevation, and annual mean rainfall were relevant for detecting landslides. On the other hand, annual mean rainfall, elevation, and lithological units were used for gully erosion mapping in this study area. Finally, by combining the flood, landslides, and gully erosion susceptibility maps, an integrated multi-hazard map was created. The results demonstrated that 60% of the area is subjected to hazards, reaching a proportion of landslides up to 21.2% in the whole territory. We conclude that using this type of multi-hazard map may be a useful tool for local administrators to identify areas susceptible to hazards at large scales as we demonstrated in this research.
Timing of recurrences of TEM resected rectal neoplasms is variable as per the surveillance practices of one tertiary care institution
Authors: Keeping Allison C. , Johnson Paul M. , Kenyon Christopher R. , Neumann Katerina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is widely used for the excision of rectal adenomas and early rectal adenocarcinoma. Few recommendations currently exist for surveillance of lesions excised by TEM. The purpose of this study was to review the surveillance practices and the patterns of recurrence among TEM resected lesions at a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent TEM for rectal adenoma or adenocarcinoma before June 2017. In our study population of 114 patients, the final pathology included 78 (68%) adenomas and 36 (32%) adenocarcinomas. Of the adenocarcinomas 23, 9, and 4 were T1, T2, T3 lesions, respectively. Of those, 25 patients opted for surveillance instead of further treatment. The most commonly recommended endoscopic surveillance strategy by our group for both adenomas and adenocarcinomas excised by TEM was flexible sigmoidoscopy every 6 months for 2 years. Recurrences occurred in 4/78 (5.1%) adenoma patients, all found within 16.9 months of surgery, and in 4/25 (16%) adenocarcinoma patients, found between 7.4 and 38.5 months post-surgery. Our data highlights the fact that the timing of recurrences post TEM surgery is variable. Further studies looking at recurrence patterns are needed in order to create comprehensive guidelines for surveillance of these patients.
Simulation of the transition metal-based cumulative oxidative potential in East Asia and its emission sources in Japan
Authors: Kajino Mizuo , Hagino Hiroyuki , Fujitani Yuji , Morikawa Tazuko , Fukui Tetsuo , Onishi Kazunari , Okuda Tomoaki , Igarashi Yasuhito 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aerosol oxidative potential (OP) is considered to better represent the acute health hazards of aerosols than the mass concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The proposed major contributors to OP are water soluble transition metals and organic compounds, but the relative magnitudes of these compounds to the total OP are not yet fully understood. In this study, as the first step toward the numerical prediction of OP, the cumulative OP (OPtm*) based on the top five key transition metals, namely, Cu, Mn, Fe, V, and Ni, was defined. The solubilities of metals were assumed constant over time and space based on measurements. Then, the feasibility of its prediction was verified by comparing OPtm* values based on simulated metals to that based on observed metals in East Asia. PM2.5 typically consists of primary and secondary species, while OPtm* only represents primary species. This disparity caused differences in the domestic contributions of PM2.5 and OPtm*, especially in large cities in western Japan. The annual mean domestic contributions of PM2.5 were 40%, while those of OPtm* ranged from 50 to 55%. Sector contributions to the OPtm* emissions in Japan were also assessed. The main important sectors were the road brake and iron–steel industry sectors, followed by power plants, road exhaust, and railways.