bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective enhancement of neural coding in V1 underlies fine discrimination learning in tree shrew
Authors: Schumacher Joseph W. , McCann Matthew , Maximov Katherine J. , Fitzpatrick David 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVisual discrimination improves with training, a phenomenon that is thought to reflect plastic changes in the responses of neurons in primary visual cortex (V1). However, the identity of the neurons that undergo change, the nature of the changes, and the consequences of these changes for other visual behaviors remain unclear. Using chronicin vivo2-photon calcium imaging to monitor the responses of neurons in V1 of tree shrews learning a Go/No-Go fine orientation discrimination task, we find increases in neural population measures of discriminability for task-relevant stimuli that correlate with performance and depend on a select subset of neurons with preferred orientations that include the rewarded stimulus and nearby orientations biased away from the non-rewarded stimulus. Learning is accompanied by selective enhancement in the response of these neurons to the rewarded stimulus that further increases their ability to discriminate the task stimuli. These changes persist outside of the trained task and predict observed enhancement and impairment in performance of other discriminations, providing evidence for selective persistent learning-induced plasticity in V1 with significant consequences for perception.
Insights into the structure of mature streptavidin C1 from Streptomyces cinnamonensis reveal the self-binding of the extension C-terminal peptide to biotin-binding sites
Authors: Jeon Byeong Jun , Kim Sulhee , Kim Min-Seok , Lee Ji-Ho , Kim Beom Seok , Hwang Kwang Yeon 
Published: January 2021

The members of the avidin protein family are well known for their high affinity towards D-biotin and their structural stability. These properties make avidins a valuable tool for various biotechnological applications. In the present study, two avidin-like biotin-binding proteins (named streptavidin C1 and C2) from Streptomyces cinnamonensis were newly identified while exploring antifungal proteins against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum. Streptavidin C1 reveals a low correlation (a sequence identity of approximately 64%) with all known streptavidins, whereas streptavidin C2 shares a sequence identity of approximately 94% with other streptavidins. Here, the crystal structures of streptavidin C1 in the mature form and in complex with biotin at 2.1 and 2.5 Å resolution, respectively, were assessed. The overall structures present similar tetrameric features with D
2 symmetry to other (strept)avidin structures. Interestingly, the long C-terminal region comprises a short α-helix (C-Lid; residues 169–179) and an extension C-terminal peptide (ECP; residues 180–191) which stretches into the biotin-binding sites of the same monomer. This ECP sequence (–180VTSANPPAS188–) is a newly defined biotin-binding site, which reduces the ability to bind to (strept)avidin family proteins. The novel streptavidin C1 could help in the development of an engineered tetrameric streptavidin with reduced biotin-binding capacity as well as other biomaterial tools.
Socio‐spatial organization reveals paternity and low kinship in the Honduran white bat (Ectophylla alba) in Costa Rica
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ Edgar G. , VIVAS‐TORO Isabela , CARMONA‐RUÍZ Daniela , VILLALOBOS‐CHAVES David , RODRÍGUEZ‐HERRERA Bernal , REAL‐MONROY Melina Del , LEÓN‐AVILA Gloria , ORTEGA Jorge 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEctophylla alba is a tent‐making bat that roosts in mixed‐sex clusters comprising adults and offspring. Our goal was to determine the genetic identity of individuals belonging to different roosting groups. We tested the hypothesis of kin selection as a major force structuring group composition. We used 9 microsatellites designed for E. alba to determine the genetic identity and probability of parentage of individuals. We analyzed parentage and kinship using the software ML‐Relate, GenAIEx, and Cervus. The obtained relationship probabilities (0.5) revealed a clear maternal relationship between female adults and offspring with allele compatibility, and at least 5 relationships between male adults and pups. We found a low degree of relatedness within roosting groups. Between roosting groups at different sites, the mean probability of a half‐sibling relationship ranged from 0.214 to 0.244 and, for full‐sibling relationship, from 0.383 to 0.553. Genetically, adult individuals were poorly related within clusters, and kinship as an evolutionary force could not explain group membership.
Comparison of artificial tooth position in dentures fabricated by heat curing and additive manufacturing
Authors: Tasaka A , Okano H , Odaka K , Matsunaga S , K. Goto T , Abe S , Yamashita S 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the displacement of tooth arrangement in dentures fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) and heat curing.MethodsThree‐dimensional (3D) scanning was performed for edentulous jaw models. After the teeth were arranged, 3D scanning for the wax denture was performed. Heat‐cured dentures were fabricated with heat‐cure polymer resin. Based on data obtained by subtracting the model data from wax denture data, AM dentures were fabricated from ultraviolet‐cured acrylic resin. Accuracy was verified by superimposing heat‐cured and AM dentures on the tooth region data from the wax dentures and measuring displacement of the tooth arrangement.ResultsIn the maxillary dentures, the amount of tooth displacement for the heat‐cured dentures and for the AM dentures ranged from −0.08 to +0.06 mm and from −0.25 to +0.06 mm respectively. A significant difference was observed between two dentures. In the mandibular dentures, the amount of tooth displacement for the heat‐cured dentures and for the AM dentures ranged from −0.09 to +0.07 mm and from −0.03 to +0.07 mm respectively. No significant difference was observed between two dentures.ConclusionsThe artificial teeth of the maxillary dentures fabricated by AM showed a greater displacement compared to those by heat curing.
Effects of melatonin on insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways of rats with apical periodontitis
Authors: Tavares B. S. , Tsosura T. V. S. , Mattera M. S. L. C. , Santelli J. O. , Belardi B. E. , Chiba F. Y. , Cintra L. T. A. , Silva C.C. , Matsushita D. H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo verify the effects of melatonin supplementation on insulin sensitivity, plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, insulin signalling and inflammatory pathways in the soleus (SM) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of rats with apical periodontitis (AP).MethodologySeventy‐two Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups: (a) control (C), (b) control supplemented with melatonin (M), (c) AP (AP), and (d) AP supplemented with melatonin (AP + M). AP was induced by pulp exposure of the maxillary and mandibular right first and second molars to the oral environment. After AP induction, oral supplementation with 5 mg kg−1melatonin (diluted in drinking water) for 60 days was initiated. At the end of the treatment, the following were analysed: (1) plasma concentrations of insulin and inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β and IL‐10) using ELISA kits; (2) glycaemia using enzymatic assay; (3) insulin resistance using homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index; and (4) phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine, Akt serine, IKKα/β, and JNK in SM and EDL using Western blot. Analysis of variance of two or three factors was performed, followed by the Bonferroni test.Pvalues < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsAP promoted insulin resistance, significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β), significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, impaired insulin signalling in SM, and increased IKKα/β phosphorylation status in SM and EDL. Melatonin supplementation in rats with AP improved insulin sensitivity, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) TNF‐α and IL‐1β, significantly increased (P < 0.05) IL‐10 plasma concentrations, and changed the insulin signalling in soleus muscle and IKKα/β phosphorylation status in SM and EDL muscles.ConclusionsMelatonin is a potent adjuvant treatment for improving apical periodontitis‐associated changes in insulin sensitivity, insulin signalling and inflammatory pathways. In addition, the negative impact of AP on general health was also demonstrated.
Sintering‐driven effects on the band gap of (Pb,La)(Ti,Ni)O3 photovoltaic ceramics
Authors: Vargas Natália F. C. , Alkathy Mahmoud S. , Eiras José A. , Mastelaro Valmor Roberto , Lente Manuel H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, the influence of the sintering temperature on the physical properties of (Pb0.8La0.2)(Ti0.9Ni0.1)O3 (PLT‐Ni) ceramics is reported. The experimental data revealed that the energy band gap of PLT‐Ni ceramics could be tailored from approximately 2.7 to 2.0 eV by changing the sintering temperature from 1100°C to 1250°C. It is demonstrated that the simple substitution of Ti4+ by Ni2+ cations is effective to decrease the intrinsic band gap while increasing the tetragonality factor and the spontaneous polarization. However, the additional red‐shift observed in the absorption edge of the PLT‐Ni with increasing the sintering temperature was associated with a continuous increase in the oxygen vacancies () amount. It is believed that the impact of the creation of these thermally induced is manifold. The presence of and Ni2+ ions generate the Ni2+‐ defect‐pairs that promoted both a decrease in the intrinsic band gap and an additional increase of the tetragonality factor, consequently, increasing the spontaneous polarization. The creation of Ni2+‐ defects also changed the local symmetry of Ni2+ ions from octahedral to a square pyramid, thus lifting the degeneracy of the Ni2+ 3d orbitals. With the increase in the sintering temperature, lower‐energy absorbing intraband states were also formed due to an excess of , being responsible for an add‐on shoulder in the absorption edge, extending the light absorption curve to longer wavelengths and leading to an additional absorption in “all investigated” spectrum as well.
Phylogenetic diversity of two geographically overlapping lichens: isolation by distance, environment, or fragmentation?
Authors: Moncada Bibiana , Mercado‐Díaz Joel A. , Magain Nicolas , Hodkinson Brendan P. , Smith Clifford W. , Bungartz Frank , Pérez‐Pérez Rosa‐Emilia , Gumboski Emerson , Sérusiaux Emmanuël , Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Lücking Robert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimPhylogenetic diversification is a precursor to speciation, but the underlying patterns and processes are not well‐studied in lichens. Here we investigate what factors drive diversification in two tropical, morphologically similar macrolichens that occupy a similar range but differ in altitudinal and habitat preferences, testing for isolation by distance (IBD), environment (IBE), and fragmentation (IBF).LocationNeotropics, Hawaii, Macaronesia.TaxonSticta andina,S. scabrosa(Peltigeraceae).MethodsWe analysed 395 specimens from 135 localities, using the fungal ITS barcoding marker to assess phylogenetic diversification, through maximum likelihood tree reconstruction, TCS haplotype networks, and Tajima's D. Mantel tests were employed to detect structure in genetic vs. geographic, environmental, and fragmentation distances. Habitat preferences were quantitatively assessed by statistical analysis of locality‐based BIOclim variables.ResultsSticta andinaexhibited high phenotypic variation and reticulate phylogenetic diversity across its range, whereas the phenotypically uniformS. scabrosacontained two main haplotypes, one unique to Hawaii.Sticta andinais restricted to well‐preserved andine forests and paramos, naturally fragmented habitats due to disruptive topology, whereasS. scabrosathrives in lowland to lower montane zones in exposed or disturbed microsites, representing a continuous habitat.Sticta scabrosashowed IBD only across its full range (separating the Hawaiian population) but not within continental Central and South America, there exhibiting a negative Tajima's D.Sticta andinadid not exhibit IBD but IBE at continental level and IBF in the northern Andes.Main conclusionsAutecology, particularly preference for either low or high altitudes, indirectly drives phylogenetic diversification. Low diversification in the low altitude species,S. scabrosa, can be attributed to rapid expansion and effective gene flow across a more or less continuous niche due to disturbance tolerance. In contract, high diversification in the high altitude species,S. andina, can be explained by niche differentiation (IBE) and fragmentation (IBF) caused by the Andean uplift.
Diagnostic value of dysregulated microribonucleic acids in the placenta and circulating exosomes in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Ting , Sun Daoxu , Cheng Guanghui , Ren Hanxiao , Hong Haijie , Chen Liyu , Jiao Xue , Du Yijia , Zou Yuqing , Wang Lina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionDifferentially expressed microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in the placenta and circulating exosomes are of diagnostic value for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In a cross‐sectional study, we identified miRNAs expressed both in the placenta and circulating exosomes of pregnant women with GDM, and estimated their diagnostic value.Materials and MethodsNext‐generation sequencing was used to identify miRNAs in the placenta that were differentially expressed between GDM and normal glucose tolerance pregnancies. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the identified targets. Western blot and transmission electron microscopy were used to validate exosomes. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish diagnostic models based on miRNAs expression, and the diagnostic value was estimated using the receiver operator characteristic curve.ResultsWe identified 157 dysregulated miRNAs in the placental tissue obtained from GDM pregnancies. Of these, miRNA‐125b was downregulated (P < 0.001), whereas miRNA‐144 was upregulated (P < 0.001). The patterns of these two miRNAs remained the same in circulating exosomes from GDM pregnancies (all P < 0.001). miRNA‐144 levels in the circulating exosomes negatively correlated with body mass index both before pregnancy (P = 0.018) and before delivery (P = 0.039), and positively correlated with blood glucose at 1 h, estimated using the oral glucose tolerance test (P = 0.044). The area under curve for the established diagnostic model was 0.898, which was higher than blood glucose levels at 0 h.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that miRNA‐125b and miRNA‐144 are consistently dysregulated in circulating exosomes and the placenta from GDM pregnancies, and are of excellent diagnostic value for GDM.
Health professionals’ knowledge, views and advice on diet and dental health: a survey of UK and Ireland dietitians and dentists
Authors: Kingsnorth Joanne , Cushen Samantha J. , Janiszewska Katarzyna , Avery Amanda 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundOral health is affected by dietary practices and may impact quality of life. Collaboration between dietetics and dental professionals for oral health promotion and disease prevention is recommended. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of dentists and dietitians on diet and dental health.MethodsThe study comprised a cross‐sectional online questionnaire, which was disseminated electronically to dentists and dietitians in the UK and Ireland, via national networks. Questions assessed participants’ knowledge of the cariogenicity of different foods, snacking behaviours, familiarity with UK dietary guidelines, dietary advice and their recommendations for cross‐professional consistency.ResultsIn total, 418 responses were received (60% dentists, 40% dietitians). Inter‐profession knowledge differences were observed for the cariogenicity of sports drinks (p < 0.001), chocolate/confectionary (p < 0.001), yoghurt (p < 0.001) and sugar‐coated breakfast cereals plus milk (p < 0.0001). Dentists showed greater concern over the timings and frequency of food consumption than dietitians. A greater proportion of dentists felt nutrition and oral health counselling is a key component of regular patient care (58.4% versus 8.2%, p < 0.001). Only 18% of dietitians, compared to 56% of dentists, considered that they had received sufficient training about diet and dental health. Both professions indicated the need for multi‐disciplinary training.ConclusionsDietitians and dentists differ with respect to their knowledge about the effects of snacks and snacking behaviours on dental health, as well as how they prioritise this in their clinical practice. Both professions show a willingness to work collaboratively to ensure accurate and consistent advice‐giving and expertise‐sharing.
Large‐scale screening studies for atrial fibrillation – is it worth the effort?
Authors: Engdahl J. , Rosenqvist M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common disease with increasing prevalence, approximately 3.2% in the adult population. In addition, about one third of AF cases are considered asymptomatic. Due to increased longevity, increased detection and increased prevalence of risk factors, the prevalence of AF is expected to at least double by the year 2060. Patients with AF have an increased risk for ischaemic stroke, heart failure, death and cognitive decline. Treatment with oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of ischaemic stroke and mortality, and the effect on cognitive decline is being studied. Based on the increasing prevalence of AF, its often asymptomatic and paroxysmal presentation and the efficacy of oral anticoagulation treatment, screening for AF has been proposed. AF seems to fulfil most of the Wilson–Jungner criteria for screening issued by the World Health Organization, but some knowledge gaps remain, gaps that will be addressed by several ongoing studies. The knowledge gaps in AF screening consist of the magnitude of the net benefit or net harm inflicted by AF screening because the oral anticoagulation treatment will also increase the risk of bleeding, and the psychological effects of AF screening are not very well studied. So far, the AF screening recommendations issued by the European Society of Cardiology have had limited impact on national and regional AF screening activities. Several large‐scale AF screening studies will report results on hard endpoints within the next few years, and these results will hopefully manifest AF as a cardiovascular disease which we need to pay more attention to.
The effect of the ischaemic compression technique on pain and functionality in temporomandibular disorders: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Şahin Duygu , Kaya Mutlu Ebru , Şakar Olcay , Ateş Gökçen , İnan Şebnem , Taşkıran Hanifegül 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundInterventions addressing pain and impaired functionality in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are needed.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of 4 weeks of exercise combined with ischaemic compression and exercise alone in patients with TMDs.MethodsFifty patients who were diagnosed with TMDs were randomised into Group 1 (exercise combined with ischaemic compression technique) (n = 25) or Group 2 (exercise alone) (n = 25). Both groups performed 4 weeks of Rocabado's exercise and 3 weeks of postural exercise, while Group 1 received ischaemic compression to the masseter muscle for a total of 3 sessions in addition to exercise. A ruler was used to assess range of motion (ROM) (painless mouth opening (PMO), maximum mouth opening, maximum assisted mouth opening (MAMO), left lateral movement and right lateral movement), the visual analogue scale and graded chronic pain scale were used to assess pain, an algometer was used to determine the pain pressure threshold (PPT), and the 8‐item jaw functional limitation scale was used to assess, functionality. The assessments were performed at baseline, at week 1 and at week 4.ResultsThe participants in Group 1 exhibited larger PMO (F = 5.26, P = .02) and MAMO values (F = 6.71, P = .01) than did the patients in Group 2 at week 1. The effect size was small for MAMO (ES = 0.27) and moderate for PMO (ES = 0.51). However, there were no significant differences in any other outcomes between groups at week 1 or 4.ConclusionIn summary, this randomised controlled trial indicates that exercise combined with ICT and exercise alone have similar effects on ROM, pain, the PPT and functionality in patients with TMDs.
Fine regulation system for distribution of boron to different tissues in rice
Authors: Shao Ji Feng , Yamaji Naoki , Huang Sheng , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Boron (B) is essential for growth and development, with the B requirement differing depending on the particular organs and tissues, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the preferential distribution of B to different tissues are poorly understood.

We investigated the role of a rice gene (OsBOR1) encoding a B efflux transporter in the distribution of B to different tissues under different B supplies.

OsBOR1 was highly expressed in the nodes at all growth stages. The OsBOR1 protein shows polar localization at the distal side of bundle sheath cells in nodes and xylem parenchyma cells of elongating leaf sheath, but in the mature leaf sheath and blade at the proximal side of bundle sheath cells. Furthermore, the expression of OsBOR1 was not affected by external B fluctuations, but the OsBOR1 protein was gradually degraded in response to high B. Knockout of this gene altered B distribution, decreasing the distribution of B to new leaves and panicles but increasing B distribution to old leaves.

These results indicate that OsBOR1 expressed in nodes and leaf sheath is involved in the preferential distribution of B to different tissues in rice. Furthermore, the OsBOR1 undergoes degradation in response to high B for fine regulation of B distribution to different tissues.
Looking into the future: Gene and cell therapies for glaucoma
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Koehl Kristin L. , Park Shin Ae 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlaucoma is a complex group of optic neuropathies that affects both humans and animals. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation is a major risk factor that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, lowering IOP by medical and surgical methods is the only approved treatment for primary glaucoma, but there is no cure, and vision loss often progresses despite therapy. Recent technologic advances provide us with a better understanding of disease mechanisms and risk factors; this will permit earlier diagnosis of glaucoma and initiation of therapy sooner and more effectively. Gene and cell therapies are well suited to target these mechanisms specifically with the potential to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect. Much progress has been made in laboratory settings to develop these novel therapies for the eye. Gene and cell therapies have already been translated into clinical application for some inherited retinal dystrophies and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Except for the intravitreal application of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) by encapsulated cell technology for RGC neuroprotection, there has been no other clinical translation of gene and cell therapies for glaucoma so far. Possible application of gene and cell therapies consists of long‐term IOP control via increased aqueous humor drainage, including inhibition of fibrosis following filtration surgery, RGC neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, modification of ocular biomechanics for improved IOP tolerance, and inhibition of inflammation and neovascularization to prevent the development of some forms of secondary glaucoma.