bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of human dermal–derived mesenchymal stem cells on the keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis in psoriasis
Authors: Chang Wenjuan , Liang Nannan , Cao Yue , Xing Jianxiao , Li Jiao , Li Juan , Zhao Xincheng , Li Junqin , Niu Xuping , Hou Ruixia , Yin Guohua , Zhang Kaiming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) regulate inflammation and vascular proliferation in the psoriasis lesions. Whether dermal‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs), the main MSCs in the dermis, regulate keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed the proliferation and apoptosis of keratinocytes cocultured with DMSCs isolated from either normal or psoriatic involved skin. Cell growth and apoptotic rates were determined using Cell Count Kit‐8 and annexin V‐FITC staining, respectively. In addition, EDU kit was also used to measure the rate of keratinocyte proliferation. Our results showed that psoriatic DMSCs (pDMSCs) were more potent than normal DMSCs (nDMSCs) in stimulating keratinocyte proliferation. In contrast, the apoptotic rate and expression levels of caspase‐3 protein were lower in pDMSC‐treated than nDMSC‐treated keratinocytes (p < 0.001). Moreover, significantly higher contents of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were found in the culture medium of pDMSCs than in that of nDMSCs. In conclusion, pDMSCs were more potent than nDMSCs in stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, but weaker in promoting apoptosis.
Sifting environmental DNA metabarcoding data sets for rapid reconstruction of marine food webs
Authors: D’Alessandro Simone , Mariani Stefano 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMarine ecosystems are changing rapidly due to ocean warming, overfishing and a raft of other anthropogenic impacts. Such changes are expected to disrupt productivity dynamics and alter marine food webs, with likely negative consequences for ecosystem services. It is, therefore, essential to devise and implement methods that can rapidly and inexpensively monitor changes in the marine food web structure. Unfortunately, conventional methods for surveying marine food webs are typically laborious, expensive and often destructive, resulting in only a small fraction of marine ecosystems being well studied, and an even smaller subset of them being studied through time. Here, we pilot a low‐cost approach to reconstructing trophic networks of marine tropical, temperate and polar regions, using taxonomical inventories arising from published environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding studies, and building trophic links based on primary literature information. Although the trophic webs obtained are a simplified approximation of those constructed with traditional methods, they generate realistic networks that fit with expectations, and allow ecological inference over time scales and costs that are orders of magnitude smaller than that traditionally achieved. We show the potential of a new application of environmental DNA analysis that promises to offer a rapid and scalable approach to gather vital information on ecosystem structure, hence boosting marine monitoring at a time of increasingly rapid environmental changes.
On being ignored
Authors: Wu Joyce 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRacism in universities to be best described as “being ignored.” This means not having complaints heard, or having your existence and identities overlooked. Being ignored is a powerful tool used by racist institutions to suppress experiences of race and gender inequality. Being ignored is also an effective way to undermine your sense of self and the validity of your experience. This alternative narrative is a typology of the types of ignoring that goes on at the higher education—read and see how many types of ignoring you can relate with!
Identification of Spodoptera frugiperda importin alphas that facilitate the nuclear import of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus DNA polymerase
Authors: Chen Guo‐Qing , Li Pei , Yan Qing , Wu Yi‐Hong , Wang Hao‐Ran , Chao Shu‐Fen , Wu Li‐Juan , Chen Long , Feng Guo‐Zhong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractProteins containing nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are actively transported into the nucleus via the classic importin‐α/β‐mediated pathway, and NLSs are recognized by members of the importin‐α family. Most studies of insect importin‐αs have focused on Drosophila to date, little is known about the importin‐α proteins in Lepidoptera insects. In this study, we identified four putative importin‐α homologues, Spodoptera frugiperda importin‐α1 (SfIMA1), SfIMA2, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7, from Sf9 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that SfIMA2, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 localized to the nucleus, while SfIMA1 distributed in cytoplasm. Additionally, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 were also detected in the nuclear membrane of Sf9 cells. SfIMA1, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7, but not SfIMA2, were found to associate with the C terminus of AcMNPV DNA polymerase (DNApol) that harbours a typical monopartite NLS and a classic bipartite NLS. Further analysis of protein–protein interactions revealed that SfIMA1 specifically recognizes the bipartite NLS, while SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 bind to both monopartite and bipartite NLSs. Together, our results suggested that SfIMA1, SfIMA4 and SfIMA7 play important roles in the nuclear import of AcMNPV DNApol C terminus in Sf9 cells.
CCR8 marks highly suppressive Treg cells within tumours but is dispensable for their accumulation and suppressive function
Authors: Whiteside Sarah K. , Grant Francis M. , Gyori David S. , Conti Alberto G. , Imianowski Charlotte J. , Kuo Paula , Nasrallah Rabab , Sadiyah Firas , Lira Sergio A. , Tacke Frank , Eil Robert L. , Burton Oliver T. , Dooley James , Liston Adrian , Okkenhaug Klaus , Yang Jie , Roychoudhuri Rahul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, dependent upon the transcription factor Foxp3, contribute to tumour immunosuppression but are also required for immune homeostasis. There is interest in developing therapies that selectively target the immunosuppressive function of Treg cells within tumours without disrupting their systemic anti‐inflammatory function. High levels of expression of chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 8 (CCR8) discriminate Treg cells within tumours from those found in systemic lymphoid tissues. It has recently been proposed that disruption of CCR8 function using blocking anti‐CCR8 antibodies results in reduced accumulation of Treg cells within tumours and disruption of their immunosuppressive function. Here, using Ccr8−/− mice, we show that CCR8 function is not required for Treg cell accumulation or immunosuppression in the context of syngeneic MC38 colorectal adenocarcinoma and B16 melanoma tumours. We observed high levels of CCR8 expression on tumour‐infiltrating Treg cells which were abolished in Ccr8−/− mice. High levels of CCR8 marked cells with high levels of suppressive function. However, whereas systemic ablation of Treg cells resulted in strikingly diminished tumour burden, growth of subcutaneously implanted tumours was unaffected by systemic CCR8 loss. Consistently, we observed minimal impact of systemic CCR8 ablation on the frequency, phenotype and function of tumour‐infiltrating Treg cells and conventional T (Tconv) function. These findings suggest that CCR8 is not required for Treg cell accumulation and immunosuppressive function within tumours and that depletion of CCR8+ Treg cells rather than blockade of CCR8 function is a more promising avenue for selective immunotherapy.
Lentinan protects against pancreatic β‐cell failure in chronic ethanol consumption‐induced diabetic mice via enhancing β‐cell antioxidant capacity
Authors: Wu Tijun , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Yaru , Shao Yixue , Li Xirui , Guo Yuqing , Dong Wenyu , Wang Lin , Chen Fang , Han Xiao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChronic ethanol consumption is a well‐established independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, increasing studies have confirmed that excessive heavy ethanol exerts direct harmful effect on pancreatic β‐cell mass and function, which may be a mechanism of pancreatic β‐cell failure in T2DM. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Lentinan (LNT), an active ingredient purified from the bodies of Lentinus edodes, on pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis and dysfunction caused by ethanol and the possible mechanisms implicated. Functional studies reveal that LNT attenuates chronic ethanol consumption‐induced impaired glucose metabolism in vivo. In addition, LNT ameliorates chronic ethanol consumption‐induced β‐cell dysfunction, which is characterized by reduced insulin synthesis, defected insulin secretion and increased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, mechanistic assays suggest that LNT enhances β‐cell antioxidant capacity and ameliorates ethanol‐induced oxidative stress by activating Nrf‐2 antioxidant pathway. Our results demonstrated that LNT prevents ethanol‐induced pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction and apoptosis, and therefore may be a potential pharmacological agent for preventing pancreatic β‐cell failure associated with T2DM and stress‐induced diabetes.
CDR1as regulated by hnRNPM maintains stemness of periodontal ligament stem cells via miR‐7/KLF4
Authors: Gu Xiuge , Li Xiaoyu , Jin Ye , Zhang Zijie , Li Mengying , Liu Dongxu , Wei Fulan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCDR1as is a well‐identified circular RNA with regulatory roles in a variety of physiological processes. However, the effects of CDR1as on stemness of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we detect CDR1as in human PDLSCs, and subsequently demonstrate that CDR1as maintains PDLSC stemness. Knockdown of CDR1as decreases the expression levels of stemness‐related genes and impairs the cell's multi‐differentiation and cell migration abilities, while overexpression of CDR1as increases the expression levels of stemness‐related genes and enhances these abilities. Furthermore, our results indicate that the RNA‐binding protein hnRNPM directly interacts with CDR1as and regulates its expression in PDLSCs. In addition, we show that CDR1as promotes the expression of stemness‐related genes in PDLSCs by inhibiting miR‐7‐mediated suppression of KLF4 expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CDR1as participates in the molecular circuitry that regulates PDLSC stemness.
Bicarbonate ion transport by the electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter, NBCe1, is required for normal electrical slow‐wave activity in mouse small intestine
Authors: Zhao Wenchang , Zhang Liwen , Ermilov Leonid G. , Colmenares Aguilar Maria Gabriela , Linden David R. , Eisenman Seth T. , Romero Michael F. , Farrugia Gianrico , Sha Lei , Gibbons Simon J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundNormal gastrointestinal motility depends on electrical slow‐wave activity generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the tunica muscularis of the gastrointestinal tract. A requirement for HCO3− in extracellular solutions used to record slow waves indicates a role for HCO3− transport in ICC pacemaking. The Slc4a4 gene transcript encoding the electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter, NBCe1, is enriched in mouse small intestinal myenteric region ICC (ICC‐MY) that generate slow waves. This study aimed to determine how extracellular HCO3− concentrations affect electrical activity in mouse small intestine and to determine the contribution of NBCe1 activity to these effects.MethodsImmunohistochemistry and sharp electrode electrical recordings were used.Key ResultsThe NBCe1 immunoreactivity was localized to ICC‐MY of the tunica muscularis. In sharp electrode electrical recordings, removal of HCO3‐ from extracellular solutions caused significant, reversible, depolarization of the smooth muscle and a reduction in slow‐wave amplitude and frequency. In 100 mM HCO3−, the muscle hyperpolarized and slow wave amplitude and frequency increased. The effects of replacing extracellular Na+ with Li+, an ion that does not support NBCe1 activity, were similar to, but larger than, the effects of removing HCO3‐. There were no additional changes to electrical activity when HCO3‐ was removed from Li+ containing solutions. The Na+/HCO3− cotransport inhibitor, S‐0859 (30µM) significantly reduced the effect of removing HCO3− on electrical activity.Conclusions & InferencesThese studies demonstrate a major role for Na+/HCO3− cotransport by NBCe1 in electrical activity of mouse small intestine and indicated that regulation of intracellular acid:base homeostasis contributes to generation of normal pacemaker activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
Raffinose accumulation and preferential allocation of carbon (14C) to developing leaves impart salinity tolerance in sugar beet
Authors: Naguib Wassem B. , Divte Pandurang R. , Chandra Amaresh , Sathee Lekshmy , Singh Bhupinder , Mandal Pranab Kumar , Anand Anjali 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSugar beet is a salt‐tolerant crop that can be explored for crop production in degraded saline soils. Seeds of multigerm genotypes LKC‐2006 (susceptible) and LKC‐HB (tolerant) were grown in 150 mM NaCl, from germination to 60 days after sowing, to decipher the mechanism of salinity tolerance at the vegetative stage. The biomass of the root and leaf were maintained in the tolerant genotype, LKC‐HB, under saline conditions. Na+/K+ ratios were similar in roots and leaves of LKC‐HB, with lower values under salinity compared to LKC 2006. Infrared temperatures were 0.96°C lower in LKC‐HB than in LKC‐2006, which helped regulate the leaf water status under stressed conditions. Pulse‐chase experiment showed that 14C photosynthate was preferentially allocated towards the development of new leaves in the tolerant genotype. The sugar profile of leaves and roots showed accumulation of raffinose in leaves of LKC‐HB, indicating a plausible role in imparting salinity tolerance by serving as an osmolyte or scavenger. The molecular analysis of the genes responsible for raffinose synthesis revealed an 18‐fold increase in the expression of BvRS2 in the tolerant genotype, suggesting its involvement in raffinose synthesis. Our study accentuated that raffinose accumulation in leaves is vital for inducing salinity tolerance and maintenance of shoot dry weight in sugar beet.
Enhancers as potential targets for engineering salinity stress tolerance in crop plants
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Garg Rohini 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnhancers represent noncoding regulatory regions of the genome located distantly from their target genes. They regulate gene expression programs in a context‐specific manner via interacting with promoters of one or more target genes and are generally associated with transcription factor binding sites and epi(genomic)/chromatin features, such as regions of chromatin accessibility and histone modifications. The enhancers are difficult to identify due to the modularity of their associated features. Although enhancers have been studied extensively in human and animals, only a handful of them has been identified in few plant species till date due to nonavailability of plant‐specific experimental and computational approaches for their discovery. Being an important regulatory component of the genome, enhancers represent potential targets for engineering agronomic traits, including salinity stress tolerance in plants. Here, we provide a review of the available experimental and computational approaches along with the associated sequence and chromatin/epigenetic features for the discovery of enhancers in plants. In addition, we provide insights into the challenges and future prospects of enhancer research in plant biology with emphasis on potential applications in engineering salinity stress tolerance in crop plants.
Functional and molecular adaptations of quadriceps and hamstring muscles to blood flow restricted training in patients with ACL rupture
Authors: Kacin Alan , Drobnič Matej , Marš Tomaž , Miš Katarina , Petrič Maja , Weber Daša , Tomc Žargi Tina , Martinčič David , Pirkmajer Sergej 
Published: April 2021

Effects of low‐load blood flow restricted (LL‐BFR) training remain unexplored in patients with ACL rupture. Our hypothesis was that LL‐BFR training triggers augmented gains in knee muscle strength and size, which are paralleled with transcriptional responses of hypoxia‐regulated genes and myokines. Eighteen volunteers (age 37.5 ± 9 years) planned for ACL reconstruction, participated in the study. Twelve were divided between BFR group, performing 9 sessions of LL‐BFR exercise, and SHAM‐BFR group performing equal training with sham vascular occlusion. Six subjects served as a control for muscle biopsy analysis. Cross‐sectional area (CSA) and isokinetic strength of knee muscles were assessed before and after the training. Change in CSAquad was significantly (p < 0.01) larger in BFR (4.9%) compared with SHAM‐BFR (1.3%). Similarly, change in peak torque of knee extensors was significantly (p < 0.05) larger in BFR (14%) compared with SHAM‐BFR (−1%). The decrease in fatigue index of knee extensors (6%) was larger (p < 0.01) in BFR than in SHAM‐BFR (2%). mRNA expression of HIF‐1α in the vastus lateralis was reduced (p < 0.05) in SHAM‐BFR, while VEGF‐A mRNA tended to be higher in BFR. The mRNA expression of myostatin and its receptor were reduced (p < 0.05) in the semitendinosus after both types of training. Expression of IL‐6, its receptors IL‐6Rα and gp130, as well as musclin were similar in control and training groups. In conclusion, our results show augmented strength and endurance of knee extensors but less of the flexors. LL‐BFR training is especially effective for conditioning of knee extensors in this population.
Social norms, social identities and the COVID‐19 pandemic: Theory and recommendations
Authors: Neville Fergus G. , Templeton Anne , Smith Joanne R. , Louis Winnifred R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSustained mass behaviour change is needed to tackle the COVID‐19 pandemic, but many of the required changes run contrary to existing social norms (e.g., physical closeness with in‐group members). This paper explains how social norms and social identities are critical to explaining and changing public behaviour. Recommendations are presented for how to harness these social processes to maximise adherence to COVID‐19 public health guidance. Specifically, we recommend that public health messages clearly define who the target group is, are framed as identity‐affirming rather than identity‐contradictory, include complementary injunctive and descriptive social norm information, are delivered by in‐group members and that support is provided to enable the public to perform the requested behaviours.
Negative modulation of SA signaling components by the capsid protein of tobacco mosaic virus is required for viral long‐distance movement
Authors: Venturuzzi Andrea Laura , Rodriguez Maria Cecilia , Conti Gabriela , Leone Melisa , Caro Maria Del Pilar , Montecchia Juan Francisco , Zavallo Diego , Asurmendi Sebastian 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYAn important aspect of plant–virus interaction is the way viruses dynamically move over long distances and how plant immunity modulates viral systemic movement. Salicylic acid (SA), a well‐characterized hormone responsible for immune responses against virus, is activated through different transcription factors including TGA and WRKY. In tobamoviruses, evidence suggests that capsid protein (CP) is required for long‐distance movement, although its precise role has not been fully characterized yet. Previously, we showed that the CP of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)‐Cg negatively modulates the SA‐mediated defense. In this study, we analyzed the impact of SA‐defense mechanism on the long‐distance transport of a truncated version of TMV (TMV ∆CP virus) that cannot move to systemic tissues. The study showed that the negative modulation of NPR1 and TGA10 factors allows the long‐distance transport of TMV ∆CP virus. Moreover, we observed that the stabilization of DELLA proteins promotes TMV ∆CP systemic movement. We also characterized a group of genes, part of a network modulated by CP, involved in TMV ∆CP long‐distance transport. Altogether, our results indicate that CP‐mediated downregulation of SA signaling pathway is required for the virus systemic movement, and this role of CP may be linked to its ability to stabilize DELLA proteins.
Spatial patterning of scent in petunia corolla is discriminated by bees and involves the ABCG1 transporter
Authors: Skaliter Oded , Kitsberg Yaarit , Sharon Elad , Shklarman Elena , Shor Ekaterina , Masci Tania , Yue Yuling , Arien Yael , Tabach Yuval , Shafir Sharoni , Vainstein Alexander 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYFloral guides are patterned cues that direct the pollinator to the plant reproductive organs. The spatial distribution of showy visual and olfactory traits allows efficient plant–pollinator interactions. Data on the mechanisms underlying floral volatile patterns or their interactions with pollinators are lacking. Here we characterize the spatial emission patterns of volatiles from the corolla of the model plant Petunia × hybrida and reveal the ability of honeybees to distinguish these patterns. Along the adaxial epidermis, in correlation with cell density, the petal base adjacent to reproductive organs emitted significantly higher levels of volatiles than the distal petal rim. Volatile emission could also be differentiated between the two epidermal surfaces: emission from the adaxial side was significantly higher than that from the abaxial side. Similar emission patterns were also observed in other petunias, Dianthus caryophyllus (carnation) and Argyranthemum frutescens (Marguerite daisy). Analyses of transcripts involved in volatile production/emission revealed lower levels of the plasma‐membrane transporter ABCG1 in the abaxial versus adaxial epidermis. Transient overexpression of ABCG1 enhanced emission from the abaxial epidermis to the level of the adaxial epidermis, suggesting its involvement in spatial emission patterns in the epidermal layers. Proboscis extension response experiments showed that differences in emission levels along the adaxial epidermis, that is, petal base versus rim, detected by GC‐MS are also discernible by honeybees.