bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More diverse tree communities promote foliar fungal pathogen diversity, but decrease infestation rates per tree species, in a subtropical biodiversity experiment
Authors: Rutten Gemma , Hönig Lydia , Schwaß Rowena , Braun Uwe , Saadani Mariem , Schuldt Andreas , Michalski Stefan G. , Bruelheide Helge 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Fungal pathogens have the potential to affect plant biogeography and ecosystem processes through their influence on the fitness and functioning of their plant hosts. Simultaneously, changes in plant communities can influence fungal pathogen communities. Exactly which host plant attributes determine the composition of fungal pathogen communities on the leaves remains poorly understood.

Here, we characterized foliar fungal pathogen communities in subtropical tree communities along an experimental diversity gradient in Jiangxi, South‐East China. On 32 tree species, we identified all visible fungal structures and symptoms microscopically and studied fungi‐specific traits such as conidia or spores in detail. We asked how different facets of biodiversity, including taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional tree diversity, shape fungal diversity and fungal infestation at different scales.

We found a positive relationship between tree richness and fungal richness at the plot level. At the level of individual trees of the same species, the relationship between tree species richness and fungal species richness was marginally significantly negative. Importantly, the fungal infestation rates decreased as tree species richness increased, suggesting that colonization of hosts by specialist fungi was impeded by dilution of the pool of available hosts. Moreover, we found evidence for similar topologies between phylogenetic topologies of trees and fungal genera which is a precondition for coevolution and we identified leaf traits, including leaf habit (deciduous/evergreen), leaf magnesium content and stomata size that predicted fungal richness and infestation.

Synthesis. Our study indicates that host tree species harbour different foliar fungal pathogens, which sums up to the highest fungal pathogen richness in more diverse forest stands. At the same time, the foliar fungal pathogen infestation rate for each tree species decreased with increasing tree richness in forests. We identified leaf traits that can help to better predict fungal pathogen richness and infestation, and we show that phylogenetically closely related tree species harbour phylogenetically closely related foliar fungal pathogens. These new insights might be helpful to improve the pest resilience of future forests and plantations.
Persistence of tropical herbivores in temperate reefs constrains kelp resilience to cryptic habitats
Authors: Zarco‐Perello Salvador , Bosch Nestor E. , Bennett Scott , Vanderklift Mat A. , Wernberg Thomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Global warming is facilitating the range expansion of tropical herbivores, causing a tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems, where tropical herbivores can suppress habitat‐forming macrophytes, supporting the resilience of canopy‐free ecosystem states. However, currently we lack a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that, on one hand, support the persistence of tropical herbivores and on the other support the recovery of temperate foundation species in tropicalized ecosystems, a required knowledge to predict potential regime shifts and reversals to the baseline state of the ecosystem.

This study tested processes behind the persistence of the tropicalization of temperate reefs which experienced a complete loss of their kelp forests and an influx of tropical herbivores following a marine heatwave in 2011. For this, we assessed the feedback mechanisms that maintain turf‐dominated states (recruitment of tropical herbivores, browsing and grazing rates and turf cover) and those that resist it (kelp recruitment, survival and reproductiveness).

We found that the reefs remained tropicalized with high abundances of turf and tropical herbivores after 9 years from the regime shift. The rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens and the chub Kyphosus bigibbus were the most important herbivores whose persistence was supported by the adjacent reef lagoon, where seagrass meadows and the backreef habitats hosted juveniles of both species, particularly rabbitfish. Tropical herbivores exerted a strong top–down control on turf seaweed and kelp during herbivory assays, rapidly consuming kelp individuals in open areas. However, in topographical refuges in the reefs, herbivory was low and kelp individuals survived, with some having reproductive tissue.

Synthesis. Our findings incorporate the importance of nursery grounds for tropical herbivores and herbivory refugia for kelp individuals into the tropicalization model, where the former increases the resilience of canopy‐free states and the latter might facilitate recovering kelp populations. The restoration of abundant warm‐resistant kelp populations in shelters could provide local sources of propagules to recolonize open spaces; however, our results suggest that the reduction of herbivory and the provision of turf‐free substratum would be necessary to boost the recovery of kelp forests.
Comprehensive genomic analysis identifying heterogeneity in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Yoshida Noriaki , Yamada Kyohei , Ohshima Koichi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPeripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous entity generally with a poor prognosis. Recent genomic analyses have characterized genomic alterations and described gene expression profiling and epigenetic mechanisms in PTCL, leading to reveal molecular pathophysiology in detail. One of several important findings is that heterogeneities exist in both the disease and in individuals. Among PTCL subtypes, adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) are common in Japan. ATLL is an incurable T‐cell malignancy induced by human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). The global genomics of ATLL can be summarized as alterations involving T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling and immune escape mechanisms. This highlights the fact that ATLL is a viral‐mediated T‐cell malignancy. Interestingly, several previous studies have found that the genomics of ATLL differ according to geographical region and age at diagnosis, suggesting disease heterogeneity, though they share HTLV‐1 infection as initial disease hit. Clonal expansion of the cells acquired by somatic mutations in ATLL‐related genes is identified in a part of HTLV‐1 carriers who developed ATLL later. The risk for ATLL may be updated based on findings in detail. PTCL‐NOS is a heterogeneous disease type of T‐cell lymphoma that does not correspond to any other type of PTCL. Several studies have stratified PTCL‐NOS according to transcriptional, genomic, microenvironmental, and clinical aspects. These kinds of analysis from multiple aspects are useful to understand the heterogeneous group. These efforts will help guide suitable translational research to target PTCL.
Cutaneous eruption with reactive endothelial atypia due to emerging targeted cancer therapies: Report of two cases with clinico‐pathologic correlation
Authors: Moya‐Martínez Cristina , Torre‐Castro Juan , Fariña‐Sabarís Mª Carmen , Santiago Sánchez‐Mateos Diana , Eraña‐Tomás Itziar , Jo‐Velasco Margarita , Requena Luis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTargeted anticancer therapy is being used with greater frequency and dermatologic toxicities are among the most frequent adverse events of these drugs. However, histopathological features of these adverse events are not yet well characterized. We present two cases of clinically different cutaneous toxicities on two patients with hematologic neoplasia. They were treated with different drugs and in both cases medications shared inhibition of PI3K as mechanism of action. The skin biopsy specimen showed endothelial cell atypia with large nuclei and mitotic figures. To the best of our knowledge, no other cases with these striking histopathologic findings have been reported with PI3K inhibitors or other anticancer targeted therapy.
Influence of semiochemicals present in the scales of Spodoptera frugiperda on chemotactic behavior of Trichogramma pretiosum
Authors: Vargas Camila Corrêa , Redaelli Luiza Rodrigues , Sant’Ana Josué , Blassioli‐Moraes Maria Carolina , Laumann Raúl A. , Borges Miguel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTrichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are known to use the host’s sex pheromone as a kairomone in foraging strategies. Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) deposit scales on eggs during oviposition, which may be a mechanical barrier or facilitate the action of parasitoids due to the presence of semiochemicals. This study identified the compounds in S. frugiperda scales and evaluated the chemotactic responses of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to volatiles in host eggs and scales, as well as to synthetic equivalents of substances identified therein. Bioassays were performed with scales extracted from the wings and abdomen of females under three conditions: virgin, mated, or mated and oviposited. The parasitoids were tested in a two‐choice olfactometer comparing scales, eggs, and synthetic compounds. The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and 20 compounds were identified, among them two acetate components of the sex pheromone of S. frugiperda (Z9‐14:OAC and Z11‐16:OAC). Trichogramma pretiosum females did not differentiate between scales from wings and abdomen. They were more attracted to scales from virgin and mated S. frugiperda females, and these treatments did not trigger different chemotactic responses compared with eggs. The parasitoid was significantly attracted to Z9‐14:OAC and Z11‐16:OAC. We conclude that T. pretiosum use chemical clues in the scales to search for S. frugiperda eggs.
Artificial rearing of the ladybird Propylea japonica on a diet containing oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Li Dongchao , Chen Peng , Liu Jin , Chi Baojie , Zhang Xiaopeng , Liu Yongjie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThree artificial diets were developed and tested for their suitability for immature development and survival of the ladybird Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The artificial diet based on the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), resulted in 66.5% survival and was a potential food for mass rearing of P. japonica. The effect of this alternative diet was assessed independently for larval development and adult reproduction by adding various numbers of frozen aphids, and finally an artificial rearing scheme was established that could save about 80% of natural food (aphids). The results showed that the survival rate and fecundity of P. japonica reared on the best artificial diet or aphids alone were similar. A rearing scheme using mainly M. separata‐based artificial diet and a small number of frozen aphids for the mass production of P. japonica became possible.
Color, odor, and species preferences of Copidosoma bakeri to prospective cover crops to enhance control of cutworms
Authors: Wanigasekara R.W.M. Udari M. , Costamagna Alejandro C. , Lawley Yvonne E. , Sharanowski Barbara J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are economically important pests of multiple field crops, but are difficult to control with insecticides. Biological control with native parasitoids may offer a sustainable alternative for pest management. Cover crops improve the availability of resources required by parasitoids to increase their effectiveness as biocontrol agents. Copidosoma spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have the potential to control several species of cutworms in the Canadian Prairies. However, their foraging preferences for non‐host food items are unknown. In this study, we tested flower color and odor preferences of Copidosoma bakeri (Howard) across nine potential cover crop species and investigated how these resources affect survival and longevity of the female wasps. Results indicated that the wasps were most attracted to plants with yellow flowers in the family Brassicaceae (i.e., camelina, mustard, and canola). In multiple‐choice tests, the wasps preferred camelina over all other flower species, and showed an intermediate preference for mustard and canola. In dual‐choice tests with color paper, the wasps preferred yellow over white, and the light yellow of camelina over the bright yellow of canola and mustard, whereas they showed a preference for the odors of mustard and canola. Life expectancy was increased when the wasps were provided floral resources compared to the absence of a food source. Later planting dates and mixed‐species plantings of cover crops resulted in flowering times that better coincided with native wasp emergence. Camelina is known to suppress weeds and may be used as a habitat management tool for enhancing parasitism of cutworms by C. bakeri in the Canadian Prairies. However, further testing is needed to achieve late flowering well into August and early September and to ensure planting additional Brassica spp. does not attract more late‐season pests to cash crops such as canola.
Pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolates against the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and their responses to ultraviolet‐B radiation and water stress
Authors: Hallouti Ayoub , Ait Hamza Mohamed , Tazi Hafsa , Ait Hammou Rachid , Zahidi Abdelaziz , Ait Ben Aoumar Abdellah , Boubaker Hassan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSuccessful application of entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agents requires a selection of highly virulent isolates with the ability to tolerate abiotic stress factors. Herein, we evaluated the entomopathogenic activity as well as the effect of ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐B) and water stress on conidia germination, viability, and fungal growth of three Fusarium isolates, namely Fusarium oxysporum NS1, F. solani OS11, and Fusarium sp. Pi21. Pathogenicity was tested against pupae and adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae), by spraying and by body‐contact bioassays, respectively. Average mortality of treated individuals ranged from 62 to 93% for pupae and from 26 to 86% for adults, depending on the fungal isolate and concentration. The highest mortality rates were caused by F. oxysporum NS1 and F. solani OS11. These isolates were effective within a short time period (LT50, pupae: <87 h, adults: <68 h) using low concentrations (LC90, pupae: <7 × 105 conidia ml−1, adults: <5 × 106 conidia ml−1). Sensitivity to UV‐B and water activity (aw) varies significantly among the studied isolates. Fusarium oxysporum NS1 was the most tolerant to UV exposure and water stress, with >63% relative conidia germination and growth rates after 6 h UV exposure and >50% conidia germination and viability at aw = 0.928. These results showed the high pathogenicity of Fusarium isolates, especially F. oxysporum NS1, against C. capitata and their tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. However, the application of these isolates in the field as biopesticides requires further studies elucidating their specificity toward C. capitata and their safety for non‐target organisms.
Hillslope geodiversity effects on properties and composition of biological soil crusts in drylands
Authors: Zaady Eli , Stavi Ilan , Yizhaq Hezi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBiological soil crusts (biocrusts) play important roles in ecosystem functioning and are considered ecosystem engineers: stabilizing the soil surface, preventing soil erosion, changing soil surface hydrology, and enriching the soil with carbon and nitrogen. The link between geodiversity and biodiversity incorporates physical aspects from geology, geomorphology and pedology. We aimed to assess the effects of hillslope geodiversity on the cover, composition and biophysiological properties of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in a dryland ecosystem. The geodiversity of the hillslope is determined by the stone cover on the ground surface, the content, stones in the soil profile, and the soil depth. It is known from the scientific literature that geodiversity affects biodiversity; thus, we hypothesized that the hillslope type may affect biocrust properties that develop on these hillslopes. The results indicate that the mean covers of biocrust types in the homogeneous (low geodiversity) hillslopes were 60.6% cyanobacterial crusts and 39.4% biocrusts composed of cyanobacteria, moss and lichens, whereas those of the heterogeneous (high geodiversity) hillslopes were 81.6% cyanobacterial crusts and 18.4% biocrusts composed of cyanobacteria, moss and lichens. It was concluded that geodiversity enhances the growth of biocrust species that require higher soil moisture. The results imply that wherever restoration activities are planned, and especially in drylands, the geodiversity of the area should be taken into account.Highlights
Geodiversity expressed by the degree of stoniness impacts ecosystem functioning and soil properties
Geodiversity impacts the biocrust's cover and composition
Geodiversity enhances the growth of biocrusts that require high soil moisture
Chlorophyll a, b and a + b in biocrusts are increased in heterogeneous hillslopes
False‐negative tests in Huntington's disease: A new variant within primer hybridization site
Authors: Dulski Jaroslaw , Sulek Anna , Krygier Magdalena , Radziwonik Wiktoria , Slawek Jaroslaw 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundEstablishing the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease (HD) involves molecular genetic testing and estimation of the number of CAG repeats.Material and MethodsWe report a 42‐year‐old patient with clinical phenotype suggestive of HD, who was repeatedly negative on genetic testing for HD at a reference laboratory. He had positive history of similar symptoms in his father, but not in other family members. During a 2‐year follow‐up his symptoms slowly deteriorated (videos attached). The family history was misleading, as we discovered that patient’s father was adopted as infant. Having excluded HD‐like disorders and other causes of the symptoms we hypothesized that the primer could not bind to the mutated allele.ResultsThe PCR reaction with primers HD1 and Hu3 revealed homozygosity of the other adjacent microsatellite tract consisting of the CCG repeats. The newly designed set of primers, located outside of the CAG tract (HD6extF, HD7extR) was used and enabled amplification of the mutant allele and detection of the abnormal range of CAG repeats.ConclusionsAs application of the novel primers led to the diagnosis of HD in other 5 patients previously tested negative, we propose their incorporation into routine genetic testing in patients suspected of HD displaying homoallelism in the standard protocol.
Induction of microtubule hyper stabilization and robust G2/M arrest by N‐4‐CN in human breast carcinoma MDA‐MB‐231 cells
Authors: Verma Prachi , Manchukonda Naresh Kumar , Kantevari Srinivas , Lopus Manu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimElucidation of the antiproliferative efficacy and mechanism of action of a design‐optimized noscapine analog, N‐4‐CN.MethodsCell viability was studied using an MTT assay. The drug‐tubulin interactions were investigated using spectrofluorometry. The architectural defects, hyper stabilization, and recovery competence of cellular microtubules were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. DCF‐DH and rhodamine 123 were used as probes to to examine the levels of reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed the cell cycle progression pattern of the drug‐treated cells.Key findingsAmong the cell lines tested, N‐4‐CN showed the strongest inhibition of the viability of the triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA‐MB‐231(IC50, 2.7 ± 0.1 µmol/L) and weakest inhibition of the noncancerous epithelial cell line, VERO (IC50, 60.2 ± 3 µmol/L). It perturbed tertiary structure of tubulin and stabilized colchicine binding to the protein. In cells, N‐4‐CN hyperstabilized the microtubules, and prevented the recovery of cold‐depolymerized microtubules. Its multitude of effects on tubulin and microtubules facilitated cell cycle arrest and subsequent cell death that were complemented by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).SignificanceOwing to its ability to perturb a well‐defined cancer drug target, tubulin, and to promote ROS‐facilitated apoptosis, N‐4‐CN could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic against many neoplasms, including TNBC.
Antibacterial behavior of oxynitride glasses as a glassy grain boundary phase for silicon nitride‐based ceramics
Authors: Kushan Akin Seniz R. , Dolekcekic Emrah , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSilicon nitride‐based ceramics have provided significant advantages due to their high chemical resistance, high elastic modulus, and combination of hardness and fracture toughness (depending on self‐reinforcement). Over the past two decades, a significant amount of interest has been generated for the bio‐applications of these materials. However, the effect of the grain boundary phase on such applications is still not very well understood. In this study, the effect of different cations on biological (such as antibacterial and cytocompatibilty) and material properties (like wetting angles and isoelectric points [IEP]) of oxynitride glasses, mimicking the grain boundary phase in Si3N4 and SiAlON ceramics, were investigated. Results revealed that the antibacterial behavior and mammalian cell viability were inversely correlated in glasses with rare‐earth cation additions. Ca was the best cation when the two properties (bacterial response and cell proliferation) were considered together, and, thus should be further studied for a wide range of applications.
Hydraulic reactivity and cement formation of baghdadite
Authors: Holzmeister Ib , Weichhold Jan , Groll Jürgen , Zreiqat Hala , Gbureck Uwe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, the hydraulic reactivity and cement formation of baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9) was investigated. The material was synthesized by sintering a mixture of CaCO3, SiO2, and ZrO2 and then mechanically activated using a planetary mill. This leads to a decrease in particle and crystallite size and a partial amorphization of baghdadite as shown by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and laser diffraction measurements. Baghdadite cements were formed by the addition of water at a powder to liquid ratio of 2.0 g/ml. Maximum compressive strengths were found to be ~2 MPa after 3‐day setting for a 24‐h ground material. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) measurements showed an incongruent dissolution profile of set cements with a preferred dissolution of calcium and only marginal release of zirconium ions. Cement formation occurs under alkaline conditions, whereas the unground raw powder leads to a pH of 11.9 during setting, while prolonged grinding increased pH values to approximately 12.3.