bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OsmiR396/growth regulating factor modulate rice grain size through direct regulation of embryo-specific miR408
Authors: Yang Xiaofang , Zhao Xiaoling , Dai Zhengyan , Ma Feilong , Miao Xuexia , Shi Zhenying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising targets for crop improvement of complex agricultural traits. Coordinated activity between/among different miRNAs may fine-tune specific developmental processes in diverse organisms. Grain size is a main factor determining rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop yield, but the network of miRNAs influencing this trait remains uncharacterized. Here we show that sequestering OsmiR396 through target mimicry (MIM396) can substantially increase grain size in several japonica and indica rice subspecies and in plants with excessive tillers and a high panicle density. Thus, OsmiR396 has a major role related to the regulation of rice grain size. The grain shape of Growth Regulating Factor8 (OsGRF8)-overexpressing transgenic plants was most similar to that of MIM396 plants, suggesting OsGRF8 is a major mediator of OsmiR396 in grain size regulation. A miRNA microarray analysis revealed changes to the expression of many miRNAs, including OsmiR408, in the MIM396 plants. Analyses of gene expression patterns and functions indicated OsmiR408 is an embryo-specific miRNA that positively regulates grain size. Silencing OsmiR408 expression (miR408KO) using CRISPR technology resulted in small grains. Moreover, we revealed the direct regulatory effects of OsGRF8 on OsMIR408 expression. A genetic analysis further showed that the large-grain phenotype of MIM396 plants could be complemented by miR408KO. Also, several hormone signaling pathways might be involved in the OsmiR396/GRF-meditated grain size regulation. Our findings suggest that genetic regulatory networks comprising various miRNAs, such as OsmiR396 and OsmiR408, may be crucial for controlling rice grain size. Furthermore, the OsmiR396/GRF module may be important for breeding new high-yielding rice varieties.
Analysis of formin functions during cytokinesis using specific inhibitor SMIFH2
Authors: Zhang Laining , Smertenko Tetyana , Fahy Deirdre , Koteyeva Nuria , Moroz Natalia , Kuchařová Anna , Novák Dominik , Manoilov Eduard , Smertenko Petro , Galva Charitha , Šamaj Jozef , Kostyukova Alla S. , Sedbrook John C. , Smertenko Andrei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe phragmoplast separates daughter cells during cytokinesis by constructing the cell plate, which depends on interaction between cytoskeleton and membrane compartments. Proteins responsible for these interactions remain unknown, but formins can link cytoskeleton with membranes and several members of formin protein family localize to the cell plate. Progress in functional characterization of formins in cytokinesis is hindered by functional redundancies within the large formin gene family. We addressed this limitation by employing Small Molecular Inhibitor of Formin Homology 2 (SMIFH2), a small-molecule inhibitor of formins. Treatment of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) tissue culture cells with SMIFH2 perturbed localization of actin at the cell plate; slowed down both microtubule polymerization and phragmoplast expansion; diminished association of dynamin-related proteins with the cell plate independently of actin and microtubules; and caused cell plate swelling. Another impact of SMIFH2 was shortening of the END BINDING1b (EB1b) and EB1c comets on the growing microtubule plus ends in N. tabacum tissue culture cells and Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledon epidermis cells. The shape of the EB1 comets in the SMIFH2-treated cells resembled that of the knockdown mutant of plant Xenopus Microtubule-Associated protein of 215 kDa (XMAP215) homolog MICROTUBULE ORGANIZATION 1/GEMINI 1 (MOR1/GEM1). This outcome suggests that formins promote elongation of tubulin flares on the growing plus ends. Formins AtFH1 (A. thaliana Formin Homology 1) and AtFH8 can also interact with EB1. Besides cytokinesis, formins function in the mitotic spindle assembly and metaphase to anaphase transition. Our data suggest that during cytokinesis formins function in: (1) promoting microtubule polymerization; (2) nucleating F-actin at the cell plate; (3) retaining dynamin-related proteins at the cell plate; and (4) remodeling of the cell plate membrane.
Herbal Topical Analgesic for Pain Management: Perspectives from Cancer Patients
Authors: Liou Kevin T , Chen Connie , Emard Nicholas , Lynch Kathleen A , Hou Yen Nien , Mao Jun J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Herbs and natural products are increasingly used by cancer patients for pain management, but few studies have examined their integration within conventional cancer care. This study describes the characteristics, experiences, and perspectives of cancer patients who were prescribed an herbal topical analgesic for pain management.

Design and Setting
Program evaluation of a pilot herbal dispensary at a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.

Subjects
Cancer patients who were prescribed the Tibetree Pain-Relieving Plaster (PRP) by an integrative medicine physician.

Methods
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients were abstracted from medical records. Semistructured phone interviews were conducted 1–2 weeks after PRP prescription to evaluate patient experiences with using PRP for pain. Interviews were analyzed through thematic content analysis.

Results
From February 2019 to February 2020, 50 patients were prescribed PRP. Median age (range) was 63 years (21–86), 37 patients (74%) were female, 14 (28%) were non-White, and 38 (76%) were using oral analgesics. During interviews, the majority of patients reported that the PRP improved pain and health-related outcomes, was convenient to use, and addressed pain management needs that were not fulfilled by oral analgesics. However, a few patients described adverse experiences with PRP, including skin irritation.

Conclusions
Understanding patient experiences and perspectives is a critical step toward evidence-based integration of herbs and natural products into cancer pain management. Findings from this program evaluation will inform the design of a randomized clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of PRP for pain in patients with cancer.
Time evolution of lepton number carried by Majorana neutrinos
Authors: Adam Apriadi Salim , Benoit Nicholas J , Kawamura Yuta , Matsuo Yamato , Morozumi Takuya , Shimizu Yusuke , Tokunaga Yuya , Toyota Naoya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We revisit the time evolution of the lepton family number for an SU(2) doublet consisting of a neutrino and a charged lepton. The lepton family number is defined through the weak basis of the SU(2) doublet, where the charged lepton mass matrix is real and diagonal. The lepton family number carried by the neutrino is defined by the left-handed current of the neutrino family. For this work we assume that the neutrinos have Majorana mass. This Majorana mass term is switched on at time $t=0$ and the lepton family number evolves. Since the operator in the flavor eigenstate is continuously connected to that of the mass eigenstate, the creation and annihilation operators for the two eigenstates are related to each other. We compute the time evolution of all lepton family numbers by choosing a specific initial flavor eigenstate for a neutrino. The evolution is studied for relativistic and non-relativistic neutrinos. The non-relativistic region is of particular interest for the cosmic neutrino background predicted from Big Bang models. In that region we find that the lepton family numbers are sensitive to the Majorana and Dirac phases, the absolute mass, and the mass hierarchy of neutrinos.
Public perspectives of social prescribing
Authors: Khan Koser , Ward Fiona , Halliday Emma , Holt Vivien 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
There is a strong national drive within the UK government and National Health Service for social prescribing. Previous research studies have mainly focused on service user perspectives and evaluating their experiences. There is limited evidence on how the general public perceive and understand what social prescribing is and how these views could influence service planning and delivery. This paper seeks to understand perceptions of social prescribing within the wider community.

Methods
Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 37 members of the public in four areas in north-west England. We explored public awareness and understanding of social prescribing.

Results
Limited knowledge of the term social prescribing was found amongst participants as well as limited involvement in community discussions of the topic. Concerns were raised about the short-term nature of activities and the need for adequate resourcing to support continuity of service provision. The social prescribing link worker was considered to be important in supporting engagement with services and it was preferred this role was undertaken by people with local knowledge.

Conclusions
The findings provide evidence of public perspectives on social prescribing and highlight how wider community perceptions can supplement service user feedback to support social prescribing service planning, commissioning and delivery.
Is irrigation driven by the price of internationally traded agricultural products?
Authors: Cheptea Angela , Laroche Dupraz Catherine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A recent trend of literature investigates how international trade compensates or accentuates the differences in countries’ endowments in water resources and whether trade regulation should be used to improve the use of water resources at the global level. We develop a simple model establishing a positive link between the demand for irrigation water of agricultural producers and the international price of irrigated crops. Unlike previous works that focus on the cost and scarcity of water resources, we emphasize the role of international trade in the allocation of water resources in agriculture. We test our model empirically using data on 243 irrigated crops exported by 183 countries, and find that countries’ irrigation behavior is strongly linked to the global price of crops. The export price effect is stronger when countries are net exporters of irrigated crops and weaker for cereals that constitute a pillar of most countries’ domestic food security.
A Problem Shared? The Role of the Public in the Legitimation of Policy: A Case Study of Gendered Welfare Change in the United Kingdom
Authors: Richards-Gray Laura 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article argues that shared problematizations—shared political and public ways of thinking—legitimize policies and their outcomes. To support this argument, it examines the legitimation of gendered welfare reform in the recent U.K. context. Drawing on focus groups with the public, it provides evidence that the public’s problematization of welfare, specifically that reform was necessary to “make work pay” and “restore fairness”, aligned with that of politicians. It argues that the assumptions and silences underpinning this shared problematization, especially silences relating to the value and necessity of care, have allowed for welfare policies that have disadvantaged women.
Hotchpot and the insolvent trading trustee: Commissioner of Taxation v Lane [2020] FCAFC 184
Authors: Walpole Samuel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
For forty years, the insolvency of trading trustees in Australia has produced uncertainty. In 2019, the High Court of Australia resolved the central controversy, holding that the proceeds of the exercise of the insolvent trading trustee’s right of exoneration could only be distributed to trust creditors and that the statutory priorities regime applied. The Full Federal Court’s recent decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Lane addresses several of the remaining questions. This note focuses on the Full Court’s conclusion that the hotchpot principle applied to the distribution of the non-trust assets of an insolvent trading trustee with both trust and non-trust creditors.
Organic nitrogen nutrition: LHT1.2 protein from hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx) is a functional amino acid transporter and a homolog of Arabidopsis LHT1
Authors: Gratz Regina , Ahmad Iftikhar , Svennerstam Henrik , Jämtgård Sandra , Love Jonathan , Holmlund Mattias , Ivanov Rumen , Ganeteg Ulrika 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The contribution of amino acids (AAs) to soil nitrogen (N) fluxes is higher than previously thought. The fact that AA uptake is pivotal for N nutrition in boreal ecosystems highlights plant AA transporters as key components of the N cycle. At the same time, very little is known about AA transport and respective transporters in trees. Tree genomes may contain 13 or more genes encoding the lysine histidine transporter (LHT) family proteins, and this complicates the study of their significance for tree N-use efficiency. With the strategy of obtaining a tool to study N-use efficiency, our aim was to identify and characterize a relevant AA transporter in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx.). We identified PtrLHT1.2, the closest homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh AtLHT1, which is expressed in leaves, stems and roots. Complementation of a yeast AA uptake mutant verified the function of PtrLHT1.2 as an AA transporter. Furthermore, PtrLHT1.2 was able to fully complement the phenotypes of the Arabidopsis AA uptake mutant lht1 aap5, including early leaf senescence-like phenotype, reduced growth, decreased plant N levels and reduced root AA uptake. Amino acid uptake studies finally showed that PtrLHT1.2 is a high affinity transporter for neutral and acidic AAs. Thus, we identified a functional AtLHT1 homolog in hybrid aspen, which harbors the potential to enhance overall plant N levels and hence increase biomass production. This finding provides a valuable tool for N nutrition studies in trees and opens new avenues to optimizing tree N-use efficiency.
Research priorities for control of zoonoses in South Africa
Authors: Simpson Greg , Quesada Fabiola , Chatterjee Pranab , Kakkar Manish , Chersich Matthew F , Thys Séverine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Zoonoses pose major threats to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoonoses are the commonest source of emerging human infections and inter-species transmission is facilitated by anthropogenic factors such as encroachment and destruction of wilderness areas, wildlife trafficking and climate change. South Africa was selected for a ‘One Health’ study to identify research priorities for control of zoonoses due to its complex disease burden and an overstretched health system.

Methods
A multidisciplinary group of 18 experts identified priority zoonotic diseases, knowledge gaps and proposed research priorities for the next 5 y. Each priority was scored using predefined criteria by another group of five experts and then weighted by a reference group (n=28) and the 18 experts.

Results
Seventeen diseases were mentioned with the top five being rabies (14/18), TB (13/18), brucellosis (11/18), Rift Valley fever (9/11) and cysticercosis (6/18). In total, 97 specific research priorities were listed, with the majority on basic epidemiological research (n=57), such as measuring the burden of various zoonoses (n=24), followed by 20 on development of new interventions. The highest research priority score was for improving existing interventions (0.77/1.0), followed by health policy and systems research (0.72/1.0).

Conclusion
Future zoonotic research should improve understanding of zoonotic burden and risk factors and new interventions in public health. People with limited rural services, immunocompromised, in informal settlements and high-risk occupations, should be the highest research priority.
Epidemiological Characterization of Lettuce Drop (Sclerotinia spp.) and Biophysical Features of the Host Identify Soft Stem as a Susceptibility Factor
Authors: Mamo Bullo Erena , Eriksen Renée L. , Adhikari Neil D. , Hayes Ryan J. , Mou Beiquan , Simko Ivan 
Published: February 2021

The soilborne fungus Sclerotinia minor was not known to produce sclerotia in the stems of infected and uncollapsed Lactuca standing intact until our observation in a greenhouse in 2017. We investigated lettuce–environment–S. minor interactions in two tolerant and four susceptible Lactuca genotypes to determine putative risk factors and targets for disease control. Symptomatological, pathophysiological, developmental, basal stem biophysical, and microclimate responses (27 variables) of the genotypes were determined under field or greenhouse conditions. Distinct patterns of infection responses were observed between modern cultivars and their primitive or wild relatives. Modern cultivars were susceptible to rapid basal stem and root degradations by S. minor. Oilseed lettuce PI 251246 and wild Lactuca serriola 11-G99 were resilient to degradations and significantly deterred mycelium emergence and symptom development but sclerotia formed to a significantly higher height in their stems. Photosynthetic efficiency declined rapidly within 1 day postinoculation (dpi) in susceptible plants but remained intact approximately 5 to 6 dpi in the tolerant 11-G99. Stomatal conductance spiked rapidly in 11-G99 plants within 1 to 3 dpi, coinciding with the emergence of fungal mycelia at the crown. A strong negative correlation detected between basal stem degradation severity or collapse, and stem mechanical strength indicated that stem strength-mediated genetic factors determine the outcome of Sclerotinia infections. Soft stem is a prominent lettuce drop susceptibility factor that could be targeted in resistance breeding and provides the prelude for the analysis of the biological basis of plant architecture-mediated resistance to Sclerotinia spp. in lettuce and other hosts. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Glaucoma patient screening from online retinal fundus images via Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Franco Pablo , Coronado-Gutierrez David , Lopez Carlos , Burgos-Artizzu Xavier P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo design and evaluate a novel automated glaucoma classifier from retinal fundus images.MethodsWe designed a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) automated tool to detect glaucoma from retinal fundus images. We then downloaded publicly available retinal fundus image datasets containing healthy patients and images with verified glaucoma labels. Two thirds of the images were used to train the classifier. The remaining third of the images was used to create several cross-validation evaluation sets with a realistic glaucoma prevalence, to evaluate the classifier’s performance in a screening scenario.Results10,658 retinal fundus images from seven different sources were found and downloaded. They were randomly divided into 7,106 for training and 3,551 for validation. Glaucoma prevalence was 24%. Using the validation set, we created 50 random sets of 1,000 images with a 5% glaucoma prevalence. On these sets, the classifier reached a detection rate of 84.1% (CI 95=+-1.1%) and 95.8% (CI 95=+-0.2%) specificity.ConclusionsA novel glaucoma classifier from retinal fundus images showed promising results as screening tool on a large cohort of patients. A large clinical study is needed to confirm these results.
Climate Change and Child Health - Assessment of Parents’ Perspective and Relevance
Authors: Lagally Lena , Schorlemmer Julia , Schoierer Julia , Edlinger Maximilian , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOngoing climate change has several indirect and direct health consequences. Children are among the most vulnerable group to suffer from these health impacts. Parents as caregivers play a particularly important role in protecting them adequately.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate how parents perceive the health consequences of climate change. Of particular interest were their information status and already used communication channels, to make them more addressable. In addition, their risk perception and relevance estimation of the health consequences of climate change for their children were investigated.MethodsParents were able to participate anonymously in the study from March to June 2020 by means of an online questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 292 parents living in Germany (age: M = 42.02; SD = 7.73; sex: ♀ = 190; ♂ = 54) with at least one child aged 0 to 18 years. Open-ended questions and closed-ended questions with Likert scales were used. Data were analyzed descriptively. Correlations and regression analysis were performed.FindingsAbout 75% of the respondents knew at least one health consequence of climate change. Heat related illnesses were named as the most important health consequences (74.1%). Parents obtain most of their information from the Internet (73.3%). The increase of air pollutants is estimated as the most relevant risk for the health of their children. Relevance estimation affects risk perception.ConclusionParents are aware of the importance of being informed about the health consequences of climate change. Therefore, knowledge about the health consequences in relation to the relevance assessment must be communicated clearly and sufficiently. Information channels already used should be improved and further multipliers identified.
Molecular diagnosis of causality in T cell mediated severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions
Authors: Teo Ying X , Haw Wei Y , Vallejo Andres F , McGuire Carolann , Woo Jeongmin , Friedmann Peter S , Polak Marta E , Ardern-Jones Michael R 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOne of the most severe forms of T cell mediated cutaneous adverse drug reactions is ‘drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms’ (DRESS), hence subsequent avoidance of the causal drug is imperative. However, attribution of drug culpability in DRESS is challenging and standard skin allergy tests are not recommended due to for patient safety reasons. We sought to identify potential biomarkers for development of a diagnostic test.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a ‘discovery’ cohort (n=5) challenged to drug or control were analysed for transcriptomic profile. A signature panel of genes was then tested in a validation cohort (n=6), and compared to tolerant controls and other inflammatory conditions which can clinically mimic DRESS. A scoring system to identify presence of drug hypersensitivity was developed based on gene expression alterations of this panel.ResultsWhole transcriptome analysis identified 4 major gene clusters including those regulating T cell activation via NFAT and cytokine receptor activity. 22 differentially expressed gene transcripts were identified as a DRESS signature including Type 1 interferon pathways and Th2 activation. The DRESS transcriptomic panel identified antibiotic-DRESS cases in a validation cohort but was not altered in other inflammatory conditions. Machine learning or differential expression selection of a biomarker panel showed high sensitivity and specificity (100% and 85.7-100% respectively) for identification of the culprit drug in DRESS.ConclusionTranscriptomic analysis of DRESS revealed important insights into the key activated pathways and identified a transcriptional signature which shows potential as a test with high sensitivity for drug culpability attribution.