bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of aquaporin‐4 in laminin‐enhanced process formation of mouse astrocytes in 2D culture: Roles of dystroglycan and α‐syntrophin in aquaporin‐4 expression
Authors: Sato Junya , Horibe Sayo , Kawauchi Shoji , Sasaki Naoto , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Rikitake Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the central nervous system, astrocytes extend endfoot processes to ensheath synapses and microvessels. However, the mechanisms underlying this astrocytic process extension remain unclear. A limitation of the use of 2D cultured astrocytes for such studies is that they display a flat, epithelioid morphology, with no or very few processes, which is markedly different from the stellate morphology observed in vivo. In this study, we obtained 2D cultured astrocytes with a rich complexity of processes using differentiation of neurospheres in vitro. Using these process‐bearing astrocytes, we showed that laminin, an extracellular matrix molecule abundant in perivascular sites, efficiently induced process formation and branching. Specifically, the numbers of the first‐ and second‐order branch processes and the maximal process length of astrocytes were increased when cultured on laminin, compared with when they were cultured on poly‐L‐ornithine or type IV collagen. Knockdown of dystroglycan or α‐syntrophin, constituent proteins of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex that provides a link between laminin and the cytoskeleton, using small interference RNAs inhibited astrocyte process formation and branching, and down‐regulated expression of the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). Direct knockdown and a specific inhibitor of AQP4 also inhibited, whereas over‐expression of AQP4 enhanced astrocyte process formation and branching. Knockdown of AQP4 decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) that is critically implicated in actin remodeling. Collectively, these results indicate that the laminin–dystroglycan–α‐syntrophin–AQP4 axis is important for process formation and branching of 2D cultured astrocytes.Open PracticesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Variability in nutrient composition and in vitro crude protein digestibility of 16 microalgae products
Authors: Wild Katharina Judith , Steingaß Herbert , Rodehutscord Markus 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe chemical composition of 16 microalgae products of four genera, Arthrospira (n = 2), Chlorella (n = 8), Nannochloropsis (n = 4) and Phaeodactylum (n = 2), was assayed to evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐genera variation of nutrient profiles of commercial microalgae products. Crude protein was the main component in all genera, followed by ether extract and crude ash. Mean crude protein concentrations were 690, 502, 431 and 446 g/kg dry matter, and mean ether extract concentrations were 63, 157, 188 and 113 g/kg dry matter for Arthrospira, Chlorella, Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum respectively. However, there was considerable inter‐ and intra‐genera variation. The concentration of α‐linked glucose was low (0–143 g/kg dry matter). There was high variation between and within genera in the crude ash concentration (22–237 g/kg dry matter), which was also observed for the mineral composition. In contrast to the crude protein concentration, the amino acid composition of the protein (g amino acid/16 g N) was less variable. The investigated samples possessed high concentrations of Glx, Asx and Leu, and low concentrations of Cys and Met. The mean concentration of non‐protein nitrogen compounds was highest in Phaeodactylum (110 g/kg dry matter) and lowest in Nannochloropsis (47 g/kg dry matter) products, and as with proximate nutrients, high variability between and within genera was observed. In vitro crude protein digestibility varied between 54% (non‐cell‐disrupted Nannochloropsis) and 84% (cell‐disrupted Chlorella). Inositol phosphate isomers were not detectable in any sample (concentration <1 μmol/g dry matter). The predominant fatty acids were C16:0 in Arthrospira products, C18:2 n‐6+ C19:1 t7 and C18:3 n‐3 in Chlorella products, and C20:5 n‐3 in Nannochloropsis and Phaeodactylum products; however, the relative proportions of fatty acids varied within genera. Commercially available microalgae products appear to be valuable alternative food and feed products. However, because of the high variability in nutrient profiles, attention should be given to the analytical characterization of the products.
Analysis of ethylene‐induced gene regulation during carposporogenesis in the red seaweed Grateloupia imbricata (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Garcia‐Jimenez Pilar , Montero‐Fernández Montserrat , Robaina Rafael R. 
Published: July 2018

Ethylene favors carposporogenesis in the red seaweed Grateloupia imbricata. Analyses of cystocarp development in vitro in thalli treated with ethylene suggest an interconnection between polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis pathways. Yet, little is known about molecular mechanisms underlying carposporogenesis. Here, we used droplet digital PCR to analyze genes encoding enzymes related to polyamine (Spermidine [Spd] synthase) and ethylene (ACC synthase) synthesis; a pivotal compound of both pathways (S‐adenosyl methionine synthase, SAMS); the gene that encodes amine oxidase, which is involved in polyamine degradation, and a candidate gene involved in seaweed reproduction (ornithine decarboxylase, ODC). In addition, we analyzed genes encoding proteins related to stress and reactive oxygen species, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), cytochrome P450 and WD 40. We characterized gene expression in fertilized and fertile thalli from G. imbricata that were exposed to ethylene for 15 min at two time points after treatment (1 and 7 d). The differential gene expression of SAMS, Spd synthase, ACC synthase, and cytochrome P450 was related to disclosure and development of cystocarps in fertilized thalli that transitioned from having no visible cystocarps at 1 d to developing cystocarps at 7 d. Likewise, cytochrome P450 was associated with cystocarp disclosure and maturation. In addition, amine oxidase and APX were involved in fine‐tuning polyamine and reactive oxygen species during carposporogenesis, respectively, whereas WD 40 did so in relation to ethylene signaling. Expression of the candidate gene ODC was increased when cystocarps were not visible (fertilized thalli, 1d), as previously described. This analysis suggests developmental stage‐specific roles for these genes during carposporogenesis.
A common garden experiment with Porphyra umbilicalis (Rhodophyta) evaluates methods to study spatial differences in the macroalgal microbiome
Authors: Quigley Charlotte T. C. , Morrison Hilary G. , Mendonça Inara R. , Brawley Susan H. 
Published: July 2018

While macroalgal microbiomes are the focus of many recent studies, there is little information about microbial spatial diversity across the thallus. Reliance on field material makes it difficult to discern whether recovered microbiomes belong to the host or its epiphytes, and technical comparisons of macroalgal samples for microbial studies are needed. Here, we use a common garden approach that avoids the problem of epiphytes, particularly at holdfasts, to examine the microbiome of Porphyra umbilicalis (strain Pum1). We used the V6 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA with Illumina HiSeq sequencing and developed PNA clamps to block recovery of organelle V6 sequences. The common garden approach allowed us to determine differences in the microbiome at the holdfast versus blade margin. We found a notable increase in the relative abundance of Planctomycetes and Alphaproteobacteria at the holdfast, particularly of the possible symbiont Sulfitobacter sp. Nonadjacent 1.5 cm2 samples of blade margin had microbiomes that were not statistically different. The most abundant phylum in the overall microbiome was Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes. Because phycologists often work in remote sites, we compared three stabilization and preparation techniques and found silica gel desiccation/bead‐beating and flash‐freezing/lyophilization/bead‐beating to be interchangeable. Core taxa (≥0.1% of sequences) across treatments were similar and accounted for ≥95% of all sequences. Finally, statistical conclusions for all comparisons were the same, regardless of which microbial community analysis tool was used: mothur or minimum entropy decomposition.
Territory‐wide population‐based study of chronic hepatitis C infection and implications for hepatitis elimination in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Yee Tak , Wong Grace L. H. , Fung James Y. Y. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Leung Nancy W. Y. , Liu Sienna D. , Liu Ken , Ma Yiu Keung , But David Y. K. , Mak Wing Yan , Chan Jacky M. C. , Lai Kin Bon , Loo Ching Kong , Ng Annie C. Y. , Lai Moon Sing , Chan Chun Wing , Lau Joulen Y. L. , Fan Tina T. T. , Hui Aric J. , Lam Belsy C. Y. , Cheung Wing I. , Tsang Owen T. Y. , Lam Karen , Lai Lawrence S. W. , Luk Wai Fan , Li Michael K. K. , Lao Wai Cheung , Lam Jodis T. W. , Tsang Steven W. C. , Kung Kam Ngai , Chow Wai Hung , Tong Ronald K. N. , Lui Thomas K. L. , Shan Edwin H. S. , Yuen Man Fung , Wong Vincent W. S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo study the epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Hong Kong and to estimate the service gap for achieving the WHO hepatitis elimination targets of attaining a diagnosis rate of 90%, treatment rate of 80% and 65% reduction in mortality rate by 2030.MethodsFrom January 2005 to March 2017, patients who were tested positive for anti‐HCV were retrospectively retrieved from all public hospitals in Hong Kong. The epidemiological data of 15 participating hospitals were analysed.ResultsA total of 11 309 anti‐HCV+ patients were identified and the estimated diagnosis rate was 50.9%. Our HCV‐infected patients were ageing (median age 59). The all‐cause mortality rate increased from 26.2 to 54.8 per 1000 person‐years over the last decade. Our estimated treatment rate was 12.4%. Among the treated patients, 93.6% had received pegylated interferon/ribavirin (Peg‐IFN/RBV) but only 10.8% had received interferon‐free direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). In a cohort of 1533 patients, 39% already had advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The sustained virological response rate for Peg‐IFN/RBV and DAAs were 74.8% and 97.2% respectively. However, more than 70% of patients were not subjected to interferon treatment for various reasons. Patients who achieved SVR were associated with a significantly lower risk of HCC (4.7% vs 9.6%, P = 0.005) and death (1.7% vs 23.8%, P < 0.001).ConclusionOur diagnosis rate, treatment rate and mortality rate reduction were still low, particularly the Peg‐IFN outcomes, making it difficult to meet the WHO hepatitis elimination targets. A more generalized use of DAAs is urgently needed to improve the situation.
Wheat leaves embolized by water stress do not recover function upon rewatering
Authors: Johnson Kate M. , Jordan Gregory J. , Brodribb Timothy J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNew techniques now make it possible to precisely and accurately determine the failure threshold of the plant vascular system during water stress. This creates an opportunity to understand the vulnerability of species to drought, but first, it must be determined whether damage to leaf function associated with xylem cavitation is reparable or permanent. This question is particularly relevant in crop plants such as wheat, which may have the capacity to repair xylem embolism with positive root pressure. Using wheat (Triticum aestivum, Heron), we employed non‐invasive imaging to find the water potential causing 50% xylem embolism (−2.87 ± 0.52 MPa) in leaves. Replicate plants were water‐stressed to varying degrees to induce embolism ranging from minimal to substantial. Plants were then rewatered to determine the reversibility of xylem damage and photosynthetic inhibition in glasshouse conditions. Rewatering after drought‐induced xylem cavitation did not induce visible refilling of embolized xylem, and embolized leaves showed photosynthetic impairment upon rewatering. This impairment was significant even after only 10–20% of leaf veins were embolized, and leaves accumulating >20% embolism died upon rewatering in 7/10 individuals. Photosynthetic damage and hydraulic decline occurred concurrently as wheat leaves dehydrated, and leaf shrinkage during drying was the best predictor of photosynthetic recovery.
Genome‐wide association and gene validation studies for early root vigour to improve direct seeding of rice
Authors: Wang Fanmiao , Longkumer Toshisangba , Catausan Sheryl C. , Calumpang Carla Lenore F. , Tarun Jeshurun A. , Cattin‐Ortola Jerome , Ishizaki Takuma , Pariasca Tanaka Juan , Rose Terry , Wissuwa Matthias , Kretzschmar Tobias 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElucidation of the genetic control of rice seedling vigour is now paramount with global shifts towards direct seeding of rice and the consequent demand for early vigour traits in breeding programmes. In a genome‐wide association study using an indica‐predominant diversity panel, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for root length and root number in rice seedlings. Among the identified QTLs, one QTL for lateral root number on chromosome 11, qTIPS‐11, was associated with a 32.4% increase in lateral root number. The locus was validated in independent backgrounds, and a predicted glycosyl hydrolase, TIPS‐11‐9, was identified as the causal gene for observed phenotypic differences. TIPS‐11‐9 was differentially expressed in emerging lateral roots of contrasting qTIPS‐11 haplotypes, which was likely due to differences in cis‐regulatory elements and auxin responsiveness. Abolishment of Tips‐11‐9 function through T‐DNA insertion in a qTIPS‐11‐positive background resulted in a reduction of lateral root number, which negatively affected biomass accumulation, particularly under phosphorous‐limiting conditions.Marker‐assisted introgression of qTIPS‐11 into modern indica varieties will aid in the generation of varieties adapted to direct seeding and thus facilitate the adoption of direct seeding practices in tropical Asia.
Is Proflavine Exposure Associated with Disease Progression in Women with Cervical Dysplasia? A Brief Report
Authors: Pantano Naitielle , Hunt Brady , Schwarz Richard A. , Parra Sonia , Cherry Katelin , Possati‐Resende Júlio César , Longatto‐Filho Adhemar , Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro , Castle Philip E. , Schmeler Kathleen , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca 
Published: July 2018

AbstractProflavine is an acridine dye used with high‐resolution microendoscopy for in vivo diagnostic evaluation of cervical epithelial cells. However, there are concerns that even short‐term exposure of cervical tissue to dilute proflavine may increase cervical cancer risk. We performed a retrospective analysis of women referred for colposcopy to Barretos Cancer Hospital comparing the risk of cervical disease progression in those whose cervical tissue was (n = 232) or was not exposed (n = 160) to proflavine. Patients in both groups underwent treatment and follow‐up based on histopathologic results and per the local standards of care. Progression of disease was evaluated by comparing histopathology from the initial visit to the worst subsequent histopathology result from all follow‐up visits. Mean duration of follow‐up was 18.7 and 20.1 months for the proflavine‐exposed and controls groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in disease progression from normal/CIN1 to CIN2/3 or from any initial diagnosis to invasive cancer between the proflavine exposed and control groups overall. Risks of cervical dysplasia progression observed in this study are in agreement with those of the natural history of cervical cancer. Our results suggest that cervical exposure to dilute proflavine does not increase the risk of cervical precancer and cancer.
Electronic Structure and Triplet–Triplet Energy Transfer in Artificial Photosynthetic Antennas
Authors: Tejeda‐Ferrari Marely E. , Brown Chelsea L. , Coutinho Gabriela C. C. C. , Gomes de Sá Ghabriel A. , Palma Julio L. , Llansola‐Portoles Manuel J. , Kodis Gerdenis , Mujica Vladimiro , Ho Junming , Gust Devens , Moore Thomas A. , Moore Ana L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThree Pd(II) phthalocyanine–carotenoid dyads featuring chromophores linked by amide bonds were prepared in order to investigate the rate of triplet–triplet (T‐T) energy transfer from the tetrapyrrole to the covalently attached carotenoid as a function of the number of conjugated double bonds in the carotenoid. Carotenoids having 9, 10 and 11 conjugated double bonds were studied. Transient absorption measurements show that intersystem crossing in the Pd(II) phthalocyanine takes place in 10 ps in each case and that T‐T energy transfer occurs in 126, 81 and 132 ps in the dyads bearing 9, 10 and 11 double bond carotenoids, respectively. To identify the origin of this variation in T‐T energy transfer rates, density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the T‐T electronic coupling in the three dyads. According to the calculations, the primary reason for the observed T‐T energy transfer trend is larger T‐T electronic coupling between the tetrapyrrole and the 10‐double bond carotenoid. A methyl group adjacent to the amide linker that connects the Pd(II) phthalocyanine and the carotenoid in the 9 and 11‐double bond carotenoids is absent in the 10‐double bond carotenoid, and this difference alters its electronic structure to increase the coupling.
The Mechanism of CIRP in Regulation of STAT3 Phosphorylation and Bag‐1/S Expression Upon UVB Radiation
Authors: Sun Weichao , Liao Yi , Yi Qian , Wu Shiyong , Tang Liling , Tong Lingying 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCold‐inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) is a stress‐inducible protein, which could be activated by various cellular stresses, such as hypothermia, hypoxia and UV irradiation. Our previous study indicated that UVB radiation (3 mJ cm−2) induces CIRP expression, which promotes keratinocytes growth, survival and eventually transformation via activation of STAT3‐Bag‐1/S signaling cascade. However, the mechanism(s) of CIRP in regulating p‐STAT3 activation and Bag‐1/S expression have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that repeated exposure of UVB radiation (3 mJ cm−2) or overexpression of CIRP could lead to an elevation of the phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) family proteins (JAK2 and JAK3) in HaCaT cells. The increased phosphorylation of the JAKs correlates to an increased phosphorylation of STAT3 (p‐STAT3) in the cells; inhibiting JAKs using JAK inhibitor I lead to a reduction of STAT3 phosphorylation and Bag‐1/S expression in wild type HaCaT and CIRP stably transfected HaCaT cells with or without UVB exposure. Furthermore, our data indicated that inhibiting the downstream factor of CIRP, NF‐κB, using BAY 11‐7085 could also decrease the p‐STAT3. These results lead us to propose that CIRP mediates the activation of STAT3‐Bag‐1/S signaling cascade via activating the JAKs and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Impact of donor and recipient cytomegalovirus serology on long‐term survival of lung transplant recipients
Authors: Mabilangan Curtis , Preiksaitis Jutta , Cervera Carlos ,   the University of Alberta Cardiothoracic Transplant Group
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundPre‐transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus has been associated with lung transplant patient survival. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between pre‐transplant donor/recipient CMV serostatus and long‐term mortality in a cohort of lung transplant recipients at our center.MethodAdult (Age >17 years) lung recipients transplanted between July 1985‐December 2015 were analyzed. Variables included age, sex, pre‐transplant donor (D)/recipient (R) serostatus [D−/R−, D−/R+, D+/R+, D+/R−], CMV infection within 2 years of transplant and transplant eras divided by changes in CMV prevention strategies: Era 1 (pre‐ganciclovir, July 1985‐April 1998), Era 2 (oral ganciclovir, May 1998‐December 2004), Era 3 (valganciclovir, January 2005‐December 2015). Survival analysis and Cox regression were performed at 10 years.ResultsA total of 652 lung recipients were analyzed. Twenty percent were CMV mismatched pre‐transplant and 45% had CMV infection within 2 years post‐transplant. Survival at 10 years appeared worse in D+ transplants (P = 0.027). D−/R− lungs did not have significantly different survival across eras (P = 0.76), but survival of D−/R+, D+/R+, D+/R− lungs improved (P < 0.001). Cox regression revealed that transplantation in the valganciclovir era reduced risk of death in lung transplants by an estimated 52% (P < 0.001) compared to transplantation in the pre‐ganciclovir era after controlling for age at transplant, D/R CMV serostatus and CMV infection. Age at transplant and CMV infection were also significant predictors of mortality in lung transplants (P < 0.001 and 0.033 respectively).ConclusionOur review of the impact of CMV managed differently across eras suggests in lung transplantation there is no independent influence of D/R CMV serostatus on 10‐year survival.
Hair, encoding a single C2H2 zinc‐finger protein, regulates multicellular trichome formation in tomato
Authors: Chang Jiang , Yu Ting , Yang Qihong , Li Changxing , Xiong Cheng , Gao Shenghua , Xie Qingmin , Zheng Fangyan , Li Hanxia , Tian Zhendong , Yang Changxian , Ye Zhibiao 
Published: July 2018

SummaryTrichomes originate from the epidermal cells of nearly all terrestrial plants, which are specialized unicellular or multicellular structures. Although the molecular mechanism regulating unicellular trichome formation has been extensively characterized, most of the genes essential for multicellular trichome formation remain unknown. In this study, we identified an associated locus on the long arm of chromosome 10 using a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on type‐I trichomes of 180 diverse Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) accessions. Using map‐based cloning we then cloned the key gene controlling the initiation of this type of trichome, named Hair (H), which encodes a single C2H2 zinc‐finger protein. Transgenic experiments showed that hair‐absent phenotype is caused by the deletion of the entire coding region of H. We identified three alleles of H containing several missense mutations and a nucleotide deletion, which result in amino acid substitutions and a reading frame shift, respectively. In addition, knockdown of H or Woolly (Wo) represses the formation of type‐I trichomes, suggesting that both regulators may function as a heterodimer. Direct protein–protein interaction between them was further detected through pull‐down and yeast two‐hybrid assays. In addition, ectopic expression of H in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and expression of its homologs from Capsicum annuum (pepper) and tobacco in tomato can trigger trichome formation. Taken together, these findings suggest that the H gene may be functionally conserved in multicellular trichome formation in Solanaceae species.