bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of genome size and chromosome number in homothallic and heterothallic strains of the Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale complex (Desmidiales, Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta)
Authors: Tsuchikane Yuki , Watanabe Misaki , Kawaguchi Yawako W. , Uehara Koichi , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Sekimoto Hiroyuki , Tsuchimatsu Takashi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe evolutionary transitions of mating systems between outcrossing and self‐fertilization are often suggested to associate with the cytological and genomic changes, but the empirical reports are limited in multicellular organisms. Here we used the unicellular zygnematophycean algae, the Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale (C. psl.) complex, to address whether genomic properties such as genome sizes and chromosome numbers are associated with mating system transitions between homothallism (self‐fertility) and heterothallism (self‐sterility). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the polyphyly of homothallic strains, suggesting multiple transitions between homothallism and heterothallism in the C. psl. complex. Flow cytometry analysis identified a more than 2‐fold genome size variation, ranging from 0.53 to 1.42 Gbp, which was positively correlated with chromosome number variation between strains. Although we did not find consistent trends in genome size change and mating system transitions, the mean chromosome sizes tend to be smaller in homothallic strains than in their relative heterothallic strains. This result suggests that homothallic strains possibly have more fragmented chromosomes, which is consistent with the argument that self‐fertilizing populations may tolerate more chromosomal rearrangements.
Occupancy model reveals limited detectability of lichens in a standardised large‐scale monitoring
Authors: von Hirschheydt Gesa , Kéry Marc , Ekman Stefan , Stofer Silvia , Dietrich Michael , Keller Christine , Scheidegger Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractQuestionWhat are the extent and the possible causes of imperfect detection in lichens? Because lichens are sessile and lack seasonality, they should be easier to survey than animals that can move or plants and fungi with seasonal morphology, and one could therefore expect relatively high detection probabilities.Location826 standardised sampling plots across Switzerland.MethodsUsing repeated detection/non‐detection data from a national lichen survey conducted by professional lichenologists, we estimated the mean and variation in detectability for 373 tree‐living species with a multi‐species occupancy model. We also quantified the effect of species conspicuousness, identifiability and observer experience on detection probability.ResultsThe average detection probability for a single survey was unexpectedly low with an average of 0.49 (range across species: 0.25–0.74). Conspicuous species showed higher average detectability (0.56) than inconspicuous species (0.41), and identifiability as well as previous experience with a species substantially increased the probability of a person detecting it. Accounting for experience, the mean detection probabilities of observers ranged from 0.32 to 0.69.ConclusionsOur study confirms that detection probability per survey is often far below 1 also in sessile organisms, even when a standardised survey is conducted by experts. When species are seasonal (plants, fungi, etc.), survey areas are larger, or field personnel are less experienced, as is the case for many surveys and monitoring programs, detectabilities are likely to be substantially lower. We therefore argue that imperfect detection should systematically be considered in the survey design and data analysis also for sessile organisms.
Introgression from local cultivars is a driver of agricultural adaptation in Argentinian weedy rice
Authors: Presotto Alejandro , Hernández Fernando , Vercellino Román Boris , Kruger Raúl Daniel , Fontana María Laura , Ureta María Soledad , Crepy María , Auge Gabriela , Caicedo Ana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWeedy rice, a pervasive and troublesome weed found across the globe, has often evolved through fertilization of rice cultivars with little importance of crop‐weed gene flow. In Argentina, weedy rice has been reported as an important constraint since the early 1970s, and, in the last few years, strains with herbicide‐resistance are suspected to evolve. Despite their importance, the origin and genetic composition of Argentinian weedy rice as well its adaptation to agricultural environments has not been explored so far. To study this, we conducted genotyping‐by‐sequencing on samples of Argentinian weedy and cultivated rice and compared them with published data from weedy, cultivated and wild rice accessions distributed worldwide. In addition, we conducted a phenotypic characterization for weedy‐related traits, a herbicide resistance screening and genotyped accessions for known mutations in the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene, which confers herbicide resistance. Our results revealed large phenotypic variability in Argentinian weedy rice. Most strains were resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides with a high frequency of the ALS mutation (A122T) present in Argentinian rice cultivars. Argentinian cultivars belonged to the three major genetic groups of rice: japonica, indica and aus while weeds were mostly aus or aus‐indica admixed, resembling weedy rice strains from the Southern Cone region. Phylogenetic analysis supports a single origin for aus‐like South American weeds, likely as seed contaminants from the United States, and then admixture with local indica cultivars. Our findings demonstrate that crop to weed introgression can facilitate rapid adaptation to agriculture environments.
The impact of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on rectal distension‐induced pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—A study to determine the optimal TEA delivery modalities and effects on rectal sensation and autonomic function
Authors: Nojkov Borko , Burnett Colin , Watts Lydia , Yin Jieyun , Ali Khawar , Zhao Tingting , Gong Shiyuan , Miller Candice , Habrowski Matthew , Chey William D. , Chen Jiande D. Z. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTreatment options for abdominal pain in IBS are inadequate. TEA was reported effective treatment of disorders of gut–brain interaction but its mechanism of action and optimal delivery method for treating pain in IBS are unknown. This study aims to determine the most effective TEA parameter and location to treat abdominal pain in patients with IBS‐Constipation and delineate the effect of TEA on rectal sensation and autonomic function.MethodsNineteen IBS‐C patients underwent TEA at acupoints ST36 (leg), PC6 (wrist), or sham‐acupoint. Each patient was studied in five randomized sessions on separate days: (1) TEA/ST36‐100 Hz; (2) TEA/ST36‐25 Hz; (3) TEA/PC6‐100 Hz; (4) TEA/PC6‐25 Hz; (5) TEA/Sham‐25 Hz. In each session, barostat‐guided rectal distention (RD) was performed before and after TEA. Patients graded the RD‐induced pain and recorded three rectal sensation thresholds. A heart rate variability (HRV) signal was derived from the electrocardiogram for autonomic function assessment.Key ResultsStudied patients were predominantly female, young, and Caucasian. Compared with baseline, patients treated with TEA/ST36‐100 Hz had significantly decreased pain scores at RD pressure‐points 20–50 mmHg (p < 0.04). The average pain reduction was 40%. Post‐treatment scores did not change significantly with other TEA modalities except with sham‐TEA (lesser degree compared to ST36‐100 Hz, p = 0.04). TEA/ST36‐100, but not other modalities, increased the rectal sensation threshold (first sensation: p = 0.007; urge to defecate: p < 0.026). TEA/ST36‐100 Hz was the only treatment that significantly decreased sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic activity with and without RD (p < 0.04).Conclusions & InferencesTEA at ST36‐100 Hz is superior stimulation point/parameter, compared to TEA at PC‐6/sham‐TEA, to reduce rectal distension‐induced pain in IBS‐C patients. This therapeutic effect appears to be mediated through rectal hypersensitivity reduction and autonomic function modulation.
The emotion paradox in the aging body and brain
Authors: Mather Mara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith age, parasympathetic activity decreases, while sympathetic activity increases. Thus, the typical older adult has low heart rate variability (HRV) and high noradrenaline levels. Younger adults with this physiological profile tend to be unhappy and stressed. Yet, with age, emotional experience tends to improve. Why does older adults’ emotional well‐being not suffer as their HRV decreases? To address this apparent paradox, I present the autonomic compensation model. In this model, failing organs, the initial phases of Alzheimer's pathology, and other age‐related diseases trigger noradrenergic hyperactivity. To compensate, older brains increase autonomic regulatory activity in the pregenual prefrontal cortex (PFC). Age‐related declines in nerve conduction reduce the ability of the pregenual PFC to reduce hyperactive noradrenergic activity and increase peripheral HRV. But these pregenual PFC autonomic compensation efforts have a significant impact in the brain, where they bias processing in favor of stimuli that tend to increase parasympathetic activity (e.g., stimuli that increase feelings of safety) and against stimuli that tend to increase sympathetic activity (e.g., threatening stimuli). In summary, the autonomic compensation model posits that age‐related chronic sympathetic/noradrenergic hyperactivity stimulates regulatory attempts that have the side effect of enhancing emotional well‐being.
High Twist expression can be an early event in lip carcinogenesis
Authors: Leal Cavalcante Israel , da Silva Barros Caio César , de Pontes Santos Hellen Bandeira , Goes Gonzaga Amanda Katarinny , Barem Rabenhorst Silvia Helena , Barroso Cavalcante Roberta , da Silveira Éricka Janine Dantas , de Medeiros Ana Miryam Costa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveActinic cheilitis (AC) is a chronic lesion that usually precedes the onset of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. Microscopically, AC may exhibit epithelial dysplasia (ED). Twist is a transcription factor that regulates the mesenchymal phenotype through negative E‐cadherin regulation. This study evaluated Twist and E‐cadherin immunoexpression in AC with different ED degrees.Materials and MethodsTwist and E‐cadherin immunoexpression was evaluated semiquantitatively in the epithelium of 86 cases of AC with different ED degrees. Data obtained were submitted to the Mann–Whitney test and Spearman's correlation test.ResultsImmunohistochemical analysis revealed nuclear and cytoplasmic Twist immunoreactivity in all epithelial layers except the cornified layer. In contrast, the membrane and cytoplasmic E‐cadherin immunoreactivity was observed in all epithelial layers except the cornified layer. No significance was observed between the scores of these proteins and the ED degree. It was observed a correlation between total Twist and total (p = 0.030) and membrane (p = 0.014) E‐cadherin and between nuclear Twist and cytoplasmic E‐cadherin (p = 0.030).ConclusionsThe results suggest that the high immunoexpression of Twist is an early lip carcinogenesis event. However, it appears not to influence the progression of ED in AC.
Impacted upper third molar surgical removal leads to pseudoaneurysm: A case report highlighting surgical risks
Authors: Brabyn P. J. , Santás Alegret M. , Soria Tristan A. , García‐Recuero I. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThe rate of excessive bleeding in the post‐operative period after third molar extraction is low (less than 0.6%), and even lower in the case of upper molars. We report the case of excessive life‐threatening bleeding 2 weeks after an upper third molar extraction that had an intraoperative complication with a displacement of the molar into the maxillary sinus.Materials and methodsAn initial CT scan showed only postsurgical changes of tooth extraction, and a small contrast agent extravasation (measuring 5 mm). An angiogram was done to locate the origin of the bleeding, and a pseudoaneurysm was located in the right superior alveolar artery. The patient was treated by embolization with coils, with no subsequent episodes of bleeding.ResultsPseudoaneurysms of branches of the external carotid artery system are rare, and even more rare after dental or oral surgery (only five cases published to date). Endovascular treatment is the treatment of choice, as it is minimally invasive as well as being selective.ConclusionThe rate of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of branches of the ECA is low; however, in order to avoid severe consequences, a correct diagnosis as early as possible is essential for a proper management.
Rule‐Following II: Recent Work and New Puzzles
Authors: Reiland Indrek 
Published: April 2024

Abstract“Rule‐following” is a name for a cluster of phenomena where we seem both guided and “normatively” constrained by something general in performing particular actions. Understanding the phenomenon is important because of its connection to meaning, representation, and content. This article gives an overview of the philosophical discussion of rule‐following with emphasis on Kripke's skeptical paradox and recent work on possible solutions. Part I of this two‐part contribution was devoted to the basic issues from Wittgenstein to Kripke. Part II is about recent answers to the skeptical paradox and Boghossian's and Wright's new puzzles.
Isoliquiritigenin limits inflammasome activation of macrophage via docking into Syk to alleviate murine non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hu Xiangyu , Hu Chunmiao , Liao Liting , Zhang Huimin , Xu Xingmeng , Xiang Jie , Lu Guotao , Jia Xiaoqin , Xu Hongwei , Gong Weijuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIsoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone‐type flavonoid derived from the root of licorice with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumour and neuroprotective properties. ISL has been proven to downregulate the productions of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 by macrophages. However, detailed molecular mechanisms of this modulation remain elusive. Here, ISL suppressed Syk phosphorylation and CD80, CD86, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 expressions in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages ex vivo. ApoC3‐transgenic (ApoC3TG) mice had more activated macrophages. ISL was also able to downregulate the inflammatory activities of macrophages from ApoC3TG mice. Administration of ISL inhibited Syk activation and inflammatory activities of macrophages in ApoC3TG mice in vivo. The treatment of ISL further alleviated MCD‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in wild‐type and ApoC3TG mice, accompanied by less recruitment and activation of liver macrophages. Due to the inhibition of Syk phosphorylation, ISL‐treated macrophages displayed less production of cytoplasmic ROS, NLRP3, cleaved‐GSDMD and cleaved‐IL‐1β, suggesting less inflammasome activation. Finally, the molecular docking study demonstrated that ISL bound to Syk directly with the Kd of 1.273 × 10−8 M. When the Syk expression was knocked down by its shRNA, the inhibitory effects of ISL on activated macrophages disappeared, indicating that Syk was at least one of key docking‐molecules of ISL. Collectively, ISL could alleviate MCD‐induced NAFLD in mice involved with the inhibition of macrophage inflammatory activity by the blockade of Syk‐induced inflammasome activation.
Physical activity alters the effect of genetic determinants of adiposity on hypertension among individuals of European ancestry in the UKB
Authors: Hezekiah Chukwueloka , Blakemore Alexandra I. , Bailey Daniel P. , Pazoki Raha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is modulated by genetic variants. This study aimed to assess the effect of obesity genetic liability and physical activity on hypertension among European and African ancestry individuals within the UK Biobank (UKB). Participants were 230 115 individuals of European ancestry and 3239 individuals of African ancestry from UKB. Genetic liability for obesity were estimated using previously published data including genetic variants and effect sizes for body mass index (BMI), waist‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) using Plink software. The outcome was defined as stage 2 hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or the use of anti‐hypertensive medications). The association between obesity genetic liability and the outcome was assessed across categories of self‐reported physical activity using logistic regression. Among European ancestry participants, there was up to a 1.2 greater odds of hypertension in individuals with high genetic liability and low physical activity compared to individuals with low genetic liability and high physical activity (p < 0.001). In individuals engaging in low levels of physical activity compared with moderate/high physical activity, the effect of BMI genetic liability on hypertension was greater (p interaction = 0.04). There was no evidence of an association between obesity genetic liability and hypertension in individuals of African ancestry in the whole sample or within separate physical activity groups (p > 0.05). This study suggests that higher physical activity levels are associated with lower odds of stage 2 hypertension among European ancestry individuals who carry high genetic liability for obesity. This cannot be inferred for individuals of African ancestry, possibly due to the low African ancestry sample size within the UKB.
ZmPTOX1, a plastid terminal oxidase, contributes to redox homeostasis during seed development and germination
Authors: Peng Yixuan , Liang Zhi , Cai Minghao , Wang Jie , Li Delin , Chen Quanquan , Du Xuemei , Gu Riliang , Wang Guoying , Schnable Patrick S. , Wang Jianhua , Li Li 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARYMaize plastid terminal oxidase1 (ZmPTOX1) plays a pivotal role in seed development by upholding redox balance within seed plastids. This study focuses on characterizing the white kernel mutant 3735 (wk3735) mutant, which yields pale‐yellow seeds characterized by heightened protein but reduced carotenoid levels, along with delayed germination compared to wild‐type (WT) seeds. We successfully cloned and identified the target gene ZmPTOX1, responsible for encoding maize PTOX—a versatile plastoquinol oxidase and redox sensor located in plastid membranes. While PTOX's established role involves regulating redox states and participating in carotenoid metabolism in Arabidopsis leaves and tomato fruits, our investigation marks the first exploration of its function in storage organs lacking a photosynthetic system. Through our research, we validated the existence of plastid‐localized ZmPTOX1, existing as a homomultimer, and established its interaction with ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase 1 (ZmFNR1), a crucial component of the electron transport chain (ETC). This interaction contributes to the maintenance of redox equilibrium within plastids. Our findings indicate a propensity for excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wk3735 seeds. Beyond its known role in carotenoids' antioxidant properties, ZmPTOX1 also impacts ROS homeostasis owing to its oxidizing function. Altogether, our results underscore the critical involvement of ZmPTOX1 in governing seed development and germination by preserving redox balance within the seed plastids.
Cytosolic UDP‐L‐arabinose synthesis by bifunctional UDP‐glucose 4‐epimerases in Arabidopsis
Authors: Umezawa Akira , Matsumoto Mayuko , Handa Hiroto , Nakazawa Konatsu , Miyagawa Megumi , Seifert Georg J. , Takahashi Daisuke , Fushinobu Shinya , Kotake Toshihisa 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARYL‐Arabinose (L‐Ara) is a plant‐specific sugar found in cell wall polysaccharides, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and small glycoconjugates, which play physiologically important roles in cell proliferation and other essential cellular processes. L‐Ara is synthesized as UDP‐L‐arabinose (UDP‐L‐Ara) from UDP‐xylose (UDP‐Xyl) by UDP‐Xyl 4‐epimerases (UXEs), a type of de novo synthesis of L‐Ara unique to plants. In Arabidopsis, the Golgi‐localized UXE AtMUR4 is the main contributor to UDP‐L‐Ara synthesis. However, cytosolic bifunctional UDP‐glucose 4‐epimerases (UGEs) with UXE activity, AtUGE1, and AtUGE3 also catalyze this reaction. For the present study, we first examined the physiological importance of bifunctional UGEs in Arabidopsis. The uge1 and uge3 mutants enhanced the dwarf phenotype of mur4 and further reduced the L‐Ara content in cell walls, suggesting that bifunctional UGEs contribute to UDP‐L‐Ara synthesis. Through the introduction of point mutations exchanging corresponding amino acid residues between AtUGE1 with high UXE activity and AtUGE2 with low UXE activity, two mutations that increase relative UXE activity of AtUGE2 were identified. The crystal structures of AtUGE2 in complex forms with NAD+ and NAD+/UDP revealed that the UDP‐binding domain of AtUGE2 has a more closed conformation and smaller sugar‐binding site than bacterial and mammalian UGEs, suggesting that plant UGEs have the appropriate size and shape for binding UDP‐Xyl and UDP‐L‐Ara to exhibit UXE activity. The presented results suggest that the capacity for cytosolic synthesis of UDP‐L‐Ara was acquired by the small sugar‐binding site and several mutations of UGEs, enabling diversified utilization of L‐Ara in seed plants.
High variability and multiple trade‐offs in reproduction and growth of the invasive grass Cortaderia selloana after cutting
Authors: Fagúndez Jaime , Sánchez Adrián 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe ability to balance the allocation of resources between growth and reproduction as a response to stress factors, can be an advantage for plants in disturbed environments. Invasive alien plants (IAPs) often show high levels of phenotypic variability in resource allocation, a key trait that plays a crucial role in their success to invade new areas. Control management for IAPs must consider this capacity in the development of effective strategies. In this study, we performed continuous measures of leaf growth and reproductive traits of Cortaderia selloana, an IAP of global concern, and applied generalised linear models (GLMs) to evaluate trade‐offs between vegetative growth, leaf composition and reproductive success at different cutting moments. Cutting moment, but not flowering, affected the length of the vegetative growth period (VGP) and average growth rate (AGR), and the interaction with flowering affected AGR and final leaf length (vegetative growth total, VGT). Specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen (N) content and the isotopic value of δ13C were affected by cutting, and N was also affected by flowering and the interaction with cutting time. Silica also showed a negative correlation with leaf carbon (C) depicting a trade‐off between both structural components. Cortaderia selloana successfully adapted its leaf growth and composition to cutting moment, but this was also modulated by flowering. Moreover, the species is dioecious, and its response may differ between female and hermaphroditic plants. This suggests flexible trade‐offs in resource allocation, therefore the time for cutting must be precisely scheduled to suppress flowering.