bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potassium alleviates over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and helps to maintain photosynthetic function under salt‐stress
Authors: Che Yanhui , Fan Dayong , Teng Zhiyuan , Yao Tongtong , Wang Zihan , Zhang Hongbo , Sun Guangyu , Zhang Huihui , Chow Wah Soon 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPotassium ions enhance photosynthetic tolerance to salt stress. We hypothesized that potassium ions, by minimizing the trans‐thylakoid proton diffusion potential difference, can alleviate over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and maintain the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus. This study investigated the effects of exogenous potassium on the transcription level and activity of proteins related to the photosynthetic electron‐transport chain of tobacco seedlings under salt stress. Salt stress retarded the growth of seedlings and caused an outflow of potassium ions from the chloroplast. It also lowered qP (indicator of the oxidation state of QA, the primary quinone electron acceptor in Photosystem II (PSII) and YPSII (average photochemical yield of PSII in the light‐adapted state) while increasing YNO+NF (nonregulatory energy dissipation in functional and nonfunctional PSII), accompanied by decreased expression of most light‐harvesting, energy‐transduction, and electron‐transport genes. However, exogenous potassium prevented these effects due to NaCl. Interestingly, lincomycin (an inhibitor of the synthesis of chloroplast‐encoded proteins in PSII) significantly diminished the alleviation effect of exogenous potassium on salt stress. We attribute the comprehensive NaCl‐induced downregulation of transcription and photosynthetic activities to retrograde signaling induced by reactive oxygen species. There probably exist at least two types of retrograde signaling induced by reactive oxygen species, distinguished by their sensitivity to lincomycin. Exogenous potassium appears to exert its primary effect by ameliorating the trans‐thylakoid proton diffusion potential difference via a potassium channel, thereby accelerating ATP synthesis and carbon assimilation, alleviating over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, and maintaining the functionality of photosynthetic proteins.
Geographical Tensions Within Municipalities? Evidence from Swedish Local Governments☆
Authors: Erlingsson Gissur Ó. , Öhrvall Richard , Wallman Lundåsen Susanne 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhen Sweden transformed its geography of local government in 1952 and 1962–1974, the number of municipalities was reduced from 2,498 to 278. The reforms were infused by the “central place theory,” which aimed to identify a larger town as the “local capital” (centralort) for each municipality. The centralort became the municipalities' political and administrative center, responsible for providing public services to surrounding settlements. Taking our point of departure in this historical legacy, as well as the literature on “geographies of discontent,” we ask whether there are geographical tensions within today's Swedish municipalities. Are there differences in satisfaction, trust, and views on the future of one's place of residence when comparing the centralort with its surrounding settlements? Using two datasets—Statistics Sweden's citizen survey carried out in 241 municipalities and Trustbarometer in 49 municipalities—we find that citizens in the centralort are more satisfied with democracy than those in peripheries, where individuals residing in the municipalities' most rural parts are the most dissatisfied. Moreover, different issues are perceived as more pressing and salient in the centralort compared to surrounding settlements.
Enjoy exercise more: The effects of dual‐channel evaluative conditioning on implicit attitudes toward exercise
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Guoli , Dang Junhua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractResearchers have been looking for effective interventions to promote physical activity due to its great impact on both physical and mental health. In two studies, the current research investigated (1) whether evaluative conditioning could increase implicit attitudes toward exercise; (2) whether dual‐channel evaluative conditioning had a greater influence compared to single‐channel evaluative conditioning. In Study 1, results from 32 participants (7 males, 25 females; Mage = 19.470, SDage = 1.174) were used to compare the audiovisual dual‐channel with the visual single‐channel evaluative conditioning. In Study 2, we analyzed data from 100 participants (35 males, 65 females; Mage = 20.990, SDage = 3.141) and compared the visual‐kinesthetic dual‐channel with the visual single‐channel evaluative conditioning. The results showed that individuals' implicit attitudes toward exercise were more positively affected by dual‐channel than single‐channel evaluative conditioning.
The associations of cultural worldviews, political orientation, and trust with COVID‐19 risk beliefs in the U.S.
Authors: Cheng Ivy , Taber Jennifer M. , Simonovic Nicolle , Coifman Karin G. , Sidney Pooja G. , Was Christopher A. , Thompson Clarissa A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGiven that risk beliefs predict engagement in behaviors to prevent disease, it is important to understand the factors associated with risk beliefs. In the present paper, we conducted path analyses to investigate the associations of belief systems (political orientation and cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy) with COVID‐19 risk beliefs (i.e., perceived likelihood, perceived severity, and worry about disease; Studies 1 and 2), and the indirect effect through trust in information sources in these relationships (Study 1). Two online panels of U.S. adults were surveyed at three timepoints during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Study 1: baseline n = 1,667, 1‐year follow‐up n = 551; Study 2: n = 404). Results of path analyses indicated that, across studies and timepoints, when controlling for political orientation, trust, and demographic factors, greater individualism had consistent significant direct effects on lower perceived severity and worry about COVID‐19, whereas greater hierarchy had consistent significant direct effects on lower perceived severity. However, after accounting for cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy (and trust and demographic factors), none of the associations among political orientation and any of the three COVID‐19 risk beliefs were significant. The test of indirect effects indicated that individualism and hierarchy were indirectly associated with lower perceived severity of and worry about COVID‐19 through less trust. The findings suggest that cultural worldviews of individualism and hierarchy play a role in shaping people's risk beliefs.
DYW cytidine deaminase domains have a long‐range impact on RNA recognition by the PPR array of chimeric plant C‐to‐U RNA editing factors and strongly affect target selection
Authors: Yang Yingying , Oldenkott Bastian , Ramanathan Shyam , Lesch Elena , Takenaka Mizuki , Schallenberg‐Rüdinger Mareike , Knoop Volker 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYThe protein factors for the specific C‐to‐U RNA editing events in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts possess unique arrays of RNA‐binding pentatricopeptide repeats (PPRs) linked to carboxy‐terminal cytidine deaminase DYW domains via the extension motifs E1 and E2. The E1 and E2 motifs have distant similarities to tetratricopeptide repeats known to mediate protein–protein interactions but their precise function is unclear. Here, we investigate the tolerance of PPR56 and PPR65, two functionally characterized RNA editing factors of the moss Physcomitrium patens, for the creation of chimeras by variably replacing their C‐terminal protein regions. Making use of a heterologous RNA editing assay system in Escherichia coli we find that heterologous DYW domains can strongly restrict or widen the spectrum of off‐targets in the bacterial transcriptome for PPR56. Surprisingly, our data suggest that these changes are not only caused by the preference of a given heterologous DYW domain for the immediate sequence environment of the cytidine to be edited but also by a long‐range impact on the nucleotide selectivity of the upstream PPRs.
HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase KAKTUS mediates the proteasome‐dependent degradation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor KRP2 during trichome morphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xue Baoyong , Zhang Chi , Wang Yali , Liu Lu , Wang Wenjia , Schiefelbein John , Yu Fei , An Lijun 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYTrichome development is a fascinating model to elaborate the plant cell differentiation and growth processes. A wealth of information has pointed to the contributions of the components associated with cell cycle control and ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS) to trichome morphogenesis, but how these two pathways are connected remains obscure. Here, we report that HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase KAKTUS (KAK) targets the cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor KRP2 (for kip‐related protein 2) for proteasome‐dependent degradation during trichome branching in Arabidopsis. We show that over‐expression of KRP2 promotes trichome branching and endoreduplication which is similar to kak loss of function mutants. KAK directly interacts with KRP2 and mediates KRP2 degradation. Mutation of KAK results in the accumulation of steady‐state KRP2. Consistently, in kak pKRP2:KRP2‐GFP plants, the trichome branching is further induced compared with the single mutant. Taken together, our studies bridge the cell cycle control and UPS pathways during trichome development and underscore the importance of post‐translational control in epidermal differentiation.
Comprehensive genome‐wide analysis of the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): evidence for the role of PeDREB28 in plant abiotic stress response
Authors: Hu Xin , Liang Jianxiang , Wang Wenjia , Cai Changyang , Ye Shanwen , Wang Nannan , Han Fangying , Wu Yuxin , Zhu Qiang 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYDehydration response element binding (DREB) proteins are vital for plant abiotic stress responses, but the understanding of DREBs in bamboo, an important sustainable non‐timber forest product, is limited. Here we conducted a comprehensive genome‐wide analysis of the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, representing the most important running bamboo species in Asia. In total, 44 PeDREBs were identified, and information on their gene structures, protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, and stress‐related cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) was provided. Based on the bioinformatical analysis, we further analyzed PeDREBs from the A5 group and found that four of five PeDREB transcripts were induced by salt, drought, and cold stresses, and their proteins could bind to stress‐related CREs. Among these, PeDREB28 was selected as a promising candidate for further functional characterization. PeDREB28 is localized in nucleus, has transcriptional activation activity, and could bind to the DRE‐ and coupling element 1‐ (CE1) CREs. Overexpression of PeDREB28 in Arabidopsis and bamboo improved plant abiotic stress tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis showed that broad changes due to the overexpression of PeDREB28. Furthermore, 628 genes that may act as the direct PeDREB28 downstream genes were identified by combining DAP‐seq and RNA‐seq analysis. Moreover, we confirmed that PeDREB28 could bind to the promoter of pyrabactin‐resistance‐like gene (DlaPYL3), which is a homolog of abscisic acid receptor in Arabidopsis, and activates its expression. In summary, our study provides important insights into the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, and contributes to their functional verification and genetic engineering applications in the future.
Removal of UK‐donor deferral for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: A large donation gain in Australia
Authors: Hoad Veronica C. , Seed Clive R. , Kiely Philip , Styles Claire E. , McManus Hamish , Law Matthew , Kaldor John , Gosbell Iain B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUntil 25 July 2022, people who spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom during the variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) risk period 1980–1996 (UK donors) were deferred from blood donation in Australia. Regulatory approval to remove the deferral was underpinned by published mathematical modelling predicting negligible vCJD transmission risk increase with a gain of 58,000 donations.Materials and MethodsThe donor questionnaire retained the UK deferral screening question until a version update effective 12 February 2023, which enabled identification of the newly eligible cohort of UK donors. Their donations were tracked for a 6‐month period (25 July 2022–24 January 2023) and compared with baseline Lifeblood donation metrics and predicted gains.ResultsA total of 38,462 UK donors attended to donate 78,762 times in the 6 months. Of these, 32,358 donors (females = 19,456, males = 12,902) successfully donated 67,914 times representing 8.4% of total collections.ConclusionCessation of the UK deferral resulted in donation gains exceeding modelled predictions because of a higher than predicted number of donors who donated at a higher rate. Had these newly eligible donors not donated, overall donation numbers would have been 88% of target rather than the 96% achieved.
Identification of a novel variant c.761C>T onABO*B.01gene in ABO glycosyltransferases associated with Bweakphenotype
Authors: Lei Hang , Zhang Hui , Guo Liujun , Xiang Dong , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Xi , Cai Xiaohong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesABO antigens are produced from H antigen by the activity of glycosyltransferase enzyme encoded by theABOgene. Variants in theABOgene can produce a weak ABO phenotype. In this study, we identify a novelABO*BWallele and investigate the underlying mechanism leading to the Bweakphenotype.Materials and MethodsThe ABO phenotype and genotype of the sample were determined using serological and direct DNA sequencing methods. We assessed the impact of the novel variant by three‐dimensional modelling to predict protein stability changes (ΔΔG), and carried out an in vitro expression assay. The total glycosyltransferase transfer capacity in the supernatant of transfected cells was also examined.ResultsSerological analysis confirmed the Bweakphenotype in the subject, and gene sequencing identified a novel variant c.761C>T (p.A254V) on theABO*B.01allele, resulting in aBW‐var/O.01.02genotype. In silico analysis suggested that the p.A254V variant on theBallele may reduce the stability of glycosyltransferase B (GTB), as indicated by the ΔΔGvalues. In vitro expression studies showed that the variant p.A254V impaired H to B antigen conversion, although it did not affect the expression of GTB.ConclusionWe identified a novelBWallele and demonstrated that the variant c.761C>T (p.A254V) can cause the Bweakphenotype by reducing the stability of GTB.
Implementation of a coagulation component into a phosphate kinetics model in haemodialysis therapy: A tool for detection of clotting problems?
Authors: Laursen Sisse H. , Boel Lise , Brandi Lisbet , Christensen Jeppe H. , Vestergaard Peter , Hejlesen Ole K. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA coagulation component should be considered in phosphate kinetics modelling because intradialytic coagulation of the extracorporeal circuit and dialyser might reduce phosphate removal in haemodialysis. Thus, the objective of this study was to add and evaluate coagulation as an individual linear clearance reduction component to a promising three‐compartment model assuming progressive intradialytic clotting. The model was modified and validated on intradialytic plasma and dialysate phosphate samples from 12 haemodialysis patients collected during two treatments (HD1 and HD2) at a Danish hospital ward. The most suitable clearance reduction in each treatment was identified by minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE). The model simulations with and without clearance reduction were compared based on RMSE and coefficient of determination (R2) values. Improvements were found for 17 of the 24 model simulations when clearance reduction was added to the model. The slopes of the clearance reduction were in the range of 0.011–0.632/h. Three improvements were found to be statistically significant (|observed z value| > 1.96). A very significant correlation (R2 = 0.708) between the slopes for HD1 and HD2 was found. Adding the clearance reduction component to the model seems promising in phosphate kinetics modelling and might be explained, at least in part, by intradialytic coagulation. In future studies, the model might be developed further to serve as a potentially useful tool for the quantitative detection of clotting problems in haemodialysis.
The Impact of a Short-Term Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet on Biomarkers of Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: McKay Alannah K.A. , Wallett Alice M. , McKune Andrew J. , Périard Julien D. , Saunders Philo , Whitfield Jamie , Tee Nicolin , Heikura Ida A. , Ross Megan L.R. , Sharma Avish P. , Costa Ricardo J.S. , Burke Louise M. 
Published: August 2023

Endurance exercise can disturb intestinal epithelial integrity, leading to increased systemic indicators of cell injury, hyperpermeability, and pathogenic translocation. However, the interaction between exercise, diet, and gastrointestinal disturbance still warrants exploration. This study examined whether a 6-day dietary intervention influenced perturbations to intestinal epithelial disruption in response to a 25-km race walk. Twenty-eight male race walkers adhered to a high carbohydrate (CHO)/energy diet (65% CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1) for 6 days prior to a Baseline 25-km race walk. Athletes were then split into three subgroups: high CHO/energy diet (n = 10); low-CHO, high-fat diet (LCHF: n = 8; <50 g/day CHO, energy availability = 40 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1); and low energy availability (n = 10; 65% CHO, energy availability = 15 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1) for a further 6-day dietary intervention period prior to a second 25-km race walk (Adaptation). During both trials, venous blood was collected pre-, post-, and 1 hr postexercise and analyzed for markers of intestinal epithelial disruption. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein concentration was significantly higher (twofold increase) in response to exercise during Adaptation compared to Baseline in the LCHF group (p = .001). Similar findings were observed for soluble CD14 (p < .001) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (p = .003), where postexercise concentrations were higher (53% and 36%, respectively) during Adaptation than Baseline in LCHF. No differences in high CHO/energy diet or low energy availability were apparent for any blood markers assessed (p > .05). A short-term LCHF diet increased intestinal epithelial cell injury in response to a 25-km race walk. No effect of low energy availability on gastrointestinal injury or symptoms was observed.
The Effect of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle Activity: A Multichannel Electromyography Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Suskens Jozef J.M. , Maas Huub , van Dieën Jaap H. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Goedhart Edwin A. , Tol Johannes L. , Reurink Gustaaf 
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Nordic hamstring exercise intervention on biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscle’s activity and relative contributions through multichannel electromyography. Twenty-four injury-free male basketball players (mean age 20 [3] y) were randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention (n = 13) or control group (n = 11). The primary outcome measures were normalized muscle activity (percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, %MVIC) and relative contribution of hamstring muscles over 12 weeks. No effects were found on any of the primary outcome measures. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 2.7%MVIC (95% confidence interval 95% CI, −0.7 to 6.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 3.4%MVIC (95% CI, −1.4 to 8.2) for the semitendinosus, and 0.8%MVIC (95% CI, −3.0 to 4.6) for the semimembranosus, P = .366. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 1.0% relative contribution (%con; 95% CI, −3.0 to 5.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 2.2% relative contribution (95% CI, −2.8 to 7.2) for the semitendinosus, and −3.3% relative contribution (95% CI, −6.4 to −0.1) for the semimembranosus P = .258. A positive value implies a higher value for the Nordic group. A Nordic hamstring exercise intervention did not affect the level of muscle activity and relative contribution of hamstring muscles in performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise.
Characterization of
Mycobacterium abscessus
colony-biofilms based on bi-dimensional images
Authors: Aguilera-Correa John Jairo , Boudehen Yves-Marie , Kremer Laurent 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium abscessus
biofilm aggregates have been shown in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and are often tolerant to drugs. Herein, we analyzed bi-dimensional images of either fluorescent or Congo red-stained
M. abscessus
colony-biofilms grown on a membrane to monitor growth and shape of
M. abscessus
smooth and rough variants. These colony-biofilms responded differently to rifabutin and bedaquiline, thus highlighting the importance of the morphotype to properly address antibiotic treatment in patients with biofilm-related infections.