bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exo84c interacts with VAP27 to regulate exocytotic compartment degradation and stigma senescence
Authors: Zhang Tong , Li Yifan , Li Chengyang , Zang Jingze , Gao Erlin , Kroon Johan T. , Qu Xiaolu , Hussey Patrick J. , Wang Pengwei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn plants, exocyst subunit isoforms exhibit significant functional diversity in that they are involved in either protein secretion or autophagy, both of which are essential for plant development and survival. Although the molecular basis of autophagy is widely reported, its contribution to plant reproduction is not very clear. Here, we have identified Exo84c, a higher plant-specific Exo84 isoform, as having a unique function in modulating exocytotic compartment degradation during stigmatic tissue senescence. This process is achieved through its interaction with the ER localised VAP27 proteins, which regulate the turnover of Exo84c through the autophagy pathway. VAP27 recruits Exo84c onto the ER membrane as well as numerous ER-derived autophagosomes that are labelled with ATG8. These Exo84c/exocyst and VAP27 positive structures are accumulated in the vacuole for degradation, and this process is partially perturbed in the exo84c knock-out mutants. Interestingly, the exo84c mutant showed a prolonged effective pollination period with higher seed sets, possibly because of the delayed stigmatic senescence when Exo84c regulated autophagy is blocked. In conclusion, our studies reveal a link between the exocyst complex and the ER network in regulating the degradation of exocytosis vesicles, a process that is essential for normal papilla cell senescence and flower receptivity.
Bacteroides uniformis-induced perturbations in colonic microbiota and bile acid levels inhibit TH17 differentiation and ameliorate colitis developments
Authors: Yan YiTing , Lei Yu , Qu Ying , Fan Zhen , Zhang Ting , Xu Yangbin , Du Qian , Brugger Daniel , Chen Yulin , Zhang Ke , Zhang Enping 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with gut dysbiosis and can lead to colitis-associated malignancies. Bacteroides uniformis (Bu) regulates animal intestinal homeostasis; however, the mechanism by which it alleviates colitis in mice remains unknown. We investigated the effects of B. uniformis JCM5828 and its metabolites on female C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced colitis. Treatment with Bu considerably alleviated colitis progression and restored the mechanical and immune barrier protein expression. Additionally, Bu increased the abundance of the symbiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus vaginalis while decreasing that of pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella, and modulated intestinal bile acid metabolism. Bu largely regulated the expression of key regulatory proteins of the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in colonic tissues and the differentiation of TH17 cells. However, Bu could not directly inhibit TH17 cell differentiation in vitro; it modulated the process in the lamina propria by participating in bile acid metabolism and regulating key metabolites (alpha-muricholic, hyodeoxycholic, and isolithocholic acid), thereby modulating the intestinal immune response. Our findings suggest that Bu or bile acid supplements are potential therapies for colitis and other diseases associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction.
IHH enhancer variant within neighboring NHEJ1 intron causes microphthalmia anophthalmia and coloboma
Authors: Wormser Ohad , Perez Yonatan , Dolgin Vadim , Kamali Bahman , Tangeman Jared A. , Gradstein Libe , Yogev Yuval , Hadar Noam , Freund Ofek , Drabkin Max , Halperin Daniel , Irron Inbar , Grajales-Esquivel Erika , Del Rio-Tsonis Katia , Birnbaum Ramon Y. , Akler Gidon , Birk Ohad S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGenomic sequences residing within introns of few genes have been shown to act as enhancers affecting expression of neighboring genes. We studied an autosomal recessive phenotypic continuum of microphthalmia, anophthalmia and ocular coloboma, with no apparent coding-region disease-causing mutation. Homozygosity mapping of several affected Jewish Iranian families, combined with whole genome sequence analysis, identified a 0.5 Mb disease-associated chromosome 2q35 locus (maximal LOD score 6.8) harboring an intronic founder variant in NHEJ1, not predicted to affect NHEJ1. The human NHEJ1 intronic variant lies within a known specifically limb-development enhancer of a neighboring gene, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), known to be involved in eye development in mice and chickens. Through mouse and chicken molecular development studies, we demonstrated that this variant is within an Ihh enhancer that drives gene expression in the developing eye and that the identified variant affects this eye-specific enhancer activity. We thus delineate an Ihh enhancer active in mammalian eye development whose variant causes human microphthalmia, anophthalmia and ocular coloboma. The findings highlight disease causation by an intronic variant affecting the expression of a neighboring gene, delineating molecular pathways of eye development.
Metallurgical pathways of lead leaching from brass
Authors: Zhu Te , Li Wei , Kwok Jonathan Chun Ming , Siu Kai Wing , Yin Lu , Ngan Alfonso Hing Wan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLeaded (Pb) brass components used in water pipeworks are prone to lead leaching following soldering or brazing during installation. Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging shows that in the initial state of potable-water grade brass samples, Pb exists mainly as isolated or linked-together particles from sub-micron to several microns large. On heating to the usual soldering temperature of ~200 °C, the Pb contents surface rapidly via diffusion pathways involving an interpenetrating Pb–brass structure with orientation relationship (11$$\bar{1}$$

1

̅

)α-brass//(220)Pb; [011]α-brass//[$$\bar{1}$$

1

̅

13]Pb. On heating to the usual brazing temperature of 700 °C, the Pb particles melt and expand in volume, with the Pb content forced into the brass lattice preferentially along {101}α-brass planes, forming Pb phase of low sphericity or even large sheets. On immersion in water, the surfaced Pb particles are oxidized to form PbO needles along the normal direction of {$$\bar{2}\bar{2}2$$

2

̅

2

̅

2

}PbO planes, which are then easily washed away to cause Pb leaching.
Three-dimensional neutron far-field tomography of a bulk skyrmion lattice
Authors: Henderson M. E. , Heacock B. , Bleuel M. , Cory D. G. , Heikes C. , Huber M. G. , Krzywon J. , Nahman-Levesqué O. , Luke G. M. , Pula M. , Sarenac D. , Zhernenkov K. , Pushin D. A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMagnetic skyrmions are localized non-collinear spin textures, characterized by an integer topological charge. Commonly observed in thin systems as two-dimensional sheets, in three dimensions skyrmions form tubes that are thought to nucleate and annihilate along their depth on points of vanishing magnetization. However, a lack of techniques that can probe the bulk of the material has made it difficult to perform experimental visualizations of skyrmion lattices and their stabilization through defects. Here we present three-dimensional visualizations of a bulk Co8Zn8Mn4 skyrmion lattice through a tomographic algorithm applied to multiprojection small-angle neutron scattering measurements. Reconstructions of the sample show a disordered skyrmion lattice exhibiting three-dimensional topological transitions through emergent (anti)monopole branching and segmentation defect pathways. Our technique provides insights into skyrmion stabilization and topological transition pathways in a bulk skyrmion lattice, guiding the future development and manipulation of skyrmion materials for spintronic applications.
Short-term dietary changes can result in mucosal and systemic immune depression
Authors: Siracusa Francesco , Schaltenberg Nicola , Kumar Yogesh , Lesker Till R. , Steglich Babett , Liwinski Timur , Cortesi Filippo , Frommann Laura , Diercks Björn-Phillip , Bönisch Friedericke , Fischer Alexander W. , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Pauly Mira J. , Casar Christian , Cohen Yotam , Pelczar Penelope , Agalioti Theodora , Delfs Flemming , Worthmann Anna , Wahib Ramez , Jagemann Bettina , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Kretz Oliver , Guse Andreas H. , Izbicki Jakob R. , Lassen Kara G. , Strowig Till , Schweizer Michaela , Villablanca Eduardo J. , Elinav Eran , Huber Samuel , Heeren Joerg , Gagliani Nicola 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOmnivorous animals, including mice and humans, tend to prefer energy-dense nutrients rich in fat over plant-based diets, especially for short periods of time, but the health consequences of this short-term consumption of energy-dense nutrients are unclear. Here, we show that short-term reiterative switching to ‘feast diets’, mimicking our social eating behavior, breaches the potential buffering effect of the intestinal microbiota and reorganizes the immunological architecture of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. The first dietary switch was sufficient to induce transient mucosal immune depression and suppress systemic immunity, leading to higher susceptibility to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes infections. The ability to respond to antigenic challenges with a model antigen was also impaired. These observations could be explained by a reduction of CD4+ T cell metabolic fitness and cytokine production due to impaired mTOR activity in response to reduced microbial provision of fiber metabolites. Reintroducing dietary fiber rewired T cell metabolism and restored mucosal and systemic CD4+ T cell functions and immunity. Finally, dietary intervention with human volunteers confirmed the effect of short-term dietary switches on human CD4+ T cell functionality. Therefore, short-term nutritional changes cause a transient depression of mucosal and systemic immunity, creating a window of opportunity for pathogenic infection.
Fanconi anemia DNA crosslink repair factors protect against LINE-1 retrotransposition during mouse development
Authors: Bona Nazareno , Crossan Gerry P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLong interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is the only autonomous retrotransposon in humans and new integrations are a major source of genetic variation between individuals. These events can also lead to de novo germline mutations, giving rise to heritable genetic diseases. Recently, a role for DNA repair in regulating these events has been identified. Here we find that Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA crosslink repair factors act in a common pathway to prevent retrotransposition. We purify recombinant SLX4-XPF-ERCC1, the crosslink repair incision complex, and find that it cleaves putative nucleic acid intermediates of retrotransposition. Mice deficient in upstream crosslink repair signaling (FANCA), a downstream component (FANCD2) or the nuclease XPF-ERCC1 show increased LINE-1 retrotransposition in vivo. Organisms limit retrotransposition through transcriptional silencing but this protection is attenuated during early development leaving the zygote vulnerable. We find that during this window of vulnerability, DNA crosslink repair acts as a failsafe to prevent retrotransposition. Together, our results indicate that the FA DNA crosslink repair pathway acts together to protect against mutation by restricting LINE-1 retrotransposition.
Mutational analysis of hemoglobin genes and functional characterization of detected variants, through in-silico analysis, in Pakistani beta-thalassemia major patients
Authors: Ejaz Samina , Abdullah Iqra , Usman Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Arslan , Munawar Sidra , Khan Muhammad Irfan , Imtiaz Nagina , Tahir Hanniah , Bari Muhammad Ihsan , Rasool Tayyaba , Fatima Aneeza , Anwar Ramsha , Durrani Ayman , Hameed Yasir 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThalassemia is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders worldwide. The present study aimed to explore the mutational spectrum of all hemoglobin (HB) encoding genes and to identify the potentially damaging and pathogenic variants in the beta (β)-thalassemia major patients and thalassemia minor carriers of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 49 β-thalassemia major patients and 49 carrier samples were screened for the identification of HBA1, HBA2, HBB, HBD, HBE1, HBG1 and HBG2 variants by NGS. PCR was performed for the amplification of HB encoding genes and the amplified product of 13 patients and 7 carrier samples were processed for the Sanger sequencing. Various bioinformatics tools and databases were employed to reveal the functional impact and pathogenicity potential of the observed variants. Results depicted a total of 20 variants of HB-related genes by NGS and 5 by Sanger sequencing in thalassemia patients. While 20 variants by NGS and 3 by Sanger were detected in carriers. Few known genetic variants of HB-encoding genes are being reported for the first time in Pakistani thalassemia patients and carriers. However, two novel HBB variants c.375A>C (p.P125P) and c.*61T>G and a novel variant of HBE1 (c.37A>T (p.T13S)) were also documented. Pathogenicity analysis predicted the pathogenic potential of HBB variants (c.47G>A (p.W16*), c.27-28insG (p. S10fs), and c.92+5G>C) for β thalassemia. The study of functional impact indicated that these HBB variants result in the premature termination of translation leading to the loss of functional β-globin protein. It is therefore suggested that the pathogenic HBB variants, identified during present study, can be employed for the diagnosis, carrier screening, and planning therapy of thalassemia.
Diffusion law of coal gangue slurry and the application of fluidized filling technology of gangue in caving area
Authors: Zhang Ji-qiang , He Xiang , Yang Ke , Wei Zhen , Zhao Xin-Yuan , Fang Jue-jing 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn order to deeply study the basic characteristics, diffusion laws, and flow laws of coal gangue and coal gangue slurry, the basic characteristic parameters of coal gangue and coal gangue slurry were obtained through particle size distribution test, electron microscope scanning test, X-ray diffraction test, X-ray fluorescence spectrum test, and angle of repose test. The conveying performance test of coal gangue slurry was carried out, and based on this, a simulation test of coal gangue slurry caving areas was designed. The diffusion and flow laws of coal gangue slurry under the same inclination angle were summarized, and the field test of fluidization filling in the caving areas was conducted. The results show that: (1) The water-to-gangue ratio was the main controlling factor for the conveying performance of coal gangue slurry. The extensibility, slump, and bleeding rate of the coal gangue slurry increased with the increase of the water-to-gangue ratio. (2) The diffusion profile of coal gangue slurry at different dip angles was arc-shaped, and the diffusion distance of slurry increased with the increase of infiltration time. However, there were differences in the sustained diffusion ability of different dip angles. (3) At the same time interval, the spatial accumulation patterns of scattered gangue in different regions will lead to differences in the diffusion speed of the slurry. (4) Both burying and hanging pipes in the falling area can safely and efficiently fill the gangue slurry. The diffusion distance of the caving areas in the test working face was basically consistent with the diffusion distance of the slurry in the simulation test of the coal gangue slurry caving areas.
Iridescent biofilms of Cellulophaga lytica are tunable platforms for scalable, ordered materials
Authors: Sullivan Claretta J. , Brown Kennedy , Hung Chia-Suei , Tang Joseph Kuo-Hsiang , DeSimone Mark , Chen Vincent , Lloyd Pamela F. , Gupta Maneesh , Juhl Abby , Crookes-Goodson Wendy , Vasudev Milana , Dennis Patrick B. , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNature offers many examples of materials which exhibit exceptional properties due to hierarchical assembly of their constituents. In well-studied multi-cellular systems, such as the morpho butterfly, a visible indication of having ordered submicron features is given by the display of structural color. Detailed investigations of nature’s designs have yielded mechanistic insights and led to the development of biomimetic materials at laboratory scales. However, the manufacturing of hierarchical assemblies at industrial scales remains difficult. Biomanufacturing aims to leverage the autonomy of biological systems to produce materials at lower cost and with fewer carbon emissions. Earlier reports documented that some bacteria, particularly those with gliding motility, self-assemble into biofilms with polycrystalline structures and exhibit glittery, iridescent colors. The current study demonstrates the potential of using one of these bacteria, Cellulophaga lytica, as a platform for the large scale biomanufacturing of ordered materials. Specific approaches for controlling C. lytica biofilm optical, spatial and temporal properties are reported. Complementary microscopy-based studies reveal that biofilm color variations are attributed to changes in morphology induced by cellular responses to the local environment. Incorporation of C. lytica biofilms into materials is also demonstrated, thereby facilitating their handling and downstream processing, as would be needed during manufacturing processes. Finally, the utility of C. lytica as a self-printing, photonic ink is established by this study. In summary, autonomous surface assembly of C. lytica under ambient conditions and across multiple length scales circumvent challenges that currently hinder production of ordered materials in industrial settings.
Muscle power-related parameters in middle-aged and older Brazilian women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , de Oliveira Gonçalves Ivan , Landi Francesco , Calvani Riccardo , Tosato Matteo , Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe present study was conducted to provide normative values for lower-limb muscle power estimated through equations based on the 5 times sit-to-stand (5STS) test in Brazilian older women. In addition, we investigated the association between muscle power parameters and age. The study followed a cross-sectional design. Participants were community-dwelling women. Candidates were considered eligible if they were 18 years or older, lived independently, and possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform all measurements required by the protocol. The 5STS test was performed as fast as possible using a standard protocol. Absolute, relative, and allometric muscle power measures were estimated using 5STS-based equations. Two thousand four-hundred seventy-one women participated in the present study. Results indicated that muscle power-related parameters decreased linearly with age. Women 60–69 years showed a marginal reduction in absolute (− 5.2%), relative (− 7.9%), and allometric (− 4.0%) muscle power. A larger reduction was observed in those 70–79 years and reached ¼ of loss in participants ≥ 80, in comparison to middle-aged participants. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analyses indicated that power-related parameters were negatively associated with age. In conclusion, data of the present study provide normative values for lower-limb muscle power parameters according to 5STS-based equations. We observed that muscle power-related parameters declined with age, such that participants 60–69, 70–79, and ≥ 80 years displayed lower absolute and relative muscle power compared middle-aged women. A later decline was observed in allometric muscle power. Relative muscle power declined to a greater extent than other parameters, suggesting a possible window of opportunity for interventions.
Eschar dissolution and the immunoregulator effect of keratinase on burn wounds
Authors: Xu Yan , Hu Kai , Liu Chenyang , Du Pan , Zhou Feifan , Lu Yichi , Fu Qiuyan , Xu Jianmin , Lyu Guozhong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAt present, enzyme debridement preparation has shown a good curative effect on eschar removal of burn wounds. Keratinase has shown great potential in enzymatic debridement because of its good fibrin-degrading ability. In this study, the debridement of keratinase was examined by using a third degree burn wound model in rats. We observed the wound, and keratinase shortened the time of eschar dissolution after debridement. Histopathology and immunofluorescence staining showed that the eschar in the keratinase group became thinner, inflammatory cell infiltration in the wound increased, the fluorescence intensity of the macrophage surface marker CD68 increased, and the CD163/CD86 ratio increased. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), there was no significant difference in the activity of CCK-8 in cells in the keratinase group compared with the control group. The fluorescence intensity of the keratinase group was higher than that of the control group. At 12 h, the cell scratches were obviously closed. The number of migrated Transwell cells increased. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis showed increased expression of CD206 and Arg-1 and decreased expression of CD86 and iNOS. The gene expression of the Arg-1, iNOS and IL-10 was increased, as shown by qPCR. The secretion of IL-10 was increased and TNF-α was decreased, as shown by ELISA. We concluded that keratinase dissolution of eschar not only has a hydrolytic effect on eschar but may also affect immune regulation to enhance the migration and phagocytosis of macrophages, promote the polarization of macrophages, and further enhance the effect of eschar dissolution. Therefore, keratinase may have good prospects for the debridement of burn wounds.
Impact of health disparities on national breast cancer screening participation rates in South Korea
Authors: Nari Fatima , Park Juwon , Kim Nayeon , Kim Dong Jin , Jun Jae Kwan , Choi Kui Son , Suh Mina 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSocioeconomic barriers to cancer screening exist at a regional level. The deprivation index is used to estimate socioeconomic gradients and health disparities across different geographical regions. We aimed to examine the impact of deprivation on breast cancer screening participation rates among South Korean women. Municipal breast cancer screening participation rates in women were extracted from the National Cancer Screening Information System and linked to the Korean version of the deprivation index constructed by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. A generalised linear mixed model was employed to investigate the association between the deprivation index and age-standardised breast cancer screening participation rates in 2005, 2012, and 2018. Participation rates increased gradually across all age groups from 2005 to 2018. Participants in their 60 s consistently had one of the highest participation rates (2005: 30.37%, 2012: 61.57%, 2018: 65.88%). In 2005, the most deprived quintile had a higher estimate of breast cancer screening participation than the least deprived quintile (2nd quintile; estimate: 1.044, p = 0.242, 3rd quintile; estimate: 1.153, p = 0.192, 4th quintile; estimate: 3.517, p = 0.001, 5th quintile; estimate: 6.913, p =  < 0.0001). In 2012, the participation rate also increased as the level of deprivation increased. There were no statistically meaningful results in 2018. Regions with high deprivation have a higher participation rate in breast cancer screening. The role of health disparities in determining cancer outcomes among women in Korea requires further examination.