bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FGF receptor inhibitor BGJ398 partially rescues osteoarthritis-like phenotype in older high molecular weight FGF2 transgenic mice via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Hurley Marja M. , Coffin J. Douglas , Doetschman Thomas , Valera Christina , Clarke Kai , Xiao Liping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe have used Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) transgenic mice as experimental models for human X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH)-related degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) to investigate the pathogenesis of the disease and to test potential pharmacotherapies for treatment. This study tested the efficacy of BJG398, a small molecule fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (FGFRTK) inhibitor, to rescue the knee joint osteoarthritis phenotype in High Molecular Weight fibroblast growth factor 2 transgenic (HMWTgFGF2) mice. BJG398 was administered in vivo to 8-month-old female HMWTgFGF2 mice for six weeks. Histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and micro-CT were used to examine the knee joints in BGJ398-treated and control mice. We assessed: Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) expression and FGFR1 activity; Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and Aggrecanase2 (ADAMTS5) expression; then signaling by SMAD1/5/8-pSMAD6, pERK1/2 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Using PrimePCR arrays, we identified a contributing role for major target genes in the TGFB/BMP2 signaling pathway that were regulated by BGJ398. BGJ398 inhibited HMWFGF2/FGF23-induced increase in bone morphogenic protein receptor-1, bone morphogenic protein-2 and 4 and Serine peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1. The results from Micro-CT and histology show BGJ398 treatment rescued the OA changes in subchondral bone and knee articular cartilage of HMWTgFGF2 mice. The gene expression and signal transduction results provide convincing evidence that HMWFGF2 generates OA through FGFRTK with characteristic downstream signaling that defines OA, namely: increased FGF23-FGFR1 activity with BMP-BMPR, activation of pSMAD1/5/8-RUNX2 and pERK signaling pathways, then upregulation of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 to degrade matrix. BGJ398 treatment effectively reversed these OA molecular phenotypes, providing further evidence that the OA generated by HMWFGF2 in the transgenic mice is FGFR-mediated and phenocopies the OA found in the Hyp mouse homolog of XLH with a spontaneous mutation in the Phex (phosphate regulating endopeptidase on the X chromosome) gene and human XLH-OA. Overall, the results obtained here explain how the pleotropic effects of FGF2 emanate from the different functions of HMW protein isoforms for cartilage and bone homeostasis, and the pathogenesis of XLH-degenerative osteoarthropathy. BGJ398 inhibits HMWFGF2-induced osteoarthritis via multiple mechanisms. These results provided important scientific evidence for the potential application of BGJ398 as a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis in XLH.
Application of insecticides by soil drenching before seedling transplanting combined with anti-insect nets to control tobacco whitefly in tomato greenhouses
Authors: Mao Liangang , Zhang Lan , Wang Shaoli , Zhang Yanning , Zhu Lizhen , Jiang Hongyun , Liu Xingang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractApplication of chemical pesticides is currently the main effective method to control tobacco whitefly (Bemisa tabaci) in tomato in China. The B. tabaci control efficacy of three systemic insecticides (thiamethoxam, sulfoxaflor and cyantraniliprole) by pre-transplant soil drenching with anti-insect nets throughout the tomato growth period was evaluated in two tomato greenhouses in the suburbs of Beijing, China, in 2018 and 2019. In two greenhouse trials, thiamethoxam 25% water dispersible granules (WDG) at a field rate of 21 g a.i./hm2, sulfoxaflor 22% aqueous suspension (AS) at 18 g a.i./hm2 or cyantraniliprole 10% oil-based suspension concentrate (OD) at 18 g a.i./hm2 applied via soil drenching before seedling transplanting in combination with white anti-insect nets (50 mesh) all effectively controlled the damage to B. tabaci and resulted in a low density of adults and eggs during the entire growing season, which was significantly lower than application of thiamethoxam, sulfoxaflor or cyantraniliprole via soil drenching before seedling transplanting without anti-insect net treatments or anti-insect nets alone (P < 0.05). All of the above treatments provided significantly better results than the untreated control (P < 0.05). All chemically treated tomato fruits had acceptable insecticide residuals that were lower than the corresponding maximum residue limits. The results suggest that application of thiamethoxam 25% WDG at a field rate of 21 g a.i./hm2, sulfoxaflor 22% AS at 18 g a.i./hm2 or cyantraniliprole 10% OD at 18 g a.i./hm2 by pre-transplant soil drenching combined with anti-insect nets could be recommended to control B. tabaci throughout the tomato growth period as part of integrated pest management programs in China.
An ozonesonde evaluation of spaceborne observations in the Andean tropics
Authors: Cazorla María , Herrera Edgar 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSatellite observations of ozone in the tropics have feedback from in situ measurements at sea level stations, but the tropical Andes is a region that is yet to be included in systematic validations. In this work, ozonesondes launched from the equatorial Andes were used to evaluate total column ozone (TCO) measured by spaceborne sensors TROPOMI/S5P (2018–2021), GOME-2/MetOp-B, OMI/Aura, and OMPS/Suomi NPP (2014–2021). Likewise, we evaluated tropospheric column ozone (TrCO) measured by the first two. Additionally, we evaluated TCO and TrCO from reanalysis products MERRA-2 and CAMS-EAC4. Results indicate that TCO observations by OMPS/Suomi NPP produce the closest comparison to ozonesondes (− 0.2% mean difference) followed by OMI/Aura (+ 1.2% mean difference). Thus, they outperform the sensor with the highest spatial resolution of current satellite measurements, namely TROPOMI/S5P (+ 3.7% mean difference). This overprediction is similar to the one encountered for GOME-2/MetOp-B (+ 3.2% mean difference). A positive bias with respect to soundings was also identified in TrCO measured by TROPOMI/S5P (+ 32.5% mean difference). It was found that the climatology used by TROPOMI overpredicts ozone in the troposphere when compared with the mean of Andes measurements, while both data sets are essentially the same in the stratosphere. Regarding reanalysis products, MERRA-2 compares better to ozonesondes than CAMS, both for TCO and TrCO (mean differences are 1.9% vs. 3.3%, and 11.5% vs. 22.9%, respectively). Identifying spaceborne ozone measurements that currently perform the best over the region is relevant given the present conditions of rapidly changing atmospheric composition. At the same time, ozonesonde data in this work offer an opportunity to improve satellite observations in the Andean tropics, a challenging region for space measurements.
Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity of the left temporal parietal junction is associated with visual temporal order threshold
Authors: Lewandowska Monika , Nikadon Jan , Wolak Tomasz , Tołpa Krzysztof , Piotrowski Tomasz , Chojnowski Mateusz , Dreszer Joanna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe study aimed to determine the relationship between the millisecond timing, measured by visual temporal order threshold (TOT), i.e. a minimum gap between two successive stimuli necessary to judge a before-after relation, and resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (rsFC). We assume that the TOT reflects a relatively stable feature of local internal state networks and is associated with rsFC of the temporal parietal junction (TPJ). Sixty five healthy young adults underwent the visual TOT, fluid intelligence (Gf) and an eyes-open resting-state fMRI examination. After controlling for the influence of gender, the higher the TOT, the stronger was the left TPJ’s rsFC with the left postcentral and the right precentral gyri, bilateral putamen and the right supplementary motor area. When the effects of Gfand TOT × Gfinteraction were additionally controlled, the TOT—left TPJ’s rsFC relationship survived for almost all above regions with the exception of the left and right putamen. This is the first study demonstrating that visual TOT is associated with rsFC between the areas involved both in sub-second timing and motor control. Current outcomes indicate that the local neural networks are prepared to process brief, rapidly presented, consecutive events, even in the absence of such stimulation.
NLR, MLR, PLR and RDW to predict outcome and differentiate between viral and bacterial pneumonia in the intensive care unit
Authors: Ng Wincy Wing-Sze , Lam Sin-Man , Yan Wing-Wa , Shum Hoi-Ping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) are emerging biomarkers to predict outcomes in general ward patients. However, their role in the prognostication of critically ill patients with pneumonia is unclear. A total of 216 adult patients were enrolled over 2 years. They were classified into viral and bacterial pneumonia groups, as represented by influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively. Demographics, outcomes, and laboratory parameters were analysed. The prognostic power of blood parameters was determined by the respective area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Performance was compared using the APACHE IV score. Discriminant ability in differentiating viral and bacterial aetiologies was examined. Viral and bacterial pneumonia were identified in 111 and 105 patients, respectively. In predicting hospital mortality, the APACHE IV score was the best prognostic score compared with all blood parameters studied (AUC 0.769, 95% CI 0.705–0.833). In classification tree analysis, the most significant predictor of hospital mortality was the APACHE IV score (adjusted P = 0.000, χ2 = 35.591). Mechanical ventilation was associated with higher hospital mortality in patients with low APACHE IV scores ≤ 70 (adjusted P = 0.014, χ2 = 5.999). In patients with high APACHE IV scores > 90, age > 78 (adjusted P = 0.007, χ2 = 11.221) and thrombocytopaenia (platelet count ≤ 128, adjusted P = 0.004, χ2 = 12.316) were predictive of higher hospital mortality. The APACHE IV score is superior to all blood parameters studied in predicting hospital mortality. The single inflammatory marker with comparable prognostic performance to the APACHE IV score is platelet count at 48 h. However, there is no ideal biomarker for differentiating between viral and bacterial pneumonia.
Clinical outcomes of the immediate reapplication of small-incision lenticule extraction without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss
Authors: Chung Byunghoon , Ryu Ik Hee , Lee In Sik , Kim Jin Kuk , Kim Tae-im , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul , Jun Ikhyun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of immediate reapplication of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss and to compare the outcomes with contralateral eyes that underwent uneventful SMILE. A total of 74 patients who underwent uneventful SMILE in one eye (Uneventful group) and immediate reapplication of SMILE without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss in the contralateral eye (Suction loss group) were included. Suction loss occurred during the posterior lenticule surface cut in 39 eyes (53%) and the cap cut in 35 eyes (47%). Surgical outcomes, including visual acuity, manifest refraction, keratometry, and corneal wavefront aberrations, were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and spherical equivalent were − 0.02 ± 0.07, − 0.04 ± 0.04, and − 0.10 ± 0.46 diopters (D), respectively, in the Suction loss group and − 0.02 ± 0.07, − 0.04 ± 0.05, and − 0.19 ± 0.53 D, respectively (P = 0.965, 0.519, and 0.265, respectively), in the Uneventful group. Changes between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative total corneal aberrations, spherical aberrations, and horizontal and vertical coma did not significantly differ between the Suction loss and Uneventful groups. Immediate reapplication of SMILE without adjusting the surgical parameters after suction loss resulted in good surgical outcomes that were comparable with those of uneventful SMILE.
Characterizing 5-oxoproline sensing pathways of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium
Authors: Stern Einav , Shterzer Naama , Mills Erez 
Published: September 2022

Abstract5-Oxoproline (5OP) is a poorly researched ubiquitous natural amino acid found in all life forms. We have previously shown that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella) responds to 5OP exposure by reducing cyclic-di-GMP levels, and resultant cellulose dependent cellular aggregation in a YfeA and BcsA dependent manner. To understand if 5OP was specifically sensed by Salmonella we compared the interaction of Salmonella with 5OP to that of the chemically similar and biologically relevant molecule, l-proline. We show that l-proline but not 5OP can be utilized by Salmonella as a nutrient source. We also show that 5OP but not l-proline regulates cellulose dependent cellular aggregation. These results imply that 5OP is utilized by Salmonella as a specific signal. However, l-proline is a 5OP aggregation inhibitor implying that while it cannot activate the aggregation pathway by itself, it can inhibit 5OP dependent activation. We then show that in a l-proline transporter knockout mutant l-proline competition remain unaffected, implying sensing of 5OP is extracellular. Last, we identify a transcriptional effect of 5OP exposure, upregulation of the mgtCBR operon, known to be activated during host invasion. While mgtCBR is known to be regulated by both low pH and l-proline starvation, we show that 5OP regulation of mgtCBR is indirect through changes in pH and is not dependent on the 5OP chemical structure similarity to l-proline. We also show this response to be PhoPQ dependent. We further show that the aggregation response is independent of pH modulation, PhoPQ and MgtC and that the mgtCBR transcriptional response is independent of YfeA and BcsA. Thus, the two responses are mediated through two independent signaling pathways. To conclude, we show Salmonella responds to 5OP specifically to regulate aggregation and not specifically to regulate gene expression. When and where in the Salmonella life cycle does 5OP sensing takes place remains an open question. Furthermore, because 5OP inhibits c-di-GMP through the activation of an external sensor, and does not require an internalization step like many studied biofilm inhibitors, 5OP or derivatives might be developed into useful biofilm inhibitors.
Spectral properties of physiological mirror activity: an investigation of frequency features and common input between homologous muscles
Authors: Kenville Rouven , Maudrich Tom 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDuring unilateral contractions, muscular activation can be detected in both active and resting limbs. In healthy populations, the latter is referred to as physiological mirror activity (pMA). The study of pMA holds implications for clinical applications as well as the understanding of bilateral motor control. However, the underlying mechanisms of pMA remain to be fully resolved. A commonality of prevailing explanatory approaches is the concept of shared neural input. With this study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate neural input in the form of multiple analyses of surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings in the frequency domain. For this purpose, 14 healthy, right-handed males aged 18–35 years were recruited. All participants performed a pinch-force task with the dominant hand in a blockwise manner. In total, 9 blocks of 5 contractions each were completed at 80% of maximum force output. Muscle activity was recorded via sEMG of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the active and resting hand. We analyzed (1) spectral features as well as (2) intermuscular coherence (IMC). Our results demonstrate a blockwise increase in median frequency, mean frequency, and peak frequency in both hands. Frequency ratio analyses revealed a higher low-frequency component in the resting hand. Although we were able to demonstrate IMC on an individual level, results varied greatly and grand-averaged IMC failed to reach significance. Taken together, our findings imply an overlap of spectral properties between active and passive hands during repeated unilateral contractions. Combined with evidence from previous studies, this suggests a common neural origin between active and resting hands during unilateral contractions possibly resulting from a reduction in interhemispheric inhibition due to high force demands. Nevertheless, the exploratory nature of this study necessitates the classification of our results through follow-up studies.
The effects of microclimatic winter conditions in urban areas on the risk of establishment for Aedes albopictus
Authors: Ravasi Damiana , Mangili Francesca , Huber David , Cannata Massimiliano , Strigaro Daniele , Flacio Eleonora 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has adjusted well to urban environments by adopting artificial water containers as oviposition sites. Its spread in temperate regions is favoured by the deposition of cold-tolerant diapausing eggs that survive winter temperatures to a certain degree. The probability of establishment in new geographical areas is estimated using predictive models usually based on meteorological data measured at coarse resolution. Here, we investigated if we could obtain more precise and realistic risk scenarios for the spread of Ae. albopictus when considering the winter microclimatic conditions of catch basins, one of the major sites of oviposition and egg overwintering in temperate urban areas. We monitored winter microclimatic conditions of catch basins in four Swiss cities and developed a regression model to predict the average microclimatic temperatures of catch basins, based on available meteorological parameters, accounting for the observed differences between cities. We then used the microclimatic model to correct the predictions of our previously developed risk model for the prediction of Ae. albopictus establishment. Comparison of the predictive model’s results based on local climate data and microclimate data indicated that the risk of establishment for Ae. albopictus in temperate urban areas increases when microhabitat temperatures are considered.
Identifying driving factors of urban land expansion using Google Earth Engine and machine-learning approaches in Mentougou District, China
Authors: Cheng Lin-Lin , Tian Chao , Yin Ting-Ting 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe research on driving mechanisms of urban land expansion is hot topic of land science. However, the relative importance of anthropogenic-natural factors and how they affect urban land expansion change are still unclear. Based on the Google Earth Engine platform, this study used the support vector machine classifier to extract land-use datasets of Mentougou district of Beijing, China from 1990 to 2016. Supported by machine-learning approaches, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forests (RF) were applied and compared to identify the influential factors and their relative importance on urban land expansion. The results show: There was a continuous growth in urban land expansion from 1990 to 2016, the increased area reached 6097.42 ha with an average annual rate of 8.01% and average annual intensity rate of 2.57%, respectively. Factors such as elevation, risk of goaf collapse, accessibility, local fiscal expenditure, industrial restructuring, per capita income in rural area, GDP were important drivers of urban land expansion change. The model comparison indicated that RF had greater ability than MLR to identify the non-linear relationships between urban land expansion and explanatory variables. The influencing factors of urban land expansion should be comprehensively considered to regulate new land policy actions in Mentougou.
Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in blood from red deer developing antlers
Authors: Broggini Camilla , Abril Nieves , Carranza Juan , Membrillo Alberto 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the stag reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler development are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT-PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine antler development in red deer.
Targeting non-coding RNA family members with artificial endonuclease XNAzymes
Authors: Donde Maria J. , Rochussen Adam M. , Kapoor Saksham , Taylor Alexander I. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNon-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) offer a wealth of therapeutic targets for a range of diseases. However, secondary structures and high similarity within sequence families make specific knockdown challenging. Here, we engineer a series of artificial oligonucleotide enzymes (XNAzymes) composed of 2’-deoxy-2’-fluoro-β-D-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) that specifically or preferentially cleave individual ncRNA family members under quasi-physiological conditions, including members of the classic microRNA cluster miR-17~92 (oncomiR-1) and the Y RNA hY5. We demonstrate self-assembly of three anti-miR XNAzymes into a biostable catalytic XNA nanostructure, which targets the cancer-associated microRNAs miR-17, miR-20a and miR-21. Our results provide a starting point for the development of XNAzymes as a platform technology for precision knockdown of specific non-coding RNAs, with the potential to reduce off-target effects compared with other nucleic acid technologies.