bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conserved enzyme of smut fungi facilitates cell-to-cell extension in the plant bundle sheath
Authors: Ökmen Bilal , Jaeger Elaine , Schilling Lena , Finke Natalie , Klemd Amy , Lee Yoon Joo , Wemhöner Raphael , Pauly Markus , Neumann Ulla , Doehlemann Gunther 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSmut fungi comprise one of the largest groups of fungal plant pathogens causing disease in all cereal crops. They directly penetrate host tissues and establish a biotrophic interaction. To do so, smut fungi secrete a wide range of effector proteins, which suppress plant immunity and modulate cellular functions as well as development of the host, thereby determining the pathogen’s lifestyle and virulence potential. The conserved effector Erc1 (enzyme required for cell-to-cell extension) contributes to virulence of the corn smut Ustilago maydis in maize leaves but not on the tassel. Erc1 binds to host cell wall components and displays 1,3-β-glucanase activity, which is required to attenuate β-glucan-induced defense responses. Here we show that Erc1 has a cell type-specific virulence function, being necessary for fungal cell-to-cell extension in the plant bundle sheath and this function is fully conserved in the Erc1 orthologue of the barley pathogen Ustilago hordei.
Key considerations to reduce or address respondent burden in patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collection
Authors: Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Roydhouse Jessica , Rivera Samantha Cruz , Kamudoni Paul , Schache Peter , Wilson Roger , Stephens Richard , Calvert Melanie 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPatient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used in clinical trials to provide evidence of the benefits and risks of interventions from a patient perspective and to inform regulatory decisions and health policy. The collection of PROs in routine practice can facilitate monitoring of patient symptoms; identification of unmet needs; prioritisation and/or tailoring of treatment to the needs of individual patients and inform value-based healthcare initiatives. However, respondent burden needs to be carefully considered and addressed to avoid high rates of missing data and poor reporting of PRO results, which may lead to poor quality data for regulatory decision making and/or clinical care.
Laser-driven multi-MeV high-purity proton acceleration via anisotropic ambipolar expansion of micron-scale hydrogen clusters
Authors: Jinno Satoshi , Kanasaki Masato , Asai Takafumi , Matsui Ryutaro , Pirozhkov Alexander S. , Ogura Koichi , Sagisaka Akito , Miyasaka Yasuhiro , Nakanii Nobuhiko , Kando Masaki , Kitagawa Nobuko , Morishima Kunihiro , Kodaira Satoshi , Kishimoto Yasuaki , Yamauchi Tomoya , Uesaka Mitsuru , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Fukuda Yuji 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMulti-MeV high-purity proton acceleration by using a hydrogen cluster target irradiated with repetitive, relativistic intensity laser pulses has been demonstrated. Statistical analysis of hundreds of data sets highlights the existence of markedly high energy protons produced from the laser-irradiated clusters with micron-scale diameters. The spatial distribution of the accelerated protons is found to be anisotropic, where the higher energy protons are preferentially accelerated along the laser propagation direction due to the relativistic effect. These features are supported by three-dimensional (3D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, which show that directional, higher energy protons are generated via the anisotropic ambipolar expansion of the micron-scale clusters. The number of protons accelerating along the laser propagation direction is found to be as high as 1.6 $$\pm \,{0.3}$$

±

0.3

$$\times$$
×
10$$^9$$

9

/MeV/sr/shot with an energy of 2.8 $$\pm \,{1.9}$$

±

1.9

MeV, indicating that laser-driven proton acceleration using the micron-scale hydrogen clusters is promising as a compact, repetitive, multi-MeV high-purity proton source for various applications.
Needle bevel geometry influences the flexural deflection magnitude in ultrasound-enhanced fine-needle biopsy
Authors: Bunni Saif , Nieminen Heikki J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIt has been recently demonstrated that use of ultrasound increases the tissue yield in ultrasound-enhanced fine-needle aspiration biopsy (USeFNAB) as compared to conventional fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). To date, the association between bevel geometry and needle tip action has not been widely explored. In this study, we studied the needle resonance characteristics and deflection magnitude of various needle bevel geometries with varying bevel lengths. With a conventional lancet, having a 3.9 mm long bevel, the tip deflection-to-power ratio (DPR) in air and water was 220 and 105 µm/W, respectively. This was higher in comparison to an axi-symmetric tip, having a bevel length of 4 mm, which achieved a DPR of 180 and 80 µm/W in air and water, respectively. This study emphasised the importance of relationship between flexural stiffness of bevel geometry in the context of various insertion media and, thus, could provide understanding on approaches to control post-puncture cutting action by modifying the needle bevel geometry, essential for the USeFNAB application.
Global microRNA expression profile in laryngeal carcinoma unveils new prognostic biomarkers and novel insights into field cancerization
Authors: Popov Todor M. , Stancheva Gergana , Kyurkchiyan Silva G. , Petkova Veronika , Panova Stiliana , Kaneva Radka P. , Popova Diana P. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLaryngeal carcinoma is still a worldwide burden that has shown no significant improvement during the last few decades regarding definitive treatment strategies. The lack of suitable biomarkers for personalized treatment protocols and delineating field cancerization prevents further progress in clinical outcomes. In the light of this perspective, MicroRNAs could be promising biomarkers both in terms of diagnostic and prognostic value. The aim of this prospective study is to find strong prognostic microRNA biomarkers for advanced laryngeal carcinoma and molecular signatures of field cancerization. Sixty patients were enrolled and four samples were collected from each patient: tumor surface and depth, peritumor normal mucosa, and control distant laryngeal mucosa. Initially, a global microRNA profile was conducted in twelve patients from the whole cohort and subsequently, we validated a selected group of 12 microRNAs with RT-qPCR. The follow-up period was 24 months (SD ± 13 months). Microarray expression profile revealed 59 dysregulated microRNAs. The validated expression levels of miR-93-5p (χ2(2) = 4.68, log-rank p = 0.03), miR-144-3p (χ2(2) = 4.53, log-rank p = 0.03) and miR-210-3p (χ2(2) = 4.53, log-rank p = 0.03) in tumor samples exhibited strong association with recurrence-free survival as higher expression levels of these genes predict worse outcome. Tumor suppressor genes miR-144-3p (mean rank 1.58 vs 2.14 vs 2.29, p = 0.000) and miR-145-5p (mean rank 1.57 vs 2.15 vs 2.28, p = 0.000) were significantly dysregulated in peritumor mucosa with a pattern of expression consistent with paired tumor samples thus revealing a signature of field cancerization in laryngeal carcinoma. Additionally, miR-1260b, miR-21-3p, miR-31-3p and miR-31-5p were strongly associated with tumor grade. Our study reports the first global microRNA profile specifically in advanced laryngeal carcinoma that includes survival analysis and investigates the molecular signature of field cancerization. We report two strong biomarkers of field cancerization and three predictors for recurrence in advance stage laryngeal cancer.
Optic nerve sheath diameter is associated with outcome in severe Covid-19
Authors: Pansell Jakob , Rudberg Peter C. , Bell Max , Friman Ola , Cooray Charith 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNeurological symptoms are common in Covid-19 and cerebral edema has been shown post-mortem. The mechanism behind this is unclear. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) has not been extensively studied in Covid-19. ICP can be estimated noninvasively with measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). We performed a cohort study with ONSD ultrasound measurements in severe cases of Covid-19 at an intensive care unit (ICU). We measured ONSD with ultrasound in adults with severe Covid-19 in the ICU at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden. Patients were classified as either having normal or elevated ONSD. We compared ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) and 90 day mortality between the groups. 54 patients were included. 11 of these (20.4%) had elevated ONSD. Patients with elevated ONSD had 12 days longer ICU-LOS (95% CI 2 to 23 p = 0.03) and a risk ratio of 2.3 for ICU-LOS ≥ 30 days. There were no significant differences in baseline data or 90 day mortality between the groups. Elevated ONSD is common in severe Covid-19 and is associated with adverse outcome. This may be caused by elevated ICP. This is a clinically important finding that needs to be considered when deciding upon various treatment strategies.
Dynamics of alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis in response to jasmonate and salicylic acid in Lithospermum officinale
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Varela Alonso Alicia , Koletti Antigoni E. , Rodić Nebojša , Reichelt Michael , Rödel Philipp , Assimopoulou Andreana N. , Paun Ovidiu , Declerck Stéphane , Schneider Carolin , Molin Eva M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAlkannin/shikonin and their derivatives are specialised metabolites of high pharmaceutical and ecological importance exclusively produced in the periderm of members of the plant family Boraginaceae. Previous studies have shown that their biosynthesis is induced in response to methyl jasmonate but not salicylic acid, two phytohormones that play important roles in plant defence. However, mechanistic understanding of induction and non-induction remains largely unknown. In the present study, we generated the first comprehensive transcriptomic dataset and metabolite profiles ofLithospermum officinaleplants treated with methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid to shed light on the underlying mechanisms. Our results highlight the diverse biological processes activated by both phytohormones and reveal the important regulatory role of the mevalonate pathway in alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis inL. officinale. Furthermore, by modelling a coexpression network, we uncovered structural and novel regulatory candidate genes connected to alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis. Besides providing new mechanistic insights into alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis, the generated methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid elicited expression profiles together with the coexpression networks serve as important functional genomic resources for the scientific community aiming at deepening the understanding of alkannin/shikonin biosynthesis.
Enhanced terrestrial Fe(II) mobilization identified through a novel mechanism of microbially driven cave formation in Fe(III)-rich rocks
Authors: Parker Ceth W. , Senko John M. , Auler Augusto S. , Sasowsky Ira D. , Schulz Frederik , Woyke Tanja , Barton Hazel A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMost cave formation requires mass separation from a host rock in a process that operates outward from permeable pathways to create the cave void. Given the poor solubility of Fe(III) phases, such processes are insufficient to account for the significant iron formation caves (IFCs) seen in Brazilian banded iron formations (BIF) and associated rock. In this study we demonstrate that microbially-mediated reductive Fe(III) dissolution is solubilizing the poorly soluble Fe(III) phases to soluble Fe(II) in the anoxic zone behind cave walls. The resultant Fe(III)-depleted material (termed sub muros) is unable to maintain the structural integrity of the walls and repeated rounds of wall collapse lead to formation of the cave void in an active, measurable process. This mechanism may move significant quantities of Fe(II) into ground water and may help to explain the mechanism of BIF dissolution and REE enrichment in the generation of canga. The role of Fe(III) reducing microorganism and mass separation behind the walls (outward-in, rather than inward-out) is not only a novel mechanism of speleogenesis, but it also may identify a previously overlooked source of continental Fe that may have contributed to Archaean BIF formation.
Dynamic biological characteristics of human bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell senescence
Authors: Xiao Minhe , Zhou Peng , Wang Ziling , Xiao Hanxianzhi , Chen Xiao , Jiang Rong , Wang Yaping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHematopoietic stem cells show biological manifestations of aging, diminished hematopoietic function and abnormal differentiation, which can lead to leukemia. It is therefore important to explore the mechanism underlying hematopoietic stem cell aging to develop strategies for delaying the process. Our evaluations revealed that the number of bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHCs) started to decrease significantly after 45 years of age, and the number of senescent BMHCs, as determined by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, gradually increased with age. In addition, BMHCs from individuals over 45 years of age presented with notably reduced proliferative capacity, increased G1-phase cell cycle arrest, and significantly decreased generation of mixed colony forming units, which suggests that BMHCs enter senescence during middle age. Furthermore, we observed significantly lower antioxidant capacity and a significant increase in oxidative damage products, a gradual increase in the expression of senescence-associated proteins and genes, and a gradual decrease in the expression of cell cycle related proteins in BMHCs after middle age. Taken together, these findings offer both a theoretical and experimental basis for better understanding of the senescence progression of BMHCs and the optimal timing for anti-senescence drug interventions in clinical practice.
The effect of the surgical approach and cochlear implant electrode on the structural integrity of the cochlea in human temporal bones
Authors: Jwair Saad , Versnel Huib , Stokroos Robert J. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCochlear implants (CI) restore hearing of severely hearing-impaired patients. Although this auditory prosthesis is widely considered to be very successful, structural cochlear trauma during cochlear implantation is an important problem, reductions of which could help to improve hearing outcomes and to broaden selection criteria. The surgical approach in cochlear implantation, i.e. round window (RW) or cochleostomy (CO), and type of electrode-array, perimodiolar (PM) or lateral wall (LW), are variables that might influence the probability of severe trauma. We investigated the effect of these two variables on scalar translocation (STL), a specific type of severe trauma. Thirty-two fresh frozen human cadaveric ears were evenly distributed over four groups receiving either RW or CO approach, and either LW or PM array. Conventional radiological multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was compared with a reconstruction method that uncoils the spiral shape of the cochlea (UCR). Histological analysis showed that RW with PM array had STL rate of 87% (7/8), CO approach with LW array 75% (6/8), RW approach with LW array 50% (4/8) and CO approach with PM array 29% (2/7). STL assessment using UCR showed a higher inter-observer and histological agreement (91 and 94% respectively), than that using MPR (69 and 74% respectively). In particular, LW array positions were difficult to assess with MPR. In conclusion, the interaction between surgical approach and type of array should be preoperatively considered in cochlear implant surgery. UCR technique is advised for radiological assessment of CI positions, and in general it might be useful for pathologies involving the inner ear or other complex shaped bony tubular structures.
NT157 exerts antineoplastic activity by targeting JNK and AXL signaling in lung cancer cells
Authors: de Miranda Lívia Bassani Lins , Lima Keli , Coelho-Silva Juan Luiz , Traina Fabiola , Kobayashi Susumu S. , Machado-Neto João Agostinho 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCombination therapies or multi-targeted drugs have been pointed out as an option to prevent the emergence of resistant clones, which could make long-term treatment more effective and translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients. The NT157 compound is a synthetic tyrphostin that leads to long-term inhibition of IGF1R/IRS1-2-, STAT3- and AXL-mediated signaling pathways. Given the importance of these signaling pathways for the development and progression of lung cancer, this disease becomes an interesting model for generating preclinical evidence on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic activity of NT157. In lung cancer cells, exposure to NT157 decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, cell viability, clonogenicity, cell cycle progression and migration, and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In the molecular scenario, NT157 reduced expression of IRS1 and AXL and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, AKT, and 4EBP1. Besides, NT157 decreased expression of oncogenes BCL2, CCND1, MYB, and MYC and increased genes related to cellular stress and apoptosis, JUN, BBC3, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, FOS, and EGR1 (p < 0.05), favoring a tumor-suppressive cell signaling network in the context of lung cancer. Of note, JNK was identified as a key kinase for NT157-induced IRS1 and IRS2 phosphorylation, revealing a novel axis involved in the mechanism of action of the drug. NT157 also presented potentiating effects on EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our preclinical findings highlight NT157 as a putative prototype of a multitarget drug that may contribute to the antineoplastic arsenal against lung cancer.
Prediction of persistent acute kidney injury in postoperative intensive care unit patients using integrated machine learning: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Xuandong , Hu Yongxia , Guo Shan , Du Chaojian , Cheng Xuping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) often occurs in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). AKI duration is closely related to the prognosis of critically ill patients. Identifying the disease course length in AKI is critical for developing effective individualised treatment. To predict persistent AKI at an early stage based on a machine learning algorithm and integrated models. Overall, 955 patients admitted to the ICU after surgery complicated by AKI were retrospectively evaluated. The occurrence of persistent AKI was predicted using three machine learning methods: a support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, and extreme gradient boosting and with an integrated model. External validation was also performed. The incidence of persistent AKI was 39.4–45.1%. In the internal validation, SVM exhibited the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value, followed by the integrated model. In the external validation, the AUC values of the SVM and integrated models were 0.69 and 0.68, respectively, and the model calibration chart revealed that all models had good performance. Critically ill patients with AKI after surgery had high incidence of persistent AKI. Our machine learning model could effectively predict the occurrence of persistent AKI at an early stage.
Three-dimensional assessment of vascular cooling effects on hepatic microwave ablation in a standardized ex vivo model
Authors: Neizert C. A. , Do H. N. C. , Zibell M. , Rieder C. , Sinden D. , Niehues S. M. , Vahldiek J. L. , Lehmann K. S. , Poch F. G. M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was a three-dimensional analysis of vascular cooling effects on microwave ablation (MWA) in an ex vivo porcine model. A glass tube, placed in parallel to the microwave antenna at distances of 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mm (A–V distance), simulated a natural liver vessel. Seven flow rates (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 100, 500 ml/min) were evaluated. Ablations were segmented into 2 mm slices for a 3D-reconstruction. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. 126 experiments were carried out. Cooling effects occurred in all test series with flow rates ≥ 2 ml/min in the ablation periphery. These cooling effects had no impact on the total ablation volume (p > 0.05) but led to changes in ablation shape at A–V distances of 5.0 mm and 10.0 mm. Contrary, at a A–V distance of 2.5 mm only flow rates of ≥ 10 ml/min led to relevant cooling effects in the ablation centre. These cooling effects influenced the ablation shape, whereas the total ablation volume was reduced only at a maximal flow rate of 500 ml/min (p = 0.002). Relevant cooling effects exist in MWA. They mainly depend on the distance of the vessel to the ablation centre.
Protecting boreal caribou habitat can help conserve biodiversity and safeguard large quantities of soil carbon in Canada
Authors: Johnson Cheryl A. , Drever C. Ronnie , Kirby Patrick , Neave Erin , Martin Amanda E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBoreal caribou require large areas of undisturbed habitat for persistence. They are listed as threatened with the risk of extinction in Canada because of landscape changes induced by human activities and resource extraction. Here we ask: Can the protection of habitat for boreal caribou help Canada meet its commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? We identified hotspots of high conservation value within the distribution of boreal caribou based on: (1) three measures of biodiversity for at risk species (species richness, unique species and taxonomic diversity); (2) climate refugia or areas forecasted to remain unchanged under climate change; and, (3) areas of high soil carbon that could add to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions if released into the atmosphere. We evaluated the overlap among hotspot types and how well hotspots were represented in Canada’s protected and conserved areas network. While hotspots are widely distributed across the boreal caribou distribution, with nearly 80% of the area falling within at least one hotspot type, only 3% of the distribution overlaps three or more hotspots. Moreover, the protected and conserved areas network only captures about 10% of all hotspots within the boreal caribou distribution. While the protected and conserved areas network adequately represents hotspots with high numbers of at risk species, areas occupied by unique species, as well as the full spectrum of areas occupied by different taxa, are underrepresented. Climate refugia and soil carbon hotspots also occur at lower percentages than expected. These findings illustrate the potential co-benefits of habitat protection for caribou to biodiversity and ecosystem services and suggest caribou may be a good proxy for future protected areas planning and for developing effective conservation strategies in regional assessments.