bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative action spectroscopy reveals ARPE19 sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation at 350 nm and 380 nm
Authors: Anderson Graham , McLeod Andrew , Bagnaninchi Pierre , Dhillon Baljean
Published: August 2022

The role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in the aetiology of retinal degeneration has been debated for decades with epidemiological evidence failing to find a clear consensus for or against it playing a role. A key reason for this is a lack of foundational research into the response of living retinal tissue to UVR in regard to modern ageing-specific parameters of tissue function. We therefore explored the response of cultured retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), the loss of which heralds advanced visual decline, to specific wavelengths of UVR across the UV-B and UV-A bands found in natural sunlight. Using a bespoke in vitro UVR exposure apparatus coupled with bandpass filters we exposed the immortalised RPE cell line, ARPE-19, to 10 nm bands of UVR between 290 and 405 nm. Physical cell dynamics were assessed during exposure in cells cultured upon specialist electrode culture plates which allow for continuous, non-invasive electrostatic interrogation of key cell parameters during exposure such as monolayer coverage and tight-junction integrity. UVR exposures were also utilised to quantify wavelength-specific effects using a rapid cell viability assay and a phenotypic profiling assay which was leveraged to simultaneously quantify intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear morphology, mitochondrial stress, epithelial integrity and cell viability as part of a phenotypic profiling approach to quantifying the effects of UVR. Electrical impedance assessment revealed unforeseen detrimental effects of UV-A, beginning at 350 nm, alongside previously demonstrated UV-B impacts. Cell viability analysis also highlighted increased effects at 350 nm as well as 380 nm. Effects at 350 nm were further substantiated by high content image analysis which highlighted increased mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. We conclude that ARPE-19 cells exhibit a previously uncharacterised sensitivity to UV-A radiation, specifically at 350 nm and somewhat less at 380 nm. If upheld in vivo, such sensitivity will have impacts upon geoepidemiological risk scoring of macular sensitivity.
Janus-Nanojet as an efficient asymmetric photothermal source
Authors: González-Colsa Javier , Franco Alfredo , Bresme Fernando , Moreno Fernando , Albella Pablo
Published: August 2022

The combination of materials with radically different physical properties in the same nanostructure gives rise to the so-called Janus effects, allowing phenomena of a contrasting nature to occur in the same architecture. Interesting advantages can be taken from a thermal Janus effect for photoinduced hyperthermia cancer therapies. Such therapies have limitations associated to the heating control in terms of temperature stability and energy management. Single-material plasmonic nanoheaters have been widely used for cancer therapies, however, they are highly homogeneous sources that heat the surrounding biological medium isotropically, thus equally affecting cancerous and healthy cells. Here, we propose a prototype of a Janus-Nanojet heating unit based on toroidal shaped plasmonic nanoparticles able to efficiently generate and release local heat directionally under typical unpolarized illumination. Based on thermoplasmonic numerical calculations, we demonstrate that these Janus-based nanoheaters possess superior photothermal conversion features (up to $$\Delta T\approx 35$$

Δ
T
≈
35

K) and unique directional heating capacity, being able to channel up over 90% of the total thermal energy onto a target. We discuss the relevance of these innovative nanoheaters in thermoplasmonics, and hyperthermia cancer therapies, which motivate the development of fabrication techniques for nanomaterials.
Long term effects of crop rotation and fertilization on crop yield stability in southeast China
Authors: Zhang Licheng , Yuan Jie , Zhang Mingqing , Zhang Yongchun , Wang Limin , Li Juan
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different fertilizer treatments and crop rotations on crop yield stability. A 9 years field experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2021 to evaluate the effects of combinations of two annual crop rotations and two methods of applying fertilizer on crop yield stability. Crop rotations were kidney bean–mustard–rice (P–B–O) and kidney bean–mustard–cowpea (P–B–V) each year. Fertilization methods were recommended fertilization (RF) and conventional fertilization (CF). The indexes Wi2 (Wricke’s ecovalance), coefficient of variation (CV), and sustainable yield index (SYI) were used to quantify the long term effects of crop rotation and fertilization on crop yield stability, and a yield change trend model was used to predict future production. For fertilization program RF, average kidney bean and mustard yields in rotation P–B–O increased respectively by 7.47% and 19.37% over P–B–V in the 9 years of the project. For CF, average kidney bean and mustard yields for P–B–O increased respectively by 14.99% and 18.33% over P–B–V. Wi2 indexes of kidney bean and mustard for P–B–O (respectively 116 and 956) were significantly less than for P–B–V (respectively 147.87 and 1259.67). SYI for kidney beans and mustard in P–B–O (respectively 0.63 and 0.57) were significantly greater than for P–B–V (respectively 0.50 and 0.42). The trends of crop average yields for RF and CF show that the average yield trends of kidney bean in P–B–O (respectively 32.41 and 32.34) were greater than in P–B–V (respectively 29.56 and 27.45). The trends of average yields of mustard for RF and CF in P–B–O (respectively 64.18 and 60.87) were greater than in P–B–V (respectively 51.74 and 51.87). The preceding results led to the conclusion that long term annual P–B–O rotation combined with RF considerably increased yield and maintained yield stability, thus establishing the sustainability of this cropping system.
Relationship between nomophobia and impulsivity among deaf and hard-of-hearing youth
Authors: Awed Huda Shaaban , Hammad Mohammad Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Excessive use of smartphones is known to be associated with negative social, physical, and psychological outcomes across age groups. A related problem is called “no-mobile-phone phobia” or “nomophobia,” which is an extreme anxiety caused by not having access to a mobile phone. Despite their detrimental effects, smartphone use is highly prevalent among deaf/hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals owing to their accessibility features. Therefore, it was deemed important to identify the prevalence of nomophobia in DHH youth and to examine the association between impulsivity and nomophobia. Gender-based differences in nomophobia and impulsivity were also examined. Data were collected from 187 DHH youth in Saudi Arabia using the Nomophobia Questionnaire and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (short form). Findings revealed that 71.65% of the participants experienced severe nomophobia. While, nomophobia was more prevalent among female DHH youth than males, this difference was not observed for impulsivity. A linear regression analysis indicated that higher impulsivity was significantly associated with higher nomophobia in this sample. These findings suggest the importance of helping youth understand the disadvantages of smartphone use, and the consequences of their abuse or addiction to smartphones by incorporating this information into school curricula. Additionally, educating parents may help them monitor their children’s smartphone use more closely.
Phylogenetic analysis based on single-copy orthologous proteins in highly variable chloroplast genomes of Corydalis
Authors: Yin Xianmei , Huang Feng , Liu Xiaofen , Guo Jiachen , Cui Ning , Liang Conglian , Lian Yan , Deng Jingjing , Wu Hao , Yin Hongxiang , Jiang Guihua
Published: August 2022

Corydalis is one of the few lineages that have been reported to have extensive large-scale chloroplast genome (cp-genome) rearrangements. In this study, novel cp-genome rearrangements of Corydalis pinnata, C. mucronate, and C. sheareri are described. C. pinnata is a narrow endemic species only distributed at Qingcheng Mountain in southwest China. Two independent relocations of the same four genes (trnM-CAU-rbcL) were found relocated from the typically posterior part of the large single-copy region to the front of it. A uniform inversion of an 11–14-kb segment (ndhB-trnR-ACG) was found in the inverted repeat region; and extensive losses of accD, clpP, and trnV-UAC genes were detected in all cp-genomes of all three species of Corydalis. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed based on 31 single-copy orthologous proteins in 27 cp-genomes. This study provides insights into the evolution of cp-genomes throughout the genus Corydalis and also provides a reference for further studies on the taxonomy, identification, phylogeny, and genetic transformation of other lineages with extensive rearrangements in cp-genomes.
Structure and selected properties of Al–Cr–Fe alloys with the presence of structurally complex alloy phases
Authors: Młynarek-Żak K. , Pakieła W. , Łukowiec D. , Bajorek A. , Gębara P. , Szakál A. , Dhiman I. , Babilas R.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to supplement the data on the Al65Cr20Fe15 alloy with binary phase structure and the Al71Cr24Fe5 alloy with multiphase structure prepared with two different cooling rates from the liquid state. The presence of the structurally complex Al65Cr27Fe8 phase was confirmed by neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with the analysis of chemical composition and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, the Al8Cr5 phase with γ-brass structure was identified for Al71Cr24Fe5 alloy in both cooling rates from the liquid state. Due to the interesting features of structurally complex alloys, the wear resistance, magnetic properties, and corrosion products after performing electrochemical tests were examined. Based on pin-on-disc measurements, a lower friction coefficient was observed for the Al65Cr20Fe15 alloy (µ ≈ 0.55) compared to the Al71Cr24Fe5 multiphase alloy (µ ≈ 0.6). The average hardness of the binary phase Al65Cr20Fe5 alloy (HV0.1 = 917 ± 30) was higher compared to the multiphase Al71Cr24Fe5 alloy (HV0.1 = 728 ± 34) and the single phase Al–Cr–Fe alloys described in the literature. Moreover, the beneficial effect of rapid solidification on hardness was demonstrated. The alloys Al65Cr20Fe15 and Al71Cr24Fe5 showed paramagnetic behavior, however rapidly solidified Al71Cr24Fe5 alloy indicated an increase of magnetic properties. The studied alloys were characterized by the presence of passive layers after electrochemical tests. A higher amount of oxides on the surface of the Al71Cr24Fe5 alloy was recorded due to the positive effect of chromium on the stabilization of the passive layer.
Pulmonate slug evolution is reflected in the de novo genome of Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855
Authors: Chen Zeyuan , Doğan Özgül , Guiglielmoni Nadège , Guichard Anne , Schrödl Michael
Published: August 2022

Stylommatophoran pulmonate land slugs and snails successfully completed the water-to-land transition from an aquatic ancestor and flourished on land. Of the 30,000 estimated species, very few genomes have so far been published. Here, we assembled and characterized a chromosome-level genome of the “Spanish” slug,Arion vulgarisMoquin-Tandon, 1855, a notorious pest land slug in Europe. Using this reference genome, we conclude that a whole-genome duplication event occurred approximately 93–109 Mya at the base of Stylommatophora and might have promoted land invasion and adaptive radiation. Comparative genomic analyses reveal that genes related to the development of kidney, blood vessels, muscle, and nervous systems had expanded in the last common ancestor of land pulmonates, likely an evolutionary response to the terrestrial challenges of gravity and water loss. Analyses ofA. vulgarisgene families and positively selected genes show the slug has evolved a stronger ability to counteract the greater threats of external damage, radiation, and water loss lacking a protective shell. Furthermore, a recent burst of long interspersed elements in the genome ofA. vulgarismight affect gene regulation and contribute to rapid phenotype changes inA. vulgaris, which might be conducive to its rapid adaptation and invasiveness.
Application of an instructive hydrogel accelerates re-epithelialization of xenografted human skin wounds
Authors: Sparks Holly D. , Mandla Serena , Vizely Katrina , Rosin Nicole , Radisic Milica , Biernaskie Jeff
Published: August 2022

Poor quality (eg. excessive scarring) or delayed closure of skin wounds can have profound physical and pyschosocial effects on patients as well as pose an enormous economic burden on the healthcare system. An effective means of improving both the rate and quality of wound healing is needed for all patients suffering from skin injury. Despite wound care being a multi-billion-dollar industry, effective treatments aimed at rapidly restoring the skin barrier function or mitigating the severity of fibrotic scar remain elusive. Previously, a hydrogel conjugated angiopoietin-1 derived peptide (QHREDGS; Q-peptide) was shown to increase keratinocyte migration and improve wound healing in diabetic mice. Here, we evaluated the effect of this Q-Peptide Hydrogel on human skin wound healing using a mouse xenograft model. First, we confirmed that the Q-Peptide Hydrogel promoted the migration of adult human keratinocytes and modulated their cytokine profile in vitro. Next, utilizing our human to mouse split-thickness skin xenograft model, we found improved healing of wounded human epidermis following Q-Peptide Hydrogel treatment. Importantly, Q-Peptide Hydrogel treatment enhanced this wound re-epithelialization via increased keratinocyte migration and survival, rather than a sustained increase in proliferation. Overall, these data provide strong evidence that topical application of QHREDGS peptide-modified hydrogels results in accelerated wound closure that may lead to improved outcomes for patients.
Three-dimensional dynamics of fluctuations appearing during pellet ablation process around a pellet in a fusion plasma experiment
Authors: Ohshima S. , Suzuki T. , Matoike R. , Motojima G. , Kado S. , Mori A. , Miyashita A. , Kobayashi S. , Minami T. , Iwata A. , Qiu D. , Wang C. , Luo M. , Zhang P. , Kondo Y. , Nishino N. , Mizuuchi T. , Okada H. , Konoshima S. , Inagaki S. , Nagasaki K.
Published: August 2022

Understanding pellet ablation physics is crucial to realizing efficient fueling into a high temperature plasma for the steady state operation of ITER and future fusion reactors. Here we report the first observation of the formation of fluctuation structures in the pellet plasmoid during the pellet ablation process by a fast camera in a medium-sized fusion device, Heliotron J. The fluctuation has a normalized fluctuation level of ~ 15% and propagates around the moving pellet across the magnetic field. By comparing the fluctuation structures with the shape of magnetic field lines calculated with the field line tracing code, we successfully reconstruct the spatio-temporal structure of the fluctuations during the pellet ablation process. The fluctuations are located at the locations displaced toroidally from the pellet and propagate in the cross-field direction around the pellet axis along the field line, indicating a three-dimensional behavior and structure of fluctuations. The fluctuation would be driven by a strong inhomogeneity formed around the pellet and invoke the relaxation of the gradient through a cross-field transport induced by the fluctuations, which could affect the pellet ablation and pellet fueling processes. Such fluctuations can be ubiquitously present at the inhomogeneity formed around a pellet in the pellet ablation process in fusion devices.
A simple model of COVID-19 explains disease severity and the effect of treatments
Authors: Sanche Steven , Cassidy Tyler , Chu Pinghan , Perelson Alan S. , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Ke Ruian
Published: August 2022

Considerable effort has been made to better understand why some people suffer from severe COVID-19 while others remain asymptomatic. This has led to important clinical findings; people with severe COVID-19 generally experience persistently high levels of inflammation, slower viral load decay, display a dysregulated type-I interferon response, have less active natural killer cells and increased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps. How these findings are connected to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 remains unclear. We propose a mathematical model that sheds light on this issue by focusing on cells that trigger inflammation through molecular patterns: infected cells carrying pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damaged cells producing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The former signals the presence of pathogens while the latter signals danger such as hypoxia or lack of nutrients. Analyses show that SARS-CoV-2 infections can lead to a self-perpetuating feedback loop between DAMP expressing cells and inflammation, identifying the inability to quickly clear PAMPs and DAMPs as the main contributor to hyperinflammation. The model explains clinical findings and reveal conditions that can increase the likelihood of desired clinical outcome from treatment administration. In particular, the analysis suggest that antivirals need to be administered early during infection to have an impact on disease severity. The simplicity of the model and its high level of consistency with clinical findings motivate its use for the formulation of new treatment strategies.
A prospective randomized comparative trial evaluating postoperative nutritional intervention in patients with oral cancer
Authors: Nett Hannah , Steegmann Julius , Tollkühn-Prott Birgit , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: August 2022

Extensive surgical treatment of oral cancer results in significant deterioration of nutritional status with concomitant increased nutrient requirements. The consequences are an elevated risk of postoperative complaints as well as morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate an additional postoperative nutritional intervention through professional nutritional advice and nutritional supplementation in patients with oral cancer for at least six months. 62 patients with oral cancer in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received nutritional supplements, protein-rich, high-fiber diet and care by a professional nutritionist in addition to the standard treatment. The control group received only the standard treatment. Statistical analysis includes the evaluation of means and standard deviations as well as the calculation of p values with a significance level of 0.05. A deficiency of protein, albumin, vitamin D, zinc and iron was noticed in both groups immediately after surgery. Patients in the intervention group recorded significantly less weight loss (pT2 = 0.0031, pT4 = 0.0424), a more stable BMI (pT2 = 0.0496), better values for albumin (pT2 = 0.0265), vitamin A (pT3 = 0.0248, pT4 = 0.0007) and calcium (pT3 = 0.0362) during the follow-ups. The patients in the intervention group showed significantly fewer digestive problems (p = 0.0062) and muscular complaints (p = 0.0448). They showed better eating habits (p = 0.0348) and were capable of more physical activity (p = 0.0045) than patients in the control group. Patients with oral cancer can have a benefit from postoperative nutritional intervention. Early screening, appropriate care by a nutritionist and supplementation with vitamin D, zinc, calcium and protein-rich food are recommended.
Printed temperature sensor array for high-resolution thermal mapping
Authors: Bücher Tim , Huber Robert , Eschenbaum Carsten , Mertens Adrian , Lemmer Uli , Amrouch Hussam
Published: August 2022

Fully-printed temperature sensor arrays—based on a flexible substrate and featuring a high spatial-temperature resolution—are immensely advantageous across a host of disciplines. These range from healthcare, quality and environmental monitoring to emerging technologies, such as artificial skins in soft robotics. Other noteworthy applications extend to the fields of power electronics and microelectronics, particularly thermal management for multi-core processor chips. However, the scope of temperature sensors is currently hindered by costly and complex manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, printed versions are rife with challenges pertaining to array size and sensor density. In this paper, we present a passive matrix sensor design consisting of two separate silver electrodes that sandwich one layer of sensing material, composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). This results in appreciably high sensor densities of 100 sensor pixels per cm$$^2$$

2

for spatial-temperature readings, while a small array size is maintained. Thus, a major impediment to the expansive application of these sensors is efficiently resolved. To realize fast and accurate interpretation of the sensor data, a neural network (NN) is trained and employed for temperature predictions. This successfully accounts for potential crosstalk between adjacent sensors. The spatial-temperature resolution is investigated with a specially-printed silver micro-heater structure. Ultimately, a fairly high spatial temperature prediction accuracy of 1.22  °C is attained.
A comparative study of the toxic effect of ZIF-8 and ZIF-L on the colonization and decomposition of shaded outdoor mice carrions by arthropods
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Fatma El-Zahraa A. , Ebrahem Noha Esmael , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser
Published: August 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for several applications. Thus, they have been intensively reported and commercialized by several international companies. However, little is known about the fate and risk of MOFs to living organisms. Here, the toxic effect of two Zinc (Zn)-based MOFs; zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) and leaf-like ZIF (ZIF-L), was tested to investigate the impact of the postmortem period of mice carrions and arthropods which found in decomposing carrions. The data analysis revealed an increase in zinc content over time. Toxicology in forensics studies biological materials for the presence of poisons, such as pharmaceuticals. The toxicology report can provide important details about the types of chemicals present in a person and whether the amount of those substances is in line with a therapeutic dose or exceeds a dangerous level. These findings conclude the possible fate and impact after mortality. This study presents the first study of the toxic effect of ZIFs materials using mice carrions and arthropods (Sarcophagasp. Larvae) via morphological and microscopic studies compared with control, providing important biological information could aid in the environmental impact of the toxic level of MOF materials.
Feasibility and application of machine learning enabled fast screening of poly-beta-amino-esters for cartilage therapies
Authors: Perni Stefano , Prokopovich Polina
Published: August 2022

Despite the large prevalence of diseases affecting cartilage (e.g. knee osteoarthritis affecting 16% of population globally), no curative treatments are available because of the limited capacity of drugs to localise in such tissue caused by low vascularisation and electrostatic repulsion. While an effective delivery system is sought, the only option is using high drug doses that can lead to systemic side effects. We introduced poly-beta-amino-esters (PBAEs) to effectively deliver drugs into cartilage tissues. PBAEs are copolymer of amines and di-acrylates further end-capped with other amine; therefore encompassing a very large research space for the identification of optimal candidates. In order to accelerate the screening of all possible PBAEs, the results of a small pool of polymers (n = 90) were used to train a variety of machine learning (ML) methods using only polymers properties available in public libraries or estimated from the chemical structure. Bagged multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) returned the best predictive performance and was used on the remaining (n = 3915) possible PBAEs resulting in the recognition of pivotal features; a further round of screening was carried out on PBAEs (n = 150) with small variations of structure of the main candidates from the first round. The refinements of such characteristics enabled the identification of a leading candidate predicted to improve drug uptake > 20 folds over conventional clinical treatment; this uptake improvement was also experimentally confirmed. This work highlights the potential of ML to accelerate biomaterials development by efficiently extracting information from a limited experimental dataset thus allowing patients to benefit earlier from a new technology and at a lower price. Such roadmap could also be applied for other drug/materials development where optimisation would normally be approached through combinatorial chemistry.
Magnetic data interpretation for 2D dikes by the metaheuristic bat algorithm: sustainable development cases
Authors: Essa Khalid S. , Diab Zein E.
Published: August 2022

Metaheuristic algorithms are increasingly being utilized as a global optimal method in the inversion and modeling of magnetic data. We proposed the Bat Algorithm Optimization (BAO) technique that is based on bat echolocation performance to find the global optimum solution. The best-estimated source parameters that correspond to the objective function minimum value are obtained after achieving the global optimum (best) solution. The suggested BAO technique does not require any prior knowledge; rather, it is a global search method that provides an effective tool for scanning the space of data to appraise sources parameters. The BAO technique is applied to magnetic data in the class of dipping and vertical dikes along 2D profiles to estimate the dimensional source parameters that include the depth to top, origin location, amplitude coefficient, index angle of magnetization, and width of the dipping dikes. The BAO technique has been used for single and multiple dikes structures. The accuracy and stability of the BAO technique are achieved on different synthetic examples of free and noisy data for single and multiple cases. Furthermore, the presented BAO technique was effectively utilized in three field examples from China and Egypt for iron ore deposits and metavolcanics basalt rock investigations. Overall, the BAO technique recovered inversion outcomes are in good agreement with borehole, geology, and published literature results.
Spatial and temporal stability in the genetic structure of a marine crab despite a biogeographic break
Authors: Veliz David , Rojas-Hernández Noemi , Vega-Retter Caren , Zaviezo Camila , Garrido Ignacio , Pardo Luis Miguel
Published: August 2022

Elucidating the processes responsible for maintaining the population connectivity of marine benthic species mediated by larval dispersal remains a fundamental question in marine ecology and fishery management. Understanding these processes becomes particularly important in areas with a biogeographic break and unidirectional water movement along the sides of the break. Based on variability at 4209 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 234 individuals, we determine the genetic structure, temporal genetic stability, and gene flow among populations of the commercially important mola rock crab Metacarcinus edwardsii in a system in southern Chile with a biogeographic break at latitude 42°S. Specimens were collected at eight sites within its geographic distribution, with collection at four of these sites was performed twice. Using population genetic approaches, we found no evidence of geographic or temporal population differentiation. Similarly, we found no evidence of an effect on gene flow of the biogeographic break caused by the the West Wind Drift Current. Moreover, migration analyses supported gene flow among all sites but at different rates for different pairs of sites. Overall, our findings indicate that M. edwardsii comprises a single large population with high levels of gene flow among sites separated by over 1700 km and demonstrate temporal stability in its genetic structure.
Role of Methoprene-tolerant in the regulation of oogenesis in Dipetalogaster maxima
Authors: Ramos Fabian O. , Nouzova Marcela , Fruttero Leonardo L. , Leyria Jimena , Ligabue-Braun Rodrigo , Noriega Fernando G. , Canavoso Lilian E.
Published: August 2022

Juvenile hormone (JH) signalling, via its receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met), controls metamorphosis and reproduction in insects. Met belongs to a superfamily of transcription factors containing the basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) and Per Arnt Sim (PAS) domains. Since its discovery in 1986, Met has been characterized in several insect species. However, in spite of the importance as vectors of Chagas disease, our knowledge on the role of Met in JH signalling in Triatominae is limited. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the Dipetalogaster maxima Met transcript (DmaxMet). Molecular modelling was used to build the structure of Met and identify the JH binding site. To further understand the role of the JH receptor during oogenesis, transcript levels were evaluated in two main target organs of JH, fat body and ovary. Functional studies using Met RNAi revealed significant decreases of transcripts for vitellogenin (Vg) and lipophorin (Lp), as well as their receptors. Lp and Vg protein amounts in fat body, as well as Vg in hemolymph were also decreased, and ovarian development was impaired. Overall, these studies provide additional molecular insights on the roles of JH signalling in oogenesis in Triatominae; and therefore are relevant for the epidemiology of Chagas´ disease.
A computational model of inner speech supporting flexible goal-directed behaviour in Autism
Authors: Granato Giovanni , Borghi Anna M. , Mattera Andrea , Baldassarre Gianluca
Published: August 2022

Experimental and computational studies propose that inner speech boosts categorisation skills and executive functions, making human behaviour more focused and flexible. In addition, many clinical studies highlight a relationship between poor inner-speech and an executive impairment in autism spectrum condition (ASC), but contrasting findings are reported. Here we directly investigate the latter issue through a previously implemented and validated computational model of the Wisconsin Cards Sorting Tests. In particular, the model was applied to explore potential individual differences in cognitive flexibility and inner speech contribution in autistic and neurotypical participants. Our model predicts that the use of inner-speech could increase along the life-span of neurotypical participants but would be reduced in autistic ones. Although we found more attentional failures (i.e., wrong behavioural rule switches) in autistic children/teenagers and more perseverative behaviours in autistic young/older adults, only autistic children and older adults exhibited a lower performance (i.e., fewer consecutive correct rule switches) than matched control groups. Overall, our results corroborate the idea that the reduced use of inner speech could represent a disadvantage for autistic children and autistic older adults. Moreover, the results suggest that cognitive-behavioural therapies should focus on developing inner speech skills in autistic children as this could provide cognitive support throughout their whole life span.
Moringa leaf extract and green algae improve the growth and physiological attributes of Mentha species under salt stress
Authors: Al-Taisan Wafa’a A. , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Almuqadam Lolwah
Published: August 2022

Climate change, food scarcity, salt stress, and a rapidly growing population are just a few of the major global challenges. The current study examined into whether Moringa oleifera (L.) leaf extract and green algae (Ulva intestinalis) could help improve salt tolerance in Mentha species (Mentha piperita; Mentha longifolia). Moringa leaf extract (MLE) and green algae (GA) were applied to Mentha seedlings under three different salt treatments: 0 mM, 20 mM, 40 mM, 60 mM, and 90 mM, respectively. For each treatment, three biological replicates were conducted, with each replicate containing at least three plants. Mentha species were negatively affected by salt stress in terms of shoot length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the use of MLE and GA significantly improved the development and physiology of Mentha species under salt stress conditions. The MLE and GA treatments dramatically (p ≤ 0.001) increased SOD activity by 7% and 10%, CAT activity by 16% and 30%, APX activity by 34% and 56%, GPX activity by 12% and 47%, respectively, in Mentha piperita seedlings, which in turn strikingly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 6% and 9%, catalase (CAT) activity by 15%, 28% and 44%, 27%, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity by 39% and 60%, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity by 23% and 58%, respectively, in Mentha longifolia seedlings, relative to the control. Aiming to answer questions about the relationship between plant extraction and traditional agricultural methods, this research greatly advances the goal of sustainable development for improving plant productivity by providing a much safer and more environmentally friendly adaptability.
Noncontact assessment for fatigue based on heart rate variability using IR-UWB radar
Authors: Ahmed Sarfaraz , Lee Yonggu , Lim Young-Hyo , Cho Seok-Hyun , Park Hyun-Kyung , Cho Sung Ho
Published: August 2022

Physical fatigue can be assessed using heart rate variability (HRV). We measured HRV at rest and in a fatigued state using impulse-radio ultra wideband (IR-UWB) radar in a noncontact fashion and compared the measurements with those obtained using electrocardiography (ECG) to assess the reliability and validity of the radar measurements. HRV was measured in 15 subjects using radar and ECG simultaneously before (rest for 10 min before exercise) and after a 20-min exercise session (fatigue level 1 for 0–9 min; fatigue level 2 for 10–19 min; recovery for ≥ 20 min after exercise). HRV was analysed in the frequency domain, including the low-frequency component (LF), high-frequency component (HF) and LF/HF ratio. The LF/HF ratio measured using radar highly agreed with that measured using ECG during rest (ICC = 0.807), fatigue-1 (ICC = 0.712), fatigue-2 (ICC = 0.741) and recovery (ICC = 0.764) in analyses using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The change pattern in the LH/HF ratios during the experiment was similar between radar and ECG. The subject’s body fat percentage was linearly associated with the time to recovery from physical fatigue (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that fatigue and rest states can be distinguished accurately based on HRV measurements using IR-UWB radar in a noncontact fashion.
Protecting playgrounds: local-scale reduction of airborne particulate matter concentrations through particulate deposition on roadside ‘tredges’ (green infrastructure)
Authors: Maher Barbara A. , Gonet Tomasz , Karloukovski Vassil V. , Wang Huixia , Bannan Thomas J.
Published: August 2022

Exposure to traffic-related particulate air pollution has been linked with excess risks for a range of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological health outcomes; risks likely to be exacerbated in young children attending schools adjacent to highly-trafficked roads. One immediate way of reducing airborne PM concentrations at the local (i.e., near-road community) scale is installation of roadside vegetation as a means of passive pollution abatement. Roadside vegetation can decrease airborne PM concentrations, through PM deposition on leaves, but can also increase them, by impeding airflow and PM dispersion. Critical to optimizing PM removal is selection of species with high particle deposition velocity (Vd) values, currently under-parameterised in most modelling studies. Here, the measured amounts of leaf-deposited magnetic PM after roadside greening (‘tredge’) installation, and measured reductions in playground PM, particle number and black carbon concentrations demonstrate that air quality improvements by deposition can be achieved at the local, near-road, community/playground scale. PM deposition on the western red cedar tredge removed ~ 49% of BC, and ~ 46% and 26% of the traffic-sourced PM2.5 and PM1, respectively. These findings demonstrate that roadside vegetation can be designed, installed and maintained to achieve rapid, significant, cost-effective improvement of air quality by optimising PM deposition on plant leaves.
Functional imaging with dual-energy computed tomography for supplementary non-invasive assessment of mast cell burden in systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Riffel Julia , Lübke Johannes , Naumann Nicole , Kreil Sebastian , Metzgeroth Georgia , Fabarius Alice , Sotlar Karl , Horny Hans-Peter , Jawhar Mohamad , Overhoff Daniel , Schoenberg Stefan , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Henzler Thomas , Schwaab Juliana , Reiter Andreas , Riffel Philipp
Published: August 2022

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by multifocal accumulation of neoplastic mast cells (MCs), predominately affecting the bone marrow (BM). Imaging with computed tomography (CT) is used for assessment of bone mineral density and structure. However, the value of functional imaging with dual-energy CT (DECT) and the assessment of virtual-non-calcium attenuation values (VNCa-AV) for visualization of BM disease burden in SM has not yet been assessed. DECT of the axial skeleton was performed in 18 patients with SM (indolent SM [ISM], n = 6; smoldering SM [SSM]/advanced SM [AdvSM], n = 12) and 18 control subjects. VNCa-AV were obtained in 5 representative vertebraes per patient and correlated with laboratory, morphologic and molecular parameters. VNCa-AV strongly correlated with quantitative BM MC infiltration (r = 0.7, R2 = 0.49, P = 0.001) and serum tryptase levels (r = 0.7, R2 = 0.54, P < 0.001). Mean VNCa-AV were significantly higher in SSM/AdvSM as compared to ISM (− 9HU vs. − 54HU, P < 0.005) and controls (− 38HU, P < 0.005). Nine of 10 (90%) patients with a VNCa-AV >  − 30HU and 7/7 (100%) patients with a VNCa-AV >  − 10HU had SSM or AdVSM. BM VNCa-AV provide information about the MC burden of SM patients and correlate with SM subtypes. DECT may therefore serve as a supplementary tool for SM diagnosis, subclassification and monitoring in a one-stop-shop session.
Topical pharmacotherapy for ocular surface squamous neoplasia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kozma Kincső , Dömötör Zsuzsa Réka , Csutak Adrienne , Szabó László , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Molnár Zsolt , Dembrovszky Fanni , Szalai Eszter
Published: August 2022

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) has different treatment modalities. Although surgical excision has been the gold standard therapeutic option, topical pharmacotherapy agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), interferon alfa-2b (IFN) and mitomycin-C (MMC) are also commonly used. The protocol was registered (CRD42021224961). Comprehensive literature research was carried out to compare topical pharmacotherapy (5-FU or IFN or MMC) to surgical excision regarding clinical success (tumor resolution), recurrence and complications in patients undergoing treatment for OSSN. From 7859 records, 7 articles were included in the qualitative and 4 in the quantitative synthesis. The outcomes of surgical excision and topical pharmacotherapy were comparable in the included articles. There were no significant differences between surgical excision and topical pharmacotherapy regarding the clinical success [odds ratio (OR): 0.785; confidence interval (CI): 0.130–4.736, P = 0.792)] and tumor recurrence (OR: 0.746; CI: 0.213–2.609; P = 0.646). The most common side effect of the different therapeutic options was dry eye. The highest rate of dry eye symptoms was reported after surgical excision (in 59%). Topical pharmacotherapy with all the 3 agents is as effective and well-tolerable as surgical excision in terms of tumor resolution, recurrence rate and side effects in all OSSN patients suggesting similar long-term clinical benefits.
Basic determinants of child linear growth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional survey analysis of positive deviants in poor households
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A. , Dimbuene Zacharie T.
Published: August 2022

Childhood malnutrition is a significant public health problem confronting countries across the globe. Although there is evidence of a downward trend in undernutrition globally, sub-Saharan Africa did not experience significant improvement in the past decades. This study investigated the basic determinants of linear growth among children living in poor households. We analysed a nationally representative sample of children aged 0–59 months (N = 24,264). The study countries were Ghana, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Mozambique. The child’s height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ), categorised into HAZ > − 2 standard deviations (SD) (not stunted) and HAZ < − 2 SD (stunted) was the outcome variable of interest. We used logistic regression as our analytical strategy. In DRC, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, maternal years of schooling was associated with positive linear growth among children living in poor households. In Ghana and DRC, four antenatal visits had a positive effect on better linear growth, while in Nigeria, healthy maternal body mass index (kg/m2) had a positive effect on child's linear growth. The putative socio-demographic determinants investigated in our study can promote the linear growth of children living in poor households. Interventions aimed at fostering linear growth among children living in poverty should focus on enhancing these factors.
Overexpression of the WAPO-A1 gene increases the number of spikelets per spike in bread wheat
Authors: Wittern Lukas M. , Barrero Jose M. , Bovill William D. , Verbyla Klara L. , Hughes Trijntje , Swain Steve M. , Steed Gareth , Webb Alex A. R. , Gardner Keith , Greenland Andy , Jacobs John , Frohberg Claus , Schmidt Ralf-Christian , Cavanagh Colin , Rohde Antje , Davey Mark W. , Hannah Matthew A.
Published: August 2022

Two homoeologous QTLs for number of spikelets per spike (SPS) were mapped on chromosomes 7AL and 7BL using two wheat MAGIC populations. Sets of lines contrasting for the QTL on 7AL were developed which allowed for the validation and fine mapping of the 7AL QTL and for the identification of a previously described candidate gene, WHEAT ORTHOLOG OF APO1 (WAPO1). Using transgenic overexpression in both a low and a high SPS line, we provide a functional validation for the role of this gene in determining SPS also in hexaploid wheat. We show that the expression levels of this gene positively correlate with SPS in multiple MAGIC founder lines under field conditions as well as in transgenic lines grown in the greenhouse. This work highlights the potential use of WAPO1 in hexaploid wheat for further yield increases. The impact of WAPO1 and SPS on yield depends on other genetic and environmental factors, hence, will require a finely balanced expression level to avoid the development of detrimental pleiotropic phenotypes.
Deep learning of ECG waveforms for diagnosis of heart failure with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Choi JungMin , Lee Sungjae , Chang Mineok , Lee Yeha , Oh Gyu Chul , Lee Hae-Young
Published: August 2022

The performance and clinical implications of the deep learning aided algorithm using electrocardiogram of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (DeepECG-HFrEF) were evaluated in patients with acute HF. The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm was trained to identify left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), defined by an ejection fraction (EF) < 40%. Symptomatic HF patients admitted at Seoul National University Hospital between 2011 and 2014 were included. The performance of DeepECG-HFrEF was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values. The 5-year mortality according to DeepECG-HFrEF results was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A total of 690 patients contributing 18,449 ECGs were included with final 1291 ECGs eligible for the study (mean age 67.8 ± 14.4 years; men, 56%). HFrEF (+) identified an EF < 40% and HFrEF (−) identified EF ≥ 40%. The AUC value was 0.844 for identifying HFrEF among patients with acute symptomatic HF. Those classified as HFrEF (+) showed lower survival rates than HFrEF (−) (log-rank p < 0.001). The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm can discriminate HFrEF in a real-world HF cohort with acceptable performance. HFrEF (+) was associated with higher mortality rates. The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm may help in identification of LVSD and of patients at risk of worse survival in resource-limited settings.
Deubiquitinase USP19 extends the residual enzymatic activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase variants
Authors: Sarodaya Neha , Tyagi Apoorvi , Kim Hyun-Jin , Kang Ju-Seop , Singh Vijai , Hong Seok-Ho , Kim Woo Jin , Kim Kye-Seong , Ramakrishna Suresh
Published: August 2022

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is a key enzyme in mammals that maintains the phenylalanine (Phe) concentration at an appropriate physiological level. Some genetic mutations in the PAH gene lead to destabilization of the PAH enzyme, leading to phenylketonuria (PKU). Destabilized PAH variants can have a certain amount of residual enzymatic activity that is sufficient for metabolism of Phe. However, accelerated degradation of those variants can lead to insufficient amounts of cellular PAH protein. The optimal protein level of PAH in cells is regulated by a balancing act between E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). In this work, we analyzed the protein expression and stability of two PKU-linked PAH protein variants, R241C and R243Q, prevalent in the Asian population. We found that the tested PAH variants were highly ubiquitinated and thus targeted for rapid protein degradation. We demonstrated that USP19, a DUB that interacts with both PAH variants, plays a regulatory role by extending their half-lives. The deubiquitinating activity of USP19 prevents protein degradation and increases the abundance of both PAH protein variants. Thus, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which deubiquitinating activity of USP19 extends the residual enzymatic activity of PAH variants.
Evaluation of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of essential oils and aromatic extracts
Authors: Strub Daniel Jan , Talma Michał , Strub Maria , Rut Wioletta , Zmudzinski Mikolaj , Brud Władysław , Neyts Johan , Vangeel Laura , Zhang Linlin , Sun Xinyuanyuan , Lv Zongyang , Nayak Digant , Olsen Shaun K. , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Jochmans Dirk , Drąg Marcin
Published: August 2022

Essential oils and aromatic extracts (oleoresins, absolutes, concretes, resinoids) are often used as food flavorings and constituents of fragrance compositions. The flavor and fragrance industry observed significant growth in the sales of some natural materials during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some companies worldwide are making false claims regarding the effectiveness of their essential oils or blends (or indirectly point toward this conclusion) against coronaviruses, even though the available data on the activity of plant materials against highly pathogenic human coronaviruses are very scarce. Our exploratory study aimed to develop pioneering knowledge and provide the first experimental results on the inhibitory properties of hundreds of flavor and fragrance materials against SARS-CoV-2 main and papain-like proteases and the antiviral potential of the most active protease inhibitors. As essential oils are volatile products, they could provide an interesting therapeutic strategy for subsidiary inhalation in the long term.