bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home Quarantine Induced Health Anxiety During the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic – Evidence From Iraq
Authors: Taha Perjan Hashim
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the compliance to voluntary home quarantine and to examine the prevalence and associated factors of health anxiety among the voluntary home quarantined population during the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

An online survey questionnaire, including the health anxiety questionnaire, was administered to 1578 eligible adults from the general population of 19 governorates of Iraq.

Results:

Self-reported compliance with home confinement was reported by a majority of respondents (83%) and was followed to a larger extent by young adults (62.2%), females (53.9%), unmarried individuals (56.7%), university graduates (54.5%), unemployed individuals (48.6%), and inhabitants of the northern provinces (50.2%). Compliance was significantly correlated to the level of personal knowledge on COVID-19. The quarantined individuals experienced greater health anxieties and preoccupations and exhibited increased reassurance-seeking behavior. Higher knowledge of COVID-19 was a protective factor against health anxiety.

Conclusions:

A significant mental health burden is discovered among Iraqis during the quarantine period. Based on the insights gleaned from this study, psychological education and interventions should be prioritized to diminish the psychological impact of the quarantine experience, especially among the high-risk groups. Improvement in compliance to quarantine can be approached by providing better information regarding the novel infection.
Dietary ascorbic acid and betaine improve stress responses, testosterone levels and some sexual traits in male Japanese quails during the dry season
Authors: Egbuniwe Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka , Uchendu Chukwuka Nwocha , Obidike Ikechukwu Reginald
Published: July 2021

The experiment investigated the effects of dietary ascorbic acid and betaine stress responses, serum testosterone levels, and some sexual traits in male Japanese quails during the dry season. A total of 240 male Japanese quails (14 days old) were used and randomly assigned to four groups, each group has three replicates (n = 20). Birds in treatment groups were fed ascorbic acid (AA); betaine (BET); and AA + BET in their diets, whereas the control birds were fed only basal diet. Environmental conditions were predominantly outside thermoneutral zone for Japanese quails. Dietary AA ± BET increased (p < .05) serum catalase, reduced glutathione and testosterone, but lowered (p < .05) cortisol levels when compared with control group. Supplemental AA, BET, or AA + BET enhanced (p < .05) cloacal gland size and sexual traits. In conclusion, dietary AA and BET improved stress responses, serum testosterone levels, and some sexual traits in male Japanese quails during the dry season.
The Tourist Trap: Great Britain, Postwar Recovery, and the Marshall Plan
Authors: Grant Mariel
Published: July 2021

After World War II, Great Britain faced major economic problems, which the government sought to rectify by reviving export markets and achieving a favorable balance of trade. One overlooked component of reconstruction was a decision to recognize tourism as an “invisible export,” a way to draw currency, especially American dollars, into the country. However, in a period characterized by scarcity, rationing, and austerity measures, the endeavor presented enormous challenges. The situation was exacerbated by the advent of the Marshall Plan in 1948. It required British participation in a European-based tourism scheme that jeopardized the success of Britain's own initiative and, ironically, could potentially undermine the economic benefits that Marshall Plan participation was supposed to provide. In exploring the history of British tourism policy in this era, this article shows the extent to which the Marshall Plan compromised an important aspect of British reconstruction policy. It can thereby better inform our understanding of the complexities of postwar reconstruction and of Britain's guarded response to aspects of the Marshall Plan—particularly the American initiative to promote greater European economic integration in the immediate postwar era.
Mediterranean dietary pattern and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases: a case-control study
Authors: Entezari Mohammad-Reza , Talenezhad Nasir , Mirzavandi Farhang , Rahimpour Shahab , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: July 2021

The Mediterranean (MED) diet was associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease, but the epidemiological studies reported inconsistent findings related to the MED diet and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk. This age and the gender-matched case-control study were conducted among 247 adult patients. The MED diet score was obtained based on the Trichopoulou model. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between the MED diet and NAFLD risk. NAFLD prevalence in people with low, moderate and high adherence to the MED diet was 33, 13⋅1 and 4⋅6 %, respectively. The increasing intake of the MED diet was significantly related to the increment intake of nuts and fruits, vegetables, monounsaturated fatty acid/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio, legumes, cereals and fish. However, total energy consumption, low-fat dairy and meats intake were reduced (P for all < 0⋅05). Following control for age, the person in the highest of the MED diet tertile compared with the lowest, the odds of NAFLD decreased (OR: 0⋅40, 95 % CI: 0⋅17–0⋅95). This relation became a little stronger after further adjusting for sex, diabetes, physical activity and supplement intake (OR: 0⋅36, 95 % CI: 0⋅15–0⋅89). However, this association disappeared after adjusting for body mass index, waist and hip circumference (OR: 0⋅70, 95 % CI: 0⋅25–1⋅97). High adherence to the MED diet was associated with a 64 % reduction in NAFLD odds before some anthropometric variable adjustments. However, further prospective studies are required, particularly in BMI-stratified models.
Application of an Evidence-Based Early Intervention Model for Children With ASD in Mainstream Early Childhood Education and Care Settings via a Targeted Professional Development Program
Authors: Aylward Elizabeth , Neilsen-Hewett Cathrine
Published: July 2021

Viewing all children as active participants in their own learning is central to inclusion. That children with atypical development experience a level of belonging that enables this in mainstream early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings remains a topic of hot debate and very much an unmet goal across the sector. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in particular, face significant challenges in ECEC settings, their educators continually seeking solutions for greater support. Given the escalating demand on mainstream ECEC settings to include these children, it was important to identify the specific supports needed by educators to achieve this with confidence and competence. This study investigated the outcomes of applying an evidence-based model of intervention to mainstream services via a targeted professional development program. Results of the study found that the benefits of engagement with mainstream ECEC settings extended beyond child outcomes to educators who were supported to develop the knowledge, understanding, and strategies to engage and teach children with ASD and manage their behaviours.
The MAGPI survey: Science goals, design, observing strategy, early results and theoretical framework
Authors: Foster C. , Mendel J. T. , Lagos C. D. P. , Wisnioski E. , Yuan T. , D’Eugenio F. , Barone T. M. , Harborne K. E. , Vaughan S. P. , Schulze F. , Remus R.-S. , Gupta A. , Collacchioni F. , Khim D. J. , Taylor P. , Bassett R. , Croom S. M. , McDermid R. M. , Poci A. , Battisti A. J. , Bland-Hawthorn J. , Bellstedt S. , Colless M. , Davies L. J. M. , Derkenne C. , Driver S. , Ferré-Mateu A. , Fisher D. B. , Gjergo E. , Johnston E. J. , Khalid A. , Kobayashi C. , Oh S. , Peng Y. , Robotham A. S. G. , Sharda P. , Sweet S. M. , Taylor E. N. , Tran K.-V. H. , Trayford J. W. , van de Sande J. , Yi S. K. , Zanisi L.
Published: July 2021

We present an overview of theMiddleAgesGalaxyProperties withIntegral Field Spectroscopy (MAGPI) survey, a Large Program on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope. MAGPI is designed to study the physical drivers of galaxy transformation at a lookback time of 3–4 Gyr, during which the dynamical, morphological, and chemical properties of galaxies are predicted to evolve significantly. The survey uses new medium-deep adaptive optics aided Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of fields selected from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey, providing a wealth of publicly available ancillary multi-wavelength data. With these data, MAGPI will map the kinematic and chemical properties of stars and ionised gas for a sample of 60 massive (${>}7 \times 10^{10} {\mathrm{M}}_\odot$) central galaxies at$0.25 < z <0.35$in a representative range of environments (isolated, groups and clusters). The spatial resolution delivered by MUSE with Ground Layer Adaptive Optics ($0.6-0.8$arcsec FWHM) will facilitate a direct comparison with Integral Field Spectroscopy surveys of the nearby Universe, such as SAMI and MaNGA, and at higher redshifts using adaptive optics, for example, SINS. In addition to the primary (central) galaxy sample, MAGPI will deliver resolved and unresolved spectra for as many as 150 satellite galaxies at$0.25 < z <0.35$, as well as hundreds of emission-line sources at$z < 6$. This paper outlines the science goals, survey design, and observing strategy of MAGPI. We also present a first look at the MAGPI data, and the theoretical framework to which MAGPI data will be compared using the current generation of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations includingEAGLE,Magneticum,HORIZON-AGN, andIllustris-TNG. Our results show that cosmological hydrodynamical simulations make discrepant predictions in the spatially resolved properties of galaxies at$z\approx 0.3$. MAGPI observations will place new constraints and allow for tangible improvements in galaxy formation theory.
Acute and longer-term psychological distress associated with testing positive for COVID-19: longitudinal evidence from a population-based study of US adults
Authors: Daly Michael , Robinson Eric
Published: July 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has produced a considerable public health burden but the impact that contracting the disease has on mental health is unclear. In this observational population-based cohort study, we examined longitudinal changes in psychological distress associated with testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Participants (N = 8002; observations = 139 035) were drawn from 23 waves of the Understanding America Study, a nationally representative probability-based online panel of American adults followed-up every 2 weeks from 1 April 2020 to 15 February 2021. Psychological distress was assessed using the standardized total score on the Patient Health Questionnaire-4.

Results

Over the course of the study, 576 participants reported testing positive for COVID-19. Using regression analysis including individual and time-fixed effects we found that psychological distress increased by 0.29 standard deviations (p < 0.001) during the 2-week period when participants first tested positive for COVID-19. Distress levels remained significantly elevated (d = 0.16, p < 0.01) for a further 2 weeks, before returning to baseline levels. Coronavirus symptom severity explained changes in distress attributable to COVID-19, whereby distress was more pronounced among those whose symptoms were more severe and were slower to subside.

Conclusions

This study indicates that testing positive for COVID-19 is associated with an initial increase in psychological distress that diminishes quickly as symptoms subside. Although COVID-19 may not produce lasting psychological distress among the majority of the general population it remains possible that a minority may suffer longer-term mental health consequences.
Sulphur and oxygen isotope signatures of dissolved sulphate in freshwater from King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Kim Yeongmin , Lee Insung , Mayer Bernhard , Kim Guebuem , Lee Jong Ik , Kim Hyoungbum
Published: July 2021

The sulphate ion (SO42-) is one of major species in freshwater as well as seawater, originating from various natural and anthropogenic processes (Krouse & Mayer 2000). Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, where human activities affect the sulphate concentration and isotopic signatures, the contribution of anthropogenic sulphate is likely to be negligible in freshwater and ice cores in the Antarctic region (Patris et al. 2002). This means that the sulphur and oxygen isotope compositions of the dissolved sulphate could hint at information on the sources, formation and deposition due to various natural processes and sulphur cycling in the Antarctic region, especially for the dissolved sulphate in surface waters such as ponds and creeks (Patris et al. 2000, Kim et al. 2017). Here we report the ion concentration and sulphur and oxygen isotope compositions of the dissolved sulphate in freshwater from King George Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, which provide implications regarding the sources of the dissolved sulphate and the sulphur cycling in the Antarctic region.
Implementation of virtual reality for patient distraction during diagnostic cardiac catheterisation
Authors: Zablah Jenny E. , Rodriguez Salvador A. , Leahy Ryan , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: July 2021

Until now, the application of virtual reality as a distraction model has been widely described in the medical field, showing different benefits offered on patient’s perception, particularly related to pain and anxiety. Previous clinical experience of virtual reality applications on surgical intervention has shown how during procedures with local anaesthesia, this modality improves patients’ experience without changing times, costs, and clinical outcomes. Herein, we report our experience with three patients during diagnostic cardiac catheterisation, showing the effect of this technology on patients’ perception and metrics during the procedure.
The Signal of Solar Storms Embedded in Cosmogenic Radionuclides: Detectability and Uncertainties
Authors: Mekhaldi F. , Adolphi F. , Herbst K. , Muscheler R.
Published: July 2021

The threat that solar storms pose to our ever‐modernizing society has gathered significant interest in the recent past. This is partly due to the discoveries of large peaks in the content of cosmogenic radionuclides such as radiocarbon (14C) in tree rings and beryllium‐10 (10Be) and chlorine‐36 (36Cl) in ice cores that were linked to extreme solar storms dated to the past millennia. To better assess the threat that they represent, we need to better quantify the relationship between their energy spectrum and their magnitude with respect to the content of the radionuclides that we measure in environmental archives such as ice cores. Here, we model the global production rate that the 59 largest particle storms coming from the Sun have induced for 10Be, 14C, and 36Cl during the past 70 years. We also consider the deposition flux in 10Be and 36Cl over the high latitudes where all Greenland ice cores are located. Our analysis shows that it is unlikely that any recent solar particle event can be detected in 10Be from ice cores. By relating these values to empirical data from ice cores, we are able to quantify different detection limits and uncertainties for 10Be and 36Cl. Due to different sensitivities to solar energetic particles, we assess that 10Be may only be suitable to detect a limited number of extreme solar storms, while 36Cl is suitable to detect any extreme particle event. This implies that the occurrence‐rate estimates of extreme solar storms, based mainly on 14C and 10Be, relate to a small population of potential events.
Multi‐Year Statistics of LEO Energetic Electrons as Observed by the Korean NextSat‐1
Authors: Park Jaeheung , Min Kyoung Wook , Seo Hoonkyu , Kim Eo‐Jin , Ryu Kwangsun , Sohn Jongdae , Seon Jongho , Yoo Ji‐Hyeon , Lee Seunguk , Kress Brian , Lee Junchan , Woo Changho , Lee Dae‐Young
Published: July 2021

Monitoring the Earth's radiation belt by Low‐Earth‐Orbit (LEO) satellites has a long history and complemented observations near the high‐altitude equatorial plane. However, most of the previous LEO missions suffered from limitations in energy resolution, energy range, L‐shell coverage, or the mission lifetime, which leave room for further improvement in this topic. For <80 keV electrons, the slot‐region outer edge at LEO moves inward with increasing geomagnetic activity, which agrees with previous Van Allen Probes reports. The behavior is more conspicuous for lower‐energy electrons. Latitudinal profiles of outer‐belt electron flux are smoother equatorward of the geosynchronous footprint latitudes (|MLAT| ∼ 66°) than poleward. The NextSat‐1 electron flux is positively correlated to geosynchronous observations, with the coefficient generally higher for higher electron energies. Also, both the geosynchronous and NextSat‐1 data exhibit similar spectral indices close to −3 in the log‐log space. All these results complement and expand previous knowledge on energetic electrons. The main findings are discussed in the context of existing literature.
Modeling Daily Floods in the Lancang‐Mekong River Basin Using an Improved Hydrological‐Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Wang Jie , Yun Xiaobo , Pokhrel Yadu , Yamazaki Dai , Zhao Qiudong , Chen Aifang , Tang Qiuhong
Published: July 2021

Daily floods including event, characteristic, extreme and inundation in the Lancang‐Mekong River Basin (LMRB), crucial for flood projection and forecasting, have not been adequately modeled. An improved hydrological‐hydrodynamic model (VIC and CaMa‐Flood) considering regional parameterization was developed to simulate the flood dynamics over the basin from 1967 to 2015. The flood elements were extracted from daily time series and evaluated at both local and regional scales using the data collected from in‐situ observations and remote sensing. The results show that the daily discharge and water level are both well simulated at selected stations with relative error (RE) less than 10% and Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) over 0.90. Half of the flood events have NSE exceeding 0.76. The peak time and flood volume are well reproduced while both peak discharge and water level are slightly underestimated. The results tend to worsen when the characteristics of flood events are extended to annual extremes. These extremes are generally underestimated with NSE less than 0.5 but RE is within 20%. The simulated rainy season inundation area generally agrees with observations from remote sensing, with about 86.8% inundation occurrence frequency captured within the model capacity. Ignoring the regional parameterization and reservoir regulation can both deteriorate flood simulation performance at the local scale, resulting in lower NSE. Specifically, systematically higher water levels and up to 27% overestimation of peak discharge are found when ignoring regional parameterization, while ignoring reservoir regulation would cause up to 23% overestimation for flood extremes. It is expected that these findings would contribute to the regional flood forecasting and flood management.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals ex vivo signatures of SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells through ‘reverse phenotyping’
Authors: Fischer David S. , Ansari Meshal , Wagner Karolin I. , Jarosch Sebastian , Huang Yiqi , Mayr Christoph H. , Strunz Maximilian , Lang Niklas J. , D’Ippolito Elvira , Hammel Monika , Mateyka Laura , Weber Simone , Wolff Lisa S. , Witter Klaus , Fernandez Isis E. , Leuschner Gabriela , Milger Katrin , Frankenberger Marion , Nowak Lorenz , Heinig-Menhard Katharina , Koch Ina , Stoleriu Mircea G. , Hilgendorff Anne , Behr Jürgen , Pichlmair Andreas , Schubert Benjamin , Theis Fabian J. , Busch Dirk H. , Schiller Herbert B. , Schober Kilian
Published: July 2021

The in vivo phenotypic profile of T cells reactive to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 antigens remains poorly understood. Conventional methods to detect antigen-reactive T cells require in vitro antigenic re-stimulation or highly individualized peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) multimers. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to identify and profile SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. To do so, we induce transcriptional shifts by antigenic stimulation in vitro and take advantage of natural T cell receptor (TCR) sequences of clonally expanded T cells as barcodes for ‘reverse phenotyping’. This allows identification of SARS-CoV-2-reactive TCRs and reveals phenotypic effects introduced by antigen-specific stimulation. We characterize transcriptional signatures of currently and previously activated SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells, and show correspondence with phenotypes of T cells from the respiratory tract of patients with severe disease in the presence or absence of virus in independent cohorts. Reverse phenotyping is a powerful tool to provide an integrated insight into cellular states of SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells across tissues and activation states.
Valley-selective optical Stark effect of exciton-polaritons in a monolayer semiconductor
Authors: LaMountain Trevor , Nelson Jovan , Lenferink Erik J. , Amsterdam Samuel H. , Murthy Akshay A. , Zeng Hongfei , Marks Tobin J. , Dravid Vinayak P. , Hersam Mark C. , Stern Nathaniel P.
Published: July 2021

Selective breaking of degenerate energy levels is a well-known tool for coherent manipulation of spin states. Though most simply achieved with magnetic fields, polarization-sensitive optical methods provide high-speed alternatives. Exploiting the optical selection rules of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers, the optical Stark effect allows for ultrafast manipulation of valley-coherent excitons. Compared to excitons in these materials, microcavity exciton-polaritons offer a promising alternative for valley manipulation, with longer lifetimes, enhanced valley coherence, and operation across wider temperature ranges. Here, we show valley-selective control of polariton energies in WS2 using the optical Stark effect, extending coherent valley manipulation to the hybrid light-matter regime. Ultrafast pump-probe measurements reveal polariton spectra with strong polarization contrast originating from valley-selective energy shifts. This demonstration of valley degeneracy breaking at picosecond timescales establishes a method for coherent control of valley phenomena in exciton-polaritons.
Towards a synthetic cell cycle
Authors: Olivi Lorenzo , Berger Mareike , Creyghton Ramon N. P. , De Franceschi Nicola , Dekker Cees , Mulder Bela M. , Claassens Nico J. , ten Wolde Pieter Rein , van der Oost John
Published: July 2021

Recent developments in synthetic biology may bring the bottom-up generation of a synthetic cell within reach. A key feature of a living synthetic cell is a functional cell cycle, in which DNA replication and segregation as well as cell growth and division are well integrated. Here, we describe different approaches to recreate these processes in a synthetic cell, based on natural systems and/or synthetic alternatives. Although some individual machineries have recently been established, their integration and control in a synthetic cell cycle remain to be addressed. In this Perspective, we discuss potential paths towards an integrated synthetic cell cycle.
Rapid ecosystem-scale consequences of acute deoxygenation on a Caribbean coral reef
Authors: Johnson Maggie D. , Scott Jarrod J. , Leray Matthieu , Lucey Noelle , Bravo Lucia M. Rodriguez , Wied William L. , Altieri Andrew H.
Published: July 2021

Loss of oxygen in the global ocean is accelerating due to climate change and eutrophication, but how acute deoxygenation events affect tropical marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. Here we integrate analyses of coral reef benthic communities with microbial community sequencing to show how a deoxygenation event rapidly altered benthic community composition and microbial assemblages in a shallow tropical reef ecosystem. Conditions associated with the event precipitated coral bleaching and mass mortality, causing a 50% loss of live coral and a shift in the benthic community that persisted a year later. Conversely, the unique taxonomic and functional profile of hypoxia-associated microbes rapidly reverted to a normoxic assemblage one month after the event. The decoupling of ecological trajectories among these major functional groups following an acute event emphasizes the need to incorporate deoxygenation as an emerging stressor into coral reef research and management plans to combat escalating threats to reef persistence.
9-Cyanopyronin probe palette for super-multiplexed vibrational imaging
Authors: Miao Yupeng , Qian Naixin , Shi Lixue , Hu Fanghao , Min Wei
Published: July 2021

Multiplexed optical imaging provides holistic visualization on a vast number of molecular targets, which has become increasingly essential for understanding complex biological processes and interactions. Vibrational microscopy has great potential owing to the sharp linewidth of vibrational spectra. In 2017, we demonstrated the coupling between electronic pre-resonant stimulated Raman scattering (epr-SRS) microscopy with a proposed library of 9-cyanopyronin-based dyes, named Manhattan Raman Scattering (MARS). Herein, we develop robust synthetic methodology to build MARS probes with different core atoms, expansion ring numbers, and stable isotope substitutions. We discover a predictive model to correlate their vibrational frequencies with structures, which guides rational design of MARS dyes with desirable Raman shifts. An expanded library of MARS probes with diverse functionalities is constructed. When coupled with epr-SRS microscopy, these MARS probes allow us to demonstrate not only many versatile labeling modalities but also increased multiplexing capacity. Hence, this work opens up next-generation vibrational imaging with greater utilities.
Direct probing of phonon mode specific electron–phonon scatterings in two-dimensional semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Lee Duk Hyun , Choi Sang-Jun , Kim Hakseong , Kim Yong-Sung , Jung Suyong
Published: July 2021

Electron–phonon scatterings in solid-state systems are pivotal processes in determining many key physical quantities such as charge carrier mobilities and thermal conductivities. Here, we report direct probing of phonon mode specific electron–phonon scatterings in layered semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides WSe2, MoSe2, WS2, and MoS2 through inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy measurements, quantum transport simulations, and density functional calculation. We experimentally and theoretically characterize momentum-conserving single- and two-phonon electron–phonon scatterings involving up to as many as eight individual phonon modes in mono- and bilayer films, among which transverse, longitudinal acoustic and optical, and flexural optical phonons play significant roles in quantum charge flows. Moreover, the layer-number sensitive higher-order inelastic electron–phonon scatterings, which are confirmed to be generic in all four semiconducting layers, can be attributed to differing electronic structures, symmetry, and quantum interference effects during the scattering processes in the ultrathin semiconducting films.
Alpha-synuclein research: defining strategic moves in the battle against Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Oliveira Luis M. A. , Gasser Thomas , Edwards Robert , Zweckstetter Markus , Melki Ronald , Stefanis Leonidas , Lashuel Hilal A. , Sulzer David , Vekrellis Kostas , Halliday Glenda M. , Tomlinson Julianna J. , Schlossmacher Michael , Jensen Poul Henning , Schulze-Hentrich Julia , Riess Olaf , Hirst Warren D. , El-Agnaf Omar , Mollenhauer Brit , Lansbury Peter , Outeiro Tiago F.
Published: July 2021

With the advent of the genetic era in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research in 1997, α-synuclein was identified as an important player in a complex neurodegenerative disease that affects >10 million people worldwide. PD has been estimated to have an economic impact of $51.9 billion in the US alone. Since the initial association with PD, hundreds of researchers have contributed to elucidating the functions of α-synuclein in normal and pathological states, and these remain critical areas for continued research. With this position paper the authors strive to achieve two goals: first, to succinctly summarize the critical features that define α-synuclein’s varied roles, as they are known today; and second, to identify the most pressing knowledge gaps and delineate a multipronged strategy for future research with the goal of enabling therapies to stop or slow disease progression in PD.
Host preference and invasiveness of commensal bacteria in the Lotus and Arabidopsis root microbiota
Authors: Wippel Kathrin , Tao Ke , Niu Yulong , Zgadzaj Rafal , Kiel Niklas , Guan Rui , Dahms Eik , Zhang Pengfan , Jensen Dorthe B. , Logemann Elke , Radutoiu Simona , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Garrido-Oter Ruben
Published: July 2021

Roots of different plant species are colonized by bacterial communities, that are distinct even when hosts share the same habitat. It remains unclear to what extent the host actively selects these communities and whether commensals are adapted to a specific plant species. To address this question, we assembled a sequence-indexed bacterial culture collection from roots and nodules of Lotus japonicus that contains representatives of most species previously identified using metagenomics. We analysed taxonomically paired synthetic communities from L. japonicus and Arabidopsis thaliana in a multi-species gnotobiotic system and detected signatures of host preference among commensal bacteria in a community context, but not in mono-associations. Sequential inoculation experiments revealed priority effects during root microbiota assembly, where established communities are resilient to invasion by latecomers, and that host preference of commensal bacteria confers a competitive advantage in their cognate host. Our findings show that host preference in commensal bacteria from diverse taxonomic groups is associated with their invasiveness into standing root-associated communities.
Development of mortality prediction model in the elderly hospitalized AKI patients
Authors: Peng Jing-Cheng , Wu Ting , Wu Xi , Yan Ping , Kang Yi-Xin , Liu Yu , Zhang Ning-Ya , Liu Qian , Wang Hong-Shen , Deng Ying-Hao , Wang Mei , Luo Xiao-Qin , Duan Shao-Bin
Published: July 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) correlates with increased health-care costs and poor outcomes in older adults. However, there is no good scoring system to predict mortality within 30-day, 1-year after AKI in older adults. We performed a retrospective analysis screening data of 53,944 hospitalized elderly patients (age > 65 years) from multi-centers in China. 944 patients with AKI (acute kidney disease) were included and followed up for 1 year. Multivariable regression analysis was used for developing scoring models in the test group (a randomly 70% of all the patients). The established models have been verified in the validation group (a randomly 30% of all the patients). Model 1 that consisted of the risk factors for death within 30 days after AKI had accurate discrimination (The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, AUROC: 0.90 (95% CI 0.875–0.932)) in the test group, and performed well in the validation groups (AUROC: 0.907 (95% CI 0.865–0.949)). The scoring formula of all-cause death within 1 year (model 2) is a seven-variable model including AKI type, solid tumor, renal replacement therapy, acute myocardial infarction, mechanical ventilation, the number of organ failures, and proteinuria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of model 2 was > 0.80 both in the test and validation groups. Our newly established risk models can well predict the risk of all-cause death in older hospitalized AKI patients within 30 days or 1 year.
Knockout of CaV1.3 L-type calcium channels in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Kilicarslan Irem , Zanetti Lucia , Novelli Elena , Schwarzer Christoph , Strettoi Enrica , Koschak Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetically heterogeneous, degenerative retinal disorder characterized by gradual dysfunction and death of photoreceptors, first rods and later cones, and progressive blindness. Studies suggested that application of L-type calcium channel blockers rescues photoreceptors in paradigms related to Ca2+ overflow. To investigate whether Cav1.3 L-type channels have protective effects in the retina, we established a new mouse model by crossing rd10, modeling autosomal-recessive RP, with Cav1.3 deficient mice (rd10/Cav1.3KO). Our immunohistochemical analyses revealed an influence of Cav1.3 channels on the degenerative process of photoreceptors. The absence of Cav1.3 delayed the centre-to-periphery degeneration of rods indicated by a significantly higher number of photoreceptor rows and, consequently, of cones. In accordance with a preserved number of cones we observed a regular row of cone somas in rd10/Cav1.3-KO retinas. Surviving rod photoreceptors maintained synaptic contacts with rod bipolar cells. However, the delay in degeneration was only observed up to postnatal day 45. Although we observed a reduction in the spontaneous oscillatory retinal activity during multielectrode array analyses, measurable functional preservation was lacking in behavioural tests. In conclusion, Cav1.3 channels contribute to photoreceptor degeneration in rd10 retinas but photoreceptor temporary rescue might rather be achieved indirectly through other retinal cell layers.
Correlations between environmental salinity levels, blood biochemistry parameters, and steroid hormones in wild juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Faulkner Patricia C. , Elsey Ruth M. , Hala David , Petersen Lene H.
Published: July 2021

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) inhabit freshwater wetlands that are vulnerable to salinization caused by anthropogenic alterations to freshwater flow, in addition to storm surges, sea level rise, and droughts. Salinization of coastal freshwater habitats is a growing concern in a changing climate due to increased frequency and intensity of storm surges and drought conditions. This study opportunistically sampled juvenile male and female wild alligators in various salinities each month excluding November, December, and January for one year at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in coastal Louisiana. Blood plasma biochemistry parameters including electrolyte levels were subsequently measured. In addition, levels of various renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system hormones, glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, and progestogens were analyzed using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Only males were sampled in hyperosmotic environments (> 10‰) during dry conditions in late summer 2018. In juvenile males, plasma Na+, Cl−, and the progestogen 17α,20β-dihydroxypregnenone were significantly and positively correlated with environmental salinity. However, variation in glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens were not associated with hypersaline water while sex steroids showed significant seasonal variation. This study demonstrated significant correlation of environmental salinity with electrolyte levels and a sex steroid in wild juvenile alligators, and to our knowledge represents the first measurement of 17α,20β-dihydroxypregnenone in alligators.
Role of cholesterol in substrate recognition by $$\gamma$$-secretase
Authors: Nierzwicki Łukasz , Olewniczak Michał , Chodnicki Paweł , Czub Jacek
Published: July 2021

$$\gamma$$
γ
-Secretase is an enzyme known to cleave multiple substrates within their transmembrane domains, with the amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer’s Disease among the most prominent examples. The activity of $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase strictly depends on the membrane cholesterol content, yet the mechanistic role of cholesterol in the substrate binding and cleavage remains unclear. In this work, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the role of cholesterol in the initial binding of a direct precursor of $$\beta$$
β
-amyloid polypeptides by $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase. We showed that in cholesterol-rich membranes, both the substrate and the enzyme region proximal to the active site induce a local membrane thinning. With the free energy methods we found that in the presence of cholesterol the substrate binds favorably to the identified exosite, while cholesterol depletion completely abolishes the binding. To explain these findings, we directly examined the role of hydrophobic mismatch in the substrate binding to $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase, showing that increased membrane thickness results in higher propensity of the enzyme to bind substrates. Therefore, we propose that cholesterol promotes substrate binding to $$\gamma$$
γ
-secretase by increasing the membrane thickness, which leads to the negative hydrophobic mismatch between the membrane and binding partners.
Impact of anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs on surgery rates and mortality in trauma patients
Authors: Bläsius Felix M. , Laubach Markus , Andruszkow Hagen , Lübke Cavan , Lichte Philipp , Lefering Rolf , Hildebrand Frank , Horst Klemens
Published: July 2021

Preinjury anticoagulation therapy (AT) is associated with a higher risk for major bleeding. We aimed to evaluated the influence of preinjury anticoagulant medication on the clinical course after moderate and severe trauma. Patients in the TraumaRegister DGU ≥ 55 years who received AT were matched with patients not receiving AT. Pairs were grouped according to the drug used: Antiplatelet drugs (APD), vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). The primary end points were early (< 24 h) and total in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included emergency surgical procedure rates and surgery rates. The APD group matched 1759 pairs, the VKA group 677 pairs, and the DOAC group 437 pairs. Surgery rates were statistically significant higher in the AT groups compared to controls (APD group: 51.8% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.015; VKA group: 52.4% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.005; DOAC group: 52.6% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.001). Patients on VKA had higher total in-hospital mortality (23.9% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.026), whereas APD patients showed a significantly higher early mortality compared to controls (5.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.011). Standard operating procedures should be developed to avoid lethal under-triage. Further studies should focus on detailed information about complications, secondary surgical procedures and preventable risk factors in relation to mortality.
Choroidal microvasculature dropout is spatially associated with optic nerve head microvasculature loss in open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Song Min Kyung , Shin Joong Won , Lee Jin Yeong , Hong Ji Wook , Kook Michael S.
Published: July 2021

The presence of parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) may affect optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion in glaucoma patients, since parapapillary choroidal vessels provide vascular supply to the neighboring ONH. However, it remains to be determined whether the presence of parapapillary CMvD is associated with diminished perfusion in the nearby ONH. The present study investigated the spatial relationship between CMvD and ONH vessel density (ONH-VD) loss in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). This study included 48 OAG eyes with a single localized CMvD confined to the inferotemporal parapapillary sector and 48 OAG eyes without CMvD, matched for demographic and ocular characteristics. Global and regional ONH-VD values were compared between eyes with and without CMvD. The relationships between ONH-VD outcomes and clinical variables were assessed. ONH-VDs at the inferotemporal ONH sectors corresponding to the CMvD location were significantly lower in eyes with compared to those without CMvD. Multivariable linear regression analyses indicated that a lower inferotemporal ONH-VD was independently associated with CMvD presence and a greater CMvD angular extent (both P < 0.05). The localized presence of parapapillary CMvD in OAG eyes is significantly associated with ONH-VD loss in the neighboring ONH location, with a spatial correlation.
Cuticular hydrocarbons are associated with mating success and insecticide resistance in malaria vectors
Authors: Adams Kelsey L. , Sawadogo Simon P. , Nignan Charles , Niang Abdoulaye , Paton Douglas G. , Robert Shaw W. , South Adam , Wang Jennifer , Itoe Maurice A. , Werling Kristine , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: July 2021

Anopheles coluzzii females, important malaria vectors in Africa, mate only once in their lifetime. Mating occurs in aerial swarms with a high male-to-female ratio, where traits underlying male mating success are largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) influence mating success in natural mating swarms in Burkina Faso. As insecticides are widely used in this area for malaria control, we also determined whether CHCs affect insecticide resistance levels. We find that mated males have higher CHC abundance than unmated controls, suggesting CHCs could be determinants of mating success. Additionally, mated males have higher insecticide resistance under pyrethroid challenge, and we show a link between resistance intensity and CHC abundance. Taken together, our results suggest that CHC abundance may be subject to sexual selection in addition to selection by insecticide pressure. This has implications for insecticide resistance management, as these traits may be sustained in the population due to their benefits in mating even in the absence of insecticides.
Sequential [3+2] annulation reaction of prop-2-ynylsulfonium salts and hydrazonyl chlorides: synthesis of pyrazoles containing functional motifs
Authors: Shi Tao , Wu Zhaoxiao , Jia Tingting , Zhang Chong , Zeng Linghui , Zhuang Rangxiao , Zhang Jiankang , Liu Shourong , Shao Jiaan , Zhu Huajian
Published: July 2021

A sequential [3+2] annulation reaction has been developed using prop-2-ynylsulfonium salts and hydrazonyl chlorides to afford a series of pyrazoles.
Dynamics of a [2]rotaxane wheel in a crystalline molecular solid
Authors: Baggi Giorgio , Wilson Benjamin H. , Dhara Ayan , O’Keefe Christopher, A. , Schurko Robert W. , Loeb Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

A highly crystalline material comprised of [2]rotaxanes shows large amplitude motion of the interlocked macrocycle as evidenced by variable-temperature (VT) 2H solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR).
Green synthesis of silver indium telluride nanocrystals: characterization and photothermal analyses
Authors: Sousa Felipe L. N. , Souza Brenand A. S. , Caires Anderson J. , Alves Júnior Severino , Freitas Denilson V. , Navarro Marcelo
Published: July 2021

Here, we report the preparation and characterization of stable AgIn5Te8 (AITe) nanocrystals (NCs) and their respective AITe–ZnS and AITe–ZnSe alloys.
K2S2O8 activation by glucose at room temperature for the synthesis and functionalization of heterocycles in water
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Hunjan Mandeep Kaur
Published: July 2021

A diverse functionalization and synthesis of heterocycles using K2S2O8 as oxidant and glucose as persulfate activator in water at room temperature is reported.
Surface structure sensitivity of hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived organic acids over palladium catalysts: a microkinetic modeling approach
Authors: Kundu Subrata Kumar , Vijay Solomon Rajadurai , Yang Wenqiang , Walker Eric , Mamun Osman , Bond Jesse Q. , Heyden Andreas
Published: July 2021

A microkinetic DFT model for HDO of CH3CH2COOH on Pd(100) describes experimental observations while Pd(111) is orders of magnitude less active.
Abnormal spatial heterogeneity governing the charge-carrier mechanism in efficient Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xi Jun , Byeon Junseop , Kim Unsoo , Bang Kijoon , Han Gi Rim , Kim Ji-Young , Yoon Jungjin , Dong Hua , Wu Zhaoxin , Divitini Giorgio , Xi Kai , Park Jinwoo , Lee Tae-Woo , Kim Seong Keun , Choi Mansoo , Lee Jong Woo
Published: July 2021

In the operando solar cell using Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite (RPP), we visualize an abnormal heterogeneity ranging from the lateral long-range to local sub-grain scale with a unitary 2D/3D hybrid, closely correlating to the charge-carrier dynamics.
Atomically dispersed single iron sites for promoting Pt and Pt3Co fuel cell catalysts: performance and durability improvements
Authors: Qiao Zhi , Wang Chenyu , Li Chenzhao , Zeng Yachao , Hwang Sooyeon , Li Boyang , Karakalos Stavros , Park Jaehyung , Kropf A. Jeremy , Wegener Evan C. , Gong Qing , Xu Hui , Wang Guofeng , Myers Deborah J. , Xie Jian , Spendelow Jacob S. , Wu Gang
Published: July 2021

Integrating the atomically dispersed and nitrogen coordinated single Fe site-rich carbon support and the ordered PtCo intermetallic nanoparticles is an effective approach to designing high-performance low-PGM fuel cell catalysts for transportation.
Direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols from atmospheric flow CO2 and diols without using dehydrating agents
Authors: Gu Yu , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Nakao Kenji , Suzuki Kimihito , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: July 2021

The direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols from atmospheric pressure CO2 and α,ω-diols was achieved by using a heterogeneous CeO2 catalyst and a CO2 flow semi-bath reactor.
Visible-light-promoted decarboxylative addition cyclization of N-aryl glycines and azobenzenes to access 1,2,4-triazolidines
Authors: Yang Jingya , Song Menghui , Zhou Hongyan , Qi Yanfang , Ma Ben , Wang Xi-Cun
Published: July 2021

Direct synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolidines have been readily achieved by the visible-light-promoted reaction of N-aryl glycines and azobenzenes under mild conditions.
The application of tetramethylammonium hydroxide for generating atmospheric pressure glow discharge in contact with alkalized flowing liquid cathode solutions – evaluation of the analytical performance
Authors: Gorska Monika , Pohl Pawel
Published: July 2021

The analytical performance of flowing liquid cathode atmospheric pressure glow discharge (FLC-APGD), generated in contact with alkalized solutions for the determination of selected elements by optical emission spectrometry (OES) was assessed.
Novel carbazole-acridine-based hole transport polymer for low turn-on voltage of green quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Chai Won , Lee Ji Hye , Cho Seunguk , Kim Hyung Jong , Hwang Jinhyo , Kim Yong Woo , Choi Dae Hyuk , Cho Min Ju , Lee Kwangyeol , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: July 2021

We synthesized a novel hole transporting polymer (P-CzAc) for solution-processable green QD-LEDs. Compared to PVK, the P-CzAz-based device showed higher device performance.
Charge transport through extended molecular wires with strongly correlated electrons
Authors: Thomas James O. , Sowa Jakub K. , Limburg Bart , Bian Xinya , Evangeli Charalambos , Swett Jacob L. , Tewari Sumit , Baugh Jonathan , Schatz George C. , Briggs G. Andrew D. , Anderson Harry L. , Mol Jan A.
Published: July 2021

Experimental studies of electron transport through an edge-fused porphyrin oligomer in a graphene junction are interpreted within a Hubbard dimer framework.
Chalcogenide nanoparticles and organic photosensitizers for synergetic antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Authors: Garin Carlos , Alejo Teresa , Perez-Laguna Vanesa , Prieto Martin , Mendoza Gracia , Arruebo Manuel , Sebastian Victor , Rezusta Antonio
Published: July 2021

Synergistic antimicrobial effects were observed for copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles together with indocyanine green (ICG) in the elimination of wild type pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and also opportunistic fungal infective yeast (Candida albicans ATCC 10231).