bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Water Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) From Limited Irrigation Conditions under Moderate Semi-arid Environment
Authors: NASSERİ Abolfazl
Published: September 2021

Crop production has a correlation with the applied water in moderate semi-arid conditions. Due to temperature and rainfall changes enhancing water productivity in crop production are needed for a limited resource conditions. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) yields measured in fields during 11 years from 2005-2006 to 2015-2016 were compared with those simulated by the Agro-ecological Zone method under moderate semi-arid environment located at the north west of Iran with a soil texture of loamy-clay. Different research scenarios involving actual evapotranspirationc (ETa) to potential (ETm) value (ETa/ETm= 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% and 40%) under different water application efficiencies (Ea) of 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% were considered in the present study. Research scenarios affected yield and water productivity of maize. To produce potential yield of maize of 10084 kg ha-1 under water application efficiency of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 and 40%, irrigation water requirements were respectively 4683, 5203, 5854, 6690, 7805, 9366, 11708 m3 ha-1 and water productivity were respectively 2.15, 1.94, 1.72, 1.51, 1.29, 1.08, 0.86 kg m-3. Results confirmed that water productivity of maize was from 1.22 to 1.52 kg m-3 with an average of 1.38 kg m-3 during 11 years under water application efficiency of 68%. Because measured yield ranged from 3800 to 6971 kg ha-1 with an average of 5345 kg ha-1 and water applied was from 3125 to 4584 and averaged 3836 m3 ha-1. It is suggested that limited irrigation could be applied to enhance water productivity in maize production under such moderate semi-arid environment.
Yarı Kurak Bölge Koşullarında Zeytin Bitkisinin Yetiştiği Toprakta Karbondioksit Emisyonunun Ölçülmesi
Authors: SAKİN Erdal , BELLİTÜRK Korkmaz , ÇELİK Ahmet
Published: September 2021

Tarımsal faaliyetler ve bileşenleri büyük oranda iklimsel olaylara dayanır. Özellikle sıcaklık ve CO2 düzeylerindeki yükselme tarımsal üretimin geleceğini belirleyen en önemli parametredir. Dünya atmosferinde CO2 miktarının giderek artması, sera etkisi yapan diğer gazlarla birlikte global iklim değişikliğine ve sıcaklığın artmasına neden olmaktadır. Yine bu değişimlerin yanında düzensiz mevsimler, kuraklık, toprak verimliliğinin azalması ve erozyon, su kaynaklarında azalma, doğal bitki örtüsündeki değişim, gıda yetersizliği/güvenliği, hastalıkların ve zararlıların yaygınlaşması iklim değişikliğinin olumsuz etkileri arasında yer almaktadır. Bu olumsuzluklar Dünya ve Türkiye açısından önemli düzeyde risk oluşturmaktadır. Türkiye’de yetiştiriciliği oldukça eski dönemlere dayanan zeytin bitkisinin Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi’nde son dönemlerde tarımı, kullanımı ve ticareti hızla ivme kazanmıştır. Bu nedenle yapılan bu araştırmada zeytin bitkisinin yetiştiği ortamlarda topraktan çıkan CO2 emisyonuna etki eden faktörlerin (sıcaklık ve nem) incelenmesi ve ölçülmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma Harran Üniversitesi Eyyubiye kampüsünde zeytin bitkisinin yetiştiği alanda 56 hafta süresince 3 tekrarlı olarak 5 örnekleme alanında yürütülmüştür. Çalışma alanı topraklarının bazı fiziksel ve kimyasal özellikleri de bu çalışma kapsamında belirlenmiştir. İklimsel veriler, inceleme alanında kurulan Decagon data logger (5 TE, EM50 Data Logger) ile 30 dakika bir süre ile ölçülmüştür. Topraktan CO2 çıkışı Soda-Lime yöntemi ile ölçülmüştür. Analizlerde R (CorLevelPlot package) Minitab 17 istatistik paket programı kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, topraktan salınan CO2 emisyonu üzerine toprak sıcaklığının etkisi toprak neminin etkisinden daha fazla olduğu saptanmıştır. Topraktan CO2 çıkışı toprak sıcaklığı ile doğru (r2=0.695, p
Investigating of Some Agricultural and Quality Traits of Advanced Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Lines
Authors: SÖNMEZ Ali Cevat
Published: September 2021

To meet the increasing raw material demand of the livestock and food sectors in our country is a need for new high-quality barley varieties that have a short vegetation period, resistance to lodging, homogeneous and plump grain, high grain and biomass yield, and compatible with the climate of the Central Anatolia Region. To meet this need, it was aimed to determine the appropriate lines by comparing 18 advanced barley lines belonging to the Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute with the standard varieties widely grown in the region. The trials were carried out in two locations, Eskişehir Center and Hamidiye fields of the Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute in the 2017-2018 crop year, in rainfed conditions. The trials were set up as a randomized complete block design with 4 replications in Eskişehir and 3 replications in Hamidiye. In the study, grain yield, days to heading, plant height, lodging score, thousand-grain weight, plump grain ratio, grain protein, and beta-glucan ratio properties of the breeding material were investigated. According to the results of the analysis of variance by combining the location averages, the differences between genotypes in all parameters except the beta-glucan ratio were found to be statistically significant. In the study were obtained that grain yield is between 4.56-6.67 t ha-1; days to heading are between 115.4 - 124 days; plant height is between 81.6-101.4 cm; lodging score is between 0-100%; thousand-grain weight is between 35.7-47.4 g; the plump grain ratio is between 52.0-94.3%; grain protein content is between 10.05-12.75%; ß-glucan values are between 3.67-4.33% were obtained. Also, in the correlation analysis, a negative relationship was found significant between grain yield and days to heading, lodging score, and protein content characteristics, while a relationship was found significant to be positive with the plump grain ratio feature. When all the parameters are evaluated together, it is seen that lines 8, 11, 13, 14, 18, and 22 stand out as candidates for variety.
Bio-physical models for the management of micropathogens in Scottish aquaculture: a preliminary view to farming further offshore
Authors: Moriarty M , Tulett D , Rabe B , Murray AG
Published: September 2021

Transmission of pathogens increases with population density associated with larger populations within farms and higher number of farms within an area. These pathogens can also spill over (or back) into wild populations. Owing to transmission between and from farms, many diseases are best managed at an area level. Current area management practice in Scotland was developed 20 yr ago, but as aquaculture evolves, farm size and environmental exposure will change. To assess if potential aquaculture management changes require spatial disease management changes, 3 scenarios for particle spread to help inform on pathogen transmission are evaluated: (1) current farm distribution, (2) medium-term development (farms in exposed coastal areas), and (3) long-term development (offshore farms). Climatological output from a hydrodynamic model is used to drive movements of passive particles representing infectious pathogens released from these farms. The potential distribution of particles allows assessment on possible transmission of infection, around farm locations, subject to various modelling assumptions and limitations. Dispersal distances increased with time in all scenarios. For medium-term development, the average dispersal distance (3.0 ± 1.3 km) was marginally larger than dispersal from existing sites (2.7 ± 1.6 km) after 12 h, whereas for the longer-term development, this was 4.8 ± 2.9 km. These results indicate that short- to medium-term aquaculture expansion is consistent with existing disease management areas, at least from these models. However, offshore aquaculture may result in transmission distances for pathogens that exceed existing limits, and therefore will likely require re-assessment of management areas, subject to consideration of all relevant epidemiological factors.
Using the diet of fish to reflect spatial patterns of their benthic prey
Authors: Marchal P , Cresson P , Foveau A , Giraldo C , Lefebvre S , Vérin Y
Published: September 2021

The ability to efficiently implement ecosystem-based fisheries management is largely dependent on data availability. As invertebrates are not included in routine monitoring programmes, data should be collected by different approaches. We assessed whether fish could be suitable biological samplers of benthic invertebrates in the Eastern English Channel by comparing spatial distributions of Galatheidae, Portunidae and Porcellanidae found in digestive tracts (DTs) from a fish survey (Channel Ground Fish Survey), and in a dedicated benthos survey (Eastern English Channel Benthic Survey, ECBS). We found a significant spatial match between the distributions of Porcellanidae, Galatheidae and Portunidae found in fish DTs, and the ECBS occurrence-based maps. The strongest overlap was found for Galatheidae. Spatial distributions of Porcellanidae based on fish DTs better overlapped those derived from dedicated benthos surveys when we assumed these prey to also be consumed in the neighbouring spatial units to where fish were sampled. This might reflect the relatively high mobility of the dominant predators of Porcellanidae (e.g.Mustelus asterias,Scyliorhinus canicula). Overall, this study demonstrated that fish diet sampling can provide valuable information on the spatial distribution of benthic organisms.
Soil Health and Its Improvement Through Novel Agronomic and Innovative Approaches
Authors: Shahane Amit Anil , Shivay Yashbir Singh
Published: September 2021

Soil is an important natural resource providing water, nutrient, and mechanical support for plant growth. In agroecosystem, continuous manipulation of soil is going on due to addition of input, removal of nutrients, changing water balance, and microbial life. These processes affect soil properties (physical, chemical, and biological), and the deviation of these properties from the normal status is controlled by soil buffering capacity and soil resilience. If these changes are beyond the reach of soil resilience, then soil loses its original state, leading to soil degradation. At present, the extent of the degraded area in the world is 1,036 to 1,470 million ha. This urges the need for maintaining soil health rather than the mere addition of input for crop production. Soil health is an integrative property that reflects the capacity of soil to respond to agricultural intervention, so that it continues to support both agricultural production and the provision of other ecosystem services. Maintaining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil is needed to keep it healthy, and this is possible through the adoption of different agronomic approaches. The diversification of nutrient sources with emphasis on organic sources, adoption of principles of conservation agriculture, enhancement of soil microbial diversity, efficient resource recycling through the integrated farming system, and amendment addition for correcting soil reactions are potential options for improving soil health, and are discussed in this review. This article reviewed the concept of soil health and its development, issues related to soil health, and indicators of healthy soil. At the same time, the impact of the ill health of the soil on crop productivity and resource use efficiency reported in different parts of the world in recent years are also reviewed. The agro-techniques such as green and brown manuring in arable land and agroforestry on degraded and marginal land were followed on piece meal basis and for economic gain. The potential of these and several other options for maintaining soil need to be recognized, evaluated, and quantified for their wider application on the front of soil health management avenues. The use of crop residue, agro-industrial waste, and untreated mineral or industrial waste (basic slag, phosphogypsum, etc.) as soil amendments has a huge potential in maintaining healthy soil along with serving as sources of crop nutrition. The review emphasizes the evaluation and quantification of present-day followed agro-techniques for their contribution to soil health improvement across agro-climatic regions and for wider implications. Furthermore, emphasis is given to innovative approaches for soil health management rather than mere application of manures and fertilizers for crop nutrition.
Chlorpyrifos Disrupts Acetylcholine Metabolism Across Model Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Miller Dusty R. , McClain Ethan S. , Dodds James N. , Balinski Andrzej , May Jody C. , McLean John A. , Cliffel David E.
Published: September 2021

Despite the significant progress in both scientific understanding and regulations, the safety of agricultural pesticides continues to be called into question. The need for complementary analytics to identify dysregulation events associated with chemical exposure and leverage this information to predict biological responses remains. Here, we present a platform that combines a model organ-on-chip neurovascular unit (NVU) with targeted mass spectrometry (MS) and electrochemical analysis to assess the impact of organophosphate (OP) exposure on blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Using the NVU to simulate exposure, an escalating dose of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos (CPF) was administered. With up to 10 μM, neither CPF nor its metabolites were detected across the BBB (limit of quantitation 0.1 µM). At 30 µM CPF and above, targeted MS detected the main urinary metabolite, trichloropyridinol (TCP), across the BBB (0.025 µM) and no other metabolites. In the vascular chamber where CPF was directly applied, two primary metabolites of CPF, TCP and diethylthiophosphate (DETP), were both detected (0.1–5.7 µM). In a second experiment, a constant dose of 10 µM CPF was administered to the NVU, and though neither CPF nor its metabolites were detected across the BBB after 24 h, electrochemical analysis detected increases in acetylcholine levels on both sides of the BBB (up to 24.8 ± 3.4 µM) and these levels remained high over the course of treatment. In the vascular chamber where CPF was directly applied, only TCP was detected (ranging from 0.06 μM at 2 h to 0.19 μM at 24 h). These results provide chemical evidence of the substantial disruption induced by this widely used commercial pesticide. This work reinforces previously observed OP metabolism and mechanisms of impact, validates the use of the NVU for OP toxicology testing, and provides a model platform for analyzing these organotypic systems.
Introducing Negatively Charged Residues on the Surface of Fetal Hemoglobin Improves Yields in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kettisen Karin , Bülow Leif
Published: September 2021

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has been developed into an important alternative protein for oxygen therapeutics. Such applications require extensive amounts of proteins, which only can be achieved via recombinant means. However, the expression of vertebrate hemoglobins in heterologous hosts is far from trivial. There are several issues that need to be dealt with. These include, among others, the solubility of the globin chains, equimolar expression of the globin chains, and access to high levels of free heme. In this study, we examined the impact of introducing negative charges on the surface of HbF. Three different HbF mutants were examined, carrying four additional negative charges on the α-subunit (rHbFα4), two additional negative charges on the γ-subunit (rHbFγ2) or a combination of these (rHbFα4/γ2). The increase in negative surface charge in these HbF mutants required the development of an alternate initial capture step in the downstream purification procedures. For the rHbFα4 mutant, we achieved a significantly enhanced yield of purified HbF with no apparent adverse effects on Hb functionality. However, the presence of non-functional Hb portions in the rHbFγ2 and rHbFα4/γ2 samples reduced the yields significantly for those mutants and indicated an imbalanced expression/association of globin chains. Furthermore, the autoxidation studies indicated that the rHbFγ2 and rHbFα4/γ2 mutants also were less oxidatively stable than rHbFα4 and wt rHbF. The study further verified the need for an improved flask culture protocol by optimizing cultivation parameters to enable yield-improving qualities of surface-located mutations.
Preparation of Fucoidan-Based Electrospun Nanofibers and Their Interaction With Endothelial Cells
Authors: Chen Yiwen , Zhu Huilin , Hao Yuanping , Sun Zhanyi , Shen Peili , Zhou Qihui
Published: September 2021

Sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan (FD) is widely applied in biomedical applications owing to its outstanding bioactivities. In addition to the biochemical features, the architecture of biomaterials plays a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. Particularly, nanofibers have elicited great interest due to their extracellular matrix-like structure, high specific surface area, and favorable biological properties. Herein, chitosan-modified FD/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene oxide (UHMWPEO) nanofibers are developed via green electrospinning and electrostatic interaction for studying their interaction with endothelial cells. The appropriate solvent is screened to dissolve FD. The electrospinnability of FD/UHMWPEO aqueous solutions is greatly dependent on the weight ratios of FD/UHMWPEO. The incorporation of UHMWPEO significantly improves the electrospinnability of solution and thermo-stability of nanofibers. Also, it is found that there is good miscibility or no phase separation in FD/UHMWPEO solutions. In vitro biological experiments show that the chitosan-modified FD/UHMWPEO nanofibers greatly facilitate the adhesion of endothelial cells and inhibit the attachment of monocytes. Thus, the designed FD-based nanofibers are promising bio-scaffolds in building tissue-engineered blood vessels.
Female Sex and Obesity Are Risk Factors for Inadequate Calcium Intake in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rahmani Roman , Stevens Elizabeth , Rackovsky Noya , O’Brien Kimberly O. , Schwartz George J. , Weber David R.
Published: September 2021

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of developing low bone mineral density and fractures. Optimization of calcium intake is a key component of pediatric bone health care. Despite the known risk factors for impaired bone health in T1D and the known benefits of calcium on bone accrual, there are limited data describing calcium intake in youth with T1D. In this cross-sectional study, calcium intake was assessed in 238 youth with T1D. One third of study participants were found to have inadequate calcium intake. Female sex, especially during adolescence, and obesity were identified as specific risk factors for inadequate calcium intake. Given the known adverse effects of T1D on bone health, efforts to promote calcium intake in youth with T1D should be considered.
Biological Functions Driven by mRNAs Carried by Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer
Authors: Prieto-Vila Marta , Yoshioka Yusuke , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: September 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are extracellular nanovesicles released by most cells. EVs play essential roles in intercellular communicationviathe transport of a large variety of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to recipient cells. Nucleic acids are the most commonly found molecules inside EVs, and due to their small size, microRNAs and other small RNAs are the most abundant nucleic acids. However, longer molecules, such as messenger RNAs (mRNAs), have also been found. mRNAs encapsulated within EVs have been shown to be transferred to recipient cells and translated into proteins, altering the behavior of the cells. Secretion of EVs is maintained not only through multiple normal physiological conditions but also during aberrant pathological conditions, including cancer. Recently, the mRNAs carried by EVs in cancer have attracted great interest due to their broad roles in tumor progression and microenvironmental remodeling. This review focuses on the biological functions driven by mRNAs carried in EVs in cancer, which include supporting tumor progression by activating cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion; inducing microenvironmental remodelingviahypoxia, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression; and promoting modulation of the microenvironment at distant sites for the generation of a premetastatic niche, collectively inducing metastasis. Furthermore, we describe the potential use of mRNAs carried by EVs as a noninvasive diagnostic tool and novel therapeutic approach.
New Technologies With Increased Precision Improve Understanding of Endothelial Cell Heterogeneity in Cardiovascular Health and Disease
Authors: Dawson Ashley , Wang Yidan , Li Yanming , LeMaire Scott A. , Shen Ying H.
Published: September 2021

Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital for blood vessel integrity and have roles in maintaining normal vascular function, healing after injury, and vascular dysfunction. Extensive phenotypic heterogeneity has been observed among ECs of different types of blood vessels in the normal and diseased vascular wall. Although ECs with different phenotypes can share common functions, each has unique features that may dictate a fine-tuned role in vascular health and disease. Recent studies performed with single-cell technology have generated powerful information that has significantly improved our understanding of EC biology. Here, we summarize a variety of EC types, states, and phenotypes recently identified by using new, increasingly precise techniques in transcriptome analysis.
Role of Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From an Epigenetic Perspective
Authors: Xu Sutong , Zhang Xi , Liu Chenming , Liu Qiulu , Chai Huazhen , Luo Yuping , Li Siguang
Published: September 2021

Mitochondria, the centers of energy metabolism, have been shown to participate in epigenetic regulation of neurodegenerative diseases. Epigenetic modification of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins has an impact on mitochondria homeostasis, including mitochondrial biogenesis, and quality, which plays role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On the other hand, intermediate metabolites regulated by mitochondria such as acetyl-CoA and NAD+, in turn, may regulate nuclear epigenome as the substrate for acetylation and a cofactor of deacetylation, respectively. Thus, mitochondria are involved in epigenetic regulation through bidirectional communication between mitochondria and nuclear, which may provide a new strategy for neurodegenerative diseases treatment. In addition, emerging evidence has suggested that the abnormal modification of mitochondria DNA contributes to disease development through mitochondria dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of how mitochondria are involved in epigenetic regulation and discuss the mechanisms of mitochondria in regulation of neurodegenerative diseases from epigenetic perspective.
Visualizing the Invisible: Advanced Optical Microscopy as a Tool to Measure Biomechanical Forces
Authors: Hobson Chad M. , Aaron Jesse S. , Heddleston John M. , Chew Teng-Leong
Published: September 2021

The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.
Application of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cellular and Organoid Models for COVID-19 Research
Authors: Luo Yumei , Zhang Mimi , Chen Yapei , Chen Yaoyong , Zhu Detu
Published: September 2021

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its rapid international spread has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics, which is a global public health crisis. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish biological models to study the pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which not only involves respiratory failure, but also includes dysregulation of other organs and systems, including the brain, heart, liver, intestines, pancreas, kidneys, eyes, and so on. Cellular and organoid models derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are ideal tools for in vitro simulation of viral life cycles and drug screening to prevent the reemergence of coronavirus. These iPSC-derived models could recapitulate the functions and physiology of various human cell types and assemble the complex microenvironments similar with those in the human organs; therefore, they can improve the study efficiency of viral infection mechanisms, mimic the natural host-virus interaction, and be suited for long-term experiments. In this review, we focus on the application of in vitro iPSC-derived cellular and organoid models in COVID-19 studies.
Interactions and Cytotoxicity of Human Neurodegeneration- Associated Proteins Tau and α-Synuclein in the Simple Model Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Mroczek Katelyn , Fernando Sanjanie , Fisher Paul R. , Annesley Sarah J.
Published: September 2021

The abnormal accumulation of the tau protein into aggregates is a hallmark in neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as tauopathies. In normal conditions, tau binds off and on microtubules aiding in their assembly and stability dependent on the phosphorylation state of the protein. In disease-affected neurons, hyperphosphorylation leads to the accumulation of the tau protein into aggregates, mainly neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) which have been seen to colocalise with other protein aggregates in neurodegeneration. One such protein is α-synuclein, the main constituent of Lewy bodies (LB), a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In many neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, the colocalisation of tau and α-synuclein has been observed, suggesting possible interactions between the two proteins. To explore the cytotoxicity and interactions between these two proteins, we expressed full length human tau and α-synuclein inDictyostelium discoideumalone, and in combination. We show that tau is phosphorylated inD. discoideumand colocalises closely (within 40 nm) with tubulin throughout the cytoplasm of the cell as well as with α-synuclein at the cortex. Expressing wild type α-synuclein alone caused inhibited growth on bacterial lawns, phagocytosis and intracellularLegionellaproliferation rates, but activated mitochondrial respiration and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The expression of tau alone impaired multicellular morphogenesis, axenic growth and phototaxis, while enhancing intracellularLegionellaproliferation. Direct respirometric assays showed that tau impairs mitochondrial ATP synthesis and increased the “proton leak,” while having no impact on respiratory complex I or II function. In most cases depending on the phenotype, the coexpression of tau and α-synuclein exacerbated (phototaxis, fruiting body morphology), or reversed (phagocytosis, growth on plates, mitochondrial respiratory function,Legionellaproliferation) the defects caused by either tau or α-synuclein expressed individually. Proteomics data revealed distinct patterns of dysregulation in strains ectopically expressing tau or α-synuclein or both, but down regulation of expression of cytoskeletal proteins was apparent in all three groups and most evident in the strain expressing both proteins. These results indicate that tau and α-synuclein exhibit different but overlapping patterns of intracellular localisation, that they individually exert distinct but overlapping patterns of cytotoxic effects and that they interact, probably physically in the cell cortex as well as directly or indirectly in affecting some phenotypes. The results show the efficacy of usingD. discoideumas a model to study the interaction of proteins involved in neurodegeneration.
Research Progress on Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Tang Yanmei , Tan Yu , Lin Kaili , Zhu Min
Published: September 2021

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that aims to develop biological substitutes for the replacement, repair, or enhancement of tissue function. The physical and chemical characteristics of biomaterials exert a profound influence on the biological responses and the following biofunction. Nanostructured coatings have been widely applied as an effective surface modification strategy to improve the bioactivity of biomaterials. Especially, polydopamine and polydopamine-derived nanoparticles are found with excessive adhesiveness, redox activity, photothermal conversion capacity, paramagnetism and conductivity other than excellent biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity. In this article, advances about polydopamine nanoparticles in tissue engineering applications are reviewed, including the repair of bone, cartilage, skin, heart, and nerve, to provide strategies for future biomaterial design.
Conjugated Conductive Polymer Materials and its Applications: A Mini-Review
Authors: Lu Huizhi , Li Xunlai , Lei Qingquan
Published: September 2021

Since their discovery 50 years ago, conjugated conducting polymers have received increasing attention owing to their unique conductive properties and potential applications in energy storage, sensors, coatings, and electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistors, photovoltaic cells, and light-emitting devices. Recently, these materials have played a key role in providing a more comfortable environment for humans. Consequently, the development of novel, high-performance conjugated conductive materials is crucial. In this mini-review, the progress of conjugated conductive materials in various applications and the relationship between the chemical structures and their performances is reviewed. This can aid in the molecular design and development of novel high-performance conjugated polymer materials.
Identification and Phenotypic Characterization of Hsp90 Phosphorylation Sites That Modulate Virulence Traits in the Major Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Alaalm Leenah , Crunden Julia L. , Butcher Mark , Obst Ulrike , Whealy Ryann , Williamson Carolyn E. , O’Brien Heath E. , Schaffitzel Christiane , Ramage Gordon , Spencer James , Diezmann Stephanie
Published: September 2021

The highly conserved, ubiquitous molecular chaperone Hsp90 is a key regulator of cellular proteostasis and environmental stress responses. In human pathogenic fungi, which kill more than 1.6 million patients each year worldwide, Hsp90 governs cellular morphogenesis, drug resistance, and virulence. Yet, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing fungal Hsp90 function remains sparse. Post-translational modifications are powerful components of nature’s toolbox to regulate protein abundance and function. Phosphorylation in particular is critical in many cellular signaling pathways and errant phosphorylation can have dire consequences for the cell. In the case of Hsp90, phosphorylation affects its stability and governs its interactions with co-chaperones and clients. Thereby modulating the cell’s ability to cope with environmental stress. Candida albicans, one of the leading human fungal pathogens, causes ~750,000 life-threatening invasive infections worldwide with unacceptably high mortality rates. Yet, it remains unknown if and how Hsp90 phosphorylation affects C. albicans virulence traits. Here, we show that phosphorylation of Hsp90 is critical for expression of virulence traits. We combined proteomics, molecular evolution analyses and structural modeling with molecular biology to characterize the role of Hsp90 phosphorylation in this non-model pathogen. We demonstrated that phosphorylation negatively affects key virulence traits, such as the thermal stress response, morphogenesis, and drug susceptibility. Our results provide the first record of a specific Hsp90 phosphorylation site acting as modulator of fungal virulence. Post-translational modifications of Hsp90 could prove valuable in future exploitations as antifungal drug targets.
Antifungal Pipeline
Authors: McCarty Todd Patrick , Pappas Peter G.
Published: September 2021

In many ways, fungal diseases are forgotten or neglected. Given the significantly lower frequency compared to similar bacterial etiologies across the spectrum of infectious syndromes, it makes sense that anti-bacterial agents have seen the bulk of development in recent decades. The vast majority of new antifungal medications approved for use in the past 10 years have been new versions in the same class as existing agents. Clinical mycology is crying out for new mechanisms of action in the setting of rising resistance and emergence of new organisms. Fortunately, this trend appears to be reversing. There are numerous agents in advanced stages of development offering novel dosing regimens and mechanisms of action to combat these threats. Herein we review seven antifungal agents that we hope to see come to market in the coming years to aid physicians in the treatment of mucocutaneous and invasive fungal infections.
IPCC and the Deep Sea: A Case for Deeper Knowledge
Authors: Levin Lisa A.
Published: September 2021

IPCC reporting culture and structure leads to a failure to highlight potential vulnerabilities and risk in areas where research is largely absent. Nowhere is this more obvious than in treatment of the deep ocean (waters below 200 m), where climate research is in its infancy, but human exploitation of resources is on the rise. Understanding climate-induced changes in deep- sea environments, ecosystems and their services, including carbon cycling and climate regulation, is fundamental to future ocean sustainability and to decisions about active climate remediation.
Thrombus of the Aorta and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Cause or Trigger?
Authors: Goudot Guillaume , Amrane Mourad , El Ayoubi Rida , Bel Alain , Gendron Nicolas , Khider Lina , Durivage Andréanne , Smadja David M. , Messas Emmanuel , Achouh Paul , Mirault Tristan
Published: September 2021

Objective: Coronavirus disease 19 is a well-established cause of rare arterial thrombosis. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of arterial thrombosis remains to be elucidated. We herein report the case of a large floating thrombus of the aortic arch, its surgical management and histological analysis.

Case: A 65-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with a suspected stroke. He was non-smoker, but presented cardiovascular risk factors, namely hypertension, type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. A computed tomography of the aorta revealed a large floating thrombus of the aortic arch, at the base of the brachiocephalic trunk, suspected to be the etiology of stroke. Therapeutic anticoagulation was immediately started. The decision was made to perform an open aortic replacement surgery because of the symptomatic thromboembolic event with recent cerebral infarction and the potential harmfulness of the thrombus due to its size. A mobile thrombus was observed at the base of the brachiocephalic trunk by echocardiography. It was attached to a small area of the upper aortic wall and had an irregular surface. Histology revealed a platelet-rich thrombus lying on an aortic atherosclerotic plaque without pronounced inflammation. No plaque ulceration was present but endothelial cell desquamation was observed consistent with plaque erosion.

Conclusion: In our case, there was a thrombus lying on an atherosclerotic plaque with intact thick fibrous cap, but associated with a plaque erosion mechanism. The thrombus formation appeared more likely to relate to a very localized endothelial injury.
The Use of Maximum Entropy to Enhance Wave Intensity Analysis: An Application to Coronary Arteries in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Francis Nadine , Selwanos Peter P. , Yacoub Magdi H. , Parker Kim H.
Published: September 2021

Background: Wave intensity analysis is useful for analyzing coronary hemodynamics. Much of its clinical application involves the identification of waves indicated by peaks in the wave intensity and relating their presence or absence to different cardiovascular events. However, the analysis of wave intensity peaks can be problematic because of the associated noise in the measurements. This study shows how wave intensity analysis can be enhanced by using a Maximum Entropy Method (MEM).

Methods: We introduce a MEM to differentiate between “peaks” and “background” in wave intensity waveforms. We apply the method to the wave intensity waveforms measured in the left anterior descending coronary artery from 10 Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and 11 Controls with normal cardiac function. We propose a naming convention for the significant waves and compare them across the cohorts.

Results: Using a MEM enhances wave intensity analysis by identifying twice as many significant waves as previous studies. The results are robust when MEM is applied to the log transformed wave intensity data and when all of the measured data are used. Comparing waves across cohorts, we suggest that the absence of a forward expansion wave in HOCM can be taken as an indication of HOCM. Our results also indicate that the backward compression waves in HOCM are significantly larger than in Controls; unlike the forward compression waves where the wave energy in Controls is significantly higher than in HOCM. Comparing the smaller secondary waves revealed by MEM, we find some waves that are present in the majority of Controls and absent in almost all HOCM, and other waves that are present in some HOCM patients but entirely absent in Controls. This suggests some diagnostic utility in the clinical measurement of these waves, which can be a positive sign of HOCM or a subgroup with a particular pathology.

Conclusion: The MEM enhances wave intensity analysis by identifying many more significant waves. The method is novel and can be applied to wave intensity analysis in all arteries. As an example, we show how it can be useful in the clinical study of hemodynamics in the coronary arteries in HOCM.
Association of Night-Time Heart Rate With Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias, Appropriate and Inappropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks
Authors: Sun Xuerong , Zhou Bin , Chen Keping , Hua Wei , Su Yangang , Xu Wei , Wang Fang , Fan Xiaohan , Niu Hongxia , Dai Yan , Liu Zhimin , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Shu
Published: September 2021

Background: Night-time heart rate (HR) is expected to reflect more accurately the cardiac autonomic function of modulating cardiovascular activity. Few studies have been conducted on the predictive values of night-time HR in relation to cardioverter-defibrillator therapies.

Aims: To explore the associations of night-time HR with the ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs), appropriate and inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks.

Methods: Patients from the SUMMIT registry receiving ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation were retrospectively analyzed using archived home monitoring data. Night-time HR was recorded from 2:00 am to 6:00 am during the first 30 to 60 days after implantation. VTA events and ICD shocks were identified using the intracardiac electrograms by two independent physicians. Restricted cubic splines and smooth curve fitting were conducted to address the non-linear associations between night-time HR and adjusted hazards for clinical outcomes.

Results: Over a mean follow-up duration of 55.8 ± 22.7 months, 187 deaths were observed among 730 patients. VTAs, appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks were observed in 422 (57.8%), 293 (40.1%), and 72 (10.0%) patients, respectively. Apparent U-shaped non-linear associations of night-time HR with VTAs (P for non-linearity = 0.007), appropriate ICD shocks (P for non-linearity = 0.003) and inappropriate ICD shocks (P for non-linearity = 0.014) were detected. When night-time HR was beyond 60 bpm, every 1 bpm increase in night-time HR could result in 3.2, 3.3, and 4.9% higher risks of VTAs and appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks, respectively; when night-time HR was lower than 60 bpm, every 1 bpm increase in night-time HR could result in 6.0 and 10.7% lower risks of appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks. Compared to night-time HR of ≤ 50 or ≥70 bpm, night-time HR of 50–70 bpm was associated with 24.9, 30.2, 63.5, and 31.5% reduced incidences of VTA events, appropriate ICD shocks, inappropriate ICD shocks, and all-cause mortality, respectively.

Conclusion: Apparent non-linear associations of night-time HR with VTAs and ICD shocks were detected. An increasing incidence of VTAs and ICD shocks was observed at both low and high levels of night-time HR. Night-time HR of 50–70 bpm might be the optimal therapeutics target for the management of ICD/CRT-D recipients.
Computer Vision for Continuous Bedside Pharmacological Data Extraction: A Novel Application of Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Data Recording and Biomedical Research
Authors: Froese Logan , Dian Joshua , Batson Carleen , Gomez Alwyn , Sainbhi Amanjyot Singh , Unger Bertram , Zeiler Frederick A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: As real time data processing is integrated with medical care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, there is a requirement for devices to have digital output. However, there are still many devices that fail to have the required hardware to export real time data into an acceptable digital format or in a continuously updating manner. This is particularly the case for many intravenous pumps and older technological systems. Such accurate and digital real time data integration within TBI care and other fields is critical as we move towards digitizing healthcare information and integrating clinical data streams to improve bedside care. We propose to address this gap in technology by building a system that employs Optical Character Recognition through computer vision, using real time images from a pump monitor to extract the desired real time information.

Methods: Using freely available software and readily available technology, we built a script that extracts real time images from a medication pump and then processes them using Optical Character Recognition to create digital text from the image. This text was then transferred to an ICM + real-time monitoring software in parallel with other retrieved physiological data.

Results: The prototype that was built works effectively for our device, with source code openly available to interested end-users. However, future work is required for a more universal application of such a system.

Conclusion: Advances here can improve medical information collection in the clinical environment, eliminating human error with bedside charting, and aid in data integration for biomedical research where many complex data sets can be seamlessly integrated digitally. Our design demonstrates a simple adaptation of current technology to help with this integration.
Characterization of an Unstable Slope Using Geophysical, UAV, and Geological Techniques: Karakoram Himalaya, Northern Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Younis , Shafique Muhammad , Turab Syed Ali , Ahmad Naseem
Published: September 2021

Given active tectonism, rough terrain, and climate, the mountainous ranges in northern Pakistan are prone to geohazards, including earthquakes, unstable slopes, and landslides. The frequent landsliding in the region poses a risk to communities, economic activities, and transportation networks. In this context, the unstable slope above Mayun village calls for a multi-method approach for better assessment of the slope for planning interventions aimed at hazard mitigation. We conducted an integrated study including uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in coordination with geomorphic field observations to image the possible slip surfaces for a comprehensive understanding of a potential future rockslide with significant socioeconomic consequences. UAV-derived results helped delineate the overall extent of the unstable slope and its downslope area in a quick, remote, and safe way. GPR profiles have enabled the reconstruction of the bedrock’s morphology and its internal structure and the depth distribution of cracks running through the overburden and bedrock. The results provided insight into the stable and unstable compartments of the slope due to the thin cover of surficial deposits, high impedance contrast at the overburden-bedrock interface, lateral heterogeneities, and presence of open cracks, and almost detached blocks, respectively. These data on the dynamic properties of a landslide-prone slope could be used for the correct planning of civil infrastructure to minimize the potential risk of building damage in the seismically active Hunza valley.
Spatially and Temporally Resolved Monitoring of Glacial Lake Changes in Alps During the Recent Two Decades
Authors: Ma Jingsong , Song Chunqiao , Wang Yanjun
Published: September 2021

Climate warming is intensifying the melting of glaciers and the growth of glacial lakes in the Alps, which has a profound impact on the management of water resources and high-mountain hydropower in this region. However, the research on the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of the Alps glacial lakes of various types still lacks a holistic view. In this study, we developed an inventory of Alps glacial lakes of different types and then obtained the annual areas of these lakes from 2000 to 2019 using JRC Global Surface Water and Global Land Analysis and Discovery data at a resolution of 30 m. A total of 498 glacial lakes (>0.01 km2) with the net area of 33.77 ± 6.94 km2 were identified in the Alps in 2019 and are mainly distributed in the western and central Alps. These Alps glacial lakes, with the area ranging 0.01–1.59 km2, are generally dominated by small-sized ones. The comparison of lakes of different types indicated that ice-uncontacted lakes are dominant in number and area, accounting for 59.4 and 58.4%, respectively. In terms of the elevation distribution, almost half of the lakes are concentrated at the altitude of 2,250–2,750 m (a.s.l.). Meanwhile, the mean altitude of small glacial lakes is higher than that of large lakes. The distribution of ice-contacted lakes and supraglacial lakes were more concentrated, and the mean altitude was higher. During the study period, the number, area, and water volume of glacial lakes were increasing, but the expansion varied between different periods. The changing trends of the glacial lake area and volume were consistent and presents in three stages, as the glacial lake expanded rapidly in the first 5 years and in the last 7 years and remained relatively stable between 2005 and 2012. The number and area of glacier-fed lakes increased rapidly, while the non-glacier-fed lakes were relatively stable. The area change rate of supraglacial lakes was the largest (+47%). This study provides a spatially-complete and temporally-consecutive picture of glacial lake changes in the Alps and can be greatly helpful for future research on climate-glacier-lake interactions, glacial lake outburst floods, and freshwater resources in this region.