bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPCAT1 reprogramming cholesterol metabolism promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tao Mingyue , Luo Jing , Gu Tong , Yu Xiaojuan , Song Zhen , Jun Yali , Gu Hao , Han Kairong , Huang Xiujuan , Yu Weiyong , Sun Su’an , Zhang Zhengwei , Liu Lu , Chen Xiaofei , Zhang Li , Luo Chao , Wang Qilong
Published: September 2021

Tumor cells require high levels of cholesterol for membrane biogenesis for rapid proliferation during development. Beyond the acquired cholesterol from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) taken up from circulation, tumor cells can also biosynthesize cholesterol. The molecular mechanism underlying cholesterol anabolism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its effect on patient prognosis are unclear. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is common in cancer. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) has been implicated in various cancer types; however, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In this study, we identified that LPCAT1 is highly expressed in ESCC and that LPCAT1 reprograms cholesterol metabolism in ESCC. LPCAT1 expression was negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Cholesterol synthesis in ESCC cells was significantly inhibited following LPCAT1 knockdown; cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were significantly reduced, along with the growth of xenograft subcutaneous tumors. LPCAT1 could regulate the expression of the cholesterol synthesis enzyme, SQLE, by promoting the activation of PI3K, thereby regulating the entry of SP1/SREBPF2 into the nucleus. LPCAT1 also activates EGFR leading to the downregulation of INSIG-1 expression, facilitating the entry of SREBP-1 into the nucleus to promote cholesterol synthesis. Taken together, LPCAT1 reprograms tumor cell cholesterol metabolism in ESCC and can be used as a potential treatment target against ESCC.
Sirtuin 3 regulates mitochondrial protein acetylation and metabolism in tubular epithelial cells during renal fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wen Ping , Luo Jing , Ding Hao , Cao Hongdi , He Weichun , Zen Ke , Zhou Yang , Yang Junwei , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2021

Proximal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) demand high energy and rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation as the main energy source. However, this is disturbed in renal fibrosis. Acetylation is an important post-translational modification for mitochondrial metabolism. The mitochondrial protein NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) regulates mitochondrial metabolic function. Therefore, we aimed to identify the changes in the acetylome in tubules from fibrotic kidneys and determine their association with mitochondria. We found that decreased SIRT3 expression was accompanied by increased acetylation in mitochondria that have separated from TECs during the early phase of renal fibrosis. Sirt3 knockout mice were susceptible to hyper-acetylated mitochondrial proteins and to severe renal fibrosis. The activation of SIRT3 by honokiol ameliorated acetylation and prevented renal fibrosis. Analysis of the acetylome in separated tubules using LC–MS/MS showed that most kidney proteins were hyper-acetylated after unilateral ureteral obstruction. The increased acetylated proteins with 26.76% were mitochondrial proteins which were mapped to a broad range of mitochondrial pathways including fatty acid β-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α (PDHE1α), which is the primary link between glycolysis and the TCA cycle, was hyper-acetylated at lysine 385 in TECs after TGF-β1 stimulation and was regulated by SIRT3. Our findings showed that mitochondrial proteins involved in regulating energy metabolism were acetylated and targeted by SIRT3 in TECs. The deacetylation of PDHE1α by SIRT3 at lysine 385 plays a key role in metabolic reprogramming associated with renal fibrosis.
SMARCA4/2 loss inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis by restricting IP3R3-mediated Ca2+ flux to mitochondria
Authors: Xue Yibo , Morris Jordan L. , Yang Kangning , Fu Zheng , Zhu Xianbing , Johnson Fraser , Meehan Brian , Witkowski Leora , Yasmeen Amber , Golenar Tunde , Coatham Mackenzie , Morin Geneviève , Monast Anie , Pilon Virginie , Fiset Pierre Olivier , Jung Sungmi , Gonzalez Anne V. , Camilleri-Broet Sophie , Fu Lili , Postovit Lynne-Marie , Spicer Jonathan , Gotlieb Walter H. , Guiot Marie-Christine , Rak Janusz , Park Morag , Lockwood William , Foulkes William D. , Prudent Julien , Huang Sidong
Published: September 2021

Inactivating mutations in SMARCA4 and concurrent epigenetic silencing of SMARCA2 characterize subsets of ovarian and lung cancers. Concomitant loss of these key subunits of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in both cancers is associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis. Here, we discover that SMARCA4/2 loss inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis through disrupting intracellular organelle calcium ion (Ca2+) release in these cancers. By restricting chromatin accessibility to ITPR3, encoding Ca2+ channel IP3R3, SMARCA4/2 deficiency causes reduced IP3R3 expression leading to impaired Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria required for apoptosis induction. Reactivation of SMARCA2 by a histone deacetylase inhibitor rescues IP3R3 expression and enhances cisplatin response in SMARCA4/2-deficient cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings elucidate the contribution of SMARCA4/2 to Ca2+-dependent apoptosis induction, which may be exploited to enhance chemotherapy response in SMARCA4/2-deficient cancers.
Time-resolved in vivo ubiquitinome profiling by DIA-MS reveals USP7 targets on a proteome-wide scale
Authors: Steger Martin , Demichev Vadim , Backman Mattias , Ohmayer Uli , Ihmor Phillip , Müller Stefan , Ralser Markus , Daub Henrik
Published: September 2021

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based ubiquitinomics provides system-level understanding of ubiquitin signaling. Here we present a scalable workflow for deep and precise in vivo ubiquitinome profiling, coupling an improved sample preparation protocol with data-independent acquisition (DIA)-MS and neural network-based data processing specifically optimized for ubiquitinomics. Compared to data-dependent acquisition (DDA), our method more than triples identification numbers to 70,000 ubiquitinated peptides in single MS runs, while significantly improving robustness and quantification precision. Upon inhibition of the oncology target USP7, we simultaneously record ubiquitination and consequent changes in abundance of more than 8,000 proteins at high temporal resolution. While ubiquitination of hundreds of proteins increases within minutes of USP7 inhibition, we find that only a small fraction of those are ever degraded, thereby dissecting the scope of USP7 action. Our method enables rapid mode-of-action profiling of candidate drugs targeting DUBs or ubiquitin ligases at high precision and throughput.
Understanding the onset of hot streaks across artistic, cultural, and scientific careers
Authors: Liu Lu , Dehmamy Nima , Chown Jillian , Giles C. Lee , Wang Dashun
Published: September 2021

Across a range of creative domains, individual careers are characterized by hot streaks, which are bursts of high-impact works clustered together in close succession. Yet it remains unclear if there are any regularities underlying the beginning of hot streaks. Here, we analyze career histories of artists, film directors, and scientists, and develop deep learning and network science methods to build high-dimensional representations of their creative outputs. We find that across all three domains, individuals tend to explore diverse styles or topics before their hot streak, but become notably more focused after the hot streak begins. Crucially, hot streaks appear to be associated with neither exploration nor exploitation behavior in isolation, but a particular sequence of exploration followed by exploitation, where the transition from exploration to exploitation closely traces the onset of a hot streak. Overall, these results may have implications for identifying and nurturing talents across a wide range of creative domains.
Loss of polycomb repressive complex 1 activity and chromosomal instability drive uveal melanoma progression
Authors: Bakhoum Mathieu F. , Francis Jasmine H. , Agustinus Albert , Earlie Ethan M. , Di Bona Melody , Abramson David H. , Duran Mercedes , Masilionis Ignas , Molina Elsa , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Goldbaum Michael H. , Mischel Paul S. , Bakhoum Samuel F. , Laughney Ashley M.
Published: September 2021

Chromosomal instability (CIN) and epigenetic alterations have been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis; yet how these two hallmarks of cancer are related remains poorly understood. By integrating genetic, epigenetic, and functional analyses at the single cell level, we show that progression of uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular primary cancer in adults, is driven by loss of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) in a subpopulation of tumor cells. This leads to transcriptional de-repression of PRC1-target genes and mitotic chromosome segregation errors. Ensuing CIN leads to the formation of rupture-prone micronuclei, exposing genomic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to the cytosol. This provokes tumor cell-intrinsic inflammatory signaling, mediated by aberrant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. PRC1 inhibition promotes nuclear enlargement, induces a transcriptional response that is associated with significantly worse patient survival and clinical outcomes, and enhances migration that is rescued upon pharmacologic inhibition of CIN or STING. Thus, deregulation of PRC1 can promote tumor progression by inducing CIN and represents an opportunity for early therapeutic intervention.
CTCF knockout in zebrafish induces alterations in regulatory landscapes and developmental gene expression
Authors: Franke Martin , De la Calle-Mustienes Elisa , Neto Ana , Almuedo-Castillo María , Irastorza-Azcarate Ibai , Acemel Rafael D. , Tena Juan J. , Santos-Pereira José M. , Gómez-Skarmeta José L.
Published: September 2021

Coordinated chromatin interactions between enhancers and promoters are critical for gene regulation. The architectural protein CTCF mediates chromatin looping and is enriched at the boundaries of topologically associating domains (TADs), which are sub-megabase chromatin structures. In vitro CTCF depletion leads to a loss of TADs but has only limited effects over gene expression, challenging the concept that CTCF-mediated chromatin structures are a fundamental requirement for gene regulation. However, how CTCF and a perturbed chromatin structure impacts gene expression during development remains poorly understood. Here we link the loss of CTCF and gene regulation during patterning and organogenesis in a ctcf knockout zebrafish model. CTCF absence leads to loss of chromatin structure and affects the expression of thousands of genes, including many developmental regulators. Our results demonstrate the essential role of CTCF in providing the structural context for enhancer-promoter interactions, thus regulating developmental genes.
The Warburg effect is necessary to promote glycosylation in the blastema during zebrafish tail regeneration
Authors: Sinclair Jason W. , Hoying David R. , Bresciani Erica , Nogare Damian Dalle , Needle Carli D. , Berger Alexandra , Wu Weiwei , Bishop Kevin , Elkahloun Abdel G. , Chitnis Ajay , Liu Paul , Burgess Shawn M.
Published: September 2021

Throughout their lifetime, fish maintain a high capacity for regenerating complex tissues after injury. We utilized a larval tail regeneration assay in the zebrafish Danio rerio, which serves as an ideal model of appendage regeneration due to its easy manipulation, relatively simple mixture of cell types, and superior imaging properties. Regeneration of the embryonic zebrafish tail requires development of a blastema, a mass of dedifferentiated cells capable of replacing lost tissue, a crucial step in all known examples of appendage regeneration. Using this model, we show that tail amputation triggers an obligate metabolic shift to promote glucose metabolism during early regeneration similar to the Warburg effect observed in tumor forming cells. Inhibition of glucose metabolism did not affect the overall health of the embryo but completely blocked the tail from regenerating after amputation due to the failure to form a functional blastema. We performed a time series of single-cell RNA sequencing on regenerating tails with and without inhibition of glucose metabolism. We demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming is required for sustained TGF-β signaling and blocking glucose metabolism largely mimicked inhibition of TGF-β receptors, both resulting in an aberrant blastema. Finally, we showed using genetic ablation of three possible metabolic pathways for glucose, that metabolic reprogramming is required to provide glucose specifically to the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway while neither glycolysis nor the pentose phosphate pathway were necessary for regeneration.
Development and testing of a novel image analysis algorithm for descriptive evaluation of shape change of a shrinkable soft material
Authors: Stienkijumpai Pinpinat , Jinorose Maturada , Devahastin Sakamon
Published: September 2021

Soft material can undergo non-uniform deformation or change of shape upon processing. Identifying shape and its change is nevertheless not straightforward. In this study, novel image-based algorithm that can be used to identify shapes of input images and at the same time classify non-uniform deformation into various patterns, i.e., swelling/shrinkage, horizontal and vertical elongations/contractions as well as convexity and concavity, is proposed. The algorithm was first tested with computer-generated images and later applied to agar cubes, which were used as model shrinkable soft material, undergoing drying at different temperatures. Shape parameters and shape-parameter based algorithm as well as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) either incorrectly identified some complicated shapes or could only identify the point where non-uniform deformation started to take place; CNNs lacked ability to describe non-uniform deformation evolution. Shape identification accuracy of the newly developed algorithm against computer-generated images was 65.88%, while those of the other tested algorithms ranged from 34.76 to 97.88%. However, when being applied to the deformation of agar cubes, the developed algorithm performed superiorly to the others. The proposed algorithm could both identify the shapes and describe their changes. The interpretation agreed well with that via visual observation.
Analysis of the signal cross talk via CCL26 in the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma
Authors: Kawano Masanori , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Itonaga Ichiro , Kubota Yuta , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Interaction with surrounding healthy cells plays a major role in the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma. In this study, we hypothesized that humoral factors, which do not require direct contact with cells, are involved in the interaction between osteosarcoma and the surrounding cells. We identified the humoral factor involved in the association between tumor cells and surrounding normal cells using a co-culture model and investigated the significance of our findings. When human osteosarcoma cells (MG63) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were co-cultured and comprehensively analyzed for changes in each culture group, we found that the expression of chemokine (CC motif) ligand 26 (CCL26) was significantly enhanced. We also analyzed the changes in cell proliferation in co-culture, enhanced interaction with administration of recombinant CCL26 (rCCL26), reduced interaction with administration of anti-CCL26 antibodies, changes in invasive and metastatic abilities. CCL26 levels, motility, and invasive capability increased in the co-culture group and the group with added rCCL26, compared to the corresponding values in the MG63 single culture group. In the group with added CCL26 neutralizing antibodies, CCL26 level decreased in both the single and co-culture groups, and motility and invasive ability were also reduced. In a nude mice lung metastasis model, the number of lung metastases increased in the co-culture group and the group with added rCCL26, whereas the number of tumors were suppressed in the group with added neutralizing antibodies compared to those in the MG63 alone. This study identified a possible mechanism by which osteosarcoma cells altered the properties of normal cells to favorably change the microenvironment proximal to tumors and to promote distant metastasis.
The time course of molecular acclimation to seawater in a euryhaline fish
Authors: Bonzi Lucrezia C. , Monroe Alison A. , Lehmann Robert , Berumen Michael L. , Ravasi Timothy , Schunter Celia
Published: September 2021

The Arabian pupfish, Aphanius dispar, is a euryhaline fish inhabiting both inland nearly-freshwater desert ponds and highly saline Red Sea coastal lagoons of the Arabian Peninsula. Desert ponds and coastal lagoons, located respectively upstream and at the mouths of dry riverbeds (“wadies”), have been found to potentially become connected during periods of intense rainfall, which could allow the fish to migrate between these different habitats. Flash floods would therefore flush Arabian pupfish out to sea, requiring a rapid acclimation to a greater than 40 ppt change in salinity. To investigate the molecular pathways of salinity acclimation during such events, a Red Sea coastal lagoon and a desert pond population were sampled, with the latter exposed to a rapid increase in water salinity. Changes in branchial gene expression were investigated via genome-wide transcriptome measurements over time from 6 h to 21 days. The two natural populations displayed basal differences in genes related to ion transport, osmoregulation and immune system functions. These mechanisms were also differentially regulated in seawater transferred fish, revealing their crucial role in long-term adaptation. Other processes were only transiently activated shortly after the salinity exposure, including cellular stress response mechanisms, such as molecular chaperone synthesis and apoptosis. Tissue remodelling processes were also identified as transient, but took place later in the timeline, suggesting their importance to long-term acclimation as they likely equip the fish with lasting adaptations to their new environment. The alterations in branchial functional pathways displayed by Arabian pupfish in response to salinity increases are diverse. These reveal a large toolkit of molecular processes important for adaptation to hyperosmolarity that allow for successful colonization to a wide variety of different habitats.
Genetic predisposition to tinnitus in the UK Biobank population
Authors: Urbanek Madeleine E. , Zuo Jian
Published: September 2021

Tinnitus, the phantom perception of noise originating from the inner ear, has been reported by 15% of the world’s population, with many patients reporting major deficits to cognition and mood. However, both objective diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies have yet to be established. To better understand the underlying genes that may preclude tinnitus, we performed a genome-wide association study of the UK Biobank’s 49,960 whole exome sequencing participants to identify any loci strongly associated with tinnitus. We identified 17 suggestive single nucleotide polymorphisms (p < 1e−5) spanning 13 genes in two sex-separated cohorts reporting chronic, bothersome tinnitus (control males n = 7,315, tinnitus males n = 226, control females n = 11,732, tinnitus females n = 300). We also found a significant missense mutation in WDPCP (p = 3.959e−10) in the female cohort, a mutation which has been previously implicated in typical neuronal functioning through axonal migration and structural reinforcement, as well as in Bardet-Biedl syndrome-15, a ciliopathy. Additionally, in situ hybridization in the embryonic and P56 mouse brain demonstrated that the majority of these genes are expressed within the dorsal cochlear nucleus, the region of the brain theorized to initially induce tinnitus. Further RT-qPCR and RNAScope data also reveals this expression pattern. The results of this study indicate that predisposition to tinnitus may span across multiple genomic loci and be established by weakened neuronal circuitry and maladaptive cytoskeletal modifications within the dorsal cochlear nucleus.
Microbial transfers from permanent grassland ecosystems to milk in dairy farms in the Comté cheese area
Authors: Chemidlin Prévost-Bouré N. , Karimi B. , Sadet-Bourgeteau S. , Djemiel C. , Brie M. , Dumont J. , Campedelli M. , Nowak V. , Guyot P. , Letourneur C. , Manneville V. , Gillet F. , Bouton Y.
Published: September 2021

The specificity of dairy Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products is related to their “terroir” of production. This relationship needs better understanding for efficient and sustainable productions preserving the agroecological equilibrium of agroecosystems, especially grasslands. Specificity of PDO Comté cheese was related to the diversity of natural raw milk bacterial communities, but their sources need to be determined. It is hypothesized that raw milk indigenous microbial communities may originate from permanent grazed grasslands by the intermediate of dairy cows according to the sequence soil–phyllosphere–teat–milk. This hypothesis was evaluated on a 44 dairy farms network across PDO Comté cheese area by characterizing prokaryotic and fungal communities of these compartments by metabarcoding analysis (16S rRNA gene: V3–V4 region, 18S rRNA gene: V7–V8 region). Strong and significant links were highlighted between the four compartments through a network analysis (0.34 < r < 0.58), and were modulated by soil pH, plant diversity and elevation; but also by farming practices: organic fertilization levels, cattle intensity and cow-teat care. This causal relationship suggests that microbial diversity of agroecosystems is a key player in relating a PDO product to its “terroir”; this under the dependency of farming practices. Altogether, this makes the “terroir” even more local and needs to be considered for production sustainability.
A microfluidic approach to rescue ALS motor neuron degeneration using rapamycin
Authors: Chennampally Phaneendra , Sayed-Zahid Ambreen , Soundararajan Prabakaran , Sharp Jocelyn , Cox Gregory A. , Collins Scott D. , Smith Rosemary L.
Published: September 2021

TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is known to accumulate in ubiquitinated inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affected motor neurons, resulting in motor neuron degeneration, loss of motor functions, and eventually death. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor and a commonly used immunosuppressive drug, has been shown to increase the survivability of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) affected motor neurons. Here we present a transgenic, TDP-43-A315T, mouse model expressing an ALS phenotype and demonstrate the presence of ubiquitinated cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregates with > 80% cell death by 28 days post differentiation in vitro. Embryonic stem cells from this mouse model were used to study the onset, progression, and therapeutic remediation of TDP-43 aggregates using a novel microfluidic rapamycin concentration gradient generator. Results using a microfluidic device show that ALS affected motor neuron survival can be increased by 40.44% in a rapamycin dosage range between 0.4-1.0 µM.
Green synthesis of carbamates and amides via Cu@Sal-Cs catalyzed C–O and C–N oxidative coupling accelerated by microwave irradiation
Authors: Asadi Mahboubeh , Naimi-Jamal M. Reza , Panahi Leila
Published: September 2021

A new nano-scale Cu@salicylaldehyde-modified-chitosan (Cu@Sal-CS) was synthesized through a green, eco-friendly and cost-effective technique. The prepared catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The synthesized Cu@Sal-CS catalyst indicated its performance in the C–O and C–N oxidative coupling using the reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives/2- substituted phenols with amides for the preparation of carbamates, as well as in the reaction of aldehydes and various amines in the synthesis of amides. The significant features of this work are operational simplicity of catalyst synthesis, in situ and new modification method, use of an efficient, recoverable, frequently reused and stable catalyst without any loss of catalytic activity, and high yields of the products in short times.
Trait gradients inform predictions of seagrass meadows changes to future warming
Authors: Pansini Arianna , La Manna Gabriella , Pinna Federico , Stipcich Patrizia , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: September 2021

Comparing populations across temperature gradients can inform how global warming will impact the structure and function of ecosystems. Shoot density, morphometry and productivity of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica to temperature variation was quantified at eight locations in Sardinia (western Mediterranean Sea) along a natural sea surface temperature (SST) gradient. The locations are spanned for a narrow range of latitude (1.5°), allowing the minimization of the effect of eventual photoperiod variability. Mean SST predicted P. oceanica meadow structure, with increased temperature correlated with higher shoot density, but lower leaf and rhizome width, and rhizome biomass. Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) strongly impacted seagrass traits independent of SST. Disentangling the effects of SST and Chl-a on seagrass meadow shoot density revealed that they work independently, but in the same direction with potential synergism. Space-for-time substitution predicts that global warming will trigger denser seagrass meadows with slender shoots, fewer leaves, and strongly impact seagrass ecosystem. Future investigations should evaluate if global warming will erode the ecosystem services provided by seagrass meadows.
Long term monitoring of the reproductive behavior of wild Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Authors: Sun Nick Ching-Min , Pei Kurtis Jai-Chyi , Wu Li-Yue
Published: September 2021

Observations of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in the wild are extremely rare and challenging because of their nocturnal and cryptic activity patterns and low population density. The present article reported the first field observation in eastern Taiwan, from October 4, 2012 to June 16, 2016, on the reproductive behavior of the Chinese pangolin based on the monitoring of a female (LF28) using radiotelemetry and camera traps. During this period, LF28 aged from 1–4.5 years old and gave two single-births, both took place in early December, at 3 and 4 years old, respectively. We recorded the entire 157 days of the first nursing period from parturition to maternal separation. For the second infant, the gestation period was estimated to be around 150 days based on the evidence that the pregnancy started in early Jul. 2015 and the offspring was born on Dec. 9, 2015. During the entire nursing period, LF28 frequently moved the offspring from one nursing burrow to another staying various durations ranging from 1 day to more than 35 days, and almost all (= 15/16) of these burrows were located in the core (MCP75) of LF28’s home range. Started from the month of parturition and lasting throughout the whole nursing period, different adult males constantly visiting the nursing burrows were recorded. Mating behavior was recorded once outside the burrow in March, which provided evidence of the occurrence of post-partum estrus in this species. Delayed implantation was proposed based on the observation of a several months lag between copulation and the estimated pregnancy initiation date. The present study demonstrated the advantage of using remote technologies to learn the life history of resting fossorial species.
School environment and physical activity in adolescents from São Paulo city
Authors: Ferrari Gerson , Rezende Leandro F. M. , Florindo Alex A. , Mielke Grégore I. , Peres Maria Fernanda Tourinho
Published: September 2021

We examined the association of physical activity (PA) facilities and access to school with total PA and domain-specific PA in adolescents. We enrolled 2610 adolescents (mean: 14.9 years) from Sao Paulo city. The number and presence of sports courts, swimming pools, locker rooms, running/athletics tracks, entrance accessible for student cyclists, bike racks, speed limit signal around the school, and pedestrian crossing were assessed in each school. All participants responded to a questionnaire about frequency and duration of physical education classes, leisure time, and active commuting. Total PA was obtained by adding up all PA domains. Presence of three or more (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.30) sports courts, swimming pool available in usable conditions (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.10), running/athletics tracks (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.07 to 5.18), and bike racks (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.78) were positively associated with total PA. Number of sports courts, swimming pool available in usable conditions, speed limit signals around the school, and pedestrian crossings were positively associated with physical education classes. The bike racks, speed limit signs around the school, and pedestrian crossings were positively associated with active commuting. School environment was associated with increased PA. Our findings should be considered in future epidemiologic studies and for educational and health policy makers.
B cell depletion with anti-CD20 mAb exacerbates anti-donor CD4+ T cell responses in highly sensitized transplant recipients
Authors: Tanaka Asuka , Ide Kentaro , Tanaka Yuka , Ohira Masahiro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ohdan Hideki
Published: September 2021

Pretransplant desensitization with rituximab has been applied to preformed donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibody (DSA)-positive recipients for elimination of preformed DSA. We investigated the impact of pretransplant desensitization with rituximab on anti-donor T cell responses in DSA-positive transplant recipients. To monitor the patients’ immune status, mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays were performed before and after desensitization with rituximab. Two weeks after rituximab administration, the stimulation index (SI) of anti-donor CD4+T cells was significantly higher in the DSA-positive recipients than in the DSA-negative recipients. To investigate the mechanisms of anti-donor hyper responses of CD4+T cells after B cell depletion, highly sensitized mice models were injected with anti-CD20 mAb to eliminate B cells. Consistent with clinical observations, the SI values of anti-donor CD4+T cells were significantly increased after anti-CD20 mAb injection in the sensitized mice models. Adding B cells isolated from untreated sensitized mice to MLR significantly inhibited the enhancement of anti-donor CD4+T cell response. The depletion of the CD5+B cell subset, which exclusively included IL-10-positive cells, from the additive B cells abrogated such inhibitory effects. These findings demonstrate that IL-10+CD5+B cells suppress the excessive response of anti-donor CD4+T cells responses in sensitized recipients.
FBW7 couples structural integrity with functional output of primary cilia
Authors: Petsouki Eleni , Gerakopoulos Vasileios , Szeto Nicholas , Chang Wenhan , Humphrey Mary Beth , Tsiokas Leonidas
Published: September 2021

Structural defects in primary cilia have robust effects in diverse tissues and systems. However, how disorders of ciliary length lead to functional outcomes are unknown. We examined the functional role of a ciliary length control mechanism of FBW7-mediated destruction of NDE1, in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. We show that FBW7 functions as a master regulator of both negative (NDE1) and positive (TALPID3) regulators of ciliogenesis, with an overall positive net effect on primary cilia formation, MSC differentiation to osteoblasts, and bone architecture. Deletion of Fbxw7 suppresses ciliation, Hedgehog activity, and differentiation, which are partially rescued in Fbxw7/Nde1-null cells. We also show that NDE1, despite suppressing ciliogenesis, promotes MSC differentiation by increasing the activity of the Hedgehog pathway by direct binding and enhancing GLI2 activity in a cilia-independent manner. We propose that FBW7 controls a protein-protein interaction network coupling ciliary structure and function, which is essential for stem cell differentiation.
Composite trait Mendelian randomization reveals distinct metabolic and lifestyle consequences of differences in body shape
Authors: Sulc Jonathan , Sonrel Anthony , Mounier Ninon , Auwerx Chiara , Marouli Eirini , Darrous Liza , Draganski Bogdan , Kilpeläinen Tuomas O. , Joshi Peter , Loos Ruth J. F. , Kutalik Zoltán
Published: September 2021

Obesity is a major risk factor for a wide range of cardiometabolic diseases, however the impact of specific aspects of body morphology remains poorly understood. We combined the GWAS summary statistics of fourteen anthropometric traits from UK Biobank through principal component analysis to reveal four major independent axes: body size, adiposity, predisposition to abdominal fat deposition, and lean mass. Mendelian randomization analysis showed that although body size and adiposity both contribute to the consequences of BMI, many of their effects are distinct, such as body size increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmia (b = 0.06, p = 4.2 ∗ 10−17) while adiposity instead increased that of ischemic heart disease (b = 0.079, p = 8.2 ∗ 10−21). The body mass-neutral component predisposing to abdominal fat deposition, likely reflecting a shift from subcutaneous to visceral fat, exhibited health effects that were weaker but specifically linked to lipotoxicity, such as ischemic heart disease (b = 0.067, p = 9.4 ∗ 10−14) and diabetes (b = 0.082, p = 5.9 ∗ 10−19). Combining their independent predicted effects significantly improved the prediction of obesity-related diseases (p < 10−10). The presented decomposition approach sheds light on the biological mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of body morphology and its consequences on health and lifestyle.
A memory-driven auditory program ensures selective and precise vocal imitation in zebra finches
Authors: Liu Wan-chun , Landstrom Michelle , Schutt Gillian , Inserra Mia , Fernandez Francesca
Published: September 2021

In the vocal learning model, the juvenile first memorizes a model sound, and the imprinted memory gradually converts into vocal-motor output during the sensorimotor integration. However, early acquired memory may not precisely represent the fine structures of a model sound. How do juveniles ensure precise model imitation? Here we show that juvenile songbirds develop an auditory learning program by actively and attentively engaging with tutor’s singing during the sensorimotor phase. The listening/approaching behavior requires previously acquired model memory and the individual variability of approaching behavior correlates with the precision of tutor song imitation. Moreover, it is modulated by dopamine and associated with forebrain regions for sensory processing. Overall, precise vocal learning may involve two steps of auditory processing: a passive imprinting of model memory occurs during the early sensory period; the previously acquired memory then guides an active and selective engagement of the re-exposed model to fine tune model imitation.
Adsorption of progesterone onto microplastics and its desorption in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids
Authors: Siri Cécilia , Liu Yang , Masset Thibault , Dudefoi William , Oldham Dean , Minghetti Matteo , Grandjean Dominique , Breider Florian
Published: September 2021

Microplastics interact with molecules present in the environment. In this study, progesterone sorption on microplastics and its desorption were investigated, and it was found that desorption was promoted in gastrointestinal fluids.
A functionalization study of aerosol jet printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for glucose detection
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Forero Pico Andres Alejandro , Gupta Manisha
Published: September 2021

The choice of device material and functionalization site significantly affects the sensor performance.
Monodispersed sodium hyaluronate microcapsules for transdermal drug delivery systems
Authors: Hirama Hirotada , Ishikura Yuya , Kano Shinya , Hayase Masanori , Mekaru Harutaka
Published: September 2021

Here, we present an alternative to cross-linking for the preparation of monodispersed polymer microcapsules made from water-soluble and biocompatible sodium hyaluronate.
Crystal facet and surface defect engineered low dimensional CeO2(0D, 1D, 2D) based photocatalytic materials towards energy generation and pollution abatement
Authors: Sultana S. , Mansingh S. , Parida K. M.
Published: September 2021

Low dimensional CeO2based photocatalytic systems for energy and environmental application.
Advances in half-Heusler alloys for thermoelectric power generation
Authors: Quinn Robert J. , Bos Jan-Willem G.
Published: September 2021

A review of recent developments in half-Heusler thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery.
Using a reactive emulsifier to construct simple and convenient nanocapsules loaded with lambda-cyhalothrin to achieve efficient foliar delivery and insecticidal synergies
Authors: Luo Jian , Gao Yue , Liu Yukun , Du Jiang , Zhang Da-xia , Cao Haichao , Jing Tongfang , Li Bei-xing , Liu Feng
Published: September 2021

A simple and efficient insecticide polymer nanocapsule was developed based on a reactive emulsifier. High target contact efficiency contributed to the dosage reduction and synergism. Rain-washing and UV resistance provided a longer efficacy period.
High output achieved by sliding electrification of an electrospun nano-grating
Authors: Zhou Li-Na , Wu Jun-Peng , Song Wei-Zhi , Wang Xiao-Xiong , Wang Ning , Yu Miao , Fan Zhi-Yong , Ramakrishna Seeram , Long Yun-Ze
Published: September 2021

A TENG with a grid structure verified that pressure can change the effective contact area and it can be used as a self-powered code lock.
A crystallization driven thermoresponsive transition in a liquid crystalline polymer
Authors: Yu Yuewen , Shao Guangran , Zhang Wangqing
Published: September 2021

A new thermoresponsive transition in a liquid crystalline polymer is found and the reason leading to the thermoresponse is discussed.
The exposome paradigm to predict environmental health in terms of systemic homeostasis and resource balance based on NMR data science
Authors: Kikuchi Jun , Yamada Shunji
Published: September 2021

From the environmental samples, such as waters, soils, as well as microbiome and biome, NMR data science can evaluate the exposome, namely the totality of exposure to physical/chemical/biological factors from natural environment and human society
Fabrication of ZIF-71/Fe3O4/polythionine nanoarray-functionalized carbon cotton cloth for simultaneous extraction and quantitation of febuxostat and diclofenac
Authors: Sanaei Yasaman , Zeeb Mohsen , Homami Seyed Saied , Monzavi Amirhossein , Khodadadi Zahra
Published: September 2021

Synthesis of a material based on carbonized cotton cloth/zeolite imidazolate framework was applied to ultrasound-assisted dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet to detect diclofenac and febuxostat in human plasma.
Industrial kinetic resolution of d,l-pantolactone by an immobilized whole-cell biocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Hua , Yang Liu , Tang Yi-Bin , Huang Liu-Nv , Luo Wen-Fang
Published: September 2021

Immobilized whole-cells of Pichia pastoris harboring recombinant d-lactonase were entrapped in calcium alginate gels and used as an efficient biocatalyst for catalytic kinetic resolution of d,l-pantolactone.
A universal electrochemical lithiation–delithiation method to prepare low-crystalline metal oxides for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Zhuo-Dong , Chen De-Jian , Li Long , Wang Li-Na
Published: September 2021

The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides (TMOs) for hybrid supercapacitors has been optimized through various methods in previous reports.
Redox and catalase-like activities of four widely used carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CO-RMs)
Authors: Yuan Zhengnan , Yang Xiaoxiao , Wang Binghe
Published: September 2021

Four CO-releasing molecules are found to degrade H2O2 and free radicals either catalytically (CORM-2 and -3) or through direct reactions (CORM-401 and -A1) in solution under near-physiological conditions.
Oxygen harvesting from carbon dioxide: simultaneous epoxidation and CO formation
Authors: Xu Han , Shaban Muhammad , Wang Sui , Alkayal Anas , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G. , Plasser Felix , Buckley Benjamin R. , Iza Felipe
Published: September 2021

Selective formation of atomic oxygen to form epoxides in a waste free process is reported. Simultaneously generating carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide for further use.
Self-reconstruction mediates isolated Pt tailored nanoframes for highly efficient catalysis
Authors: Zuo Yunpeng , Rao Dewei , Zhang Ning , Li Tingting , Jing Tianyun , Kment Štěpán , Sofer Zdenek , Chai Yang
Published: September 2021

The mismatch between the surface free energy and the Gibbs free energy driving the structure reconstruction from the PtPdCu heterostructure to nanoframes during the heterogeneous catalysis.
A practical stable control scheme under end point equivalence modulation for DC power supply converters
Authors: Li Po , He Ying , Lin Xia , Guan Mingjie
Published: September 2021

A series of DC power supply converters can be described as linear affine systems with finite inputs and constrained switching frequency. In this study, a practical‐stability‐oriented general control framework with duty‐cycle‐like characteristics is deduced for such converters. First, a concept called End Point Equivalence Modulation (EPEM) is introduced to release constraints. Following this, a Control Lyapunov Function (CLF) is employed to design the switching law and the relationship between the boundary of the convergence zone and the switching frequency is derived. In addition, an optimized switching strategy is presented to halve the switching frequency without degrading the control performance, which is also helpful for reducing switching loss. Finally, a single‐phase inverter and buck converter are considered as case studies and analysis show that Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) and volt‐second balance guarantee their practical stability, respectively, which can be theoretically derived and proved under EPEM. All the proposed methods and controllers are validated both by simulations on MATLAB/Simulink and experiments in a rapid control prototype platform based on a FPGA module.
Rolle des EEG-Neuromonitorings beim Status epilepticus im Kindesalter
Authors: Brandl Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfasung

Das EEG-Neuromonitoring kann bei den verschiedenen klinischen Formen des Status epilepticus im Kindes- und Jugendalter einen erheblichen Beitrag zur diagnostischen Einschätzung und somit der Steuerung der Therapie leisten. Bei einem konvulsiven Status epilepticus ist sein Einsatz kein Bestandteil der Erstversorgung. Sobald die Indikation für eine Narkose (refraktärer Status epilepticus) gestellt wird, bekommt das EEG-Monitoring eine erhebliche Bedeutung sowohl bei der Steuerung der Narkosetiefe als auch bei der Erkennung subklinischer Durchbruchsanfälle. Daneben kann man damit nicht indizierte Maßnahmen bei langdauernden psychogenen Anfällen vermeiden. Beim nonkonvulsiven Status ist das EEG hingegen bereits bei der Diagnosestellung eine wesentliche Maßnahme, ist aber auch hier eine wertvolle Maßnahme zur Therapiekontrolle. Eine Sonderstellung nimmt das EEG-Monitoring in der Intensivmedizin ein, besonders bei encephalopathischen Krankheitsbildern. Subklinische, elektrographische Status als Komplikation sind bei komatösen Patienten anders kaum zu diagnostizieren. Es zeigte sich in mehreren Studien, dass sie einen ungünstigen Einfluss auf das neurologische Behandlungsergebnis haben.
An underwater discharge shockwave separation method based on minimum-phase cepstrum
Authors: Qiao Liang , Zhang Xiaobing , Yan Bing , Liu Yang , Han Zhen
Published: September 2021

Underwater discharge sound sources are widely utilized. The acoustic signals generated by underwater discharge consist of shock waves and bubble pulsations. The shock wave is a major component of underwater discharge sound sources and is worthy of further study. The minimum-phase cepstrum method is selected to separate the shock wave, and a customized experiment is designed to determine the optimal parameters of this method. The mixed shock wave bubble signal and single shock wave signal are simulated and fitted and are transmitted and received in the anechoic pool, respectively. Different parameters are used to process the signals, and the optimal parameters are selected by comparing the separation results. To verify the validity of the method, the shock waves generated with the same electrode and circuit parameters in the anechoic pool and non-anechoic pool are separated and compared. Experimental results show that this shock wave separation method exhibits significant performance. This method of shock wave separation is of service to the research of underwater discharge acoustic sources.
Sequential orgaqisation of social behaviour in captive adult and juvenile Macropus rufus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).
Authors: Wilhelm P. , Ganslosser U.
Published: September 2021

The behavioural repertoire of Macropus rufus in captivity is described in comparison with data from literature. Most behavioural elements observed do not differ from those of free-ranging populations. Some new elements of agonistic and sexual behaviour are described. The sequential organisation of adult social behaviour allows a distinction between the functional categories of agonistic, friendly and sexual behaviour as well as a series of transitional elements. In sexual behaviour, low-intensity sexual checking can be distinguished from high-intensity courting and mating behaviour. In agonistic contexts a distinction between elements of ritualised and unritualised fighting is possible on the basis of sequences, with fixed sequences of behaviour patterns in ritualised fighting. Young M. rufus show nearly all behaviour patterns of adults, though frequently out of context. Their behavioural repertoire is not organised into different functional categories. Playfighting as well as running-play are not restricted to the mother-young dyad.
Pitfall trapping of small mammals in temperate forests of southeastern Australia.
Authors: Bennett A.F. , Schulz M. , Lumsden L.F. , Robertson P. , Johnson P.G.
Published: September 2021

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Microhabitat separation and diel activity patterns of Planigale gilesi and P. tenuirostris (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae).
Authors: Read D.G.
Published: September 2021

Diel activity patterns and microhabitat use by the partially subterranean dasyurid marsupials
Planigale gilesi and P. tenuirostris were studied in captivity. In the laboratory, a chamber was
constructed that had a surface area and 'underground' cracks and cavities typical of the species'
natural microhabitat. Infra-red light beams monitored the daily activity of individuals over 3 consecutive days under simulated photoperiods and temperatures typical of summer and winter. The larger species, P. gilesi, is more active than P. tenuirostris and, under summer conditions, is nocturnal; in winter it becomes more diurnal. Planigale tenuirostris is primarily nocturnal under summer and winter conditions. Both P. gilesi and P. tenuirostris exhibited short-term activity cycles that respectively, were: in summer 1 h 40 min and 1 h 25 min, and in winter 3 h 21 min and 2 h 56 min. Frequencies of activity bouts showed diel variations in P. gilesi but were constant in P. tenuirostris. Frequencies of rests showed diel variations in both species. Changes in total activity and in the proportion of surface-related activity are closely interrelated between P. gilesi and P. tenuirostris and may operate to reduce possible competitive interactions.