bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated conservation for Parakmeria omeiensis (Magnoliaceae), a Critically Endangered plant species endemic to south-west China
Authors: Yu Daoping , Wen Xiangying , Li Cehong , Xiong Tieyi , Peng Qixin , Li Xiaojie , Xie Kongping , Liu Hong , Ren Hai
Published: June 2020

Parakmeria omeiensis is a Critically Endangered tree species in the family Magnoliaceae, endemic to south-west China. The tree is functionally dioecious, but little is known about the species’ status in the wild. We investigated the range, population size, age structure, habitat characteristics and threats to P. omeiensis. We located a total of 74 individuals in two populations on the steep slopes of Mount Emei, Sichuan province, growing under the canopy of evergreen broadleaved forest in well-drained gravel soil. A male-biased sex ratio, lack of effective pollinating insects, and habitat destruction result in low seed set and poor seedling survival in the wild. We have adopted an integrated conservation approach, including strengthening in situ conservation, cultivation of saplings, ex situ conservation and reintroduction, to protect this species. The successful conservation of P. omeiensis has important implications for the conservation of the genus Parakmeria and the family Magnoliaceae.
Roles of the Pumilio domain protein PUF3 inTrypanosoma bruceigrowth and differentiation
Authors: Marucha K. Kamanyi , Clayton C.
Published: June 2020

Trypanosomes strongly rely on post-transcriptional mechanisms to control gene expression. Several Opisthokont Pumilio domain proteins are known to suppress expression when bound to mRNAs. TheTrypanosoma bruceiPumilio domain protein PUF3 is a cytosolic mRNA-binding protein that suppresses expression when tethered to a reporter mRNA. RNA-binding studies showed that PUF3 preferentially binds to mRNAs with a classical Pumilio-domain recognition motif, UGUA[U/C]AUU. RNA-interference-mediated reduction of PUF3 in bloodstream forms caused a minor growth defect, but the transcriptome was not affected. Depletion ofPUF3also slightly delayed differentiation to the procyclic form. However, bothPUF3genes could be deleted in cultured bloodstream- and procyclic-form trypanosomes. Procyclic forms without PUF3 also grew somewhat slower than wild-type, but ectopic expression of C-terminally tagged PUF3 impaired their viability. PUF3 was not required for RBP10-induced differentiation of procyclic forms to bloodstream forms. Mass spectrometry revealed no PUF3 binding partners that might explain its suppressive activity. We conclude that PUF3 may have a role in fine-tuning gene expression. Since PUF3 is conserved in all Kinetoplastids, including those that do not infect vertebrates, we suggest that it might confer advantages within the invertebrate host.
PANOPLY AND IDENTITY DURING THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
Authors: Taylor Michael J.
Published: June 2020

This paper examines how the Romans in the early Republic adopted Celtic panoply, in the process abandoning Greek-style hoplite equipment. The first part details the Celtic aspects of the major pieces of Rome's new military equipment: La Tène sword, oval shield (scutum), javelin (pilum), mail armour and Montefortino helmet. The next section seeks possible military and cultural explanations for this transition, suggesting among other factors that the new kit may have been driven by increased recruitment from beyond the narrow hoplite class. The panoply eventually coalesced into a symbol of specifically Roman identity, especially as the Romans deployed distinctively equipped armies into Magna Graecia and the Hellenistic East.
Evaluation of modelling study shows limits of COVID-19 importing risk simulations in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Miyachi T. , Tanimoto T. , Kami M.
Published: June 2020

Mathematical modelling studies predicting the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been used worldwide, but precisions are limited. Thus, continuous evaluation of the modelling studies is crucial. We investigated situations of virus importation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to assess effectiveness of a modelling study by Haider N et al. titled ‘Passengers’ destinations from China: low risk of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) transmission into Africa and South America’. We obtained epidemiological data of 2417 COVID-19 cases reported by 40 countries in SSA within 30 days of the first case confirmed in Nigeria on 27 February. Out of 442 cases which had travel history available, only one (0.2%) had a travel history to China. These findings underline the result of the model. However, the fact that there were numbers of imported cases from other regions shows the limits of the model. The limits could be attributed to the characteristics of the COVID-19 which is infectious even when the patients do not express any symptoms. Therefore, there is a profound need for all modelling researchers to take asymptomatic cases into account when they establish modelling studies.
Concurrent verbal working memory load constrains cross-linguistic translation activation: A visual world eye-tracking study on Hindi–English bilinguals
Authors: Prasad Seema , Mishra Ramesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

Does a concurrent verbal working memory (WM) load constrain cross-linguistic activation? In a visual world study, participants listened to Hindi (L1) or English (L2) spoken words and viewed a display containing the phonological cohort of the translation equivalent (TE cohort) of the spoken word and 3 distractors. Experiment 1 was administered without a load. Participants then maintained two or four letters (Experiment 2) or two, six or eight letters (Experiment 3) in WM and were tested on backward sequence recognition after the visual world display. Greater looks towards TE cohorts were observed in both the language directions in Experiment 1. With a load, TE cohort activation was inhibited in the L2 – L1 direction and observed only in the early stages after word onset in the L1 – L2 direction suggesting a critical role of language direction. These results indicate that cross-linguistic activation as seen through eye movements depends on cognitive resources such as WM.
Trends in BMI among elderly Japanese population: findings from 1973 to 2016 Japan National Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Tarui Iori , Okada Emiko , Okada Chika , Saito Aki , Takimoto Hidemi
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To examine 44-year trends in height, weight and BMI, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity and underweight in the elderly Japanese population because Japan, the country with the longest life expectancy, has the highest ageing population.

Design:

Using the nationally representative cumulative data from the Japan National Health and Nutrition Survey 1973–2016, sex-specific and age-adjusted mean height, weight and BMI, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity and underweight were calculated for each year. Trend analyses were performed using the Joinpoint Regression Program. Next, changes in height, weight and BMI, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity and underweight were estimated for each age group (65–69, 70–79 and >80 years) according to the birth year groups.

Setting:

Japan.

Participants:

Individuals aged ≥65 years with complete data on height and body weight measurements (N 94 508).

Results:

Trends in average height and weight increased over the four decades in both men and women. The prevalence of overweight/obesity dramatically increased and nearly tripled in men, accompanied with significantly decreased underweight prevalence. Furthermore, the increasing trend in average BMI and overweight/obesity prevalence in women reached a peak in 2002 and showed a decreasing trend thereafter, while a downward trend in underweight prevalence showed a gradual increase in women since 2003.

Conclusions:

Trends in height, weight and BMI among the elderly population should continue to be closely monitored in parallel with the effects of dietary changes, energy intake and physical activity (step counts).
Household food insufficiency, health status and emergency healthcare utilisation among children with and without special healthcare needs
Authors: Sonik Rajan A , Coleman-Jensen Alisha , Parish Susan L
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To compare exposure to household food insufficiency and the relationship between household food insufficiency and both health status and emergency healthcare utilisation among children with and without special healthcare needs (SHCN).

Design:

Analysing pooled data from the 2016–2017 iterations of the National Survey of Children’s Health, we conducted multivariate logistic regressions on household food insufficiency, health status and emergency healthcare utilisation. We assessed interactions between household food insufficiency and children’s SHCN status in our models of health status and utilisation.

Setting:

United States.

Participants:

Parents of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalised children (aged 0–17 years).

Results:

Children with SHCN were more likely to experience household food insufficiency (70 v. 56 %), non-excellent health status (67 v. 28 %) and emergency healthcare utilisation (32 v. 18 %) than other children. Household food insufficiency was associated with 37 % (children with SHCN) and 19 % (children without SHCN) reductions in the likelihood of having excellent health. Household food insufficiency was associated with a roughly equal (16–19 %) increase in the likelihood of emergency department utilisation across groups.

Conclusions:

Compared with other children, children with SHCN have an elevated risk of exposure to household food insufficiency and experiencing greater reductions in health status when exposed.
Improvement in IAPT outcomes over time: are they driven by changes in clinical practice?
Authors: Saunders Rob , Cape John , Leibowitz Judy , Aguirre Elisa , Jena Renuka , Cirkovic Mirko , Wheatley Jon , Main Nicole , Pilling Stephen , Buckman Joshua E.J.
Published: June 2020

Treatment outcomes across Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in England have improved year-on-year, with the national average proportion of patients in recovery at the end of treatment now exceeding the 50% target. This is despite the number of referrals and numbers of treated patients also increasing year-on-year, suggesting that services have evolved local practices and treatment delivery to meet needs whilst improving performance. This study explores whether there have been changes in clinical practice with regard to: (1) the number of sessions and length of treatments; (2) the number of cancellations and non-attendance; and (3) the recording of problem descriptor information, and the association with treatment outcomes in IAPT. Routinely collected data from seven IAPT services involved in the North and Central East London (NCEL) IAPT Service Improvement and Research Network (SIRN) were brought together to form a dataset of nearly 88,000 patients who completed a course of IAPT treatment. Results showed that there was a slight increase in the average number of sessions, and decreases in the length of time in treatment, as well as decreases in both the number of non-attended appointments and the use of inappropriate problem descriptors. These findings highlight a number of areas where potentially small changes to clinical practice may have had positive effects on patient outcomes. The value of using IAPT data to inform service improvement evaluations is discussed.

Key learning aims

(1)

How changes to treatment-delivery factors are associated with IAPT patient outcomes.

(2)

The link between clinical practice and potential service performance.

(3)

How analysing routinely collected data can be used to inform service improvement.
Caregiver-reported physical health status of children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Reid N. , Hayes N. , Young S. B. , Akison L. K. , Moritz K. M.
Published: June 2020

While fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has primarily been thought of as a neurodevelopmental condition, research is beginning to highlight its ‘whole-body’ implications. Accordingly, the current study sought to provide a snapshot of potential health issues. Caregivers of children (median age of 12 years) with an FASD diagnosis were invited to participate in an online survey. Information relating to sample demographics, FASD status of the child and health outcomes were collected. The prevalence of health conditions reported in the FASD sample was compared against national prevalence data. Multiple linear regression utilising a stepwise approach was used to investigate potential predictors of the number of diagnosed health conditions. Survey data were from an international cohort (n= 197), with the majority of respondents based in Australia (40.2%) or the United States (27.7%). The most commonly reported diagnosed health conditions were eye conditions (44.7%), asthma (34.5%), heart conditions (34.0%) and skin conditions (27.4%). Binomial testing indicated the proportion of children diagnosed with these disorders was generally higher in the current FASD population, compared to national prevalence data. Indicators of metabolic dysfunction including diabetes and obesity were not significantly different compared to national prevalence data. Age of FASD diagnosis, existence of comorbid mental health conditions and the primary caregiver being in paid work were identified as being associated with the prevalence of diagnosed health conditions. Overall, the study has provided an up-to-date snapshot of health problems reported in a sample of children with FASD, confirming their increased risk of adverse health outcomes.
Paving the Way for Rights of Nature in Germany: Lessons Learnt from Legal Reform in New Zealand and Ecuador
Authors: Schimmöller Laura
Published: June 2020

This article examines the concept of granting legal rights to nature as a strategy for more effective environmental protection in the era of the Anthropocene. Following decades of debate over the possibility and consequences of natural objects becoming legal rights holders, a number of countries have recently implemented rights of nature laws in their national legal systems. Comparing two of these examples – a constitutional amendment in Ecuador and recently transposed legislation in New Zealand – will help in understanding the potential for and challenges in the implementation of this concept. On the basis of the findings of this comparison the article further analyzes the possibility of legal reform in a European country, using Germany by way of example. This analysis demonstrates that the realization of rights of nature in Europe is faced with many obstacles as it contests institutional and legal frameworks that are deeply rooted in Western individual rights doctrines and neoliberal economic models. Nevertheless, the holistic approach of expanding the number of rights-bearing subjects beyond an anthropocentric framework can allow for more serious consideration of environmental interests, something that aligns with the German narrative of recognizing nature's intrinsic value in law and the need for effective environmental protection measures.
Naringin reduces body weight, plasma lipids and increases adiponectin levels in patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Barajas-Vega Jessica Lucia , Raffoul-Orozco Abdel Kerim , Hernandez-Molina Diego , Ávila-González Ana Elisa , García-Cobian Teresa Arcelia , Rubio-Arellano Edy David , Ramirez-Lizardo Ernesto Javier
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Naringin is a citrus-flavonoid which has been shown to have positive metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, we believe it would be interesting to study the effects of Naringin administration on body weight, BMI, lipid profile and adiponectin levels in patients with dyslipidemia, especially considering that dyslipidemias along with obesity and subsequent cardiometabolic complications are some of the most important public health issues plaguing our society today. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in a group of 28 adult patients previously diagnosed with dyslipidemia who attended the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics. Patients were divided into two groups; the first group (n = 14) received 450 mg of naringin every 24 hours, in the mornings, while the second group (n = 14) was given a homologated placebo over the course of a 90-day period. Significant differences were observed in naringin group compared to the placebo group in terms of decreased BMI (30.6 ± 3.19 vs 33.3 ± 3.23 kg/m2; p = 0.03), total cholesterol (182 ± 20.2 vs 245 ± 24.1 mg/dl; p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (100 ± 17.5 vs 125 ± 38.3 mg/dl; p = 0.03) and an increase in adiponectin levels (0.82 ± 0.25 vs 0.59 ± 0.19 μg/ml; p = 0.01). Our results support the use of Naringin as a potential therapeutic agent which could play an important role in the management of metabolic disorders.
An Adjusted Two‐Leaf Light Use Efficiency Model for Improving GPP Simulations Over Mountainous Areas
Authors: Xie Xinyao , Li Ainong
Published: June 2020

Recently, light use efficiency (LUE) models have been widely used for calculating gross primary productivity (GPP). Unfortunately, these models are only suitable for flat areas without considering the topographic effects on plant photosynthesis. In this study, considering the topographic controls on direct radiation, diffuse radiation, and sunlit canopy area, an adjusted model called mountainous two‐leaf (MTL)‐LUE is developed from the original two‐leaf LUE model (TL‐LUE) to improve the GPP simulations in mountainous areas. The MTL‐LUE model was validated at an eddy covariance (EC) site with apparent topography in the carbon footprint area. Results showed that the daily GPP simulations from MTL‐LUE (root mean square error = 1.29 gC m−2 d−1) matched better with EC GPP than those from the TL‐LUE model (root mean square error = 1.84 gC m−2 d−1), confirming the improvement of the MTL‐LUE model in mountainous areas. Moreover, results also indicated that the MTL‐LUE‐simulated GPP showed obvious spatial variations in the study area, suggesting that the MTL‐LUE model could characterize the effects of topography on plant photosynthesis. More specifically, canopy GPP was found to decrease when slope increased in shaded terrains and has no obvious variations in different slope ranges when exposed to the sun. Furthermore, results also indicated that a moderate increase in canopy GPP would be expected when the sky clearness decreased, which depended on the gap between the GPP increase of shaded leaves and the GPP decrease of sunlit leaves. This study highlights the potential of the MTL‐LUE model in improving GPP simulations in mountainous areas.
Influence of Lead width on the Turbulent Flow Over Sea Ice Leads: Modeling and Parametrization
Authors: Michaelis Janosch , Lüpkes Christof , Zhou Xu , Gryschka Micha , Gryanik Vladimir M.
Published: June 2020

A new turbulence parametrization is developed for a non‐eddy‐resolving microscale model to study the effects of leads (elongated open‐water channels in sea ice) of different width on the polar atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Lead‐dominated sea ice regions are characterized by large horizontal inhomogeneities of the surface temperature causing strong convection. Therefore, the new parametrization is based on a previous formulation where inhomogeneous conditions of dry convection over leads and nonlocal effects on heat fluxes had already been taken into account for a fixed lead width. A nonlocal lead width dependent approach is applied now for both heat fluxes and momentum fluxes in the convective region. Microscale model results obtained with the new, the previous nonlocal, and a local parametrization are shown, where 10 idealized cases of a lead‐perpendicular, near‐neutral ABL‐flow below a strong capping inversion are considered. Furthermore, time‐averaged large eddy simulation (LES) results of those cases are considered for analyzing the integrated effects of the dry convection on ABL characteristics. Microscale model results obtained with the new nonlocal parametrization agree well with the LES for variable lead widths and different atmospheric forcing although there is a room for further improvement. Furthermore, several features obtained with a local closure clearly disagree with LES. Thus, the microscale study also points to difficulties that might occur in mesoscale studies over regions where leads dominate the flow regime when local closures are applied.
Toward Improved Accuracy of Remote Sensing Approaches for Quantifying Suspended Sediment: Implications for Suspended‐Sediment Monitoring
Authors: Dethier E. N. , Renshaw C. E. , Magilligan F. J.
Published: June 2020

Because of the high logistical and financial costs of direct measurements of riverine suspended sediment, remote sensing is increasingly used to supplement the direct‐observation record. The accuracy of this method is poorly constrained, and its potential as a tool for understanding river sediment transport is thus limited. We introduce and apply global‐scale methods for estimating depth‐integrated suspended‐sediment concentrations (SSCs) using Landsat 5 and 7 satellite imagery calibrated with 134,697 in situ SSC measurements. We account for river‐to‐river variability in the relationship between water optical properties and SSC by (a) categorizing rivers using unsupervised K‐means clustering and/or (b) correcting calibration estimates for individual rivers using local in situ measurements of SSC, suspended‐sediment grain size, and percent organic carbon (POC). In the absence of site‐specific in situ SSC measurements, clustering rivers reduces the average relative error of SSC estimates from 97% to 73%. We show that as few as five site‐specific in situ measurements combined with our algorithm further reduces average relative error to 49% and average relative at‐a‐station bias in SSC to 7%. Little additional improvement in accuracy or bias is gained by including measurements of percent sand or POC of the suspended sediment. Since only modest additional accuracy is gained after ~5–10 paired in situ SSC measurements and satellite observations, sampling campaigns should prioritize limited sampling at diverse locations rather than intensive sampling at a limited number of sites. In addition, we publish standalone calibrations for 151 rivers made solely with in situ SSC measurements local to those sites.
Sediment Transport and Morphodynamics Induced by a Translating Monopolar Vortex
Authors: González‐Vera Alfredo Samuel , van Heijst GertJan , Duran‐Matute Matias
Published: June 2020

We performed laboratory experiments to describe and quantify the transport of sediment and the changes in the bed due to a generic translating monopolar vortex. Experiments were performed inside a water‐filled, square tank with a particle bed on the bottom and a vertical plate attached perpendicular to one of the sidewalls. The tank was placed on top of a rotating table to create the vortex by changing its rotation rate. This change created a current inside the tank that separated at the edge of the vertical plate, with the shear layer rolling up into a vortex. Once the vortex was formed, the table was promptly stopped. Sediment particles are brought into suspension and captured by the vortex, forming a conical region that moves with the vortex until the sediment resettles in the bed, changing the original bed morphology. Three different measurement techniques were used to obtain information about the flow velocities, the sediment in suspension, and the net changes in the bed. Changes in the bed morphology occur along the trajectory of the vortex, where a region of erosion is followed by a region of deposition. The strength of a vortex is the main parameter governing the capture and suspension of particles with similar characteristics. A power law relationship is found between the vortex strength and the net displaced particle volume. Experiments were also performed without sediment to determine if the presence of sediment could affect the vortex dynamics. However, a definitive answer requires more experiments to obtain reliable statistics.
Sediment Transit Time and Floodplain Storage Dynamics in Alluvial Rivers Revealed by Meteoric10Be
Authors: Repasch Marisa , Wittmann Hella , Scheingross Joel S. , Sachse Dirk , Szupiany Ricardo , Orfeo Oscar , Fuchs Margret , Hovius Niels
Published: June 2020

Quantifying the time scales of sediment transport and storage through river systems is fundamental for understanding weathering processes, biogeochemical cycling, and improving watershed management, but measuring sediment transit time is challenging. Here we provide the first systematic test of measuring cosmogenic meteoric Beryllium‐10 (10Bem) in the sediment load of a large alluvial river to quantify sediment transit times. We take advantage of a natural experiment in the Rio Bermejo, a lowland alluvial river traversing the east Andean foreland basin in northern Argentina. This river has no tributaries along its trunk channel for nearly 1,300 km downstream from the mountain front. We sampled suspended sediment depth profiles along the channel and measured the concentrations of10Bemin the chemically extracted grain coatings. We calculated depth‐integrated10Bemconcentrations using sediment flux data and found that10Bemconcentrations increase 230% from upstream to downstream, indicating a mean total sediment transit time of 8.4 ± 2.2 kyr. Bulk sediment budget‐based estimates of channel belt and fan storage times suggest that the10Bemtracer records mixing of old and young sediment reservoirs. On a reach scale,10Bemtransit times are shorter where the channel is braided and superelevated above the floodplain, and longer where the channel is incised and meandering, suggesting that transit time is controlled by channel morphodynamics. This is the first systematic application of10Bemas a sediment transit time tracer and highlights the method's potential for inferring sediment routing and storage dynamics in large river systems.
Revised Estimates of Recent Mass Loss Rates for Penny Ice Cap, Baffin Island, Based on 2005–2014 Elevation Changes Modified for Firn Densification
Authors: Schaffer N. , Copland L. , Zdanowicz C. , Burgess D. , Nilsson J.
Published: June 2020

Repeat airborne or satellite measurements of surface elevation over ice caps are often used to calculate glacier‐wide surface mass changes over time. However, these measurements typically do not account for vertical ice motion caused by firn densification and/or ice flow, so the effect of these factors for mass change measurements over an entire ice cap are currently poorly constrained. In this study, we update NASA Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM) altimetry elevation changes across Penny Ice Cap (Baffin Island, Canada) to assess total changes in ice mass from 2005–2014, relative to 1995–2000. Dual‐frequency GPS measurements and temporal changes in ice core density profiles are used to calculate firn densification and ice flow to isolate the component of elevation change due to surface mass change. Envisat satellite imagery is used to delineate the areas impacted by firn densification. These calculations, the first for a Canadian Arctic ice cap, indicate that accounting for firn densification may reduce the inferred surface mass loss by ~13–15%. Overall, there has been a fourfold increase in mass loss from Penny Ice Cap between 1995–2000 (−1.3 ± 0.7 Gt a−1) and 2005–2013 (−5.4 ± 1.9 Gt a−1). The rapid upglacier migration of the equilibrium line has left large areas of subsurface firn in the current ablation area and has far outpaced the ice flow response, illustrating that the ice cap is not in equilibrium and out of balance with the current climate.
d-Serine as the gatekeeper of NMDA receptor activity: implications for the pharmacologic management of anxiety disorders
Authors: Wolosker Herman , Balu Darrick T.
Published: June 2020

Fear, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are quite common and debilitating, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of ~28% in Western populations. They are associated with excessive fear reactions, often including an inability to extinguish learned fear, increased avoidance behavior, as well as altered cognition and mood. There is an extensive literature demonstrating the importance of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function in regulating these behaviors. NMDARs require the binding of a co-agonist, d-serine or glycine, at the glycine modulatory site (GMS) to function. d-serine is now garnering attention as the primary NMDAR co-agonist in limbic brain regions implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. l-serine is synthesized by astrocytes, which is then transported to neurons for conversion to d-serine by serine racemase (SR), a model we term the ‘serine shuttle.’ The neuronally-released d-serine is what regulates NMDAR activity. Our review discusses how the systems that regulate the synaptic availability of d-serine, a critical gatekeeper of NMDAR-dependent activation, could be targeted to improve the pharmacologic management of anxiety-related disorders where the desired outcomes are the facilitation of fear extinction, as well as mood and cognitive enhancement.
Fossilized solidification fronts in the Bushveld Complex argue for liquid-dominated magmatic systems
Authors: Kruger Willem , Latypov Rais
Published: June 2020

Chemical differentiation of magma on Earth occurs through physical separation of liquids and crystals. The mechanisms of this separation still remain elusive due to the lack of information on solidification fronts in plutonic magmatic systems. Here, we present records of fossilized solidification fronts from massive magnetitites of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, obtained by two-dimensional geochemical mapping on field outcrops. The chemical zoning patterns of solidification fronts indicate that nucleation and crystallization occur directly at the chamber floor and result in near-perfect fractionation due to convective removal of a compositional boundary layer from in situ growing crystals. Our data precludes the existence of thick crystal mushes during the formation of massive magnetitites, thus providing no support for the recent paradigm that envisages only crystal-rich and liquid-poor mushy reservoirs in the Earth’s crust.
A personalised approach for identifying disease-relevant pathways in heterogeneous diseases
Authors: Somani Juhi , Ramchandran Siddharth , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: June 2020

Numerous time-course gene expression datasets have been generated for studying the biological dynamics that drive disease progression; and nearly as many methods have been proposed to analyse them. However, barely any method exists that can appropriately model time-course data while accounting for heterogeneity that entails many complex diseases. Most methods manage to fulfil either one of those qualities, but not both. The lack of appropriate methods hinders our capability of understanding the disease process and pursuing preventive treatments. We present a method that models time-course data in a personalised manner using Gaussian processes in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs); and combines the DEG lists on a pathway-level using a permutation-based empirical hypothesis testing in order to overcome gene-level variability and inconsistencies prevalent to datasets from heterogenous diseases. Our method can be applied to study the time-course dynamics, as well as specific time-windows of heterogeneous diseases. We apply our personalised approach on three longitudinal type 1 diabetes (T1D) datasets, where the first two are used to determine perturbations taking place during early prognosis of the disease, as well as in time-windows before autoantibody positivity and T1D diagnosis; and the third is used to assess the generalisability of our method. By comparing to non-personalised methods, we demonstrate that our approach is biologically motivated and can reveal more insights into progression of heterogeneous diseases. With its robust capabilities of identifying disease-relevant pathways, our approach could be useful for predicting events in the progression of heterogeneous diseases and even for biomarker identification.
Influence of gut microbiota on mucosal IgA antibody response to the polio vaccine
Authors: Zhao Ting , Li Jing , Fu Yuting , Ye Hui , Liu Xiaochang , Li Guoliang , Yang Xiaolei , Yang Jingsi
Published: June 2020

The impact of intestinal microbiota on mucosal antibody response to the polio vaccine is poorly understood. We examined changes in vaccine-induced intestinal mucosal immunity to poliovirus by measuring the immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody levels in stool samples collected from 107 infants in China, and the samples were collected 14 days after different sequential vaccinations combining inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). Gut microbiota were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing 28 days before, 14 days before, and at the last dose of OPV. Vaccine-induced type 2-specific mucosal IgA showed a decrease after switching from trivalent to bivalent OPV (bOPV) (positive rate of polio type 2-specific mucosal IgA, 16.7%, 11.8%, and 45.9% for IPV + 2bOPV, 2IPV + bOPV, and 2IPV + trivalent OPV groups, respectively). The composition of the gut microbiome was significantly different, a higher abundance ofFirmicutesand a lower abundance ofActinobacteriawere observed in IgA-negative infant (n = 66) compared with IgA-positive infants (n = 39), and the gut microbiota were more diverse in IgA-negative infants on the day of OPV inoculation. The abundance ofClostridiawas concomitant with a significantly lower conversion rate of mucosal IgA responses to the polio vaccine. The composition of the gut microbiome may affect the intestinal mucosal IgA response to the polio vaccine.
Cardio-renal protective effect of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat in the 5/6 nephrectomy model with hyperuricemia
Authors: Omizo Hiroki , Tamura Yoshifuru , Morimoto Chikayuki , Ueno Masaki , Hayama Yuto , Kuribayashi-Okuma Emiko , Uchida Shunya , Shibata Shigeru
Published: June 2020

Although hyperuricemia has been shown to be associated with the progression of cardiovascular disorder and chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is conflicting evidence as to whether xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors confer organ protection besides lowering serum urate levels. In this study, we addressed the cardio-renal effects of XO inhibition in rodent CKD model with hyperuricemia. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy and received a uricase inhibitor oxonic acid for 8 weeks (RK + HUA rats). In some rats, a XO inhibitor febuxostat was administered orally. Compared with control group, RK + HUA group showed a significant increase in albuminuria and renal injury. Febuxostat reduced serum uric acid as well as urinary albumin levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the kidney revealed that febuxostat alleviated glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and arteriolar injury in RK + HUA rats. Moreover, in the heart, RK + HUA showed individual myofiber hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis, which was significantly attenuated by febuxostat. We found that renal injury and the indices of cardiac changes were well correlated, confirming the cardio-renal interaction in this model. Finally, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein levels were increased both in the heart and in the kidney in RK + HUA rats, and these changes were alleviated by febuxostat, suggesting that tissue oxidative stress burden was attenuated by the treatment. These data demonstrate that febuxostat protects against cardiac and renal injury in RK + HUA rats, and underscore the pathological importance of XO in the cardio-renal interaction.
Early visualization of skin burn severity using a topically applied dye-loaded liquid bandage
Authors: Nguyen John Quan , Marks Haley L. , Everett Tyler , Haire Timothy , Carlsson Anders , Chan Rodney , Evans Conor L.
Published: June 2020

Skin burns are a significant source of injury in both military and civilian sectors. They are especially problematic in low resource environments where non-fatal injuries can lead to high morbidity rates, prolonged hospitalization, and disability. These multifaceted wounds can be highly complex and must be quickly diagnosed and treated to achieve optimal outcomes. When the appropriate resources are available, the current gold standard for assessing skin burns is through tissue punch biopsies followed by histological analysis. Apart from being invasive, costly, and time-consuming, this method can suffer from heterogeneous sampling errors when interrogating large burn areas. Here we present a practical method for the early visualization of skin burn severity using a topically applied fluorescein-loaded liquid bandage and an unmodified commercial digital camera. Quantitative linear mixed effects models of color images from a four day porcine burn study demonstrate that colorimetric changes within the HSB colorspace can be used to estimate burn depth severity immediately after burning. The finding was verified using fluorescence imaging, tissue cross-sectioning, and histopathology. This low-cost, rapid, and non-invasive color analysis approach demonstrates the potential of dye-loaded liquid bandages as a method for skin burn assessment in settings such as emergency medicine triage and low resource environments.
A novel study on the inhibitory effect of marine macroalgal extracts on hyphal growth and biofilm formation of candidemia isolates
Authors: El Zawawy Nessma A. , El-Shenody Rania A. , Ali Sameh S. , El-Shetehy Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Biofilm formation and hyphal growth are considered to be the most serious virulence factors of Candida species in blood causing candidemia infections, which are difficult to treat due to the spread of resistant Candida isolates to most antifungal drugs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of different types and concentrations of selected macroalgal extracts from Cladostephus spongiosus (Phaeophyta), Laurencia papillosa (Rhodophyta), and Codium arabicum (Chlorophyta) in inhibiting those virulence factors of the isolated Candida. Acetone extract of C. spongiosus (AECS) showed a stronger anticandidal activity against the selected strains than ethanol extract. Candida krusei was the highest biofilm producer among the selected isolates. AECS showed an inhibition of C. krusei biofilm formation as well as a reduction in the viability of preformed biofilms. Also, AECS reduced various sugars in the candidal exo-polysaccaride layer (EPS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopic images revealed an absence of hyphae and an alteration in the morphology of biofilm cells when treated with AECS. Moreover, AECS downregulated the expression of hyphal specific genes, hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1), Agglutinin-like protein 1 (ALS1) and fourth secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP4), which confirmed the inhibitory effect of AECS on hyphal growth and biofilm formation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analysis of AECS showed three major compounds, which were non-existent in the ethanol extract, and might be responsible for the anticandidal activity; these revealed compounds were 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, n-hexadecenoic acid, and phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl). These active compounds of AECS may be promising for future pharmaceutical applications in the treatment of candidemia.
First data on the organization of the nervous system in juveniles of Novocrania anomala (Brachiopoda, Craniiformea)
Authors: Temereva Elena N.
Published: June 2020

The organization and development of the nervous system are traditionally used for phylogenetic analysis and may be useful for clarification of evolution and phylogeny of some poor studied groups. One of these groups is brachiopods: most data on their nervous system organization were obtained in 19th century. In this research, antibody staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to study the nervous system of early ontogenetic stages of the brachiopod Novocrania anomala. Although N. anomala adults are thought to lack a supraenteric ganglion, a large supraenteric ganglion exists in N. anomala juveniles with either a trocholophe or a schizolophe. During ontogenesis, the supraenteric ganglion in the juvenile changes its shape: the commissure between the two lobes of the ganglion extends. This commissure possibly gives rise to the main brachial nerve in adults. The supraenteric ganglion gives rise to the cross (transversal) nerves that extend to the accessory brachial nerve, which gives rise to the tentacular nerves. In juveniles with a trocholophe, the accessory brachial nerve gives rise to the frontal and intertentacular nerves of tentacles that form a single row. When the trocholophe transforms into the schizolophe, the second row of tentacles appears and the innervation of the tentacles changes. The intertentacular nerves disappear and the second accessory nerve forms and gives rise to the laterofrontal tentacular nerves of the inner and outer tentacles and to the abfrontal nerves of the inner tentacles. The so-called subenteric ganglion, which was described as a ganglion in N. anomala adults, is represented by a large circumvisceral nerve in N. anomala juveniles.The results suggest that ‘phoronid-like’ non-specialized tentacles may be regarded as the ancestral type of tentacles for brachiopods and probably for all lophophorates. The presence of intertentacular nerves is the ancestral feature of all lophophorates. The transformation of the juvenile supraenteric ganglion into the main brachial nerve of N. anomala adults suggests that research is needed on the development and organization of the supraenteric ganglion and the main brachial nerve in other brachiopods, whose adults have a prominent supraenteric ganglion.
Characteristics of land-atmosphere interaction parameters in hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Meng Xianyong , Mamtimin Ali , He Qing
Published: June 2020

The importance of the energy exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere can be characterized by bulk transfer coefficients for momentum, Cd, and heat, Ch. The diurnal and monthly variations of both bulk transfer coefficients and lengths of surface roughness are analyzed. Based on observed data from January to December 2009 in hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert, the characteristics of aerodynamic roughness length, z0m, and thermal roughness length, z0h, are discussed. It should be noted that the diurnal and monthly variations of the parameters are fundamentally different from those reported in vegetated areas. Specifically, four unique features can be identified in the surface layer. First, in Taklimakan Desert, z0m does not vary with seasons; however, it significantly depends on wind speed. Second, z0h is higher in the daytime and lower at night, showing obvious diurnal characteristics. The high values appear at sunrise and sunset. Third, both Cd and Ch have two peaks, one peak at sunrise, and another one at noon. Fourth, both Cd and Ch have larger values in winter season and smaller values in summer season.
Claudin expression profile in flat wart and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Authors: da Cruz Silva Lana Luiza , de Oliveira Walmar Roncalli Pereira , Pereira Naiura Vieira , Halpern Ilana , Tanabe Claudia Kwei-Fong Dai , Mattos Mayra Servilha Grion , Sotto Mirian N.
Published: June 2020

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a genodermatosis related to human beta-papillomavirus (beta-HPV), with a high risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Claudins are transmembrane proteins expressed in epithelia and may be altered during carcinogenesis. For a better understanding of the role of beta-HPV in cutaneous carcinogenesis, this claudin expression study was conducted on lesions of patients with and without EV. In this study, claudins-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7 and -11 expressions were analyzed by applying the immunohistochemistry technique, in samples of 108 normal skin, 39 flat warts and 174 cSCC. The cSCC samples were organized in tissue microarrays. We found that claudin-1 and claudin-3 focal expressions were associated with cSCC (p < 0.001), and claudin-2 focal or negative expression with flat wart (p < 0.001), in EV and NEV (non-EV) groups. For claudin-5, EV group showed a lower chance of focal and negative expression (p < 0.001), and its negative expression was associated with flat wart (p < 0.001) and lower mean age (p < 0.001). Claudins-4, -7 and -11 showed a diffuse expression in almost all studied samples. Our findings suggest that claudin-5 increased expression observed on normal skin, flat wart and cSCC showed association with EV. Claudin-1 and -3 down expression were also observed, but they could not be related to beta-HPV infection.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Authors: Chaabane Sonia , Chaabna Karima , Abraham Amit , Mamtani Ravinder , Cheema Sohaila
Published: June 2020

To support the global strategy to reduce risk factors for obesity, we synthesized the evidence on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our systematic overview included seven systematic reviews reporting 229 primary studies. The meta-analysis included 125 prevalence measures from 20 MENA countries. After 2000, 50.8% of adults (ranging from 13.2% in Sudan to 94.9% in Jordan) and 25.6% of youth (ranging from 8.3% in Egypt to 51.0% in Lebanon) were sufficiently active. Limited data on PA behaviours is available for MENA countries, with the exception of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meta-regression identified gender and geographical coverage among youth, and the PA measurement as predictors of PA prevalence for both adults and youth. Our analysis suggests a significant PA prevalence increase among adults over the last two decades. The inconsistency in sedentary behaviour measurement is related to the absence of standardized guidelines for its quantification and interpretation. The global epidemic of insufficient PA is prevalent in MENA. Lower PA participation among youth and specifically females should be addressed by focused lifestyle interventions. The recognition of sedentary behaviour as a public health issue in the region remains unclear. Additional data on PA behaviours is needed from low- and middle-income countries in the region.
Density Scaling Based Detection of Thermodynamic Regions of Complex Intermolecular Interactions Characterizing Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Pawlus Sebastian , Grzybowski Andrzej , Kołodziej Sławomir , Wikarek Michał , Dzida Marzena , Góralski Paweł , Bair Scott , Paluch Marian
Published: June 2020

In this paper, applying the density scaling idea to an associated liquid 4-methyl-2-pentanol used as an example, we identify different pressure-volume-temperature ranges within which molecular dynamics is dominated by either complex H-bonded networks most probably leading to supramolecular structures or non-specific intermolecular interactions like van der Waals forces. In this way, we show that the density scaling law for molecular dynamics near the glass transition provides a sensitive tool to detect thermodynamic regions characterized by intermolecular interactions of different type and complexity for a given material in the wide pressure-volume-temperature domain even if its typical form with constant scaling exponent is not obeyed. Moreover, we quantify the observed decoupling between dielectric and mechanical relaxations of the material in the density scaling regime. The suggested methods of analyses and their interpretations open new prospects for formulating models based on proper effective intermolecular potentials describing physicochemical phenomena near the glass transition.