bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attentional problems occur across multiple psychiatric disorders and are not specific for ADHD
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Attentional problems are common and have been associated with multiple psychiatric disorders. This study examined problems of sustained attention across a range of psychiatric disorders using a validated computerized trans-diagnostic attentional paradigm (a continuous performance task). We hypothesized that multiple psychiatric disorders, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), would be associated with pronounced attentional problems.

Methods

Totally, 576 non-treatment seeking participants (aged 18–29 years) were enrolled from general community settings, provided demographic variables, and underwent clinical assessments to detect mental health disorders. Each participant underwent the rapid visual information processing task, a validated computerized test measuring sustained attention. The two measures of sustained attention were the sensitivity index and target detection (proportion of targets detected). The profile of attentional deficits was examined across different disorders using z-scores relative to controls.

Results

Participants with social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and intermittent explosive disorder showed the greater impairment in target sensitivity, all with effect sizes of at least 0.8. Target detection was impaired across multiple disorders, with OCD and binge eating disorder exhibiting the most pronounced impairment. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and compulsive sexual behavior were associated with particularly spared performance on both measures.

Discussion

These data indicate that impaired attention is non-specific for ADHD and in fact several other disorders are associated with markedly larger deficits. Instead of clinicians assuming sustained attention problems are due to ADHD, a variety of disorders should be screened for when people report attentional problems. Future work should examine the contribution of comorbidities and psychoactive substances (prescribed or illicit) to the profiles identified.
Age-Related Changes in Calcitonin-Producing Thyroid C-Cells of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Filipović Branko , Ajdžanović Vladimir , Živanović Jasmina , Trifunović Svetlana , Ristić Nataša , Milošević Verica , Šošić-Jurjević Branka
Published: May 2022

Thyroid C-cells secrete the hormone calcitonin (CT) which acts as an inhibitor of bone resorption. Our aim was to examine the age-related changes in the structure and function of CT-producing C-cells, using histomorphometric, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses. We used young adult (3-months-old), middle-aged (16-months-old), and old (24-months-old) male rats. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of CT. Stereological analysis was performed using the newCAST stereological software package. Serum samples were analyzed for the determination of CT, testosterone (T), calcium (Ca2+), and phosphorus (P). We found a significant increase in the volume density (Vv) of C-cells in both older groups (p < 0.05). The percentage of smaller volume range C-cells increased (p < 0.0001), while the proportion of greater volume range C-cells decreased (p < 0.05) with ageing. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a larger number of secretory granules in older rats. Serum CT increased (p < 0.001), while serum T and P were reduced (p < 0.01) in older rats. Serum Ca2+ was lower (p < 0.0001) in middle-aged rats compared to young adults. We revealed a 20% incidence of C-cell hyperplasia in older rats and one case of medullary thyroid carcinoma in an old rat. Our findings indicate that the ageing process causes significant histomorphometric changes at the thyroid C-cell level.
Lithium Enhances Autophagy and Cell Death in Skin Melanoma: An Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Taskaeva Iuliia , Gogaeva Izabella , Shatruk Anastasia , Bgatova Nataliya
Published: May 2022

Lithium is an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, which is traditionally used in the treatment of bipolar disorders and has antitumor effects. The aim of the current study was to determine if lithium salt causes autophagy and apoptosis in skin melanoma cells to enhance cell death. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to study the mechanism of action of lithium carbonate in B16 melanoma cells in vivo. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunofluorescence assay revealed that the proliferation of B16 melanoma cells was suppressed by lithium treatment for 7 days. Electron microscopy demonstrated a significant increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles in lithium-treated cells relative to control. In addition, levels of autophagy markers LC3 beta and LAMP1 found in lithium-treated tumor xenografts were higher than levels of these markers in the control tumors. Lithium induced caspase-3 expression and apoptotic cell death in tumor cells. Thus, lithium carbonate is the compound that inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates cell death in melanoma cells through induction of autophagy and apoptosis. Stimulation of autophagy by lithium could contribute to the development of autophagic cell death in tumor cells.
Peer review quality assurance in stereotactic body radiotherapy planning: the impact of case volume
Authors: Huo Michael , Morley Lyndon , Dawson Laura , Bissonnette Jean-Pierre , Helou Joelle , Giuliani Meredith , Berlin Alejandro , Shultz David , Hosni Ali , Shessel Andrea , Waldron John , Barry Aisling
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Peer review is an essential quality assurance component of radiation therapy planning. A growing body of literature has demonstrated substantial rates of suggested plan changes resulting from peer review. There remains a paucity of data on the impact of peer review rounds for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We therefore aim to evaluate the outcomes of peer review in this specific patient cohort.

Methods and materials:

We conducted a retrospective review of all SBRT cases that underwent peer review from July 2015 to June 2018 at a single institution. Weekly peer review rounds are grouped according to cancer subsite and attended by radiation oncologists, medical physicists and medical radiation technologists. We prospectively compiled ‘learning moments’, defined as cases with suggested changes or where an educational discussion occurred beyond routine management, and critical errors, defined as errors which could alter clinical outcomes, recorded prospectively during peer review. Plan changes implemented after peer review were documented.

Results:

Nine hundred thirty-four SBRT cases were included. The most common treatment sites were lung (518, 55%), liver (196, 21%) and spine (119, 13%). Learning moments were identified in 161 cases (17%) and translated into plan changes in 28 cases (3%). Two critical errors (0.2%) were identified: an inadequate planning target volume margin and an incorrect image set used for contouring. There was a statistically significantly higher rate of learning moments for lower-volume SBRT sites (defined as ≤30 cases/year) versus higher-volume SBRT sites (29% vs 16%, respectively; p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Peer review for SBRT cases revealed a low rate of critical errors, but did result in implemented plan changes in 3% of cases, and either educational discussion or suggestions of plan changes in 17% of cases. All SBRT sites appear to benefit from peer review, though lower-volume sites may require particular attention.
A broad view of pharmaceutical services in multidisciplinary teams of public Primary Healthcare Centers: a mixed methods study in a large city in Brazil
Authors: Mendes Samara Jamile , Farisco Myllena , Leite Silvana Nair , Storpirtis Sílvia
Published: May 2022

Aim:

This study aims to describe how the pharmaceutical services are performed in Primary Healthcare Centers of the Brazilian Public Health System in a large city.Background:There is extensive international discussion about the role of pharmacists in health care teams, particularly in Primary Health Care (PHC). However, in Brazil, there is still no consensus on what services the pharmacist should perform in multidisciplinary teams in PHC.

Methods:

This study used mixed methods research, and it was conducted with 200 pharmacists who work in PHC Centers of the public health system in São Paulo. The study was conducted using a focus group and an online survey, and qualitative and quantitative data were obtained.

Findings:

The analysis of the data from the focus group showed two central themes: (i) pharmaceutical services go beyond medicines and (ii) the contributions of the pharmacist to a multidisciplinary team work in PHC. The survey explored 29 services provided by pharmacists, 7 of which were provided daily. It is important to emphasize that pharmacists do not differentiate the relevance attributed to services considered clinical from those that are managerial or more related to access to medicines. This is an opportunity to develop their teamwork skills. Hence, it is necessary to consolidate the professional identity of the pharmacist and to organize their work processes in a multidisciplinary team. PHC is a space that allows a wide development of pharmaceutical services.
Party leadership, electoral reform, and mandate-divide
Authors: Liao Yu-Ceng
Published: May 2022

Previous studies had no consensus on whether a ‘mandate-divide’ exists between district and party-list legislators under the mixed-member system. I argued that previous studies ignored the role of the party. This article aims to explore the legislative consequences of the 2005 electoral reform and the role of parties in Taiwan. I analyzed the roll-call votes, considering abstention and absence as potential defection, along with interviews. The data cover from the fifth to eighth Legislative Yuan, two periods each before and after the electoral reform. The findings show that district legislators tended to defect from the party line than list proportional representation (PR) members in pre- and post-reform periods. However, district legislators only tended to be absent from the voting than list PR members after the electoral reform. Mandate-divide was present throughout the period, but differences were more salient before the reform. Besides, evidence stressing the influence of parties was revealed in the interviews. Party leaders enforce various punishments to enforce party discipline. The role of party became more important after the electoral reform. District legislators have higher absence rate after the electoral reform because they need to engage more in constituency service or avoid expressing their position on controversial issues. The ruling party tends to sanction the absence when they have majority in parliament.
Limits to Transformational Potential: Analysing Entitlement and Agency within a Conditional Cash Transfer Program in the Philippines
Authors: Dodd Warren , Kipp Amy , Lau Lincoln Leehang , Little Matthew , Conchada Mitzie Irene , Sobreviñas Alellie , Tiongco Marites
Published: May 2022

Despite serving as the Philippines’ main social protection strategy, debate continues surrounding the ability of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to meet its long-term goal of breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty. To engage with this debate, this study brings together the constructs of entitlement and agency to analyse how different actors associated with 4Ps understand and experience the program. Drawing on forty-three semi-structured interviews with 4Ps beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, and implementers, we provide a provisional explanation as to why a disconnect exists between the long-term goals of 4Ps and the experiences with the program among these different actors. In addition, this study highlights how challenges associated with the design and implementation of 4Ps, including limited transparency and communication of the program’s eligibility requirements, rigid monitoring of beneficiary compliance, and delays in receiving cash transfers, may constrain the transformational potential of this social protection strategy.
Not Free at All: Home Care User Fees in a Nordic Care System
Authors: Ilmarinen Katja , Van Aerschot Lina , Kröger Teppo
Published: May 2022

In Finland, older persons are entitled to needs-tested public home care services. Home care mainly assists with personal care, activities of daily living and medical needs. It is complemented with auxiliary services that offer help with instrumental activities of daily living. In Finland, municipalities are responsible for organising public home care services. These services are mainly tax-funded, but user fees are also charged. In this article, we examine the levels of user fees of home care and auxiliary services in Finnish municipalities in 2018. The data analysis consists of descriptive statistics and exemplary cases of costs to the service users. The results show that user fees may represent a significant share of older persons’ monthly incomes. Consequently, home care users, especially those with low incomes, are at risk of economic deprivation and non-take-up of the services. We also found substantial variation in user fees across municipalities, causing regional inequality.
Upper‐Troposphere Saddle‐Like Response to Springtime Surface Sensible Heating Over the Tibetan Plateau: Combined Effect From Baroclinic and Barotropic Process
Authors: Zhao Yu , Sun Ruizao , Xie Zhiang , Duan Anmin
Published: May 2022

The surface sensible heating over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a significant, elevated heating source in spring (March‐April‐May, MAM). It exerts considerable thermal effects on both regional and global climate. During MAM, the surface sensible heating over the TP triggers a giant saddle‐like circulation anomaly in the upper troposphere at 200 hPa. Although this structure was observed a long time ago and it contributes to the stationary wave, its formation mechanism remains unclear. Using the Linear Baroclinic Model, we reveal the evolution of this structure in detail. In the initial state, a typical baroclinic anticyclone with a vertical phase tilt forms around the heating source. When the wave propagates downstream due to strong relative vorticity advection and favorable lower level circulation, an anticyclone with a barotropic structure forms downstream. Our analysis indicates that both the barotropic process and baroclinic process contribute to the formation of the saddle‐like structure, and the latter is associated with the spring unique background circulation and vertical heating structure over the TP.
A Vine Copula‐Based Polynomial Chaos Framework for Improving Multi‐Model Hydroclimatic Projections at a Multi‐Decadal Convection‐Permitting Scale
Authors: Zhang Boen , Wang Shuo , Qing Yamin , Zhu Jinxin , Wang Dagang , Liu Jiafeng
Published: May 2022

Physically based hydrologic models have been extensively used for hydroclimatic projections, but key challenges remain owing to the heavy computational burden and structural variability of physically based models. In this study, we develop a vine copula‐based polynomial chaos framework for improving multi‐model projections of hydroclimatic regimes at a convection‐permitting scale over the Dongjiang River Basin located in South China. Specifically, a deep neural network (DNN)‐based polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is developed to significantly improve the efficiency of probabilistic hydrologic predictions. A vine copula multi‐model ensemble approach is also proposed to robustly combine hydrologic predictions generated from multiple DNN‐based PCEs to improve reliability and accuracy. To assess regional hydrologic responses to changing climate, multi‐decadal nested‐grid climate projections over the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) are developed using the convection‐permitting Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with 4‐km horizontal grid spacing. Our findings reveal that the DNN‐based PCEs achieve comparable performance to the physically based hydrologic predictions with an extremely low computational cost. The vine copula multi‐model ensemble approach outperforms the Bayesian model averaging (BMA) by generating more accurate and reliable hydrologic predictions. The developed framework and physical models also lead to consistent projections of future changes in streamflow regimes. Our findings reveal that the projected increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation can lead to substantial increases in flood magnitudes, but the increases may not be obvious for river basins affected by multiple reservoirs.
WNT5A promotes the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating the HDAC7/SNAIL signaling pathway
Authors: Feng Yingtong , Ma Zhiqiang , Pan Minghong , Xu Liqun , Feng Junjun , Zhang Yimeng , Shao Changjian , Guo Kai , Duan Hongtao , Zhang Yujing , Zhang Yuxi , Zhang Jiao , Lu Di , Ren Xiaoya , Han Jing , Li Xiaofei , Yan Xiaolong
Published: May 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates and low survival rates. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of ESCC progression remains unclear. Here, we first showed significantly higher WNT5A and SNAIL expression in ESCC samples than in corresponding paracancerous samples. High WNT5A and SNAIL expression levels correlated positively with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis for patients with ESCC based on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 145 paired ESCC samples. Spearman’s correlation analyses confirmed the strong positive correlation between WNT5A and SNAIL expression, and patients with ESCC presenting coexpression of WNT5A and SNAIL had the worst prognosis. Then, we verified that the upregulation of WNT5A promoted ESCC cell metastasis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that WNT5A might be a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of ESCC. Furthermore, WNT5A overexpression induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) upregulation, and HDAC7 silencing significantly reversed WNT5A-induced SNAIL upregulation and ESCC cell metastasis. In addition, we used HDAC7 inhibitors (SAHA and TMP269) to further confirm that HDAC7 participates in WNT5A-mediated carcinogenesis. Based on these results, HDAC7 is involved in WNT5A-mediated ESCC progression, and approaches targeting WNT5A and HDAC7 might be potential therapeutic strategies for ESCC.
Cancer associated fibroblast–derived CCL5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through activating HIF1α/ZEB1 axis
Authors: Xu Haixu , Zhao Jie , Li Jinping , Zhu Zhifeng , Cui Zhaohai , Liu Ran , Lu Rong , Yao Zhi , Xu Qiong
Published: May 2022

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most enriched components of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment, which are tightly related to the metastasis and invasion of HCC. We identified a mechanism by which CAF-derived chemokine CCL5 enhanced HCC metastasis by triggering the HIF1α/ZEB1 axis. We demonstrated that CAFs derived from HCC tissues promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells and facilitated metastasis to the lung of NOD/SCID mice. Then the chemokine antibody array elucidated the higher chemokine CCL5 level secreted by CAFs than by paracancerous tissue fibroblasts (PTFs). Mechanistically, we found that CAF-derived CCL5 inhibited the ubiquitination and degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) by binding to specific receptors, maintained HIF1α under normoxia, thereby up-regulated the downstream gene zinc finger enhancer-binding protein 1 (ZEB1) and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), ultimately validating its ability to promote lung metastasis of HCC. And this novel mechanism may have association with poor prognosis. Taken together, targeting CAF-derived CCL5 mediated HIF1α/ZEB1 cascade possibly propose a new therapeutic route for HCC.
A 3D gene expression atlas of the floral meristem based on spatial reconstruction of single nucleus RNA sequencing data
Authors: Neumann Manuel , Xu Xiaocai , Smaczniak Cezary , Schumacher Julia , Yan Wenhao , Blüthgen Nils , Greb Thomas , Jönsson Henrik , Traas Jan , Kaufmann Kerstin , Muino Jose M.
Published: May 2022

Cellular heterogeneity in growth and differentiation results in organ patterning. Single-cell transcriptomics allows characterization of gene expression heterogeneity in developing organs at unprecedented resolution. However, the original physical location of the cell is lost during this methodology. To recover the original location of cells in the developing organ is essential to link gene activity with cellular identity and function in plants. Here, we propose a method to reconstruct genome-wide gene expression patterns of individual cells in a 3D flower meristem by combining single-nuclei RNA-seq with microcopy-based 3D spatial reconstruction. By this, gene expression differences among meristematic domains giving rise to different tissue and organ types can be determined. As a proof of principle, the method is used to trace the initiation of vascular identity within the floral meristem. Our work demonstrates the power of spatially reconstructed single cell transcriptome atlases to understand plant morphogenesis. The floral meristem 3D gene expression atlas can be accessed at http://threed-flower-meristem.herokuapp.com.
Inhibition of the CDK2 and Cyclin A complex leads to autophagic degradation of CDK2 in cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Gan Yichao , Li Hongzhi , Yin Jie , He Xin , Lin Liming , Xu Senlin , Fang Zhipeng , Kim Byung-wook , Gao Lina , Ding Lili , Zhang Eryun , Ma Xiaoxiao , Li Junfeng , Li Ling , Xu Yang , Horne David , Xu Rongzhen , Yu Hua , Gu Ying , Huang Wendong
Published: May 2022

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) complex is significantly over-activated in many cancers. While it makes CDK2 an attractive target for cancer therapy, most inhibitors against CDK2 are ATP competitors that are either nonspecific or highly toxic, and typically fail clinical trials. One alternative approach is to develop non-ATP competitive inhibitors; they disrupt interactions between CDK2 and either its partners or substrates, resulting in specific inhibition of CDK2 activities. In this report, we identify two potential druggable pockets located in the protein-protein interaction interface (PPI) between CDK2 and Cyclin A. To target the potential druggable pockets, we perform a LIVS in silico screening of a library containing 1925 FDA approved drugs. Using this approach, homoharringtonine (HHT) shows high affinity to the PPI and strongly disrupts the interaction between CDK2 and cyclins. Further, we demonstrate that HHT induces autophagic degradation of the CDK2 protein via tripartite motif 21 (Trim21) in cancer cells, which is confirmed in a leukemia mouse model and in human primary leukemia cells. These results thus identify an autophagic degradation mechanism of CDK2 protein and provide a potential avenue towards treating CDK2-dependent cancers.
Automated next-generation profiling of genomic alterations in human cancers
Authors: Keefer Laurel A. , White James R. , Wood Derrick E. , Gerding Kelly M. R. , Valkenburg Kenneth C. , Riley David , Gault Christopher , Papp Eniko , Vollmer Christine M. , Greer Amy , Hernandez James , McGregor Paul M. , Zingone Adriana , Ryan Bríd M. , Deak Kristen , McCall Shannon J. , Datto Michael B. , Prescott James L. , Thompson John F. , Cerqueira Gustavo C. , Jones Siân , Simmons John K. , McElhinny Abigail , Dickey Jennifer , Angiuoli Samuel V. , Diaz Luis A. , Velculescu Victor E. , Sausen Mark
Published: May 2022

The lack of validated, distributed comprehensive genomic profiling assays for patients with cancer inhibits access to precision oncology treatment. To address this, we describe elio tissue complete, which has been FDA-cleared for examination of 505 cancer-related genes. Independent analyses of clinically and biologically relevant sequence changes across 170 clinical tumor samples using MSK-IMPACT, FoundationOne, and PCR-based methods reveals a positive percent agreement of >97%. We observe high concordance with whole-exome sequencing for evaluation of tumor mutational burden for 307 solid tumors (Pearson r = 0.95) and comparison of the elio tissue complete microsatellite instability detection approach with an independent PCR assay for 223 samples displays a positive percent agreement of 99%. Finally, evaluation of amplifications and translocations against DNA- and RNA-based approaches exhibits >98% negative percent agreement and positive percent agreement of 86% and 82%, respectively. These methods provide an approach for pan-solid tumor comprehensive genomic profiling with high analytical performance.
Memory, switches, and an OR-port through bistability in chemically fueled crystals
Authors: Schnitter Fabian , Rieß Benedikt , Jandl Christian , Boekhoven Job
Published: May 2022

The ability to store information in chemical reaction networks is essential for the complex behavior we associate with life. In biology, cellular memory is regulated through transcriptional states that are bistable, i.e., a state that can either be on or off and can be flipped from one to another through a transient signal. Such memory circuits have been realized synthetically through the rewiring of genetic systems in vivo or through the rational design of reaction networks based on DNA and highly evolved enzymes in vitro. Completely bottom-up analogs based on small molecules are rare and hard to design and thus represent a challenge for systems chemistry. In this work, we show that bistability can be designed from a simple non-equilibrium reaction cycle that is coupled to crystallization. The crystals exert the necessary feedback on the reaction cycle required for the bistability resulting in an on-state with assemblies and an off-state without. Each state represents volatile memory that can be stored in continuously stirred tank reactors indefinitely even though molecules are turned over on a minute-timescale. We showcase the system’s abilities by creating a matrix display that can store images and by creating an OR-gate by coupling several switches together.
Dynamic character displacement among a pair of bacterial phyllosphere commensals in situ
Authors: Hemmerle Lucas , Maier Benjamin A. , Bortfeld-Miller Miriam , Ryback Birgitta , Gäbelein Christoph G. , Ackermann Martin , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: May 2022

Differences between species promote stable coexistence in a resource-limited environment. These differences can result from interspecies competition leading to character shifts, a process referred to as character displacement. While character displacement is often interpreted as a consequence of genetically fixed trait differences between species, it can also be mediated by phenotypic plasticity in response to the presence of another species. Here, we test whether phenotypic plasticity leads to a shift in proteome allocation during co-occurrence of two bacterial species from the abundant, leaf-colonizing familiesSphingomonadaceaeandRhizobiaceaein their natural habitat. Upon mono-colonizing of the phyllosphere, both species exhibit specific and shared protein functions indicating a niche overlap. During co-colonization, quantitative differences in the protein repertoire of both bacterial populations occur as a result of bacterial coexistencein planta. Specifically, theSphingomonasstrain produces enzymes for the metabolization of xylan, while theRhizobiumstrain reprograms its metabolism to beta-oxidation of fatty acids fueled via the glyoxylate cycle and adapts its biotin acquisition. We demonstrate the conditional relevance of cross-species facilitation by mutagenesis leading to loss of fitness in competitionin planta. Our results show that dynamic character displacement and niche facilitation mediated by phenotypic plasticity can contribute to species coexistence.
Metabolic control of progenitor cell propagation during Drosophila tracheal remodeling
Authors: Li Yue , Dong Pengzhen , Yang Yang , Guo Tianyu , Zhao Quanyi , Miao Dan , Li Huanle , Lu Tianfeng , Xia Fanning , Lyu Jialan , Ma Jun , Kornberg Thomas B. , Zhang Qiang , Huang Hai
Published: May 2022

Adult progenitor cells in the trachea of Drosophila larvae are activated and migrate out of niches when metamorphosis induces tracheal remodeling. Here we show that in response to metabolic deficiency in decaying tracheal branches, signaling by the insulin pathway controls the progenitor cells by regulating Yorkie (Yki)-dependent proliferation and migration. Yki, a transcription coactivator that is regulated by Hippo signaling, promotes transcriptional activation of cell cycle regulators and components of the extracellular matrix in tracheal progenitor cells. These findings reveal that regulation of Yki signaling by the insulin pathway governs proliferation and migration of tracheal progenitor cells, thereby identifying the regulatory mechanism by which metabolic depression drives progenitor cell activation and cell division that underlies tracheal remodeling.
Exceptionally high work density of a ferroelectric dynamic organic crystal around room temperature
Authors: Karothu Durga Prasad , Ferreira Rodrigo , Dushaq Ghada , Ahmed Ejaz , Catalano Luca , Halabi Jad Mahmoud , Alhaddad Zainab , Tahir Ibrahim , Li Liang , Mohamed Sharmarke , Rasras Mahmoud , Naumov Panče
Published: May 2022

Dynamic organic crystals are rapidly gaining traction as a new class of smart materials for energy conversion, however, they are only capable of very small strokes (<12%) and most of them operate through energetically cost-prohibitive processes at high temperatures. We report on the exceptional performance of an organic actuating material with exceedingly large stroke that can reversibly convert energy into work around room temperature. When transitioning at 295–305 K on heating and at 265–275 K on cooling the ferroelectric crystals of guanidinium nitrate exert a linear stroke of 51%, the highest value observed with a reversible operation of an organic single crystal actuator. Their maximum force density is higher than electric cylinders, ceramic piezoactuators, and electrostatic actuators, and their work capacity is close to that of thermal actuators. This work demonstrates the hitherto untapped potential of ionic organic crystals for applications such as light-weight capacitors, dielectrics, ferroelectric tunnel junctions, and thermistors.
Nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy synergizes with PD-L1 blockade to limit post-surgical cancer recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Guan Xin , Sun Liping , Shen Yuting , Jin Fengshan , Bo Xiaowan , Zhu Chunyan , Han Xiaoxia , Li Xiaolong , Chen Yu , Xu Huixiong , Yue Wenwen
Published: May 2022

Cancer recurrence after surgical resection (SR) is a considerable challenge, and the biological effect of SR on the tumor microenvironment (TME) that is pivotal in determining postsurgical treatment efficacy remains poorly understood. Here, with an experimental model, we demonstrate that the genomic landscape shaped by SR creates an immunosuppressive milieu characterized by hypoxia and high-influx of myeloid cells, fostering cancer progression and hindering PD-L1 blockade therapy. To address this issue, we engineer a radio-immunostimulant nanomedicine (IPI549@HMP) capable of targeting myeloid cells, and catalyzing endogenous H2O2 into O2 to achieve hypoxia-relieved radiotherapy (RT). The enhanced RT-mediated immunogenic effect results in postsurgical TME reprogramming and increased susceptibility to anti-PD-L1 therapy, which can suppress/eradicate locally residual and distant tumors, and elicits strong immune memory effects to resist tumor rechallenge. Our radioimmunotherapy points to a simple and effective therapeutic intervention against postsurgical cancer recurrence and metastasis.
A solar energy desalination analysis tool, sedat, with data and models for selecting technologies and regions
Authors: Fthenakis Vasilis , Yetman Gregory , Zhang Zhuoran , Squires John , Atia Adam A. , Alarcón-Padilla Diego-César , Palenzuela Patricia , Vicraman Vikas , Zaragoza Guillermo
Published: May 2022

There is interest for desalination technologies powered by solar energy as arid areas are typically bestowed with good solar potential. In response to a US DOE call for solar desalination analysis tools, we developed an open-source solar energy desalination analysis tool, sedat, for techno-economical evaluation of desalination technologies and selection of regions with the highest potential for using solar energy to power desalination plants. It is expected that this software will simplify the planning, design, and valuation of solar desalination systems in the U.S. and worldwide. Sedat uses Dash for integrating various layers of large volumes of GIS data with Python-based models of solar energy generation and desalination technologies. It derives time-series of energy generation and water production, with details of plant performance and suggestions for improving the solar-desalination coupling. This paper summarizes the various phases of the tool’s development, presents example results showing the potential, under multiple objectives, of solar desalination in parts of the U.S. southwest, and discusses method details that would be useful for future model development.
Incorporation of engineered nanoparticles of biochar and fly ash against bacterial leaf spot of pepper
Authors: Aftab Zill-e-Huma , Aslam Waqar , Aftab Arusa , Shah Adnan Noor , Akhter Adnan , Fakhar Usama , Siddiqui Iffat , Ahmed Waseem , Majid Farzana , Wróbel Jacek , Ali Muhammad Danish , Aftab Muzammil , Ahmed Mohamed A. A. , kalaji Hazem M. , Abbas Asad , Khalid Umar
Published: May 2022

In agriculture, the search for higher net profit is the main challenge in the economy of the producers and nano biochar attracts increasing interest in recent years due to its unique environmental behavior and increasing the productivity of plants by inducing resistance against phytopathogens. The effect of rice straw biochar and fly ash nanoparticles (RSBNPs and FNPs, respectively) in combination with compost soil on bacterial leaf spot of pepper caused by Xanthomonascampestris pv. vesicatoria was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The application of nanoparticles as soil amendment significantly improved the chili pepper plant growth. However, RSBNPs were more effective in enhancing the above and belowground plant biomass production. Moreover, both RSBNPs and FNPs, significantly reduced (30.5 and 22.5%, respectively), while RSBNPs had shown in vitro growth inhibition of X.campestris pv. vesicatoria by more than 50%. The X-ray diffractometry of RSBNPs and FNPs highlighted the unique composition of nano forms which possibly contributed in enhancing the plant defence against invading X.campestris pv. vesicatoria. Based on our findings, it is suggested that biochar and fly ash nanoparticles can be used for reclaiming the problem soil and enhance crop productivity depending upon the nature of the soil and the pathosystem under investigation.
Development of β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan-rich maize (Zea mays) inbreds through marker-assisted gene pyramiding
Authors: Chandrasekharan Neelima , Ramanathan Nagalakshmi , Pukalenthy Bharathi , Chandran Sarankumar , Manickam Dhasarathan , Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Nalliappan Ganesan Kalipatty , Manickam Sudha , Rajasekaran Ravikesavan , Sampathrajan Vellaikumar , Muthusamy Vignesh , Hossain Firoz , Gupta Hari Shankar , Natesan Senthil
Published: May 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the leading cereal crop and staple food in many parts of the world. This study aims to develop nutrient-rich maize genotypes by incorporating crtRB1 and o2 genes associated with increased β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan levels. UMI1200 and UMI1230, high quality maize inbreds, are well-adapted to tropical and semi-arid regions in India. However, they are deficient in β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan. We used the concurrent stepwise transfer of genes by marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) scheme to introgress crtRB1 and o2 genes. In each generation (from F1, BC1F1–BC3F1, and ICF1–ICF3), foreground and background selections were carried out using gene-linked (crtRB1 3′TE and umc1066) and genome-wide simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Four independent BC3F1 lines of UMI1200 × CE477 (Cross-1), UMI1200 × VQL1 (Cross-2), UMI1230 × CE477 (Cross-3), and UMI1230 × VQL1 (Cross-4) having crtRB1 and o2 genes and 87.45–88.41% of recurrent parent genome recovery (RPGR) were intercrossed to generate the ICF1-ICF3 generations. Further, these gene pyramided lines were examined for agronomic performance and the β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan contents. Six ICF3 lines (DBT-IC-β1σ4-4-8-8, DBT-IC-β1σ4-9-21-21, DBT-IC-β1σ4-10-1-1, DBT-IC-β2σ5-9-51-51, DBT-IC-β2σ5-9-52-52 and DBT-IC-β2σ5-9-53-53) possessing crtRB1 and o2 genes showed better agronomic performance (77.78–99.31% for DBT-IC-β1σ4 population and 85.71–99.51% for DBT-IC-β2σ5 population) like the recurrent parents and β-carotene (14.21–14.35 μg/g for DBT-IC-β1σ4 and 13.28–13.62 μg/g for DBT-IC-β2σ5), lysine (0.31–0.33% for DBT-IC-β1σ4 and 0.31–0.34% for DBT-IC-β2σ5), and tryptophan (0.079–0.082% for DBT-IC-β1σ4 and 0.078–0.083% for DBT-IC-β2σ5) levels on par with that of the donor parents. In the future, these improved lines could be developed as a cultivar for various agro-climatic zones and also as good genetic materials for maize nutritional breeding programs.
Salmonella enterica changes Macrosteles quadrilineatus feeding behaviors resulting in altered S. enterica distribution on leaves and increased populations
Authors: Harrod Victoria L. , Groves Russell L. , Guillemette Ellie G. , Barak Jeri D.
Published: May 2022

Hemipteran insects are ubiquitous inhabitants of the phyllosphere. Changes in microbial phyllosphere communities have recently been demonstrated following infestation by Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Aster Leafhopper). Although epiphytic Salmonella enterica populations naturally decline in the phyllosphere of plants, M. quadrilineatus infestation facilitated the growth of the bacterial pathogen populations. Here, we demonstrate that cellular damage by insect stylet penetration results in a localized beneficial niche on the leaf surface, leading to enhanced S. enterica populations. We measured S. enterica populations and colonization patterns on plants infested with Hemipterans with distinct feeding behaviors. M. quadrilineatus infestation resulted in higher solute leakage and significantly greater bacterial populations than plants absent of insects. Following immigration via contaminated irrigation water, the highest populations of S. enterica are naturally found on the tips of tomato leaflets. We discovered M. quadrilineatus feeding preference altered the natural distribution of S. enterica populations, and that the presence of S. enterica altered the distribution of probing attempts. These findings elucidate how cellular damage resulting from insect feeding drives changes in bacterial colonization of the phyllosphere.
The electro-oxidation of primary alcohols via a coral-shaped cobalt metal–organic framework modified graphite electrode in neutral media
Authors: Khakyzadeh Vahid , Sediqi Salbin
Published: May 2022

The electro-oxidation of alcohols into corresponding aldehydes achieved enormous attention. However, numerous challenges remain in exploring catalytic systems with high conversion efficiency and selectivity. Considering the worldwide attention toward metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as outstanding crystalline porous materials, many chemists have been encouraged to use them in organic transformations. In this study, a novel coral-shaped cobalt organic framework was grown onto the surface of a functionalized graphite electrode (Co-MOF/C) to fabricate an efficient modified electrode in the electro-oxidation alcohols. The modified Co-MOF/C electrode showed high stability, large surface area, rich pores, and good conductivity as a desirable water-stable working electrode for selective oxidation of alcohols into aldehydes in good to excellent yields under a diffusion-controlled process.
Differences in interaction lead to the formation of different types of insulin amyloid
Authors: Mori Wakako , Kawakami Ryosuke , Niko Yosuke , Haruta Tomohiro , Imamura Takeshi , Shiraki Kentaro , Zako Tamotsu
Published: May 2022

Insulin balls, localized insulin amyloids formed at the site of repeated insulin injections in patients with diabetes, cause poor glycemic control and cytotoxicity. Our previous study has shown that insulin forms two types of amyloids; toxic amyloid formed from the intact insulin ((i)-amyloid) and less-toxic amyloid formed in the presence of the reducing reagent TCEP ((r)-amyloid), suggesting insulin amyloid polymorphism. However, the differences in the formation mechanism and cytotoxicity expression are still unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that the liquid droplets, which are stabilized by electrostatic interactions, appear only in the process of toxic (i)-amyloid formation, but not in the less-toxic (r)-amyloid formation process. The effect of various additives such as arginine, 1,6-hexanediol, and salts on amyloid formation was also examined to investigate interactions that are important for amyloid formation. Our results indicate that the maturation processes of these two amyloids were significantly different, whereas the nucleation by hydrophobic interactions was similar. These results also suggest the difference in the formation mechanism of two different insulin amyloids is attributed to the difference in the intermolecular interactions and could be correlated with the cytotoxicity.
Synthesis of palaeoecological data from the Polish Lowlands suggests heterogeneous patterns of old-growth forest loss after the Migration Period
Authors: Czerwiński Sambor , Marcisz Katarzyna , Wacnik Agnieszka , Lamentowicz Mariusz
Published: May 2022

Human impact on Central European forests dates back thousands of years. In this study we reanalyzed 36 published pollen data sets with robust chronologies from Polish Lowlands to determine the patterns of large-scale forest decline after the Migration Period (fourth to sixth century CE). The study revealed substantial heterogeneity in the old-growth forest decline patterns. Using new high-resolution studies, we could better understand the timing of this transition related to increasing economic development. After the Migration Period, forest expansion continued until the seventh to ninth centuries cal. CE, when the dawn of Slavic culture resulted in large-scale forest decline, especially in north-western and north-central Poland. Later, forest decline was recorded mainly in north-eastern Poland and was related to Prussian settlements, including activities associated with the Teutonic Order, as well as with new settlements from the fourteenth century. The composite picture shows a varied spatio-temporal forest loss and transition towards the present-day, human activity dominated landscapes. However, some sites, such as in north-eastern Poland, are characterized by a less abrupt critical transition. The pristine nature of the oak-hornbeam forest had already been destroyed in Early Medieval times (eighth to ninth centuries cal. CE) and the potential for recovery was largely lost. Our study has confirmed previous assumptions that the decline of hornbeam across the Polish Lowlands may be an early indicator of local settlement processes, preceding severe forest loss, and establishment of permanent agriculture.
Spatial distribution and risk assessments due to the microplastics pollution in sediments of Karnaphuli River Estuary, Bangladesh
Authors: Rakib Md. Refat Jahan , Hossain M. Belal , Kumar Rakesh , Ullah Md. Akram , Al Nahian Sultan , Rima Nazmun Naher , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia , Liba Samia Islam , Yu Jimmy , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Sulieman Abdelmoneim , Sayed Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging global pollutant due to their widespread dispersion and potential threats to marine ecosystems. However, studies on MPs in estuarine and coastal ecosystems of Bangladesh are very limited. Here, we conducted the first study on abundance, distribution, characteristics, and risk assessment of microplastics in the sediment of Karnaphuli River estuary, Bangladesh. Microplastic particles were extracted from sediments of 30 stations along the estuary by density separation and then enumerated and characterized using a stereomicroscope and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In the collected sediment of the Karnaphuli River estuary, the number of MPs varied from 22.29 to 59.5 items kg−1 of dry weight. The mean abundance was higher in the downstream and left banks of the estuary, whereas the predominant shape, colour, and size of MPs were films (35%), and white (19%), and 1–5 mm (30.38%), respectively. Major polymer types were polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, cellulose, and nylon. MPs were found to pose risks (low to high) in the sediment of the estuary, with the highest risk occurring at one station near a sewage outlet, according to the results of risk analyses using the pollution risk index, polymer risk index (H), contamination factors, and pollution load index (PLI). The single value index, PLI, clearly demonstrated that all sampling sites were considerably polluted with microplastics (PLI > 1). H values showed toxic polymers, even in lower proportions, possess higher polymeric hazard scores and vice versa. This investigation uncovered new insights on the status of MPs in the sediments of the Karnaphuli River estuary, laying the groundwork for future research and control of microplastic pollution and management.