bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visibility and attractiveness of Fritillaria (Liliaceae) flowers to potential pollinators
Authors: Roguz Katarzyna , Hill Laurence , Koethe Sebastian , Lunau Klaus , Roguz Agata , Zych Marcin
Published: May 2021

Visual floral characters play an important role in shaping plant-pollinator interactions. The genus Fritillaria L. (Liliaceae), comprising approximately 140 species, is described as displaying a remarkable variety of flower colours and sizes. Despite this variation in visual floral traits of fritillaries, little is known about the potential role of these features in shaping plant-pollinator interactions. Here, we seek to clarify the role of visual attraction in species offering a robust food reward for pollinators early in the spring, which is the case for Fritillaria. We also searched for potential tendencies in the evolution of floral traits crucial for plant-pollinator communication. The generality of species with green and purple flowers may indicate an influence of environmental factors other than pollinators. The flowers of the studied species seem to be visible but not very visually attractive to potential pollinators. The food rewards are hidden within the nodding perianth, and both traits are conserved among fritillaries. Additionally, visual floral traits are not good predictors of nectar properties. When in the flowers, pollinators are navigated by nectar guides in the form of contrasting nectary area colouration. Flower colour does not serve as a phenotypic filter against illegitimate pollinators—red and orange bird-pollinated fritillaries are visible to bees.
Explaining deep neural networks for knowledge discovery in electrocardiogram analysis
Authors: Hicks Steven A. , Isaksen Jonas L. , Thambawita Vajira , Ghouse Jonas , Ahlberg Gustav , Linneberg Allan , Grarup Niels , Strümke Inga , Ellervik Christina , Olesen Morten Salling , Hansen Torben , Graff Claus , Holstein-Rathlou Niels-Henrik , Halvorsen Pål , Maleckar Mary M. , Riegler Michael A. , Kanters Jørgen K.
Published: May 2021

Deep learning-based tools may annotate and interpret medical data more quickly, consistently, and accurately than medical doctors. However, as medical doctors are ultimately responsible for clinical decision-making, any deep learning-based prediction should be accompanied by an explanation that a human can understand. We present an approach called electrocardiogram gradient class activation map (ECGradCAM), which is used to generate attention maps and explain the reasoning behind deep learning-based decision-making in ECG analysis. Attention maps may be used in the clinic to aid diagnosis, discover new medical knowledge, and identify novel features and characteristics of medical tests. In this paper, we showcase how ECGradCAM attention maps can unmask how a novel deep learning model measures both amplitudes and intervals in 12-lead electrocardiograms, and we show an example of how attention maps may be used to develop novel ECG features.
Parental morph combination does not influence innate immune function in nestlings of a colour-polymorphic African raptor
Authors: Nebel Carina , Amar Arjun , Hegemann Arne , Isaksson Caroline , Sumasgutner Petra
Published: May 2021

Conditions experienced during early life can have long-term individual consequences by influencing dispersal, survival, recruitment and productivity. Resource allocation during development can have strong carry-over effects onto these key parameters and is directly determined by the quality of parental care. In the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus), a colour-polymorphic raptor, parental morphs influence nestling somatic growth and survival, with pairs consisting of different colour morphs (‘mixed-morph pairs’) producing offspring with lower body mass indices, but higher local apparent survival rates. Resource allocation theory could explain this relationship, with nestlings of mixed-morph pairs trading off a more effective innate immune system against somatic growth. We quantified several innate immune parameters of nestlings (hemagglutination, hemolysis, bacteria-killing capacity and haptoglobin concentration) and triggered an immune response by injecting lipopolysaccharides. Although we found that nestlings with lower body mass index had higher local survival rates, we found no support for the proposed hypothesis: neither baseline immune function nor the induced immune response of nestlings was associated with parental morph combination. Our results suggest that these immune parameters are unlikely to be involved in providing a selective advantage for the different colour morphs’ offspring, and thus innate immunity does not appear to be traded off against a greater allocation of resources to somatic growth. Alternative hypotheses explaining the mechanism of a low nestling body mass index leading to subsequent higher local survival could be related to the post-fledgling dependency period or differences in dispersal patterns for the offspring from different morph combinations.
Design of non-autonomous pH oscillators and the existence of chemical beat phenomenon in a neutralization reaction
Authors: Lawson Hugh Shearer , Holló Gábor , Német Norbert , Teraji Satoshi , Nakanishi Hideyuki , Horvath Robert , Lagzi István
Published: May 2021

The beat in physical systems is a transparent and well-understood phenomenon. It may occur in forced oscillatory systems and as a result of the interference of two waves of slightly different frequencies. However, in chemical systems, the realization of the latter type of the beat phenomenon has been lacking. Here we show that a periodic titration of acid and alkaline solutions with each other using programmable syringe pumps in a continuous stirred-tank reactor exhibits the beat phenomenon in the temporal pH oscillation pattern if the time periods of sinusoidal inflow rates of the reagents are slightly different. Interestingly, the frequency of the chemical beat pattern follows the well-known relationship from physics, namely the frequency of the beat is equal to the absolute value of the difference of the two wave frequencies. Based on our strategy, we can design and engineer non-autonomous pH oscillatory systems, in which the characteristics of the temporal oscillations (amplitude, time period) can easily and precisely be controlled by the experimental conditions such as the inflow rates and feed concentrations. The demonstrated phenomena can be exploited in practical applications, we use the non-autonomous pH oscillators to drive the reversible assembly and disassembly of pH-sensitive building blocks (oleic acid and gold nanoparticles), both highly relevant in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.
Accelerated annealing of colloidal crystal monolayers by means of cyclically applied electric fields
Authors: Kao Peng-Kai , VanSaders Bryan J. , Glotzer Sharon C. , Solomon Michael J.
Published: May 2021

External fields are commonly applied to accelerate colloidal crystallization; however, accelerated self-assembly kinetics can negatively impact the quality of crystal structures. We show that cyclically applied electric fields can produce high quality colloidal crystals by annealing local disorder. We find that the optimal off-duration for maximum annealing is approximately one-half of the characteristic melting half lifetime of the crystalline phase. Local six-fold bond orientational order grows more rapidly than global scattering peaks, indicating that local restructuring leads global annealing. Molecular dynamics simulations of cyclically activated systems show that the ratio of optimal off-duration for maximum annealing and crystal melting time is insensitive to particle interaction details. This research provides a quantitative relationship describing how the cyclic application of fields produces high quality colloidal crystals by cycling at the fundamental time scale for local defect rearrangements; such understanding of dynamics and kinetics can be applied for reconfigurable colloidal assembly.
Evolution of disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns and determinants
Authors: Zhu Jie , Gallego Blanca
Published: May 2021

Epidemic models are being used by governments to inform public health strategies to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. They simulate potential scenarios by manipulating model parameters that control processes of disease transmission and recovery. However, the validity of these parameters is challenged by the uncertainty of the impact of public health interventions on disease transmission, and the forecasting accuracy of these models is rarely investigated during an outbreak. We fitted a stochastic transmission model on reported cases, recoveries and deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection across 101 countries. The dynamics of disease transmission was represented in terms of the daily effective reproduction number ($$R_t$$

R
t

). The relationship between public health interventions and $$R_t$$

R
t

was explored, firstly using a hierarchical clustering algorithm on initial $$R_t$$

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t

patterns, and secondly computing the time-lagged cross correlation among the daily number of policies implemented, $$R_t$$

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t

, and daily incidence counts in subsequent months. The impact of updating $$R_t$$

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t

every time a prediction is made on the forecasting accuracy of the model was investigated. We identified 5 groups of countries with distinct transmission patterns during the first 6 months of the pandemic. Early adoption of social distancing measures and a shorter gap between interventions were associated with a reduction on the duration of outbreaks. The lagged correlation analysis revealed that increased policy volume was associated with lower future $$R_t$$

R
t

(75 days lag), while a lower $$R_t$$

R
t

was associated with lower future policy volume (102 days lag). Lastly, the outbreak prediction accuracy of the model using dynamically updated $$R_t$$

R
t

produced an average AUROC of 0.72 (0.708, 0.723) compared to 0.56 (0.555, 0.568) when $$R_t$$

R
t

was kept constant. Monitoring the evolution of $$R_t$$

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t

during an epidemic is an important complementary piece of information to reported daily counts, recoveries and deaths, since it provides an early signal of the efficacy of containment measures. Using updated $$R_t$$

R
t

values produces significantly better predictions of future outbreaks. Our results found variation in the effect of early public health interventions on the evolution of $$R_t$$

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t

over time and across countries, which could not be explained solely by the timing and number of the adopted interventions.
Occurrence of comorbidities in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients and their impact after 11 years’ follow-up
Authors: Eilat-Tsanani Sophia , Margalit Avital , Golan Liran Nevet
Published: May 2021

The burden of type 2 diabetes is growing, not only through increased incidence, but also through its comorbidities. Concordant comorbidities for type 2 diabetes, such as cardiovascular diseases, are considered expected outcomes of the disease or disease complications, while discordant comorbidities are not considered to be directly related to type 2 diabetes and are less extensively addressed under diabetes management. Here we show that the combination of concordant and discordant comorbidities appears frequently in persons with diabetes (75%). Persons with combined comorbidities visited family physicians more than persons with discordant, concordant or no comorbidity (17.3 ± 10.2, 11.6 ± 6.5, 8.7 ± 6.8, 6.3 ± 6.6 visits/person/year respectively, p < 0.0001). The risk of death during the study period was highest in persons with combined comorbidities and discordant only comorbidities (HR = 33.4; 95% CI 12.5–89.2 and HR = 33.5; 95% CI 11.7–95.8), emphasizing the contribution of discordant comorbidities to the outcome. Our study is unique as a long-term follow-up of an 11-year cohort of 9725 persons with new-onset type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the contribution of discordant comorbidity to the burden of the disease. The high prevalence of the combination of both concordant and discordant comorbidities, and their appearance before the onset of type 2 diabetes, indicates a continuum of morbidity.
Simplification of culture conditions and feeder-free expansion of bovine embryonic stem cells
Authors: Soto Delia Alba , Navarro Micaela , Zheng Canbin , Halstead Michelle Margaret , Zhou Chuan , Guiltinan Carly , Wu Jun , Ross Pablo Juan
Published: May 2021

Bovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) extend the lifespan of the transient pluripotent bovine inner cell mass in vitro. After years of research, derivation of stable bESCs was only recently reported. Although successful, bESC culture relies on complex culture conditions that require a custom-made base medium and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) feeders, limiting the widespread use of bESCs. We report here simplified bESC culture conditions based on replacing custom base medium with a commercially available alternative and eliminating the need for MEF feeders by using a chemically-defined substrate. bESC lines were cultured and derived using a base medium consisting of N2B27 supplements and 1% BSA (NBFR-bESCs). Newly derived bESC lines were easy to establish, simple to propagate and stable after long-term culture. These cells expressed pluripotency markers and actively proliferated for more than 35 passages while maintaining normal karyotype and the ability to differentiate into derivatives of all three germ lineages in embryoid bodies and teratomas. In addition, NBFR-bESCs grew for multiple passages in a feeder-free culture system based on vitronectin and Activin A medium supplementation while maintaining pluripotency. Simplified conditions will facilitate the use of bESCs for gene editing applications and pluripotency and lineage commitment studies.
High mercury accumulation in deep-ocean hadal sediments
Authors: Sanei Hamed , Outridge Peter M. , Oguri Kazumasa , Stern Gary A. , Thamdrup Bo , Wenzhöfer Frank , Wang Feiyue , Glud Ronnie N.
Published: May 2021

Ocean sediments are the largest sink for mercury (Hg) sequestration and hence an important part of the global Hg cycle1. Yet accepted global average Hg flux data for deep-ocean sediments (> 200 m depth) are not based on measurements on sediments but are inferred from sinking particulates2. Mercury fluxes have never been reported from the deepest zone, the hadal (> 6 km depth). Here we report the first measurements of Hg fluxes from two hadal trenches (Atacama and Kermadec) and adjacent abyssal areas (2–6 km). Mercury concentrations of up to 400 ng g−1 were the highest recorded in marine sediments remote from anthropogenic or hydrothermal sources. The two trench systems differed significantly in Hg concentrations and fluxes, but hadal and abyssal areas within each system did not. The relatively low recent mean flux at Kermadec was 6–15 times higher than the inferred deep-ocean average1,3, while the median flux across all cores was 22–56 times higher. Thus, some hadal and abyssal sediments are Hg accumulation hot-spots. The hadal zone comprises only ~ 1% of the deep-ocean area, yet a preliminary estimate based on sediment Hg and particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes suggests total hadal Hg accumulation may be 12–30% of the estimate for the entire deep-ocean. The few abyssal data show equally high Hg fluxes near trench systems. These results highlight a need for further research into deep-ocean Hg fluxes to better constrain global Hg models.
Analysis of the intracellular traffic of IgG in the context of Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
Authors: Cejas R. B. , Tamaño-Blanco M. , Blanco J. G.
Published: May 2021

Persons with Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21) have widespread cellular protein trafficking defects. There is a paucity of data describing the intracellular transport of IgG in the context of endosomal-lysosomal alterations linked to trisomy 21. In this study, we analyzed the intracellular traffic of IgG mediated by the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in fibroblast cell lines with trisomy 21. Intracellular IgG trafficking studies in live cells showed that fibroblasts with trisomy 21 exhibit higher proportion of IgG in lysosomes (~ 10% increase), decreased IgG content in intracellular vesicles (~ 9% decrease), and a trend towards decreased IgG recycling (~ 55% decrease) in comparison to diploid cells. Amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) overexpression in diploid fibroblasts replicated the increase in IgG sorting to the degradative pathway observed in cells with trisomy 21. The impact of APP on the expression of FCGRT (alpha chain component of FcRn) was investigated by APP knock down and overexpression of the APP protein. APP knock down increased the expression of FCGRT mRNA by ~ 60% in both diploid and trisomic cells. Overexpression of APP in diploid fibroblasts and HepG2 cells resulted in a decrease in FCGRT and FcRn expression. Our results indicate that the intracellular traffic of IgG is altered in cells with trisomy 21. This study lays the foundation for future investigations into the role of FcRn in the context of DS.
Brain networks involved in the influence of religion on empathy in male Vietnam War veterans
Authors: Cristofori Irene , Zhong Wanting , Cohen-Zimerman Shira , Bulbulia Joseph , Gordon Barry , Krueger Frank , Grafman Jordan
Published: May 2021

Humans all over the world believe in spirits and deities, yet how the brain supports religious cognition remains unclear. Drawing on a unique sample of patients with penetrating traumatic brain injuries (pTBI) and matched healthy controls (HCs) we investigate dependencies of religious cognition on neural networks that represent (1) others agents’ intentions (Theory of Mind, ToM) and (2) other agents’ feelings (Empathy). Extending previous observations that ToM networks are recruited during prayer, we find that people with vmPFC damage report higher scores on the personal relationship with God inventory even when they are not praying. This result offers evidence that it is the modulation of ToM networks that support beliefs in supernatural agents. With respect to empathetic processing, we observed that vmPFC and pSTS/TPJ lesions mediated by the strength of the personal relationship with God affect empathetic responses. We suggest that the neurological networks underpinning God representations amplify human empathetic responses. The cultural evolutionary study of religion has argued that supernatural beliefs evoke pro-social responses because people fear the wrath of Gods. Our findings imply greater attention should be paid to the mechanisms by which religious cognition may regulate empathetic responses to others.
Ocular findings among patients surviving COVID-19
Authors: Costa Ílen Ferreira , Bonifácio Livia Pimenta , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Rocha Eduardo Melani , Jorge Rodrigo , Bollela Valdes Roberto , Antunes-Foschini Rosalia
Published: May 2021

To describe the medium-term ophthalmological findings in patients recovering from COVID-19. Patients recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, including presenting and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractometry, biomicroscopy, tonometry, break-up time and Schirmer tests, indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus picture, and retinal architecture evaluation using optical coherence tomography. Socio-demographic data and personal medical history were also collected. According to the severity of systemic manifestations, patients were classified into mild-to-moderate, severe, and critical. Sixty-four patients (128 eyes) were evaluated 82 ± 36.4 days after the onset of COVID’s symptoms. The mean ± SD duration of hospitalization was 15.0 ± 10.7 days. Seven patients (10.9%) had mild-to-moderate, 33 (51.5%) severe, and 24 (37.5%) critical disease. Median [interquartile ranges (IQR)] presenting visual acuity was 0.1 (0–0.2) and BCVA 0 (0–0.1). Anterior segment biomicroscopy was unremarkable, except for dry eye disease, verified in 10.9% of them. The mean ± SD intraocular pressure (IOP) in critical group (14.16 ± 1.88 mmHg) was significantly higher than in severe group (12.51 ± 2.40 mmHg), both in the right (p 0.02) and left eyes (p 0.038). Among all, 15.6% had diabetic retinopathy, and two patients presented with discrete white-yellowish dots in the posterior pole, leading to hyporreflective changes at retinal pigment epithelium level, outer segment, and ellipsoid layers. The present study identified higher IOP among critical cases, when compared to severe cases, and discrete outer retina changes 80 days after COVID-19 infection. No sign of uveitis was found.
Spatiotemporal contact density explains the disparity of COVID-19 spread in urban neighborhoods
Authors: Verma Rajat , Yabe Takahiro , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: May 2021

The rapid early spread of COVID-19 in the US was experienced very differently by different socioeconomic groups and business industries. In this study, we study aggregate mobility patterns of New York City and Chicago to identify the relationship between the amount of interpersonal contact between people in urban neighborhoods and the disparity in the growth of positive cases among these groups. We introduce an aggregate spatiotemporal contact density index (CDI) to measure the strength of this interpersonal contact using mobility data collected from mobile phones, and combine it with social distancing metrics to show its effect on positive case growth. With the help of structural equations modeling, we find that the effect of CDI on case growth was consistently positive and that it remained consistently higher in lower-income neighborhoods, suggesting a causal path of income on case growth via CDI. Using the CDI, schools and restaurants are identified as high contact density industries, and the estimation suggests that implementing specific mobility restrictions on these point-of-interest categories is most effective. This analysis can be useful in providing insights for government officials targeting specific population groups and businesses to reduce infection spread as reopening efforts continue to expand across the nation.
The carbon source-dependent pattern of antimicrobial activity and gene expression in Pseudomonas donghuensis P482
Authors: Matuszewska Marta , Maciąg Tomasz , Rajewska Magdalena , Wierzbicka Aldona , Jafra Sylwia
Published: May 2021

Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 is a tomato rhizosphere isolate with the ability to inhibit growth of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Herein, we analysed the impact of the carbon source on the antibacterial activity of P482 and expression of the selected genes of three genomic regions in the P482 genome. These regions are involved in the synthesis of pyoverdine, 7-hydroxytropolone (7-HT) and an unknown compound (“cluster 17”) and are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of P482. We showed that the P482 mutants, defective in these regions, show variations and contrasting patterns of growth inhibition of the target pathogen under given nutritional conditions (with glucose or glycerol as a carbon source). We also selected and validated the reference genes for gene expression studies in P. donghuensis P482. Amongst ten candidate genes, we found gyrB, rpoD and mrdA the most stably expressed. Using selected reference genes in RT-qPCR, we assessed the expression of the genes of interest under minimal medium conditions with glucose or glycerol as carbon sources. Glycerol was shown to negatively affect the expression of genes necessary for 7-HT synthesis. The significance of this finding in the light of the role of nutrient (carbon) availability in biological plant protection is discussed.
Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal
Authors: Chinn Sarah M. , Kilgo John C. , Vukovich Mark A. , Beasley James C.
Published: May 2021

Understanding factors influencing survival of neonates for wild species is important for successful management, particularly for determining drivers of population dynamics. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are invasive and populations are rapidly increasing in part due to high reproductive capacity. Survival of adults is generally high, however, survival of piglets, and particularly neonates, is largely unknown. We located neonates at the natal nest and quantified survival in relation to individual and maternal biological attributes, and environmental variables. During 2017–2020, we captured 50 neonates from 13 litters and documented 28 mortalities (56%) over six weeks. Survival was positively influenced by pelage coloration, likely as a form of camouflage from predators. Male neonates had higher survival. They were born larger than females, which could be beneficial for thermoregulation and competition for milk. Neonates born to larger sows had lower survival. Sow size was positively correlated with litter size, and this finding may reflect the increased nutritional demands of sustaining large litters, or difficulties in defending more neonates against predators. Neonates born in warmer months had higher survival than those born in cooler months. Neonates are inefficient thermoregulators, thus being born in warmer months could be beneficial for maintaining homeostasis as well as access to more food resources. These are the largest and most complete data for neonate wild pig survival and will inform population models for the development of management strategies to reduce negative impacts of this destructive invasive species on native ecosystems.
Stress-induced alterations of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways
Authors: Quessy F. , Bittar T. , Blanchette L. J. , Lévesque M. , Labonté B.
Published: May 2021

Our ability to develop the cognitive strategies required to deal with daily-life stress is regulated by region-specific neuronal networks. Experimental evidence suggests that prolonged stress in mice induces depressive-like behaviors via morphological, functional and molecular changes affecting the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. Yet, the molecular interactions underlying these changes are still poorly understood, and whether they affect males and females similarly is unknown. Here, we used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in male and female mice. Density of the mesolimbic and mesocortical projections was assessed via immuno-histochemistry combined with Sholl analysis along with the staining of activity-dependent markers pERK and c-fos in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Our results show that social stress decreases the density of TH+ dopaminergic axonal projections in the deep layers of the mPFC in susceptible but not resilient male and female mice. Consistently, our analyses suggest that pERK expression is decreased in the mPFC but increased in the NAc following CSDS in males and females, with no change in c-fos expression in both sexes. Overall, our findings indicate that social defeat stress impacts the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways by altering the molecular interactions regulating somatic and axonal plasticity in males and females.
Color-encoded single-shot computer-generated Moiré profilometry
Authors: Zhang Hechen , Cao Yiping , Li Chengmeng , Wang Lu , Li Hongmei , Xu Cai , Wan Yingying
Published: May 2021

A color-encoded single-shot computer-generated Moiré profilometry (CSCGMP) is proposed. Two sinusoidal gratings with a π phase difference are encoded in red and blue channels respectively to combine a composite color grating. While this composite color grating is projected onto the measured object, the corresponding color deformed pattern can be captured. So two deformed patterns with a π phase difference are separated from its red and blue components respectively. After normalization and subtraction, the AC component of both separated deformed patterns can be extracted. If this AC component respectively multiplied by the two AC components of fringe patterns of reference plane with a π/2 phase difference prepared and saved on the computer in advance, two computer-generated Moiré fringes just respectively standing for sine and cosine of phase which is modulated by the height of the object relative to the reference plane are figured out. So the 3D shape of the measured object can be reconstructed with normal computer-generated Moiré profilometry. Both simulation and experimental results show the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. It has potential in real-time 3D measurement due to its single-shot feature.
In Arabidopsis thaliana Cd differentially impacts on hormone genetic pathways in the methylation defective ddc mutant compared to wild type
Authors: Pacenza Marianna , Muto Antonella , Chiappetta Adriana , Mariotti Lorenzo , Talarico Emanuela , Picciarelli Piero , Picardi Ernesto , Bruno Leonardo , Bitonti Maria Beatrice
Published: May 2021

DNA methylation plays an important role in modulating plant growth plasticity in response to stress, but mechanisms involved in such control need further investigation. We used drm1 drm2 cmt3 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, defective in DNA methylation, to explore metabolic pathways downstream epigenetic modulation under cadmium (Cd) stress. To this aim, a transcriptomic analysis was performed on ddc and WT plants exposed to a long-lasting (21 d) Cd treatment (25/50 µM), focusing on hormone genetic pathways. Growth parameters and hormones amount were also estimated. Transcriptomic data and hormone quantification showed that, under prolonged Cd treatment, level and signalling of growth-sustaining hormones (auxins, CKs, GAs) were enhanced and/or maintained, while a decrease was detected for stress-related hormones (JA, ABA, SA), likely as a strategy to avoid the side effects of their long-lasting activation. Such picture was more effective in ddc than WT, already at 25 µM Cd, in line with its better growth performance. A tight relationship between methylation status and the modulation of hormone genetic pathways under Cd stress was assessed. We propose that the higher genome plasticity conferred to ddc by DNA hypomethylated status underlies its prompt response to modulate hormones genetic pathways and activity and assure a flexible growth.
Boron from net charge acceptor to donor and its effect on hydrogen uptake by novel Mg-B-electrochemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Aditya Marla V. V. Satya , Panda Srikanta , Tatiparti Sankara Sarma V.
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen uptake (H-uptake) is studied in ball milled Mg-B-electrochemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide (erGO) nanocomposites at PH2 ≈ 15 bar, ~ 320 °C. B/C (weight ratio): 0, ~ 0.09, ~ 0.36, ~ 0.90 are synthesized maintaining erGO≈10wt %. B occupies octahedral interstices within Mg unit cell—revealed by electron density maps. Persistent charge donations from Mg and B to C appear as Mg-C (~ 283.2 eV), B-C (~ 283.3–283.9 eV) interactions in C-1s core X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at all B/C. At B/C > 0.09, charge reception by B from Mg yields Mg-B interaction. This net charge acceptor role of B renders it electron-rich and does not alter Mg unit cell size significantly. Despite charge donation to both C and B, the Mg charge is <  + 2, resulting in long incubation times (> 5 h) at B/C > 0.09. At B/C≈0.09 the minimal Mg-B interaction renders B a charge donor, resulting in Mg-B repulsion and Mg unit cell expansion. Mg-C peak shift to lower binding energies (C-1s XPS), decreases incubation time to ~ 2.25 h and enhances H-uptake kinetics. Various atomic interactions influence the reduction of incubation time in H-uptake and increase its kinetics in the order: (Mg → C; B → C)B/C≈0.09, B: donor > (Mg → C)B/C=0 > (ternary Mg → B → C)B/C>0.09, B: acceptor.
The efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Hassanipour Soheil , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Amani Bahman , Heidarzad Forough , Fathalipour Mohammad , Martinez-de-Hoyo Rudolph
Published: May 2021

The novel coronavirus outbreak began in late December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, critically impacting public health systems. A number of already approved and marketed drugs are being tested for repurposing, including Favipiravir. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19 patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We registered the protocol in the PROSPERO (CRD42020180032). All clinical trials which addressed the safety and efficacy of Favipiravir in comparison to other control groups for treatment of patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV2 were included. We searched electronic databases including LitCovid/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Scientific Information Database up to 31 December 2020. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using Cochrane Collaboration criteria. All analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 2, and the risk ratio index was calculated. Egger and Begg test was used for assessing publication bias. Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant clinical improvement in the Favipiravir group versus the control group during seven days after hospitalization (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.41; P = 0.001). Viral clearance was more in 14 days after hospitalization in Favipiravir group than control group, but this finding marginally not significant (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98–1.25; P = 0.094). Requiring supplemental oxygen therapy in the Favipiravir group was 7% less than the control group, (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.67–1.28; P = 0.664). Transferred to ICU and adverse events were not statistically different between two groups. The mortality rate in the Favipiravir group was approximately 30% less than the control group, but this finding not statistically significant. Favipiravir possibly exerted no significant beneficial effect in the term of mortality in the general group of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. We should consider that perhaps the use of antiviral once the patient has symptoms is too late and this would explain their low efficacy in the clinical setting.
Identification of risk groups for mental disorders, headache and oral behaviors in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Danel Dariusz , Pondel Maciej , Smardz Joanna , Martynowicz Helena , Wieczorek Tomasz , Mazur Grzegorz , Pudlo Robert , Wieckiewicz Gniewko
Published: May 2021

The dramatically changing situation during COVID-19 pandemic, is anticipated to provoke psycho-emotional disturbances and somatization arising from the current epidemiological situation that will become a significant problem for global and regional healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors, risk factors and factors associated with mental disorders, headache and potentially stress-modulated parafunctional oral behaviors among the adult residents of North America and Europe as indirect health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may help limit the long-term effects of this and future global pandemic crises. The data were collected from 1642 respondents using an online survey. The results demonstrated increased levels of anxiety, depression, headache and parafunctional oral behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in both North American and European residents. The results of this study facilitated the definition of the group most predicted to experience the aforementioned secondary effects of the pandemic. This group included females younger than 28.5 years old, especially those who were single, less well educated and living in Europe. In case of this and other global crises this will allow faster defining the most vulnerable groups and providing rapid and more targeted intervention.
Inter-sexual and inter-generation differences in dispersal of a bivoltine butterfly
Authors: Plazio Elisa , Nowicki Piotr
Published: May 2021

In organisms with discrete generations such as most insects, life-history traits including dispersal abilities often vary between generations. In particular, density-dependent differences in dispersal of bi- and multivoltine species may be expected because subsequent generations are usually characterized by a drastic increase in individual abundance. We investigated the inter-sexual and inter-generation differences in dispersal of a bivoltine butterfly, Lycaena helle, testing the following hypotheses: (1) male emigration is higher in spring generation, as males are prone to leave their natal habitat patches when the density of mating partners is low; (2) female emigration is higher in summer generation, when it helps to reduce intraspecific competition between offspring. The outcome of our analyses of dispersal parameters showed that females of the summer generation emigrated from their natal patches considerably more often than those of the spring generation, whereas an opposite trend was detected in males. These findings offer a novel perspective for our understanding of the advantages of voltinism for metapopulation functioning. The spring generation dispersal mainly improves the random mating opportunities favoured by the increase in male emigration. In turn, the dispersal of females of the summer generation appears the key to long-term metapopulation persistence.
The association between fluoroquinolones and aortic dissection and aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wee Ian , Chin Brian , Syn Nicholas , Lee Keng Siang , Ng Jun Jie , Choong Andrew M. T. L.
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have drawn causal associations between fluoroquinolone use and collagen pathologies including tendon rupture and retinopathy. This meta-analysis

attempted to assess the association between fluoroquinolone use and the risk of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. A systematic search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. 9 studies were included in final analysis. Primary random-effects meta-analysis of 7 studies, excluding 2 pharmacovigilance studies demonstrated statistically increased odds of aortic dissection (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.71–3.32) aortic aneurysm (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.59–2.48), and aortic aneurysm or dissection (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13–1.89; I2 = 72%) with current use of fluoroquinolones compared to their nonuser counterparts. Based on the “number needed-to-harm” analysis, 7246 (95% CI: 4329 to 14,085) patients would need to be treated with fluoroquinolones for a duration of at least three days in order for one additional patient to be harmed, assuming a population baseline incidence of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture to be 10 per 100,000 patient-years. With strong statistical association, these findings suggest a causal relationship, warranting future research to elucidate the pathophysiological and mechanistic plausibility of this association. These findings however, should not cease prescription of fluoroquinolones, especially when clinically indicated.
Probiotic Aspergillus oryzae produces anti-tumor mediator and exerts anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Isozaki Shotaro , Kashima Shin , Moriichi Kentaro , Ichikawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Yamamura Chikage , Ando Katsuyoshi , Ueno Nobuhiro , Akutsu Hiroaki , Ogawa Naoki , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: May 2021

Intake of probiotics or fermented food produced by some probiotic bacteria is believed to exert anti-tumor functions in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, because several studies have demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of probiotic bacteria in vitro and in vivo in animal carcinogenesis models. However, the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of probiotics on pancreatic cancer have not been clarified. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor effects of probiotic bacteria against pancreatic cancer cells. Among the known probiotic bacteria, Aspergillus oryzae exhibited a strong pancreatic tumor suppression effect. The culture supernatant of A. oryzae was separated by HPLC. Heptelidic acid was identified as an anti-tumor molecule derived from A. oryzae by LC–MS and NMR analysis. The anti-tumor effect of heptelidic acid was exhibited in vitro and in vivo in a xenograft model of pancreatic cancer cells. The anti-tumor effect of heptelidic acid was exerted by the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Heptelidic acid traverses the intestinal mucosa and exerts anti-tumor effects on pancreatic cancer cells. This is a novel anti-tumor mechanism induced by beneficial bacteria against pancreatic cancer in which bacterial molecules pass through the intestinal tract, reach the extra-intestinal organs, and then induce apoptosis via an inducible signaling pathway.
Publisher Correction: Initiation and propagation kinetics of inhibited lipid peroxidation
Authors: Farhoosh Reza
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Visible-light enabled room-temperature dealkylative imidation of secondary and tertiary amines promoted by aerobic ruthenium catalysis
Authors: Yang Dong , Shi Jingqi , Chen Jiaming , Jia Xiaoqi , Shi Cuiying , Ma Lifang , Li Ziyuan
Published: May 2021

A photoredox dealkylative imidation of tertiary and secondary amines with sulfonyl azide facilitated by aerobic ruthenium-catalysis to afford sulfonyl amidine at room temperature is reported.
Random pore-network model for polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Berg Peter , Nadon Philippe
Published: May 2021

Flow reversal (“back diffusion”) in Nafion: electro-osmotic coefficient as a function of humidification levels at anode and cathode.
Effects of geometrical isomerism on emissive behaviour of heteroleptic cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes
Authors: Jinsenji Yoshiki , Takimoto Kazuyoshi , Yoshida Jun , Mori Shigeki , Watanabe Yutaka , Sato Hisako
Published: May 2021

The influence of cis/trans geometrical isomerism on emission behaviors has been explored.
Cobalt and nitrogen co-doped Ni3S2 nanoflowers on nickel foam as high-efficiency electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in alkaline media
Authors: Du Xiaoqiang , Ma Guangyu , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: May 2021

The Co–N-Ni3S2/NF material was used for the first time as a robust Earth-abundant electrocatalyst for water splitting.
A mitochondrion-targeted BODIPY-Ir(iii) conjugate as a photoinduced ROS generator for the oxidative destruction of triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Qiao Liping , Liu Jiangping , Kuang Shi , Liao Xinxing , Kou Junfeng , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: May 2021

A mitochondria-targeted BODIPY-Ir(III) conjugate acted as a photoinduced ROS generator and exerted high oxidative lethality towards triple-negative breast cancer cells at an ultralow concentration under irradiation.
The bionic sunflower: a bio-inspired autonomous light tracking photocatalytic system
Authors: Qin Jingjing , Chu Kaibin , Huang Yunpeng , Zhu Xiangmiao , Hofkens Johan , He Guanjie , Parkin Ivan P. , Lai Feili , Liu Tianxi
Published: May 2021

Inspired by sunflowers, a bionic sunflower based on a photo-responsive smart hydrogel was used as a photocatalytic reactor and always exhibited a relatively stable and high H2O2 generation rate at any random angle of irradiation.
Preparation of acylated blueberry anthocyanins through an enzymatic method in an aqueous/organic phase: effects on their colour stability and pH-response characteristics
Authors: Zeng Fansen , Zeng HaiSheng , Ye Yanqi , Zheng Shiyu , Zhuang Yuanhong , Liu Jinna , Fei Peng
Published: May 2021

To explore the potential of anthocyanins in pH-colour responsive intelligent packaging and improve the stability of the pigments, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid and gallic acid were grafted onto blueberry anthocyanins via enzyme-catalysed grafting.
l-Theanine regulates glutamine metabolism and immune function by binding to cannabinoid receptor 1
Authors: Liu An , Lin Ling , Xu Wei , Gong Zhihua , Liu Zhonghua , Xiao Wenjun
Published: May 2021

Our study showed that l-theanine regulates glutamine synthetase and immune inflammatory factors by competitively binding to CB1.
Health benefits of dietary chronobiotics: beyond resynchronizing internal clocks
Authors: Huang Jun-qing , Lu Muwen , Ho Chi-Tang
Published: May 2021

Dietary chronobiotics may help improve the functions of physiological systems and prevent metabolic diseases.
Strawberry phenolic extracts effectively mitigated metabolic disturbances associated with high-fat ingestion in rats depending on the ellagitannin polymerization degree
Authors: Żary-Sikorska Ewa , Fotschki Bartosz , Kołodziejczyk Krzysztof , Jurgoński Adam , Kosmala Monika , Milala Joanna , Majewski Michał , Ognik Katarzyna , Juśkiewicz Jerzy
Published: May 2021

In the present experiment it was hypothesised that dietary strawberry ellagitannin-rich extracts would mitigate negative consequences associated with consumption.
Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory activities of selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Kluyveromyces lactis GG799
Authors: Song Xiaofan , Qiao Lei , Yan Shuqi , Chen Yue , Dou Xina , Xu Chunlan
Published: May 2021

The process of Kluyveromyces lactis GG799 synthesis of SeNPs and the potential mechanism of SeNPs relieving DSS-induced colitis.
A review on vertical and lateral heterostructures of semiconducting 2D-MoS2 with other 2D materials: a feasible perspective for energy conversion
Authors: Swain Gayatri , Sultana Sabiha , Parida Kulamani
Published: May 2021

Emerging 2D-MoS2 based 2D/2D heterostructures toward high-efficiency energy conversion applications. A powerful combination of 2D-MoS2 with other 2D materials furnishes an excellent heterointerface for superior photo/electrocatalytic performances.
Near infrared II laser controlled free radical releasing nanogenerator for synergistic nitric oxide and alkyl radical therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Yang Yan , Liang Zhuoying , Song Xiling , Huang Yadong , Qiu Lin , Qiu Xiaozhong , Yu Siming , Xue Wei
Published: May 2021

A multifunctional nanogenerator with NIR II-precise-control NO and alkyl radical release property is elaborately fabricated, which displays a synergistic NO and alkyl radical anticancer effect by significantly inhibiting breast tumor.
Intraband hot-electron photoluminescence of a silver nanowire-coupled gold film via high-order gap plasmons
Authors: Zhu Xupeng , Shi Huimin , Zhang Shi , Yang Zhengmei , Liao Jun , Quan Jun , Xue Shuwen , Zou Changwei , Zhang Jun , Duan Huigao
Published: May 2021

High-order gap plasmon modes also support high-efficiency one-photon photoluminescence.
Emerging DNA-based multifunctional nano-biomaterials towards electrochemical sensing applications
Authors: Saha Udiptya , Todi Keshav , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: May 2021

The various utilities of DNA that render it as a multifunctional bio-nanomaterial for electrochemical biosensing applications.
Deciphering protein microenvironment by using a cysteine specific switch-ON fluorescent probe
Authors: Mariam Jessy , Hoskere Ashoka Anila , Gaded Vandana , Ali Firoj , Malvi Harshada , Das Amitava , Anand Ruchi
Published: May 2021

Coumarin based, cysteine specific switch-ON fluorescent probe L enables detection of early unfolding events in proteins by forming signature adducts with the free sulfhydryl group of cysteine residues.
Waste eggshell membrane-templated synthesis of functional Cu2+–Cu+/biochar for an ultrasensitive electrochemical enzyme-free glucose sensor
Authors: Li Linzhi , Huang Tianzeng , He Saijun , Liu Xing , Chen Qi , Chen Jian , Cao Hongmei
Published: May 2021

The fabrication process of the nonenzyme glucose sensing based Cu2+–Cu+/biochar.
Structural insights into targeting of the colchicine binding site by ELR510444 and parbendazole to achieve rational drug design
Authors: Lei Jia-Hong , Ma Ling-Ling , Xian Jing-Hong , Chen Hai , Zhou Jian-Jian , Chen Hao , Lei Qian , Li Yu-Yan , Wang Yan-Yan , Wang Yu-Xi
Published: May 2021

Crystal structures of tubulin complexed withELR510444and parbendazole facilitate the design of novel colchicine binding site inhibitors.