bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and morphological studies onContracaecum rudolphiiA andC. rudolphiiB in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) from Italy and Israel
Authors: Caffara Monica , Tedesco Perla , Davidovich Nadav , Rubini Silva , Luci Valentina , Cantori Alessia , Glogowski Patrycja Anna , Fioravanti Maria Letizia , Gustinelli Andrea
Published: September 2023

The distribution of parasites is shaped by a variety of factors, among which are the migratory movements of their hosts. Israel has a unique position to migratory routes of several bird species leaving Europe to winter in Africa, however, detailed studies on the parasite fauna of birds from this area are scarce. Our study investigates occurrence and distribution of sibling species amongContracaecum rudolphiicomplex inPhalacrocorax carbo sinensisfrom Italy and Israel, to acquire further information on the geographical range of these species to gain deeper knowledge on the ecology of these parasites and their bird host. A total of 2383Contracaecumwere collected from the gastric mucosa of 28 great cormorants (18 from Israel and 10 from Italy). A subsample was processed for morphological analyses in light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and for molecular analyses through amplification and sequencing of the ITS rDNA and thecox2 mtDNA, and through PCR-RFLP. All the 683Contracaecumsubjected to molecular identification belonged toC. rudolphii s.l., (300C. rudolphiiA and 383C. rudolphiiB). SEM micrographs provided, for the first time, details of taxonomic structures in male specimens from both sibling species, and the first SEM characterization ofC. rudolphiiB. This work presents the first data on the occurrence of sibling species ofC. rudolphiiin Israel and provides additional information on the distribution ofC. rudolphiiA and B in Italy, confirming the high prevalence and intensity of infection observed inPh. carbo sinensisfrom other Italian areas.
Emulsifiers in ultra-processed foods in the UK food supply
Authors: Sandall Alicia , Smith Leanne , Svensen Erika , Whelan Kevin
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Ultra-processed foods (UPF), including those containing food additive emulsifiers, have received research attention due to evidence implicating them in the pathogenesis of certain diseases. The aims of this research were to develop a large-scale, brand-level database of UPF in the UK food supply and to characterise the occurrence and co-occurrence of food additive emulsifiers.

Design:

A database was compiled sampling all products from the food categories contributing to energy intake from UPF in the UK from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2014). Every food in these categories were identified from online supermarket provision from the ‘big four’ supermarkets that dominate the market share in the UK, comprising Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons.

Setting:

Major supermarkets in the UK.

Results:

A total of 32 719 food products in the UK supermarket food supply were returned in searches. Of these, 12 844 products were eligible and manually reviewed for the presence of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers were present in 6642 (51·7 %) food products. Emulsifiers were contained in 95·0 % of ‘Pastries, buns and cakes’, 81·9 % of ‘Milk-based drinks’, 81·0 % of ‘Industrial desserts’ and 77·5 % of ‘Confectionary’. Fifty-one per cent of all emulsifier-containing foods contained multiple emulsifiers. Across emulsifier-containing foods, there were a median of two emulsifiers (IQR 2) per product. The five most common emulsifiers were lecithin (23·4 % of all products), mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (14·5 %), diphosphates (11·6 %), and xanthan gum and pectin (8·0 %).

Conclusions:

Findings from this study are the first to demonstrate the widespread occurrence and co-occurrence of emulsifiers in UPF in the UK food supply.
Intermediaries in the criminal justice system: professional work, jurisdictions, and boundary work
Authors: Taggart John
Published: September 2023

Intermediaries are communication experts who facilitate communication between individuals with communication needs and the criminal justice system. In executing the role, intermediaries interact with police, lawyers, judges and other criminal justice professionals. But is the intermediary a professional in its own right? This article argues that a more useful question to ask is whether intermediaries engage in what Andrew Abbott terms ‘professional work’. It reveals how the role tussles for legitimate control over its work tasks through the staking of ‘jurisdictional claims’. Intermediaries do so through the performance of ‘boundary work’ which involves the construction and negotiating of boundaries that mediate interaction. This article presents findings from thirty-one in-depth, semi-structured interviews with intermediaries and judges in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. It concludes that the future of the intermediary role and its work depends largely on the type of ‘jurisdictional settlement’ which its practitioners seek to carve out.
Constitutions as moving targets
Authors: Verdugo Sergio
Published: September 2023

Constitutions change in different ways, and some constitutions – such as the Chilean Constitution – change often. The significant changes to the Chilean Constitution have been frequent and fast, and they have accompanied the failed constitution-making processes of the previous years. Examples include crucial sub-constitutional statutes such as the electoral system regulation and same-sex marriage, political practices challenging the power of the president in the law-making process, constitutional rules such as term limits for legislators, judicial practices such as the enforcement of social rights and the amendment procedures of the Constitution itself. Despite the successful attempts at reforming the Constitution and the failed attempts at replacing it, Chileans are still trying to replace the constitutional document. However, the constitutional framework has become unstable, making it harder to agree on what exactly is wrong with it. This article seeks to open a conversation in the constitutional literature. It argues that constitutions can become moving targets and uses the Chilean case to show the need to theorize more about the moving target problem.
Mental health considerations for athlete removal from play and return to play planning
Authors: Edwards Carla D.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Introduction: Athletes experience the same mental health disorders as the general population. When mental health symptoms or disorders are experienced more acutely, there may be occasions when the treating team needs to decide if it is in the best interest of the athlete to be removed from the sport environment for treatment and recovery. If an athlete has been away from the sport environment due to mental health symptoms or disorders, the treating team should be deliberate and collaborative in guiding their return. Removal-from-play (RFP) and return-to-play (RTP) decisions involving an athlete who has experienced mental health challenges can be complex. Methods: The literature around athlete mental health was reviewed to explore contributing and mitigating factors to mental health challenges in this population. General psychiatric recovery trajectories for selected mental illnesses were reviewed to inform RTP planning through and beyond illness episodes. The literature related to RFP and RTP for athletes in terms of specific physical factors (concussion and musculoskeletal injury) and mental health factors (specifically, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders) was also reviewed. Results: A scoping overview of athlete- and sport-specific factors yielded a framework that can be used to guide athlete support, RFP and RTP planning through and beyond mental health-related sport interruption. Conclusion: When mental health symptoms and disorders are present, decisions guiding RFP and RTP should be guided by clinical assessment of safety, stability and function. Due to the complex nature of mental disorders and the interaction of sport elements, it is recommended that sports psychiatrists are involved in the assessment and management process.
Comment on “Advanced Testing of Low, Medium, and High ECS CMIP6 GCM Simulations Versus ERA5‐T2m” by N. Scafetta (2022)
Authors: Schmidt Gavin A. , Jones Gareth S. , Kennedy John J.
Published: September 2023

Scafetta (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl097716) purports to test Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate models through a comparison of temperature changes over three decades. Unfortunately, the paper contains numerous conceptual and statistical errors that undermine all of the conclusions. First, no uncertainty is given for the observational temperature difference, making it impossible to assess compatibility with any model result. Second, the CMIP6 data are the ensemble means for each model, but the metric being tested is sensitive to the internal variability and so the full ensemble for each model must be used. When this is corrected, the conclusion that “all models with ECS > 3.0°C overestimate the observed global surface warming” is not sustained. Third, the statistical test in Section 2 would reject all models even in a perfect model setup given sufficient ensemble members, thus the second conclusion “that spatial t‐statistics rejects the data‐model agreement” is also not sustainable.
Future Marsh Evolution Due To Tidal Changes Induced by Human Adaptation to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Balderas Guzman Celina , Buffington Kevin J. , Thorne Karen M. , Guntenspergen Glenn R. , Hummel Michelle A. , Stacey Mark T.
Published: September 2023

With sea level rise threatening coastal development, decision‐makers are beginning to act by modifying shorelines. Previous research has shown that hardening or softening shorelines may change the tidal range under future sea level rise. Tidal range can also be changed by natural factors. Coastal marshes, which humans increasingly depend on for shoreline protection, are ecologically sensitive to tidal range. Therefore, it is critical to examine how changes in tidal range could influence marsh processes. A marsh accretion model was used to investigate the ecological response of a San Francisco Bay, California, USA marsh to multiple tidal range scenarios and sea level rise from 2010 to 2100. The scenarios include a baseline scenario with no shoreline modifications in the estuary, a shoreline hardening scenario that amplifies the tidal range, and 14 tidal range scenarios as a sensitivity analysis that span tidal amplification and reduction of the baseline scenario. The modeling results expose key tradeoffs to consider when planning for sea level rise. Compared to the baseline, the hardening scenario shows minor differences. However, further tidal amplification prolongs marsh survival but decreases Sarcocornia pacifica cover, an important species for certain threatened wildlife and an effective attenuator of wave energy. Conversely, tidal reduction precipitates marsh drowning but shows gains in Sarcocornia pacifica cover. These mixed impacts of tidal amplification and reduction shown by the model indicate potential tradeoffs in relation to marsh survival, habitat characteristics, and shoreline protection. This study suggests the need for a cross‐sectoral, regional approach to sea level rise adaptation.
Ice‐Front Retreat Controls on Ocean Dynamics Under Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Poinelli M. , Nakayama Y. , Larour E. , Vizcaino M. , Riva R.
Published: September 2023

Iceberg A‐68 separated from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017 and the impact of this event on the local ocean circulation has yet to be assessed. Here, we conduct numerical simulations of ocean dynamics near and below the ice shelf pre‐ and post‐calving. Results agree with in situ and remote observations of the area as they indicate that basal melt is primarily controlled by wintertime sea‐ice formation, which in turn produces High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW). After the calving event, we simulate a 50% increase in HSSW intrusion under the ice shelf, enhancing ocean heat delivery by 30%. This results in doubling of the melt rate under Gipps Ice Rise, suggesting a positive feedback for further retreat that could destabilize the Larsen C Ice Shelf. Assessing the impact of ice‐front retreat on the heat delivery under the ice is crucial to better understand ice‐shelf dynamics in a warming environment.
A new method of continuous blood pressure monitoring using multichannel sensing signals on the wrist
Authors: Wang Liangqi , Tian Shuo , Zhu Rong
Published: September 2023

Hypertension is a worldwide health problem and a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure has important clinical value for the early diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, existing technologies for wearable continuous blood pressure monitoring are usually inaccurate, rely on subject-specific calibration and have poor generalization across individuals, which limit their practical applications. Here, we report a new blood pressure measurement method and develop an associated wearable device to implement continuous blood pressure monitoring for new subjects. The wearable device detects cardiac output and pulse waveform features through dual photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors worn on the palmar and dorsal sides of the wrist, incorporating custom-made interface sensors to detect the wearing contact pressure and skin temperature. The detected multichannel signals are fused using a machine-learning algorithm to estimate continuous blood pressure in real time. This dual PPG sensing method effectively eliminates the personal differences in PPG signals caused by different people and different wearing conditions. The proposed wearable device enables continuous blood pressure monitoring with good generalizability across individuals and demonstrates promising potential in personal health care applications.
Strong associations of telomere length and mitochondrial copy number with suicidality and abuse history in adolescent depressed individuals
Authors: Ochi Shinichiro , Roy Bhaskar , Prall Kevin , Shelton Richard C. , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: September 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in adolescents and is a major risk factor for suicidality. Recent evidence shows that accelerated cellular senescence/aging is associated with psychiatric illness, including depression, in adults. The present study examined if the relationships of telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), two critical indicators of cellular senescence/aging, are altered in depressed adolescents and whether these alterations are associated with suicidality, early-life adversities, and other co-occuring factors. In genomic DNA isolated from 53 adolescents (ages 16–19, 19 MDD with suicide attempt/suicidal ideation [MDD + SI/SA], 14 MDD without SA/SI [MDD-SI/SA], and 20 healthy controls [HC]), TL and mtDNAcn were measured as the ratio between the number of telomere repeats and that of a single-copy nuclear-hemoglobin [HBG] gene or the amount of mtDNA (NADH dehydrogenase, subunit 1) relative to HBG. Our data show that TL was significantly lower, and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the total MDD group than HC. TL was significantly lower and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the MDD + SA/SI group than in the HC, whereas there were no differences in the MDD-SI/SA group. TL was positively correlated with mtDNAcn in both HC and MDD-SA/SI groups; however, TL was negatively correlated with mtDNAcn in MDD + SA/SI. Furthermore, TL was negatively correlated with the severity of both depression and anxiety, while mtDNAcn was positively correlated with the severity of prior emotional abuse. Our study indicates that cellular senescence is more advanced in depressed adolescents with suicidal ideation and that childhood emotional abuse may participate in such a process.
CXXC finger protein 1 (CFP1) bridges the reshaping of genomic H3K4me3 signature to the advancement of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Tao , Xiao Chu , Liu Hengchang , Liu Yu , Wang Liyu , Tian He , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: September 2023

Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is a canonical chromatin modification associated with active gene transcription, playing a pivotal role in regulating various cellular functions. Components of the H3K4me3 methyltransferase complex, known as the proteins associated with SET1 (COMPASS), have been implicated in exerting cancer-protective or cancer-inhibitory effects through inducive H3K4me3 modification. However, the role of the indispensable non-catalytic component of COMPASS CXXC-type zinc finger protein 1 (CFP1) in malignant progression remains unclear. We have unveiled that CFP1 promote lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while impairing cell apoptosis through in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, high CFP1 expression was identified as emerged as an adverse prognostic indicator across multiple public and in-house LUAD datasets. Notably, CFP1 deficiency led to dual effects on cancer cell transcriptome including extensive inactivation of cancer-promoting as well as activation of cancer repressors. Combining this with the chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis, we showed that CFP1 ablation reshaped the genomic H3K4me3 distribution signature, with prominent effects on TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways. Collectively, our study proposes that CFP1 mediates tumorigenesis by genomic histone methylation reprogramming, offering insights for future investigations into epigenetic modifications in cancer progression and potential therapeutic advancements.
The pivotal roles of gut microbiota in insect plant interactions for sustainable pest management
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Shouke , Xu Letian
Published: September 2023

The gut microbiota serves as a critical “organ” in the life cycle of animals, particularly in the intricate interplay between herbivorous pests and plants. This review summarizes the pivotal functions of the gut microbiota in mediating the insect–plant interactions, encompassing their influence on host insects, modulation of plant physiology, and regulation of the third trophic level species within the ecological network. Given these significant functions, it is plausible to harness these interactions and their underlying mechanisms to develop novel eco-friendly pest control strategies. In this context, we also outline some emerging pest control methods based on the intestinal microbiota or bacteria-mediated interactions, such as symbiont-mediated RNAi and paratransgenesis, albeit these are still in their nascent stages and confront numerous challenges. Overall, both opportunities and challenges coexist in the exploration of the intestinal microbiota-mediated interactions between insect pests and plants, which will not only enrich the fundamental knowledge of plant–insect interactions but also facilitate the development of sustainable pest control strategies.
Experiment-based computational model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling exhibit similar potency in inducing downstream signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Song Min , Wang Youli , Annex Brian H. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory cytokine mediated responses are important in the development of many diseases that are associated with angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis as a prominent strategy has shown limited effects in many contexts such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. One potential reason for the unsuccessful outcome is the mutual dependent role between inflammation and angiogenesis. Inflammation-based therapies primarily target inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) in T cells, macrophages, cancer cells, and muscle cells, and there is a limited understanding of how these cytokines act on endothelial cells. Thus, we focus on one of the major inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, mediated intracellular signaling in endothelial cells by developing a detailed computational model. Our model quantitatively characterized the effects of IL-6 classic and trans-signaling in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to phosphorylate STAT3, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt, respectively. We applied the trained and validated experiment-based computational model to characterize the dynamics of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Akt (pAkt), and ERK (pERK) in response to IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling. The model predicts that IL-6 classic and trans-signaling induced responses are IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) dose-dependent. Also, IL-6 classic and trans-signaling showed similar potency in inducing downstream signaling; however, trans-signaling induces stronger downstream responses and plays a dominant role in the overall effects from IL-6 due to the in vitro experimental setting of abundant sIL-6R. In addition, both IL-6 and sIL-6R levels regulate signaling strength. Moreover, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the downstream inflammatory and/or angiogenic signals, pSTAT3, pAkt, and pERK responses. Overall, the model predicts the effects of IL-6 classic and/or trans-signaling stimulation quantitatively and provides a framework for analyzing and integrating experimental data. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify potential targets that influence IL-6 mediated signaling in endothelial cells and to study their effects quantitatively in modulating STAT3, Akt, and ERK activation.
Myc-dependent dedifferentiation of Gata6+ epidermal cells resembles reversal of terminal differentiation
Authors: Bernabé-Rubio Miguel , Ali Shahnawaz , Bhosale Priyanka G. , Goss Georgina , Mobasseri Seyedeh Atefeh , Tapia-Rojo Rafael , Zhu Tong , Hiratsuka Toru , Battilocchi Matteo , Tomás Inês M. , Ganier Clarisse , Garcia-Manyes Sergi , Watt Fiona M.
Published: September 2023

Dedifferentiation is the process by which terminally differentiated cells acquire the properties of stem cells. During mouse skin wound healing, the differentiated Gata6-lineage positive cells of the sebaceous duct are able to dedifferentiate. Here we have integrated lineage tracing and single-cell mRNA sequencing to uncover the underlying mechanism. Gata6-lineage positive and negative epidermal stem cells in wounds are transcriptionally indistinguishable. Furthermore, in contrast to reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells, the same genes are expressed in the epidermal dedifferentiation and differentiation trajectories, indicating that dedifferentiation does not involve adoption of a new cell state. We demonstrate that dedifferentiation is not only induced by wounding, but also by retinoic acid treatment or mechanical expansion of the epidermis. In all three cases, dedifferentiation is dependent on the master transcription factor c-Myc. Mechanotransduction and actin-cytoskeleton remodelling are key features of dedifferentiation. Our study elucidates the molecular basis of epidermal dedifferentiation, which may be generally applicable to adult tissues.
Warming beneath an East Antarctic ice shelf due to increased subpolar westerlies and reduced sea ice
Authors: Lauber Julius , Hattermann Tore , de Steur Laura , Darelius Elin , Auger Matthis , Nøst Ole Anders , Moholdt Geir
Published: September 2023

Understanding how climate change influences ocean-driven melting of the Antarctic ice shelves is one of the greatest challenges for projecting future sea level rise. The East Antarctic ice shelf cavities host cold water masses that limit melting, and only a few short-term observational studies exist on what drives warm water intrusions into these cavities. We analyse nine years of continuous oceanographic records from below Fimbulisen and relate them to oceanic and atmospheric forcing. On monthly time scales, warm inflow events are associated with weakened coastal easterlies reducing downwelling in front of the ice shelf. Since 2016, however, we observe sustained warming, with inflowing Warm Deep Water temperatures reaching above 0 °C. This is concurrent with an increase in satellite-derived basal melt rates of 0.62 m yr−1, which nearly doubles the basal mass loss at this relatively cold ice shelf cavity. We find that this transition is linked to a reduction in coastal sea ice cover through an increase in atmosphere–ocean momentum transfer and to a strengthening of remote subpolar westerlies. These results imply that East Antarctic ice shelves may become more exposed to warmer waters with a projected increase of circum-Antarctic westerlies, increasing this region’s relevance for sea level rise projections.
APOBEC3B regulates R-loops and promotes transcription-associated mutagenesis in cancer
Authors: McCann Jennifer L. , Cristini Agnese , Law Emily K. , Lee Seo Yun , Tellier Michael , Carpenter Michael A. , Beghè Chiara , Kim Jae Jin , Sanchez Anthony , Jarvis Matthew C. , Stefanovska Bojana , Temiz Nuri A. , Bergstrom Erik N. , Salamango Daniel J. , Brown Margaret R. , Murphy Shona , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Miller Kyle M. , Gromak Natalia , Harris Reuben S.
Published: September 2023

The single-stranded DNA cytosine-to-uracil deaminase APOBEC3B is an antiviral protein implicated in cancer. However, its substrates in cells are not fully delineated. Here APOBEC3B proteomics reveal interactions with a surprising number of R-loop factors. Biochemical experiments show APOBEC3B binding to R-loops in cells and in vitro. Genetic experiments demonstrate R-loop increases in cells lacking APOBEC3B and decreases in cells overexpressing APOBEC3B. Genome-wide analyses show major changes in the overall landscape of physiological and stimulus-induced R-loops with thousands of differentially altered regions, as well as binding of APOBEC3B to many of these sites. APOBEC3 mutagenesis impacts genes overexpressed in tumors and splice factor mutant tumors preferentially, and APOBEC3-attributed kataegis are enriched in RTCW motifs consistent with APOBEC3B deamination. Taken together with the fact that APOBEC3B binds single-stranded DNA and RNA and preferentially deaminates DNA, these results support a mechanism in which APOBEC3B regulates R-loops and contributes to R-loop mutagenesis in cancer.
Modeling policy interventions for slowing the spread of artemisinin-resistant pfkelch R561H mutations in Rwanda
Authors: Zupko Robert J. , Nguyen Tran Dang , Ngabonziza J. Claude S. , Kabera Michee , Li Haojun , Tran Thu Nguyen-Anh , Tran Kien Trung , Uwimana Aline , Boni Maciej F.
Published: September 2023

Artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are highly effective at treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but the emergence of the new pfkelch13 R561H mutation in Rwanda, associated with delayed parasite clearance, suggests that interventions are needed to slow its spread. Using a Rwanda-specific spatial calibration of an individual-based malaria model, we evaluate 26 strategies aimed at minimizing treatment failures and delaying the spread of R561H after 3, 5 and 10 years. Lengthening ACT courses and deploying multiple first-line therapies (MFTs) reduced treatment failures after 5 years when compared to the current approach of a 3-d course of artemether–lumefantrine. The best among these options (an MFT policy) resulted in median treatment failure counts that were 49% lower and a median R561H allele frequency that was 0.15 lower than under baseline. New approaches to resistance management, such as triple ACTs or sequential courses of two different ACTs, were projected to have a larger impact than longer ACT courses or MFT; these were associated with median treatment failure counts in 5 years that were 81–92% lower than the current approach. A policy response to currently circulating artemisinin-resistant genotypes in Africa is urgently needed to prevent a population-wide rise in treatment failures.
Somatostatin neurons in prefrontal cortex initiate sleep-preparatory behavior and sleep via the preoptic and lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Tossell Kyoko , Yu Xiao , Giannos Panagiotis , Anuncibay Soto Berta , Nollet Mathieu , Yustos Raquel , Miracca Giulia , Vicente Mikal , Miao Andawei , Hsieh Bryan , Ma Ying , Vyssotski Alexei L. , Constandinou Tim , Franks Nicholas P. , Wisden William
Published: September 2023

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) enables mammals to respond to situations, including internal states, with appropriate actions. One such internal state could be ‘tiredness’. Here, using activity tagging in the mouse PFC, we identified particularly excitable, fast-spiking, somatostatin-expressing, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (PFCSst-GABA) cells that responded to sleep deprivation. These cells projected to the lateral preoptic (LPO) hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Stimulating PFCSst-GABA terminals in the LPO hypothalamus caused sleep-preparatory behavior (nesting, elevated theta power and elevated temperature), and stimulating PFCSst-GABA terminals in the LH mimicked recovery sleep (non-rapid eye-movement sleep with higher delta power and lower body temperature). PFCSst-GABA terminals had enhanced activity during nesting and sleep, inducing inhibitory postsynaptic currents on diverse cells in the LPO hypothalamus and the LH. The PFC also might feature in deciding sleep location in the absence of excessive fatigue. These findings suggest that the PFC instructs the hypothalamus to ensure that optimal sleep takes place in a suitable place.
Organ-oriented proteogenomics functional atlas of three aquatic invertebrate sentinel species
Authors: Leprêtre Maxime , Degli Esposti Davide , Sugier Kevin , Espeyte Anabelle , Gaillard Jean-Charles , Delorme Nicolas , Duflot Aurélie , Bonnard Isabelle , Coulaud Romain , Boulangé-Lecomte Céline , Xuereb Benoît , Palos Ladeiro Mélissa , Geffard Alain , Geffard Olivier , Armengaud Jean , Chaumot Arnaud
Published: September 2023

Proteogenomic methodologies have enabled the identification of protein sequences in wild species without annotated genomes, shedding light on molecular mechanisms affected by pollution. However, proteomic resources for sentinel species are limited, and organ-level investigations are necessary to expand our understanding of their molecular biology. This study presents proteomic resources obtained from proteogenomic analyses of key organs (hepatopancreas, gills, hemolymph) from three established aquatic sentinel invertebrate species of interest in ecotoxicological/ecological research and environmental monitoring: Gammarus fossarum, Dreissena polymorpha, and Palaemon serratus. Proteogenomic analyses identified thousands of proteins for each species, with over 90% of them being annotated to putative function. Functional analysis validated the relevance of the proteomic atlases by revealing similarities in functional annotation of catalogues of proteins across analogous organs in the three species, while deep contrasts between functional profiles are delimited across different organs in the same organism. These organ-level proteomic atlases are crucial for future research on these sentinel animals, aiding in the evaluation of aquatic environmental risks and providing a valuable resource for ecotoxicological studies.
The difference between two brachycephalic and one mesocephalic dog breeds’ problem-solving performance suggests evidence for paedomorphism in behaviour
Authors: Ujfalussy Dorottya Júlia , Bognár Zsófia , Molnár Marianna , Miklósi Ádám , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: September 2023

Despite serious health and longevity problems, small brachycephalic breeds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. Motivations for choosing short-nosed breeds have been extensively investigated in recent years; however, this issue has been addressed mainly by relying on owner reports, resulting in explanations of “cute looks”, referring to the baby-schema phenomenon and “behaviour well suited for companionship”. We aimed to compare the behaviour of two brachycephalic (English and French bulldogs) and one mesocephalic (Mudi) breed in a problem-solving context. The dogs were given the task of opening boxes containing food rewards. We investigated human-directed behaviour elements over success and latency (indicators of motivation and ability). We found that both English and French bulldogs were significantly less successful in solving the problem than mudis. Both brachycephalic breeds had longer opening latencies than the mesocephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds oriented less at the problem box and more at humans present. In summary, the short-headed breeds were less successful but oriented much more toward humans than mesocephalic dogs. Owners might interpret these behaviours as “helplessness” and dependence. The results support the hypothesis that infant-like traits may be present not only in appearance but also in behaviour in brachycephalic breeds, eliciting caring behaviour in owners.
Effects of lactotripeptide ingestion and physical activity intervention on the fatigue status of middle-aged and older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshioka Masaki , Kaneko Tomoko , Yoneko Karen , Matsui Masahiro , Mori Shoya , Nishitani Natsumi , Wenxing Qin , Ouchi Kei , Yasuda Risa , Namatame Hayate , Sato Tomohito , Park Jiyeon , Nakata Yoshio , Maeda Seiji , Kosaki Keisei
Published: September 2023

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of lactotripeptide (LTP) ingestion, physical activity (PA) intervention, and combined intervention on the fatigue status of middle-aged and older adults. A total of 78 middle-aged and older adults (63 ± 8 years of age) were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo, LTP, placebo with PA intervention (placebo + PA), and LTP with PA intervention (LTP + PA). All participants ingested the placebo or LTP tablets daily (three tablets/day). The placebo + PA and LTP + PA groups participated in a weekly supervised exercise class and were instructed to increase their moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA at home. The visual analog scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Profile of Mood States second edition (POMS2), and Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) were administered before and after the intervention. No significant interactions or main effects were observed between LTP ingestion and PA intervention on any of the fatigue scales. The main-effect analyses revealed that the PA intervention improved the total mood disturbance score of the POMS2 (F = 5.22, P = 0.03) and BDI-II score (F = 4.81, P = 0.03). After the post hoc paired comparisons, the total mood disturbance and BDI-II scores improved more with the combined intervention than with the PA intervention alone (percentage difference between the effect of combined intervention and PA intervention alone was 3.7% for total mood disturbance score and 13.7% for BDI-II score). The present study suggests that eight weeks of LTP ingestion and PA intervention did not have a significant effect on fatigue status. However, the PA intervention improved mood status and depressive symptoms, and these effects were enhanced by LTP ingestion.
Ankle stiffness asymmetry is associated with balance function in individuals with chronic stroke
Authors: Kim Hogene , Cho Jieun , Cho Sangwoo , Shin Joon-Ho
Published: September 2023

Ankle joint is one of important contributors on balance in stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of ankle stiffness symmetry ratios along the talocrural and subtalar axes with clinical balance measures and weight distribution during quiet standing in ambulatory chronic post-stroke survivors. The clinical trials involved 15 ambulatory elderly with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis and 15 healthy controls. Ankle stiffness was evaluated during non-weight-bearing isokinetic passive biaxial ankle movements, and ankle stiffness symmetry ratios between paretic and non-paretic ankle stiffness (SR: Inversion/Eversion SRIE& Dorsi-/Plantarflexion SRDP) were measured. A certified physiotherapist evaluated the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and weight-distribution ratio (WDR) on bilateral force plates during quiet standing. Correlation coefficients, the factor analysis, and Pearson linear multiple regression were assessed with measured parameters. Correlation coefficients showed significances in-betweens; BBS and SRDP(r = −0.543, p = 0.022), WDR and SRIE(r = −0.667, p = 0.004), SRIEand SRDP(r = −0.604, p = 0.011). The exploratory factor analysis suggested four extracted factors; (1) Balance & Gait, (2) Stroke, (3) Symmetry and (4) Dimension. The first and second factors include general and pathological characteristics in stoke participants respectively. The third factor is associated with symmetrical characteristics explaining up to 99.9% of the variance. Multiple regression analysis showed ankle stiffness ratios predict BBS up to 60% of variance. The biaxial ankle stiffness ratio is a useful clinical variable that assesses balance function, in ambulatory chronic stroke survivors.
Venous blood parameters in determination of respiratory impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: He Xianghua , Yang Jian , Feng Jiaming , Huang Hongyan , Dong Xiaolin , Zhao Quanzhen , Shen Qiuyan , Hu Caiyou , Xu Yanming
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between venous blood parameters and respiratory functions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and develop a model to predict respiratory impairment for individual patients with ALS. A total of 416 ALS patients were included in the study, and various hematologic and biochemical laboratory parameters as well as demographic and clinical factors were collected and compared. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to assess the association between FVC and venous blood biomarkers and clinical factors. The results showed that along with onset age, bulbar-onset, disease duration, BMI, eosinophil count (EO#), basophil count (BASO#), creatinine (CREA), uric acid (URCI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) ratio were associated with reduced FVC. The area under the ROC curve is 0.735 for the test set and 0.721 for the validation set. The study also developed a relatively acceptable model for predicting respiratory impairment in ALS patients. These findings suggest that EO#, BASO#, CREA, URIC and LDL/HDL ratio can be useful in assessing FVC in ALS and can be easily accessible, accurate, and low-cost parameters.
Multi-isotope analysis of bone collagen of Late Pleistocene ungulates reveals niche partitioning and behavioural plasticity of reindeer during MIS 3
Authors: Britton Kate , Jimenez Elodie-Laure , Le Corre Mael , Renou Sylvain , Rendu William , Richards Michael P. , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Soressi Marie
Published: September 2023

Here we present stable carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope ratios of collagen extracted from Rangifer, Equus and Bison bone (n = 128) from different stratigraphic levels at the chronologically well-constrained Middle and Upper Palaeolithic site of Les Cottés, France. Samples were taken from five phases of site use (US08, US06, US04 [upper and lower], and US02; ~ 45.8–35.3 ka cal BP) to explore the dietary and spatial palaeoecology of these ungulate species during MIS 3, and the contemporary climate. Temporal trends in δ15N values of all species broadly align with other climatic indicators at the site and the lowest values in US04 correspond to the Heinrich 4 cooling event, reflecting changes in the composition of soil/plant nitrogen at this time. Rangifer collagen is 13C-enriched compared to the other species throughout, consistent with lichen consumption. However, this isotopic niche partitioning between Rangifer and Equus/Bison is most extensive during US04, indicating plasticity in reindeer feeding behaviour, and potentially overall increased lichen biomass during this cooler/more arid phase. Rangifer δ34S values are consistently lower than Equus and Bison, which could be indicative of their more extensive spatial ranges incorporating greater inland areas. Equus and Bison demonstrate a significant decrease in δ34S values through time, which may be linked to contemporary climatic decline.
Neuromas cause severe residual problems at long-term despite surgery
Authors: Dahlin Emma , Gudinge Hanna , Dahlin Lars B. , Nyman Erika
Published: September 2023

Pain, and disabilities after neuroma surgery, using patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs), were evaluated by QuickDASH and a specific Hand Questionnaire (HQ-8). The 69 responding individuals (response rate 61%; 59% women; 41% men; median follow up 51 months) reported high QuickDASH score, pain on load, cold sensitivity, ability to perform daily activities and sleeping difficulties. Individuals reporting impaired ability to perform daily activities and sleeping problems had higher scores for pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness/tingling, cold sensitivity and QuickDASH. Only 17% of individuals reported no limitations at all. No differences were observed between sexes. Surgical methods did not influence outcome. Symptoms and disabilities correlated moderately-strongly to each other and to ability to perform regular daily activities as well as to sleeping difficulties. Pain, cold sensitivity, sleeping difficulties and limitation to perform daily activities were associated to higher QuickDASH. A weak association was found between follow up time and QuickDASH score as well as pain on load, but not cold sensitivity. A major nerve injury was frequent among those with limitations during work/performing other regular daily activities. Despite surgical treatment, neuromas cause residual problems, which affect the capacity to perform daily activities and ability to sleep with limited improvement in long-term.
Characterization and organelle genome sequencing of Pyropia species from Myanmar
Authors: San Myat Htoo , Kawamura Yoshio , Kimura Kei , Witharana Eranga Pawani , Shimogiri Takeshi , Aye San San , Min Thu Thu , Aung Cherry , Khaing Moe Moe , Nagano Yukio
Published: September 2023

Pyropia is a genus comprising red algae of the Bangiaceae family that is commonly found in intertidal zones worldwide. However, understanding of Pyropia species that are prone to tropical regions remains limited despite recent breakthroughs in genomic research. Within the realm of Pyropia species thriving in tropical regions, P. vietnamensis stands out as a widely recognized species. In this study, we aimed to investigate Pyropia species in the southwest coast of Myanmar using physiological and molecular approaches, culture-based analyses, chloroplast rbcL and nuclear SSU gene sequencing, and whole chloroplast and mitochondrial genome sequencing. Physiological analysis showed that the Myanmar samples were more heat-tolerant than their Japanese counterparts, including those of subtropical origin. Additionally, molecular characterization revealed that the Myanmar samples were closely related to P. vietnamensis from India. This study is the first to sequence the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of Pyropia species from tropical regions. A unique deletion event was observed within a ribosomal RNA gene cluster in the chloroplast genome of the studied Pyropia species, which is a deviation from the usual characteristics of most Pyropia species. This study improves current understanding of the physiological and molecular characteristics of this comparatively understudied Pyropia species that grows in tropical regions.
Mask and plate: a scalable front metallization with low-cost potential for III–V-based tandem solar cells enabling 31.6 % conversion efficiency
Authors: Schube Jörg , Höhn Oliver , Schygulla Patrick , Müller Ralph , Jahn Mike , Mikolasch Gabriele , Steiner Marc , Predan Felix , Bartsch Jonas , Dimroth Frank , Clement Florian , Keding Roman
Published: September 2023

Low-cost approaches for mass production of III–V-based photovoltaics are highly desired today. For the first time, this work presents industrially relevant mask and plate for front metallization of III–V-based solar cells replacing expensive photolithography. Metal contacts are fabricated by nickel (Ni) electroplating directly onto the solar cell’s front using a precisely structured mask. Inkjet printing offers low-cost and high-precision processing for application of an appropriate plating resist. It covers the solar cell’s front side with narrow openings for subsequent electroplating. The width of the resulting Ni contacts is as low as (10.5 ± 0.8) µm with sharp edges and homogenous shape. The 4 cm2-sized champion III–V-on-silicon triple-junction solar cell with mask and plate front metallization reaches a certified conversion efficiency η of (31.6 ± 1.1) % (AM1.5 g spectrum). It performs just as well as the reference sample with photolithography-structured evaporated front contacts, which reaches η = (31.4 ± 1.1) %.
Monatomic ions influence substrate permeation across bacterial microcompartment shells
Authors: Trettel Daniel S. , Neale Chris , Zhao Mingfei , Gnanakaran S. , Gonzalez-Esquer C. Raul
Published: September 2023

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein organelles consisting of an inner enzymatic core encased within a selectively permeable shell. BMC shells are modular, tractable architectures that can be repurposed with new interior enzymes for biomanufacturing purposes. The permeability of BMC shells is function-specific and regulated by biophysical properties of the shell subunits, especially its pores. We hypothesized that ions may interact with pore residues in a manner that influences the substrate permeation process. In vitro activity comparisons between native and broken BMCs demonstrated that increasing NaCl negatively affects permeation rates. Molecular dynamics simulations of the dominant shell protein (BMC-H) revealed that chloride ions preferentially occupy the positive pore, hindering substrate permeation, while sodium cations remain excluded. Overall, these results demonstrate that shell properties influence ion permeability and leverages the integration of experimental and computational techniques to improve our understanding of BMC shells towards their repurposing for biotechnological applications.
A decade of human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infection: molecular epidemiology in central Vietnam, 2007–2017
Authors: Otomaru Hirono , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Vo Hien Minh , Toizumi Michiko , Le Minh Nhat , Mizuta Katsumi , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Bui Minh Xuan , Dang Duc Anh , Yoshida Lay-Myint
Published: September 2023

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) can cause severe acute respiratory infection (ARI). We aimed to clarify the clinical and molecular epidemiological features of hMPV. We conducted an ARI surveillance targeting hospitalized children aged 1 month to 14 years in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses with PCR. We described the clinical characteristics of hMPV patients in comparison with those with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and those with neither RSV nor hMPV, and among different hMPV genotypes. Among 8822 patients, 278 (3.2%) were hMPV positive, with a median age of 21.0 months (interquartile range: 12.7–32.5). Among single virus-positive patients, hMPV cases were older than patients with RSV (p < 0.001) and without RSV (p = 0.003). The proportions of clinical pneumonia and wheezing in hMPV patients resembled those in RSV patients but were higher than in non-RSV non-hMPV patients. Seventy percent (n = 195) were genotyped (A2b: n = 40, 20.5%; A2c: n = 99, 50.8%; B1: n = 37, 19%; and B2: n = 19, 9.7%). The wheezing frequency was higher in A2b patients (76.7%) than in those with other genotypes (p = 0.033). In conclusion, we found a moderate variation in clinical features among hMPV patients with various genotypes. No seasonality was observed, and the multiple genotype co-circulation was evident.