bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of deadwood and other forest structural indicators relevant for bird conservation in Natura 2000 special protection areas in Poland
Authors: Bujoczek Leszek , Bujoczek Małgorzata , Zięba Stanisław
Published: July 2021

Numerous bird species, often rare or endangered, rely on the presence of standing and downed deadwood for shelter, nesting, and foraging. Habitat quality was evaluated on the basis of deadwood volume, the density of large standing deadwood, and the space filling index (SFI). The SFI reflects the degree of space filling of the bottom layers taking into account tree trunks, seedlings, saplings, ground vegetation, stumps, and downed deadwood. Analysis encompassed all special protection areas (SPAs) in Poland (a total of 107 SPAs containing 7974 sample plots monitored under the National Forest Inventory). An additional in-depth analysis was conducted for 30 SPAs with the greatest share of forest habitats. The studied indicators varied substantially both between and within individual SPAs, with deadwood volume ranging from 1.3 to 50.5 m3 ha−1(mean of 9.0 m3 ha−1) and the density of large standing deadwood (diameter at breast height ≥ 30 cm) from 0.1 to 16.0 ind ha−1(mean of 2.2 ind ha−1). These values were relatively low compared to the density of living trees with corresponding dimensions (111 ind ha−1). SFI analysis indicated high or very high space filling of the bottom forest layers on 14–56% of sample plots in a given SPA. The presence of deadwood was found to be significantly positively affected by SPA location in the mountains, a greater proportion of sites with higher fertility, a greater share of forest area under strict protection, as well as higher stand volume within a given SPA. The correlation between deadwood volume and the density of birds (primary and secondary cavity nesters) in individual SPAs was positive (R = 0.60). As compared to lowland areas, SPAs in mountain areas are generally characterized by high stand volumes, a greater density of large living trees, and a greater amount of diverse deadwood. In those areas conservation measures should involve continuous monitoring and diagnosing of any problems associated with the populations of individual bird species; focused efforts should be implemented to support those species that exhibit unfavorable population trends. In most lowland SPAs measures aimed at the improvement of site conditions for birds must be more extensive than in the mountains, with a low abundance of dead trees (especially large ones). These parameters can be improved by retaining some senescent stands in managed forests until their natural death and implementing a strict protection regime in areas of high conservation value.
Convenience of Hgb-O detected by optical method in XN-series hematology analyzers in evaluating hemoglobin concentration in samples with chylous turbidity
Authors: Aruga Yu , Ikeda Chiaki , Hanai Arisa , Yoshimura Sakiko , Kito Momoko , Miyaki Satoe , Tsubokura Misato , Yasuno Yuka , Hayashi Chiaki , Miyakoshi Motoi , Nishino Takahiro , Kawamura Kimihiko , Matsushita Hiromichi
Published: July 2021

The chylous turbidity of blood samples is one of the causes of false-high hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration measurements by the colorimetric method, which has been widely applied in hematology analyzers. In such cases, additional manual procedures are required to correct Hgb concentrations. We therefore examined the effectiveness of an optical method for measuring Hgb concentrations in samples with chylous turbidity using Hgb-O in the reticulocyte channel equipped in XN-series analyzers (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Hgb-O showed excellent basic performance, including linear correlation and invariability with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-Hgb detected by the colorimetric method. In the analysis of samples from healthy volunteers supplemented with fat emulsion, chylous turbidity did not affect Hgb-O but SLS-Hgb, which was falsely increased according to the dose of fat emulsion. Actually, SLS-Hgb was falsely elevated in 34 of 40 chylous turbidity 3+ samples. The remaining 6 samples were measured in hematology analyzers where Hgb-O was inconsistent with SLS-Hgb in the internal quality control records. For these samples, the correction factors calculated from the internal quality control records could contribute to providing the corrected Hgb-O value. These findings suggested that the optical method was effective and convenient for accurately evaluating Hgb concentrations in samples with extremely chylous turbidity.
Gut microbial communities associated with phenotypically divergent populations of the striped stem borer Chilo suppressalis (Walker, 1863)
Authors: Zhong Haiying , Zhang Juefeng , Li Fang , Chen Jianming
Published: July 2021

Chilo suppressalis (Walker, 1863) is a serious stem borer of rice and water-oat plants, and has phenotypically diverged into rice and water-oat populations. Insect gut microbiota plays an important role in the host life and understanding the dynamics of this complicated ecosystem may improve its biological control. The effect of diet and gut compartments on the gut microflora of divergent populations of C. suppressalis is not fully clear. Herein, we characterized the gut microbiota of C. suppressalis populations fed on two hosts (i.e., water-oats fruit pulps and rice seedlings), by sequencing the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Gut bacterial communities showed variation in relative abundance among C. suppressalis populations fed on water-oats fruit pulps or rice seedlings. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes became the predominant phyla, and Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae and Halomonadaceae were the predominant family in all C. suppressalis populations. The highest bacteria diversity was found in the midgut of the rice population fed on water-oat fruit pulps. Bacterial communities in the midgut were more diverse than those in the hindgut. The bacterial genera distribution showed great differences due to diet types and gut compartments among populations. Our results demonstrated that the host plants tested had a considerable impact on gut bacterial composition of C. suppressalis populations. Additionly, the unique gut morphology and physiological conditions (viz., oxygen content, enzymes) also contributed to variation in microbiomes. In conclusion, our study provided an important insight into investigation of insect-bacteria symbioses, and biocontrol of this species and other related lepidopterans.
Functional network topology of the right insula affects emotion dysregulation in hyperactive-impulsive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Viering Tammo , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Philipsen Alexandra , Naaijen Jilly , Dietrich Andrea , Hartman Catharina A. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hildebrandt Andrea , Gießing Carsten , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: July 2021

Emotion dysregulation is common in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is highly prevalent in young adult ADHD and related to reduced well-being and social impairments. Neuroimaging studies reported neural activity changes in ADHD in brain regions associated with emotion processing and regulation. It is however unknown whether deficits in emotion regulation relate to changes in functional brain network topology in these regions. We used a combination of graph analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyze resting-state functional connectivity in 147 well-characterized young adults with ADHD and age-matched healthy controls from the NeuroIMAGE database. Emotion dysregulation was gauged with four scales obtained from questionnaires and operationalized through a latent variable derived from SEM. Graph analysis was applied to resting-state data and network topology measures were entered into SEM models to identify brain regions whose local network integration and connectedness differed between subjects and was associated with emotion dysregulation. The latent variable of emotion dysregulation was characterized by scales gauging emotional distress, emotional symptoms, conduct symptoms, and emotional lability. In individuals with ADHD characterized by prominent hyperactivity-impulsivity, the latent emotion dysregulation variable was related to an increased clustering and local efficiency of the right insula. Thus, in the presence of hyperactivity-impulsivity, clustered network formation of the right insula may underpin emotion dysregulation in young adult ADHD.
Detecting long-range interactions between migrating cells
Authors: Metzner C. , Hörsch F. , Mark C. , Czerwinski T. , Winterl A. , Voskens C. , Fabry B.
Published: July 2021

Chemotaxis enables cells to systematically approach distant targets that emit a diffusible guiding substance. However, the visual observation of an encounter between a cell and a target does not necessarily indicate the presence of a chemotactic approach mechanism, as even a blindly migrating cell can come across a target by chance. To distinguish between the chemotactic approach and blind migration, we present an objective method that is based on the analysis of time-lapse recorded cell migration trajectories: For each movement step of a cell relative to the position of a potential target, we compute apvalue that quantifies the likelihood of the movement direction under the null-hypothesis of blind migration. The resulting distribution ofpvalues, pooled over all recorded cell trajectories, is then compared to an ensemble of reference distributions in which the positions of targets are randomized. First, we validate our method with simulated data, demonstrating that it reliably detects the presence or absence of remote cell-cell interactions. In a second step, we apply the method to data from three-dimensional collagen gels, interspersed with highly migratory natural killer (NK) cells that were derived from two different human donors. We find for one of the donors an attractive interaction between the NK cells, pointing to a cooperative behavior of these immune cells. When adding nearly stationary K562 tumor cells to the system, we find a repulsive interaction between K562 and NK cells for one of the donors. By contrast, we find attractive interactions between NK cells and an IL-15-secreting variant of K562 tumor cells. We therefore speculate that NK cells find wild-type tumor cells only by chance, but are programmed to leave a target quickly after a close encounter. We provide a freely available Python implementation of ourpvalue method that can serve as a general tool for detecting long-range interactions in collective systems of self-driven agents.
Modern and sub-fossil corals suggest reduced temperature variability in the eastern pole of the Indian Ocean Dipole during the medieval climate anomaly
Authors: Cahyarini Sri Yudawati , Pfeiffer Miriam , Reuning Lars , Liebetrau Volker , Dullo Wolf-Chr. , Takayanagi Hideko , Anwar Iwan Pramesti , Utami Dwi Amanda , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter , Hendrizan Marfasran , Eisenhauer Anton
Published: July 2021

We present two 40 year records of monthly coral Sr/Ca ratios from the eastern pole of the Indian Ocean Dipole. A modern coral covers the period from 1968 to 2007. A sub-fossil coral derives from the medieval climate anomaly (MCA) and spans 1100–1140 ad. The modern coral records SST variability in the eastern pole of the Indian Ocean Dipole. A strong correlation is also found between coral Sr/Ca and the IOD index. The correlation with ENSO is asymmetric: the coral shows a moderate correlation with El Niño and a weak correlation with La Niña. The modern coral shows large interannual variability. Extreme IOD events cause cooling > 3 °C (1994, 1997) or ~ 2 °C (2006). In total, the modern coral indicates 32 warm/cool events, with 16 cool and 16 warm events. The MCA coral shows 24 warm/cool events, with 14 cool and 10 warm events. Only one cool event could be comparable to the positive Indian Ocean Dipole in 2006. The seasonal cycle of the MCA coral is reduced (< 50% of to the modern) and the skewness of the Sr/Ca data is lower. This suggests a deeper thermocline in the eastern Indian Ocean associated with a La Niña-like mean state in the Indo-Pacific during the MCA.
Shoot-soil ecological stoichiometry of alfalfa under nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Lu Jiaoyun , Tian Hong , Zhang Heshan , Xiong Junbo , Yang Huimin , Liu Yang
Published: July 2021

Plants and soil interactions greatly affect ecosystems processes and properties. Ecological stoichiometry is an effective means to explore the C, N, P correlation between plants and soil and the relationship between plant growth and nutrient supply. Serious soil erosion on China’s Loess Plateau has further barrenness the soil. Fertilization solves the problem of ecosystem degradation by improving soil fertility and regulating the ecological stoichiometric between soil and plants. No fertilization (CK), nitrogen fertilization (N), phosphorus fertilization (P) and N and P combined fertilization (NP) treatments were set in an alfalfa grassland. Organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients and their stoichiometry were measured in shoot and soil. P and NP fertilization increased shoot C concentration (3.12%, 0.91%), and all fertilization decreased shoot N concentration (6.96%). The variation of shoot C and N concentrations resulted in a greater increase in shoot C:N under the fertilization treatment than that under CK (8.24%). Most fertilization treatments increased shoot P concentration (4.63%) at each cut, which induced a decrease of shoot C:P. Shoot N:P of most treatments were greater than 23, but it was lower under N and NP fertilization than that under CK. Fertilization only increased soil C in 2014, but had no effect on soil N. Soil P content was significantly higher under P fertilization in 2014 (34.53%), and all fertilization in the second cut of 2015 (124.32%). Shoot and soil C:P and N:P having the opposite changes to shoot and soil P, respectively. Our results suggest that the change of P after fertilization largely drove the changes of stoichiometric. The growth of alfalfa in the Loess Plateau was severely restricted by P. It is an effective method to increase the biomass of alfalfa by increasing the addition of N or NP fertilizer to alleviate P limitation.
Identification of prognostic alternative splicing events in sarcoma
Authors: Li Hongshuai , Yang Jie , Yang Guohui , Ren Jia , Meng Yu , Qi Peiyi , Wang Nan
Published: July 2021

Sarcoma is a rare malignancy with unfavorable prognoses. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events are generally involved in cancer pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic value of AS-related survival genes as potential biomarkers, and highlight the functional roles of AS events in sarcoma. RNA-sequencing and AS-event datasets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sarcoma cohort and TCGA SpliceSeq, respectively. Survival-related AS events were further assessed using a univariate analysis. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was also performed to establish a survival-gene signature to predict patient survival, and the area-under-the-curve method was used to evaluate prognostic reliability. KOBAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to functionally annotate AS-related genes and to assess their network interactions. We detected 9674 AS events in 40,184 genes from 236 sarcoma samples, and the 15 most significant genes were then used to construct a survival regression model. We further validated the involvement of ten potential survival-related genes (TUBB3, TRIM69, ZNFX1, VAV1, KCNN2, VGLL3, AK7, ARMC4, LRRC1, and CRIP1) in the occurrence and development of sarcoma. Multivariate survival model analyses were also performed, and validated that a model using these ten genes provided good classifications for predicting patient outcomes. The present study has increased our understanding of AS events in sarcoma, and the gene-based model using AS-related events may serve as a potential predictor to determine the survival of sarcoma patients.
Using Y-chromosome capture enrichment to resolve haplogroup H2 shows new evidence for a two-path Neolithic expansion to Western Europe
Authors: Rohrlach Adam B. , Papac Luka , Childebayeva Ainash , Rivollat Maïté , Villalba-Mouco Vanessa , Neumann Gunnar U. , Penske Sandra , Skourtanioti Eirini , van de Loosdrecht Marieke , Akar Murat , Boyadzhiev Kamen , Boyadzhiev Yavor , Deguilloux Marie-France , Dobeš Miroslav , Erdal Yilmaz S. , Ernée Michal , Frangipane Marcella , Furmanek Mirosław , Friederich Susanne , Ghesquière Emmanuel , Hałuszko Agata , Hansen Svend , Küßner Mario , Mannino Marcello , Özbal Rana , Reinhold Sabine , Rottier Stéphane , Salazar-García Domingo Carlos , Diaz Jorge Soler , Stockhammer Philipp W. , de Togores Muñoz Consuelo Roca , Yener K. Aslihan , Posth Cosimo , Krause Johannes , Herbig Alexander , Haak Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

Uniparentally-inherited markers on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the non-recombining regions of the Y chromosome (NRY), have been used for the past 30 years to investigate the history of humans from a maternal and paternal perspective. Researchers have preferred mtDNA due to its abundance in the cells, and comparatively high substitution rate. Conversely, the NRY is less susceptible to back mutations and saturation, and is potentially more informative than mtDNA owing to its longer sequence length. However, due to comparatively poor NRY coverage via shotgun sequencing, and the relatively low and biased representation of Y-chromosome variants on capture assays such as the 1240 k, ancient DNA studies often fail to utilize the unique perspective that the NRY can yield. Here we introduce a new DNA enrichment assay, coined YMCA (Y-mappable capture assay), that targets the "mappable" regions of the NRY. We show that compared to low-coverage shotgun sequencing and 1240 k capture, YMCA significantly improves the mean coverage and number of sites covered on the NRY, increasing the number of Y-haplogroup informative SNPs, and allowing for the identification of previously undiscovered variants. To illustrate the power of YMCA, we show that the analysis of ancient Y-chromosome lineages can help to resolve Y-chromosomal haplogroups. As a case study, we focus on H2, a haplogroup associated with a critical event in European human history: the Neolithic transition. By disentangling the evolutionary history of this haplogroup, we further elucidate the two separate paths by which early farmers expanded from Anatolia and the Near East to western Europe.
Variations in the oral microbiome are associated with depression in young adults
Authors: Wingfield Benjamin , Lapsley Coral , McDowell Andrew , Miliotis Georgios , McLafferty Margaret , O’Neill Siobhan M. , Coleman Sonya , McGinnity T. Martin , Bjourson Anthony J. , Murray Elaine K.
Published: July 2021

A growing body of evidence supports an important role for alterations in the brain-gut-microbiome axis in the aetiology of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The potential role of the oral microbiome in mental health has received little attention, even though it is one of the most diverse microbiomes in the body and oral dysbiosis has been linked to systemic diseases with an underlying inflammatory aetiology. This study examines the structure and composition of the salivary microbiome for the first time in young adults who met the DSM-IV criteria for depression (n = 40) and matched controls (n = 43) using 16S rRNA gene-based next generation sequencing. Subtle but significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of the salivary microbiome were observed, with clear separation of depressed and healthy control cohorts into distinct clusters. A total of 21 bacterial taxa were found to be differentially abundant in the depressed cohort, including increasedNeisseriaspp. andPrevotella nigrescens, while 19 taxa had a decreased abundance. In this preliminary study we have shown that the composition of the oral microbiome is associated with depression in young adults. Further studies are now warranted, particuarly investigations into whether such shifts play any role in the underling aetiology of depression.
Lycopene suppresses palmitic acid-induced brain oxidative stress, hyperactivity of some neuro-signalling enzymes, and inflammation in female Wistar rat
Authors: Ugbaja Regina Ngozi , James Adewale Segun , Ugwor Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu , Akamo Adio Jamiu , Thomas Funmilola Clara , Kosoko Ayokulehin Muse
Published: July 2021

Neuroinflammation can be triggered by certain high caloric nutrients such as palmitic acid (PA). The effect of lycopene against PA-induced neuroinflammation in female rats has not been as explored. In the present study, thirty rats (weighing 150–200) g were randomly allotted into six groups (n = 5) comprising normal control, PA control, PA + lycopene (0.24 mg/kg), PA + lycopene (0.48 mg/kg), lycopene (0.24 mg/kg), and lycopene (0.48 mg/kg), respectively. After seven weeks of PA challenge (5 mM) including two weeks of lycopene treatment, the brain was excised for analyses. Palmitic acid overload caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in adenosine deaminase, monoamine oxidase-A, nucleotides tri-phosphatase, 5′-nucleotidase, acetylcholine esterase, and myeloperoxidase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels which were reduced significantly in the lycopene-treated groups. Conversely, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced glutathione levels concentration decreased by 43%, 34%, and 12%, respectively in the PA control groups compared with the Control. Also, PA triggered a decrease in the brain phospholipids (11.43%) and cholesterol (11.11%), but increased triacylglycerol level (50%). Furthermore, upregulated expressions of Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6, and NF-ĸB-p65 in the PA control were attenuated, while decreased Interleukine-10 expression was upregulated due to lycopene treatment. Severe brain vacuolation observed in the histology of the PA control rats was normalized by lycopene. This study concludes that lycopene ameliorated PA-induced neuroinflammation, probably via attenuation of oxidative stress, and downregulation of TLR4/ NF-κB -p65 axis.
Movement kinematics and cortical activation in children with and without autism spectrum disorder during sway synchrony tasks: an fNIRS study
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Culotta McKenzie , Tsuzuki Daisuke , Bhat Anjana
Published: July 2021

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with socially embedded movements such as imitation and interpersonal synchrony (IPS); however, related movement characteristics and underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. This study compared the movement characteristics and cortical activation patterns of children with and without ASD during a whole-body, sway synchrony task when different levels of social information were provided. Thirty children with and without ASD (mean age: 12.6 years, SE: 0.6 years) participated. Movement kinematics and fNIRS-based cortical activation were recorded when the child observed an adult tester sway side to side, when they swayed solo, or when they swayed face to face with the tester with or without fingertips touching (i.e., IPS). Children with ASD showed reduced synchrony and smaller sway amplitude compared to typically developing children without ASD. They showed reduced cortical activation over the inferior frontal gyrus and superior temporal sulcus during IPS and did not show significant increase in cortical activation when more social information was provided. The cortical activation findings were significantly associated with IPS behaviors and social communication performance. The ASD-related neurobiomarkers identified in our study could be used as objective measures to evaluate intervention effects in children with ASD.
Data-driven modelling approach to circadian temperature rhythm profiles in free-living conditions
Authors: Lipsanen Jari , Kuula Liisa , Elovainio Marko , Partonen Timo , Pesonen Anu-Katriina
Published: July 2021

The individual variation in the circadian rhythms at the physiological level is not well understood. Albeit self-reported circadian preference profiles have been consolidated, their premises are grounded on human experience, not on physiology. We used data-driven, unsupervised time series modelling to characterize distinct profiles of the circadian rhythm measured from skin surface temperature in free-living conditions. We demonstrate the existence of three distinct clusters of individuals which differed in their circadian temperature profiles. The cluster with the highest temperature amplitude and the lowest midline estimating statistic of rhythm, or rhythm-adjusted mean, had the most regular and early-timed sleep–wake rhythm, and was the least probable for those with a concurrent delayed sleep phase, or eveningness chronotype. While the clusters associated with the observed sleep and circadian preference patterns, the entirely unsupervised modelling of physiological data provides a novel basis for modelling and understanding the human circadian functions in free-living conditions.
Prognostic impact of pre-transplant chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood of patients undergoing unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Youjin , Zhou Weiyin , McReynolds Lisa J. , Katki Hormuzd A. , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Thota Swapna , Machiela Mitchell J. , Yeager Meredith , McCarthy Philip , Pasquini Marcelo , Wang Junke , Karaesmen Ezgi , Rizvi Abbas , Preus Leah , Tang Hancong , Wang Yiwen , Pooler Loreall , Sheng Xin , Haiman Christopher A. , Van Den Berg David , Spellman Stephen R. , Wang Tao , Kuxhausen Michelle , Chanock Stephen J. , Lee Stephanie J. , Hahn Theresa E. , Sucheston-Campbell Lara E. , Gadalla Shahinaz M.
Published: July 2021

To improve risk stratification and treatment decisions for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We used SNP-array data from the DISCOVeRY-BMT study to detect chromosomal aberrations in pre-HCT peripheral blood (collected 2–4 weeks before the administration of conditioning regimen) from 1974 AML patients who received HCT between 2000 and 2011. All aberrations detected in ≥ 10 patients were tested for their association with overall survival (OS), separately by remission status, using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Cox regression models were used for multivariable analyses. Follow-up was through January 2019. We identified 701 unique chromosomal aberrations in 285 patients (7% of 1438 in complete remission (CR) and 36% of 536 not in CR). Copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (CNLOH) in chr17p in CR patients (3-year OS = 20% vs. 50%, with and without chr17p CNLOH, p = 0.0002), and chr13q in patients not in CR (3-year OS = 4% vs. 26%, with and without chr13q CNLOH, p < 0.0001) are risk factors for poor survival. Models adjusted for clinical factors showed approximately three-fold excess risk of post-HCT mortality with chr17p CNLOH in CR patients (hazard ratio, HR = 3.39, 95% confidence interval CI 1.74–6.60, p = 0.0003), or chr13q CNLOH in patients not in CR (HR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.75–4.09, p < 0.0001). The observed mortality was mostly driven by post-HCT relapse (HR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.01–6.02, p = 0.047 for chr17p CNLOH in CR patients, and HR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.63–4.08, p < 0.0001 for chr13q CNLOH in patients not in CR. Pre-transplant CNLOH in chr13q or chr17p predicts risk of poor outcomes after unrelated donor HCT in AML patients. A large prospective study is warranted to validate the results and evaluate novel strategies to improve survival in those patients.
Olfactory shifts linked to postpartum depression
Authors: Peng Mei , Potterton Hazel , Chu Joanna Ting Wai , Glue Paul
Published: July 2021

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common non-obstetric complications associated with childbearing, but currently has poor diagnostic regimes. Sensory symptoms of PPD are understudied, particularly with regard to the sense of olfaction. The present study addresses this research gap by assessing differences in olfactory abilities between 39 depressed mothers, who were within the perinatal period (i.e., during pregnancy and up to 1-year post pregnancy) and assessed with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and their case-matched healthy volunteers. The assessments include two olfactory testing sessions conducted 4-weeks apart, each comprising a standard odour detection threshold test (i.e., Snap & Sniff Olfactory Test System), and intensity and valence ratings for 3 “pleasant” and 3 “unpleasant” odorants. The results revealed no difference between patients (M = 5.6; SE = 0.3) and control group (M = 5.7; SE = 0.4) in terms of olfactory detection threshold. However, the patients group perceived the 3 “unpleasant” odours as significantly less pleasant (p < 0.05), and 2 odorants (1 “pleasant” and 1 “unpleasant”) as less intense. Additionally, these results did not appear to be significantly interacted with the individual’s perinatal stage. The present study is the first to evaluate associations between olfactory function and PPD. Findings from the study suggest that, while PPD has little effect on the early stages of olfactory processing, these conditions may have stronger influence on higher-order olfactory perception, including both hedonic and intensity perception. These novel findings add knowledge to sensory symptoms of PPD.
Ocular surface cooling rate associated with tear film characteristics and the maximum interblink period
Authors: Ding Jennifer E. , Kim Young Hyun , Yi Sarah M. , Graham Andrew D. , Li Wing , Lin Meng C.
Published: July 2021

The surface of the human eye is covered with a protective tear film that refreshes with each blink. Natural blinking occurs involuntarily, but one can also voluntarily blink or refrain from blinking. The maximum time one can refrain from blinking until the onset of discomfort is the maximum interblink period (MIBP). During the interblink period the tear film evaporates and thins from the ocular surface. Infrared thermography provides a non-invasive measure of the ocular surface temperature (OST). Due to evaporation, ocular surface cooling (OSC) generally occurs when the eyes are open and exposed to the environment. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of OSC rate on the MIBP, and to investigate the association of the MIBP with tear film characteristics in subjects who do and do not exhibit OSC. The MIBP was measured simultaneously with OST over time. Non-invasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height, tear lipid layer thickness, and Schirmer I test strip wetted lengths were measured on a day prior to the thermography visit. Subjects were divided into cooling and non-cooling groups based on OSC rate, and demographic and tear film characteristics were tested for inter-group differences. A faster OSC rate was associated with an exponentially shorter duration of the MIBP overall and within the cooling group alone. Faster non-invasive tear breakup time was significantly associated with a shorter MIBP in both groups. These results suggest that tear film evaporation initiates a pathway that results in the onset of ocular discomfort and the stimulus to blinking. The presence of a subset of subjects with no or minimal OSC who nevertheless have a short MIBP indicates that evaporative cooling is not the only mechanism responsible for the onset of ocular discomfort.
Effect of magnesium reduction on the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Zhang Yue , Liu Fang , Li Qingkui
Published: July 2021

Considering the problem of high oxygen content in industrial niobium powder, the oxygen reduction of high oxygen niobium powder with the addition of magnesium is studied. Based on the thermodynamic analysis of magnesium thermal reduction of niobium powder, the effects of reduction temperature, magnesium addition, reduction time, and reduction atmosphere on the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder are studied. The results show that with an increase in the magnesium addition, the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder gradually decreases to a certain value, and then remains unchanged. In a certain temperature range (953–1203 K), with an increase in the reduction temperature, the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder first decreases, and then increases; the best oxygen content is 356 ppm at 1133 K. With the extension in reduction time (2–6 h), the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder first decreases, and then remains unchanged. Finally, the oxygen content of pickled niobium powder is reduced to approximately 356 ppm at 400% magnesium addition at 1133 K for 4 h.
Understanding the thermodynamic properties of insect swarms
Authors: Reynolds Andy M.
Published: July 2021

Sinhuber et al. (Sci Rep 11:3773, 2021) formulated an equation of state for laboratory swarms of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius that holds true when the swarms are driven through thermodynamic cycles by the application external perturbations. The findings are significant because they demonstrate the surprising efficacy of classical equilibrium thermodynamics for quantitatively characterizing and predicting collective behaviour in biology. Nonetheless, the equation of state obtained by Sinhuber et al. (2021) is anomalous, lacking a physical analogue, making its’ interpretation problematic. Moreover, the dynamical processes underlying the thermodynamic cycling were not identified. Here I show that insect swarms are equally well represented as van der Waals gases and I attribute the possibility of thermodynamic cycling to insect swarms consisting of several overlapping sublayers. This brings about a profound change in the understanding of laboratory swarms which until now have been regarded as consisting of non-interacting individuals and lacking any internal structure. I show how the effective interactions can be attributed to the swarms’ internal structure, the external perturbations and to the presence of intrinsic noise. I thereby show that intrinsic noise which is known to be crucial for the emergence of the macroscopic mechanical properties of insect swarms is also crucial for the emergence of their thermodynamic properties as encapsulated by their equation of state.
Marker based enrichment of provitamin A content in two tropical maize synthetics
Authors: Kebede Dejene , Mengesha Wende , Menkir Abebe , Abe Ayodeji , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luisa , Gedil Melaku
Published: July 2021

Most of the maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in developing countries have low content of micronutrients including vitamin A. As a result, people who are largely dependent on cereal-based diets suffer from health challenges due to micronutrient deficiencies. Marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS), which increases the frequency of favorable alleles with advances in selection cycle, could be used to enhance the provitamin A (PVA) content of maize. This study was carried out to determine changes in levels of PVA carotenoids and genetic diversity in two maize synthetics that were subjected to two cycles of MARS. The two populations, known as HGA and HGB, and their advanced selection cycles (C1 and C2) were evaluated at Ibadan in Nigeria. Selection increased the concentrations of β-carotene, PVA and total carotenoids across cycles in HGA, while in HGB only α-carotene increased with advances in selection cycle. β-cryptoxanthine increased at C1 but decreased at C2 in HGB. The levels of β-carotene, PVA, and total carotenoids increased by 40%, 30% and 36% respectively, in HGA after two cycles of selection. α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthine content improved by 20% and 5%, respectively after two cycles of selection in HGB. MARS caused changes in genetic diversity over selection cycles. Number of effective alleles and observed heterozygosity decreased with selection cycles, while expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2 in HGA. In HGB, number of effective alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2. In both populations, fixation index increased after two cycle of selections. The greatest part of the genetic variability resides within the population accounting for 86% of the total genetic variance. In general, MARS effectively improved PVA carotenoid content. However, genetic diversity in the two synthetics declined after two cycles of selection.
Comparative assessment of NOIR-SS and ddPCR for ctDNA detection of EGFR L858R mutations in advanced L858R-positive lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Akahori Daisuke , Inoue Yusuke , Inui Naoki , Karayama Masato , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi
Published: July 2021

Genotyping epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an essential process to indicate lung adenocarcinoma patients for the most appropriate treatment. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) potentially complements the use of tumor tissue biopsy for identifying genotype-specific mutations in cancer cells. We assessed the performance of a high-fidelity sequencing method that uses molecular barcodes called the nonoverlapping integrated read sequencing system (NOIR-SS) for detecting EGFR L858R-mutated alleles in 33 advanced or recurrent patients with L858R mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma revealed by matched tissue biopsy. We compared NOIR-SS with site-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), which was taken as the reference, in terms of sensitivity and ability to quantify L858R variant allele fractions (VAFs). NOIR-SS and ddPCR had sensitivities of 87.9% (29/33) and 78.8% (26/33) for detecting L858R alleles, respectively. The VAFs measured by each assay were strongly correlated. Notably, one specimen was positive with a VAF of 30.12% for NOIR-SS but marginally positive with that of 0.05% for ddPCR because of a previously poorly recognized mechanism: two-base substitution-induced L858R (c.2573_2574delinsGA). These results indicate that NOIR-SS is a useful method for detecting ctDNA, potentially overcoming a limitation of ddPCR which highly depends on the binding ability of primers to specific targeting sequences.
Distinctive detection of insulinoma using [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT
Authors: Murakami Takaaki , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Hamamatsu Keita , Yamauchi Yuki , Kodama Yuzo , Fujita Naotaka , Fujikura Junji , Shimizu Yoichi , Nakamoto Yuji , Kimura Hiroyuki , Saji Hideo , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: July 2021

Specifying the exact localization of insulinoma remains challenging due to the lack of insulinoma-specific imaging methods. Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)-targeted imaging, especially positron emission tomography (PET), has emerged. Although various radiolabeled GLP-1R agonist exendin-4-based probes with chemical modifications for PET imaging have been investigated, an optimal candidate probe and its scanning protocol remain a necessity. Thus, we investigated the utility of a novel exendin-4-based probe conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET imaging for insulinoma detection. We utilized [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT to visualize mouse tumor models, which were generated using rat insulinoma cell xenografts. The probe demonstrated high uptake value on the tumor as 37.1 ± 0.4%ID/g, with rapid kidney clearance. Additionally, we used Pdx1-Cre;Trp53R172H;Rbf/f mice, which developed endogenous insulinoma and glucagonoma, since they enabled differential imaging evaluation of our probe in functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. In this model, our [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT yielded favorable sensitivity and specificity for insulinoma detection. Sensitivity: 30-min post-injection 66.7%, 60-min post-injection 83.3%, combined 100% and specificity: 30-min post-injection 100%, 60-min post-injection 100%, combined 100%, which was corroborated by the results of in vitro time-based analysis of internalized probe accumulation. Accordingly, [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 is a promising PET imaging probe for visualizing insulinoma.
Diagnostic potential of serum extracellular vesicles expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen in urologic malignancies
Authors: Kawakami Kyojiro , Fujita Yasunori , Kato Taku , Horie Kengo , Koie Takuya , Umezawa Keitaro , Tsumoto Hiroki , Miura Yuri , Katagiri Yasuo , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Ohsawa Ikuroh , Mizutani Kosuke , Ito Masafumi
Published: July 2021

We aimed to develop a sandwich ELISA to detect prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on small extracellular vesicles (EVs) using T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing protein 4 (Tim4) as a capture molecule for EVs and to evaluate its diagnostic potential in urologic malignancies. First, we optimized the conditions for sandwich ELISA measuring the PSMA level on EVs captured from serum by Tim4 and found that the use of highly-purified EVs released from Tim4 that had captured EVs in serum reduced the background. Second, we confirmed its validity by studying mouse xenograft model for prostate cancer (PC). Lastly, we measured PSMA-EVs in serum of patients with urologic malignancies. The PSMA-EV levels were significantly higher in metastatic PC and castration-resistant PC (CRPC) patients than in therapy-naïve PC patients. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, PSMA-EVs were elevated in those with metastasis compared with those without metastasis, which may reflect the development of the neovasculature positive for PSMA in tumors. In conclusion, we developed a sandwich ELISA for detection of PSMA-EVs using highly-purified EVs isolated from serum by Tim4. Our results suggest that PSMA-EVs may be useful to diagnose and monitor not only PC but also RCC and possibly other hypervascular solid tumors.
Photocatalytic activity of twist-angle stacked 2D TaS2
Authors: Kovalska Evgeniya , Roy Pradip Kumar , Antonatos Nikolas , Mazanek Vlastimil , Vesely Martin , Wu Bing , Sofer Zdenek
Published: July 2021

The low-cost, efficient photoelectrosensitive electrodes as an alternative to expensive and complex rigid systems are yet in demand for advanced photoresponsive technology. Here, the light-induced efficiency of electrochemically exfoliated TaS2 nanosheets for hydrogen generation catalysis and photodetectors was demonstrated. Mutual twisting of the exfoliated 2H-TaS2 flakes leads to the redistribution of charge density induced by interlayer interaction of the individual nanosheets. External light irradiation on the TaS2 surface influences its conductivity making the material feasible for photoelectrocatalysis and photodetection. The TaS2-based photoelectrocatalyst demonstrates high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with the onset overpotential below 575 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The TaS2-integrated photodetector in the acidic medium represents its broadband response with the highest photoresponsivity (0.62 mA W−1) toward 420 nm light illumination. This finding will pave the way to a new realization of exfoliated twist-angle stacked TaS2 for photo-induced electrochemistry and sensing.
Mobile health strategies for blood pressure self-management in urban populations with digital barriers: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Olazo Kristan , Rivadeneira Natalie A. , Thatipelli Sneha , Barr-Walker Jill , Fontil Valy , Lyles Courtney R. , Sarkar Urmimala
Published: July 2021

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies improve hypertension outcomes, but it is unknown if this benefit applies to all populations. This review aimed to describe the impact of mHealth interventions on blood pressure outcomes in populations with disparities in digital health use. We conducted a systematic search to identify studies with systolic blood pressure (SBP) outcomes located in urban settings in high-income countries that included a digital health disparity population, defined as mean age ≥65 years; lower educational attainment (≥60% ≤high school education); and/or racial/ethnic minority (<50% non-Hispanic White for US studies). Interventions were categorized using an established self-management taxonomy. We conducted a narrative synthesis; among randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a six-month SBP outcome, we conducted random-effects meta-analyses. Twenty-nine articles (representing 25 studies) were included, of which 15 were RCTs. Fifteen studies used text messaging; twelve used mobile applications. Studies were included based on race/ethnicity (14), education (10), and/or age (6). Common intervention components were: lifestyle advice (20); provision of self-monitoring equipment (17); and training on digital device use (15). In the meta-analyses of seven RCTs, SBP reduction at 6-months in the intervention group (mean SBP difference = −4.10, 95% CI: [−6.38, −1.83]) was significant, but there was no significant difference in SBP change between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.48). The use of mHealth tools has shown promise for chronic disease management but few studies have included older, limited educational attainment, or minority populations. Additional robust studies with these populations are needed to determine what interventions work best for diverse hypertensive patients.
Development of a mechanistic model to predict synthetic biotic activity in healthy volunteers and patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Charbonneau Mark R. , Denney William S. , Horvath Nicholas G. , Cantarella Pasquale , Castillo Mary J. , Puurunen Marja K. , Brennan Aoife M.
Published: July 2021

The development of therapeutics depends on predictions of clinical activity from pre-clinical data. We have previously described SYNB1618, an engineered bacterial therapeutic (synthetic biotic) for the treatment of Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disease that leads to accumulation of plasma phenylalanine (Phe) and severe neurological complications. SYNB1618 consumes Phe in preclinical models, healthy human volunteers, and PKU patients. However, it remains unclear to what extent Phe consumption by SYNB1618 in the gastrointestinal tract lowers plasma Phe levels in PKU patients. Here, we construct a mechanistic model that predicts SYNB1618 function in non-human primates and healthy subjects by combining in vitro simulations and prior knowledge of human physiology. In addition, we extend a model of plasma Phe kinetics in PKU patients, in order to estimate plasma Phe lowering by SYNB1618. This approach provides a framework that can be used more broadly to define the therapeutic potential of synthetic biotics.
New and sex-specific migraine susceptibility loci identified from a multiethnic genome-wide meta-analysis
Authors: Choquet Hélène , Yin Jie , Jacobson Alice S. , Horton Brandon H. , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Jorgenson Eric , Avins Andrew L. , Pressman Alice R.
Published: July 2021

Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder that is ranked as the most common neurological cause of disability worldwide. Women present with migraine much more frequently than men, but the reasons for this difference are unknown. Migraine heritability is estimated to up to 57%, yet much of the genetic risk remains unaccounted for, especially in non-European ancestry populations. To elucidate the etiology of this common disorder, we conduct a multiethnic genome-wide association meta-analysis of migraine, combining results from the GERA and UK Biobank cohorts, followed by a European-ancestry meta-analysis using public summary statistics. We report 79 loci associated with migraine, of which 45 were novel. Sex-stratified analyses identify three additional novel loci (CPS1, PBRM1, and SLC25A21) specific to women. This large multiethnic migraine study provides important information that may substantially improve our understanding of the etiology of migraine susceptibility.