bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influenza virus PB2 protein evades antiviral innate immunity by inhibiting JAK1/STAT signalling
Authors: Yang Hui , Dong Yurui , Bian Ying , Xu Nuo , Wu Yuwei , Yang Fan , Du Yinping , Qin Tao , Chen Sujuan , Peng Daxin , Liu Xiufan
Published: October 2022

Influenza A virus (IAV) polymerase protein PB2 has been shown to partially inhibit the host immune response by blocking the induction of interferons (IFNs). However, the IAV PB2 protein that regulates the downstream signaling pathway of IFNs is not well characterized. Here, we report that IAV PB2 protein reduces cellular sensitivity to IFNs, suppressing the activation of STAT1/STAT2 and ISGs. Furthermore, IAV PB2 protein targets mammalian JAK1 at lysine 859 and 860 for ubiquitination and degradation. Notably, the H5 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus with I283M/K526R mutations on PB2 increases the ability to degrade mammalian JAK1 and exhibits higher replicate efficiency in mammalian (but not avian) cells and mouse lung tissues, and causes greater mortality in infected mice. Altogether, these data describe a negative regulatory mechanism involving PB2-JAK1 and provide insights into an evasion strategy from host antiviral immunity employed by IAV.
Functional architecture of executive control and associated event-related potentials in macaques
Authors: Sajad Amirsaman , Errington Steven P. , Schall Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2022

The medial frontal cortex (MFC) enables executive control by monitoring relevant information and using it to adapt behavior. In macaques performing a saccade countermanding (stop-signal) task, we simultaneously recorded electrical potentials over MFC and neural spiking across all layers of the supplementary eye field (SEF). We report the laminar organization of neurons enabling executive control by monitoring the conflict between incompatible responses, the timing of events, and sustaining goal maintenance. These neurons were a mix of narrow-spiking and broad-spiking found in all layers, but those predicting the duration of control and sustaining the task goal until the release of operant control were more commonly narrow-spiking neurons confined to layers 2 and 3 (L2/3). We complement these results with evidence for a monkey homolog of the N2/P3 event-related potential (ERP) complex associated with response inhibition. N2 polarization varied with error-likelihood and P3 polarization varied with the duration of expected control. The amplitude of the N2 and P3 were predicted by the spike rate of different classes of neurons located in L2/3 but not L5/6. These findings reveal features of the cortical microcircuitry supporting executive control and producing associated ERPs.
Single-nuclei and bulk-tissue gene-expression analysis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma links disease subtypes with tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zethoven Magnus , Martelotto Luciano , Pattison Andrew , Bowen Blake , Balachander Shiva , Flynn Aidan , Rossello Fernando J. , Hogg Annette , Miller Julie A. , Frysak Zdenek , Grimmond Sean , Fishbein Lauren , Tischler Arthur S. , Gill Anthony J. , Hicks Rodney J. , Dahia Patricia L. M. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Pacak Karel , Tothill Richard W.
Published: October 2022

Pheochromocytomas (PC) and paragangliomas (PG) are rare neuroendocrine tumors associated with autonomic nerves. Here we use single-nuclei RNA-seq and bulk-tissue gene-expression data to characterize the cellular composition of PCPG and normal adrenal tissues, refine tumor gene-expression subtypes and make clinical and genotypic associations. We confirm seven PCPG gene-expression subtypes with significant genotype and clinical associations. Tumors with mutations in VHL, SDH-encoding genes (SDHx) or MAML3-fusions are characterized by hypoxia-inducible factor signaling and neoangiogenesis. PCPG have few infiltrating lymphocytes but abundant macrophages. While neoplastic cells transcriptionally resemble mature chromaffin cells, early chromaffin and neuroblast markers are also features of some PCPG subtypes. The gene-expression profile of metastatic SDHx-related PCPG indicates these tumors have elevated cellular proliferation and a lower number of non-neoplastic Schwann-cell-like cells, while GPR139 is a potential theranostic target. Our findings therefore clarify the diverse transcriptional programs and cellular composition of PCPG and identify biomarkers of potential clinical significance.
Reduced rotational flows enable the translation of surface-rolling microrobots in confined spaces
Authors: Bozuyuk Ugur , Aghakhani Amirreza , Alapan Yunus , Yunusa Muhammad , Wrede Paul , Sitti Metin
Published: October 2022

Biological microorganisms overcome the Brownian motion at low Reynolds numbers by utilizing symmetry-breaking mechanisms. Inspired by them, various microrobot locomotion methods have been developed at the microscale by breaking the hydrodynamic symmetry. Although the boundary effects have been extensively studied for microswimmers and employed for surface-rolling microrobots, the behavior of microrobots in the proximity of multiple wall-based “confinement” is yet to be elucidated. Here, we study the confinement effect on the motion of surface-rolling microrobots. Our experiments demonstrate that the locomotion efficiency of spherical microrollers drastically decreases in confined spaces due to out-of-plane rotational flows generated during locomotion. Hence, a slender microroller design, generating smaller rotational flows, is shown to outperform spherical microrollers in confined spaces. Our results elucidate the underlying physics of surface rolling-based locomotion in confined spaces and present a design strategy with optimal flow generation for efficient propulsion in such areas, including blood vessels and microchannels.
Splicing factor BUD31 promotes ovarian cancer progression through sustaining the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2L12
Authors: Wang Zixiang , Wang Shourong , Qin Junchao , Zhang Xiyu , Lu Gang , Liu Hongbin , Guo Haiyang , Wu Ligang , Shender Victoria O. , Shao Changshun , Kong Beihua , Liu Zhaojian
Published: October 2022

Dysregulated expression of splicing factors has important roles in cancer development and progression. However, it remains a challenge to identify the cancer-specific splicing variants. Here we demonstrate that spliceosome component BUD31 is increased in ovarian cancer, and its higher expression predicts worse prognosis. We characterize the BUD31-binding motif and find that BUD31 preferentially binds exon-intron regions near splicing sites. Further analysis reveals that BUD31 inhibition results in extensive exon skipping and a reduced production of long isoforms containing full coding sequence. In particular, we identify BCL2L12, an anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member, as one of the functional splicing targets of BUD31. BUD31 stimulates the inclusion of exon 3 to generate full-length BCL2L12 and promotes ovarian cancer progression. Knockdown of BUD31 or splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide treatment promotes exon 3 skipping and results in a truncated isoform of BCL2L12 that undergoes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, and the cells subsequently undergo apoptosis. Our findings reveal BUD31-regulated exon inclusion as a critical factor for ovarian cancer cell survival and cancer progression.
WASH activation controls endosomal recycling and EGFR and Hippo signaling during tumor-suppressive cell competition
Authors: Liu Dan , Tsarouhas Vasilios , Samakovlis Christos
Published: October 2022

Cell competition is a conserved homeostatic mechanism whereby epithelial cells eliminate neighbors with lower fitness. Cell communication at the interface of wild-type “winner” cells and polarity-deficient (scrib−/−) “losers” is established through Sas-mediated Ptp10D activation in polarity-deficient cells. This tumor-suppressive cell competition restrains EGFR and Hippo signaling and enables Eiger-JNK mediated apoptosis inscrib−/−clones. Here, we show that the activation state of the endosomal actin regulator WASH is a central node linking EGFR and Hippo signaling activation. The tyrosine kinase Btk29A and its substrate WASH are required downstream of Ptp10D for “loser” cell elimination. Constitutively active, phosphomimetic WASH is sufficient to induce both EGFR and Yki activation leading to overgrowth. On the mechanistic level we show that Ptp10D is recycled by the WASH/retromer complex, while EGFR is recycled by the WASH/retriever complex. Constitutive WASH activation selectively interferes with retromer function leading to Ptp10D mistargeting while promoting EGFR recycling and signaling activation. Phospho-WASH also activates aberrant Arp2/3 actin polymerization, leading to cytoskeletal imbalance, Yki activation and reduced apoptosis. Selective manipulation of WASH phosphorylation on sorting endosomes may restrict epithelial tumorous growth.
Behavioural phenotypes of intrinsic motivation in schizophrenia determined by cluster analysis of objectively quantified real-world performance
Authors: Siddiqui Ishraq , Remington Gary , Saperia Sarah , Da Silva Susana , Fletcher Paul J. , Voineskos Aristotle N. , Zakzanis Konstantine K. , Foussias George
Published: October 2022

Intrinsic motivation deficits are a prominent feature of schizophrenia that substantially impacts functional outcome. This study used cluster analysis of innate real-world behaviours captured during two open-field tasks to dimensionally examine heterogeneity in intrinsic motivation in schizophrenia patients (SZ) and healthy controls (HC). Wireless motion capture quantified participants’ behaviours aligning with distinct aspects of intrinsic motivation: exploratory behaviour and effortful activity in the absence of external incentive. Cluster analysis of task-derived measures identified behaviourally differentiable subgroups, which were compared across standard clinical measures of general amotivation, cognition, and community functioning. Among 45 SZ and 47 HC participants, three clusters with characteristically different behavioural phenotypes emerged: low exploration (20 SZ, 19 HC), low activity (15 SZ, 8 HC), and high exploration/activity (10 SZ, 20 HC). Low performance in either dimension corresponded with similar increased amotivation. Within-cluster discrepancies emerged for amotivation (SZ > HC) within the low exploration and high performance clusters, and for functioning (SZ < HC) within all clusters, increasing from high performance to low activity to low exploration. Objective multidimensional characterization thus revealed divergent behavioural expression of intrinsic motivation deficits that may be conflated by summary clinical measures of motivation and overlooked by unidimensional evaluation. Deficits in either aspect may hinder general motivation and functioning particularly in SZ. Multidimensional phenotyping may help guide personalized remediation by discriminating between intrinsic motivation impairments that require amelioration versus unimpaired tendencies that may facilitate remediation.
Moderate to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection primes vaccine-induced immunity more effectively than asymptomatic or mild infection
Authors: Holder Kayla A. , Ings Danielle P. , Harnum Debbie O. A. , Russell Rodney S. , Grant Michael D.
Published: October 2022

Hybrid immunity induced by vaccination following recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection is more robust than immunity induced by either infection or vaccination alone. To investigate how infection severity influenced the strength and character of subsequent vaccine-induced humoral or cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, we assessed humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 following recovery from infection, vaccine dose 1 and vaccine dose 2 in 35 persons recovered from COVID-19. Persons with polymerase chain reaction or serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited into a study of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Self-reported symptoms categorized them as experiencing asymptomatic, mild, moderate or severe infection based on duration, intensity and need for hospitalization. Whole blood was obtained before vaccination and after first and second doses. Humoral immunity was assessed by ELISA and cellular immunity by ELISpot and intracellular flow cytometry. Responses were compared between groups recovered from either asymptomatic/mild (n = 14) or moderate/severe (n = 21) infection. Most subjects experienced robust increases in humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein following 1 vaccination. Quantitative responses to second vaccination were marginal when measured 2.5 months afterwards and moderate or severe infection maintained stronger responses. Polyfunctional CD8+T cell responses were largely restricted to subjects recovered from moderate or severe infection. One vaccine dose triggered stronger immune responses than in a comparable group never infected with SARS-CoV-2, while the second dose produced only minor lasting increases in humoral or cellular responses. Infection history should be considered in planning COVID-19 vaccine administration.
CT and cone-beam CT of ablative radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer with expert organ-at-risk contours
Authors: Hong Jun , Reyngold Marsha , Crane Christopher , Cuaron John , Hajj Carla , Mann Justin , Zinovoy Melissa , Yorke Ellen , LoCastro Eve , Apte Aditya P. , Mageras Gig
Published: October 2022

We describe a dataset from patients who received ablative radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), consisting of computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) images with physician-drawn organ-at-risk (OAR) contours. The image datasets (one CT for treatment planning and two CBCT scans at the time of treatment per patient) were collected from 40 patients. All scans were acquired with the patient in the treatment position and in a deep inspiration breath-hold state. Six radiation oncologists delineated the gastrointestinal OARs consisting of small bowel, stomach and duodenum, such that the same physician delineated all image sets belonging to the same patient. Two trained medical physicists further edited the contours to ensure adherence to delineation guidelines. The image and contour files are available in DICOM format and are publicly available from The Cancer Imaging Archive (https://doi.org/10.7937/TCIA.ESHQ-4D90, Version 2). The dataset can serve as a criterion standard for evaluating the accuracy and reliability of deformable image registration and auto-segmentation algorithms, as well as a training set for deep-learning-based methods.
High-resolution crop yield and water productivity dataset generated using random forest and remote sensing
Authors: Cheng Minghan , Jiao Xiyun , Shi Lei , Penuelas Josep , Kumar Lalit , Nie Chenwei , Wu Tianao , Liu Kaihua , Wu Wenbin , Jin Xiuliang
Published: October 2022

Accurate and high-resolution crop yield and crop water productivity (CWP) datasets are required to understand and predict spatiotemporal variation in agricultural production capacity; however, datasets for maize and wheat, two key staple dryland crops in China, are currently lacking. In this study, we generated and evaluated a long-term data series, at 1-km resolution of crop yield and CWP for maize and wheat across China, based on the multiple remotely sensed indicators and random forest algorithm. Results showed that MOD16 products are an accurate alternative to eddy covariance flux tower data to describe crop evapotranspiration (maize and wheat RMSE: 4.42 and 3.81 mm/8d, respectively) and the proposed yield estimation model showed accuracy at local (maize and wheat rRMSE: 26.81 and 21.80%, respectively) and regional (maize and wheat rRMSE: 15.36 and 17.17%, respectively) scales. Our analyses, which showed spatiotemporal patterns of maize and wheat yields and CWP across China, can be used to optimize agricultural production strategies in the context of maintaining food security.
Long-term monitoring dataset of fish assemblages in rocky tidepools on the southern coast of Taiwan
Authors: Ho Lin-Tai , Wang Shen-Chih , Shao Kwang-Tsao , Chen I-Shiung , Chen Hungyen
Published: October 2022

Long-term data of fish assemblages collected in the rocky intertidal zone provides a valuable resource for elucidating the temporal variations in species diversity and intertidal ecosystems. In this study, we describe a long-term time-series dataset of fish collected by counting the number of anesthetized fish at sampling stations in the rocky tidepools on the southern coast of Taiwan. The species assemblages were monitored seasonally at the two stations for 16 y (2000–2008 and 2012–2018). In total, 86 samples containing 5137 individuals belonging to 82 species were recorded. Our data can be used for elucidating the temporal variations in fish assemblages and intertidal ecosystems and as background information for the resilience of the fish community conservation in coastal areas. The current study presents valuable data for researchers to understand the temporal and spatial variations in species abundance, richness, diversity, and composition in relation to climate change, environmental factors, and human activities.
Machine learning models for identifying predictors of clinical outcomes with first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Ying , Brendel Matthew , Wu Ning , Ge Wenzhen , Zhang Hao , Rietschel Petra , Quek Ruben G. W. , Pouliot Jean-Francois , Wang Fei , Harnett James
Published: October 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard-of-care as first-line (1L) therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) without actionable oncogenic driver mutations. While clinical trials demonstrated benefits of ICIs over chemotherapy, variation in outcomes across patients has been observed and trial populations may not be representative of clinical practice. Predictive models can help understand heterogeneity of treatment effects, identify predictors of meaningful clinical outcomes, and may inform treatment decisions. We applied machine learning (ML)-based survival models to a real-world cohort of patients with aNSCLC who received 1L ICI therapy extracted from a US-based electronic health record database. Model performance was evaluated using metrics including concordance index (c-index), and we used explainability techniques to identify significant predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The ML model achieved c-indices of 0.672 and 0.612 for OS and PFS, respectively, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed significant differences between low- and high-risk groups for OS and PFS (both log-rank test p < 0.0001). Identified predictors were mostly consistent with the published literature and/or clinical expectations and largely overlapped for OS and PFS; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression levels, and serum albumin were among the top 5 predictors for both outcomes. Prospective and independent data set evaluation is required to confirm these results.
Fluctuating insect diversity, abundance and biomass across agricultural landscapes
Authors: Hausmann Axel , Ulrich Werner , Segerer Andreas H. , Greifenstein Thomas , Knubben Johannes , Morinière Jerôme , Bozicevic Vedran , Doczkal Dieter , Günter Armin , Müller Jörg , Habel Jan Christian
Published: October 2022

Habitat destruction and deterioration of habitat quality caused a severe decline of biodiversity, such as insect diversity. In this study, we analyze insect diversity and biomass across agro-environments. We collected flying insects with 20 malaise traps across a landscape mosaic consisting of organic (eight traps) and conventional (four traps) farmland, as well as across agricultural land that has been recently converted from conventional to organic farming (eight traps). Sampling was conducted over 2 years, in 2019 and 2020, with in total 340 sampling events. We measured the dry weight of the captured organisms and identified species diversity by analyzing Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) via metabarcoding. The results obtained show temporal dynamics. The number of OTUs were always higher than the number of BINs. OTUs and BINs were moderately to highly correlated, while the number of OTUs and BINs were only moderately positively correlated with dry biomass. OTUs and BINs as well as biomass were highest in the recently transformed farmland if compared with pure organic and conventional farmland sites, which showed no significant differences in respect of insect diversity. OTU and BIN numbers but not the OTU/BIN ratio significantly decreased with increasing distance from the nearest forest fringe. The numbers of OTUs, BINs and the OTU/BIN proportion, as well as OTU and BIN/biomass proportions varied strongly over seasons, irrespective of agricultural practice. Based on our findings, we suggest to combine data on insect species richness and biomass measured over a period of time, to derive a largely complete and meaningful assessment of biodiversity for a specific region.
Effect of exogenous amino acids application on the biochemical, antioxidant, and nutritional value of some leafy cabbage cultivars
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Barzegar Sadeghabad Amir , Abolghasemi Reza
Published: October 2022

Using organic fertilizer as part of plant nutrition for decreasing using chemical fertilizer and increasing plants’ nutritional value is scientists’ concern. Treatments were three concentrations of a mixture of 16 different AAs (amino acid) (0, 150 and 300 mg/L), sprayed every 7 days for 2 months on 4 leafy cabbages. Results showed 300 mg/L AAs increased anthocyanin, flavonoids, phenol, protein and proline. The SOD, POX and APX rose upon AAs usage. The application of AA significantly increased the total chlorophyll, proline, carotenoid, anthocyanin, phenol, protein and flavonoids compared to control plants. The levels of glucosinolate were increased especially in the treatment of 300 mg/L of AAs and glucobrassicin and gluconapin, both of these together represent more than 50% of the total glucosinolate contents. The highest levels of phenolic and flavonoids mostly belonged to quercetin and catechin. Total AAs and total non-essential AAs showed the highest amounts in all treatments in leaves. AAs with different concentrations by foliar application in “Ka- scotch” variety were effective in growth, physiological parameters such as plant height and shoot dry weight, while AA changes were effective in most of the biochemical and nutritional traits of “Ka-red” variety. Conclusively, the glucosinolate, phenolic and flavonoid contents and AAs varied between four cabbage cultivars. Exogenous AAs application at 300 mg/L could be recommended for cabbage cultivation to improve growth, biochemical traits, productivity and nutritional value.
The association between the restriction of daily life and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: a nationwide based survey
Authors: Cho Sunwoo , Ju Hyo Rim , Oh Hyoungseok , Choi Eun-Suk , Lee Jung Ah
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to substantial daily life changes for people worldwide. We investigated the association between daily life restrictions and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Korea Community Health Survey. Daily life restrictions were evaluated using a questionnaire to population into three restriction categories: no/slightly, moderately, and severely. Depression was assessed by the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics of individuals with and without depression. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between the severity of daily life restrictions and the prevalence of depression. The prevalence of depression was 2.4% in the total population: 5.7% in the severely restricted group and 2.7% in the moderately restricted group. After adjusting for age, sex, educational level, income, marital status, and employment status, the severely restricted group was more likely to have depression than was the no change/slightly restricted group (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 2.16–2.67, p < 0.001). Employers with severely restricted daily life exhibited a higher OR for depression compared to the no/slightly restricted group (OR = 3.24, 95% CI 2.37–4.45, p < 0.001). It is necessary to consider the mental health of vulnerable affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the woodwasp Euxiphydria potanini (Hymenoptera, Xiphydrioidea) and phylogenetic implications for symphytans
Authors: Park Bia , Hwang Ui Wook
Published: October 2022

The long-necked woodwasp superfamily Xiphydrioidea belongs to the suborder Symphyta (Hymenoptera). Here we newly characterize the complete mitochondrial genome of the South Korean Euxiphydria potanini (Xiphydriidae) using next-generation sequencing: 16,500 bp long with 84.27% A + T content and 37 typical mitochondrial genes including those encoding 13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and one A + T rich region. We compare the patterns of symphytan mitochondrial gene arrangement with those of an ancestral insect form and found some synapomorphic rearrangements in phylogenetic context. We use a variety of nucleotide and amino acid sequence alignments (thirteen mtPCGs and/or eight nDNAs) alongside step-by-step exclusions of long-branched taxa to elucidate the phylogenetic position of Xiphydrioidea and phylogenetic relationships among the seven symphytan superfamilies, except for Anaxyeloidea of which no mtgenome was available. The monophyly of symphytan superfamilies (with weak support for Pamphilioidea), sister-group relationship of Xiphydrioidea and Cephoidea, and Symphyta being paraphyletic to Apocrita, etc. are consistently supported by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference trees. We also discuss the problematic phylogenetic positions of Orussoidea and Siricoidea and propose a hypothetical scenario of morphological character transition during hymenopteran evolution based on morphological key characteristics, such as the cenchrus and the wasp-waist.
Macrophage Gal/GalNAc lectin 2 (MGL2)+ peritoneal antigen presenting cells during Fasciola hepatica infection are essential for regulatory T cell induction
Authors: Costa Monique , da Costa Valeria , Lores Pablo , Landeira Mercedes , Rodríguez-Zraquia Santiago A. , Festari María Florencia , Freire Teresa
Published: October 2022

Fasciola hepatica, one of the agents that causes fasciolosis, modulates the host immune system to allow parasite survival in the host. F. hepatica expresses carbohydrate-containing glycoconjugates that are decoded by C-type lectin receptors, such as Dectin-1, mannose receptor, DC-SIGN and MGL, that are mainly present on myeloid antigen presenting cells (APCs) and can mediate immunoregulatory properties on T cells. In particular, Macrophage Gal/GalNAc lectin 2 (MGL2) expands modified Th2 immune responses, while suppressing Th1 polarization, upon recognition of GalNAc-glycosylated parasite components. In this study, by using MGL2-DTR transgenic mice that encode human diphtheria toxin receptor in MGL2+ cells, we demonstrate the role of peritoneal APCs during F. hepatica infection in favoring parasite survival. This process might be mediated by the induction of splenic Tregs in vivo, since the depletion of MGL2+ cells conferred mice with partial resistance to the infection and abrogated the increase of CD4+/CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs induced by the parasite. Therefore, MGL2+ cells are critical determinants of F. hepatica infection and could constitute immune checkpoints to control parasite infection.
Cannabidiol improves Nile tilapia cichlid fish welfare
Authors: Camargo-dos-Santos Bruno , Bellot Marina Sanson , Guermandi Isabela Inforzato , Favero-Neto João , da Silva Rodrigues Maira , da Costa Daniel Fernandes , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Filev Renato , Gonçalves-de-Freitas Eliane , Giaquinto Percília Cardoso
Published: October 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance derived from Cannabis sativa, widely studied in medicine for controlling neural diseases in humans. Besides the positive effects on humans, it also presents anxiolytic proprieties and decreases aggressiveness and stress in mammals. Therefore, CBD has the potential to increase welfare in reared animals, as it seems to reduce negative states commonly experienced in artificial environments. Here, we tested the effect of different CBD doses (0, 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on aggressiveness, stress and reproductive development of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) a fish reared worldwide for farming and research purposes. CBD mixed with fish food was offered to isolated fish for 5 weeks. The 10 mg/kg dose decreased fish’s aggressiveness over time, whereas 20 mg/kg attenuated non-social stress. Both doses decreased the baseline cortisol level of fish and increased the gonadosomatic index. However, CBD 1 and 10 mg/kg doses decreased the spermatozoa number. No CBD dose affected feeding ingestion and growth variables, showing that it is not harmful to meat production amount. Despite the effect on spermatozoa, CBD supplementation exhibits high potential to benefit animals’ lives in artificial environments. Therefore, we showed for the first time that CBD could be used as a tool to increase non-mammal welfare, presenting a great potential to be explored in other husbandry and captivity species.
Rapid magma ascent beneath La Palma revealed by seismic tomography
Authors: D’Auria Luca , Koulakov Ivan , Prudencio Janire , Cabrera-Pérez Iván , Ibáñez Jesús M. , Barrancos Jose , García-Hernández Rubén , Martínez van Dorth David , Padilla Germán D. , Przeor Monika , Ortega Victor , Hernández Pedro , Peréz Nemesio M.
Published: October 2022

For the first time, we obtained high-resolution images of Earth's interior of the La Palma volcanic eruption that occurred in 2021 derived during the eruptive process. We present evidence of a rapid magmatic rise from the base of the oceanic crust under the island to produce an eruption that was active for 85 days. This eruption is interpreted as a very accelerated and energetic process. We used data from 11,349 earthquakes to perform travel-time seismic tomography. We present high-precision earthquake relocations and 3D distributions of P and S-wave velocities highlighting the geometry of magma sources. We identified three distinct structures: (1) a shallow localised region (< 3 km) of hydrothermal alteration; (2) spatially extensive, consolidated, oceanic crust extending to 10 km depth and; (3) a large sub-crustal magma-filled rock volume intrusion extending from 7 to 25 km depth. Our results suggest that this large magma reservoir feeds the La Palma eruption continuously. Prior to eruption onset, magma ascended from 10 km depth to the surface in less than 7 days. In the upper 3 km, melt migration is along the western contact between consolidated oceanic crust and altered hydrothermal material.
Prevelance of depression and anxiety with their effect on quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Alshelleh Sameeha , Alhouri Abdullah , Taifour Alaa , Abu-Hussein Bilal , Alwreikat Faris , Abdelghani Mohammad , Badran Muhannad , Al-Asa’d Yousef , Alhawari Hussein , Oweis Ashraf O.
Published: October 2022

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common chronic diseases globally. Many studies have shown it is strongly associated with increased social and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety which are considered as common psychiatric disorders that occur in patients with chronic kidney disease. We investigated the prevalence of depression, anxiety and perception of quality of life in a sample of chronic kidney disease patients at the Jordan University Hospital. We aimed to see any association of the mental health in these patients; mainly depression and anxiety with their quality of life and correlation to socio-demographics or laboratory and metabolic profile of this population. 103 chronic kidney disease patients were interviewed using a questionnaire in the Nephrology outpatient clinics of the Jordan University Hospital, the questionnaire included four sections, the first sections handled socio-demographic data. Also, it contains a brief Clinical and laboratory parameter of our patients. The second part consisted of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) that used to measure the severity of depression. The third part included the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) to evaluate the severity of anxiety, the fourth part assessed participants quality of life (QOL) using The World Health Organization Quality of Life, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. More than half of the participants have depression and anxiety with a percentage of 58.3% and 50.5%, respectively. There was a negative moderate to strong correlation between depression score and quality of life domains scores (p < 0.001).Only marital status had a significant relationship with depression (p < 0.001).Weak positive correlation between Glomerular Filtration Rate and anxiety score (p = 0.04),with significant positive correlation between lipid profile and anxiety score. There was a negative correlation between anxiety score and quality of life domains scores. Females had higher anxiety score than males (p = 0.27). Patients who do not work had a lower physical functioning score compared to others (p value = 0.024).Patients with higher serum Hemoglobin had higher physical and psychological scores. Anxiety, Depression are common among our chronic kidney disease patients, more interventions are needed to improve the mental health of our patients and their quality of life perception. This kind of study allows us to gain a deeper understanding regarding the effects of chronic kidney disease on psychosocial well-being of those patients, and helps health care providers to put depression, anxiety and Quality of life into consideration when treating patients.
Visual function and retinal changes after voretigene neparvovec treatment in children with biallelic RPE65-related inherited retinal dystrophy
Authors: Testa Francesco , Melillo Paolo , Di Iorio Valentina , Iovino Claudio , Farinaro Francesco , Karali Marianthi , Banfi Sandro , Rossi Settimio , Della Corte Michele , Simonelli Francesca
Published: October 2022

To report quantitative retinal changes assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in children treated with voretigene neparvovec (VN) at a single center in Italy. Retrospective review of six consecutive pediatric patients with biallelic RPE65-related dystrophy treated bilaterally with VN. SD-OCT scans were analyzed to extract Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) thickness maps of the whole retina and the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Changes in visual function were assessed by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal morphology at Days 30/45 and 180. BCVA significantly improved at Day 30/45 and 6 months (both P < 0.001). Central foveal retinal thickness and central foveal ONL thickness tended to increase (6.4 ± 19.2 µm; P = 0.080 and 3.42 ± 7.68 µm; P = 0.091, respectively). ONL thickness of the internal ETDRS-ring significantly increased at day 30/45 (4.7 ± 8.4 µm; P < 0.001) and day 180 (5.0 ± 5.7 µm; P = 0.009). Intra-operative foveal detachment was not associated with a higher function gain in terms of BCVA, but with a mild thinning of foveal ONL after treatment. The improvement of BCVA and thickening of the ONL layer suggest that improvement of visual acuity could be related to partial recovery of retinal morphology in the perifoveal ring.
Quantum correlations beyond entanglement in a classical-channel model of gravity
Authors: Roccati Federico , Militello Benedetto , Fiordilino Emilio , Iaria Rosario , Burderi Luciano , Di Salvo Tiziana , Ciccarello Francesco
Published: October 2022

A direct quantization of the Newtonian interaction between two masses is known to establish entanglement, which if detected would witness the quantum nature of the gravitational field. Gravitational interaction is yet compatible also with gravitational decoherence models relying on classical channels, hence unable to create entanglement. Here, we show in paradigmatic cases that, despite the absence of entanglement, a classical-channel model of gravity can still establish quantum correlations in the form of quantum discord between two masses. This is demonstrated for the Kafri–Taylor–Milburn (KTM) model and a recently proposed dissipative extension of this. In both cases, starting from an uncorrelated state, a significant amount of discord is generally created. This eventually decays in the KTM model, while it converges to a small stationary value in its dissipative extension. We also find that initial local squeezing on the state of the masses can significanlty enhance the generated discord.
Verification of gait analysis method fusing camera-based pose estimation and an IMU sensor in various gait conditions
Authors: Yamamoto Masataka , Shimatani Koji , Ishige Yuto , Takemura Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

A markerless gait analysis system can measure useful gait metrics to determine effective clinical treatment. Although this gait analysis system does not require a large space, several markers, or time constraints, it inaccurately measure lower limb joint kinematics during gait. In particular, it has a substantial ankle joint angle error. In this study, we investigated the markerless gait analysis method capability using single RGB camera-based pose estimation by OpenPose (OP) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor on the foot segment to measure ankle joint kinematics under various gait conditions. Sixteen healthy young adult males participated in the study. We compared temporo-spatial parameters and lower limb joint angles during four gait conditions with varying gait speeds and foot progression angles. These were measured by optoelectronic motion capture, markerless gait analysis method using OP, and proposed method using OP and IMU. We found that the proposed method using OP and an IMU significantly decreased the mean absolute errors of peak ankle joint angles compared with OP in the four gait conditions. The proposed method has the potential to measure temporo-spatial gait parameters and lower limb joint angles, including ankle angles, in various gait conditions as a clinical settings gait assessment tool.
Vision contributes to sex differences in spatial cognition and activity interests
Authors: Qian Yiming , Berenbaum Sheri A. , Gilmore Rick O.
Published: October 2022

Sex differences in a variety of psychological characteristics are well-documented, with substantial research focused on factors that affect their magnitude and causes. Particular attention has focused on mental rotation, a measure of spatial cognition, and on activity interests. We studied whether sex differences in visual perception—luminance contrast thresholds and motion duration thresholds—contribute to sex differences in mental rotation and interest in male-typed activities. We confirmed sex differences in vision, mental rotation, and activity interests in a sample of 132 college students. In novel findings, we showed that vision correlated with mental rotation performance in women, that vision was a better predictor of individual differences in mental rotation than sex, and that contrast thresholds correlated with women’s interest in male-typed activities. These results suggest that sex differences in spatial cognition and activity interests may have their roots in basic perceptual processes.
Pigment signatures of algal communities and their implications for glacier surface darkening
Authors: Halbach Laura , Chevrollier Lou-Anne , Doting Eva L. , Cook Joseph M. , Jensen Marie B. , Benning Liane G. , Bradley James A. , Hansen Martin , Lund-Hansen Lars C. , Markager Stiig , Sorrell Brian K. , Tranter Martyn , Trivedi Christopher B. , Winkel Matthias , Anesio Alexandre M.
Published: October 2022

Blooms of pigmented algae darken the surface of glaciers and ice sheets, thereby enhancing solar energy absorption and amplifying ice and snow melt. The impacts of algal pigment and community composition on surface darkening are still poorly understood. Here, we characterise glacier ice and snow algal pigment signatures on snow and bare ice surfaces and study their role in photophysiology and energy absorption on three glaciers in Southeast Greenland. Purpurogallin and astaxanthin esters dominated the glacier ice and snow algal pigment pools (mass ratios to chlorophyll a of 32 and 56, respectively). Algal biomass and pigments impacted chromophoric dissolved organic matter concentrations. Despite the effective absorption of astaxanthin esters at wavelengths where incoming irradiance peaks, the cellular energy absorption of snow algae was 95% lower than anticipated from their pigmentation, due to pigment packaging. The energy absorption of glacier ice algae was consequently ~ 5 × higher. On bare ice, snow algae may have locally contributed up to 13% to total biological radiative forcing, despite contributing 44% to total biomass. Our results give new insights into the impact of algal community composition on bare ice energy absorption and biomass accumulation during snow melt.
Different timing and risk factors of cause-specific pancreas graft loss after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Kobayashi Shogo , Ito Toshinori , Sasaki Kazuki , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Noda Takehiro , Takahashi Hidenori , Kenmochi Takashi , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: October 2022

In cases after pancreas transplantation (PTx), the pancreas graft might be lost for various reasons, including a pancreatoduodenal graft-related complication or patient death with a functioning graft. Although the causes seem to have distinct characteristics, the causes of pancreas graft loss have not been characterized. This study aimed to characterize the causes of pancreas graft loss by analyzing data from a Japanese nationwide registry. This study included 391 patients who received simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation among 461 patients with PTx during the study period in approved institutions in Japan. We characterized each cause in terms of the timing of the cause-specific graft loss and preoperative factors associated with graft loss based on nationwide data from a Japanese nationwide registry. Among the 391 cases, 113 lost the pancreas graft due to patient death with a functioning graft (DWFG; n = 34, 44.2%), graft thrombus (n = 22, 28.6%), or chronic rejection (CR; n = 7, 9.1%). Average (± standard deviation) time from PTx to graft loss due to DWFG, graft thrombus, and CR was 3.70 ± 4.36, 0.02 ± 0.01, and 2.37 ± 2.08 years, respectively. Duration of type 1 diabetes mellitus and donor body mass index were significantly associated with pancreas graft loss due to DWFG and graft thrombus, respectively. This characterization showed that the timing and preoperative factors associated with pancreas graft loss were significantly different for different causes of graft loss. These results may inform PTx follow-up protocols to ensure that appropriate care is based on the cause of graft loss.
Female bonobos show social swelling by synchronizing their maximum swelling and increasing bonding
Authors: Demuru Elisa , Caselli Marta , Guéry Jean-Pascal , Michelet Carole , Alexieff Franck , Norscia Ivan
Published: October 2022

Different Old World primates show conspicuous anogenital swelling, with the Maximum Swelling Phase (MSP) signaling the ovulatory phase. MSP synchronization between females has been linked to social dynamics. In bonobos, characterized by female dominance, MSP is not a fully reliable signal of fertility because it may cover anovulatory periods. We investigated whether bonobo females synchronized their MSP and whether this phenomenon was modulated by social factors. Data were collected at LaValléedesSinges (France). In the period 2009–2022, swelling cycles data were collected daily on bonobo females (N = 9). In the period 2018–2022, ethological data (aggression/affiliation/socio-sexual behaviors) were also collected. We found that: (i) females synchronized their MSP and most likely experienced MSP onset following the MSP onset in other females; (ii) synchronization increased as the years spent together by females increased; (iii) synchronization preferentially occurred between females that affiliated less; (iv) synchronization on the MSP was linked to increased female-female socio-sexual contacts, which probably favored MSP synchronization maintenance. Hence, in bonobos MSP can be modulated by social factors and its synchronization, possibly underlying autonomic contagion, might have been positively selected during evolution in relation to the benefits females obtain in terms of intra-group cohesion.
Generation and characterization of a Müller-glial-cell-specific Il6ra knockout mouse to delineate the effects of IL-6 trans-signaling in the retina
Authors: Robinson Rebekah , Glass Joshua , Sharma Ashok , Sharma Shruti
Published: October 2022

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in various retinal and vascular complications associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This cytokine functions through two main modalities: classical signaling, in cells expressing the membrane-bound receptor (IL-6Rα); and trans-signaling, possible in most cells through a soluble form of the receptor (sIL-6R). These pathways are considered to be anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory, respectively. Our recent studies in retinal endothelial cells and diabetic mice have shown that inhibiting only IL-6 trans-signaling is sufficient to prevent increased vascular leakage, oxidative stress, and inflammation characteristic of DR. Isolating the specific effects of each signaling pathway, however, remains difficult in cells expressing IL-6Rα that are thus capable of both classical and trans-signaling. Müller glial cells (MGCs), the most abundant retinal macroglial cells, span the entire retinal thickness with vital roles in maintaining retinal homeostasis and regulating the blood-retinal barrier through secreted factors. The specific effects of IL-6 trans-signaling in MGCs remain poorly understood given their responsiveness to both IL-6 signaling modalities. In this study, we addressed these concerns by generating an MGC-specific knockout mouse using Cre-loxPdeletion of theIl6racytokine-binding region. We assessed transcriptional and translationalIl6raexpression to confirm the knockout and characterized the effects of knockout on visual functioning in these mice.
GLUT2 expression by glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive tanycytes is required for promoting feeding-response to fasting
Authors: Barahona M. J. , Langlet F. , Labouèbe G. , Croizier S. , Picard A. , Thorens Bernard , García-Robles María A.
Published: October 2022

Feeding behavior is a complex process that depends on the ability of the brain to integrate hormonal and nutritional signals, such as glucose. One glucosensing mechanism relies on the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in the hypothalamus, especially in radial glia-like cells called tanycytes. Here, we analyzed whether a GLUT2-dependent glucosensing mechanism is required for the normal regulation of feeding behavior in GFAP-positive tanycytes. Genetic inactivation of Glut2 in GFAP-expressing tanycytes was performed using Cre/Lox technology. The efficiency of GFAP-tanycyte targeting was analyzed in the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes by evaluating GFP fluorescence. Feeding behavior, hormonal levels, neuronal activity using c-Fos, and neuropeptide expression were also analyzed in the fasting-to-refeeding transition. In basal conditions, Glut2-inactivated mice had normal food intake and meal patterns. Implementation of a preceeding fasting period led to decreased total food intake and a delay in meal initiation during refeeding. Additionally, Glut2 inactivation increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the ventromedial nucleus in response to fasting and a deregulation of Pomc expression in the fasting-to-refeeding transition. Thus, a GLUT2-dependent glucose-sensing mechanism in GFAP-tanycytes is required to control food consumption and promote meal initiation after a fasting period.