bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea level rise risks and societal adaptation benefits in low-lying coastal areas
Authors: Magnan Alexandre K. , Oppenheimer Michael , Garschagen Matthias , Buchanan Maya K. , Duvat Virginie K. E. , Forbes Donald L. , Ford James D. , Lambert Erwin , Petzold Jan , Renaud Fabrice G. , Sebesvari Zita , van de Wal Roderik S. W. , Hinkel Jochen , Pörtner Hans-Otto
Published: June 2022

Sea level rise (SLR) will increase adaptation needs along low-lying coasts worldwide. Despite centuries of experience with coastal risk, knowledge about the effectiveness and feasibility of societal adaptation on the scale required in a warmer world remains limited. This paper contrasts end-century SLR risks under two warming and two adaptation scenarios, for four coastal settlement archetypes (Urban Atoll Islands, Arctic Communities, Large Tropical Agricultural Deltas, Resource-Rich Cities). We show that adaptation will be substantially beneficial to the continued habitability of most low-lying settlements over this century, at least until the RCP8.5 median SLR level is reached. However, diverse locations worldwide will experience adaptation limits over the course of this century, indicating situations where even ambitious adaptation cannot sufficiently offset a failure to effectively mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions.
Genetic diversity of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) revealed using RAD-Seq SNP markers
Authors: Nagano Yukio , Tashiro Hiroaki , Nishi Sayoko , Hiehata Naofumi , Nagano Atsushi J. , Fukuda Shinji
Published: June 2022

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) have originated in southeastern China and spread as a cultivated plant worldwide. Many of the loquat genetic resources collected internationally are of unknown origin, and their genetic background requires clarification. This study analyzed the genetic diversity of 95 accessions by using Rad-Seq SNP markers. Data analysis broadly classified loquat into three groups: (1) Japanese and Chinese cultivars and some Japanese strains (wild plants that are not used for commercial cultivation), (2) Vietnamese, Israeli, Greek, USA, and Mexican cultivars and strains, and (3) other Japanese strains. Group 2 is cultivated mostly outside of East Asia and was clearly distinct from the other groups, indicating that varieties of unknown origin with genetic backgrounds different from those of Japanese and Chinese cultivars may have been introduced to Mediterranean countries and North America. Because Japanese and Chinese cultivars belong to group 1, the current Japanese cultivars are derived from genetic resources brought from China. Some of group 1 may have been introduced to Japan before excellent varieties were developed in China, while group 3 may have been indigenous to Japan that have not been introduced by human activities, or may have been brought to Japan by human activities from China.
Enrichment of cancer-predisposing germline variants in adult and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Douglas Suvi P. M. , Lahtinen Atte K. , Koski Jessica R. , Leimi Lilli , Keränen Mikko A. I. , Koskenvuo Minna , Heckman Caroline A. , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Pitkänen Esa , Wartiovaara-Kautto Ulla , Kilpivaara Outi
Published: June 2022

Despite recent progress in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapies, a significant subset of adult and pediatric ALL patients has a dismal prognosis. Better understanding of leukemogenesis and recognition of germline genetic changes may provide new tools for treating patients. Given that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, often from a family member, is a major form of treatment in ALL, acknowledging the possibility of hereditary predisposition is of special importance. Reports of comprehensive germline analyses performed in adult ALL patients are scarce. Aiming at fulfilling this gap of knowledge, we investigated variants in 93 genes predisposing to hematologic malignancies and 70 other cancer-predisposing genes from exome data obtained from 61 adult and 87 pediatric ALL patients. Our results show that pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) germline variants in genes associated with predisposition to ALL or other cancers are prevalent in ALL patients: 8% of adults and 11% of children. Comparison of P/LP germline variants in patients to population-matched controls (gnomAD Finns) revealed a 2.6-fold enrichment in ALL cases (CI 95% 1.5–4.2,p = 0.00071). Acknowledging inherited factors is crucial, especially when considering hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and planning post-therapy follow-up. Harmful germline variants may also predispose patients to excessive toxicity potentially compromising the outcome. We propose integrating germline genetics into precise ALL patient care and providing families genetic counseling.
AlphaFold2 models indicate that protein sequence determines both structure and dynamics
Authors: Guo Hao-Bo , Perminov Alexander , Bekele Selemon , Kedziora Gary , Farajollahi Sanaz , Varaljay Vanessa , Hinkle Kevin , Molinero Valeria , Meister Konrad , Hung Chia , Dennis Patrick , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy , Berry Rajiv
Published: June 2022

AlphaFold 2 (AF2) has placed Molecular Biology in a new era where we can visualize, analyze and interpret the structures and functions of all proteins solely from their primary sequences. We performed AF2 structure predictions for various protein systems, including globular proteins, a multi-domain protein, an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), a randomized protein, two larger proteins (> 1000 AA), a heterodimer and a homodimer protein complex. Our results show that along with the three dimensional (3D) structures, AF2 also decodes protein sequences into residue flexibilities via both the predicted local distance difference test (pLDDT) scores of the models, and the predicted aligned error (PAE) maps. We show that PAE maps from AF2 are correlated with the distance variation (DV) matrices from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which reveals that the PAE maps can predict the dynamical nature of protein residues. Here, we introduce the AF2-scores, which are simply derived from pLDDT scores and are in the range of [0, 1]. We found that for most protein models, including large proteins and protein complexes, the AF2-scores are highly correlated with the root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) calculated from MD simulations. However, for an IDP and a randomized protein, the AF2-scores do not correlate with the RMSF from MD, especially for the IDP. Our results indicate that the protein structures predicted by AF2 also convey information of the residue flexibility, i.e., protein dynamics.
Social microbiota and social gland gene expression of worker honey bees by age and climate
Authors: Anderson Kirk E. , Maes Patrick
Published: June 2022

Winter forage dearth is a major contributor to honey bee colony loss and can influence disease susceptibility. Honey bees possess a secretory head gland that interfaces with the social environment on many levels. During winter or forage dearth, colonies produce a long-lived (diutinus) worker phenotype that survives until environmental conditions improve. We used a known-age worker cohort to investigate microbiome integrity and social gene expression of workers in early and late winter. We provide additional context by contrasting host-microbial interactions from warm outdoor and cold indoor environments. Our results provide novel evidence that social immune gene expression is associated with worker longevity, and highlight the midgut as a target of opportunistic disease during winter. Host microbial interactions suggest opportunistic disease progression and resistance in long-lived workers, but susceptibility to opportunistic disease in younger workers that emerged during the winter, including increases in Enterobacteriaceae, fungal load and non-core bacterial abundance. The results are consistent with increased social immunity, including host associations with the social microbiota, and a social immune response by long-lived workers to combat microbial opportunism. The cost/benefit ratio associated with limited expression of the diutinus phenotype may be a strong determinant of colony survival during winter forage dearth.
Childbirth experience, risk of PTSD and obstetric and neonatal outcomes according to antenatal classes attendance
Authors: Avignon Valérie , Baud David , Gaucher Laurent , Dupont Corinne , Horsch Antje
Published: June 2022

Antenatal classes have evolved considerably and include now a discussion of the parents' birth plan. Respecting this plan normally results in a better childbirth experience, an important protective factor of post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth (PTSD-FC). Antenatal class attendance may thus be associated with lower PTSD-FC rates. This cross-sectional study took place at a Swiss university hospital. All primiparous women who gave birth to singletons from 2018 to 2020 were invited to answer self-reported questionnaires. Data for childbirth experience, symptoms of PTSD-FC, neonatal, and obstetrical outcomes were compared between women who attended (AC) or not (NAC) antenatal classes. A total of 794/2876 (27.6%) women completed the online questionnaire. Antenatal class attendance was associated with a poorer childbirth experience (p = 0.03). When taking into account other significant predictors of childbirth experience, only induction of labor, use of forceps, emergency caesarean, and civil status remained in the final model of regression. Intrusion symptoms were more frequent in NAC group (M = 1.63 versus M = 1.11, p = 0.02). Antenatal class attendance, forceps, emergency caesarean, and hospitalisation in NICU remained significant predictors of intrusions for PTSD-FC. Use of epidural, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes were similar for AC and NAC.
Andrographolide stabilized-silver nanoparticles overcome ceftazidime-resistant Burkholderia pseudomallei: study of antimicrobial activity and mode of action
Authors: Thammawithan Saengrawee , Talodthaisong Chanon , Srichaiyapol Oranee , Patramanon Rina , Hutchison James Andell , Kulchat Sirinan
Published: June 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes melioidosis, a deadly but neglected tropical disease. B. pseudomallei is intrinsically resistant to a growing list of antibiotics, and alternative antimicrobial agents are being sought with urgency. In this study, we synthesize andrographolide-stabilized silver nanoparticles (andro-AgNPs, spherically shaped with 16 nm average diameter) that show excellent antimicrobial activity against B. pseudomallei, including ceftazidime-resistant strains, being 1–3 orders of magnitude more effective than ceftazidime and 1–2 orders of magnitude more effective than other green-synthesized AgNPs. The andro-AgNPs are meanwhile non-toxic to mammalian cell lines. The mode of action of Andro-AgNPs toward B. pseudomallei is unraveled by killing kinetics, membrane neutralization, silver ions (Ag+) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, membrane integrity, and cell morphology change studies. The antimicrobial activity and mode of action of andro-AgNPs against B. pseudomallei reported here may pave the way to alternative treatments for melioidosis.
Survival of SARS-CoV-2 and bovine coronavirus on common surfaces of living environments
Authors: Watanabe Maiko , Ohnishi Takahiro , Arai Sakura , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Katsuhiko , Ohya Kenji , Hirose Shouhei , Yoshinari Tomoya , Taharaguchi Satoshi , Mekata Hirohisa , Taniguchi Takahide , Ikarashi Yoshiaki , Honma Masamitsu , Goda Yukihiro , Hara-Kudo Yukiko
Published: June 2022

Aerosols or saliva containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can contaminate living environments, and viruses can be indirectly transmitted. To understand the survival potential of the virus, the viral titers of bovine coronavirus (BCoV), as a model virus, and SARS-CoV-2 were measured on porous and non-porous surfaces. The amount of infectious BCoV recovered remained relatively high on non-porous substrates. However, it quickly decreased on several non-porous surfaces such as nitrile rubber. The time taken to reach the limit of detection on non-woven masks, as a porous substrate, was longer than that of non-porous substrates. On porous substrates other than non-woven masks, the amount of virus recovered quickly decreased, and then remained at a low level. Representative substrates were tested with SARS-CoV-2. The decrease in the amount of infectious virus recovered was similar to that of BCoV, although that of SARS-CoV-2 was more rapid. RNA derived from SARS-CoV-2 was also detected using real-time PCR, and it remained on surfaces much longer than infectious virus, on all substrates. Therefore, it is important to measure the viral titer to avoid the overestimation of infectious virus contamination in the environments. Our results suggest that the surface structure was not directly related to viral survivability.
Psychological resources and flexibility predict resilient mental health trajectories during the French covid-19 lockdown
Authors: Pellerin Nicolas , Raufaste Eric , Corman Maya , Teissedre Frederique , Dambrun Michael
Published: June 2022

The implementation of lockdowns and the Covid-19 pandemic situation have negatively impacted mental health (anxiety, depression). However, little is known about individual differences in the longitudinal reactions to lockdown. We designed a longitudinal study (a) to identify the various trajectories of symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population during and after lockdown; (b) to determine which positive psychological resources prevent individuals from falling into groups with the most severe trajectories; (c) to test the mediating role of psychological flexibility. We collected and analysed longitudinal data on a sample of French participants (N = 1399, Mage = 43.4; SDage = 12; 87.8% women) during the end of the first lockdown. Participants were asked to report their psychological resources and (in)flexibility at baseline and symptoms of anxiety and depression at each measurment occasion (five weekly observations from 17 March to 11 May 2020, including baseline). Using growth mixture modelling, seven dynamic profiles of symptoms were identified: four for depression and three for anxiety. Resilience emerged as the most frequent trajectory. Wisdom, optimism, hope, self-efficacy and peaceful disengagement significantly prevented individuals from belonging to the symptomatic groups. Moreover, psychological flexibility emerged as a significant mediator of these effects. This study highlights the importance of cultivating protective factors and psychological flexibility to prevent mental health damage during potentially traumatic events (PTE) and to favour resilience trajectories.
Towards a general approach for tailoring the hydrophobic binding site of phenylalanine ammonia-lyases
Authors: Tork Souad Diana , Moisă Mădălina Elena , Cserepes Lilla , Filip Alina , Nagy Levente Csaba , Irimie Florin Dan , Bencze László Csaba
Published: June 2022

Unnatural substituted amino acids play an important role as chiral building blocks, especially for pharmaceutical industry, where the synthesis of chiral biologically active molecules still represents an open challenge. Recently, modification of the hydrophobic binding pocket of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase fromPetroselinum crispum(PcPAL) resulted in specifically tailoredPcPAL variants, contributing to a rational design template for PAL-activity enhancements towards the differently substituted substrate analogues. Within this study we tested the general applicability of this rational design model in case of PALs, of different sources, such as fromArabidopsis thaliana(AtPAL) andRhodosporidium toruloides(RtPAL). With some exceptions, the results support that the positions of substrate specificity modulating residues are conserved among PALs, thus the mutation with beneficial effect for PAL-activity enhancement can be predicted using the established rational design model. Accordingly, the study supports that tailoring PALs of different origins and different substrate scope, can be performed through a general method. Moreover, the fact thatAtPAL variants I461V, L133A and L257V, all outperformed in terms of catalytic efficiency the corresponding, previously reported, highly efficientPcPAL variants, of identical catalytic site, suggests that not only catalytic site differences influence the PAL-activity, thus for the selection of the optimal PAL-biocatalysts for a targeted process, screening of PALs from different origins, should be included.
Integrated multi-omics analyses reveals molecules governing sperm metabolism potentially influence bull fertility
Authors: Talluri Thirumala Rao , Kumaresan Arumugam , Sinha Manish Kumar , Paul Nilendu , Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter , Datta Tirtha K.
Published: June 2022

Bull fertility is of paramount importance in bovine industry because semen from a single bull is used to breed several thousands of cows; however, so far, no reliable test is available for bull fertility prediction. In the present study, spermatozoa from high- and low-fertility bulls were subjected to high-throughput transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis. Using an integrated multi-omics approach the molecular differences between high- and low-fertility bulls were identified. We identified a total of 18,068 transcripts, 5041 proteins and 3704 metabolites in bull spermatozoa, of which the expression of 4766 transcripts, 785 proteins and 33 metabolites were dysregulated between high- and low-fertility bulls. At transcript level, several genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation pathway were found to be downregulated, while at protein level genes involved in metabolic pathways were significantly downregulated in low-fertility bulls. We found that metabolites involved in Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were significantly downregulated in low-fertility bulls. Integrated multi-omics analysis revealed the interaction of dysregulated transcripts, proteins and metabolites in major metabolic pathways, including Butanoate metabolism, Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, Methionine and cysteine metabolism, Phosphatidyl inositol phosphate, pyrimidine metabolism and saturated fatty acid beta oxidation. These findings collectively indicate that molecules governing sperm metabolism potentially influence bull fertility.
Canine root/cortical bone relation (CRCR) and the orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: El-Beialy Amr R. , El-Ashmawi Noha A. , Abd El-Ghafour Mohamed
Published: June 2022

This observational study evaluates three-dimensionally the relation between the root of maxillary canine and overlying labial cortical plate of bone during orthodontic canine retraction. Eighty-four bilateral maxillary canines in 42 patients were retracted in the extraction space of first premolars, using conventional orthodontic NiTi retraction spring delivering 150gm. Three-dimensional evaluation at the cusp tip, root apex, and the overlying cortical bone was done based on Classification of Root/Cortical bone relation (CRCR) before and after canine retraction. 168 observations of the canines pre- and post-retraction showed a mean distal movement of the canine cusp tip of 3.78(± 2.05) mm, while the canine root apex was almost stationary. Scarcely, 5.4% of the canine roots and root apices persisted in the medullary bone during retraction, while 16.1% contacted the overlying cortical bone. Fenestration of the overlying cortical bone by the canine roots or root apices occurred in 78.6% of the sample. The unembellished intimacy between the canine root and apex to the overlying thick dense cortical bone might have the decelerating effect on the maxillary canine retraction. The natural bone plate labial to the maxillary canine root did not yield infront nor enlarge due to canine retraction, but else defeated the current orthodontic biomechanical implementation.
A supramodal and conceptual representation of subsecond time revealed with perceptual learning of temporal interval discrimination
Authors: Xiong Ying-Zi , Guan Shu-Chen , Yu Cong
Published: June 2022

Subsecond time perception has been frequently attributed to modality-specific timing mechanisms that would predict no cross-modal transfer of temporal perceptual learning. In fact, perceptual learning of temporal interval discrimination (TID) reportedly shows either no cross-modal transfer, or asymmetric transfer from audition to vision, but not vice versa. However, here we demonstrate complete cross-modal transfer of auditory and visual TID learning using a double training paradigm. Specifically, visual TID learning transfers to and optimizes auditory TID when the participants also receive exposure to the auditory temporal interval by practicing a functionally orthogonal near-threshold tone frequency discrimination task at the same trained interval. Auditory TID learning also transfers to and optimizes visual TID with additional practice of an orthogonal near-threshold visual contrast discrimination task at the same trained interval. Practicing these functionally orthogonal tasks per se has no impact on TID thresholds. We interpret the transfer results as indications of a supramodal representation of subsecond time. Moreover, because TID learning shows complete transfer between modalities with vastly different temporal precisions, the sub-second time presentation must be conceptual. Double training may refine this supramodal and conceptual subsecond time representation and connect it to a new sense to improve time perception.
Understanding Necrosol pedogenetical processes in post-Roman burials developed on dunes sands
Authors: García-López Zaira , Martínez Cortizas Antonio , Álvarez-Fernández Noemi , López-Costas Olalla
Published: June 2022

In Archaeology much emphasis is dedicated to bone preservation, but less attention is paid to the burial soil (i.e., Necrosol), despite its crucial role in governing the geochemical environment. The interaction between human remains and sediments starts after inhumation, leading to bidirectional physico-chemical changes. To approach these complex, bidirectional processes, we sampled at high resolution (n = 46) two post-Roman wooden coffin burials (one single and another double), and the coeval paleosol (n = 20; nearby pedo-sedimentary sequence). The samples were analysed for physical (grain size, colour) and chemical (pH; LOI; elemental composition: FTIR-ATR, XRF, C, N) properties. Principal component analysis enabled to identify five main pedogenetical processes: decalcification, melanization, acidification, neoformation of secondary minerals (i.e., clays) and enrichment in phosphorus. Melanization, acidification and phosphorous enrichment seem to be convergent processes in Necrosols—irrespective of the parent material. Decalcification may be restricted to carbonate containing soil/sediments. Despite not mentioned in previous research, clay formation might also be an overall process. Compared to the local, coeval paleosol, pedogenesis in the studied burial soils was low (double burial) to moderate (single burial). Our results also emphasize the need to study the finer soil fractions, as they provide clues both on soil formation and bone diagenesis.
Reduced and delayed myelination and volume of corpus callosum in an animal model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders partially benefit from voluntary exercise
Authors: Milbocker Katrina A. , LeBlanc Gillian L. , Brengel Eric K. , Hekmatyar Khan S. , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F. , Klintsova Anna Y.
Published: June 2022

1 in 20 live births in the United States is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure annually, creating a major public health crisis. The teratogenic impact of alcohol on physical growth, neurodevelopment, and behavior is extensive, together resulting in clinical disorders which fall under the umbrella term of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD-related impairments to executive function and perceptual learning are prevalent among affected youth and are linked to disruptions to corpus callosum growth and myelination in adolescence. Targeted interventions that support neurodevelopment in FASD-affected youth are nonexistent. We evaluated the capacity of an adolescent exercise intervention, a stimulator of myelinogenesis, to upregulate corpus callosum myelination in a rat model of FASD (third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure). This study employs in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scanning to investigate the effects of: (1) neonatal alcohol exposure and (2) an adolescent exercise intervention on corpus callosum myelination in a rodent model of FASD. DTI scans were acquired twice longitudinally (pre- and post-intervention) in male and female rats using a 9.4 Tesla Bruker Biospec scanner to assess alterations to corpus callosum myelination noninvasively. Fractional anisotropy values as well as radial/axial diffusivity values were compared within-animal in a longitudinal study design. Analyses using mixed repeated measures ANOVA’s confirm that neonatal alcohol exposure in a rodent model of FASD delays the trajectory of corpus callosum growth and myelination across adolescence, with a heightened vulnerability in the male brain. Alterations to corpus callosum volume are correlated with reductions to forebrain volume which mediates an indirect relationship between body weight gain and corpus callosum growth. While we did not observe any significant effects of voluntary aerobic exercise on corpus callosum myelination immediately after completion of the 12-day intervention, we did observe a beneficial effect of exercise intervention on corpus callosum volume growth in all rats. In line with clinical findings, we have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure leads to hypomyelination of the corpus callosum in adolescence and that the severity of damage is sexually dimorphic. Further, exercise intervention improves corpus callosum growth in alcohol-exposed and control rats in adolescence.
Prognostic prediction of preoperative nutritional status in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Wang Bing , Ma Ruiqing , Shi Guanjun , Yang Zhenpeng , Tang Huazhen , Lu Shuai , Wang Yuying , Qu Jinxiu , Rao Benqiang , Xu Hongbin
Published: June 2022

To describe the preoperative nutritional status of Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMNs) and identify prognostic factors for survival. Medical records from 165 patients with LAMNs who attended the Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China between January 2017, and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method, the log-rank test, and a Cox proportional hazards model. Among 165 patients, 59 (36%) were male and 106 (64%) were female. Patient’s median age was 58 years (range 20 to 78 years). Univariate analysis indicated that gender, weight loss, prior surgical score (PSS), red blood cell, albumin, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CCR), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were related to prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that PSS, CCR and HIPEC were independent predictors of prognosis. The preoperative nutritional status of patients plays an important role in predicting prognosis. Patients can benefit from a complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and HIPEC in an experienced institution for the first medical treatment.
The continuous and changing impact of affect on risky decision-making
Authors: Asutay Erkin , Västfjäll Daniel
Published: June 2022

Affective experience has an important role in decision-making with recent theories suggesting a modulatory role of affect in ongoing subjective value computations. However, it is unclear how varying expectations and uncertainty dynamically influence affective experience and how dynamic representation of affect modulates risky choices. Using hierarchical Bayesian modeling on data from a risky choice task (N = 101), we find that the temporal integration of recently encountered choice parameters (expected value, uncertainty, and prediction errors) shapes affective experience and impacts subsequent choice behavior. Specifically, self-reported arousal prior to choice was associated with increased loss aversion, risk aversion, and choice consistency. Taken together, these findings provide clear behavioral evidence for continuous affective modulation of subjective value computations during risky decision-making.
Structure, optical properties and antimicrobial activities of MgO–Bi2−xCrxO3 nanocomposites prepared via solvent-deficient method
Authors: Al-Sharabi Annas , Sada’a Kholod S. S. , AL-Osta Ahmed , Abd-Shukor R.
Published: June 2022

MgO–Bi2−xCrxO3 nanocomposites for x = 0 and 0.07 were fabricated using the solvent-deficient route. X-ray diffraction method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and UV–Vis spectroscopy were employed to study the properties. The samples were also evaluated for the antibacterial activity. The x = 0 sample showed a dominant monoclinic crystalline structure of $$\alpha\text{-}{\text{Bi}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$$

α

-Bi
2

O
3

phase. No peaks attributed to MgO were observed. Cr-doped $$\text{MgO}{-}{\text{Bi}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$$

MgO
-

Bi
2

O
3

in which Bi was substituted showed that $${\text{the tetragonal BiCrO}}_{3}$$

the tetragonal BiCrO

3

phase was also present in the $$\text{MgO}{-}{\text{Bi}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$$

MgO
-

Bi
2

O
3

composite. The Scherrer formula was employed to determine the crystallite size of the samples. The Cr-doped sample showed a decrease in the crystallite size. The microstructures of the non-doped MgO–Bi2O3 and MgO–Bi1.93Cr0.07O3 composites consisted of micrometer sized grains and were uniformly distributed. Direct transition energy gap, $${E}_{\text{g}}$$

E
g

decreased from 3.14 to 2.77 eV with Cr-doping as determined from UV–Vis spectroscopy. The Cr-doped $$\text{MgO}{-}{\text{Bi}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}$$

MgO
-

Bi
2

O
3

nanocomposites exhibited two energy gaps at 2.36 and 2.76 eV. The antibacterial activity was determined against gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) by disc diffusion method. Cr-doping led to a decrease in inhibitory activity of MgO–Bi2−xCrxO3 nanocomposite against the various types of bacteria.
The crude oil biodegradation activity of Candida strains isolated from oil-reservoirs soils in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Otibi Fatimah , Al-Zahrani Rasha M. , Marraiki Najat
Published: June 2022

Crude oil (petroleum) is a naturally occurring complex composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Bioremediation of crude oil-polluted sites is restricted by the biodiversity of indigenous microflora. They possess complementary substrates required for degrading the different hydrocarbons. In the current study, four yeast strains were isolated from different oil reservoirs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The oil-biodegradation ability of these isolates showed variable oxidation effects on multiple hydrocarbons. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed morphological changes in Candida isolates compared to the original structures. The drop-collapse and oil emulsification assays showed that yeast strains affected the physical properties of tested hydrocarbons. The content of biosurfactants produced by isolated strains was quantified in the presence of different hydrocarbons to confirm the oil displacement activity. The recovery assays included acid precipitation, solvent extraction, ammonium sulfate, and zinc sulfate precipitation methods. All these methods revealed that the amount of biosurfactants correlates to the type of tested hydrocarbons, where the highest amount was produced in crude oil contaminated samples. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of Candida isolated from contaminated soils for bioremediation of petroleum oil pollution. That raises the need for further analyses on the microbes/hydrocarbon degradation dynamics.
Clinical and laboratorial outcome of different age-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Jiangsu, China: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Wen Lihui , Chen Ziyan , Jin Ziyi , Pan Wenyou , Liu Lin , Wu Min , Ding Fuwan , Hu Huaixia , Ding Xiang , Wei Hua , Zou Yaohong , Qian Xian , Wang Meimei , Wu Jian , Tao Juan , Tan Jun , Da Zhanyun , Zhang Miaojia , Li Jing , Feng Xuebing , Liang Jun , Zhang Huayong , Sun Lingyun
Published: June 2022

Studies on clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus among different age-onset patients are lacking in China. This multicentre study aimed to systemically compare clinical manifestations, comorbidities, organ involvement, and laboratory findings among 797 Chinese juvenile-onset, adult-onset, and late-onset SLE (JSLE, ASLE, and LSLE) patients. They were classified into JSLE, ASLE, and LSLE groups if first diagnosed at < 18, 18–50, and > 50 years old, respectively. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were employed for categorical and continuous variables respectively. In younger-onset patients, the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score was significantly higher (JSLE vs. ASLE vs. LSLE = 17.43 ± 9.139 vs. 16.34 ± 8.163 vs. 14.08 ± 6.474,p = 0.031). Mucocutaneous symptoms (79.5% vs. 73.4% vs. 62.0%,p = 0.042), especially malar rash (76.1% vs. 66.1% vs. 53.5%,p = 0.011) occurred more frequently, and proteinuria rate was higher (54.5% vs. 56.3% vs. 36.6%,p = 0.007). In later-onset patients, cardiopulmonary involvement increased (11.4% vs. 24.3% vs. 29.6%,p = 0.012). In ASLE, hypoalbuminemia rate elevated (46.6% vs. 59.9% vs. 47.9%,p = 0.015). Our study demonstrated in a Chinese population that JSLE may be more active and suffer mucocutaneous disorders, while LSLE tended to suffer cardiopulmonary involvement at-onset. These findings may help identify treatment priorities when facing different age-onset SLE patients.
Topical antibiotics reduce CD11c+ cell numbers in the healthy murine cornea and modulate their response to contact lens wear
Authors: Datta Ananya , Lee Justin , Truong Tiffany , Evans David J. , Fleiszig Suzanne M. J.
Published: June 2022

Previously we reported contact lens-induced CD11c+ cell responses in healthy mouse corneas, a phenomenon that also occurs in humans. To test involvement of ocular-associated bacteria, the impact of topical antibiotics on corneal CD11c+ cell populations during 24 h of lens wear was examined. Corneas were treated with gentamicin and ofloxacin (0.3%) or gentamicin alone, some also treated prior to lens wear (24 h). Contralateral PBS-treated eyes served as controls. CD11c-YFP (Yellow Fluorescent Protein) mice allowed CD11c+ cell visualization. Viable bacteria, on the ocular surface or contact lens, were labeled using FISH (16S rRNA-targeted probe) or click-chemistry (alkDala). Antibiotic treatment reduced baseline CD11c+ cell numbers without lens wear and suppressed CD11c+ cell responses to lens wear if corneas were both pretreated and treated during wear. Few bacteria colonized corneas or lenses under any circumstances. Conjunctival commensals were significantly reduced by antibiotics with or without lens wear, but minimally impacted by lens wear alone. Deliberate inoculation with conjunctival commensals triggered CD11c+ cell responses irrespective of antibiotic pretreatment. These results suggest that while lens wear does not necessarily increase quantifiable numbers of conjunctival commensals, those neutralized by antibiotics play a role in lens-associated CD11c+ cell responses and maintaining baseline CD11c+ cell populations.
Improvement of anti-corrosion performance of an epoxy coating using hybrid UiO-66-NH2/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite
Authors: Abdi Jafar , Izadi Mazdak , Bozorg Mansoor
Published: June 2022

In this study, a porous nanocontainer from UiO-66-NH2/CNTs nanocomposite with an excellent barrier characteristics was constructed through amine-functionalized Zr-based metal organic framework. The characterization of the prepared nano-materials were performed using different analyses such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, and BET and the results proved the successful synthesize of UiO-66-NH2/CNTs nanocomposite. The corrosion protection performance of the coated panels was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), salt spray, and contact angle measurement. The EIS results revealed that unmodified and UiO-66-NH2 containing coating in 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte were failed after 45 days but the corrosion was negligible in UiO-66-NH2/CNTs coating due to high pore resistance values even after 45 days. Salt spray and contact angle measurements confirmed that UiO-66-NH2/CNTs containing coating acts as an efficient barrier against wet saline environment even at long exposure times. This is attributed to uniform dispersion in the epoxy matrix and formation of a uniform nanocomposite coating.
Chicken embryo lethality assay for determining the lethal dose, tissue distribution and pathogenicity of clinical Enterococcus cecorum isolates from poultry
Authors: Dolka Beata , Czopowicz Michał , Dolka Izabella , Szeleszczuk Piotr
Published: June 2022

Enterococcus cecorum is a well-known component of the normal poultry intestinal microbiota and an important bacterial pathogen. Infections caused by E. cecorum have negative effects on the poultry production worldwide. In this study we used the SPF-chicken embryo lethality assay (ELA) to assess the pathogenic potential of E. cecorum. A total of 23 isolates were used: 19 clinical isolates from field outbreaks in different poultry groups (CB – broiler chickens, BB – broiler breeders, CL – layers, T– turkeys, W – waterfowl) and 4 commensal isolates. The cumulative mortality caused by all clinical isolates was higher (53.4%) than that of the commensals (38.9%). The highest mortality was induced by CB isolates (68.9%), followed by CL (60.4%), all chicken isolates (59.2%; CB, BB, CL), BB (45.8%), T (41.7%), non-chicken isolates (40.7%; T, W), and W isolates (39.8%). Most of the embryos that died, did die on the 1st day post-infection (dpi), except those infected with CB, CL (on 2 dpi). The median lethal dose (LD50) of E. cecorum ranged from 6.07 × 102 cfu/ml (CB isolates) and 1.42 × 104 cfu/ml (all clinical isolates) to 4.8 × 105 cfu/ml (commensal isolates). This study provides the first evidence of a wide tissue distribution and multiplication of E. cecorum in embryos. Dead embryos showed scattered petechiae, hemorrhages, aggregates of bacteria in blood vessels, multiple organ necrosis, and encephalomalacia. Our data indicate that surviving embryos were able to elicit innate immune response to infection. On the other hand, reisolation of viable bacteria from surviving embryos may suggest that E. cecorum could evade or resist immune mechanisms in order to persist in organs. Furthermore, body mass of surviving embryos was affected by the strain type, not the dose (bacterial concentration) used, and was lower for the infection with clinical strains. The results indicated the highest pathogenicity of clinical E. cecorum isolates from CB and CL flocks.
Spatial analysis of global Bitcoin mining
Authors: Sun Wei , Jin Haitao , Jin Fengjun , Kong Lingming , Peng Yihao , Dai Zhengjun
Published: June 2022

Bitcoin mining is not only the fundamental process to maintain Bitcoin network, but also the key linkage between the virtual cryptocurrency and the physical world. A variety of issues associated with it have been raised, such as network security, cryptoasset management and sustainability impacts. Investigating Bitcoin mining from a spatial perspective will provide new angles and empirical evidence with respect to extant literature. Here we explore the spatial distribution of Bitcoin mining through bottom-up tracking and geospatial statistics. We find that mining activity has been detected at more than 6000 geographical units across 139 countries and regions, which is in line with the distributed design of Bitcoin network. However, in terms of computing power, it has demonstrated a strong tendency of spatial concentration and association with energy production locations. We also discover that the spatial distribution of Bitcoin mining is dynamic, which fluctuates with diverse patterns, according to economic and regulatory changes.
The effect of mid-season coach turnover on running match performance and match outcome in professional soccer players
Authors: Radzimiński Łukasz , Padrón-Cabo Alexis , Modric Toni , Andrzejewski Marcin , Versic Sime , Chmura Paweł , Sekulic Damir , Konefał Marek
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research was to examine the physical match performance and match outcome before and after coach turnover in professional soccer teams compared with a control group containing coaches working continuously for 3 consecutive seasons. Analysed data included 325 performances of teams led by dismissed coaches (DC), 313 of teams led by new coaches (NC), and 580 of teams led by unchanged coaches (UnC). Variables, such as average number of collected points, total distance (TD), total distance per minute (TD/min), high-speed running (HSR), sprinting and number of high-intensity runs (NHIR), were analysed in the last 15 games of DC and 15 matches of NC. These periods were divided into 3 blocks out of 5 matches (5-match blocks). NC collected a significantly higher number of points than DC (p = 0.015), whereas average points collected by UNC were significantly greater than DC (p < 0.001 and NC (p = 0.012). TD and TD/min for DC were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared with both NC and UnC, whereas significant differences in HSR (p = 0.003) and NHIR (p = 0.03) were identified between DC and NC. The current study reported that mid-season coach turnover may result in short-term improvement in team results and physical match performance. However, this effect disappears after a period of approximately 5 games.
Genetic relationships and genome selection signatures between soybean cultivars from Brazil and United States after decades of breeding
Authors: Maldonado dos Santos João Vitor , Sant’Ana Gustavo Cesar , Wysmierski Philip Traldi , Todeschini Matheus Henrique , Garcia Alexandre , Meda Anderson Rotter
Published: June 2022

Soybean is one of the most important crops worldwide. Brazil and the United States (US) are the world’s two biggest producers of this legume. The increase of publicly available DNA sequencing data as well as high-density genotyping data of multiple soybean germplasms has made it possible to understand the genetic relationships and identify genomics regions that underwent selection pressure during soy domestication and breeding. In this study, we analyzed the genetic relationships between Brazilian (N = 235) and US soybean cultivars (N = 675) released in different decades and screened for genomic signatures between Brazilian and US cultivars. The population structure analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian germplasm has a narrower genetic base than the US germplasm. The US cultivars were grouped according to maturity groups, while Brazilian cultivars were separated according to decade of release. We found 73 SNPs that differentiate Brazilian and US soybean germplasm. Maturity-associated SNPs showed high allelic frequency differences between Brazilian and US accessions. Other important loci were identified separating cultivars released before and after 1996 in Brazil. Our data showed important genomic regions under selection during decades of soybean breeding in Brazil and the US that should be targeted to adapt lines from different origins in these countries.
Relationship between orthostatic hypotension and recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Kim Moon Jung , Rhim Gu il
Published: June 2022

Blood pressure is maintained by a combined mechanism of the baroreceptor reflex and the vestibulosympathetic reflex. This study is intended to verify the hypothesis that the orthostatic hypotension (OH) seen when benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurred may act as a factor that affects the recurrence of BPPV. The subjects of present study were selected from among 239 patients diagnosed with idiopathic BPPV. The average age of the group with OH was 59.3 years, and the age of the group without OH was 50.3 years, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.013). It was shown that drug-taking increased the risk of OH occurrence by 4.08 times (C.I for exp(B): 1.20–13.77) compared to the group that did not take drugs. It was shown that the risk of recurrence of BPPV was significantly reduced in the no recurrence group compared to the multiple recurrence group when there was no OH (p = 0.000; aOR 0.0000002). Also, the risk of recurrence was significantly reduced in the no recurrence group compared to the multiple recurrence group when there was no drug-taking (p = 0.000 aOR 0.0000001). This study is the first study that studied the effect of OH on the recurrence of BPPV and showed the possibility that OH could partially influence the recurrence of BPPV.
Deletions on 9p21 are associated with worse outcomes after anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy but not chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Ebot Ericka M. , Duncan Daniel L. , Tolba Khaled , Fabrizio David , Frampton Garrett M. , Comment Leah A. , Albacker Lee A.
Published: June 2022

NCCN guidelines for first-line treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients without targetable driver alterations includes either immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated genomic predictors of survival after immunotherapy to guide this treatment decision. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify genomic correlates of survival in a cohort of EGFR/ALK-, non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy (mono-IO) or pembrolizumab in combination with carboplatin/cisplatin and pemetrexed (chemo-IO) within a real-world clinico-genomic database. The effect of deletions on 9p21 was further evaluated in five additional tumor types. Among mono-IO treated non-squamous NSCLC patients, tumors with 9p21.3 gene deletions (CDKN2A, CDKN2B, MTAP) were associated with worse survival compared to the corresponding deletion-negative tumors (CDKN2A deletion HR = 1.8, P = 0.001). However, this association was not observed among chemo-IO treated patients (CDKN2A deletion HR = 1.1, P = 0.4). This finding remained after adjusting for clinical and genomic features including TMB and PD-L1. Deletions at 9p21.3 were not associated with differences in TMB, PD-L1, or tumor inflammation. Due to the high incidence of 9p21.3 deletions across tumor types, we performed a pan-cancer analysis and found CDKN2A deletion-positive tumors had worse survival following first-line immunotherapy treatment in multiple tumor types (HR = 1.4, P < 0.001). These results indicate deletions at 9p21.3 are a putative negative predictor of clinical benefit from first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors and may have utility in choosing between mono-IO vs chemo-IO regimens in NSCLC.