bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From wildlife-ism to ecosystem-service-ism to a broader environmentalism
Authors: Lele Sharachchandra
Published: November 2020

The concept of ‘biodiversity conservation’ includes diverse notions of what part of ‘nature’ one is trying to conserve. Moreover, the conservation discourse is part of a wider discussion on what kind of world we want for both humans and nature. Over the past few decades, debates have erupted on both fronts: what nature is worth saving and how to link concerns for nature with concerns for larger societal well-being. But proposals such as the Global Deal for Nature (www.globaldealfornature.org) articulated by Dinerstein and others suggest that mainstream conservation thinking has not changed much. I argue that acknowledging multiple values about conservation and about society, rejecting the biocentric high horse, pragmatic pluralism and simplistic ‘win–win’ arguments, and embracing a broader set of societal concerns is a more tenable approach towards achieving a balanced society–nature relationship.
Use of time-lapse monitoring in medically assisted reproduction treatments: a mini-review
Authors: Sciorio Romualdo
Published: November 2020

During human in vitro culture, a morphological microscope analysis is normally performed to select the best embryo to transfer, with the hope of obtaining a successful pregnancy. The morphological evaluation may combine number and size of blastomeres, fragmentation, multinucleation, blastocyst expansion, inner-cell mass and trophectoderm appearance. However, standard microscopy evaluation involves the removal of the embryos from the incubator, exposing them to changes in pH, temperature, and oxygen level. Additionally, morphological assessments might include high inter-observer variability. Recently, continuous embryo culture using time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has allowed embryologists to analyse the dynamic and morphokinetic events of embryo development and, based on that, the embryologist is able to scrutinize the complete sequence of embryonic evolution, from fertilization to the blastocyst formation. Therefore, TLM allows an uninterrupted culture condition, reducing the need to remove embryos from the incubator. The monitoring system is normally composed of a standard incubator with an integrated microscope coupled to a digital camera, which is able to collect images at regular times, and subsequently processed into video. These data can be annotated and analyzed using an integrated software, therefore this allows embryologists to facilitate the process of embryo selection for transfer. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits and uses of the TLM in the embryology laboratory.
A Slippery Slope: Could Climate Change Lead to More Landslides?
Authors: Palmer Jane
Published: November 2020

Scientists investigate whether warming temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could be triggering more landslides in mountainous areas.
Podcast: Songs of the Arches (with Helicopters)
Authors: Lester Liza
Published: November 2020

Utah’s famous bridges and spires hum with a deep, earthly music, just below the threshold of human perception.
Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation Drives Enhanced Greenland Surface Temperature Variability During the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Song Zhaoyang , Latif Mojib , Park Wonsun , Zhang Yuming
Published: November 2020

Stable oxygen isotope records from central Greenland suggest disproportionally large long‐term surface air temperature (SAT) variability during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) relative to preindustrial times. Large perturbations in mean atmospheric circulation and its variability forced by extensive Northern Hemisphere ice sheet coverage have been suggested as cause for the enhanced Greenland SAT variability. Here, we assess the factors driving Greenland SAT variability during the LGM by means of dedicated climate model simulations and find remote forcing from the Pacific of critical importance. Atmospheric teleconnections from the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), a multidecadal oscillation of sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean, strongly intensify under LGM conditions, driving enhanced surface wind variability over Greenland, which in turn amplifies SAT variability by anomalous atmospheric heat transport. A major role of the IPO in forcing Greenland SAT variability also is supported by a number of models from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase III.
How Does the Tibetan Plateau Dynamically Affect Downstream Monsoon Precipitation?
Authors: Son Jun‐Hyeok , Seo Kyong‐Hwan , Wang Bin
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated that mechanical effects have a greater contribution to the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) than thermodynamical effects. However, a theoretical basis for the underlying dynamical mechanism has not been elucidated. The present study shows that topographically forced barotropic Rossby wave theory well explains the seasonal evolution of the monsoonal precipitation and its amplitude and peak location. The subtropical zonal wind impinging on the Tibetan Plateau is a key factor, and the resulting downstream cyclonic and anticyclonic circulation anomalies form a peak zonal geopotential height gradient in between, leading to the development of the meridional wind and the accompanying moisture transport to the EASM region. As the season approaches the summer monsoon period, the peak geopotential height gradient—thus the monsoonal rainband—shifts to the west from the western North Pacific to East Asia. The findings in this study can be applied to subtropical monsoons worldwide.
Mapping the Sources of Proximal Earthquake Infrasound
Authors: Johnson J. B. , Mikesell T. D. , Anderson J. F. , Liberty L. M.
Published: November 2020

We recorded a MWR3.6 earthquake in Idaho (USA) on 7 April 2020 with a network of six three‐element infrasound arrays and co‐located broadband seismometers situated within 25 km of the hypocenter. Infrasound array processing is used to identify the arrival of seismic‐to‐atmospheric coupled phases and as much as 90 s of infrasound coda. Apparent velocities ranging from seismic speeds to subhorizontal atmospheric sound speeds are attributed to a superposition of coincident waves arriving at the arrays. We find that the arriving infrasound originates from a broad range of back azimuths that deviates from epicentral back azimuth and indicates the ubiquity of secondary radiators for this relatively small earthquake. Secondary radiators, which often locate in regions of elevated topography, are identified using backprojections and earthquake initiation time. Analysis of infrasound sources from proximal earthquakes can be used to map ground shaking distributions, which are important for assessment of earthquake hazards.
A Kinematic Kinetic Energy Backscatter Parametrization: From Implementation to Global Ocean Simulations
Authors: Juricke S. , Danilov S. , Koldunov N. , Oliver M. , Sein D. V. , Sidorenko D. , Wang Q.
Published: November 2020

Ocean models at eddy‐permitting resolution are generally overdissipative, damping the intensity of the mesoscale eddy field. To reduce overdissipation, we propose a simplified, kinematic energy backscatter parametrization built into the viscosity operator in conjunction with a new flow‐dependent coefficient of viscosity based on nearest neighbor velocity differences. The new scheme mitigates excessive dissipation of energy and improves global ocean simulations at eddy‐permitting resolution. We find that kinematic backscatter substantially raises simulated eddy kinetic energy, similar to an alternative, previously proposed dynamic backscatter parametrization. While dynamic backscatter is scale‐aware and energetically more consistent, its implementation is more complex. Furthermore, it turns out to be computationally more expensive, as it applies, among other things, an additional prognostic subgrid energy equation. The kinematic backscatter proposed here, by contrast, comes at no additional computational cost, following the principle of simplicity. Our primary focus is the discretization on triangular unstructured meshes with cell placement of velocities (an analog of B‐grids), as employed by the Finite‐volumE Sea ice‐Ocean Model (FESOM2). The kinematic backscatter scheme with the new viscosity coefficient is implemented in FESOM2 and tested in the simplified geometry of a zonally reentrant channel as well as in a global ocean simulation on a 1/4° mesh. This first version of the new kinematic backscatter needs to be tuned to the specific resolution regime of the simulation. However, the tuning relies on a single parameter, emphasizing the overall practicality of the approach.
Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Baldwin Mark P. , Ayarzagüena Blanca , Birner Thomas , Butchart Neal , Butler Amy H. , Charlton‐Perez Andrew J. , Domeisen Daniela I. V. , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Garny Hella , Gerber Edwin P. , Hegglin Michaela I. , Langematz Ulrike , Pedatella Nicholas M.
Published: November 2020

Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are impressive fluid dynamical events in which large and rapid temperature increases in the winter polar stratosphere (∼10–50 km) are associated with a complete reversal of the climatological wintertime westerly winds. SSWs are caused by the breaking of planetary‐scale waves that propagate upwards from the troposphere. During an SSW, the polar vortex breaks down, accompanied by rapid descent and warming of air in polar latitudes, mirrored by ascent and cooling above the warming. The rapid warming and descent of the polar air column affect tropospheric weather, shifting jet streams, storm tracks, and the Northern Annular Mode, making cold air outbreaks over North America and Eurasia more likely. SSWs affect the atmosphere above the stratosphere, producing widespread effects on atmospheric chemistry, temperatures, winds, neutral (nonionized) particles and electron densities, and electric fields. These effects span both hemispheres. Given their crucial role in the whole atmosphere, SSWs are also seen as a key process to analyze in climate change studies and subseasonal to seasonal prediction. This work reviews the current knowledge on the most important aspects of SSWs, from the historical background to dynamical processes, modeling, chemistry, and impact on other atmospheric layers.
Reduced lipolysis in lipoma phenocopies lipid accumulation in obesity
Authors: Le Duc Diana , Lin Chen-Ching , Popkova Yulia , Yang Zuqin , Akhil Velluva , Çakir M. Volkan , Grunewald Sonja , Simon Jan-Christoph , Dietz Andreas , Dannenberger Dirk , Garten Antje , Lemke Johannes R. , Schiller Jürgen , Blüher Matthias , Nono Nankam Pamela Arielle , Rolle-Kampczyk Ulrike , von Bergen Martin , Kelso Janet , Schöneberg Torsten
Published: November 2020

Background

Elucidation of lipid metabolism and accumulation mechanisms is of paramount importance to understanding obesity and unveiling therapeutic targets. In vitro cell models have been extensively used for these purposes, yet, they do not entirely reflect the in vivo setup. Conventional lipomas, characterized by the presence of mature adipocytes and increased adipogenesis, could overcome the drawbacks of cell cultures. Also, they have the unique advantage of easily accessible matched controls in the form of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from the same individual. We aimed to determine whether lipomas are a good model to understand lipid accumulation.

Methods

We histologically compared lipomas and control SAT, followed by assessment of the lipidome using high-resolution1H NMR spectroscopy and ESI-IT mass spectrometry. RNA-sequencing was used to obtain the transcriptome of lipomas and the matched SAT.

Results

We found a significant increase of small-size (maximal axis < 70 µm) and very big (maximal axis > 150 µm) adipocytes within lipomas. This suggests both enhanced adipocyte proliferation and increased lipid accumulation. We further show that there is no significant change in the lipid composition compared to matched SAT. To better delineate the pathophysiology of lipid accumulation, we considered two groups with different genetic backgrounds: (1) lipomas withHMGA2fusions and (2) without gene fusions. To reduce the search space for genes that are relevant for lipid pathophysiology, we focused on the overlapping differentially expressed (DE) genes between the two groups. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that DE genes are enriched in pathways related to lipid accumulation.

Conclusions

We show that the common shared lipid accumulation mechanism in lipoma is a reduction in lipolysis, with most gene dysregulations leading to a reduced cAMP in the adipocyte. Superficial lipomas could thus be used as a model for lipid accumulation through altered lipolysis as found in obese patients.
ADORA2A variation and adenosine A1 receptor availability in the human brain with a focus on anxiety-related brain regions: modulation by ADORA1 variation
Authors: Hohoff Christa , Kroll Tina , Zhao Baoyuan , Kerkenberg Nicole , Lang Ilona , Schwarte Kathrin , Elmenhorst David , Elmenhorst Eva-Maria , Aeschbach Daniel , Zhang Weiqi , Baune Bernhard T. , Neumaier Bernd , Bauer Andreas , Deckert Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Adenosine, its interacting A1and A2Areceptors, and particularly the variant rs5751876 in the A2AgeneADORA2Ahave been shown to modulate anxiety, arousal, and sleep. In a pilot positron emission tomography (PET) study in healthy male subjects, we suggested an effect of rs5751876 on in vivo brain A1receptor (A1AR) availability. As female sex and adenosinergic/dopaminergic interaction partners might have an impact on this rs5751876 effect on A1AR availability, we aimed to (1) further investigate the pilot male-based findings in an independent, newly recruited cohort including women and (2) analyze potential modulation of this rs5751876 effect by additional adenosinergic/dopaminergic gene variation. Healthy volunteers (32/11 males/females) underwent phenotypic characterization including self-reported sleep and A1AR-specific quantitative PET. Rs5751876 and 31 gene variants of adenosine A1, A2A, A2B, and A3receptors, adenosine deaminase, and dopamine D2receptor were genotyped. Multivariate analysis revealed an rs5751876 effect on A1AR availability (P = 0.047), post hoc confirmed in 30 of 31 brain regions (false discovery rate (FDR) correctedPvalues < 0.05), but statistically stronger in anxiety-related regions (e.g., amygdala, hippocampus). Additional effects ofADORA1rs1874142 were identified; under its influence rs5751876 and rs5751876 × sleep had strengthened effects on A1AR availability (Pboth < 0.02; post hoc FDR-correctedPs < 0.05 for 29/30 regions, respectively). Our results support the relationship between rs5751876 and A1AR availability. Additional impact of rs1874142, together with rs5751876 and sleep, might be involved in regulating arousal and thus the development of mental disorders like anxiety disorders. The interplay of further detected suggestiveADORA2A×DRD2interaction, however, necessitates larger future samples more comparable to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based samples.
Identifying neurodevelopmental anomalies of white matter microstructure associated with high risk for psychosis in 22q11.2DS
Authors: Bagautdinova Joëlle , Padula Maria C. , Zöller Daniela , Sandini Corrado , Schneider Maude , Schaer Marie , Eliez Stephan
Published: November 2020

Disruptions of white matter microstructure have been widely reported in schizophrenia. However, the emergence of these alterations during preclinical stages remains poorly understood. 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) represents a unique model to study the interplay of different risk factors that may impact neurodevelopment in premorbid psychosis. To identify the impact of genetic predisposition for psychosis on white matter development, we acquired longitudinal MRI data in 201 individuals (22q11.2DS = 101; controls = 100) aged 5–35 years with 1–3 time points and reconstructed 18 white matter tracts using TRACULA. Mixed model regression was used to characterize developmental trajectories of four diffusion measures—fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), radial (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD) in each tract. To disentangle the impact of additional environmental and developmental risk factors on white matter maturation, we used a multivariate approach (partial least squares (PLS) correlation) in a subset of 39 individuals with 22q11.2DS. Results revealed no divergent white matter developmental trajectories in patients with 22q11.2DS compared to controls. However, 22q11.2DS showed consistently increased FA and reduced AD, RD, and MD in most white matter tracts. PLS correlation further revealed a significant white matter-clinical risk factors relationship. These results indicate that while age-related changes are preserved in 22q11.2DS, white matter microstructure is widely disrupted, suggesting that genetic high risk for psychosis involves early occurring neurodevelopmental insults. In addition, multivariate modeling showed that clinical risk factors further impact white matter development. Together, these findings suggest that genetic, developmental, and environmental risk factors may play a cumulative role in altering normative white matter development during premorbid stages of psychosis.
Comparison between the areas of scarred and active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis
Authors: Duraffour Pierre , Mehanna Chadi , Hoogewoud Florence , Touboul Arnaud , Monnet Dominique , Brézin Antoine P.
Published: November 2020

Background/objectives

To assess the ratio of scarred/active areas of fundus lesions in patients with presumed ocular toxoplasmosis.

Subjects/methods

Retrospective monocentric study of patients with presumed ocular toxoplasmosis seen between May 2004 and February 2018. Patients with a positive anti-Toxoplasma serology presenting characteristic fundus lesions. Cases with images of both baseline active and scarred lesions of the fundus were included. The borders of each active or scarred lesion were delineated on colour photographs by two independent observers and the area of the lesions was calculated using Digimizer 4.2.2 (MedCalc Software, Ostend, Belgium). The interobserver variability of the measures was recorded and their means were used for further calculations. To study the ratio of the area of scarred retinochoroiditis over the area of the baseline active lesion (R).

Results

A total of 171 cases (83 males, 88 females) with a mean age of 31.6 ± 13.8 years were included. The average areas of active and scarred retinochoroiditis were, respectively, 1.32 ± 1.59 and 1.79 ± 2.36 optic disc area. The average ratio between scarred and active areas of retinochoroiditis was 1.36 [range 0.54–2.18]. The administration of a systemic treatment [R = 1.25, p = 0.003], the absence of a pre-existing scar [R = 1.05, p < 0.001] and a peripapillary location of the lesion [R = 0.85, p < 0.001] were each significantly associated with smaller scarred/active area ratios.

Conclusions

We assessed in a standardized manner the ratio of scarred/active areas of toxoplasmic lesions and showed that the area of scarred lesions was on average slightly larger than the area of active retinochoroiditis.
Author Correction: Enhancement of trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a with engineered crRNA enables amplified nucleic acid detection
Authors: Nguyen Long T. , Smith Brianna M. , Jain Piyush K.
Published: November 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20117-z
Daily transcriptomes of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus during the summer solstice at high Arctic latitudes
Authors: Payton Laura , Noirot Céline , Hoede Claire , Hüppe Lukas , Last Kim , Wilcockson David , Ershova Elizaveta A. , Valière Sophie , Meyer Bettina
Published: November 2020

The zooplankterCalanus finmarchicusis a member of the so-called “Calanus Complex”, a group of copepods that constitutes a key element of the Arctic polar marine ecosystem, providing a crucial link between primary production and higher trophic levels. Climate change induces the shift ofC. finmarchicusto higher latitudes with currently unknown impacts on its endogenous timing. Here we generated a daily transcriptome ofC. finmarchicusat two high Arctic stations, during the more extreme time of Midnight Sun, the summer solstice. While the southern station (74.5 °N) was sea ice-free, the northern one (82.5 °N) was sea ice-covered. The mRNAs of the 42 samples have been sequenced with an average of 126 ± 5 million reads (mean ± SE) per sample, and aligned to the reference transcriptome. We detail the quality assessment of the datasets and the complete annotation procedure, providing the possibility to investigate daily gene expression of this ecologically important species at high Arctic latitudes, and to compare gene expression according to latitude and sea ice-coverage.
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of anxiety and other psychological distress related to life-threatening illnesses: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Wolfson Philip E. , Andries Julane , Feduccia Allison A. , Jerome Lisa , Wang Julie B. , Williams Emily , Carlin Shannon C. , Sola Evan , Hamilton Scott , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Emerson Amy , Mithoefer Michael C. , Doblin Rick
Published: November 2020

The success of modern medicine creates a growing population of those suffering from life-threatening illnesses (LTI) who often experience anxiety, depression, and existential distress. We present a novel approach; investigating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety in people with an LTI. Participants with anxiety from an LTI were randomized in a double-blind study to receive MDMA (125 mg, n = 13) or placebo (n = 5) in combination with two 8-h psychotherapy sessions. The primary outcome was change in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Trait scores from baseline to one month post the second experimental session. After unblinding, participants in the MDMA group had one open-label MDMA session and placebo participants crossed over to receive three open-label MDMA sessions. Additional follow-up assessments occurred six and twelve months after a participant’s last experimental session. At the primary endpoint, the MDMA group had a greater mean (SD) reduction in STAI-Trait scores, − 23.5 (13.2), indicating less anxiety, compared to placebo group, − 8.8 (14.7); results did not reach a significant group difference (p = .056). Hedges’ g between-group effect size was 1.03 (95% CI: − 5.25, 7.31). Overall, MDMA was well-tolerated in this sample. These preliminary findings can inform development of larger clinical trials to further examine MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a novel approach to treat individuals with LTI-related anxiety.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02427568, first registered April 28, 2015.
The effect of time since stroke, gender, age, and lesion size on thalamus volume in chronic stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Krishnamurthy Lisa C. , Champion Gabriell N. , McGregor Keith M. , Krishnamurthy Venkatagiri , Turabi Aaminah , Roberts Simone R. , Nocera Joe R. , Borich Michael R. , Rodriguez Amy D. , Belagaje Samir R. , Harrington Rachael M. , Harris-Love Michelle L. , Harnish Stacy M. , Drucker Jonathan H. , Benjamin Michelle , Meadows M. Lawson , Seeds Lauren , Zlatar Zvinka Z. , Sudhyadhom Atchar , Butler Andrew J. , Garcia Amanda , Patten Carolynn , Trinastic Jonathan , Kautz Steven A. , Gregory Chris , Crosson Bruce A.
Published: November 2020

Recent stroke studies have shown that the ipsi-lesional thalamus longitudinally and significantly decreases after stroke in the acute and subacute stages. However, additional considerations in the chronic stages of stroke require exploration including time since stroke, gender, intracortical volume, aging, and lesion volume to better characterize thalamic differences after cortical infarct. This cross-sectional retrospective study quantified the ipsilesional and contralesional thalamus volume from 69 chronic stroke subjects’ anatomical MRI data (age 35–92) and related the thalamus volume to time since stroke, gender, intracortical volume, age, and lesion volume. The ipsi-lesional thalamus volume was significantly smaller than the contra-lesional thalamus volume (t(68) = 13.89, p < 0.0001). In the ipsilesional thalamus, significant effect for intracortical volume (t(68) = 2.76, p = 0.008), age (t(68) = 2.47, p = 0.02), lesion volume (t(68) = − 3.54, p = 0.0008), and age*time since stroke (t(68) = 2.46, p = 0.02) were identified. In the contralesional thalamus, significant effect for intracortical volume (t(68) = 3.2, p = 0.002) and age (t = − 3.17, p = 0.002) were identified. Clinical factors age and intracortical volume influence both ipsi- and contralesional thalamus volume and lesion volume influences the ipsilesional thalamus. Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, additional research is warranted to understand differences in the neural circuitry and subsequent influence on volumetrics after stroke.
Meteorological drivers of respiratory syncytial virus infections in Singapore
Authors: Ali Sheikh Taslim , Tam Clarence C. , Cowling Benjamin J. , Yeo Kee Thai , Yung Chee Fu
Published: November 2020

Meteorological drivers are known to affect transmissibility of respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but there are few studies quantifying the role of these drivers. We used daily RSV hospitalization data to estimate the daily effective reproduction number (Rt), a real-time measure of transmissibility, and examined its relationship with environmental drivers in Singapore from 2005 through 2015. We used multivariable regression models to quantify the proportion of the variance in Rt explained by each meteorological driver. After constructing a basic model for RSV seasonality, we found that by adding meteorological variables into this model we were able to explain a further 15% of the variance in RSV transmissibility. Lower and higher value of mean temperature, diurnal temperature range (DTR), precipitation and relative humidity were associated with increased RSV transmissibility, while higher value of maximum wind speed was correlated with decreased RSV transmissibility. We found that a number of meteorological drivers were associated with RSV transmissibility. While indoor conditions may differ from ambient outdoor conditions, our findings are indicative of a role of ambient temperature, humidity and wind speed in affecting RSV transmission that could be biological or could reflect indirect effects via the consequences on time spent indoors.
Bioassay-based Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived β-sitosterol exerts antileishmanial effects against Leishmania donovani by targeting trypanothione reductase
Authors: Pramanik Pijush Kanti , Chakraborti Sajal , Bagchi Angshuman , Chakraborti Tapati
Published: November 2020

Leishmaniasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Among the various clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the deadliest. Current antileishmanial drugs exhibit toxicity- and resistance-related issues. Therefore, advanced chemotherapeutic alternatives are in demand, and currently, plant sources are considered preferable choices. Our previous report has shown that the chloroform extract of Corchorus capsularis L. leaves exhibits a significant effect against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. In the current study, bioassay-guided fractionation results for Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived β-sitosterol (β-sitosterolCCL) were observed by spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC–MS). The inhibitory efficacy of this β-sitosterolCCL against L. donovani promastigotes was measured (IC50 = 17.7 ± 0.43 µg/ml). β-SitosterolCCL significantly disrupts the redox balance via intracellular ROS production, which triggers various apoptotic events, such as structural alteration, increased storage of lipid bodies, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, externalization of phosphatidylserine and non-protein thiol depletion, in promastigotes. Additionally, the antileishmanial activity of β-sitosterolCCL was validated by enzyme inhibition and an in silico study in which β-sitosterolCCL was found to inhibit Leishmania donovani trypanothione reductase (LdTryR). Overall, β-sitosterolCCL appears to be a novel inhibitor of LdTryR and might represent a successful approach for treatment of VL in the future.
Metabolomics-derived marker metabolites to characterize Phaeocystis pouchetii physiology in natural plankton communities
Authors: Kuhlisch Constanze , Althammer Julia , Sazhin Andrey F. , Jakobsen Hans H. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Pohnert Georg
Published: November 2020

Phaeocystis pouchetii (Hariot) Lagerheim, 1893 regularly dominates phytoplankton blooms in higher latitudes spanning from the English Channel to the Arctic. Through zooplankton grazing and microbial activity, it is considered to be a key resource for the entire marine food web, but the actual relevance of biomass transfer to higher trophic levels is still under discussion. Cell physiology and algal nutritional state are suggested to be major factors controlling the observed variability in zooplankton grazing. However, no data have so far yielded insights into the metabolic state of Phaeocystis populations that would allow testing this hypothesis. Therefore, endometabolic markers of different growth phases were determined in laboratory batch cultures using comparative metabolomics and quantified in different phytoplankton blooms in the field. Metabolites, produced during exponential, early and late stationary growth of P. pouchetii, were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Then, metabolites were characterized that correlate with the growth phases using multivariate statistical analysis. Free amino acids characterized the exponential growth, whereas the early stationary phase was correlated with sugar alcohols, mono- and disaccharides. In the late stationary phase, free fatty acids, sterols and terpenes increased. These marker metabolites were then traced in Phaeocystis blooms during a cruise in the Barents Sea and North Norwegian fjords. About 50 endometabolites of P. pouchetii were detected in natural phytoplankton communities. Mannitol, scyllo-inositol, 24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, and several free fatty acids were characteristic for Phaeocystis-dominated blooms but showed variability between them. Distinct metabolic profiles were detected in the nutrient-depleted community in the inner Porsangerfjord (< 0.5 µM NO3−, < 0.1 µM PO
4
3−
), with high relative amounts of free mono- and disaccharides indicative for a limited culture. This study thereby shows how the variable physiology of phytoplankton can alter the metabolic landscape of entire plankton communities.
Factors associated with acute cardiac injury and their effects on mortality in patients with COVID-19
Authors: He Xingwei , Wang Luyan , Wang Hongjie , Xie Yang , Yu Yongfu , Sun Jianhua , Yan Jiangbo , Du Yuxin , Shen Yin , Zeng Hesong
Published: November 2020

To determine the incidence of acute cardiac injury (ACI), the factors associated with ACI and the in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19, especially in severe patients. All consecutive in-patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan during February 1 and March 29, 2020 were included. The demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory, radiological and treatment data were collected. Univariate and Firth logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with ACI and in-hospital mortality, and Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate cumulative in-hospital mortality. Among 1031 patients included, 215 (20.7%) had ACI and 501 (48.6%) were severe cases. Overall, 165 patients died; all were from the severe group, and 131 (79.39%) had ACI. ACI (OR = 2.34, P = 0.009), male gender (OR = 2.58, P = 0.001), oximeter oxygen saturation (OR = 0.90, P < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (OR = 3.26, P < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (OR = 8.59, P < 0.001), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR = 3.29, P = 0.016), N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (OR = 2.94, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for the in-hospital mortality in severe patients. The mortality was significantly increased among severe patients with elevated hs-CRP, IL-6, hs-cTnI, and/or NT-proBNP. Moreover, the mortality was significantly higher in patients with elevation of both hs-cTnI and NT proBNP than in those with elevation of either of them. ACI develops in a substantial proportion of patients with COVID-19, and is associated with the disease severity and in-hospital mortality. A combination of hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP is valuable in predicting the mortality.
Characterization and identification of lysine crotonylation sites based on machine learning method on both plant and mammalian
Authors: Wang Rulan , Wang Zhuo , Wang Hongfei , Pang Yuxuan , Lee Tzong-Yi
Published: November 2020

Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is a type of protein post-translational modification (PTM), which plays important roles in a variety of cellular regulation and processes. Several methods have been proposed for the identification of crotonylation. However, most of these methods can predict efficiently only on histone or non-histone protein. Therefore, this work aims to give a more balanced performance in different species, here plant (non-histone) and mammalian (histone) are involved. SVM (support vector machine) and RF (random forest) were employed in this study. According to the results of cross-validations, the RF classifier based on EGAAC attribute achieved the best predictive performance which performs competitively good as existed methods, meanwhile more robust when dealing with imbalanced datasets. Moreover, an independent test was carried out, which compared the performance of this study and existed methods based on the same features or the same classifier. The classifiers of SVM and RF could achieve best performances with 92% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 90% accuracy, and an MCC of 0.80 in the mammalian dataset, and 77% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 70% accuracy and 0.54 MCC in a relatively small dataset of mammalian and a large-scaled plant dataset respectively. Moreover, a cross-species independent testing was also carried out in this study, which has proved the species diversity in plant and mammalian.
The effect of Elymus nutans sowing density on soil reinforcement and slope stabilization properties of vegetation–concrete structures
Authors: Tan Xiangqian , Huang Yongwen , Xiong Danwei , Lv Kun , Chen Fangqing
Published: November 2020

Elymus nutans is an herbaceous plant that can be used to restore degraded alpine and subalpine ecosystems. Here, we evaluated how sowing density affects soil reinforcement and slope stabilization properties of vegetation–concrete structures. To investigate the optimal sowing density of E. nutans in vegetation–concrete applications for slope protection, six experimental treatments were established with different plant densities: control, I (1100 seeds/m2), II (2200 seeds/m2), III (3300 seeds/m2), IV (4400 seeds/m2), and V (5500 seeds/m2). Several parameters of plant growth in addition to soil reinforcement and slope stabilization properties were measured in each treatment, as well as the associations among parameters. As density increased, aboveground biomass continually increased, and plant heights, root surface areas, root lengths, and underground biomass all first increased and then decreased. In contrast, tiller numbers and the average root diameter gradually decreased with increasing density. Increased density also resulted in increased maximum water interception levels by aboveground stems and leaves. The maximum water interception by the aboveground stems and leaves was 41.75% greater in the highest density treatment (V) compared to the lowest density treatment (I). However, the enhancement of erosion resistance and soil shear strength first increased and then decreased as density increased, with maximal values observed in the medium-high density treatment (IV). Sowing density was highly correlated with aboveground biomass, plant heights, tiller numbers, and the maximum level of water interception by stems and leaves. Thus, sowing density directly influenced soil reinforcement and slope stabilization properties of aboveground plant components. However, density was not significantly correlated with belowground biomass, root lengths, root surface areas, the enhancement of erosion resistance, and soil shear strengths. Therefore, sowing density indirectly influenced soil reinforcement and slope stabilization of belowground plant components. Following from these results, we suggest that the optimal sowing density of E. nutans is approximately 4400 plants/m2 in their application within vegetation–concrete structures used for slope protection.
Differences of sucrose accumulation concentration and related genes expression between two sucrose accumulation types of Actinidia eriantha
Authors: Xu Xiaobiao , Liao Guanglian , Huang Chunhui , Zhong Min , Jia Dongfeng , Qu Xueyan , Liu Qing , He Yanqun , Li Yiqi
Published: November 2020

According to the investigation of wild Actinidia eriantha in Jiangxi province of China, we found that soluble solids content of fruit was lower than edible standard (14%). However, we found a high-sugar type A. eriantha line (code was ‘MM24’, test material) during investigative process at Nancheng county (E 116° 48′, N 26° 23′, 845 m). We sheared its scions to asexual reproduction in Fengxin County (rootstock was A. deliciosa ‘Miliang 1’ with 7 years old) and at the same time DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) test was also carried out. There were uncontested differences between the two comparative genotypes according to the results of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it can be judged as a new cultivar. In addition, there was great similarity on most important morphological and quality characteristics. While, there was difference on SSC, DM and TS between the two materials on ripen fruit, these indicators were much higher on test material than on control. The sugar degree assessment showed that the sugar degree of test material was strong and retention time was long. Further, no sucrose was found before DAF 135 d in test material and sucrose were significantly higher than in control only at DAF 165 d and DAF 175 d. The qRT-PCR results of sucrose-related genes showed that the relative expression levels of AcSPS1, AcSPS3, AcSPS5 and AcSUS5 genes were consistent with the sucrose accumulation trend, which was probably the main genes for the difference in sugar degree.
Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses unveil the genetic structure of native sheep breeds from three major agro-ecological regions of India
Authors: Sharma Rekha , Ahlawat Sonika , Sharma Himani , Sharma Priyanka , Panchal Poonam , Arora Reena , Tantia M S
Published: November 2020

Sheep farming has been fundamental to many civilizations in the world and is practiced in India since antiquity. Several thousand years of adaptation to local environmental conditions and selective breeding have evolved 44 sheep breeds in India. They are paramount in terms of economic, scientific, and cultural heritage. Genetic characterization information is imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of ovine heritage. In this study, the genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 11 indigenous sheep breeds from three different agro-ecological zones of India were explored with genomic microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (D loop). The estimated diversity parameters indicated that populations retained high levels of genetic diversity (Na = 8.27 ± 0.17; Ho = 0.65 ± 0.01), which provides an optimistic viewpoint for their survival. However, significant inbreeding was also observed in the nine populations. Moderate genetic differentiation existed among the groups (FST = 0.129 ± 0.012), and most likely clusters existing in the dataset are seven. Phylogenetic clustering was in line with the geographical locations of sheep populations. Mitochondrial sequences revealed high haplotype diversity with the existence of maternal haplogroups A, B, and C, and signals of population expansion. Decreased genetic diversity and unique maternal lineage (C) in endangered Tibetan and Bonpala sheep breed, warrant their immediate scientific management. Overall, the quantitative data reported here on the extant variability, and genetic relationships among the Indian sheep breeds, provide critically important inputs that will be valuable for the decision-making process on their management, both for the conservation of endangered breeds, and formulation of breeding programs to check genetic erosion.
Enhanced mirroring upon mutual gaze: multimodal evidence from TMS-assessed corticospinal excitability and the EEG mu rhythm
Authors: Prinsen Jellina , Alaerts Kaat
Published: November 2020

Previous research has demonstrated that eye contact between actor and observer specifically enhances the ‘mirroring’ of others’ actions, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs). However, it remains unknown whether other markers of mirror system activation, such as suppression of the EEG mu rhythm (8–13 Hz) over the sensorimotor strip, are also susceptible to perceived eye contact. Here, both TMS-induced MEPs and EEG mu suppression indices were assessed (in separate sessions) while 32 participants (mean age: 24y; 8m) observed a simple hand movement combined with direct or averted gaze from the actor. Both measures were significantly modulated by perceived eye gaze during action observation; showing an increase in MEP amplitude and an attenuation of the mu rhythm during direct vs. averted gaze. Importantly, while absolute MEP and mu suppression scores were not related, a significant association was identified between gaze-related changes in MEPs and mu suppression, indicating that both measures are similarly affected by the modulatory impact of gaze cues. Our results suggest that although the neural substrates underlying TMS-induced MEPs and the EEG mu rhythm may differ, both are sensitive to the social relevance of the observed actions, which might reflect a similar neural gating mechanism.
Naringin derivatives as glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase inhibitors based preservatives and their biological evaluation
Authors: Lather Amit , Sharma Sunil , Khatkar Anurag
Published: November 2020

Glucosamine-6-Phosphate synthase enzyme has been targeted for development of better and safe preservative due to its role in microbial cell wall synthesis. In recent year’s demand of preservatives for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals have increased. Although, the available synthetic preservatives have associated unwanted adverse effects, soa chain of naringin derivatives were schemed synthesized and judged for antioxidant, antimicrobial, preservative efficacy, stability study and topical evaluation. Molecular docking resulted with excellent dock score and binding energy for compound 7, compound 6 and compound 1 as compared to standard drugs. Resultant data of antimicrobial activity revealed compound 7as most potent antimicrobial compound for P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, and A. niger, respectively, as compared to the standard drugs. The preservative efficacy test of compound 7 in White Lotion USP showed the log cfu/mL value within prescribed limit of USP standard. Compound 7 stabilize the White lotion USP from microbial growth for a period of six months under accelerated storage condition. Compound 7 was further evaluated for toxicity by using the Draize test in rabbits and showed no sign of eye and skin irritation. The outcome demonstrated that synthesized naringin compounds showed glorious antioxidant, antimicrobial, preservative efficacy, stable and safe as compared to standards.
Interactive influences of fluctuations of main food resources and climate change on long-term population decline of Tengmalm’s owls in the boreal forest
Authors: Kouba Marek , Bartoš Luděk , Bartošová Jitka , Hongisto Kari , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: November 2020

Recent wildlife population declines are usually attributed to multiple sources such as global climate change and habitat loss and degradation inducing decreased food supply. However, interactive effects of fluctuations in abundance of main foods and weather conditions on population densities and reproductive success have been studied rarely. We analysed long-term (1973–2018) data on Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) and the influence of prey abundance and weather on breeding densities and reproductive success in western Finland. We found that fledgling production per breeding attempt declined and laying date of the owl population delayed during the period between 1973 and 2018. The breeding density of the owl population decreased with increasing temperature in winter (October–March), fledgling production increased with increasing temperature and precipitation in spring (April–June), whereas the initiation of egg-laying was delayed with increasing depth of snow cover in late winter (January–March). The decreasing trend of fledgling production, which was mainly due to starvation of offspring, was an important factor contributing to the long-term decline of the Tengmalm’s owl study population. Milder and more humid spring and early summer temperatures due to global warming were not able to compensate for lowered offspring production of owls. The main reason for low productivity is probably loss and degradation of mature and old-growth forests due to clear-felling which results in loss of coverage of prime habitat for main (bank voles) and alternative foods (small birds) of owls inducing lack of food, and refuges against predators of Tengmalm’s owls. This interpretation was also supported by the delayed start of egg-laying during the study period although ambient temperatures increased prior to and during the egg-laying period.
Proteomics analysis of serum small extracellular vesicles for the longitudinal study of a glioblastoma multiforme mouse model
Authors: Anastasi Federica , Greco Francesco , Dilillo Marialaura , Vannini Eleonora , Cappello Valentina , Baroncelli Laura , Costa Mario , Gemmi Mauro , Caleo Matteo , McDonnell Liam A.
Published: November 2020

Longitudinal analysis of disease models enables the molecular changes due to disease progression or therapeutic intervention to be better resolved. Approximately 75 µl of serum can be drawn from a mouse every 14 days. To date no methods have been reported that are able to analyze the proteome of small extracellular vesicles (sEV’s) from such low serum volumes. Here we report a method for the proteomics analysis of sEV's from 50 µl of serum. Two sEV isolation procedures were first compared; precipitation based purification (PPT) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The methodological comparison confirmed that SEC led to purer sEV’s both in terms of size and identified proteins. The procedure was then scaled down and the proteolytic digestion further optimized. The method was then applied to a longitudinal study of serum-sEV proteome changes in a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) mouse model. Serum was collected at multiple time points, sEV’s isolated and their proteins analyzed. The protocol enabled 274 protein groups to be identified and quantified. The longitudinal analysis revealed 25 deregulated proteins in GBM serum sEV's including proteins previously shown to be associated with GBM progression and metastasis (Myh9, Tln-1, Angpt1, Thbs1).