bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiological model based on the standard magnetic resonance sequences for detecting methylguanine methyltransferase methylation in glioma using texture analysis
Authors: Huang Wei‐yuan , Wen Ling‐hua , Wu Gang , Pang Pei‐pei , Ogbuji Richard , Zhang Chao‐cai , Chen Feng , Zhao Jian‐nong
Published: May 2021

This study aims to build a radiological model based on standard MR sequences for detecting methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation in gliomas using texture analysis. A retrospective cross‐sectional study was undertaken in a cohort of 53 glioma patients who underwent standard preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Conventional visual radiographic features and clinical factors were compared between MGMT promoter methylated and unmethylated groups. Texture analysis extracted the top five most powerful texture features of MR images in each sequence quantitatively for detecting the MGMT promoter methylation status. The radiomic signature (Radscore) was generated by a linear combination of the five features and estimates in each sequence. The combined model based on each Radscore was established using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the model. No significant differences were observed in any of the visual radiographic features or clinical factors between different MGMT methylated statuses. The top five most powerful features were selected from a total of 396 texture features of T1, contrast‐enhanced T1, T2, and T2 FLAIR. Each sequence’s Radscore can distinguish MGMT methylated status. A combined model based on Radscores showed differentiation between methylated MGMT and unmethylated MGMT both in the glioblastoma (GBM) dataset as well as the dataset for all other gliomas. The area under the ROC curve values for the combined model was 0.818, with 90.5% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity, in the GBM dataset, and 0.833, with 70.2% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity, in the overall gliomas dataset. Nomogram, calibration, and DCA also validated the performance of the combined model. The combined model based on texture features could be considered as a noninvasive imaging marker for detecting MGMT methylation status in glioma.
Suppression of lysosomal acid alpha‐glucosidase impacts the modulation of transcription factor EB translocation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hamura Ryoga , Shirai Yoshihiro , Shimada Yohta , Saito Nobuhiro , Taniai Tomohiko , Horiuchi Takashi , Takada Naoki , Kanegae Yumi , Ikegami Toru , Ohashi Toya , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: May 2021

Lysosomal degradation plays a crucial role in the metabolism of biological macromolecules supplied by autophagy. The regulation of the autophagy‐lysosome system, which contributes to intracellular homeostasis, chemoresistance, and tumor progression, has recently been revealed as a promising therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the details of lysosomal catabolic function in PC cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we show evidence that suppression of acid alpha‐glucosidase (GAA), one of the lysosomal enzymes, improves chemosensitivity and exerts apoptotic effects on PC cells through the disturbance of expression of the transcription factor EB. The levels of lysosomal enzyme were elevated by gemcitabine in PC cells. In particular, the levels of GAA were responsive to gemcitabine in a dose–dependent and time–dependent manner. Small interfering RNA against the GAA gene (siGAA) suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in gemcitabine‐treated PC cells. In untreated PC cells, we observed accumulation of depolarized mitochondria. Gene therapy using adenoviral vectors carrying shRNA against the GAA gene increased the number of apoptotic cells and decreased the tumor growth in xenograft model mice. These results indicate that GAA is one of the key targets to improve the efficacy of gemcitabine and develop novel therapies for PC.
Low-density neutrophils in chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) are primarily immature CD10– and enhance T cell activation
Authors: Matthews Nick C , Burton Charlotte S , Alfred Arun
Published: May 2021

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a frequent complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Low density neutrophils (LDNs) in autoimmunity, which shares disease features with cGVHD, are proinflammatory, whereas those in cancer and sepsis suppress T cell immunity. Mature LDNs can be distinguished from immature LDNs on the basis of expression of CD10 and suppressive neutrophils can be identified using lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression. The functionality of LDNs in cGVHD has not been specifically investigated. Here, we have determined the relative contribution of immature and mature neutrophils to LDNs in cGVHD and assessed whether these were suppressive or potentially proinflammatory. Peripheral blood LDNs and normal density neutrophils (NDNs) from 30 cGVHD patients and NDNs from 10 healthy controls (HCs) were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry. The ability of LDNs and NDNs to influence T cell proliferation and cytokine production in co-cultures was quantified. To further characterize LDNs, their propensity to undergo constitutive apoptosis and differentiate ex vivo was assessed.

LDNs were elevated in cGVHD versus HCs, heterogeneous in phenotype, with a predominance of immature CD10– cells in most patients, but some mature CD10+ LOX-1+ LDNs were also detected. LDNs enhanced autologous T cell proliferation, interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ production. LDN, but not NDN, CD10 expression was inversely correlated with LOX-1, which correlated with IL-6 production. LDNs resisted apoptosis and differentiated into antigen-presenting/neutrophil-hybrid-like cells, which co-expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II HLA-DR and immuno-inhibitory programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), but did not suppress T cell proliferation. These data suggest LDNs in cGVHD are predominantly immature, proinflammatory and may have pathogenic potential.
Inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating p53 protein protects against inflammatory bowel disease in mice models by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling
Authors: Qian Ke , Yuan Lianwen , Wang Shalong , Kuang Yong , Jin Qianqian , Long Dongju , Jiang Yuhong , Zhao Hua , Liu Kuijie , Yao Hongliang
Published: May 2021

Drugs and therapies available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not satisfactory. Our previous study has established the inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating p53 protein (iASPP) as an oncogenic regulator in colorectal cancer by forming a regulatory axis or feedback loop with miR-124, p53, or p63. As iASPP could target and inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, in this study the role and mechanism of iASPP in IBD was investigated. The aberrant up-regulation of iASPP in IBD was subsequently confirmed, based on online data sets, clinical sample examinations and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)- and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice models. TNBS or DSS stimulation successfully induced colon shortness, body weight loss, mice colon oxidative stress and inflammation. In both types of colitis mice models, iASPP over-expression improved, whereas iASPP knockdown aggravated TNBS or DSS stimulation-caused colon shortness, body weight loss and mice colon oxidative stress and inflammation. Meanwhile, in both types of colitis mice models, iASPP over-expression inhibited p65 phosphorylation and decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)1 and CXCL2 in mice colons, whereas iASPP knockdown exerted opposite effects.
The role of NOTCH3 variants in Alzheimer's disease and subcortical vascular dementia in the Chinese population
Authors: Guo Lina , Jiao Bin , Liao Xinxin , Xiao Xuewen , Zhang Weiwei , Yuan Zhenhua , Liu Xixi , Zhou Lu , Wang Xin , Zhu Yuan , Yang Qijie , Wang Junling , Tang Beisha , Shen Lu
Published: May 2021

Aims

NOTCH3 gene mutations predominantly cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, a common etiology of subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD). Besides, there may be a pathogenic link between NOTCH3 variants and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to study the role of NOTCH3 variants in AD and SVaD patients.

Methods

We recruited 763 patients with dementia (667 AD and 96 SVaD) and 365 healthy controls from the Southern Han Chinese population. Targeted capture sequencing was performed on NOTCH3 coding and adjacent intron regions to detect the pathogenic variants in AD and SVaD. The relationship between common or rare NOTCH3 variants and AD was further analyzed using Plink1.9.

Results

Five known pathogenic variants (p.R182C, p.C201S, p.R544C, p.R607C, and p.R1006C) and two novel likely pathogenic variants (p.C201F and p.C1061F) were detected in 16 SVaD patients. Additionally, no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found in AD patients. NOTCH3 was not associated with AD in either single‐variant association analysis or gene‐based association analysis.

Conclusion

Our findings broaden the mutational spectrum of NOTCH3 and validate the pathogenic role of NOTCH3 mutations in SVaD, but do not support the notion that NOTCH3 variation influences the risk of AD.
Lipocalin 2 regulates iron homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and insulin resistance in the brains of patients with dementia: Evidence from the current literature
Authors: Lim Daejin , Jeong Jae‐ho , Song Juhyun
Published: May 2021

Dementia accompanied by memory loss is considered one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is gradually increasing. Known risk factors for dementia include genetic background, certain lifestyle and dietary patterns, smoking, iron overload, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose metabolism in the brain. Here, we review recent evidence on the regulatory role of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in dementia from various perspectives. LCN2 is a neutrophil gelatinase‐associated protein that influences diverse cellular processes, including the immune system, iron homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory responses. Although its functions within the peripheral system are most widely recognized, recent findings have revealed links between LCN2 and central nervous system diseases, as well as novel roles for LCN2 in neurons and glia. Furthermore, LCN2 may modulate diverse pathological mechanisms involved in dementia. Taken together, LCN2 is a promising therapeutic target with which to address the neuropathology of dementia.
Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and association with metabolic syndrome in an adult Iranian cohort: The Fasa PERSIAN cohort study
Authors: Siervo Mario , Rubele Sofia , Shannon Oliver M , Prado Carla M. , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Zamboni Mauro , Homayounfar Reza , Farjam Mojtaba , Faghih Shiva , Mazidi Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterised by a concomitant high fat mass (FM) and low fat free mass (FFM) leading to an increased cardio‐metabolic risk. This analysis aims to estimate the SO prevalence in Iranian adults and evaluate the association of SO with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. This cross‐sectional analysis included 4296 subjects (age 35‐70 years, 55.2% females). Body composition parameters, measured by bioelectrical impedance included: FM, FFM, appendicular lean mass (ALM) and skeletal mass index. SO was classified according to five criteria: (1) FM%‐SMI; (2) FM%‐ALM/% weight (wt%); (3) FM%‐ALM/body mass index (BMI); (4) Residuals of ALM and FM and (5) FM/FFM Ratio. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to explore the association between SO models with MetS risk stratified by gender. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the best FM/FFM ratio cut‐off value for detecting MetS cases in males and females. The prevalence of SO varied between 4% and 26% depending upon the classification method. The prevalence of MetS was 12.8% and 31.6% in males and females, respectively. SO models based on ALM/wt% and FM/FFM ratio showed the strongest association with MetS risk in males (OR: 11.5, 95%CI: 7.5‐17.7, p < 0.001 and OR: 10.1, 95%CI: 6.9‐14.7, p < 0.001, respectively) and females (OR: 4.1, 95%CI: 3.0‐5.6, p < 0.001 and OR: 4.6, 95%CI: 3.5‐5.9, p < 0.001, respectively). SO is a prevalent condition in an adult Iranian population and the ALM/wt% and the FM/FFM ratio models of SO appeared to be associated with higher MetS risk.
Toward integrating private conservation lands into national protected area systems: Lessons from a megadiversity country
Authors: da Silva José Maria Cardoso , Pinto Luiz Paulo , Scarano Fábio Rubio
Published: May 2021

Private conservation lands are essential for protecting biodiversity, but few national‐level studies have assessed their coverage and the legal frameworks that support them. Here, we review the legal mechanisms enabling conservation on private lands in Brazil and evaluate these lands' potential to reinforce the national protected area system. We found that conserving native vegetation on private lands is the most important mechanism to protect biodiversity in five out of the six Brazilian biomes. Because Brazil has a law that mandates landowners to set aside conservation areas, remnants of native vegetation were protected rather than converted to other land uses in areas of old economic frontiers. These remnants can be the cornerstones of effective regional conservation systems. Still, upgrading these remnants to privately protected areas and integrating these privately protected areas into the national protected area system remains a challenge. We suggest that the Brazilian experience provides important lessons on how other countries can design innovative policies to recognize and expand private land conservation.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of apremilast in healthy Korean adult men
Authors: Huh Ki Young , Choi Yewon , Nissel Jim , Palmisano Maria , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Liangang , Ramirez‐Valle Francisco , Lee Howard
Published: May 2021

We performed a two‐part study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of oral apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of psoriasis, in healthy Korean adult men. In part 1, there were 12 subjects who randomly received a single oral dose of apremilast at 20, 30, or 40 mg in each of 3 periods in a crossover fashion. In part 2, there were 16 subjects who randomly received 30 mg of apremilast or its matching placebo in a ratio of 3:1 twice daily for 14 days. Apremilast was rapidly absorbed (maximum concentration: ~2–3 h postdose), and eliminated according to a monoexponential pattern with a terminal‐phase elimination half‐life of 8–9 h. The exposure to apremilast increased in a dose‐proportional manner and accumulation was 1.6‐fold at steady‐state. Apremilast was well‐tolerated after a single oral administration and multiple oral administrations in Korean adult men; all of the treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild and recovered without sequelae. In conclusion, apremilast was safe and well‐tolerated in healthy Korean adult men when administered single oral doses of 20, 30, or 40 mg or when administered multiple oral doses of 30 mg b.i.d. for 14 days. Overall exposures increased in an approximate dose proportional manner in healthy Korean adult men.
Reconsidering People as the Institution: Empathy, Pay Equity, and Deaccessioning as Key Leadership Strategies in Art Museums
Authors: Whitaker Amy
Published: May 2021

Drawing on recent research in empathy, pay equity, and deaccessioning practice in U.S. art museums, this paper argues for a creative reconsideration of art museums by reframing the institutions not in terms of their buildings or their collections but their people. The coronavirus pandemic has offered a break in art museums’ physical stories and called into sharp relief managerial trade‐offs between support of staff and sale of objects. By focusing on empathy, pay equity, and deaccessioning strategies, art museum leaders can imaginatively and analytically renew the social contract between art museums and their workforces and audiences, creating new structures of pay equity and firmer financial footing and more robust community governance in order to weather future challenges with equanimity and focus. By focusing on empathy and equity, museums also build their own resilience instead of risking closure for financial reasons without public trust to fall back on.
Enabling tax bargaining: Supporting more meaningful tax transparency and taxpayer engagement in Ghana and Sierra Leone
Authors: van den Boogaard Vanessa , Prichard Wilson , Beach Rachel , Mohiuddin Fariya
Published: May 2021

Motivation

While there is increasing evidence that taxation can contribute to greater government responsiveness and accountability, such positive outcomes are not guaranteed. If the environment does not enable tax bargaining, there is a risk that taxation will amount to little more than enforced extraction.

Purpose

We consider how such enabling environments may be fostered and identify specific strategies that governments, civil society actors, and donors can adopt to strengthen the links between taxation, responsiveness, and accountability.

Methods and approach

We undertake two case studies of tax transparency and taxpayer engagement in Ghana and Sierra Leone, making use of data from taxpayer surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and interviews with key stakeholders in government, civil society, and donor agencies.

Findings

We highlight two key findings. First, meaningful transparency requires that information is comprehensive, relates to taxpayers’ priorities, and serve as a basis for dialogue between taxpayers and governments. Second, there is a need to proactively encourage taxpayer engagement by supporting forums for engagement that taxpayers perceive as safe, secure and sincere. This has been most successful where governments have visibly demonstrated responsiveness to citizens’ concerns, even on a small scale, while partnering with civil society to foster trust and dialogue.

Policy implications

Our findings point to the need for taxpayer education and engagement programmes that make information more accessible and more directly relevant to taxpayers’ everyday experiences. In particular, policymakers and development partners need to expand existing efforts to facilitate engagement and dialogue regarding what revenues are collected and how they are spent. We highlight the valuable role that civil society can play as translators of tax information, enablers of public forums, and trainers to support greater tax literacy and sustained taxpayer engagement.
Vascular growth factors as potential new treatment in cardiorenal syndrome in diabetes
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo Alberto , Gnudi Luigi
Published: May 2021

Background

Cardiorenal syndrome in diabetes is characterised by alterations of the cardiovascular system paralleled by kidney disease with progressive renal function decline. In diabetes, chronic metabolic and haemodynamic perturbations drive endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress and progressive tissue fibrosis which, in turn, lead to heart and renal anatomo‐functional damage. In physiology, vascular growth factors have been implicated in vascular homeostasis; their imbalance, in disease setting such as diabetes, leads to vascular dysfunction and cardiorenal damage.

Aims

To define the role of vascular growth factors and angiopoietins in cardiorenal syndrome.

Material and Methods

We will focus on the two most studied vascular growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Angpt). The balance and crosstalk between these growth factors are important in organ development and in the maintenance of a healthy vasculature, heart and kidney. The observed alterations in expression/function of these vascular growth factors, as seen in diabetes, are a protective response against external perturbations.

Results

The chronic insults driving diabetes‐mediated cardiorenal damage results in a paradoxical situation, whereby the vascular growth factors imbalance becomes a mechanism of disease. Studies have explored the possibility of modulating the expression/action of vascular growth factors to improve disease outcome. Experimental work has been conducted in animals and has been gradually translated in humans.

Discussion

Difficulties have been encountered especially when considering the magnitude, timing and duration of interventions targeting a selective vascular growth factor. Targeting VEGF in cardiovascular disease has been challenging, while modulation of the Angpt system seems more promising.

Conclusion

Future studies will establish the translatability of therapies targeting vascular growth factors for heart and kidney disease in patients with diabetes.
GapAnalysis: an R package to calculate conservation indicators using spatial information
Authors: Carver Daniel , Sosa Chrystian C. , Khoury Colin K. , Achicanoy Harold A. , Diaz Maria Victoria , Sotelo Steven , Castañeda‐Álvarez Nora P. , Ramirez‐Villegas Julian
Published: May 2021

Effective assessments of the current status of biodiversity conservation are needed to support planning, policy and action, from local to global levels. Of particular use would be well documented, reproducible methods based on openly accessible data and tools. Such methods should provide an accurate estimate of the state of conservation of diversity, identifying gaps in current conservation systems, while providing a benchmark against which to measure success, including determining when conservation goals have been met. Here we introduce GapAnalysis, an open source R package developed to support the assessment of the state of conservation of taxa, both ex situ (in genebanks, botanic gardens and other repositories) and in situ (in protected natural areas). The eco‐geographic variation maintained in conservation repositories and that present within protected natural areas is compared with the full extent of eco‐geographic variation predicted within species' native ranges. Eco‐geographic conservation gaps are identified, and taxa are then prioritized for further action. The package enables users to quickly determine conservation status, gaps and priorities for as few as one to as many as thousands of taxa, for any wild flora or fauna for which occurrence data and species distribution models are available. To demonstrate the use of GapAnalysis, we provide case studies for wild plant taxa in the genera Capsicum L. and Cucurbita L, with an accompanying online R tutorial for three of the Cucurbita species.
Holidays and economic growth: Evidence from a panel of Indian states
Authors: Ghosh Dastidar Sayantan , Apergis Nicholas
Published: May 2021

The number of holidays differs significantly across Indian states. Moreover, some of the governing political parties have been accused of using holidays as a tool either to mollify disgruntled workers or to woo voters before the state elections. In this context, this paper explores the relationship between the number of holidays and economic growth across 24 Indian states, spanning the period 2008–2016, by employing a panel model analysis. The paper presents evidence suggesting that holidays seem to affect growth negatively in the rich states but are inconsequential for the growth performance of the poor states.
European academic brain drain: A meta‐synthesis
Authors: Khan Jawaria
Published: May 2021

In a globalising world, the international mobility of academics and researchers is important for their career. However, increasing migration of academics in the form of an academic brain drain is becoming a major challenge especially for Europe due to an ageing population. The issue of brain drain has been addressed usually through quantitative studies that fail to explore the in‐depth reasons behind it, and present standard outcomes. Through a synthesis of qualitative literature over two decades (2000–2020), this paper presents a new perspective of the root causes of academic brain drain in Europe. After careful examination of the qualitative literature, five factors have been found to be responsible for the outflow of human capital. These include: (1) attractive salaries outside Europe; (2) short‐term fixed contracts for early career researchers; (3) unfair recruitment procedures; (4) attractive migration policies and (5) the indirect role played by internationalisation policies to encourage permanent mobility.
Neuroprotective response and efficacy of intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells in traumatic brain injury mice
Authors: Kumar Mishra Sushanta , Khushu Subash , Gangenahalli Gurudutta
Published: May 2021

Cellular transplantation of stem cells can be a beneficial treatment approach for neurodegenerative diseases such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of infused mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after localisation at the injury site. We evaluated the appropriate homing of infused MSCs through immunohistochemistry, followed by Y‐chromosome–specific polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent in situ hybridisation analyses. The proliferation and differentiation of infused MSCs were analysed using exogenous cell tracer 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling and neuronal specific markers, respectively. Structural and functional recovery in TBI mice were examined by performing magnetic resonance imaging and different behavioural assessments, respectively. Results demonstrated a significantly high number of BrdU‐positive cells in the lesion region in the MSC‐infused group compared with control and TBI groups. Infused MSCs were well differentiated into neural‐like cells and expressed significantly more neural markers (neuronal nuclear antigen [NeuN], microtubule‐associated protein 2 [MAP2] and glial fibrillary acid protein [GFAP]). Improved tissue abnormalities as well as functional behaviours were observed in MSC‐infused TBI mice, implying the substantial proliferation and differentiation of infused MSCs. Our findings support the neuroprotective response and efficacy of MSCs after transplantation in TBI mice, and MSCs may serve as potential therapeutic candidates in regenerative medicine.
Faster maturation of selective attention in musically trained children and adolescents: Converging behavioral and event‐related potential evidence
Authors: Putkinen Vesa , Saarikivi Katri , Chan Tsz Man Vanessa , Tervaniemi Mari
Published: May 2021

Previous work suggests that musical training in childhood is associated with enhanced executive functions. However, it is unknown whether this advantage extends to selective attention—another central aspect of executive control. We recorded a well‐established event‐related potential (ERP) marker of distraction, the P3a, during an audio‐visual task to investigate the maturation of selective attention in musically trained children and adolescents aged 10–17 years and a control group of untrained peers. The task required categorization of visual stimuli, while a sequence of standard sounds and distracting novel sounds were presented in the background. The music group outperformed the control group in the categorization task and the younger children in the music group showed a smaller P3a to the distracting novel sounds than their peers in the control group. Also, a negative response elicited by the novel sounds in the N1/MMN time range (~150–200 ms) was smaller in the music group. These results indicate that the music group was less easily distracted by the task‐irrelevant sound stimulation and gated the neural processing of the novel sounds more efficiently than the control group. Furthermore, we replicated our previous finding that, relative to the control group, the musically trained children and adolescents performed faster in standardized tests for inhibition and set shifting. These results provide novel converging behavioral and electrophysiological evidence from a cross‐modal paradigm for accelerated maturation of selective attention in musically trained children and adolescents and corroborate the association between musical training and enhanced inhibition and set shifting.
Emissions of nitrous oxide, dinitrogen and carbon dioxide from three soils amended with carbon substrates under varying soil matric potentials
Authors: Li Yuan , Clough Timothy J. , Moinet Gabriel Y. K. , Whitehead David
Published: May 2021

Carbon (C) substrates are critical for regulating denitrification, a process that results in nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) emissions from soil. However, the impacts of C substrates on concomitant soil emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and N2O under varying soil types and soil water contents are not well studied. Three repacked Pallic grassland soils, varying in texture and phosphorus (P) status, containing NO3−‐15N were held at three levels of matric potential (ψ, −3, −5 and −7 kPa), while receiving daily substrate additions (acetate, glucose and water control) for 14 days. The CO2and N2O emissions were measured daily. Additionally, the N2O:(N2 + N2O) ratios were determined using15N on days 3 and 14. Results showed that N2O emissions increased exponentially as soil gas diffusivity declined, and N2O peak emissions were higher with glucose than with acetate addition, with a range (± standard deviation) of 0.1 ± 0.0 to 42.7 ± 2.1 mg N m−2 h−1. The highest cumulative N2O emission (2.5 ± 0.2 g N m−2) was measured following glucose addition with a soilψof −3 kPa. In comparison with added glucose, acetate resulted in a twofold increase in N2emissions in soils with relatively low gas diffusivities. The N2O:(N2O + N2) emissions ratios varied with substrate (glucose, 0.91; acetate, 0.81) on day 3, and had declined by day 14 under substrate addition (≤0.10). Cumulative CO2emissions were enhanced with increasing soil gas diffusivity and were higher for soils amended with glucose (ranging from 22.5 ± 1.3 to 36.6 ± 1.8, g C m−2) than for those amended with acetate. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the increase of N2O, N2and CO2emissions and changes in the N2O:(N2 + N2O) ratio vary over time in response to C substrate type and soil gas diffusivity.

Highlights

Co‐regulation of CO2and N2O emissions was assessed for varying soil types and C substrates.

Soil diffusivity explained concurrently cumulative N2O and CO2emissions.

Acetate enhanced N2O reduction to N2in three grassland soils more than glucose.

C substrate effects on soil N2O, N2and CO2emissions were soil type specific.
Rapid Anthropocene realignment of allometric scaling rules
Authors: Santini Luca , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: May 2021

The negative relationship between body size and population density in mammals is often interpreted as resulting from energetic constraints. In a global change scenario, however, this relationship might be expected to change, given the size‐dependent nature of anthropogenic pressures and vulnerability to extinction. Here we test whether the size‐density relationship (SDR) in mammals has changed over the last 50 years. We show that the relationship has shifted down and became shallower, corresponding to a decline in population density of 31–73%, for the largest and smallest mammals, respectively. However, the SDRs became steeper in some groups (e.g. carnivores) and shallower in others (e.g. herbivores). The Anthropocene reorganisation of biotic systems is apparent in macroecological relationships, reinforcing the notion that biodiversity pattens are contingent upon conditions at the time of investigation. We call for an increased attention to the role of global change on macroecological inferences.
Comorbidity patterns in people with multiple sclerosis: A latent class analysis of the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lo Lara Marie Pangan , Taylor Bruce V. , Winzenberg Tania , Palmer Andrew J. , Blizzard Leigh , Hussain Mohammad Akhtar , van der Mei Ingrid
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to identify clinically meaningful comorbidity patterns and their associations with the demographic/clinical characteristics of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We conducted latent class analysis to identify clinically distinct comorbidity patterns in MS using the 15 most common comorbidities among 1518 Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study participants. The associations between demographic/clinical characteristics and comorbidity patterns were examined using log‐binomial and multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Five distinct comorbidity patterns were identified: “minimally diseased class” (30.8%), consisting of participants with no or one comorbidity; “metabolic class” (22.7%); “mental health–allergy class” (21.7%); “nonmetabolic class” (7.6%); and “severely diseased class” (7.0%), consisting of participants with higher prevalence of these comorbidities. The relative probabilities of being assigned to comorbidity classes compared to the minimally diseased class were significantly increased for participants who were older (metabolic: relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.11; nonmetabolic: RRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.04–1.11; severely diseased: RRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08), female (nonmetabolic: RRR = 5.35, 95% CI = 1.98–14.42; severely diseased: RRR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.02–4.77), and obese (metabolic: RRR = 4.06, 95% CI = 2.45–6.72; mental health–allergy: RRR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.00–2.46; severely diseased: RRR = 4.53, 95% CI = 2.21–9.29) and who had moderate disability (mental health–allergy: RRR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.47–3.64; severely diseased: RRR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.16–6.04).

Conclusions

Comorbidity patterns exist in MS. Women, people who were older, people who were obese, and people who had higher disability levels were more likely to be in classes with higher levels of comorbidity. These findings may offer opportunities for designing more personalised approaches to comorbidity prevention and treatment.
Global status of groundfish stocks
Authors: Hilborn Ray , Hively Daniel J. , Loke Nicole Baker , de Moor Carryn L. , Kurota Hiroyuki , Kathena Johannes N. , Mace Pamela M. , Minto Cóilín , Parma Ana M. , Quiroz Juan‐Carlos , Melnychuk Michael C.
Published: May 2021

We review the status of groundfish stocks using published scientific assessments for 349 individual stocks constituting 90% of global groundfish catch. Overall, average stock abundance is increasing and is currently above the level that would produce maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Fishing pressure for cod‐like fishes (Gadiformes) and flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) was, for several decades, on average well above levels associated with MSY, but is now at or below the level expected to produce MSY. In contrast, fishing pressure for rockfishes (Scorpaeniformes) decreased from near MSY‐related levels in the mid‐1990s, and since the mid‐2000s has remained on average at only one third of MSY‐related levels. Regions with the most depressed groundfish stocks are the Northwest Atlantic and the Pacific coast of South America, while stocks from the Northeast and Eastern Central Pacific, Northeast Atlantic, Southeast Atlantic and Southwest Pacific tend to have greatest average abundance relative to MSY‐based reference points. In the most recent year available for each stock, the catch was only 61% of MSY. Equilibrium yield curves indicate that 76% of global potential groundfish yield could be achieved using current estimates of fishing pressure. 15% of this is lost by excess fishing pressure, 67% results from lower than optimal fishing pressure on healthy stocks and 18% is lost from stocks currently overfished but rebuilding. Thus, there is modest opportunity to increase catch of global groundfish fisheries by reducing overfishing on some stocks, but more by increasing harvest on others. However, there may be other reasons not to fully exploit these stocks.
HOIL‐1‐catalysed, ester‐linked ubiquitylation restricts IL‐18 signaling in cytotoxic T cells but promotes TLR signalling in macrophages
Authors: Petrova Tsvetana , Zhang Jiazhen , Nanda Sambit K. , Figueras‐Vadillo Clara , Cohen Philip
Published: May 2021

The atypical E3 ligase HOIL‐1 forms ester bonds between ubiquitin and serine/threonine residues in proteins, but the physiological roles of this unusual modification are unknown. We now report that IL‐18 signalling leading to the production of interferon γ (IFNγ) and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is enhanced in cytotoxic T cells from knock‐in mice expressing the E3 ligase‐inactive HOIL‐1[C458S] mutant, demonstrating that the formation of HOIL‐1‐catalysed ester‐linked ubiquitin bonds restricts the activation of this pathway. We show that the interaction of IRAK2 with TRAF6 is required for IL‐18‐stimulated IFN‐γ and GM‐CSF production, and that the increased production of these cytokines in cytotoxic T cells from HOIL‐1[C458S] mice correlates with an increase in both the number and size of the Lys63/Met1‐linked hybrid ubiquitin chains attached to IRAK2 in these cells. In contrast, the secretion of IL‐12 and IL‐6 and the formation of il‐12 and il‐6 mRNA induced in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) by prolonged stimulation with TLR‐activating ligands that signal via myddosomes, which also requires the interaction of IRAK2 with TRAF6, were not increased but modestly reduced in HOIL‐1[C458S] BMDM. The decreased production of these cytokines correlated with reduced ubiquitylation of IRAK2. Our results establish that changes in HOIL‐1‐catalysed ester‐linked ubiquitylation can promote or reduce cytokine production depending on the ligand, receptor and immune cell and may be explained by differences in the ubiquitylation of IRAK2.
CO2 emission mitigation through fuel transition on Danish CHP and district heating plants
Authors: Nielsen Anders Taeroe , Nord‐Larsen Thomas , Bentsen Niclas Scott
Published: May 2021

The study analysed how carbon dynamics were influenced by the transition from coal or natural gas to forest biomass on a number of district heat and combined heat and power plants in Denmark. For 10 plants, we calculated the cumulative net carbon emissions over time (t) from the fuel transition (CCE(t)) and carbon payback time (CPT), a measure of the time it takes for a fuel transition to biomass to reduce the amount of carbon emitted to the atmosphere relative to a continuation of using fossil fuels. Subsequently, we derived the relative cumulative net carbon emissions (RCCE(t)), as a measure of the carbon emission savings/costs induced by the fuel transition. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses of key parameters, with special focus on emissions from indirect/market mediated effects. For fuel transitions from coal to biomass, CPT ranged from 0 to 13 years indicating that carbon emission benefits were achieved at the latest after 13 years. Relative cumulative net carbon emissions 30 years after the fuel transition (RCCE(30)) ranged from 0.29 to 0.85 corresponding to emission savings of 15–71% relative to continued use of coal. For fuel transitions from natural gas to biomass, CPT ranged from 9 to 34 years and RCCE(30) from 0.81 to 1.03. Sensitivity analyses showed that the use of truly residual biomass (harvest residues or industrial residues with no alternative use), biomass harvest from productive forests and short transport distances are instrumental in achieving a short carbon payback time and large emission savings. The quantification of indirect or market mediated GHG emissions is controversial and uncertain. We analysed additional carbon emissions related to indirect land use change (iLUC), indirect wood use change (iWUC) and indirect fuel use change (iFUC). Including iLUC added 1–4 years, iWUC added 1–3 years and iFUC added 1 year to the mean CPT.
Occurrence but not intensity of mortality rises towards the climatic trailing edge of tree species ranges in European forests
Authors: Changenet Alexandre , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Ratcliffe Sophia , Fréjaville Thibaut , Archambeau Juliette , Porte Annabel J. , Zavala Miguel A. , Dahlgren Jonas , Lehtonen Aleksi , Benito Garzón Marta
Published: May 2021

Aim

Tree mortality is increasing world‐wide, leading to changes in forest composition and altering global biodiversity. Nonetheless, owing to the multifaceted stochastic nature of tree mortality, large‐scale spatial patterns of mortality across species ranges and their underlying drivers remain difficult to understand. Our main goal was to describe the geographical patterns and drivers of the occurrence of mortality (presence of a mortality event) and the intensity of tree mortality (amount of mortality related to that mortality event) in Europe. We hypothesized that the occurrence of mortality represents background mortality and is higher in the margin than in core populations, whereas the intensity of mortality could have a more even distribution according to the spatial and temporal stochasticity of die‐off events.

Location

Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Finland).

Major taxa studied

More than 1.5 million trees belonging to 20 major forest tree species.

Methods

We developed binomial and truncated negative binomial models to tease apart the occurrence and intensity of tree mortality in National Forest Inventory plots at the range‐wide scale. The occurrence of mortality indicated that at least one tree had died in the plot, whereas the intensity of mortality referred to the number of dead trees per plot.

Results

The highest occurrence of mortality was found in peripheral regions and the climatic trailing edge linked with drought, whereas the intensity of mortality was driven by competition, drought and high temperatures and was scattered uniformly across species ranges.

Main conclusions

We show that tree background mortality, but not die‐off, is generally higher in the trailing‐edge populations. It remains to be explored whether other demographic traits, such as growth, reproduction and regeneration, also decrease at the trailing edge of European tree populations.
Numerical Modeling of Nitrate Removal in Anoxic Groundwater during River Flooding of Riparian Zones
Authors: Jensen Jannick Kolbjørn , Nilsson Bertel , Engesgaard Peter
Published: May 2021

A numerical study demonstrates the effects of flooding on subsurface hydrological flowpaths and nitrate removal in anoxic groundwater in riparian zones with a top peat layer. A series of two‐dimensional numerical simulations with changing conditions for flow (steady state or transient with flooding), hydrogeology, denitrification, and duration of flooding demonstrate how flowpaths, residence times, and nitrate removal are affected. In periods with no flooding groundwater flows horizontally and discharges to the river through the riverbed. During periods with flooding, shallow groundwater is forced upwards as discharge through peat layers that often have more optimal conditions for denitrification caused by the presence of highly reactive organic matter. The contrast in hydraulic conductivity between the sand aquifer and the overlying peat layer, as well as the flooding duration, have a significant role in determining the degree of nitrate removal.
Understanding COVID‐19 misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in context: Findings from a qualitative study involving citizens in Bradford, UK
Authors: Lockyer Bridget , Islam Shahid , Rahman Aamnah , Dickerson Josie , Pickett Kate , Sheldon Trevor , Wright John , McEachan Rosemary , Sheard Laura ,   the Bradford Institute for Health Research Covid‐19 Scientific Advisory Group
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID‐19 vaccines can offer a route out of the pandemic, yet initial research suggests that many are unwilling to be vaccinated. A rise in the spread of misinformation is thought to have played a significant role in vaccine hesitancy. To maximize uptake, it is important to understand why misinformation has been able to take hold at this time and why it may pose a more significant problem within certain contexts.

Objective

To understand people's COVID‐19 beliefs, their interactions with (mis)information during COVID‐19 and attitudes towards a COVID‐19 vaccine.

Design and Participants

Bradford, UK, was chosen as the study site to provide evidence to local decision makers. In‐depth phone interviews were carried out with 20 people from different ethnic groups and areas of Bradford during Autumn 2020. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Participants discussed a wide range of COVID‐19 misinformation they had encountered, resulting in confusion, distress and mistrust. Vaccine hesitancy could be attributed to three prominent factors: safety concerns, negative stories and personal knowledge. The more confused, distressed and mistrusting participants felt about their social worlds during the pandemic, the less positive they were about a vaccine.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy needs to be understood in the context of the relationship between the spread of misinformation and associated emotional reactions. Vaccine programmes should provide a focused, localized and empathetic response to counter misinformation.

Patient or Public Contribution

A rapid community and stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to identify COVID‐19 priority topics important to Bradford citizens and decision makers.
Development of non‐enzymatic ZnO nanocomposite‐based optical sensor for l‐lactate detection in tomato samples
Authors: Rattu Gurdeep , Murali Krishna P.
Published: May 2021

l‐lactate is a conjugate base of α‐hydroxy acid, a key organic chemical in food processing, fermentation, biology and chemical industries. We are reporting for the first time a facile and rapid non‐enzymatic nanosensor for l‐lactate detection in tomato‐based products using 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (3‐APBA)‐added zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). 3‐APBA‐functionalised ZnO NPs have a selective and stable SPR intensity change at pH 5.5 to 7.5 and forms a reversible ester with bound l‐lactate revealing the wavelength shift from λ = 300 nm to 288 nm in UV‐VIS absorption spectrometry. In the spiked (2.5–20 mm) samples of tomato puree, absorption peak increased as per l‐lactate addition with the lower detection limit of 3.98 mm. l‐lactate binds with a trigonal form of 3‐boronate, thereby generating the tetrahedral complex. ZnO NPs stabilise the tetragonal complex. Nanosensor validated with standard HPLC. This method is useful for l‐lactate detection and alternates to conventional techniques.