bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geraniol Enhances Inhibitory Inputs to Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus and Induces Sedation in Mice
Authors: Xu Ling , Wang Yan , Yang Ya-Yue , Hua Xiao-Xiao , Du Li-Xia , Zhu Jian-Yu , Huang Li-Na , Fang Fang , Liu Ming-Zhe , Zhang Rui , Li Jin-Bao , Wang Yan-Qing , Zhang Ling , Mi Wen-Li , Mu Di
Published: April 2021

Geraniol (GE), a plant-derived acyclic monoterpene, shows a wide variety of beneficial effects. Notably, recent studies have reported the potential sedative effects of GE in fish and rats. However, the mechanisms of GE in sedation remain elusive. Here, we found that GE reduced locomotion, relieved pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures, altered the electroencephalogram (EEG), and facilitated general anesthesia in mice. Meanwhile, GE decreased c-Fos expression and suppressed the calcium activity in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT). Microinjection of GE into the PVT reduced locomotion and facilitated propofol-induced anesthesia. Furthermore, the electrophysiology results showed that GE-induced dramatic membrane hyperpolarization and suppressed the neuronal activity of PVT neurons, mainly by prolonging spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents and inducing tonic inhibitory currents via GABAAreceptors. Our study revealed that GE enhances inhibitory inputs to PVT neurons and induces sedation in mice. These findings provide a potential candidate for further development of sedatives and anesthetics.

Graphic Summary
Task-independent metrics of computational hardness predict human cognitive performance
Authors: Franco Juan P. , Doroc Karlo , Yadav Nitin , Bossaerts Peter , Murawski Carsten
Published: April 2021

The survival of human organisms depends on our ability to solve complex tasks in the face of limited cognitive resources. However, little is known about the factors that drive the complexity of those tasks. Here, building on insights from computational complexity theory, we quantify the computational hardness of cognitive tasks using a set of task-independent metrics related to the computational resource requirements of individual instances of a task. We then examine the relation between those metrics and human behavior and find that they predict both time spent on a task as well as accuracy in three canonical cognitive tasks. Our findings demonstrate that performance in cognitive tasks can be predicted based on generic metrics of their inherent computational hardness.

Teaser

The ability of humans to solve cognitive tasks is affected by generic mathematical properties of problems related to their computational complexity.
Single cell response landscape of graded Nodal signaling in zebrafish explants
Authors: Cheng Tao , Xing Yan-Yi , Li Yun-Fei , Liu Cong , Huang Ying , Zhang Ying-Jie , Megason Sean G. , Xu Peng-Fei
Published: April 2021

Nodal, as a morphogen, plays important roles in cell fate decision, pattern formation and organizer function. But because of the complex contextin vivoand technology limitations, systematic studying of genes, cell types and patterns induced by Nodal alone is still missing. Here, by using a relatively simplified model, the zebrafish blastula animal pole explant avoiding additional instructive signals and prepatterns, we constructed a single cell response landscape of graded Nodal signaling, identified 105 Nodal immediate targets and depicted their expression patterns. Our results show that Nodal signaling is sufficient to induce anterior-posterior patterned axial mesoderm and head structure. Surprisingly, the endoderm induced by Nodal alone is mainly the anterior endoderm which gives rise to the pharyngeal pouch only, but not internal organs. Among the 105 Nodal targets, we identified 14 genes carrying varying levels of axis induction capability. Overall, our work provides new insights for understanding of the Nodal function and a valuable resource for future studies of patterning and morphogenesis induced by it.
Analysis of viral RNA-host protein interactomes enables rapid antiviral drug discovery
Authors: Zhang Shaojun , Huang Wenze , Ren Lili , Ju Xiaohui , Gong Mingli , Rao Jian , Sun Lei , Li Pan , Ding Qiang , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: April 2021

RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus (EBOV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) constitute a major threat to global public health and society. The interactions between viral genomes and host proteins are essential in the life cycle of RNA viruses and thus provide targets for drug development. However, viral RNA-host protein interactions have remained poorly characterized. Here we applied ChIRP-MS to profile the interactomes of human proteins and the RNA genomes of SARS-CoV-2, EBOV, and ZIKV in infected cells. Integrated interactome analyses revealed interaction patterns that reflect both common and virus-specific host responses, and enabled rapid drug screening to target the vulnerable host factors. We identified Enasidenib as a SARS-CoV-2 specific antiviral agent, and Trifluoperazine and Cepharanthine as broad spectrum antivirals against all three RNA viruses.

One Sentence Summary

Interactome analyses of host proteins and the SARS-CoV-2, EBOV, and ZIKV RNA genomes unveil viral biology and drug targets.
Hypo-osmotic Stress Induces ATP Release via Volume-regulated Anion Channels in Undifferentiated Mammary Cells
Authors: Furuya Kishio , Takahashi Yuko , Hirata Hiroaki , Kobayashi Takeshi , Samsonov Mikhail , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: April 2021

The high interstitial ATP concentration in the cancer microenvironment is a major source of adenosine, which acts as a strong immune suppressor. However, the source of ATP release has not been elucidated. We measured the ATP release during hypotonic stress using a real-time ATP luminescence imaging system in primary cultured mammary cells and in breast cell lines. In primary cultured cells, ATP was intermittently released with transient-sharp peaks, while in breast cell lines ATP was released with a slowly rising diffuse pattern. The diffuse ATP release pattern was changed to a transient-sharp pattern by cholera toxin treatment and the reverse change was induced by transforming growth factor (TGF) β treatment. DCPIB, an inhibitor of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), only suppressed the diffuse pattern. The inflammatory mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) induced a diffuse ATP release pattern isovolumetrically. The knockdown of A isoform of leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8 (LRRC8A), the essential molecular entity of VRACs, using shRNA suppressed the diffuse pattern. These results suggest that abundantly expressed VRACs are a conduit of ATP release in undifferentiated cells, including cancer cells.
Identity signaling, identity reception and the evolution of social recognition in a Neotropical frog
Authors: Tumulty James P. , Lange Zachary K. , Bee Mark A.
Published: April 2021

Animals recognize familiar individuals to perform a variety of important social behaviors. Social recognition is often mediated by communication between signalers who produce signals that contain identity information and receivers who categorize these signals based on previous experience. We tested two hypotheses about adaptations in signalers and receivers that enable the evolution of social recognition using two species of closely related territorial poison frogs. Male golden rocket frogs (Anomaloglossus beebei) recognize the advertisement calls of conspecific territory neighbors and display a “dear enemy effect” by responding less aggressively to neighbors than strangers, while male Kai rocket frogs (A. kaiei) do not. Our results did not support the identity signaling hypothesis: both species produced advertisement calls that contain similar amounts of identity information. Our results did support the identity reception hypothesis: both species exhibited habituation of aggression to playbacks simulating the arrival of a new neighbor, but only golden rocket frogs showed renewed aggression when they subsequently heard calls from a different male. These results suggest that an ancestral mechanism of plasticity in aggression common among frogs has been modified through natural selection to be specific to calls of individual males in golden rocket frogs, enabling a social recognition system.
Tetratricopeptide repeat domain 36 protects renal tubular cells from cisplatin-induced apoptosis via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Yan Xin , Peng Rui , Tian Dayu , Chen Lei , He Qingling , Li Qianyin , Zhou Qin
Published: April 2021

The apoptosis of proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is a critical event of acute kidney injury (AKI). Tetratricopeptide repeat domain 36 (TTC36) with three tetratricopeptide repeats is evolutionarily conserved across mammals, which functions as a chaperone for heat shock protein 70. We have revealed that TTC36 is specifically expressed in PTECs in our previous work. There are few studies about the role TTC36 played in AKI. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the function of TTC36 in the apoptosis of HK2 cells, which are derived from the human proximal tubule. Firstly, we observed that TTC36 was obviously down-regulated and was negatively related to the kidney damage degree in a mouse model of acute kidney injury established by ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, TTC36 overexpression protected HK2 cells against cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we discovered the mechanism that TTC36 mitigated cisplatin-triggered mitochondrial disorder via sustaining the membrane potential of mitochondria and mitochondrial autophagy-related gene expression. Collectively, these results suggested that TTC36 plays a protective role in the cisplatin-induced apoptosis of renal tubular cells through maintaining the mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial autophagy-related gene expression. These observations highlight the essential role of TTC36 in regulating PTEC apoptosis and imply TTC36/mitochondrial homeostasis axis as a potential target for the therapeutic intervention in AKI.
RNA-specific condensation promotes auto-regulation of polyQ RNA-binding protein Whi3
Authors: Gerbich Therese M. , Langdon Erin M. , McLaughlin Grace A. , Stormo Benjamin M. , Yu Blair , Roper Marcus , Gladfelter Amy S.
Published: April 2021

RNA-binding proteins are frequently seen to be capable of auto-regulation by binding their own transcripts. In this work, we show that in the multinucleated fungusAshbya gossypii, the phase-separating RNA-binding protein Whi3 binds and regulates its own transcripts in distinct condensates from its other targets. Failure of Whi3 to bind its own transcript leads to a reduction in Whi3 protein level and its inability to properly regulate its other targets, leading to defects in nuclear cycling, polarized growth, and transcription of START-regulated genes. These results present a role for auto-regulation and condensate formation triggered by an RNA-binding protein interacting with its own coding transcript. Given the propensity of RNA-binding proteins to interact with their own coding mRNAs, this may be a wide-spread mechanism of feedback that utilizes biomolecular condensates.
Neural mechanisms of context-dependent segmentation tested on large-scale recording data
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Fukai Tomoki
Published: April 2021

The brain performs various cognitive functions by learning the spatiotemporal salient features of the environment. This learning likely requires unsupervised segmentation of hierarchically organized spike sequences, but the underlying neural mechanism is only poorly understood. Here, we show that a recurrent gated network of neurons with dendrites can context-dependently solve difficult segmentation tasks. Dendrites in this model learn to predict somatic responses in a self-supervising manner while recurrent connections learn a context-dependent gating of dendro-somatic current flows to minimize a prediction error. These connections select particular information suitable for the given context from input features redundantly learned by the dendrites. The model selectively learned salient segments in complex synthetic sequences. Furthermore, the model was also effective for detecting multiple cell assemblies repeating in large-scale calcium imaging data of more than 6,500 cortical neurons. Our results suggest that recurrent gating and dendrites are crucial for cortical learning of context-dependent segmentation tasks.
Morph-specific patterns of sex organ positions in species with style length polymorphism
Authors: Ganguly Shatarupa , Barua Deepak
Published: April 2021

In style length polymorphism, morph-specific sequence of encountering male and female sex organs within a flower by pollinators can cause differences in the need to avoid self-pollination and encourage inter-morph pollination. We asked if this difference can lead to disparity in stigma-anther separation (herkogamy) between morphs and spatial match between sex organs of complementary morphs (reciprocity). Further, we tested if herkogamy, and hence the level of selfing, is fairly constant among individuals of a population. Additionally, we examined the relationship between herkogamy and reciprocity among individuals of a population to understand functional interactions between these two morphological traits. Using data on sex organ heights for >200 heterostylous species from the literature, we observed that the short-styled morph had higher herkogamy as compared to the long-styled morph indicating a higher need to avoid selfing. Reciprocity did not show a consistent difference between the upper and lower sex organs implying a strong influence of local ecological factors. In most populations, allometric relationships suggested that herkogamy and hence the level of selfing remains constant. Finally, we observed that herkogamy and reciprocity can be related among individuals of a population, sometimes indicating a potential trade-off between avoidance of self-pollination and facilitation of inter-morph pollination.
A new species of the genusCarlogonus(Spirostreptida: Harpagophoridae) from West Bengal, India
Authors: Bhakat Somnath
Published: April 2021

A new species ofCarlogonus, Carlogonus bengalensisis described from West Bengal, India. The adult is blackish brown in colour with a yellowish curved tail, round body with 60 segments, 55 mm in length, 5thsegment of male bears a hump, telopodite of the gonopod long, flat and band like with a single curved antetorsal process, mesal process with a red spine, proplical lobe with a curved orange spine, inner surface of metaplical fold with sigilla, palette spatula like and a few blepharochatae at the apical margin. Male bears white pad on femur and tibia. Comparison was made with the “exaratusgroup” of the genusCarlogonus.
TIC236gain-of-function mutations unveil the link between plastid division and plastid protein import
Authors: Fang Jun , Li Bingqi , Chen Lih-Jen , Dogra Vivek , Luo Shengji , Wang Pengcheng , Hwang Inhwan , Li Hsou-min , Kim Chanhong
Published: April 2021

The chloroplast translocons TOC75 and TIC236 are homologs of the bacterial translocation and assembly module (Tam) A and TamB involved in protein export. Here, we unveil a TIC236-allied component, the chloroplast outer membrane protein CRUMPLED LEAF (CRL), absence of which impairs plastid division and induces autoimmune responses inArabidopsis thaliana. A forward genetic screen aimed at findingcrlsuppressors revealed multipleTIC236gain-of-function mutations (TIC236GFs). Despite the low sequence identity between TIC236 and bacterial TamB, each mutated TIC236GF residue is conserved in TamB. Consistently, atic236- knockdown mutant exhibited multiple lesion phenotypes similar tocrl, indicating a shared functionality of CRL and TIC236. Ensuing reverse genetic analyses revealed genetic interaction between CRL and SP1, a RING-type ubiquitin E3 ligase, as well as with the plastid protease FTSH11, which function in TOC and TIC protein turnover, respectively. Loss of either SP1 or FTSH11 rescuedcrlmutant phenotypes to varying degrees due to increased translocon levels. Consistent with impaired plastid division exhibited by bothcrlandtic236-knockdown mutants, CRL interacts with the transit peptides of proteins essential in plastid division, and TIC236GF mutant proteins reinforce their import via increased TIC236 stability. Overall, our data shed new light on the links between plastid division, plant stress response and plastid protein import. We have also isolated and characterized the first GF mutants exhibiting increased protein import efficiency, which may inspire chloroplast engineering for agricultural advancement.
Clinical analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐positive and ‐negative green nail syndrome cases: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Hanjae , Mun Je‐Ho , Cho Soyun , Park Hyunsun
Published: April 2021

Green nail syndrome (GNS) is a paronychial infection mainly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, characterized by green discoloration of the nail plate. Although the diagnosis of GNS may be straightforward with its distinctive color change, the clinical management of the disease can be sometimes confusing, especially when the bacterial culture result is inconsistent. There is, however, a paucity of comprehensive reviews regarding the treatment of GNS in the actual clinical setting. In this retrospective review of 34 patients, we found that GNS mostly occurs on a single digit (79.4%) on the big toe or thumb (85.3%) with frequent concurrent fungal infection (67.6%). The prevalence of inconsistent bacterial culture result with no evidence of P. aeruginosa was unexpectedly high (n = 22, 64.7%), in which case coagulase‐negative staphylococci were most frequently detected. The P. aeruginosa‐negative group did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences compared with the P. aeruginosa‐positive group, and it still responded well to the typical topical and/or oral fluoroquinolone treatment. GNS without the evidence of P. aeruginosa may be a more common occurrence than reported in the literature, and it can be managed successfully with the same strategy employed to treat P. aeruginosa‐positive cases. It may result from the low detection rate of P. aeruginosa due to the limited sensitivity of the test, or inadequate amount and/or contamination of the sample, warranting close scrutiny by clinicians.
Specialists and generalists fulfil important and complementary functional roles in ecological processes
Authors: Dehling D. Matthias , Bender Irene M. A. , Blendinger Pedro G. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Muñoz Marcia C. , Neuschulz Eike L. , Quitián Marta , Saavedra Francisco , Santillán Vinicio , Schleuning Matthias , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: April 2021

Species differ in their resource use and their interactions with other species and, consequently, they fulfil different functional roles in ecological processes. Species with specialized functional roles (specialists) are considered important for communities because they often interact with species with which few other species interact, thereby contributing complementary functional roles to ecological processes. However, the contribution of specialists could be low if they only interact with a small range of interaction partners. In contrast, species with unspecialized functional roles (generalists) often do not fulfil complementary roles but their contribution to ecological processes could be high because they interact with a large range of species.

To investigate the importance of the functional roles of specialists versus generalists, we tested the relationship between species' degree of specialization and their contribution to functional‐role diversity for frugivorous birds in Andean seed‐dispersal networks. We used two measures for the specialization of birds—one based on the size, and one based on the position of their interaction niche—and measured their effect on the birds' contribution to functional‐role diversity and their functional complementarity, a measure of how much a species' functional role is complementary to those of the other species.

In all networks, there were similar log‐normal distributions of species' contributions to functional‐role diversity and functional complementarity. Contribution to functional‐role diversity and functional complementarity increased with both increasing niche‐position specialization and increasing niche size, indicating that the composition of functional roles in the networks was determined by an interplay between specialization and generalization. There was a negative interaction between niche‐position specialization and niche size in both models, which showed that the positive effect of niche‐position specialization on functional‐role diversity and functional complementarity was stronger for species with a small niche size, and vice versa.

Our results show that there is a continuum from specialized to generalized functional roles in species communities, and that both specialists and generalists fulfil important functional roles in ecological processes. Combining interaction networks with functional traits, as exemplified in this study, provides insight into the importance of an interplay of redundancy and complementarity in species' functional roles for ecosystem functioning.

A free Plain‐Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Spatiotemporal sharing and partitioning of scent‐marking sites by cheetahs and leopards in north‐central Namibia
Authors: Verschueren Stijn , Briers‐Louw Willem D. , Cristescu Bogdan , Fabiano Ezequiel , Nghikembua Matti , Torres‐Uribe Carolina , Walker Eli H. , Marker Laurie
Published: April 2021

Scent‐marking sites may facilitate interspecific information gathering and could help to minimise the risk of encounter with interspecific competitors. Recent evidence from South Africa shows that cheetahs avoid dominant predators at scent‐marking sites, which may delay or inhibit intraspecific communication in cheetahs. However, little is known on whether this pattern of avoidance occurs elsewhere in the cheetah's range. We analysed a 9‐year camera trap data set from north‐central Namibia to explore interspecific use of marking sites by cheetahs and leopards. We documented frequent sharing of marking sites, which was likely facilitated through temporal segregation and by availability of alternative sites that were species‐specific. We did not identify a stronger avoidance response of cheetahs to leopards than to conspecifics, suggesting that delayed communication by cheetahs resulting from predator avoidance may be limited in our study area. Seasonality affected patterns of marking site visitation, which may be attributed to behavioural changes in relation to reproduction or resource availability, or to differential detectability of olfactory cues among seasons. We recommend further research to better understand carnivore scent‐marking, including behavioural responses to olfactory cues and environmental conditions, as well as intra‐ and interpopulation differences.
Medication burden and clustering in people living with HIV undergoing therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Calcagno Andrea , de Nicolò Amedeo , Pizzi Costanza , Trunfio Mattia , Tettoni Cristina , Ferrara Micol , Alcantarini Chiara , Trentini Laura , D'Avolio Antonio , Di Perri Giovanni , Bonora Stefano
Published: April 2021

Aim

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a high burden of comorbidities and concomitant medication use. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence, predictors and patterns of polypharmacy (PP) in a large therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) registry.

Methods

We searched our TDM registry and categorized co‐medications into 26 drug classes. We included patients with at least one medication recorded: PP and severe polypharmacy (sPP) were defined as the concomitant use of ≥5 or ≥10 nonantiretroviral/nonantitubercular drugs. Multivariable binary logistic analysis were conducted for identifying PP/sPP predictors. A hierarchical average‐linkage cluster analysis was performed among drug classes.

Results

We included 2432 participants (1158 PLWH) aged 49.6 years (± 14.4) in the 2016‐2020 period. A higher number of concomitant medications (4 vs 3.1, P < .001) and a higher prevalence of PP (26.1% vs 21.8%, P = .015) were recorded in controls. At multivariable binary logistic analysis older age, female gender and HIV‐positive serostatus (P = .015) were independent predictors of PP; older age and year of inclusion were independent predictors of sPP. Cluster analysis showed that patients receiving oral drug for type 2 diabetes have a high probability of receiving several other drugs; a cluster of co‐medications was observed with opioids, diuretics and central nervous system‐affecting drugs.

Conclusion

We observed a moderately high prevalence of polypharmacy in middle‐aged PLWH: advanced age and female gender were associated with the greatest prevalence. The observation of co‐medication clusters suggests groups of comorbidities but also identifies groups of patients at risk of similar drug‐to‐drug interactions.
BBIT20 inhibits homologous DNA repair with disruption of the BRCA1–BARD1 interaction in breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Raimundo Liliana , Paterna Angela , Calheiros Juliana , Ribeiro Joana , Cardoso David S. P. , Piga Ilaria , Neto Susana Junqueira , Hegan Denise , Glazer Peter M. , Indraccolo Stefano , Mulhovo Silva , Costa José Luís , Ferreira Maria‐José U. , Saraiva Lucília
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Advances in the treatment of triple‐negative breast and ovarian cancer remain challenging. In particular, resistance to the available therapy, by restoring or overexpressing the DNA repair machinery, has often been reported. New strategies to improve the therapeutic outcomes of these cancers are needed. Herein, we disclose the dregamine 5‐bromo‐pyridin‐2‐ylhydrazone (BBIT20), a natural monoterpene indole alkaloid derivative, as an inhibitor of homologous DNA repair.

Experimental Approach

To unveil BBIT20 antitumour activity and underlying molecular mechanism of action, two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) cell cultures, patient‐derived cell lines and xenograft mouse models were used.

Key Results

BBIT20 disrupted the BRCA1‐BARD1 interaction, triggering nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic BRCA1 translocation, cell cycle arrest and downregulation of homologous DNA repair‐related genes and proteins, with subsequent enhancement of DNA damage, reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis, in triple‐negative breast and ovarian cancer cells. BBIT20 also displayed pronounced antitumour activity in patient‐derived cells and xenograft mouse models of ovarian cancer, with low toxicity in non‐malignant cells and undetectable side effects in mice. Additionally, it did not induce resistance in triple‐negative breast and ovarian cancer and displayed marked synergistic effects with cisplatin and olaparib (a poly [ADP‐ribose] polymerase inhibitor), on 2D and 3D models of these cancer cells.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings add an inhibitor of the BRCA1‐BARD1 interaction to the list of DNA‐damaging agents. Importantly, either as a single agent or in combination therapy, BBIT20 reveals great potential in the personalized treatment of aggressive and resistant cancers, particularly triple‐negative breast and advanced ovarian cancer.
Racial stereotyping of indigenous people in the Canadian media: A comparative analysis of two water pollution incidents
Authors: Burns Philippe , Shor Eran
Published: April 2021

This article examines the discourse surrounding issues affecting Indigenous peoples within the Canadian mainstream media. We compare the coverage of two cases of water poisonings—one in a primarily‐white town and the other in an Indigenous community—in 282 newspaper articles from the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, the National Post, and Windspeaker. We show that the dominant coverage of these two very similar cases diverged significantly. The Indigenous workers in charge of the water supply were regarded as incompetent and incapable to fill their position while the entire community was described as drunk, lazy, helpless, and perpetually dependent on government aide. By contrast, white workers were seen as relatable and in command of their erroneous actions, while the residents of the town were described simply as the victims of an unfortunate tragedy. Such reporting fails to contextualize the events or point out the injustices of Canadian colonialism, thus contributing to the perpetuation of these injustices.
Emerging infectious diseases, vaccines and Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa
Published: April 2021

The recent outbreak of Zika virus infection increased the incidence of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Following the first reported case of GBS after Zika virus infection in 2013, there has been a considerable increase in the incidence of GBS in endemic countries, such as French Polynesia and Latin American countries. The association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and GBS is another emerging research hotspot. Electrophysiological studies have suggested that GBS patients associated with Zika virus infection or COVID‐19 tend to manifest acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, rather than acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). Causative autoantibodies, such as anti‐ganglioside antibodies in AMAN associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection, have not been identified in GBS associated with these emerging infectious diseases. Nevertheless, recent studies suggested molecular mimicry between these viruses and human proteins related to GBS. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of new vaccines, containing artificial messenger RNA encoding the spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2, against COVID‐19. These vaccines are now available in many countries and massive vaccination campaigns are currently ongoing. Although there are long‐standing concerns about the increased risk of GBS after inoculation of conventional vaccines, the risk of GBS is not considered a legitimate reason to limit administration of currently available vaccines, because the benefits outweigh the risks.
Diet‐induced obesity aggravates NK cell–mediated contact hypersensitivity reaction in Rag1−/− mice
Authors: Kowalczyk Paulina , Majewska‐Szczepanik Monika , Strzępa Anna , Biała Dominika , Szczepanik Marian
Published: April 2021

Background

Previous studies showed that natural killer (NK) cells mediate contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction. Many reports are showing that obesity promotes several inflammatory diseases. It was shown that diet‐induced obesity (DIO) aggravates classical T cell–mediated CHS in mice.

Objectives

To determine whether the high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity modulates antigen‐specific NK cell–mediated response.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of DIO on NK cell–mediated CHS reaction using a model of dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)–induced CHS in Rag1−/− mice.

Results

Rag1−/− mice fed HFD for 8 but not for 4 weeks developed aggravated CHS reaction determined by ear swelling measurement when compared to animals kept on normal diet (ND) prior to DNFB sensitization. The obese Rag1−/− mice presented the adipose tissue inflammation. Furthermore, in vitro analysis showed that feeding with HFD significantly increases interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin (IL)‐12p70 and decreases adiponectin concentration in liver mononuclear cell (LMNC) culture supernatants. The flow cytometry analysis of LMNC revealed that HFD treatment prior to DNFB sensitization increases the percentage of NK1.1+IFN‐γ+ cell population and affects the development and maturation of NK1.1+ cells.

Conclusions

In summary, current results suggest that the DIO significantly modulates the local and systemic inflammatory response, contributing to exacerbation of the CHS response mediated by liver NK cells.
Farmers' Exit from Land Operation in Rural China: Does the Price of Agricultural Mechanization Services Matter?
Authors: Qiu Tongwei , Choy S. T. Boris , Li Yifei , Luo Biliang , Li Jing
Published: April 2021

This study uses data covering 3,914 farm households, collected from Henan province in China, to investigate the links between the price of agricultural mechanization services and farmers' exit from land operation. The results indicate that the increasing price of agricultural mechanization services leads to farmers leaving land operation, especially when the high sunk costs and the long‐term breakeven period of self‐owned machinery are considered. This effect is intensified by the rapid rural–urban migration in China. Further analysis reveals that the surge in service prices reduced land renting‐in and encouraged non‐grain production. Our analysis suggests that the agricultural mechanization service market in China tends to work against the survival of smallholder farmers. However, the price of agricultural mechanization services is conducive to eliminating less‐productive farmers and cultivating new agricultural operators.
The Orthodox Church in the Contemporary Ecumenical Dialogue
Authors: Wasmuth Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Since its beginnings, the ecumenical movement has been influenced by the Orthodox Church, as seen, for example, in the 1920 Encyclical of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Two convictions have underpinned the ecumenical commitment of the Orthodox Church: the need for better mutual understanding between churches and the desire of the Orthodox Church to witness to the truth in its ecumenical relations. There have been instances where the Orthodox Church has not been able to assert its views, and indeed its dialogue partners have come to decisions contrary to the principles of the Orthodox Church. However, this article will focus on the extent to which the Orthodox Church has been able to present its message and effectively influence developments, something that can be observed mainly in two areas: (i) the early church creedal tradition, specifically the Nicene Creed, and (ii) the liturgical heritage, particularly the relationship between baptism and chrismation.
Salt and skin
Authors: Manoharan Prarthana , Kaliaperumal Karthikeyan
Published: April 2021

The introduction of salt as a therapeutic agent in dermatological disorders has been in use since ancient times. This ubiquitous agent is the most underrated substance after the advent of modern medicine. Though a commonly used agent in both traditional and modern medicine, it is important to understand its relationship to the skin to further enhance the comprehensive benefit. The complex history of the evolution of medicine and its skewed distribution among the countries of the world led to inclusion of locally available and economical agents into therapeutics as it becomes almost an inevitable need. Moreover, an inadequate knowledge about the harmful effects of chronic salt exposure led salt to have a unique role in occupational dermatoses. There is no adequate literature on both detrimental and therapeutic effects of salt and its relation to skin. Hence, a genuine attempt was made to summarize the known and the lesser known facts of this particular common seasoning agent.
Perspective taking in conflict settings: Can perspective taking smooth tensions between Trump and Clinton supporters in the aftermath of 2016 U.S. presidential election?
Authors: Bilali Rezarta , Godfrey Erin Brooke
Published: April 2021

Can perspective taking improve intergroup attitudes in conflict contexts? How does a context of conflict shape people's responses to perspective‐taking tasks and their ultimate effectiveness? The present study addressed these questions by examining the effect of perspective taking (compared with a perspective giving and a control condition) on intergroup attitudes between Trump and Clinton supporters (N = 537) one month after the 2016 presidential election. Perspective taking had positive effects on some intergroup attitudes: It increased warmth toward the outgroup (thermometer ratings), outgroup tolerance, perceived similarities between groups, and marginally increased positive outgroup evaluation. This study also sheds light on the mechanisms that might reduce the effectiveness of perspective taking in conflict settings by assessing the content and the effects of the induced perspectives in response to perspective‐taking task. About half of the induced perspective‐taking narratives involved negative views of the other, which were associated with worse intergroup outcomes. In addition, higher perceived intensity of the conflict between Trump and Clinton supporters and more negative emotions about the election outcome predicted more induced negative perspectives as a response to the perspective‐taking task. In turn, negative perspectives were associated with more negative intergroup attitudes. To sum up, while perspective taking had an overall positive impact on intergroup attitudes in this conflict setting, its impact seems to be contingent upon the content of induced perspective‐taking narratives.
Diet and trophic position of two mackerel species in the archipelago of Madeira, Portugal
Authors: Romero Joana , Vieira Carolina , Garrido Susana , Hermida Margarida , Catry Paulo , Faria Graça , Granadeiro José Pedro
Published: April 2021

The Atlantic chub mackerel Scomber colias and the blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus are two abundant species in the Macaronesia region which includes the archipelago of Madeira, Portugal. Both are key species in the trophic web, being important prey for several local top predators, such as seabirds and marine mammals. Nonetheless, little is known about their feeding ecology in oceanic environments. In this study, the authors describe the seasonal variation in the diet of S. colias and T. picturatus in the oceanic region of Madeira throughout a year. Visual inspection of stomach contents revealed that S. colias fed on a broader range of prey groups than T. picturatus, but for both species, zooplankton (particularly calanoid copepods) and fish were the most important food items. The diet of S. colias included a higher proportion of fish, namely Atlantic saury Scomberesox saurus and S. colias, than that of T. picturatus, that included mostly the longspine snipefish Macroramphosus scolopax. T. picturatus consumed a higher proportion of decapods and other copepods. Seasonal variation was found in the diet of both species, with zooplanktonic species being more important in colder months (February to April) for S. colias and during warm months (May to October) for T. picturatus. Their diet in other seasons was dominated by fish. Although they consume similar prey, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of muscle of S. colias and T. picturatus showed little overlap in their diets, and T. picturatus showed higher δ15N and a narrower isotopic niche.
Unidirectional and bidirectional links between maternal depression symptoms and infant sleep problems
Authors: Dias Cláudia Castro , Figueiredo Bárbara
Published: April 2021

The present study explored (a) the unidirectional and bidirectional links between maternal depression symptoms and infant sleep problems and (b) the moderating role of the infant’s sex on these unidirectional and bidirectional links. Mothers (N = 312) completed measures of depression symptoms at the third pregnancy trimester, and measures of depression symptoms and infant sleep problems at 2 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months postpartum. The findings revealed: (a) a main unidirectional link between maternal depression symptoms during the third trimester and infant sleep problems, particularly on infant unsettled sleep and daytime sleepiness at 3 and 6 months; (b) bidirectional links between maternal postpartum depression symptoms and infant unsettled sleep at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months of life; and (c) the reported links between maternal depression symptoms and infant sleep problems occur specifically in boys and their mothers. Maternal prenatal depression symptoms are linked to infant sleep problems and infant sleep problems are linked to maternal postnatal depression symptoms. Boys are more susceptible to the effects of maternal prenatal and postnatal depression symptoms, and mothers of boys are more susceptible to the effects of boys’ sleep problems.
2021 ISHEN guidelines on animal models of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: DeMorrow Sharon , Cudalbu Cristina , Davies Nathan , Jayakumar Arumugam R. , Rose Christopher F.
Published: April 2021

This working group of the International Society of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism (ISHEN) was commissioned to summarize and update current efforts in the development and characterization of animal models of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). As defined in humans, HE in animal models is based on the underlying degree and severity of liver pathology. Although hyperammonemia remains the key focus in the pathogenesis of HE, other factors associated with HE have been identified, together with recommended animal models, to help explore the pathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanisms of HE. While numerous methods to induce liver failure and disease exist, less have been characterized with neurological and neurobehavioural impairments. Moreover, there still remains a paucity of adequate animal models of Type C HE induced by alcohol, viruses and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease; the most common etiologies of chronic liver disease.
Stepwise selection of natural variations at CTB2 and CTB4a improves cold adaptation during domestication of japonica rice
Authors: Li Jilong , Zeng Yawen , Pan Yinghua , Zhou Lei , Zhang Zhanying , Guo Haifeng , Lou Qijin , Shui Guanghou , Huang Hanguang , Tian He , Guo Yongmei , Yuan Pingrong , Yang Hong , Pan Guojun , Wang Ruiying , Zhang Hongliang , Yang Shuhua , Guo Yan , Ge Song , Li Jinjie , Li Zichao
Published: April 2021

The improvement of cold adaptation has contributed to the increased growing area of rice. Standing variation and de novo mutation are distinct natural sources of beneficial alleles in plant adaptation. However, the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary patterns underlying these sources in a single population during crop domestication remain elusive.

Here we cloned the CTB2 gene, encoding a UDP‐glucose sterol glucosyltransferase, for cold tolerance in rice at the booting stage. A single standing variation (I408V) in the conserved UDPGT domain of CTB2 originated from Chinese Oryza rufipogon and contributed to the cold adaptation of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica.

CTB2 is located in a 56.8 kb region, including the previously reported gene CTB4a in which de novo mutation arose c. 3200 yr BP in Yunnan province, China, conferring cold tolerance. Standing variation of CTB2 and de novo mutation of CTB4a underwent stepwise selection to facilitate cold adaptation to expand rice cultivation from high‐altitude to high‐latitude regions.

These results provide an example of stepwise selection on two kinds of variation and describe a new molecular mechanism of cold adaptation in japonica rice.
Always on across time zones: Invisible schedules in the online gig economy
Authors: Shevchuk Andrey , Strebkov Denis , Tyulyupo Alexey
Published: April 2021

This study investigates work schedules in online labour markets, operating in 24/7 mode across spatial borders and time zones. Focusing on largely hidden and invisible work of freelancers such as searching for jobs and communicating with clients, the study documents how platforms put pressures and constraints on freelancers’ time through the mechanism of task allocation. We use data on 241,582 timestamped messages posted by 29,759 unique users in 4082 contests on a leading Russian‐language freelance platform to reveal how freelancers’ efforts to get a job make them work nonstandard hours, including evenings, nights and weekends. Freelancers have to be responsive and adapt their schedules to clients’ needs. Freelancers who live in time zones which differ from their clients are particularly disadvantaged, working a greater proportion of nonstandard hours. The findings emerging from the study contribute to current debates on the gig economy and a new time‐work discipline.
Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic findings in Coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Garcia‐Zamora Sebastian , Lee Sharen , Haseeb Sohaib , Bazoukis George , Tse Gary , Alvarez‐Garcia Jesus , Gul Enes Elvin , Çinier Göksel , Alexander Bryce , Martins Pinto‐Filho Marcelo , Liu Tong , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: April 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) primarily causes lung infection, but recent studies have shown that cardiac involvement is associated with a worse prognosis.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias detected by the electrocardiogram and their relationships with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

PubMed and Google were searched for studies that reported on cardiac arrhythmias and/or examined the relationship between arrhythmias and adverse outcomes.

Results

Thirty studies with 12,713 participants were included in the systematic review, and 28 studies (n = 12,499) in the meta‐analysis. The mean age was 61.3 ± 16.8 years; 39.3% were female. In 25 studies with 7578 patients, the overall prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4%–12.3%). The most common arrhythmias documented during hospitalization were supraventricular arrhythmias (6.2%, 95% CI: 4.4%–8.1%) followed by ventricular arrhythmias (2.5%, 95% CI: 1.8%–3.1%). The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias was higher among critically ill patients (relative risk [RR]: 12.1, 95% CI: 8.5–17.3) and among non‐survivors (RR: 3.8, 95%, CI: 1.7–8.7). Eight studies reported changes in the QT interval. The prevalence of QTc > 500 ms was 12.3% (95% CI: 6.9%–17.8%). ST‐segment deviation was reported in eight studies, with a pooled estimate of 8.7% (95% CI: 7.3% to 10.0%).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis showed that QTc prolongation, ST‐segment deviation, and various other cardiac arrhythmias were observed in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. The presence of cardiac arrhythmias was associated with a worse prognosis.
Fractional CO2 laser‐assisted topical rifamycin drug delivery in the treatment of pediatric cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Lodi Giuseppe , Sannino Mario , Caterino Paolo , Cannarozzo Giovanni , Bennardo Luigi , Nisticò Steven Paul
Published: April 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is challenging to treat. Various drugs have been proposed to manage this condition, with variable results. In this case report, we describe laser‐assisted delivery of rifamycin to treat this infection. Two sessions of fractional CO2 laser were performed one month apart. Each was followed by a topical application of rifamycin for three days. Resolution with minimal scarring was obtained, suggesting this technique might be safe and effective in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Infertility, Perceived Certainty of Pregnancy, and Contraceptive Use in Malawi
Authors: Bornstein Marta , Huber‐Krum Sarah , Norris Alison H. , Gipson Jessica D.
Published: April 2021

Infertility and unintended pregnancy are dual burdens in Malawi, where 41% of pregnancies are unintended and approximately 20% of people report infertility. Although preventing unintended pregnancy has been a focus in public health, infertility has rarely been explored as a factor that may be associated with contraceptive use. Using cross‐sectional survey data (2017–2018; N = 749), we report on the prevalence of and sociodemographic characteristics associated with infertility and certainty of becoming pregnant among women in Malawi. We conducted multivariable logistic regressions examining the relationship between infertility, certainty of becoming pregnant, and contraceptive use. Approximately 16% of women experienced infertility, and three‐quarters (78%) were certain they could become pregnant within one year. Women who experienced infertility had lower odds of contraceptive use than women who did not (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.56; 95% Conficence Interval [CI]: 0.39–0.83). Women who said there was “no chance” or they were “unlikely” to become pregnant also had lower odds of contraceptive use compared to women who were certain they would become pregnant (AOR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10–0.92). Our findings indicate that experiences and perceptions surrounding fertility are associated with contraceptive use, underscoring their importance in understanding how people manage their fertility to reach their reproductive goals.