bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Regional Earth System Data Lab for Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics: An Example from Tropical South America
Authors: Estupinan-Suarez Lina M. , Gans Fabian , Brenning Alexander , Gutierrez-Velez Victor H. , Londono Maria C. , Pabon-Moreno Daniel E. , Poveda Germán , Reichstein Markus , Reu Björn , Sierra Carlos A. , Weber Ulrich , Mahecha Miguel D.
Published: July 2021

Tropical ecosystems experience particularly fast transformations largely as a consequence of land use and climate change. Consequences for ecosystem functioning and services are hard to predict and require analyzing multiple data sets simultaneously. Today, we are equipped with a wide range of spatio-temporal observation-based data streams that monitor the rapid transformations of tropical ecosystems in terms of state variables (e.g., biomass, leaf area, soil moisture) but also in terms of ecosystem processes (e.g., gross primary production, evapotranspiration, runoff). However, the underexplored joint potential of such data streams, combined with deficient access to data and processing, constrain our understanding of ecosystem functioning, despite the importance of tropical ecosystems in the regional-to-global carbon and water cycling. Our objectives are: 1. To facilitate access to regional “Analysis Ready Data Cubes” and enable efficient processing 2. To contribute to the understanding of ecosystem functioning and atmosphere-biosphere interactions. 3. To get a dynamic perspective of environmental conditions for biodiversity. To achieve our objectives, we developed a regional variant of an “Earth System Data Lab” (RegESDL) tailored to address the challenges of northern South America. The study region extensively covers natural ecosystems such as rainforest and savannas, and includes strong topographic gradients (0–6,500 masl). Currently, environmental threats such as deforestation and ecosystem degradation continue to increase. In this contribution, we show the value of the approach for characterizing ecosystem functioning through the efficient implementation of time series and dimensionality reduction analysis at pixel level. Specifically, we present an analysis of seasonality as it is manifested in multiple indicators of ecosystem primary production. We demonstrate that the RegESDL has the ability to underscore contrasting patterns of ecosystem seasonality and therefore has the potential to contribute to the characterization of ecosystem function. These results illustrate the potential of the RegESDL to explore complex land-surface processes and the need for further exploration. The paper concludes with some suggestions for developing future big-data infrastructures and its applications in the tropics.
Variants in LAMC3 Causes Occipital Cortical Malformation
Authors: Qian Xiaohang , Liu Xiaoying , Zhu Zeyu , Wang Shige , Song Xiaoxuan , Chen Guang , Wu Jingying , Cao Yuwen , Luan Xinghua , Tang Huidong , Cao Li
Published: July 2021

Occipital cortical malformation (OCCM) is a disease caused by malformations of cortical development characterized by polymicrogyria and pachygyria of the occipital lobes and childhood-onset seizures. The recessive or complex heterozygous variants of the LAMC3 gene are identified as the cause of OCCM. In the present study, we identified novel complex heterozygous variants (c.470G > A and c.4030 + 1G > A) of the LAMC3 gene in a Chinese female with childhood-onset seizures. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was normal. Functional experiments confirmed that both variant sites caused premature truncation of the laminin γ3 chain. Bioinformatics analysis predicted 10 genes interacted with LAMC3 with an interaction score of 0.4 (P value = 1.0e–16). The proteins encoded by these genes were mainly located in the basement membrane and extracellular matrix component. Furthermore, the biological processes and molecular functions from gene ontology analysis indicated that laminin γ3 chain and related proteins played an important role in structural support and cellular processes through protein-containing complex binding and signaling receptor binding. KEGG pathway enrichment predicted that the LAMC3 gene variant was most likely to participate in the occurrence and development of OCCM through extracellular matrix receptor interaction and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Cohort Analysis of 67 Charcot-Marie-Tooth Italian Patients: Identification of New Mutations and Broadening of Phenotype Expression Produced by Rare Variants
Authors: Ferese Rosangela , Campopiano Rosa , Scala Simona , D’Alessio Carmelo , Storto Marianna , Buttari Fabio , Centonze Diego , Logroscino Giancarlo , Zecca Chiara , Zampatti Stefania , Fornai Francesco , Cianci Vittoria , Manfroi Elisabetta , Giardina Emiliano , Magnani Mauro , Suppa Antonio , Novelli Giuseppe , Gambardella Stefano
Published: July 2021

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most prevalent inherited motor sensory neuropathy, which clusters a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders with more than 90 genes associated with different phenotypes. The goal of this study is to identify the genetic features in the recruited cohort of patients, highlighting the role of rare variants in the genotype-phenotype correlation. We enrolled 67 patients and applied a diagnostic protocol including multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification for copy number variation (CNV) detection of PMP22 locus, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for sequencing of 47 genes known to be associated with CMT and routinely screened in medical genetics. This approach allowed the identification of 26 patients carrying a whole gene CNV of PMP22. In the remaining 41 patients, NGS identified the causative variants in eight patients in the genes HSPB1, MFN2, KIF1A, GDAP1, MTMR2, SH3TC2, KIF5A, and MPZ (five new vs. three previously reported variants; three sporadic vs. five familial variants). Familial segregation analysis allowed to correctly interpret two variants, initially reported as “variants of uncertain significance” but re-classified as pathological. In this cohort is reported a patient carrying a novel familial mutation in the tail domain of KIF5A [a protein domain previously associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)], and a CMT patient carrying a HSPB1 mutation, previously reported in ALS. These data indicate that combined tools for gene association in medical genetics allow dissecting unexpected phenotypes associated with previously known or unknown genotypes, thus broadening the phenotype expression produced by either pathogenic or undefined variants.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03084224).
Disturbance-Mediated Changes in Coral Reef Habitat Provoke a Positive Feeding Response in a Major Coral Reef Detritivore, Ctenochaetus striatus
Authors: Lin Xianzhi , Hu Simin , Liu Yong , Zhang Li , Huang Hui , Liu Sheng
Published: July 2021

Coral reefs are undergoing global phase shifts from coral-dominated to algae-dominated stages. The negative effects of this substratum shift on the diversity and abundance of fish have been well documented, but the influence on fish feeding is less studied, which may limit a deeper understanding of trophic pathways in such a disturbed system. In this study, we investigated the feeding response of a numerically dominant fish species Ctenochaetus striatus to different substrate types, including hard coral, short algal turfs (SATs, <5 mm), and long algal turfs (LATs, >5 mm), on reefs in the South China Sea. The biomass of C. striatus showed an inverted U-shaped relationship with coral coverage and a significant positive correlation with SAT coverage (p < 0.05), indicating that rising SAT coverage associated with moderate coral loss provoked a feeding response in C. striatus. Stomach contents of C. striatus, analyzed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS), were dominated by algal sequences (relative read abundance, RRA > 80.0%), including macroalgae, filamentous algae, and microalgae (e.g., Symbiodinium and Prorocentrum). The sequence number and diversity of microalgae (mainly dinoflagellates) tended to be abundant (RRA 13.5–36.5%) with increased SAT cover, but brown algae sequences (RRA 17.2–57.8%) or green algae sequences (RRA > 50.7% except one site) dominated the stomach content DNA in reefs with high coral cover and high LAT or macroalgal cover, respectively. Considering the limited ability of C. striatus to remove mature algae, macroalgal DNA might be from algal debris. Our results indicate that C. striatus populations respond positively to conditions of moderate coral loss through increases in body condition identified as increased biomass. These responses are correlated to the expansion of SAT’s as coral cover declined, however, this relationship reverses if coral loss is high due to the succession of LAT’s over SAT’s and a corresponding decrease in the quality of food available. Our use of HTS has nevertheless identified the importance of detritivory in the flow of energy through reefs in the Anthropocene which are increasingly becoming depauperate in hard coral.
Sponge–Microbe Interactions on Coral Reefs: Multiple Evolutionary Solutions to a Complex Environment
Authors: Freeman Christopher J. , Easson Cole G. , Fiore Cara L. , Thacker Robert W.
Published: July 2021

Marine sponges have been successful in their expansion across diverse ecological niches around the globe. Pioneering work attributed this success to both a well-developed aquiferous system that allowed for efficient filter feeding on suspended organic matter and the presence of microbial symbionts that can supplement host heterotrophic feeding with photosynthate or dissolved organic carbon. We now know that sponge-microbe interactions are host-specific, highly nuanced, and provide diverse nutritional benefits to the host sponge. Despite these advances in the field, many current hypotheses pertaining to the evolution of these interactions are overly generalized; these over-simplifications limit our understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping these symbioses and how they contribute to the ecological success of sponges on modern coral reefs. To highlight the current state of knowledge in this field, we start with seminal papers and review how contemporary work using higher resolution techniques has both complemented and challenged their early hypotheses. We outline different schools of thought by discussing evidence of symbiont contribution to both host ecological divergence and convergence, nutritional specificity and plasticity, and allopatric and sympatric speciation. Based on this synthesis, we conclude that the evolutionary pressures shaping these interactions are complex, with influences from both external (nutrient limitation and competition) and internal (fitness trade-offs and evolutionary constraints) factors. We outline recent controversies pertaining to these evolutionary pressures and place our current understanding of these interactions into a broader ecological and evolutionary framework. Finally, we propose areas for future research that we believe will lead to important new developments in the field.
A Flying Platform to Investigate Neuronal Correlates of Navigation in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Paffhausen Benjamin H. , Petrasch Julian , Wild Benjamin , Meurers Thierry , Schülke Tobias , Polster Johannes , Fuchs Inga , Drexler Helmut , Kuriatnyk Oleksandra , Menzel Randolf , Landgraf Tim
Published: July 2021

Navigating animals combine multiple perceptual faculties, learn during exploration, retrieve multi-facetted memory contents, and exhibit goal-directedness as an expression of their current needs and motivations. Navigation in insects has been linked to a variety of underlying strategies such as path integration, view familiarity, visual beaconing, and goal-directed orientation with respect to previously learned ground structures. Most works, however, study navigation either from a field perspective, analyzing purely behavioral observations, or combine computational models with neurophysiological evidence obtained from lab experiments. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) has long been a popular model in the search for neural correlates of complex behaviors and exhibits extraordinary navigational capabilities. However, the neural basis for bee navigation has not yet been explored under natural conditions. Here, we propose a novel methodology to record from the brain of a copter-mounted honey bee. This way, the animal experiences natural multimodal sensory inputs in a natural environment that is familiar to her. We have developed a miniaturized electrophysiology recording system which is able to record spikes in the presence of time-varying electric noise from the copter's motors and rotors, and devised an experimental procedure to record from mushroom body extrinsic neurons (MBENs). We analyze the resulting electrophysiological data combined with a reconstruction of the animal's visual perception and find that the neural activity of MBENs is linked to sharp turns, possibly related to the relative motion of visual features. This method is a significant technological step toward recording brain activity of navigating honey bees under natural conditions. By providing all system specifications in an online repository, we hope to close a methodological gap and stimulate further research informing future computational models of insect navigation.
Visuospatial Attention Allocation as an Indicator of Cognitive Deficit in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Walz Jacinta A. , Mani Revathy , Alnawmasi Mohammed M. , Khuu Sieu K.
Published: July 2021

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined by changes in brain function resulting from external forces acting on the brain and is typically characterized by a host of physiological and functional changes such as cognitive deficits including attention problems. In the present study, we focused on the effect of TBI on the ability to allocate attention in vision (i.e., the use of endogenous and exogenous visual cues) by systematically reviewing previous literature on the topic. We conducted quantitative synthesis of 16 selected studies of visual attention following TBI, calculating 80 effect size estimates. The combined effect size was large (g = 0.79, p < 0.0001) with medium heterogeneity (I2 = 68.39%). Subgroup analyses revealed an increase in deficit with moderate-to-severe and severe TBI as compared to mild TBI [F(2, 76) = 24.14, p < 0.0001]. Task type was another key source of variability and subgroup analyses indicated that higher order attention processes were severely affected by TBI [F(2, 77) = 5.66, p = 0.0051). Meta-regression analyses revealed significant improvement in visual attention deficit with time [p(mild) = 0.031, p(moderate-to-severe) = 0.002, p(severe) < 0.0001]. Taken together, these results demonstrate that visual attention is affected by TBI and that regular assessment of visual attention, using a systematic attention allocation task, may provide a useful clinical measure of cognitive impairment and change after TBI.
Always-On Sub-Microwatt Spiking Neural Network Based on Spike-Driven Clock- and Power-Gating for an Ultra-Low-Power Intelligent Device
Authors: Chundi Pavan Kumar , Wang Dewei , Kim Sung Justin , Yang Minhao , Cerqueira Joao Pedro , Kang Joonsung , Jung Seungchul , Kim Sangjoon , Seok Mingoo
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel spiking neural network (SNN) classifier architecture for enabling always-on artificial intelligent (AI) functions, such as keyword spotting (KWS) and visual wake-up, in ultra-low-power internet-of-things (IoT) devices. Such always-on hardware tends to dominate the power efficiency of an IoT device and therefore it is paramount to minimize its power dissipation. A key observation is that the input signal to always-on hardware is typically sparse in time. This is a great opportunity that a SNN classifier can leverage because the switching activity and the power consumption of SNN hardware can scale with spike rate. To leverage this scalability, the proposed SNN classifier architecture employs event-driven architecture, especially fine-grained clock generation and gating and fine-grained power gating, to obtain very low static power dissipation. The prototype is fabricated in 65 nm CMOS and occupies an area of 1.99 mm2. At 0.52 V supply voltage, it consumes 75 nW at no input activity and less than 300 nW at 100% input activity. It still maintains competitive inference accuracy for KWS and other always-on classification workloads. The prototype achieved a power consumption reduction of over three orders of magnitude compared to the state-of-the-art for SNN hardware and of about 2.3X compared to the state-of-the-art KWS hardware.
Can Nimesulide Nanoparticles Be a Therapeutic Strategy for the Inhibition of the KRAS/PTEN Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer?
Authors: Ferreira Roseane Guimarães , Narvaez Luis Eduardo Mosquera , Espíndola Kaio Murilo Monteiro , Rosario Amanda Caroline R. S. , Lima Wenddy Graziela N. , Monteiro Marta Chagas
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive, devastating disease due to its invasiveness, rapid progression, and resistance to surgical, pharmacological, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments. The disease develops from PanINs lesions that progress through different stages. KRAS mutations are frequently observed in these lesions, accompanied by inactivation of PTEN, hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, and chronic inflammation with overexpression of COX-2. Nimesulide is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that has shown anticancer effects in neoplastic pancreatic cells. This drug works by increasing the levels of PTEN expression and inhibiting proliferation and apoptosis. However, there is a need to improve nimesulide through its encapsulation by solid lipid nanoparticles to overcome problems related to the hepatotoxicity and bioavailability of the drug.
Endometrial Cancer Type 2 Incidence and Survival Disparities Within Subsets of the US Black Population
Authors: Pinheiro Paulo S. , Medina Heidy N. , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Qiao Baozhen , Schymura Maria , Kobetz Erin N. , Schlumbrecht Matthew P.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Endometrial cancer type 2 (EC2) carries a worse prognosis compared to EC type 1. EC2 disproportionately affects Black women among whom incidence is higher and survival is poorer compared to Whites. Here we assessed EC2 incidence and survival patterns among US Black ethnic groups: US-born Blacks (UBB), Caribbean-born Blacks (CBB), and Black Hispanics (BH).

Methods

We analyzed population-based data (n=24,387) for the entire states of Florida and New York (2005–2016). Hysterectomy-corrected EC2 incidence rates were computed by racial-ethnic group, and survival disparities were examined using Cox regression adjusting for tumor characteristics, poverty level, and insurance status.

Results

EC2 incidence rates were highest among UBB (24.4 per 100,000), followed by CBB (18.2), Whites (11.1), and Hispanics of all races (10.1). Compared to Whites, the age-adjusted cause-specific survival was worse for non-Hispanic Blacks (aHR: 1.61; 95%CI 1.52–1.71) and Hispanics of all races (aHR:1.09; 95% CI:1.01–1.18). In relation to Whites, survival was worse for non-Hispanic Blacks: UBB (aHR:1.62; 95%CI 1.52–1.74) and CBB (aHR:1.59; 95% CI:1.44–1.76) than for BH (aHR:1.30; 95% CI:1.05–1.61). Surgical resection was associated with a lower risk of death, while carcinosarcoma subtype and advanced stage at diagnosis were associated with a greater risk.

Conclusions

Although higher EC2 incidence and lower survival are observed among all African-descent groups, there are significant intra-racial differences among UBB, CBB, and BH. This heterogeneity in EC2 patterns among Black populations suggests an interplay between genetic and socioenvironmental factors.
Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Gaggianesi Miriam , Di Franco Simone , Pantina Vincenzo Davide , Porcelli Gaetana , D'Accardo Caterina , Verona Francesco , Veschi Veronica , Colarossi Lorenzo , Faldetta Naida , Pistone Giuseppe , Bongiorno Maria Rita , Todaro Matilde , Stassi Giorgio
Published: July 2021

Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
Diverse Intercropping Patterns Enhance the Productivity and Volatile Oil Yield of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.
Authors: Peng Zheng , Zhang Yan , Yan Binbin , Zhan Zhilai , Chi Xiulian , Xu Yang , Guo Xiuzhi , Cui Xinping , Wang Tielin , Wang Sheng , Kang Chuanzhi , Wan Xiufu , Sun Kai , Huang Luqi , Guo Lanping
Published: July 2021

Commercial cultivation of the medicinal plant Atractylodes lancea is significantly restricted by low survival rates and reduced yields. Intercropping can reasonably coordinate interspecific interactions, effectively utilize environmental resources, and increase survival and yield. We conducted a field experiment from 2014 to 2016 to analyze the advantages and effects of intercropping on A. lancea survival, growth traits, individual volatile oil content, and total volatile oil content. In addition to A. lancea monoculture (AL), five intercropping combinations were planted: Zea mays L. (ZM) + A. lancea, Tagetes erecta L. (TE) + A. lancea, Calendula officinalis L. (CO) + A. lancea, Glycine max (Linn.) Merr. (GM) + A. lancea, and Polygonum hydropiper L. (PH) + A. lancea. The survival and average rhizome weight of A. lancea was higher in the ZM, CO, and TE treatments than in the monoculture treatment, and the average plant height was higher in all intercropping treatments than in the monoculture. The volatile oil content of A. lancea from the ZM and CO treatments was significantly improved relative to that of monoculture plants. The volatile oil harvest was higher in the ZM, CO, and TE treatments than in the monoculture. We conclude that intercropping is an effective way to increase the survival and yield of A. lancea. Furthermore, intercropping with ZM, CO, and TE increases the harvest of four volatile oils from A. lancea.
Chia (Salvia hispanica) Gene Expression Atlas Elucidates Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Changes Associated With Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Gupta Parul , Geniza Matthew , Naithani Sushma , Phillips Jeremy L. , Haq Ebaad , Jaiswal Pankaj
Published: July 2021

Chia (Salvia hispanicaL.), now a popular superfood and a pseudocereal, is one of the richest sources of dietary nutrients such as protein, fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). At present, the genomic and genetic information available in the public domain for this crop are scanty, which hinders an understanding of its growth and development and genetic improvement. We report an RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq)-based comprehensive transcriptome atlas of Chia sampled from 13 tissue types covering vegetative and reproductive growth stages. We used ~355 million high-quality reads of total ~394 million raw reads from transcriptome sequencing to generatede novoreference transcriptome assembly and the tissue-specific transcript assemblies. After the quality assessment of the merged assemblies and implementing redundancy reduction methods, 82,663 reference transcripts were identified. About 65,587 of 82,663 transcripts were translated into 99,307 peptides, and we were successful in assigning InterPro annotations to 45,209 peptides and gene ontology (GO) terms to 32,638 peptides. The assembled transcriptome is estimated to have the complete sequence information for ~86% of the genes found in the Chia genome. Furthermore, the analysis of 53,200 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) revealed their distinct expression patterns in Chia's vegetative and reproductive tissues; tissue-specific networks and developmental stage-specific networks of transcription factors (TFs); and the regulation of the expression of enzyme-coding genes associated with important metabolic pathways. In addition, we identified 2,411 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) as potential genetic markers from the transcripts. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive transcriptome atlas, and SSRs, contributing to building essential genomic resources to support basic research, genome annotation, functional genomics, and molecular breeding of Chia.
Does a Large Ear Type Wheat Variety Benefit More From Elevated CO2 Than That From Small Multiple Ear-Type in the Quantum Efficiency of PSII Photochemistry?
Authors: Li Yuting , Li Xin , Li Yujie , Zhuang Shu , Feng Yongxiang , Lin Erda , Han Xue
Published: July 2021

Recently, several reports have suggested that the growth and grain yield of wheat are significantly influenced by high atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) because of it photosynthesis enhancing effects. Moreover, it has been proposed that plants with large carbon sink size will benefit more from CO2 enrichment than those with small carbon sink size. However, this hypothesis is yet to be test in winter wheat plant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of elevated CO2 (eCO2) conditions on the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in large ear-type (cv. Shanhan 8675; greater ear C sink strength) and small multiple ear-type (cv. Early premium; greater vegetative C source strength) winter wheat varieties. The experiment was conducted in a free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) facility, and three de-excitation pathways of the primary reaction of PSII of flag leaf at the anthesis stage were evaluated under two CO2 concentrations (ambient [CO2], ∼415 μmol⋅mol–1, elevated [CO2], ∼550 μmol⋅mol–1) using a non-destructive technique of modulated chlorophyll fluorescence. Additionally, the grain yield of the two varieties was determined at maturity. Although elevated CO2 increased the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) of Shanhan 8675 (SH8675) flag leaves at the anthesis stage, the grain number per ear and 1,000-kernel weight were not significantly affected. In contrast, the ΦPSII of early premium (ZYM) flag leaves was significantly lower than that of SH8675 flag leaves at the anthesis stage, which was caused by an increase in the regulatory non-photochemical energy dissipation quantum (ΦNPQ) of PSII, suggesting that light energy absorbed by PSII in ZYM flag leaf was largely dissipated as thermal energy. The findings of our study showed that although SH8675 flag leaves exhibited higher C sink strength and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry at the anthesis stage, these factors alone do not ensure improved grain yield under eCO2 conditions.
Understanding the Decision-Making Process Between Presenteeism and Absenteeism
Authors: Lohaus Daniela , Habermann Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

Due to their impact on various stakeholder groups, research on the global phenomena of sickness presenteeism (working despite illness) and sickness absenteeism (absence due to illness) is constantly growing. Most studies focus on identifying factors associated with the attendance behaviors. In contrast, there have been few theoretical approaches to explain the individual decision-making process for or against working while ill. Moreover, their empirical verification is still pending. In the present study, we refer to expectancy theory to theoretically explain how the decision is made. To empirically test the model predictions we applied experimental vignette methodology in an online survey with working adults. The hypotheses were confirmed in that the calculated and predicted decisions significantly matched the intentionally chosen decisions. The results contribute to a better theoretical understanding of the decision-making process and provide starting points for interventions to manage attendance behavior in organizations.
Cortical Thinning and Abnormal Structural Covariance Network After Three Hours Sleep Restriction
Authors: Wang Chaoyan , Zhang Peng , Wang Caihong , Yang Lu , Zhang Xinzhong
Published: July 2021

Sleep loss leads to serious health problems, impaired attention, and emotional processing. It has been suggested that the abnormal neurobehavioral performance after sleep deprivation was involved in dysfunction of specific functional connectivity between brain areas. However, to the best of our knowledge, there was no study investigating the structural connectivity mechanisms underlying the dysfunction at network level. Surface morphological analysis and graph theoretical analysis were employed to investigate changes in cortical thickness following 3 h sleep restriction, and test whether the topological properties of structural covariance network was affected by sleep restriction. We found that sleep restriction significantly decreased cortical thickness in the right parieto-occipital cortex (Brodmann area 19). In addition, graph theoretical analysis revealed significantly enhanced global properties of structural covariance network including clustering coefficient and local efficiency, and increased nodal properties of the left insula cortex including nodal efficiency and betweenness, after 3 h sleep restriction. These results provided insights into understanding structural mechanisms of dysfunction of large-scale functional networks after sleep restriction.
Psychiatric Symptoms of Children and Adolescents With Mitochondrial Disorders: A Descriptive Case Series
Authors: Riquin Elise , Le Nerzé Thomas , Pasquini Natwin , Barth Magalie , Prouteau Clément , Colin Estelle , Amati Bonneau Patrizia , Procaccio Vincent , Van Bogaert Patrick , Duverger Philippe , Bonneau Dominique , Roy Arnaud
Published: July 2021

Background: Mitochondrial disorders (MD) are a group of clinically heterogeneous genetic disorders resulting from dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Cognitive impairment is a common feature in adults with MD and psychiatric symptoms are associated with MD in up to 70% of the adult population. The aim of this study is to describe the psychiatric profile in children and adolescents with MD by focusing on the description of psychiatric symptoms.

Methods: A cohort of 12 children and adolescents was prospectively recruited between February 2019 and February 2020 in the Reference Center for Mitochondrial Disorders of Angers (France). Participants and their parents completed an anamnestic form to provide socio-demographic data and completed the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Child Depression Inventory, the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Conner's Rating Scale to evaluate the inattention/hyperactivity symptoms as well as the Quality of Life scale.

Results: Four children (33.3%) were diagnosed with depressive symptoms. With regarding to anxiety, 6 children (50%) reported anxiety issues during the psychiatric interview and 3 children (25%) were suffering from anxiety according to the RCMAS scale. Compared to other children with chronic illnesses, the individuals in our cohort reported a lower overall quality of life score and lower scores in physical and social subscales.

Conclusion: Our study shows that MD can lead to psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, in particular anxiety and depression, as well as poor quality of life. This highlights the need for regular psychiatric assessments in individuals with developing brains, such as children and adolescents. We do not, however, have data regarding the neuropsychological profile of this population.
Crossmodal Audiovisual Emotional Integration in Depression: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Lu Ting , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Xinyu , Guo Zihan , Li Shengnan , Yang Weiping , Chen Ying , Wu Nannan
Published: July 2021

Depression is related to the defect of emotion processing, and people's emotional processing is crossmodal. This article aims to investigate whether there is a difference in audiovisual emotional integration between the depression group and the normal group using a high-resolution event-related potential (ERP) technique. We designed a visual and/or auditory detection task. The behavioral results showed that the responses to bimodal audiovisual stimuli were faster than those to unimodal auditory or visual stimuli, indicating that crossmodal integration of emotional information occurred in both the depression and normal groups. The ERP results showed that the N2 amplitude induced by sadness was significantly higher than that induced by happiness. The participants in the depression group showed larger amplitudes of N1 and P2, and the average amplitude of LPP evoked in the frontocentral lobe in the depression group was significantly lower than that in the normal group. The results indicated that there are different audiovisual emotional processing mechanisms between depressed and non-depressed college students.
Epigenetics as a Mechanism of Developmental Embodiment of Stress, Resilience, and Cardiometabolic Risk Across Generations of Latinx Immigrant Families
Authors: Clausing Elizabeth S. , Non Amy L.
Published: July 2021

Psychosocial stressors can become embodied to alter biology throughout the life course in ways that may have lasting health consequences. Immigrants are particularly vulnerable to high burdens of stress, which have heightened in the current sociopolitical climate. This study is an investigation of how immigration-related stress (IRS) may impact the cardiometabolic risk and epigenetic markers of Latinx immigrant mothers and children in Nashville, TN. We compared stress and resilience factors reported by Latina immigrant mothers and their children (aged 5–13) from two time points spanning the 2016 U.S. presidential election (June 2015–June 2016 baseline, n = 81; March–September 2018 follow-up, n = 39) with cardiometabolic risk markers (BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure). We also analyzed these factors in relation to DNA methylation in saliva of stress-related candidate genes (SLC6A4 and FKBP5), generated via bisulfite pyrosequencing (complete case n's range from 67–72 baseline and 29–31 follow-up) (n's range from 80 baseline to 36 follow-up). We found various associations with cardiometabolic risk, such as higher social support and greater acculturation were associated with lower BMI in mothers; discrimination and school stress associated with greater waist circumferences in children. Very few exposures associated with FKBP5, but various stressors associated with methylation at many sites in SLC6A4, including immigrant-related stress in both mothers and children, and fear of parent deportation in children. Additionally, in the mothers, total maternal stress, health stress, and subjective social status associated with methylation at multiple sites of SLC6A4. Acculturation associated with methylation in mothers in both genes, though directions of effect varied over time. We also find DNA methylation at SLC6A4 associates with measures of adiposity and blood pressure, suggesting that methylation may be on the pathway linking stress with cardiometabolic risk. More research is needed to determine the role of these epigenetic differences in contributing to embodiment of stress across generations.
Urease Inhibitors Effects on the Nitrogen Use Efficiency in a Maize–Wheat Rotation with or without Water Deficit
Authors: Allende-Montalbán Raúl , Martín-Lammerding Diana , Delgado María del Mar , Porcel Miguel A. , Gabriel José L.
Published: July 2021

The use of urease inhibitors in irrigated systems decreases both soil ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) availability, and, thus, could be an easy tool to reduce N loss due to ammonia volatilization and NO3− leaching. The main goal of this experiment was to assess the effect of urease inhibitors on N use efficiency, N losses, and their economic impact in a maize-wheat field experiment. In this study, 10 treatments were compared, combining the urea fertilizer with or without urease inhibitor, applied in one or two dressings, and under optimal or sub-optimal irrigation. A single application of urease inhibitor (IN1d), coupled with the conventional urea, helped to reduce the nitrate leaching risk both during the maize period (even when compared to the two dressing treatment) and after harvest. In addition, this improvement was achieved together with an increase in economic benefit, even when compared with the application of the same amount of regular urea split into two dressings. Under low water availability systems, the benefits of applying urease inhibitors increased with respect to the application of regular urea, making this technique a very promising strategy for adaptation to climate change in arid and semiarid regions.
Biofuel Benefit or Bummer? A Review Comparing Environmental Effects, Economics, and Feasibility of North American Native Perennial Grass and Traditional Annual Row Crops When Used for Biofuel
Authors: Jacot Jacqueline , Williams Amber S. , Kiniry James R.
Published: July 2021

While biofuels have been touted as a benefit for growers—with the ability to be planted on marginal lands, for improved wildlife habitat, to sustain soils, and to reduce runoff—there remains to be a general summary of how beneficial they really are. This paper aims to review the environmental effects, feasibility, and economic aspects of using native perennial grasses in North America as biofuels as opposed to traditional annual crops. The Scopus database was used to search for manuscripts relating to each topic. In some instances, very few results appeared, so a second database, Digitop, was also used. Native perennial grasses have been found to sequester carbon and cultivating them can create a carbon sink in the soil. Overall, wildlife benefit more by having native perennial grass for biofuels planted than annual maize and having fewer harvests a season is better for wildlife over the entire year. Economically, growing native perennial grasses can be advantageous especially on marginal land, where it has a comparatively high yield. Although the second-generation biofuel supply chain is susceptible to changing market prices, it can be made more resilient and has advantages, for example resistance against the impacts of drought. Although there are many cultivars to choose from, factors like climate, soil, and genetics can provide pertinent information to match each specimen’s ideal growing conditions to the right location.
Using Quinine as a Fluorescent Tracer to Estimate Overland Flow Velocities on Bare Soil: Proof of Concept under Controlled Laboratory Conditions
Authors: de Lima João L. M. P. , Zehsaz Soheil , de Lima M. Isabel P. , Isidoro Jorge M. G. P. , Jorge Romeu Gerardo , Martins Ricardo
Published: July 2021

This study presents a tracer technique based on the fluorescent properties of quinine to help on the visualization of shallow flows and allow a quantitative measurement of overland flow velocities. Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the traditional dye tracer and thermal tracer techniques with this novel fluorescent (quinine) tracer by injecting a quinine solution and the other tracers into shallow flowing surface water. The leading-edge tracer velocities, estimated using videos of the experiments with the quinine tracer were compared with the velocities obtained by using thermograms and real imaging videos of the dye tracers. The results show that the quinine tracer can be used to estimate both overland and rill flow velocities, since measurements are similar to those resulting from using other commonly used tracers. The main advantage of using the quinine tracer is the higher visibility of the injected tracer under ultraviolet A (UVA) light for low luminosity conditions. In addition, smaller amounts of quinine tracer are needed than for dye tracers, which lead to smaller disturbances in the flow. It requires a simple experimental setup and is non-toxic to the environment.
Identification and Characterization of SPL Transcription Factor Family Reveals Organization and Chilling-Responsive Patterns in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)
Authors: Shan Xi , Zhang Wei , Huang Jianxin , Yu Fangwei , Qin Wenbin , Li Jianbin , Wang Shenyun , Dai Zhongliang
Published: July 2021

Squamosa promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) is a major family of plant-specific transcription factor, which is involved in multiple biological processes, such as plant growth and development, hormone response, light response and stress response. Therefore, it has been profoundly significant to systematically analyze the SPL Transcription Factors family in Brassica oleracea. In this study, a total of 33 BoSPLs were identified in the B. oleracea genome, and they were further divided into six subgroups based on the phylogenetic tree constructed from the SPL proteins of B. oleracea, B. rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression profile of BoSPLs in different organs/tissues showed that a large number of BoSPLs were expressed in the callus, root, stem, leaf, bud, flower and silique. In addition, the expression levels of two BoSPLs (BoSPL9b and BoSPL10b) were up-regulated in chilling tolerance cabbage ‘CT-923’ at 6 h after chilling stress when compared with normal treatment (mock), while two BoSPLs (BoSPL9b and BoSPL15a) in chilling sensitive cabbage ‘CS-D9’, five BoSPLs (BoSPL1, -9a, -9b, -10b, -11b) in ‘CT-923’ and two BoSPLs (BoSPL9b and BoSPL16a) in ‘CS-D9’ were up-regulated after 24 h chilling stress, indicated that these genes may play an important role in the chilling-tolerance of cabbage. We analyzed the characteristics of BoSPLs and provided the basis for further functional research.
Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum Alga Application on Microgreens, Yield, and Yield Components in Oats Avena sativa L.
Authors: Drygaś Barbara , Depciuch Joanna , Puchalski Czesław
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the influence of Ascophyllum nodosum algae on the seeds, microgreens, yield, and yield components of oat Avena sativa cv. Bingo. This article includes the results from three experiments. In one of the experiments, the oat seeds were soaked in a solution of demineralized water with dried comminuted and homogenized algae. For the FT–Raman spectra measurements, a spectrometer with an Nd:YAG laser, with a germanium detector, was used. The results obtained show that an excessively low as well as an excessively high alga concentration did not have an influence on the change in oat composition. Other algae concentrations that were used in these experiments caused significant chemical changes in the oat seeds. For the FT–Raman data, separation of the control from all the oat grains treated with different algae concentrations was possible. The aim of the pot experiment was to determine the effect of the application of algae (in different doses) on the A. sativa green mass of young plants (microgreens). The certified oat seeds, after being soaked in a solution with algae, were planted in the ground. For the chemometric analysis of the oat samples, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer device was used. The data were recorded with a viewing diamond with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal plate. The FTIR spectra showed that soaking in an algae suspension affected the germination, general metabolism, and chemical composition of the oats. The use of algae did not change the lipid content of the plant. The three-year field experiment was established by introducing two factors: A. nodosum application (A) and a pre-sowing stimulation with a low-frequency magnetic field (S). The influence of experimental factors on the oat yield and its structure (yield structure components and yield components) was investigated. The beneficial effect of algae on oat yield was demonstrated by improved parameters such as the number and weight of the grains; however, under field conditions, the pre-sowing magnetic field stimulation of seeds did not have a beneficial effect. Various weather conditions also had a great influence on the yield. This study also considered the role of A. nodosum as a biostimulant in plants, and this showed potential under less favorable conditions.
Occurrence of Rare Pathogens at the Site of Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Infections: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study
Authors: Anagnostakos Konstantinos , Grzega Christoph , Sahan Ismail , Geipel Udo , Becker Sören L.
Published: July 2021

The frequency and clinical relevance of rare pathogens at the site of periprosthetic infections of the hip and knee joint and their antibiotic resistance profiles have not yet been assessed in-depth. We retrospectively analyzed all periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections that occurred between 2016 and 2020 in a single center in southwest Germany. Among 165 infections, 9.7% were caused by rare microorganisms such as Veilonella sp., Pasteurella sp., Pantoea sp., Citrobacter koseri, Serratia marcescens, Parvimonas micra, Clostridium difficile, Finegoldia magna, Morganella morganii, and yeasts. No resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, carbapenemes, fluoroquinolones, or gentamicin was observed. Some bacteria displayed resistance to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and cefuroxime. We present follow-up data of patients with infections due to rare pathogens and discuss the importance of close, interdisciplinary collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and clinical microbiologists to carefully select the most appropriate anti-infective treatment regimens for the increasing number of patients with such infections.
Nationwide Assessment of Water Quality in Rivers across Lebanon by Quantifying Fecal Indicators Densities and Profiling Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli
Authors: Dagher Lea A. , Hassan Jouman , Kharroubi Samer , Jaafar Hadi , Kassem Issmat I.
Published: July 2021

The use of contaminated water has been associated with severe disease outbreaks. Due to widespread pollution with untreated sewage, concerns have been raised over water quality in Lebanon, a country with well-documented challenges in infrastructure. Here, we evaluated the water quality of major rivers in Lebanon by quantifying the densities of fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli). Additionally, we assessed the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in river water. Composite water samples (n = 132) were collected from fourteen rivers, and 378 E. coli were isolated and analyzed. Fecal coliforms and E. coli were detected in 96.29% and 95.5% of the samples, respectively. Additionally, 73.48–61.3% and 31.81% of the samples exceeded the microbiological acceptability standards for irrigation and the fecal coliform limit for recreational activities, respectively. The E. coli exhibited resistance to ampicillin (40% of isolates), amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (42%), cefepime (4%), cefotaxime (14%), cefalexin (46%), cefixime (17%), doripenem (0.3%), imipenem (0.5%), gentamicin (6%), kanamycin (9%), streptomycin (35%), tetracycline (35%), ciprofloxacin (10%), norfloxacin (7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (32%), and chloramphenicol (13%). Notably, 45.8% of the isolates were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). Our results highlight the need to urgently address fecal pollution and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in Lebanese rivers.