bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetically-restricted essential cell cycle progression factor in the human pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Jaitly Priya , Legrand Mélanie , Das Abhijit , Patel Tejas , Chauvel Murielle , Maufrais Corinne , d’Enfert Christophe , Sanyal Kaustuv
Published: July 2022

Chromosomal instability caused by cell division errors is associated with antifungal drug resistance in fungal pathogens. Here, we identify potential mechanisms underlying such instability by conducting an overexpression screen monitoring chromosomal stability in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Analysis of ~1000 genes uncovers six chromosomal stability (CSA) genes, five of which are related to cell division genes of other organisms. The sixth gene, CSA6, appears to be present only in species belonging to the CUG-Ser clade, which includes C. albicans and other human fungal pathogens. The protein encoded by CSA6 localizes to the spindle pole bodies, is required for exit from mitosis, and induces a checkpoint-dependent metaphase arrest upon overexpression. Thus, Csa6 is an essential cell cycle progression factor that is restricted to the CUG-Ser fungal clade, and could therefore be explored as a potential antifungal target.
Phenylalanine impairs insulin signaling and inhibits glucose uptake through modification of IRβ
Authors: Zhou Qian , Sun Wan-Wan , Chen Jia-Cong , Zhang Hui-Lu , Liu Jie , Lin Yan , Lin Peng-Cheng , Wu Bai-Xing , An Yan-Peng , Huang Lin , Sun Wen-Xing , Zhou Xin-Wen , Li Yi-Ming , Yuan Yi-Yuan , Zhao Jian-Yuan , Xu Wei , Zhao Shi-Min
Published: July 2022

Whether amino acids act on cellular insulin signaling remains unclear, given that increased circulating amino acid levels are associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we report that phenylalanine modifies insulin receptor beta (IRβ) and inactivates insulin signaling and glucose uptake. Mice fed phenylalanine-rich chow or phenylalanine-producing aspartame or overexpressing human phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (hFARS) develop insulin resistance and T2D symptoms. Mechanistically, FARS phenylalanylate lysine 1057/1079 of IRβ (F-K1057/1079), inactivating IRβ and preventing insulin from promoting glucose uptake by cells. SIRT1 reverse F-K1057/1079 and counteract the insulin-inactivating effects of hFARS and phenylalanine. F-K1057/1079 and SIRT1 levels in white blood cells from T2D patients are positively and negatively correlated with T2D onset, respectively. Blocking F-K1057/1079 with phenylalaninol sensitizes insulin signaling and relieves T2D symptoms in hFARS-transgenic and db/db mice. These findings shed light on the activation of insulin signaling and T2D progression through inhibition of phenylalanylation.
K-point longitudinal acoustic phonons are responsible for ultrafast intervalley scattering in monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Bae Soungmin , Matsumoto Kana , Raebiger Hannes , Shudo Ken-ichi , Kim Yong-Hoon , Handegård Ørjan Sele , Nagao Tadaaki , Kitajima Masahiro , Sakai Yuji , Zhang Xiang , Vajtai Robert , Ajayan Pulickel , Kono Junichiro , Takeda Jun , Katayama Ikufumi
Published: July 2022

In transition metal dichalcogenides, valley depolarization through intervalley carrier scattering by zone-edge phonons is often unavoidable. Although valley depolarization processes related to various acoustic phonons have been suggested, their optical verification is still vague due to nearly degenerate phonon frequencies on acoustic phonon branches at zone-edge momentums. Here we report an unambiguous phonon momentum determination of the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonons at the K point, which are responsible for the ultrafast valley depolarization in monolayer MoSe2. Using sub-10-fs-resolution pump-probe spectroscopy, we observed coherent phonons signals at both even and odd-orders of zone-edge LA mode involved in intervalley carrier scattering process. Our phonon-symmetry analysis and first-principles calculations reveal that only the LA phonon at the K point, as opposed to the M point, can produce experimental odd-order LA phonon signals from its nonlinear optical modulation. This work will provide momentum-resolved descriptions of phonon-carrier intervalley scattering processes in valleytronic materials.
Tailoring thermal insulation architectures from additive manufacturing
Authors: An Lu , Guo Zipeng , Li Zheng , Fu Yu , Hu Yong , Huang Yulong , Yao Fei , Zhou Chi , Ren Shenqiang
Published: July 2022

Tailoring thermal transport by structural parameters could result in mechanically fragile and brittle networks. An indispensable goal is to design hierarchical architecture materials that combine thermal and mechanical properties in a continuous and cohesive network. A promising strategy to create such a hierarchical network targets additive manufacturing of hybrid porous voxels at nanoscale. Here we describe the convergence of agile additive manufacturing of porous hybrid voxels to tailor hierarchically and mechanically tunable objects. In one strategy, the uniformly distributed porous silica voxels, which form the basis for the control of thermal transport, are non-covalently interfaced with polymeric networks, yielding hierarchic super-elastic architectures with thermal insulation properties. Another additive strategy for achieving mechanical strength involves the versatile orthogonal surface hybridization of porous silica voxels retains its low thermal conductivity of 19.1 mW m−1 K−1, flexible compressive recovery strain (85%), and tailored mechanical strength from 71.6 kPa to 1.5 MPa. The printed lightweight high-fidelity objects promise thermal aging mitigation for lithium-ion batteries, providing a thermal management pathway using 3D printed silica objects.
A single immunization with a modified vaccinia Ankara vectored vaccine producing Sudan virus-like particles protects from lethal infection
Authors: Malherbe Delphine C. , Domi Arban , Hauser Mary J. , Atyeo Caroline , Fischinger Stephanie , Hyde Matthew A. , Williams Julie M. , Alter Galit , Guirakhoo Farshad , Bukreyev Alexander
Published: July 2022

A new vectored vaccine MVA-VLP-SUDV was generated against Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) combining the advantages of the immunogenicity of a live attenuated vaccine vector (Modified Vaccinia Ankara, MVA) with the authentic conformation of virus-like particles (VLPs). The vaccine expresses minimal components to generate self-assembling VLPs in the vaccinee: the envelope glycoprotein GP and the matrix protein VP40. Guinea pigs vaccinated with one dose of MVA-VLP-SUDV generated SUDV-specific binding and neutralizing antibody responses as well as Fc-mediated protective effects. These responses were boosted by a second vaccine dose. All vaccinated animals which received either one or two vaccine doses were protected from death and disease symptoms following challenge with a lethal dose of SUDV. These data demonstrate single dose protection and potency of the MVA-VLP platform for use in emergency situations to contain outbreaks.
Global Soil Hydraulic Properties dataset based on legacy site observations and robust parameterization
Authors: Gupta Surya , Papritz Andreas , Lehmann Peter , Hengl Tomislav , Bonetti Sara , Or Dani
Published: July 2022

The representation of land surface processes in hydrological and climatic models critically depends on the soil water characteristics curve (SWCC) that defines the plant availability and water storage in the vadose zone. Despite the availability of SWCC datasets in the literature, significant efforts are required to harmonize reported data before SWCC parameters can be determined and implemented in modeling applications. In this work, a total of 15,259 SWCCs from 2,702 sites were assembled from published literature, harmonized, and quality-checked. The assembled SWCC data provide a global soil hydraulic properties (GSHP) database. Parameters of the van Genuchten (vG) SWCC model were estimated from the data using the R package ‘soilhypfit’. In many cases, information on the wet- or dry-end of the SWCC measurements were missing, and we used pedotransfer functions (PTFs) to estimate saturated and residual water contents. The new database quantifies the differences of SWCCs across climatic regions and can be used to create global maps of soil hydraulic properties.
Observing the Central Arctic Atmosphere and Surface with University of Colorado uncrewed aircraft systems
Authors: de Boer Gijs , Calmer Radiance , Jozef Gina , Cassano John J. , Hamilton Jonathan , Lawrence Dale , Borenstein Steven , Doddi Abhiram , Cox Christopher , Schmale Julia , Preußer Andreas , Argrow Brian
Published: July 2022

Over a five-month time window between March and July 2020, scientists deployed two small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) to the central Arctic Ocean as part of legs three and four of the MOSAiC expedition. These sUAS were flown to measure the thermodynamic and kinematic state of the lower atmosphere, including collecting information on temperature, pressure, humidity and winds between the surface and 1 km, as well as to document ice properties, including albedo, melt pond fraction, and open water amounts. The atmospheric state flights were primarily conducted by the DataHawk2 sUAS, which was operated primarily in a profiling manner, while the surface property flights were conducted using the HELiX sUAS, which flew grid patterns, profiles, and hover flights. In total, over 120 flights were conducted and over 48 flight hours of data were collected, sampling conditions that included temperatures as low as −35 °C and as warm as 15 °C, spanning the summer melt season.
SARS-ANI: a global open access dataset of reported SARS-CoV-2 events in animals
Authors: Nerpel Afra , Yang Liuhuaying , Sorger Johannes , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Walzer Chris , Desvars-Larrive Amélie
Published: July 2022

The zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is not yet fully resolved. Although natural infections in animals are reported in a wide range of species, large knowledge and data gaps remain regarding SARS-CoV-2 in animal hosts. We used two major health databases to extract unstructured data and generated a global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 events in animals. The dataset presents harmonized host names, integrates relevant epidemiological and clinical data on each event, and is readily usable for analytical purposes. We also share the code for technical and visual validation of the data and created a user-friendly dashboard for data exploration. Data on SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in animals is critical to adapting monitoring strategies, preventing the formation of animal reservoirs, and tailoring future human and animal vaccination programs. The FAIRness and analytical flexibility of the data will support research efforts on SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal-environment interface. We intend to update this dataset weekly for at least one year and, through collaborations, to develop it further and expand its use.
Expert tumor annotations and radiomics for locally advanced breast cancer in DCE-MRI for ACRIN 6657/I-SPY1
Authors: Chitalia Rhea , Pati Sarthak , Bhalerao Megh , Thakur Siddhesh Pravin , Jahani Nariman , Belenky Vivian , McDonald Elizabeth S. , Gibbs Jessica , Newitt David C. , Hylton Nola M. , Kontos Despina , Bakas Spyridon
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most pervasive forms of cancer and its inherent intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity contributes towards its poor prognosis. Multiple studies have reported results from either private institutional data or publicly available datasets. However, current public datasets are limited in terms of having consistency in: a) data quality, b) quality of expert annotation of pathology, and c) availability of baseline results from computational algorithms. To address these limitations, here we propose the enhancement of the I-SPY1 data collection, with uniformly curated data, tumor annotations, and quantitative imaging features. Specifically, the proposed dataset includes a) uniformly processed scans that are harmonized to match intensity and spatial characteristics, facilitating immediate use in computational studies, b) computationally-generated and manually-revised expert annotations of tumor regions, as well as c) a comprehensive set of quantitative imaging (also known as radiomic) features corresponding to the tumor regions. This collection describes our contribution towards repeatable, reproducible, and comparative quantitative studies leading to new predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic assessments.
Dataset on social and psychological effects of COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Sari Emre , Kağan Gamze , Karakuş Buse Şencan , Özdemir Özgür
Published: July 2022

This data was gathered to investigate how individuals’ levels of intolerance to distress and instant anxiety are related to some of the behaviors that people can change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We present a dataset based on a four-wave survey of the social and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey (N = 2,817). Turkey was heavily impacted by the first waves of infections in 2020, and citizens were forced to adapt to governmental measures. So, the dataset provides unique opportunities to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic’s role in shaping people’s intolerance to distress and instant anxiety. The survey considered personal cleaning behavior, bank/credit card usage, online spending habits, individual security perception, and stockpile behavior. Furthermore, in this data, whether an individual or a household member was officially diagnosed with COVID-19 and socio-demographic indicators were determined. Hence, the resulting dataset can enable various analyses on social, psychological, perceived security, and self-rated health, influencing how individuals’ levels of intolerance to distress and instant anxiety.
Zero standby power crop water-stress detector leading to the optimization of water usage and yield
Authors: Risso Antea , Rajaram Vageeswar , Kang Sungho , Calisgan Sila Deniz , Pavese Matilde Maria , Qian Zhenyun , Rinaldi Matteo
Published: July 2022

Agricultural sensors are powerful tools to optimize crop productivity while conserving natural resources. Here we report a crop water-stress detector based on a plasmonically-enhanced micromechanical photoswitch capable of detecting water content in leaves that is lower than a predetermined threshold without consuming electrical power when the leaf is healthy. The detection mechanism exploits the energy in a specific narrow-spectral band of solar radiation reflected off leaves that is strongly correlated to the water content in plants. This biosensor relies on a spectrally selective infrared plasmonic absorber and a thermally sensitive micro-cantilever to harvest the reflected solar energy and further produce a digitized wakeup-bit only when the monitored leaf is water-stressed. In particular, we demonstrate that the detector activates a commercial water pump when a soybean plant is water-stressed. The 10-year battery lifetime of the proposed detector pave the way for the development of high-granularity, maintenance-free sensor networks for large-scale smart-farms.
A polygenic score indexing a DRD2-related co-expression network is associated with striatal dopamine function
Authors: D’Ambrosio Enrico , Pergola Giulio , Pardiñas Antonio F. , Dahoun Tarik , Veronese Mattia , Sportelli Leonardo , Taurisano Paolo , Griffiths Kira , Jauhar Sameer , Rogdaki Maria , Bloomfield Michael A. P. , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Bonoldi Ilaria , Walters James T. R. , Blasi Giuseppe , Bertolino Alessandro , Howes Oliver D.
Published: July 2022

The D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) is the primary site of the therapeutic action of antipsychotics and is involved in essential brain functions relevant to schizophrenia, such as attention, memory, motivation, and emotion processing. Moreover, the gene coding for D2R (DRD2) has been associated with schizophrenia at a genome-wide level. Recent studies have shown that a polygenic co-expression index (PCI) predicting the brain-specific expression of a network of genes co-expressed with DRD2 was associated with response to antipsychotics, brain function during working memory in patients with schizophrenia, and with the modulation of prefrontal cortex activity after pharmacological stimulation of D2 receptors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the DRD2 gene network and in vivo striatal dopaminergic function, which is a phenotype robustly associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. To this aim, a sample of 92 healthy subjects underwent 18F-DOPA PET and was genotyped for genetic variations indexing the co-expression of the DRD2-related genetic network in order to calculate the PCI for each subject. The PCI was significantly associated with whole striatal dopamine synthesis capacity (p = 0.038). Exploratory analyses on the striatal subdivisions revealed a numerically larger effect size of the PCI on dopamine function for the associative striatum, although this was not significantly different than effects in other sub-divisions. These results are in line with a possible relationship between the DRD2-related co-expression network and schizophrenia and extend it by identifying a potential mechanism involving the regulation of dopamine synthesis. Future studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms implicated in this relationship.
Non-protein coding RNA sequences mediate specific colorimetric detection of Staphylococcus aureus on unmodified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Gopinath Subash C. B. , Ramanathan Santheraleka , Chinni Suresh V. , Dorairaj Vicneswarry , Lakshmipriya Thangavel
Published: July 2022

Nonprotein coding RNA (npcRNA) is a transcribed gene sequence that is not able to translate into protein, yet it executes a specific function in modulation and regulation mechanisms. As npcRNA is highly resistant to the mutation, the Sau-02 npcRNA gene and its probe oligonucleotide, which are specifically present in Staphylococcus aureus and in methicillin-resistant S. aureus only, used to develop a highly specific and sensitive colorimetric assay on unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Hybridization between the npcRNA Sau-02 gene sequences was detected through noncrosslinking AuNP aggregation in salt solution in the presence of probe-target gene sequences. AuNPs of 10 and 15 nm in sizes with monovalent ion salt (NaCl) solution were optimized as the ideal tool for investigating the stability of AuNPs upon the addition of gene sequences. The state dispersed and aggregated forms of 10 nm AuNPs with the presented colorimetric assay were justified through field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The particle distribution of two different AuNP states was evaluated through particle distribution analysis. The lowest detection amount of S. aureus npcRNA from the colorimetric assay performed was 6 pg/µL, as the color of AuNPs turned blue with the presence of probe oligonucleotides and target gene sequences.
Saliva as alternative to naso-oropharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR: a multicenter cross-sectional diagnostic validation study
Authors: Tee Michael L. , Abrilla Aedrian A. , Tee Cherica A. , Dalmacio Leslie Michelle M. , Villaflor Vivencio Jose P. , Abubakar Al-Zamzam A. , Tagayuna Pedrito Y. , Aquino Sheldon Steven C. , Bernardo Vicente Aaron L. , Matias Ronald R.
Published: July 2022

Saliva has been demonstrated as feasible alternative to naso-oropharyngeal swab (NOS) for SARS-CoV-2 detection through reverse transcription quantitative/real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This study compared the diagnostic agreement of conventional NOS, saliva with RNA extraction (SE) and saliva without RNA extraction (SalivaDirect) processing for RT-qPCR in identifying SARS-CoV-2. All techniques were also compared, as separate index tests, to a composite reference standard (CRS) where positive and negative results were defined as SARS-CoV-2 detection in either one or no sample, respectively. Of 517 paired samples, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 150 (29.01%) NOS and 151 (29.21%) saliva specimens. The saliva-based tests were noted to have a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (95% confidence interval) of 92.67% (87.26%, 96.28%), 97.55% (95.40%, 98.87%) and 96.13% (94.09%, 97.62%), respectively, for SE RT-qPCR and 91.33% (85.64%, 95.30%), 98.91% (97.23%, 99.70%) and 96.71% (94.79%, 98.07%), respectively, for SalivaDirect RT-qPCR compared to NOS RT-qPCR. Compared to CRS, all platforms demonstrated statistically similar diagnostic performance. These findings suggest that both conventional and streamlined saliva RT-qPCR are at least non-inferior to conventional NOS RT-qPCR in detecting SARS-CoV-2.
Agro-waste as a substrate for the production of pullulanase by Penicillium viridicatum under solid-state fermentation
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Naik Bindu , Choudhary Megha , Kumar Akhilesh , Khanduri Naresh
Published: July 2022

One of the key enzymes utilized in the food industry is pullulanase. But its major drawbacks are its low yield and high production costs. In this regard, the current research aims to screen agro-waste substrates for optimal pullulanase production in solid-state fermentation. Of various agro-wastes used as a substrate, the maximum enzymic activity (9.74 U/gds) was observed in a medium based on 5 g of green gram husk and incubated for 3 days at 30 °C. The effects of 16 different nutrients on the yield of pullulanase production were studied using the Plackett–Burman experimental design. The incorporation of FeSO4, MnSO4, and MgSO4 into the pullulanase production medium significantly increased the yield and showed a 5.7-fold increase (56.25 U/gds) in comparison with the unoptimized media. The Box-Behnken experimental design was used to study the effect of interactions between Fe2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ on the production of pullulanase. Box-Behnken showed a 1.1-fold increase (62.1 U/gds) in pullulanase production. The total increase in yield after all optimization was 6.37-fold. The present study reports for the first time the applicability of green gram husk as a potent substrate for pullulanase production by Penicillium viridicatum.
Comparative analysis of temperature preference behavior and effects of temperature on daily behavior in 11 Drosophila species
Authors: Ito Fumihiro , Awasaki Takeshi
Published: July 2022

Temperature is one of the most critical environmental factors that influence various biological processes. Species distributed in different temperature regions are considered to have different optimal temperatures for daily life activities. However, how organisms have acquired various features to cope with particular temperature environments remains to be elucidated. In this study, we have systematically analyzed the temperature preference behavior and effects of temperatures on daily locomotor activity and sleep using 11 Drosophila species. We also investigated the function of antennae in the temperature preference behavior of these species. We found that, (1) an optimal temperature for daily locomotor activity and sleep of each species approximately matches with temperatures it frequently encounters in its habitat, (2) effects of temperature on locomotor activity and sleep are diverse among species, but each species maintains its daily activity and sleep pattern even at different temperatures, and (3) each species has a unique temperature preference behavior, and the contribution of antennae to this behavior is diverse among species. These results suggest that Drosophila species inhabiting different climatic environments have acquired species-specific temperature response systems according to their life strategies. This study provides fundamental information for understanding the mechanisms underlying their temperature adaptation and lifestyle diversification.
Impact of being physically active on the brain electrocortical activity, brain volumetry and performance in the Stroop color and word test in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Leon-Llamas Juan Luis , Murillo-Garcia Alvaro , Gusi Narcis
Published: July 2022

Physical exercise is one of the treatment approaches with the most robust evidence against fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the impact of being physically active on the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) performance as well as to investigate and compare the brain electrocortical activity during SCWT. A total of 31 women completed the SCWT while EEG was recorded. People with FM were divided into two groups (physically and non-physically active) according to the WHO guidelines. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging was acquired and health-related quality of life, the impact of the disease, and the six-minute walking test were administered. Physically active group showed better performance in the SCWT, exhibiting less error in name different color patches condition (C), more correct responses in named color-word condition (CW) and higher interference score than non-physically active group. Moreover, a significantly higher theta power spectrum in the Fp1 during the condition C in the SCWT and a higher volume in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus have been found in the physically active group. Furthermore, physically active women with FM showed positively correlations between correct responses in names of colors printed in black condition (W) in the SCWT and theta power in the F3, Fz, Fp2 and F4 scalp positions. Regarding non-physically active women with FM, errors in condition CW negatively correlated with the volume of left superior frontal gyrus, left rostral middle frontal gyrus, right rostral middle frontal gyrus, left caudal middle frontal gyrus and right caudal middle frontal gyrus. Furthermore, physically active group showed increased performance in the 6 min walking test and lower disease impact. Fulfil the physical activity recommendation seems to protect brain health since better SCWT performance, greater frontal theta power and higher volume in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus have been found in physically active women with FM.
Prevalence and associated factors of osteoarthritis in the Ural Eye and Medical Study and the Ural Very Old Study
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Zainullin Rinat M. , Rakhimova Ellina M. , Fakhretdinova Albina A. , Tuliakova Azaliia M. , Rusakova Iuliia A. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Nuriev Ildar F. , Zaynetdinov Artur F. , Zinnatullin Ainur A. , Arslangareeva Inga I. , Gizzatov Ainur V. , Bolshakova Natalia I. , Safiullina Kamilia R. , Jonas Jost B.
Published: July 2022

To determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis and its associated factors in populations from Russia. The population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS) and the population-based Ural Very Old Study (UVOS) were conducted in a rural and urban region in Bashkortostan/Russia and included participants aged 40+ and 85+ years, respectively. As part of a detailed systematic examination, we assessed the osteoarthritis prevalence in an interview including questions on the self-reported presence of osteoarthritis, the joints affected and osteoarthritis-related pain-relieving therapy taken. Out of 5898 participants of the UEMS, 1636 individuals had osteoarthritis [prevalence: 27.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 26.7, 28.7], with 816 individuals (13.8%; 95% CI 12.8, 14.8) taking pain-relieving medication. A higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated (multivariable analysis) with older age [odds ratio (OR 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.05], urban region of residence (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07, 1.45), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06), lower monthly income (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.68, 0.90), higher physical activity score (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), higher prevalence of a history of cardiovascular disease including stroke (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.33, 1.81), previous bone fractures (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04, 1.40) and previous falls (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.03, 1.45), higher hearing loss score (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01, 1.02), and less alcohol consumption (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65, 0.93). Out of 1526 UVOS participants, 567 individuals had osteoarthritis (prevalence: 37.2%; 95% CI 35.0, 40.0), with 195 (12.8%; 95% CI 11.3, 14.3) individuals taking pain-relieving medication. Higher osteoarthritis prevalence was associated with rural region of habitation (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.20, 2.38), lower monthly income (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.46, 0.84), higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.30, 2.36), and higher anxiety score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03, 1.06). Osteoarthritis and use of pain-relieving medication are common in these populations in Russia. Main associated factors were older age and lower monthly income in both study populations, female sex, higher BMI, urban region, and previous falls and bone fractures in the UEMS population, and rural region and a higher anxiety score in the UVOS study population.
Brain fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling is anti-obesity system as anorexigenic and anti-inflammatory actions in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Kawamura Namiko , Katsuura Goro , Yamada-Goto Nobuko , Nakama Riho , Kambe Yuki , Miyata Atsuro , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Narumiya Shuh , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Inui Akio
Published: July 2022

Fractalkine is one of the CX3C chemokine family, and it is widely expressed in the brain including the hypothalamus. In the brain, fractalkine is expressed in neurons and binds to a CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) in microglia. The hypothalamus regulates energy homeostasis of which dysregulation is associated with obesity. Therefore, we examined whether fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling involved in regulating food intake and hypothalamic inflammation associated with obesity pathogenesis. In the present study, fractalkine significantly reduced food intake induced by several experimental stimuli and significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Moreover, tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist impaired fractalkine-induced anorexigenic actions. In addition, compared with wild-type mice, CX3CR1-deficient mice showed a significant increase in food intake and a significant decrease in BDNF mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks showed hypothalamic inflammation and reduced fractalkine mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular administration of fractalkine significantly suppressed HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation in mice. HFD intake for 4 weeks caused hypothalamic inflammation in CX3CR1-deficient mice, but not in wild-type mice. These findings suggest that fractalkine-CX3CR1 signalling induces anorexigenic actions via activation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway and suppresses HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation in mice.
Soil microbes and associated extracellular enzymes largely impact nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient poor grassland ecosystem soils
Authors: Ndabankulu Khululwa , Egbewale Samson O. , Tsvuura Zivanai , Magadlela Anathi
Published: July 2022

Understanding the role of soil microbes and their associated extracellular enzymes in long-term grassland experiments presents an opportunity for testing relevant ecological questions on grassland nutrient dynamics and functioning. Veld fertilizer trials initiated in 1951 in South Africa were used to assess soil functional microbial diversity and their metabolic activities in the nutrient-poor grassland soils. Phosphorus and liming trials used for this specific study comprised of superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) and dolomitic lime (2250 kg ha−1) (P + L), superphosphate (336 kg ha−1) (+ P) and control trials. These soils were analyzed for their nutrient concentrations, pH, total cations and exchange acidity, microflora and extracellular enzyme activities. The analysed soil characteristics showed significant differences except nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (C) concentrations showing no significant differences. P-solubilizing, N-cycling and N-fixing microbial diversity varied among the different soil treatments. β-glucosaminidase enzyme activity was high in control soils compared to P-fertilized and limed soils. Alkaline phosphatase showed increased activity in P-fertilized soils, whereas acid phosphatase showed increased activity in control soils. Therefore, the application of superphosphate and liming influences the relative abundance of bacterial communities with nutrient cycling and fixing functions which account for nutrient bioavailability in acidic and nutrient stressed grassland ecosystem soils.
In vitro activity of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5
Authors: Touret Franck , Baronti Cécile , Pastorino Boris , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: July 2022

The replacement of the Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 by the BA.2 and the rapid growth of the BA.5 sub lineage, which have both different sets of mutations in the spike glycoprotein, alters the spectrum of activity of therapeutic antibodies currently licensed in the European Union. Using clinical strains of the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 variants, we compared the neutralising power of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants, using an ancestral strain (lineage B.1, D614G) and a Delta variant strain as reference. Sotrovimab/Vir-7831 is less active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change reduction ~ 1,4) and even less active against BA.5 (fold change reduction ~ 2.7). Within the Evusheld /AZD7442 cocktail, Cilgavimab/AZD1061 is more active against BA.2 and BA.5 than against BA.1 (fold change increase ~ 32), whilst the very low activity of Tixagevimab/AZD8895 against BA.1 is not enhanced against BA.2 nor BA.5. In total, compared to BA.1, the activity of the Evusheld/AZD7442 is significantly improved against BA.2 while BA.5 is intermediate but closer to BA.2.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the EuroQol-5D-5L in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long COVID
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Rodríguez-Jiménez Jorge , Moro-López-Menchero Paloma , Cancela-Cilleruelo Ignacio , Pardo-Hernández Alberto , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2022

The EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) is a generic patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) used for evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL). No data on its psychometric properties in COVID-19 survivors is available. We aimed to describe internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity of the EQ-5D-5L in people with long-COVID. Ninety-three (n = 93) individuals previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 with post-COVID symptoms completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire twice one year after hospital discharge in a three-week interval. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha and Omega value), test–retest reliability (kappa and ICC2,1) and construct validity (factor analysis), and floor/ceiling effects were calculated. No ceiling effect was observed in any dimension whereas the floor effect ranged from 53.76 to 94.62%. The overall Cronbach’s α value was 0.75 (95%CI 0.64–0.83) and the Omega ω value was 0.77 (95%CI 0.66–0.84), showing good internal consistency of the questionnaire. Further, Cronbach’s alpha values the of each dimension ranged from 0.63 to 0.77 whereas those for Omega values ranged from 0.70 to 0.79. The test–retest reliability of the total score was excellent (ICC2,1 0.86, 95%CI 0.798–0.911). The agreement percentage ranged from 85.13 to 96.77%; but kappa coefficients ranged from fair (κ: 0.37) to good (κ: 0.61). The factor analysis showed factor loadings from 0.585 to 0.813 supporting good construct validity. The EQ-5D-5L has good psychometric properties to be used as a PROM to assess HRQoL in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long-COVID.
Multimodal anatomy of the human forniceal commissure
Authors: Akeret Kevin , Forkel Stephanie J. , Buzzi Raphael M. , Vasella Flavio , Amrein Irmgard , Colacicco Giovanni , Serra Carlo , Krayenbühl Niklaus
Published: July 2022

Ambiguity surrounds the existence and morphology of the human forniceal commissure. We combine advanced in-vivo tractography, multidirectional ex-vivo fiber dissection, and multiplanar histological analysis to characterize this structure’s anatomy. Across all 178 subjects, in-vivo fiber dissection based on the Human Connectome Project 7 T MRI data identifies no interhemispheric connections between the crura fornicis. Multidirectional ex-vivo fiber dissection under the operating microscope demonstrates the psalterium as a thin soft-tissue membrane spanning between the right and left crus fornicis, but exposes no commissural fibers. Multiplanar histological analysis with myelin and Bielchowsky silver staining, however, visualizes delicate cruciform fibers extending between the crura fornicis, enclosed by connective tissue, the psalterium. The human forniceal commissure is therefore much more delicate than previously described and presented in anatomical textbooks. This finding is consistent with the observed phylogenetic trend of a reduction of the forniceal commissure in non-human primates compared to non-primate eutherian mammals.
Two-pore channel blockade by phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors YM201636 and PI-103 determined by a histidine residue near pore-entrance
Authors: Du Canwei , Guan Xin , Yan Jiusheng
Published: July 2022

Human two-pore channels (TPCs) are endolysosomal cation channels and play an important role in NAADP-evoked Ca2+release and endomembrane dynamics. We found that YM201636, a PIKfyve inhibitor, potently inhibits PI(3,5)P2-activated human TPC2 with an IC50of 0.16 μM. YM201636 also effectively inhibits NAADP-activated TPC2 and a constitutively-open TPC2 L690A/L694A mutant channel; whereas it exerts little effect when applied in the channel’s closed state. PI-103, a YM201636 analog and an inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, also inhibits human TPC2 with an IC50of 0.64 μM. With mutational, virtual docking, and molecular dynamic simulation analyses, we found that YM201636 and PI-103 directly block the TPC2’s open-state channel pore at the bundle-cross pore-gate region where a nearby H699 residue is a key determinant for channel’s sensitivity to the inhibitors. H699 likely interacts with the blockers around the pore entrance and facilitates their access to the pore. Substitution of a Phe for H699 largely accounts for the TPC1 channel’s insensitivity to YM201636. These findings identify two potent TPC2 channel blockers, reveal a channel pore entrance blockade mechanism, and provide an ion channel target in interpreting the pharmacological effects of two commonly used phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors.
Prolonged breastfeeding protects from obesity by hypothalamic action of hepatic FGF21
Authors: Pena-Leon Veronica , Folgueira Cintia , Barja-Fernández Silvia , Pérez-Lois Raquel , Da Silva Lima Natália , Martin Marion , Heras Violeta , Martinez-Martinez Sara , Valero Paola , Iglesias Cristina , Duquenne Mannon , Al-Massadi Omar , Beiroa Daniel , Souto Yara , Fidalgo Miguel , Sowmyalakshmi Rasika , Guallar Diana , Cunarro Juan , Castelao Cecilia , Senra Ana , González-Saenz Patricia , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Leis Rosaura , Sabio Guadalupe , Mueller-Fielitz Helge , Schwaninger Markus , López Miguel , Tovar Sulay , Casanueva Felipe F. , Valjent Emmanuel , Diéguez Carlos , Prevot Vincent , Nogueiras Rubén , Seoane Luisa M.
Published: July 2022

Early-life determinants are thought to be a major factor in the rapid increase of obesity. However, while maternal nutrition has been extensively studied, the effects of breastfeeding by the infant on the reprogramming of energy balance in childhood and throughout adulthood remain largely unknown. Here we show that delayed weaning in rat pups protects them against diet-induced obesity in adulthood, through enhanced brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and energy expenditure. In-depth metabolic phenotyping in this rat model as well as in transgenic mice reveals that the effects of prolonged suckling are mediated by increased hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production and tanycyte-controlled access to the hypothalamus in adulthood. Specifically, FGF21 activates GABA-containing neurons expressing dopamine receptor 2 in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta. Prolonged breastfeeding thus constitutes a protective mechanism against obesity by affecting long-lasting physiological changes in liver-to-hypothalamus communication and hypothalamic metabolic regulation.
Sustained delivery of gemcitabine via in situ injectable mussel-inspired hydrogels for the local therapy of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xu Li , Tang Shengnan , Yang Huiquan , Liang Min , Ren Pengfei , Wei Dandan , He Jian , Kong Weiwei , Liu Peidang , Zhang Tianzhu
Published: July 2022

A desirable therapeutic strategy has been designed and optimized for the localized drug delivery system in vitro and in vivo against pancreatic cancer cells, having the highest possible deceleration of tumor growth with the minimum use of doses.
Specific extraction of nucleic acids employing pillar[6]arene-functionalized nanochannel platforms
Authors: Li Yu , Li Wenjie , Xu Weiwei , Huang Jinmei , Sun Zhongyue , Liao Tangbin , Kovaleva Elena G. , Xu Chuanlai , Cheng Jing , Li Haibing
Published: July 2022

Schematic of selective extraction of SSDNA by Gly-P6-functionalized nanochannels.
A new broadband near-infrared emitting Mg2Al4Si5O18:Cr3+ phosphor for night-vision imaging
Authors: Chen Guang , Nie Wendong , Zuo Jiaxing , Li Yan , Han Lei , Ye Xinyu
Published: July 2022

Phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) have important applications in security surveillance and food testing. However, developing new broadband near-infrared phosphors remains an important issue.
A MnOx–graphitic carbon composite from CO2 for sustainable Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Lacarbonara Giampaolo , Chini Sebastiano , Ratso Sander , Kruusenberg Ivar , Arbizzani Catia
Published: July 2022

Molten salt CO2 capture and electrochemical transformation (MSCC-ET) has been proposed as a sustainable synthetic method for Mn nanocrystalline inclusions in a graphitic matrix, which paves the way to new methods to produce composite materials.
Engineering the chemical structure of H-shaped reactive molecules for negative dispersion of retardation
Authors: Im Jaeheung , Kim Ja Won , Kang Yi Young , Nam Yunsu , Koh Won-Gun , Ka Jae-Won , Lee Ji-Hoon
Published: July 2022

Dependence of retardation dispersion on the chemical structure of H-shaped reactive molecules.
Thiolactone chemistry, a versatile platform for macromolecular engineering
Authors: Illy Nicolas , Mongkhoun Emma
Published: July 2022

This review covers the extensive use of γ-thiolactone chemistry as a versatile and powerful tool for macromolecular engineering and the preparation of various polymer architectures, such as functional, alternating, or sequence-controlled (co)polymers.
Bioinspired ionic hydrogel materials with excellent antifouling properties and high conductivity in dry and cold environments
Authors: Shi Qi , Mao Jiale , Cai Yudong , Gao Hainan , Li Shuhong , Cheng Donghao
Published: July 2022

A bioinspired ionic hydrogel-based antifouling material with excellent adaptability has been constructed, featured with ultralow adhesion to various solid/viscous liquid deposition, high ionic conductivity, and excellent mechanical properties.
An efficient vanadium/cobalt metaphosphate electrocatalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution in alkaline water splitting
Authors: Xu Kai , Guo Wen , Zhang Hongyan , Zhou Hao , Zhu Zizheng , Zhou Yilin , Liang Wenjie , Yu Tingting , Zhao Hong , He Maoshuai , Yang Tao
Published: July 2022

A Co-based electrocatalyst was synthesized through a facile soaking–phosphating method, which requires small overpotentials of 96 mV and 368 mV for obtaining 10 mA cm−2 in hydrogen evolution and 100 mA cm−2 in oxygen evolution, respectively.
Photocatalytic fluorosulfonylation of aliphatic carboxylic acid NHPI esters
Authors: Zhang Honghai , Li Shaojie , Zheng Han-Liang , Zhu Gangguo , Liao Saihu , Nie Xingliang
Published: July 2022

SO2radical insertion/fluorinationviaa photocatalytic redox strategy is developed, providing an efficient and reliable approach for the synthesis of alkylsulfonyl fluorides.
Dielectric response of thin water films: a thermodynamic perspective
Authors: Cox Stephen J. , Geissler Phillip L.
Published: July 2022

Free energy calculations from molecular simulations reveal that water's interfacial dielectric response is well-described by bulk properties.
Peptide-directed synthesis of chiral nano-bipyramids for controllable antibacterial application
Authors: Chen Panpan , Wang Gaoyang , Hao Changlong , Ma Wei , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai , Sun Maozhong
Published: July 2022

Chiral gold nano-bipyramids (GBPs) with sea cucumber-like morphology and an optical anisotropy factor of 0.102 at 573 nm are reported, and used in the fight against bacterial infection both in vitro and in vivo.
Thermo- and ion-responsive silk-elastin-like proteins and their multiscale mechanisms
Authors: Shi Haoyuan , Ji Ting , Zhai Chenxi , Lu Junting , Huang Wenwen , Yeo Jingjie
Published: July 2022

Three effects govern SELP's thermo- and ion-responsiveness to external stimuli: (1) each chain's inverse temperature transition, (2) intrachain geometry restraints due to aggregation, and (3) intermolecular electrostatic interactions.
Neuroinduction and neuroprotection co-enhanced spinal cord injury repair based on IL-4@ZIF-8-loaded hyaluronan–collagen hydrogels with nano-aligned and viscoelastic cues
Authors: Xin Nini , Liu Xiaoyin , Chen Suping , Zhang Yusheng , Wei Dan , Sun Jing , Zhou Liangxue , Wu Chengheng , Fan Hongsong
Published: July 2022

We developed a nano-aligned and viscoelastic hydrogel matrix embedded with IL-4@ZIF-8. This biomimetic hydrogel combining neuroinductive cues and neuroprotective cues showed promising prospects in SCI repair.
Silicone-containing thermoresponsive membranes to form an optical glucose biosensor
Authors: Dong Ping , Singh Kanwar Abhay , Soltes Amelia M. , Ko Brian S. , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , McShane Michael J. , Grunlan Melissa A.
Published: July 2022

An optical glucose biosensor was fabricated by tailoring a thermoresponsive membrane to house an oxygen-sensitive, phosphorescence lifetime glucose sensing assay. Silicone microparticles enhanced oxygen permeability, yielding a biosensor with an sensitivity range of 100 to 300 mg dL−1.
Synthesis, optical properties and applications of red/near-infrared carbon dots
Authors: Han Yi , Liccardo Letizia , Moretti Elisa , Zhao Haiguang , Vomiero Alberto
Published: July 2022

This review article summarizes the synthesis and the fluorescence mechanism together with the most important applications in thermometry, bio-imaging, LSCs and photocatalysis of red/near-infrared C-dots.
Recent advances in novel graphene: new horizons in renewable energy storage technologies
Authors: Tareen Ayesha Khan , Khan Karim , Iqbal Muhammad , Zhang Ye , Long Jianyu , Nazeer Faisal , Mahmood Asif , Mahmood Nasir , Shi Zhe , Ma Chunyang , Huan Weichun , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Yin Jinde , Li Chuan , Zhang Han
Published: July 2022

Graphene based supercapacitors and batteries are a highly competitive choice for electrochemical energy storage devices, thanks to their ultrahigh power density, improved rate capability, long-term cyclability, and remarkable safety.
Enhanced performance of a n-Si/p-GaTe heterojunction through interfacial passivation and thermal oxidation
Authors: Liu Yali , Wu Xiaoxiang , Guo Wenxuan , Li Mengge , Xiao Cong , Ou Tianjian , Yao Jiadong , Yu Ying , Zheng Yuan , Wang Yewu
Published: July 2022

We report a hybrid strategy to improve the responsivity and reduce the response time of a n-Si/p-GaTe heterojunction simultaneously through AlOx interface passivation and thermal oxidation.