bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A goal-systems perspective on plant-based eating: keys to successful adherence in university students
Authors: Vizcaino Maricarmen , Ruehlman Linda S , Karoly Paul , Shilling Katy , Berardy Andrew , Lines Sidney , Wharton Christopher M
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To explore adherence to a plant-based diet from the perspective of goals- and motivations-based systems.

Design:

A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted regarding eating patterns, goals and motivations for current eating habits.

Setting:

Data were collected using an online survey platform, including the Goal Systems Assessment Battery (GSAB) and other survey tools.

Participants:

University students were recruited, including thirty-three students reporting successful maintenance of a plant-based diet (Adherents) and sixty-three students trying to adhere to a plant-based diet (Non-adherents).

Results:

Using GSAB subscale scores, discriminant function analyses significantly differentiated adherents v. non-adherents, accounting for 49·0 % of between-group variance (χ2 (13) = 42·03, P < 0·000). It correctly classified 72·7 % of adherents and 88·9 % of non-adherents. Constructs including value, self-efficacy, planning/stimulus control and positive affect were significant and included in the discriminant function. Logistic regression results suggested that participants who successfully adhered to a plant-based diet were seventeen times more likely to report ‘To manage or treat a medical condition’ as motivation and almost seven times more likely to report ‘To align with my ethical beliefs’ as motivation compared with non-adherents. However, these participants were 94 % less likely to report ‘To maintain and/or improve my health’ as motivation compared with non-adherents. Controlling for motivations, hierarchical logistic regression showed that only planning as part of the GSAB self-regulatory system predicted adherence to a plant-based diet.

Conclusions:

Values-based approaches to plant-based diets, including consideration for ethical beliefs, self-efficacy and proper planning, may be key for successful maintenance of this diet long-term.
A narrative review of online food delivery in Australia: challenges and opportunities for public health nutrition policy
Authors: Bates Sarah , Reeve Belinda , Trevena Helen
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Online food delivery (OFD) platforms offer consumers a convenient and fast delivery service of foods and drinks sourced from foodservice partners (e.g. restaurants, quick service restaurants). There is a need to assess the impact of this emergent segment of the foodservice sector on diet and diet-related health. The aim of this narrative review was to describe the OFD sector in Australia, its use and identify potential ways to include OFD platforms in existing public health nutrition policy.

Design:

A search was conducted in peer-reviewed and grey literature. Sources were analysed and synthesised to report the characteristics of OFD platforms, delivery process, users and potential drivers of usage. The aim and scope of public health nutrition policies were analysed to identify ways of including OFD platforms.

Setting:

Australia.

Participants:

General population.

Results:

There are three main operators with 9000–16 000 foodservice partners based predominantly in the main cities of Australia. OFD revenue has grown by 72 % in the last 5 years and is predicted to increase driven by usage by working adults with high disposable income who demand convenience. Current policies and initiatives aimed at manufacturers, retailers and foodservice outlets do not specifically regulate OFD platforms, although there is scope for these to be extended to such platforms.

Conclusions:

OFD platforms are disruptors of the foodservice sector. Innovative and consistent health policy options that target the unique challenges and opportunities posed by OFD platforms are required to limit the potentially negative impact of OFD platforms on diet and diet-related health.
Radiotherapeutic management of brain tumours during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Balakrishnan Rajesh , Sebastian Patricia , B Rajkrishna , Venkatasai Jeyaanth Pulivadula , Backianathan Selvamani
Published: June 2020

Aim:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is bound to put tremendous pressure on the existing healthcare system. This aim of this technical note is to help in triaging patients with brain tumours who are sent for radiotherapy during this pandemic and to provide safe and evidence-based care.

Materials and Methods:

Published data for this review were identified by systematically searching PubMed database from November 2007 onwards with the following Medical Subject Heading (Mesh) terms ‘Brain tumours’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘coronavirus’, ‘SARS-nCoV-2’, ‘Radiotherapy’, ‘Guidelines’ ‘hypofractionation’ using Boolean search algorithm. Articles in English language were reviewed.

Results:

We tried to apply the as low as reasonable achievable (ALARA) principle in triaging and management of patients for radiotherapy. We identified protocols which have hypofractionated regimens (reducing patient visits to hospital, time spent in treatment console) with similar outcomes when compared to conventional fractionated regimens and not overburdening the healthcare facility. We also identified the tumours for which we could safely avoid or delay the initiation of radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

Treatment decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic rely on the safety first/do no harm principle and evidence-based prioritisation of cases for triage. This article is a tool to aid in triaging and prioritising brain tumour patient management. This is for consideration during the pandemic only and certainly not as a strategy for permanent practice change.
An Undivided Mind: John Habgood on Science and Religion
Authors: McGrath Alister
Published: June 2020

This study considers John Habgood’s understanding of the relation of science and religion, particularly his core notion that an ‘undivided mind’ engages different aspects of reality using disciplines of study appropriate to their specific subject matter. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of those views during his time as a research scientist at Cambridge, their location within the Anglican tradition, their expression in Habgood’s 1992 debate with Richard Dawkins, and their impact on his public ministry as Bishop of Durham and Archbishop of York, especially in public debates concerning bioethics.
External valvuloplasty of the saphenofemoral junction in insufficient great saphenous veins – six weeks results of a prospective multicentre trial
Authors: Mühlberger Dominic , Brenner Erich , Brockhoff Hannah , Frings Norbert , Geier Bruno , Mumme Achim , Reich-Schupke Stefanie , Rohrer Anna Lena , Steffen Horst-Peter , Stenger Dietmar , Stücker Markus , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2020

Summary: Background: Varicosis of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a common disease. Most of the therapeutic concepts attempt to remove or destroy the truncal vein. However, the absence of the GSV could be harmful for further treatments of artherosclerotic disease as the GSV is often used as bypass graft in lower extremity or coronary artery revascularisations. External valvuloplasty (EV) is one of the vein-sparing treatment options. The aim of this clinical study was to describe the outcome, safety and complications of this procedure in a prospective multicentre trial. Patients and methods: The function of the terminal and preterminal valve was restored by external valvuloplasty. Furthermore, multiple phlebectomies of tributaries were performed. Patients were reinvestigated six weeks after surgery. Primary endpoint was the function of the external valvuloplasty measured by diameter of the GSV and the prevalence of reflux in the GSV. The eligibility of the vein as a potential bypass graft was noticed. CEAP class and VCSS scores were analysed. Results: A total of 359 patients were included in the study. After six weeks 297 patients could be reinvestigated. The function of the external valvuloplasty was sufficient in 284 patients (95.6%). Treatment failed in 8 patients (2.6%) due to an occlusion or junctional reflux despite valvuloplasty. The GSV was estimated as suitable as a bypass graft in 261 patients (87.8%). Reflux at the saphenofemoral junction was significantly reduced after treatment and the diameter of the GSV near the saphenofemoral junction significantly decreased from 4.4 mm to 3.8 mm ( p < 0.05). The VCSS was significantly reduced from 4.6 preoperatively to 2.6 postoperatively. Conclusions: External repair of the great saphenous vein can reduce venous symptoms and may preserve the great saphenous vein as a bypass graft. Nevertheless, this treatment option is only suitable for a limited number of patients.
Relative Impact of Sea Ice and Temperature Changes on Arctic Marine Production
Authors: Gibson Georgina , Weijer Wilbert , Jeffery Nicole , Wang Shanlin
Published: June 2020

We use a modern Earth system model to approximate the relative importance of ice versus temperature on Arctic marine ecosystem dynamics. We show that while the model adequately simulates ice volume, water temperature, air‐sea CO2 flux, and annual primary production in the Arctic, itunderestimates upper water column nitrate across the region. This nitrate bias is likely responsible for the apparent underestimation of ice algae production. Despite this shortcoming, the model appears to be a useful tool for exploring the impacts of environmental change on phytoplankton production and carbon dynamics over the Arctic Ocean. Our experiments indicate that under a warmer climate scenario, the percentage of ocean warming that could be apportioned to a reduction in ice area ranged from 11% to 100%, while decreasing ice area could account for 22–100% of the increase in annual ocean primary production. The change to CO2 air‐sea flux in response to ice and temperature changes averaged an Arctic‐wide 5.5 Tg C yr−1 (3.5%) increase, into the ocean. This increased carbon sink may be short‐lived, as ice cover continues to decrease and the ocean warms. The change in carbon fixation from phytoplankton in response to increased temperatures and reduced ice was generally more than a magnitude larger than the changes to CO2 flux, highlighting the importance of fully considering changes to the marine ecosystem when assessing Arctic carbon cycle dynamics. Our work demonstrates the importance of ice dynamics in controlling ocean warming and production and thus the need for well‐behaved ice and BGC models within Earth system models if we hope to accurately predict Arctic changes.
Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds in Arctic Soil: A Field Study of Concentrations and Variability With Vegetation Cover
Authors: Wester‐Larsen Lærke , Kramshøj Magnus , Albers Christian N. , Rinnan Riikka
Published: June 2020

Soil biogenic volatile organic compounds (sBVOCs) contribute to ecosystem emissions and play an important role in the soil ecosystem. Most previous studies on sBVOCs have looked at emissions from excavated soil in the laboratory or in situ emissions from areas with bare soil, using chambers. So far, however, the actual BVOC concentrations in the soil have rarely been considered. Herein, we sought to explore the relationships between the vegetation cover in a low Arctic heath ecosystem in Western Greenland and the BVOC concentration in the soil below. In situ measurements were performed at 15‐cm depth in areas dominated by Cassiope tetragona, Empetrum nigrum, Salix glauca, and Betula nana and along a 36‐m‐long transect with mixed vegetation cover during the growing seasons of 2015–2017. sBVOC concentrations varied between the different vegetation covers, with higher concentrations below Cassiope and Betula compared to Empetrum. Furthermore, sBVOC concentrations differed along the transect, and this variation was also partly related to differences in the vegetation cover. Moreover, we demonstrate that installation of a soil probe, for sampling soil air, changes the composition and magnitude of sBVOCs up to 1 day after the installation.
Evaluation of a Customized Variable‐Resolution Global Model and its Application for High‐Resolution Weather Forecasts in East Asia
Authors: Lui Yuk Sing , Tam Chi‐Yung , Tse Louis Kwan‐Shu , Ng Ka‐Ki , Leung Wai‐Nang , Cheung Chi Chiu
Published: June 2020

The performance of a variable‐resolution global model, based on the Model for Prediction Across Scales‐Atmosphere (MPAS‐A) framework and with customized 160‐to‐1 km resolution grid mesh, was tested by simulating idealized flow fields as well as forecasting the evolution of actual weather systems. The mesh contains five levels of refinement, with 20, 15, 9, 3, and 1 km resolution covering central to East Asia, central to southern China, southeastern China, and Greater Bay Area/Hong Kong, respectively. Using a shallow‐water solver and MPAS‐A's solver, the mesh was evaluated against standard circularly refined meshes in simulating idealized steady‐state flows. Conservation properties and error growths in the 160‐to‐1 km and counterpart simulations were fairly comparable. By perturbing the steady flow, realistic baroclinic wave evolutions could be captured. Initialized by Global Forecast System (GFS), parallel experiments were further conducted with new‐Tiedtke (nTDK), Kain‐Fritsch (KF), and Tiedtke (TDK) cumulus schemes and a convection‐permitting suite (CP). Experiments showed that the model can give reasonable 5‐day outlooks and evolution of synoptic‐scale weather systems typically found in East Asia in various seasons. In particular, it can reproduce the mesoscale precipitation related to the Meiyu rainband (cold fronts) in summer (winter). When compared with station data, promising skills in predicting local temperature, humidity, and wind changes were found. It also performed slightly better using nTDK, KF, and TDK schemes, than adopting CP. Overall, by capturing multiscale features concurrently, these experiments gave reasonable global, regional, and local weather predictions, thereby demonstrating the practicality of using customized variable‐resolution meshes for high‐resolution short‐range weather forecasts under MPAS‐A framework.
Downscaling of Satellite Remote Sensing Soil Moisture Products Over the Tibetan Plateau Based on the Random Forest Algorithm: Preliminary Results
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Miao Fang , Wang Hao , Xu Zi‐Xin , Tang Zhiya , Yang Ling , Qi Shengxiu
Published: June 2020

Soil moisture (SM) is an important index of soil drought, and it directly controls the energy balance and water cycle of the land surface. As an indicator and amplifier of global warming, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is becoming warmer and wetter. Because of its particular geographical environment, large‐scale measurements of SM on the TP can only be achieved by satellite remote sensing. The resolution of current SM product of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite is 36 km, which is insufficient for many practical applications. In this study, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) are applied to increase the resolution of SM down to 1 km using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The preliminary results of the proposed algorithm are evaluated by station observations and other reanalysis products. The downscaled results are more consistent with the in situ observations, the Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS) from China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) than the original SMAP product. The downscaling algorithm is most effective for grasslands. It is demonstrated that high‐resolution SM products can be generated by fusing various features using machine‐learning algorithms.
Bridging the Gap Between Weather and Climate Predictions
Authors: Zhang Chidong
Published: June 2020

A special collection on subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction presents the latest progress in filling the gap between short-term weather prediction and longer-term climate prediction.
Association between systolic blood pressure and uric acid in Chinese children and adolescents with idiopathic short stature: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kou Shuang , Zhang Mei , Ji Baolan , Zhao Qianqian , Li Yanying , Pan Hui , Ban Bo , Li Ping
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and uric acid (UA) in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS). The present study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 210 Chinese children and adolescents with ISS were included, and their anthropometrics and biochemical parameters were measured. Growth hormone peak levels were assessed after provocation tests with L-dopa and insulin. The univariate analysis results showed a significant positive association between UA and SBP levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a non-linear relationship was detected between UA and SBP. In multivariate piecewise linear regression, the inflection point of UA was 4.13 mg/dl (95% CI 3.28, 6.65; P = 0.03), the levels of SBP increased with the increase in UA when the UA level was >4.13 mg/dl (β 2.63, 95% CI: 0.94, 4.31; P = 0.002). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between UA and SBP when the UA level was <4.13 mg/dl (β −2.72, 95% CI −6.89, 1.45; P = 0.202). Our study found a nonlinear relationship between UA and SBP in Chinese children and adolescents with ISS and showed that SBP levels were associated positively with the rise of UA levels when the UA levels reached the inflection point.
Opioid antagonists are associated with a reduction in the symptoms of schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Clark Samuel D. , Van Snellenberg Jared X. , Lawson Jacqueline M. , Abi-Dargham Anissa
Published: June 2020

Current treatments for the symptoms of schizophrenia are only effective for positive symptoms in some individuals, and have considerable side effects that impact compliance. Thus, there is a need to investigate the efficacy of other compounds in treating both positive and negative symptoms. We conducted a meta-analysis of English language placebo-controlled clinical trials of naloxone, naltrexone, nalmefene, and buprenorphine in patients with schizophrenia to determine whether opioid antagonists have therapeutic efficacy on positive, negative, total, or general symptoms. We searched online databases Ovid Medline and PsychINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane library/CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1970 through February 2019. Following PRISMA guidelines, Hedges g was calculated for each study. Primary study outcomes were the within-subject change on any symptom assessment scale for positive, negative, total, or general symptoms of schizophrenia between active drug and placebo conditions. Thirty studies were included with 434 total patients. We found a significant effect of all drugs on all scales combined with both a standard random effects model: (g = 0.26; P = 0.02; k = 22; CI = 0.03–0.49) and a more inclusive bootstrap model: (g = 0.26; P = 0.0002; k = 30; CI = 0.11–0.51) and a significant effect on total scales with the bootstrap model (g = 0.25288; P = 0.015; k = 19; CI = 0.04–0.35). We also observed a significant effect of all drugs on all positive scales combined with both the random effects (g = 0.33; P = 0.015; k = 17; CI = 0.07–0.60) and bootstrap models (g = 0.32; P < 0.0001; k = 21; CI = 0.13–1.38). This evidence provides support for further testing in randomized clinical trials of a new class of non-D2-receptor drugs, based on opioid mechanisms, for the treatment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Competitive traits of coral symbionts may alter the structure and function of the microbiome
Authors: McIlroy Shelby E , Wong Jane C Y , Baker David M
Published: June 2020

In the face of global warming and unprecedented coral bleaching, a new avenue of research is focused on relatively rare algal symbionts and their ability to confer thermal tolerance to their host by association. Yet, thermal tolerance is just one of many physiological attributes inherent to the diversity of symbiodinians, a result of millions of years of competition and niche partitioning. Here, we revealed that competition among cocultured symbiodinians alters nutrient assimilation and compound production with species-specific responses. For Cladocopium goreaui, a species ubiquitous within stable coral associations, temperature stress increased sensitivity to competition eliciting a shift toward investment in cell replication, i.e., putative niche exploitation. Meanwhile, competition led Durusdinium trenchii, a thermally tolerant “background” symbiodinian, to divert resources from immediate growth to storage. As such, competition may be driving the dominance of C. goreaui outside of temperature stress, the destabilization of symbioses under thermal stress, the repopulation of coral tissues by D. trenchii following bleaching, and ultimately undermine the efficacy of symbiont turnover as an adaptive mechanism.
Mitochondria in skin health, aging, and disease
Authors: Sreedhar Annapoorna , Aguilera-Aguirre Leopoldo , Singh Keshav K.
Published: June 2020

The skin is a high turnover organ, and its constant renewal depends on the rapid proliferation of its progenitor cells. The energy requirement for these metabolically active cells is met by mitochondrial respiration, an ATP generating process driven by a series of protein complexes collectively known as the electron transport chain (ETC) that is located on the inner membrane of the mitochondria. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide, singlet oxygen, peroxides are inevitably produced during respiration and disrupt macromolecular and cellular structures if not quenched by the antioxidant system. The oxidative damage caused by mitochondrial ROS production has been established as the molecular basis of multiple pathophysiological conditions, including aging and cancer. Not surprisingly, the mitochondria are the primary organelle affected during chronological and UV-induced skin aging, the phenotypic manifestations of which are the direct consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction. Also, deletions and other aberrations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are frequent in photo-aged skin and skin cancer lesions. Recent studies have revealed a more innate role of the mitochondria in maintaining skin homeostasis and pigmentation, which are affected when the essential mitochondrial functions are impaired. Some common and rare skin disorders have a mitochondrial involvement and include dermal manifestations of primary mitochondrial diseases as well as congenital skin diseases caused by damaged mitochondria. With studies increasingly supporting the close association between mitochondria and skin health, its therapeutic targeting in the skin—either via an ATP production boost or free radical scavenging—has gained attention from clinicians and aestheticians alike. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified that improve mitochondrial functions and have proved effective against aged and diseased skin. In this review, we discuss the essential role of mitochondria in regulating normal and abnormal skin physiology and the possibility of targeting this organelle in various skin disorders.
Evolution of multiple sex-chromosomes associated with dynamic genome reshuffling in Leptidea wood-white butterflies
Authors: Yoshido Atsuo , Šíchová Jindra , Pospíšilová Kristýna , Nguyen Petr , Voleníková Anna , Šafář Jan , Provazník Jan , Vila Roger , Marec František
Published: June 2020

Sex-chromosome systems tend to be highly conserved and knowledge about their evolution typically comes from macroevolutionary inference. Rapidly evolving complex sex-chromosome systems represent a rare opportunity to study the mechanisms of sex-chromosome evolution at unprecedented resolution. Three cryptic species of wood-white butterflies—Leptidea juvernica, L. sinapis and L. reali—have each a unique set of multiple sex-chromosomes with 3–4 W and 3–4 Z chromosomes. Using a transcriptome-based microarray for comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) and a library of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, both developed in L. juvernica, we identified Z-linked Leptidea orthologs of Bombyx mori genes and mapped them by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with BAC probes on multiple Z chromosomes. In all three species, we determined synteny blocks of autosomal origin and reconstructed the evolution of multiple sex-chromosomes. In addition, we identified W homologues of Z-linked orthologs and characterised their molecular differentiation. Our results suggest that the multiple sex-chromosome system evolved in a common ancestor as a result of dynamic genome reshuffling through repeated rearrangements between the sex chromosomes and autosomes, including translocations, fusions and fissions. Thus, the initial formation of neo-sex chromosomes could not have played a role in reproductive isolation between these Leptidea species. However, the subsequent species-specific fissions of several neo-sex chromosomes could have contributed to their reproductive isolation. Then, significantly increased numbers of Z-linked genes and independent neo-W chromosome degeneration could accelerate the accumulation of genetic incompatibilities between populations and promote their divergence resulting in speciation.
Publisher Correction: Optoplasmonic characterisation of reversible disulfide interactions at single thiol sites in the attomolar regime
Authors: Vincent Serge , Subramanian Sivaraman , Vollmer Frank
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Photoluminescence of compact GeSi quantum dot groups with increased probability of finding an electron in Ge
Authors: Zinovieva A. F. , Zinovyev V. A. , Nenashev A. V. , Teys S. A. , Dvurechenskii A. V. , Borodavchenko O. M. , Zhivulko V. D. , Mudryi A. V.
Published: June 2020

The photoluminescence (PL) of the combined Ge/Si structures representing a combination of large (200–250 nm) GeSi disk-like quantum dots (nanodisks) and four-layered stacks of compact groups of smaller (30 nm) quantum dots grown in the strain field of nanodisks was studied. The multiple increase in the PL intensity was achieved by the variation of parameters of vertically aligned quantum dot groups. The experimental results were analyzed on the basis of calculations of energy spectra, electron and hole wave functions. It was found that the quantum dot arrangement in compact groups provides the effective electron localization in Δx,y-valleys with an almost equal probability of finding an electron in the Si spacer and Ge barrier. As a result, the main channels of radiative recombination in the structures under study correspond to spatially direct optical transitions.
Cell jamming, stratification and p63 expression in cultivated human corneal epithelial cell sheets
Authors: Baba Koichi , Sasaki Kei , Morita Mio , Tanaka Tomoyo , Teranishi Yosuke , Ogasawara Takahiro , Oie Yoshinori , Kusumi Izumi , Inoie Masukazu , Hata Ken-ichiro , Quantock Andrew J. , Kino-oka Masahiro , Nishida Kohji
Published: June 2020

Corneal limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation using cultivated human corneal epithelial cell sheets has been used successfully to treat limbal stem cell deficiencies. Here we report an investigation into the quality of cultivated human corneal epithelial cell sheets using time-lapse imaging of the cell culture process every 20 minutes over 14 days to ascertain the level of cell jamming, a phenomenon in which cells become smaller, more rounded and less actively expansive. In parallel, we also assessed the expression of p63, an important corneal epithelial stem cell marker. The occurrence of cell jamming was variable and transient, but was invariably associated with a thickening and stratification of the cell sheet. p63 was present in all expanding cell sheets in the first 9 days of culture, but it’s presence did not always correlate with stratification of the cell sheet. Nor did p63 expression necessarily persist in stratified cell sheets. An assessment of cell jamming, therefore, can shed significant light on the quality and regenerative potential of cultivated human corneal epithelial cell sheets.
The endocast of the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) reveals insights into its sensory ecology and the evolution of nocturnality in birds
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Keirnan Aubrey R. , Janetzki Heather , Mardon Karine , Murphy Stephen , Leseberg Nicholas P. , Weisbecker Vera
Published: June 2020

The Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is a rare, nocturnal parrot species that has largely escaped scientific investigation due to its behaviour and habitat preferences. Recent field studies have revealed some insights into Night Parrot behaviour, but nothing is known of its sensory abilities. Here, we used μCT scans of an intact Night Parrot specimen to determine if its visual system shares similarities with other nocturnal species. The endocast of the Night Parrot revealed relatively small optic lobes and optic foramina, especially compared with closely related grass parakeets, but no apparent differences in orbit dimensions. Our data suggests that the Night Parrot likely has lower visual acuity than most other parrots, including its congener, the Eastern Ground Parrot (P. wallicus). We propose that the visual system of the Night Parrot might represent a compromise between the need to see under low light conditions and the visual acuity required to detect predators, forage, and fly. Based on the endocast and optic foramen measurements, the Night Parrot fits into a common pattern of decreased retinal input to the optic lobes in birds that should be explored more thoroughly in extant and extinct species.
A Hybrid {Silk@Zirconium MOF} Material as Highly Efficient AsIII-sponge
Authors: Georgiou Yiannis , Rapti Sofia , Mavrogiorgou Alexandra , Armatas Gerasimos , Manos Manolis J. , Louloudi Maria , Deligiannakis Yiannis
Published: June 2020

Exposure of humans to Arsenic from groundwater drinking sources is an acute global public health problem, entailing the urgent need for highly efficient/low-cost Arsenite (AsIII) up-taking materials. Herein we present an innovative hybrid-material, ZrMOF@SFd operating like an “AsIII-sponge” with unprecedented efficiency of 1800 mg AsIII gr−1. ZrMOF@SFd consists of a neutral Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework [ZrMOF] covalently grafted on a natural silk-fiber (SFd). ZrMOF itself exhibits AsIII adsorption of 2200 mg gr−1, which supersedes any -so far- known AsΙΙΙ-sorbent. Using XPS, FTIR, BET-porosimetry data, together with theoretical Surface-Complexation-Modeling (SCM), we show that the high-AsΙΙΙ-uptake is due to a sequence of two phenomena:[i] at low AsIII-concentrations, surface-complexation of H3AsO3 results in AsIII-coated voids of ZrMOF, [ii] at increased AsIII-concentrations, the AsIII-coated voids of ZrMOF are filled-up by H3AsO3via a partitioning-like mechanism. In a more general context, the present research exemplifies a mind-changing concept, i.e. that a “partitioning-like” mechanism can be operating for adsorption of metalloids, such as H3AsO3, by metal oxide materials. So far, such a mechanism has been conceptualized only for the uptake of non-polar organics by natural organic matter or synthetic polymers.
Combining Physiological and Neuroimaging Measures to Predict Affect Processing Induced by Affectively Valent Image Stimuli
Authors: Wilson Kayla A. , James G. Andrew , Kilts Clint D. , Bush Keith A.
Published: June 2020

The importance of affect processing to human behavior has long driven researchers to pursue its measurement. In this study, we compared the relative fidelity of measurements of neural activation and physiology (i.e., heart rate change) in detecting affective valence induction across a broad continuum of conveyed affective valence. We combined intra-subject neural activation based multivariate predictions of affective valence with measures of heart rate (HR) deceleration to predict predefined normative affect rating scores for stimuli drawn from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) in a population (n = 50) of healthy adults. In sum, we found that patterns of neural activation and HR deceleration significantly, and uniquely, explain the variance in normative valent scores associated with IAPS stimuli; however, we also found that patterns of neural activation explain a significantly greater proportion of that variance. These traits persisted across a range of stimulus sets, differing by the polar-extremity of their positively and negatively valent subsets, which represent the positively and negatively valent polar-extremity of stimulus sets reported in the literature. Overall, these findings support the acquisition of heart rate deceleration concurrently with fMRI to provide convergent validation of induced affect processing in the dimension of affective valence.
The trimer to monomer transition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha is a dynamic process that is significantly altered by therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Daub Herwin , Traxler Lukas , Ismajli Fjolla , Groitl Bastian , Itzen Aymelt , Rant Ulrich
Published: June 2020

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) readily forms homotrimers at sub-nM concentrations to promote inflammation. For the treatment of inflammatory diseases with upregulated levels of TNF-α, a number of therapeutic antibodies are currently used as scavengers to reduce the active TNF-α concentration in patients. Despite their clinical success, the mode-of-action of different antibody formats with regard to a stabilization of the trimeric state is not entirely understood. Here, we use a biosensor with dynamic nanolevers to analyze the monomeric and trimeric states of TNF-α together with the binding kinetics of therapeutic biologics. The intrinsic trimer-to-monomer decay rate k = 1.7 × 10−3 s−1 could be measured directly using a microfluidic system, and antibody binding affinities were analyzed in the pM range. Trimer stabilization effects are quantified for Adalimumab, Infliximab, Etanercept, Certolizumab, Golimumab for bivalent and monovalent binding formats. Clear differences in trimer stabilization are observed, which may provide a deeper insight into the mode-of-action of TNF-α scavengers.
Shotgun sequencing of honey DNA can describe honey bee derived environmental signatures and the honey bee hologenome complexity
Authors: Bovo Samuele , Utzeri Valerio Joe , Ribani Anisa , Cabbri Riccardo , Fontanesi Luca
Published: June 2020

Honey bees are large-scale monitoring tools due to their extensive environmental exploration. In their activities and from the hive ecosystem complex, they get in close contact with many organisms whose traces can be transferred into the honey, which can represent an interesting reservoir of environmental DNA (eDNA) signatures and information useful to analyse the honey bee hologenome complexity. In this study, we tested a deep shotgun sequencing approach of honey DNA coupled with a specifically adapted bioinformatic pipeline. This methodology was applied to a few honey samples pointing out DNA sequences from 191 organisms spanning different kingdoms or phyla (viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, protozoans, arthropods, mammals). Bacteria included the largest number of species. These multi-kingdom signatures listed common hive and honey bee gut microorganisms, honey bee pathogens, parasites and pests, which resembled a complex interplay that might provide a general picture of the honey bee pathosphere. Based on the Apis mellifera filamentous virus genome diversity (the most abundant detected DNA source) we obtained information that could define the origin of the honey at the apiary level. Mining Apis mellifera sequences made it possible to identify the honey bee subspecies both at the mitochondrial and nuclear genome levels.
Interactions of Multiple Biological Fields in Stored Grain Ecosystems
Authors: Wu Z. D. , Zhang Q. , Yin J. , Wang X. M. , Zhang Z. J. , Wu W. F. , Li F. J.
Published: June 2020

Biological entities such as fungi in stored grain evolve and interact with the environment in similar fashions as physical fields. An experiment was conducted to study the behavior of the biological field of fungi in stored grain, as well as the interactions between the biological field of fungi and the physical fields of temperature and moisture. A framework of the biological field is presented to describe biological systems in which multiple biological entities co-exist and interact among themselves and with the surrounding environment. The proposed biological field describes the spatio-temporal distribution of a biological entity and its ability of influencing (or being influenced by) the surrounding biotic and abiotic entities through exchange of energy, matter, and/or information. The strength of a biological field of fungi was quantified as the rate of energy conversion by fungi from grain starch to heat. The experimental data showed that the strength of biological field of fungi in stored grain varied in both space and time, with the maximum field strength of 120–133 W m−3 occurred at the location where the biological field of fungi interacted strongly with the temperature and moisture fields.
Catalyst-Free One-Pot Synthesis of Densely Substituted Pyrazole-Pyrazines as Anti-Colorectal Cancer Agents
Authors: Xu Jia , Tan Hong-Bo , Zhang Ya-Jun , Tang Dian-Yong , Zhan Fenghuang , Li Hong-yu , Chen Zhong-Zhu , Xu Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2020

The first catalyst-free post-Ugi cascade methodology was developed for expeditious access to structurally diverse and complex pyrazole-pyrazines in one-pot. This novel cascade reaction features an intramolecular N2-arylation of pyrazoles with allenes at the C-β position of triple bond. Screening in the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW620 validated the feasibility of the methodology for generating bioactive compounds. The lead compound 7h which is active against HCT116 and SW620 with IC50 of 1.3 and 1.8 µM, respectively, can be synthesized and purified in a gram process synthetic scale in 7 hours. The mechanical studies indicated that compound 7h can induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and inhibit proliferation and viability in human colon cancer cells. Overall, compound 7h is represented as a promising starting point for the development of new anti-colorectal cancer drugs.
Continuous association of total bile acid levels with the risk of small for gestational age infants
Authors: Li Li , Chen Wei , Ma Li , Liu Zhi Bing , Lu Xue , Gao Xing Xing , Liu Yan , Wang Hua , Zhao Mei , Li Xiao Lan , Cong Lin , Xu De Xiang , Chen Yuan Hua
Published: June 2020

The association between maternal serum total bile acid (TBA) levels and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants is unclear. We investigated the association between various degrees of serum TBA levels and the risk of SGA infants in a Chinese population. The current study performed a cohort study among 11811 mothers with singleton pregnancy. Subjects were divided into seven categories according to maternal serum TBA levels. Interestingly, birth sizes were reduced, whereas the rate of SGA infants was increased across increasing categories of serum TBA. Compared to category 1, adjusted ORs (95%CI) for SGA infants were 0.99 (0.82–1.21) in category 2, 1.22 (0.97–1.53) in category 3, 1.99 (1.53–2.58) in category 4, 2.91 (2.16–3.93) in category 5, 4.29 (3.33–5.54) in category 6, and 9.01 (5.99–13.53) in category 7, respectively. Furthermore, adjusted ORs (95%CI) for SGA infants for each 1-SD increase in serum TBA levels were 1.36 (1.29–1.43) among all subjects, 2.40 (1.82–3.45) among subjects without cholestasis, and 1.13 (1.06–1.22) among subjects with cholestasis, respectively. These results suggest that gestational cholestasis increases the risk of SGA infants. Additionally, our results indicate strong, continuous associations of serum TBA levels below those diagnostic of cholestasis with a decreased birth sizes and an increased risk of SGA infants.
Structural Insight of the Full-Length Ros Protein: A Prototype of the Prokaryotic Zinc-Finger Family
Authors: D’Abrosca Gianluca , Paladino Antonella , Baglivo Ilaria , Russo Luigi , Sassano Marica , Grazioso Rinaldo , Iacovino Rosa , Pirone Luciano , Pedone Emilia Maria , Pedone Paolo Vincenzo , Isernia Carla , Fattorusso Roberto , Malgieri Gaetano
Published: June 2020

Ros/MucR is a widespread family of bacterial zinc-finger (ZF) containing proteins that integrate multiple functions such as virulence, symbiosis and/or cell cycle transcription. NMR solution structure of Ros DNA-binding domain (region 56–142, i.e. Ros87) has been solved by our group and shows that the prokaryotic ZF domain shows interesting structural and functional features that differentiate it from its eukaryotic counterpart as it folds in a significantly larger zinc-binding globular domain. We have recently proposed a novel functional model for this family of proteins suggesting that they may act as H-NS-‘like’ gene silencers. Indeed, the N-terminal region of this family of proteins appears to be responsible for the formation of functional oligomers. No structural characterization of the Ros N-terminal domain (region 1–55) is available to date, mainly because of serious solubility problems of the full-length protein. Here we report the first structural characterization of the N-terminal domain of the prokaryotic ZF family examining by means of MD and NMR the structural preferences of the full-length Ros protein from Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
Performance of hybrids between abiotic stress-tolerant transgenic rice and its weedy relatives under water-stressed conditions
Authors: Nam Kyong-Hee , Kim Do Young , Moon Ye Seul , Pack In Soon , Jeong Soon-Chun , Kim Ho Bang , Kim Chang-Gi
Published: June 2020

Gene transfer from transgenic crops to their weedy relatives may introduce undesired ecological consequences that can increase the fitness and invasiveness of weedy populations. Here, we examined the rate of gene flow from abiotic stress-tolerant transgenic rice that over-express AtCYP78A7, a gene encoding cytochrome P450 protein, to six weedy rice accessions and compared the phenotypic performance and drought tolerance of their hybrids over generations. The rate of transgene flow from AtCYP78A7-overexpressing transgenic to weedy rice varied between 0% and 0.0396%. F1 hybrids containing AtCYP78A7 were significantly taller and heavier, but the percentage of ripened grains, grain numbers and weight per plant were significantly lower than their transgenic and weedy parents. The homozygous and hemizygous F2 progeny showed higher tolerance to drought stress than the nullizygous F2 progeny, as indicated by leaf rolling scores. Shoot growth of nullizygous F3 progeny was significantly greater than weedy rice under water-deficient conditions in a rainout shelter, however, that of homozygous F3 progeny was similar to weedy rice, indicating the cost of continuous expression of transgene. Our findings imply that gene flow from AtCYP78A7-overexpressing transgenic to weedy rice might increase drought tolerance as shown in the pot experiment, however, increased fitness under stressed conditions in the field were not observed for hybrid progeny containing transgenes.
Self-reported snoring is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Hui , Gao Qian , He Simin , Bao Yanping , Sun Hongwei , Meng Lingxian , Liang Jie , Sun Chenming , Chen Shuohua , Cao Liying , Huang Wei , Zhang Yanmin , Huang Jianjun , Wu Shouling , Wang Tong
Published: June 2020

Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), studies on the direct relationship between NAFLD and snoring, an early symptom of OSAS, are limited. We evaluated whether snorers had higher risk of developing NAFLD. The study was performed using data of the Tongmei study (cross-sectional survey, 2,153 adults) and Kailuan study (ongoing prospective cohort, 19,587 adults). In both studies, NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasound; snoring frequency was determined at baseline and classified as none, occasional (1 or 2 times/week), or habitual (≥3 times/week). Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic and Cox models, respectively. During 10 years’ follow-up in Kailuan, 4,576 individuals with new-onset NAFLD were identified at least twice. After adjusting confounders including physical activity, perceived salt intake, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic syndrome (MetS), multivariate-adjusted ORs and HRs for NAFLD comparing habitual snorers to non-snorers were 1.72 (1.25–2.37) and 1.29 (1.16–1.43), respectively. These associations were greater among lean participants (BMI < 24) and similar across other subgroups (sex, age, MetS, hypertension). Snoring was independently and positively associated with higher prevalence and incidence of NAFLD, indicating that habitual snoring is a useful predictor of NAFLD, particularly in lean individuals.
Displacement detection is suppressed by the post-saccadic stimulus
Authors: Takano Shuhei , Matsumiya Kazumichi , Tseng Chia-huei , Kuriki Ichiro , Deubel Heiner , Shioiri Satoshi
Published: June 2020

To establish a perceptually stable world despite the large retinal shifts caused by saccadic eye movements, the visual system reduces its sensitivity to the displacement of visual stimuli during saccades (e.g. saccadic suppression of displacement, SSD). Previous studies have demonstrated that inserting a temporal blank right after a saccade improves displacement detection performance. This ‘blanking effect’ suggests that visual information right after the saccade may play an important role in SSD. To understand the mechanisms underlying SSD, we here compare the effect of pre- and post-saccadic stimulus contrast on displacement detection during a saccade with and without inserting a blank. Our results show that observers’ sensitivity to detect visual displacement was reduced by increasing post-saccadic stimulus contrast, but a blank relieves the impairment. We successfully explain the results with a model proposing that parvo-pathway signals suppress the magno-pathway processes responsible for detecting displacements across saccades. Our results suggest that the suppression of the magno-pathway by parvo-pathway signals immediately after a saccade causes SSD, which helps to achieve the perceptual stability of the visual world across saccades.
Aggrecanase-selective tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) protects articular cartilage in a surgical mouse model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Vo Phoung , Kanakis Ioannis , Liu Ke , Bou-Gharios George
Published: June 2020

A key feature of osteoarthritis is the gradual loss of articular cartilage and bone deformation, resulting in the impairment of joint function. The primary cause of cartilage destruction is considered to be the presence of elevated proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). However, clinically tested global MMP inhibitors have low efficacy that may be due to their lack of selectivity. We previously demonstrated in vitro that a variant of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 ([-1A]TIMP3) inhibits ADAMTSs but not MMPs. In this study, we tested whether the selectivity of [-1A]TIMP3 is beneficial compared with that of the wild-type TIMP3 in preventing or delaying the onset of the degenerative effects in a mouse model of osteoarthritis. We generated transgenic mice that overexpressed TIMP3 or [-1A]TIMP3 driven by a chondrocyte-specific type II collagen promoter. TIMP3 transgenic mice showed compromised bone integrity as opposed to [-1A]TIMP3 mice. After surgically induced joint instability, TIMP3 overexpression proved to be less protective in cartilage destruction than [-1A]TIMP3 at late stages of OA. The selective inhibition of ADAMTSs provides the possibility of modifying TIMP3 to specifically target a class of cartilage-degrading proteinases and to minimize adverse effects on bone and possibly other tissues.