bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green light attenuates blue‐light‐induced chloroplast avoidance movement in Arabidopsis and Landoltia punctata
Authors: Schmalstig Judy G. , Jainandan Kenneth
Published: August 2021

Premise

Chloroplast movement to the anticlinal walls in excess light, referred to as chloroplast avoidance movement, is one strategy to prevent high light damage. Chloroplast avoidance movement is mediated by the blue‐light photoreceptor phototropin. Since some blue‐light effects are reversed by green light, we investigated the effect of green wavelengths on chloroplast avoidance.

Methods

Chloroplast position was visualized via microscopy and by transmission of red light through the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana and Landoltia punctata (duckweed).

Results

Green light reduced blue‐light‐induced chloroplast avoidance movement but only when green light was presented simultaneously with blue light. Green light alone had no effect on chloroplast position. An action spectrum for green‐light attenuation of chloroplast avoidance in duckweed revealed peaks at 510, 550, and 590 nm. Blue‐light‐induced chloroplast avoidance movement in three Arabidopsis mutants with reduced nonphotochemical quenching, npq1, npq4, and npq7 was not affected by green light.

Conclusions

The action spectrum does not conform to any known photoreceptor. The lack of a green‐light response in the npq mutants of Arabidopsis suggests a possible role for the xanthophyll cycle or a signal from the chloroplast in control of chloroplast avoidance movement.
Molecular framework underlying floral bilateral symmetry and nectar spur development in Tropaeolum, an atypical member of the Brassicales
Authors: Martínez‐Salazar Sebastián , González Favio , Alzate Juan F. , Pabón‐Mora Natalia
Published: August 2021

Premise

Floral spurs are key innovations associated with elaborate pollination mechanisms that have evolved independently several times across angiosperms. Spur formation can shift the floral symmetry from radial to bilateral, as it is the case in Tropaeolum, the only member of the Brassicales with floral nectar spurs. The genetic mechanisms underlying both spur and bilateral symmetry in the family have not yet been investigated.

Methods

We studied flower development and morphoanatomy of Tropaeolum longifolium. We also generated a reference transcriptome and isolated all candidate genes involved in adaxial–abaxial differential growth during spur formation. Finally, we evaluated the evolution of the targeted genes across Brassicales and examined their expression in dissected floral parts.

Results

Five sepals initiate spirally, followed by five petals alternate to the sepals, five antesepalous stamens, three antepetalous stamens, and three carpels. Intercalary growth at the common base of sepals and petals forms a floral tube. The spur is an outgrowth from the adaxial region of the tube, lined up with the medial sepal. We identified Tropaeolum specific duplications in the TCP3/4L and STM gene lineages, which are critical for spur formation in other taxa. In addition, we found that TM6 (MADS‐box), RL2 (RAD‐like7), and KN2/6L2 and OSH6L (KNOX1 genes), have been lost in core Brassicales but retained in Tropaeolum.

Conclusions

Three genes are pivotal during the extreme adaxial–abaxial asymmetry of the floral tube, namely, TlTCP4L2 restricted to the adaxial side where the spur is formed, and TlTCP12 and TlSTM1 to the abaxial side, lacking a spur.
Hartnup disease presenting as hereditary spastic paraplegia and severe peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Wang Xianling , Li Xu‐Ying , Piao Yueshan , Yuan Guobin , Lin Yicong , Chen Hai , Wang Zhanjun , Li Cunjiang , Wang Chaodong
Published: August 2021

Hartnup disease cases were rare, and the genotype–phenotype correlation was not fully understood. Here we reported two unrelated young men diagnosed as Hartnup disease, who carried novel compound heterozygote mutations in the SLC6A19 gene and presented with new phenotypes. Other than intermittent encephalopathy and photosensitive rashes, they displayed symptoms and signs of spastic paraplegia and severe peripheral nerve damages. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild bilateral cerebellar atrophy and thinning of the thoracic spinal cord. Electromyogram detected mixed sensorimotor polyneuropathy in lower limbs. Sural nerve biopsy and pathological study indicated the moderately reduced neural fibers in the periphery nerves. Urinary amino acid analysis showed increased levels of multiple neutral amino acids. Moreover, muscle strengths in the lower limbs and the walking ability have been improved in both cases (MRC 3/5 to 4/5 in Patient 1; walking distance elongated from 50 to 100 m in Patient 2) after the treatment with oral nicotinic acid and intravenous injection of multiple amino acids. Exome sequencing revealed and confirmed the existence of the novel compound heterozygous SLC6A19 mutations: c.533G>A (p.Arg178Gln) and c.1379‐1G>C mutations in patient1, and c.1433delG (p.Gly478AlafsTer44) and c.811G>A (p.Ala271Thr) in patient 2. Taken together, these findings expanded the clinical, neuroimaging, pathology, and genetic spectrum of Hartnup disease. However, the co‐existence of HSP and peripheral neuropathy was only inferred based on clinical observations, and pathological and molecular studies are needed to further dissect the underlying mechanisms.
C1‐Functionalization of 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs)
Authors: Tashrifi Zahra , Mohammadi Khanaposhtani Mohammad , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) and its derivatives possess a widespread biochemical, pharmaceutical and biological properties and they are the key building blocks in the structure of drugs and natural alkaloids. Accordingly, construction of multi‐substituted and polycyclic THIQs through functionalization of THIQs at different positions especially at C1‐position have come to the center of attraction in recent studies. In this review, we've focused on the classification of C1‐functionalization of THIQs in the research articles from 2013 on, including a brief description of the reaction mechanisms for the synthesis of multi‐substituted and polycyclic THIQs based on the type of substituents at the 1‐position of the THIQ moiety. From this point of view, the main categories are C1‐Functionalization and C1‐Functionalization with annulation.
Practical Syntheses and Luminescent Properties of Arene‐substituted Arsines
Authors: Kihara Hyota , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: August 2021

Aryldiphenylarsines, diarylphenylarsines, and triarylarsines were synthesized by practical methods to utilize the heavy atom effect for phosphorescence. 1‐Naphthyl, 2‐naphthyl, 9‐phenanthryl, and 1‐pyrenyl groups were introduced in the present work. The obtained arene‐substituted arsines showed phosphorescence in solutions at 77 K. On the other hand, 1‐pyrenyl‐substituted arsines showed only fluorescence in the solid states at 77 K, whereas the others exhibited phosphorescence. In addition, oxidation of the arsenic atom promoted fluorescence instead of phosphorescence. X‐ray crystallography and computational calculations were conducted to understand the luminescence behaviors of the arene‐substituted arsines.
Li2MTeO6 (M=Ti, Sn): Mid‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystal with Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response and Wide Transparency Range
Authors: Du Xiaoli , Guo Xiaojie , Gao Zeliang , Liu Fuan , Guo Feifei , Wang Siyuan , Wang Haoyuan , Sun Youxuan , Tao Xutang
Published: August 2021

Oxide crystals have been widely used in nonlinear optics (NLO) in the ultraviolet–visible and near‐infrared regions. Most traditional oxide crystals are restricted to the mid‐infrared region due to their narrow transmission window. Hence, attempting to extend infrared cutoff wavelength of oxides has attracted much attention. Herein, we report two new tellurates Li2TiTeO6 (LTT) and Li2SnTeO6 (LST) with broad transparent regions of 0.38–6.72 and 0.38–6.86 μm, respectively, as excellent candidates for mid‐infrared NLO applications. Both LTT and LST crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnn2. The LTT crystal exhibits intense powder second‐order generation efficiency (26×KDP) under the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. First‐principles calculations and dipole moments were used to illustrate the results of the powder second‐harmonic generations based on the crystal structures. Our results provide a novel oxide NLO crystal with a strong SHG and wide transparency range. They also pave a way for the design of new oxide mid‐IR NLO crystals.
Characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose from nata de coco: Hydrochloric acid versus maleic acid hydrolysis
Authors: Nurhadi Bambang , Angeline Angeline , Sukri Nandi , Masruchin Nanang , Arifin Heni Radiani , Saputra Rudy Adi
Published: August 2021

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a modification of natural cellulose derived from plants or fermentation products such as nata de coco, by increasing the crystallinity, aspect ratio, surface area, dispersion, and biodegradability through the acid hydrolysis process, which is widely used in the food sector and pharmaceuticals. The variables of the methods and hydrolysis reagents used will affect the characteristics of MCC. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of MCC from nata de coco using different acids consisting of two treatments which are hydrolysis with 2.5 N hydrochloric acid (MCCHCl) and 62.5 wt% maleic acids (MCCMA). The results showed that the use of different hydrolysis reagents produced different MCC characteristics. Hydrolysis of cellulose with hydrochloric acid produced MCC with a higher crystallinity index, degradation temperature, particle size, and zeta potential value but the decomposition temperature was lower than that of MCC from maleic acid. Both MCC have a narrow particle size distribution and an irregular shape with a more uneven fiber surface texture of the MCCMA and contain CO and CC groups that are not present in MCCHCl. The viscosity of MCCHCl combined with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 12% was higher than that of MCCMA under the same conditions, where the addition of both MCC with a concentration of 5% into the oil‐in‐water emulsion (O/W) showed good stability for 3 months, but at a concentration of 1.5% showed with creaming in the O/W emulsion with MCCHCl and no O/W emulsion was formed with MCCMA. Both MCC without the addition of CMC showed better characteristics than commercial MCC.
The real and ideal experiences of what culturally competent counselling or psychotherapy service provision means to lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Authors: Bishop Joshua , Crisp Dimity , Scholz Brett
Published: August 2021

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people report greater dissatisfaction with counselling and psychotherapy services than their heterosexual counterparts. Greater dissatisfaction with these services may result from experiences of microaggressions resulting from a lack of service provider cultural competence. The present study aimed to investigate what culturally competent provision of service means to LGB people through understanding their actual and ideal experience of accessing a counsellor or psychologist. Twenty‐one LGB participants responded to six literature‐driven questions in a semi‐structured interview format regarding their actual and ideal experiences of accessing a counsellor or psychologist. Two themes were developed from the results: the importance of creating a safe space, and modifiable and non‐modifiable service provider traits. LGB participants discussed being more willing to disclose and discuss their sexual orientation in services that created a safe space. LGB participants perceived counsellors and psychologists as more culturally competent if they demonstrated: inclusive intention, awareness of heteronormativity, knowledge about issues impacting LGB people and openness to diversity. Counsellors and psychologists who were younger or LGB were perceived by LGB participants to be more culturally competent. Based on the results, recommendations for counsellors and psychotherapists include recognition of the importance of creating a safe space and demonstrating affirming care to LGB people.
Xylose‐Configured Cyclophellitols as Selective Inhibitors for Glucocerebrosidase
Authors: Su Qin , Schröder Sybrin P. , Lelieveld Lindsey T. , Ferraz Maria J. , Verhoek Marri , Boot Rolf G. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , Artola Marta , Kuo Chi‐Lin
Published: August 2021

Glucocerebrosidase (GBA), a lysosomal retaining β‐d‐glucosidase, has recently been shown to hydrolyze β‐d‐xylosides and to transxylosylate cholesterol. Genetic defects in GBA cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease (GD), and also constitute a risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. GBA and other retaining glycosidases can be selectively visualized by activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) using fluorescent probes composed of a cyclophellitol scaffold having a configuration tailored to the targeted glycosidase family. GBA processes β‐d‐xylosides in addition to β‐d‐glucosides, this in contrast to the other two mammalian cellular retaining β‐d‐glucosidases, GBA2 and GBA3. Here we show that the xylopyranose preference also holds up for covalent inhibitors: xylose‐configured cyclophellitol and cyclophellitol aziridines selectively react with GBA over GBA2 and GBA3 in vitro and in vivo, and that the xylose‐configured cyclophellitol is more potent and more selective for GBA than the classical GBA inhibitor, conduritol B‐epoxide (CBE). Both xylose‐configured cyclophellitol and cyclophellitol aziridine cause accumulation of glucosylsphingosine in zebrafish embryo, a characteristic hallmark of GD, and we conclude that these compounds are well suited for creating such chemically induced GD models.
FOXO1 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation via suppressing E2F1 activated NPRL2 expression
Authors: Tang Yu , Jiang Li , Zhao Xin , Hu Daixing , Zhao Guozhi , Luo Shengjun , Du Xiaoyi , Tang Wei
Published: August 2021

Previous studies in our lab suggest that nitrogen permease regulator 2‐like (NPRL2) upregulation in prostate cancer is associated with malignant behavior and poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of NPRL2 dysregulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the transcription factors (TFs) contributing to NPRL2 dysregulation in prostate cancer. Potential TFs were identified using prostate tissue/cell‐specific chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐seq data collected in the Cistrome Data Browser and Signaling Pathways Project. Dual‐luciferase assay and ChIP‐qPCR assay were conducted to assess the binding and activating effect of TFs on the gene promoter. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. Results showed that E2F1 is a TF that bound to the NPRL2 promoter and activated its transcription. NPRL2 inhibition significantly alleviated E2F1 enhanced cell proliferation. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that E2F1 upregulation was associated with unfavorable progression‐free survival and disease‐specific survival. FOXO1 interacted and E2F1 in both PC3 and LNCaP cells and weakened the binding of E2F1 to the NPRL2 promoter. Functionally, FOXO1 overexpression significantly slowed the proliferation of PC3 and LNCaP cells and also decreased E2F1 enhanced cell proliferation. In summary, this study revealed a novel FOXO1/E2F1‐NPRL2 regulatory axis in prostate cancer. E2F1 binds to the NPRL2 promoter and activates its transcription, while FOXO1 interacts with E2F1 and weakens its transcriptional activating effects. These findings help expand our understanding of the prostate cancer etiology and suggest that the FOXO1/E2F1‐NPRL2 signaling axis might be a potential target.
Nanoparticles for Triple Drug Release for Combined Chemo‐ and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Martínez‐Edo Gabriel , Xue Evelyn Y. , Ha Summer Y. Y. , Pontón Iris , González‐Delgado José Antonio , Borrós Salvador , Torres Tomás , Ng Dennis K. P. , Sánchez‐García David
Published: August 2021

A pH‐responsive drug delivery system (DDS) based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) has been prepared for the delivery of three anticancer drugs with different modes of action. The novelty of this system is its ability to combine synergistic chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. A photoactive conjugate of a phthalocyanine (Pc) and a topoisomerase I inhibitor (topo‐I), namely camptothecin (CPT), linked by a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain has been synthesized and then loaded into the mesopores of MSNs. Doxorubicin (DOX), which is a topoisomerase II inhibitor (topo‐II), has also been covalently anchored to the outer surface of the MSNs through a dihydrazide PEG linker. In the acidic environment of tumor cells, selective release of the three drugs takes place. In vitro studies have demonstrated the endocytosis of the system into HeLa and HepG2 cells, and the subsequent release of the three drugs into the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of DOX, CPT and Pc has been assessed in vitro before and upon light irradiation.
Multistimuli‐Responsive [3]Dioxaphosphaferrocenophanes with Orthogonal Switches
Authors: Birenheide Bernhard S. , Krämer Felix , Bayer Lea , Mehlmann Paul , Dielmann Fabian , Breher Frank
Published: August 2021

Novel multistimuli‐responsive phosphine ligands comprising a redox‐active [3]dioxaphosphaferrocenophane backbone and a P‐bound imidazolin‐2‐ylidenamino entity that allows switching by protonation are reported. Investigation of the corresponding metal complexes and their redox behaviour are reported and show the sensitivity of the system towards protonation and metal coordination. The experimental findings are supported by DFT calculations. Protonation and oxidation events are applied in Rh‐catalysed hydrosilylations and demonstrate a remarkable influence on reactivity and/or selectivity.
Metathesis of P=C Bonds Catalyzed by N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Han Zeyu , Gates Derek P.
Published: August 2021

The catalytic metathesis of C=C bonds is a textbook reaction that has no parallel in the widely studied area of multiple bonds involving heavier p‐block elements. A high‐yielding P=C bond metathesis of phosphaalkenes (ArP=CPh2, Ar=Mes, o‐Tol, Ph) has been discovered that is catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC=Me2IMe, Me2IiPr). The products are cyclic oligomers formally derived from ArP=PAr [i. e. cyclo‐(ArP)n; n=3, 4, 5, 6] and Ph2C=CPh2. Preliminary mechanistic studies of this remarkable transformation have established NHC=PAr (Ar=Mes, o‐Tol, Ph) as key phosphinidene transfer agents. In addition, novel cyclic intermediates, such as, cyclo‐(ArP)2CPh2 and cyclo‐(ArP)4CPh2 have also been observed. This work represents a rare application of non‐metal‐based catalysts for transformations involving main‐group elements.
Steering Scholl Oxidative Heterocoupling by Tuning Topology and Electronics for Building Thiananographenes and Their Functional N−/C−Congeners
Authors: Maddala Sudhakar , Panua Anirban , Venkatakrishnan Parthasarathy
Published: August 2021

While intramolecular Scholl oxidative coupling between two arenes is common, successful C−C heterocoupling between thiophene and arene is scarce. The latter is due to the notorious reactivity of thiophene towards polymerization under oxidative conditions. This report systematically demonstrates how topological variation of electronics and reactivity in thiophene substrates can lead to efficient oxidative heterocoupling. Bis(biaryl)thiophenes having reactive α‐ and β‐positions open are the choice of substrates. The cyclizing arene partners are so electronically tuned for thiophene's reactivity (at α‐ and β‐) as to establish C−C bond oxidatively generating symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical diphenanthrothiophenes which are basic thiananographenes. Depending on the cyclizing‐couple's electronics, either arene‐ or thiophene‐centered oxidation initiates C−C heterocoupling. The potential utility of these simple thiananographenes is further unfurled by converting them to functional N−/C‐graphene segments that are aza‐corannulene precursor and tetrabenzospirobifluorene. Their bright emission and extended electrochemical stability are remarkable that may be potentially important and applicable.
Exploration of Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines as Membrane‐Bound Pyrophosphatase Inhibitors
Authors: Johansson Niklas G. , Dreano Loïc , Vidilaseris Keni , Khattab Ayman , Liu Jianing , Lasbleiz Arthur , Ribeiro Orquidea , Kiriazis Alexandros , Boije af Gennäs Gustav , Meri Seppo , Goldman Adrian , Yli‐Kauhaluoma Jari , Xhaard Henri
Published: August 2021

Inhibition of membrane‐bound pyrophosphatase (mPPase) with small molecules offer a new approach in the fight against pathogenic protozoan parasites. mPPases are absent in humans, but essential for many protists as they couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis to the active transport of protons or sodium ions across acidocalcisomal membranes. So far, only few nonphosphorus inhibitors have been reported. Here, we explore the chemical space around previous hits using a combination of screening and synthetic medicinal chemistry, identifying compounds with low micromolar inhibitory activities in the Thermotoga maritima mPPase test system. We furthermore provide early structure‐activity relationships around a new scaffold having a pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine core. The most promising pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine congener was further investigated and found to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum mPPase in membranes as well as the growth of P. falciparum in an ex vivo survival assay.
Characterizing head and neck cancer survivors' discontinuation of survivorship care
Authors: Seaman Aaron T. , Seligman Kristen L. , Nguyen Khanh K. , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Kendell Nicholas D. , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Little is known about cancer survivors who discontinue survivorship care. The objective of this study was to characterize patients with head and neck cancer who discontinue survivorship care with their treating institution and identify factors associated with discontinuation.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, who received cancer‐directed therapy at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Eligible patients achieved a cancer‐free status after curative‐intent treatment and made at least 1 visit 90+ days after treatment completion. The primary outcome was discontinuation of survivorship care, which was defined as a still living survivor who had not returned to a UIHC cancer clinic for twice the expected interval. Demographic and oncologic factors were examined to identify associations with discontinuation.

Results

Ninety‐seven of the 426 eligible patients (22.8%) discontinued survivorship care at UIHC during the study period. The mean time in follow‐up for those who discontinued treatment was 15.4 months. Factors associated with discontinuation of care included an unmarried status (P = .036), a longer driving distance to the facility (P = .0031), and a single‐modality cancer treatment (P < .0001). Rurality was not associated with discontinuation (24.3% vs 21.6% for urban residence; P = .52), nor was age, gender, or payor status.

Conclusions

The study results indicate that a sizeable percentage of head and neck cancer survivors discontinue care with their treating institution. Both demographic and oncologic factors were associated with discontinuation at the treating institution, and this points to potential clinical and care delivery interventions.
Accelerating Hydrogen Evolution by Anodic Electrosynthesis of Value‐Added Chemicals in Water over Non‐Precious Metal Electrocatalysts
Authors: Xiang Ming , Wang Nenghuan , Xu Zhihua , Zhang Han , Yan Zhaoxiong
Published: August 2021

Integrating electrolytic hydrogen production from water with thermodynamically more favorable aqueous organic oxidation reactions is highly desired, because it can enhance the energy conversion efficiency in relation to traditional water electrolysis, and produce value‐added chemicals instead of oxygen at the anode. In this Minireview, we introduce some key considerations for anodic auxiliary electrosynthesis and outline three types of electrocatalytic organic reactions including biomass derivative, alcohol and amine oxidation reactions, which can boost cathodic hydrogen generation. Furthermore, frequently used noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts are classified into nickel‐based, cobalt‐based, other transition‐metal‐based and bimetallic electrocatalysts. The preparation methods of these catalysts and their performance towards electrochemical oxidation reactions are also discussed in detail. We specifically highlight the importance of redox active sites on the surface of the electrocatalysts, which act as electron mediators to promote oxidation reactions. Finally, the current challenges and future developments in this emerging field are also discussed.
Multicomponent Pharmaceutical Adducts of Azoxystrobin: Physicochemical Properties, Thermodynamic, and Molecular Modeling Study
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Ping , Ren Guo‐Bin , Qi Ming‐Hui , Li Zhong , Xu Xiao‐Yong
Published: August 2021

Eutectics have invoked enormous interests as an inexpensive and greener excipient with promising applications. In this study, eutectics of azoxystrobin (AZO) with fludioxonil (FDO), adipic acid (AA), succinimide (SIM), and 2‐imidazolidinone (IMD) are prepared by rotary evaporation in order to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of AZO. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X‐ray diffraction are used to distinguish eutectics. Interestingly, AZO forms form 2 at first and then forms eutectic at stoichiometric ratios of 7:3, 7:3/8:2, 7:3, and 6:4 with FDO, AA, IMD, and SIM, respectively. Compared with AZO, the solubility and dissolution rate of these four eutectics in water are improved. The molecular dynamics simulations between AZO and coformer molecules indicate that homologous hydrogen bonds are formed of conformer–coformer, which may lead to the formation of eutectic regions. Meanwhile, the interaction energies between AZO and coformers in these possible system boxes of the four eutectics are calculated. The results indicate that the interaction energy in AZO–FDO is greater than that in AZO–AA, AZO–SIM, and AZO–IMD.
Spatial Frameworks to Support Agronomic Innovation
Authors: Cassman Kenneth G. , Grassini Patricio , Rattalino Edreira Juan I.
Published: August 2021

U.S. crop producers are faced with increasing challenges to maintain productivity growth and profit while also addressing environmental concerns about nutrient losses and climate change. Because progressive producers must optimize a large number of strategic and tactical crop and soil management decisions, conventional, replicated field experiment designs with two or three management treatment factors are not up to the task. It is therefore important to utilize crop performance evaluation methods that more efficiently identify those management factors with greatest impact on yield and input requirements, and their interactions with other management practices, across the wide range of soil and climates that comprise our major crop‐producing regions. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3iURzWv. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Multi‐trait selection of bread wheat ideotypes for adaptation to early sown condition
Authors: Farhad Md , Tripathi Shashi Bhushan , Singh Ravi Prakash , Joshi Arun Kumar , Bhati Pradeep Kumar , Vishwakarma Manish Kumar , Mondal Suchismita , Malik Anoop Anand , Kumar Uttam
Published: August 2021

Genotypes developed for a particular mega‐environment or management condition may not suit different management or specific local environments. Planting earlier than the recommended planting time is currently a new avenue to improve genotypic performance, supporting horizontal yield increases in the region when winter is shortening. In India, wheat growers are looking at early planting because it can use residual soil moisture from monsoons and escape terminal heat stress. A best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)‐based multi‐environmental stability analysis was conducted on three sets of genotypes across three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019) under early and timely planting dates to identify genotypes for further breeding. A number of traits were studied: phenological (early ground cover, days to booting [DTB], days to heading, days to maturity [DAYSMT], boosting to heading days [BTH], and grain filling duration [GFD]), plant stature (plant height, height up to spike base, and spike length [SpkLng]), flag leaf (flag leaf length, flag leaf width, and flag leaf area [FLGLFA]), and yield traits (thousand grain weight [TGW] and grain yield). A significant genotypic effect was observed for all traits in the single environment analysis. A genotype–environment interaction (GEI) was observed in the mixed‐effect model, except for FLGLFA in Season 2 and SpkLng in Season 3. Residual components of variation were found to increase under early planting for all studied traits due to exposure of genotypes to early heat and a prolonged growing period. A higher GEI was observed in dissected phenological events such as BTH and GFD. Among phenological traits, it was found that DTB, GFD, and DAYSMT were strongly supporting selection gain throughout all seasons under early planting. The genotypes with a more extended vegetative period and grain filling period tended to have higher grain yield and TGW under early planting.
Resilience of terrestrial and aquatic fauna to historical and future wildfire regimes in western North America
Authors: Jager Henriette I. , Long Jonathan W. , Malison Rachel L. , Murphy Brendan P. , Rust Ashley , Silva Luiz G. M. , Sollmann Rahel , Steel Zachary L. , Bowen Mark D. , Dunham Jason B. , Ebersole Joseph L. , Flitcroft Rebecca L.
Published: August 2021

Wildfires in many western North American forests are becoming more frequent, larger, and severe, with changed seasonal patterns. In response, coniferous forest ecosystems will transition toward dominance by fire‐adapted hardwoods, shrubs, meadows, and grasslands, which may benefit some faunal communities, but not others. We describe factors that limit and promote faunal resilience to shifting wildfire regimes for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We highlight the potential value of interspersed nonforest patches to terrestrial wildlife. Similarly, we review watershed thresholds and factors that control the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to wildfire, mediated by thermal changes and chemical, debris, and sediment loadings. We present a 2‐dimensional life history framework to describe temporal and spatial life history traits that species use to resist wildfire effects or to recover after wildfire disturbance at a metapopulation scale. The role of fire refuge is explored for metapopulations of species. In aquatic systems, recovery of assemblages postfire may be faster for smaller fires where unburned tributary basins or instream structures provide refuge from debris and sediment flows. We envision that more‐frequent, lower‐severity fires will favor opportunistic species and that less‐frequent high‐severity fires will favor better competitors. Along the spatial dimension, we hypothesize that fire regimes that are predictable and generate burned patches in close proximity to refuge will favor species that move to refuges and later recolonize, whereas fire regimes that tend to generate less‐severely burned patches may favor species that shelter in place. Looking beyond the trees to forest fauna, we consider mitigation options to enhance resilience and buy time for species facing a no‐analog future.
Phylogeny, body morphology, and trophic level shape intestinal traits in coral reef fishes
Authors: Ghilardi Mattia , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Casey Jordan M. , Brandl Simon J. , Degregori Samuel , Mercière Alexandre , Morat Fabien , Letourneur Yves , Bejarano Sonia , Parravicini Valeriano
Published: August 2021

Trait‐based approaches are increasingly used to study species assemblages and understand ecosystem functioning. The strength of these approaches lies in the appropriate choice of functional traits that relate to the functions of interest. However, trait–function relationships are often supported by weak empirical evidence.

Processes related to digestion and nutrient assimilation are particularly challenging to integrate into trait‐based approaches. In fishes, intestinal length is commonly used to describe these functions. Although there is broad consensus concerning the relationship between fish intestinal length and diet, evolutionary and environmental forces have shaped a diversity of intestinal morphologies that is not captured by length alone.

Focusing on coral reef fishes, we investigate how evolutionary history and ecology shape intestinal morphology. Using a large dataset encompassing 142 species across 31 families collected in French Polynesia, we test how phylogeny, body morphology, and diet relate to three intestinal morphological traits: intestinal length, diameter, and surface area.

We demonstrate that phylogeny, body morphology, and trophic level explain most of the interspecific variability in fish intestinal morphology. Despite the high degree of phylogenetic conservatism, taxonomically unrelated herbivorous fishes exhibit similar intestinal morphology due to adaptive convergent evolution. Furthermore, we show that stomachless, durophagous species have the widest intestines to compensate for the lack of a stomach and allow passage of relatively large undigested food particles.

Rather than traditionally applied metrics of intestinal length, intestinal surface area may be the most appropriate trait to characterize intestinal morphology in functional studies.
Community species diversity mediates the trade‐off between aboveground and belowground biomass for grasses and forbs in degraded alpine meadow, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhou Tiancai , Sun Jian , Zong Ning , Hou Ge , Shi Peili
Published: August 2021

Although many empirical experiments have shown that increasing degradation results in lower aboveground biomass (AGB), our knowledge of the magnitude of belowground biomass (BGB) for individual plants is a prerequisite for accurately revealing the biomass trade‐off in degraded grasslands. Here, by linking the AGB and BGB of individual plants, species in the community, and soil properties, we explored the biomass partitioning patterns in different plant functional groups (grasses of Stipa capillacea and forbs of Anaphalis xylorhiza). Our results indicated that 81% and 60% of the biomass trade‐off variations could be explained by environmental factors affecting grasses and forbs, respectively. The change in community species diversity dominated the biomass trade‐off via either direct or indirect effects on soil properties and biomass. However, the community species diversity imparted divergent effects on the biomass trade‐off for grasses (scored at −0.72) and forbs (scored at 0.59). Our findings suggest that plant communities have evolved two contrasting strategies of biomass allocation patterns in degraded grasslands. These are the “conservative” strategy in grasses, in which plants with larger BGB trade‐off depends on gigantic roots for soil resources, and the “opportunistic” strategy in forbs, in which plants can adapt to degraded lands using high variation and optimal biomass allocation.
Age‐dependent patterns of spatial autocorrelation in fish populations
Authors: Marquez Jonatan F. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Aanes Sondre , Engen Steinar , Salthaug Are , Lee Aline Magdalena
Published: August 2021

The degree of spatial autocorrelation in population fluctuations increases with dispersal and geographical covariation in the environment, and decreases with strength of density dependence. Because the effects of these processes can vary throughout an individual’s lifespan, we studied how spatial autocorrelation in abundance changed with age in three marine fish species in the Barents Sea. We found large interspecific differences in age‐dependent patterns of spatial autocorrelation in density. Spatial autocorrelation increased with age in cod, the reverse trend was found in beaked redfish, while it remained constant among age classes in haddock. We also accounted for the average effect of local cohort dynamics, i.e. the expected local density of an age class given last year’s local density of the cohort, with the goal of disentangling spatial autocorrelation patterns acting on an age class from those formed during younger age classes and being carried over. We found that the spatial autocorrelation pattern of older age classes became increasingly determined by the distribution of the cohort during the previous year. Lastly, we found high degrees of autocorrelation over long distances for the three species, suggesting the presence of far‐reaching autocorrelating processes on these populations. We discuss how differences in the species’ life history strategies could cause the observed differences in age‐specific variation in spatial autocorrelation. As spatial autocorrelation can differ among age classes, our study indicates that fluctuations in age structure can influence the spatio‐temporal variation in abundance of marine fish populations.
Quantitative evaluation of the joint disease prevention and control policy in China using the difference‐in‐difference method
Authors: Qin Qin , Sun Youhai
Published: August 2021

Emergent infectious diseases represent a real threat to global health, but their harmful effects can be reduced by implementing appropriate response policies. According to the panel data of 10 provinces in Northern China from 2009 to 2018, the disease prevention and control policy jointly implemented in the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei region in 2013 was regarded as a ‘quasi‐natural experiment’. However, this policy has not yet been sufficiently evaluated. In this paper, we used the difference‐in‐difference method to quantitatively evaluate the net effects of applying the joint prevention and control policy against regional key notifiable infectious diseases. The results revealed that the joint disease prevention and control policy had a significant limiting effect and a time lag on the incidence rate of key infectious diseases. In conclusion, this policy is beneficial to the effective prevention and control of infectious diseases, which provides supporting evidence to interpret and improve the joint disease prevention and control mechanisms.
High spatial‐resolution monitoring to investigate nitrate export and its drivers in a mesoscale river catchment along an anthropogenic land‐cover gradient
Authors: Bujak Izabela , Müller Christin , Merz Ralf , Knöller Kay
Published: August 2021

Nitrate monitoring is commonly conducted with low‐spatial resolution, only at the outlet or at a small number of selected locations. As a result, the information about spatial variations in nitrate export and its drivers is scarce. In this study, we present results of high‐spatial resolution monitoring conducted between 2012 and 2017 in 65 sub‐catchments in an Alpine mesoscale river catchment characterized by a land‐use gradient. We combined stable isotope techniques with Bayesian mixing models and geostatistical methods to investigate nitrate export and its main drivers, namely, microbial N turnover processes, land use and hydrological conditions. In the investigated sub‐catchments, mean values of NO3− concentrations and its isotope signatures (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3) varied from 2.6 to 26.7 mg L−1, from −1.3‰ to 13.1‰, and from −0.4‰ to 10.1‰, respectively. In this study, land use was an important driver for nitrate export. Very strong and strong positive correlations were found between percentages of agricultural land cover and δ15NNO3, and NO3− concentration, respectively. Mean proportional contributions of NO3− sources varied spatially and seasonally, and followed land‐use patterns. The mean contribution of manure and sewage was much higher in the catchments characterized by a high percentage of agricultural and urban land cover comparing to forested sub‐catchments. Specific NO3− loads were strongly correlated with specific discharge and moderately correlated with NO3− concentrations. The nitrate isotope and concentration analysis results suggest that nitrate from external sources is stored and accumulated in soil storage pools. Nitrification of reduced nitrogen species in those pools plays the most important role for the N‐dynamics in the Erlauf river catchment. Consequently, nitrification of reduced N sources was the main nitrate source except for a number of sub‐catchments dominated by agricultural land use. In the Erlauf catchment, denitrification plays only a minor role in controlling NO3− export on a regional scale.
The importance of ethnicity: Are breast cancer polygenic risk scores ready for women who are not of White European origin?
Authors: Evans D. Gareth , van Veen Elke M. , Byers Helen , Roberts Eleanor , Howell Anthony , Howell Sacha J. , Harkness Elaine F. , Brentnall Adam , Cuzick Jack , Newman William G.
Published: August 2021

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for disease risk stratification show great promise for application in general populations, but most are based on data from individuals of White European origin. We assessed two well validated PRS (SNP18, SNP143) in the Predicting‐Risk‐of‐Cancer‐At‐Screening (PROCAS) study in North‐West England for breast cancer prediction based on ethnicity. Overall, 9475 women without breast cancer at study entry, including 645 who subsequently developed invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ provided DNA. All were genotyped for SNP18 and a subset of 1868 controls were genotyped for SNP143. For White Europeans both PRS discriminated well between individuals with and without cancer. For n = 395 Black (n = 112), Asian (n = 119), mixed (n = 44) or Jewish (n = 120) women without cancer both PRS overestimated breast cancer risk, being most marked for women of Black and Jewish origin (P < .001). SNP143 resulted in a potential mean 40% breast cancer risk overestimation in the combined group of non‐White/non‐European origin. SNP‐PRS that has been normalized based on White European ethnicity for breast cancer should not be used to predict risk in women of other ethnicities. There is an urgent need to develop PRS specific for other ethnicities, in order to widen access of this technology.
Emerging psychotherapeutic approaches to addressing self‐experience in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Cheli Simone , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: August 2021

Growing awareness that many who are diagnosed with schizophrenia recover has spurred the development of new psychosocial approaches to treatment. These new approaches include forms of individual and group psychotherapy whose focus extends beyond reducing symptoms and improving skills to subjective outcomes related to sense of self. This paper introduces an issue of In Session which presents six case reports which illustrating these approaches in differing international contexts. First, we explore the larger issues of subjective outcomes from schizophrenia. We then discuss each of the papers separately along with implications of these papers as a group for how treatment might promote the recapturing of a sense of self or place in the world.
Nutrition in cancer therapy: Overview for the cancer patient
Authors: Chapek Michael A. , Martindale Robert G.
Published: August 2021

Despite significant advances in oncologic treatment, cancer‐associated metabolic derangements largely remain poorly understood and are often neglected in cancer care. Cancer cachexia and metabolic changes exhibited by neoplastic cells pose formidable barriers to improving outcomes and quality of life. Although cancer has traditionally been viewed as a proliferative disease caused by genetic mutations, newer perspectives suggest that it is primarily a metabolic disease. This paper discusses the etiology of cachexia and sarcopenia and nutrition interventions that can address these wasting disorders. The role of inflammation in cancer and the methods for preventing and resolving inflammation with nutrition intervention are also explored. Several nutrition recommendations aimed at overcoming cachexia, resolving inflammation, and improving cancer outcomes are provided based on current literature. This manuscript selected only a few areas on which to focus and is not all‐inclusive of the expansive literature available on the topic of cachexia.
Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles inhibit the invasion of Fusobacterium nucleatum into oral epithelial cells by downregulating FadA and FomA
Authors: Zhang Zhiying , Liu Sai , Zhang Shuwei , Li Yuchao , Shi Xiaoting , Liu Dongjuan , Pan Yaping
Published: August 2021

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) participate in the formation and progression of periodontitis. They can exert virulence by invading into host cells, but the interaction between them and their specific mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of P. gingivalis outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) on the ability of F. nucleatum to invade oral epithelial cells, and the reasons for the influence.

Methods

The invasion abilities of the two bacteria were detected separately after mixed infection of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. Next, P. gingivalis OMVs were extracted with the kit, and their influence on the invasion ability of F. nucleatum was tested. The effects of P. gingivalis OMVs on F. nucleatum were evaluated by assessment of bacterial morphology, growth curves, auto‐aggregation morphology, and the expression of adhesion‐related proteins FadA and FomA.

Results

Our results showed that P. gingivalis inhibited the invasion of F. nucleatum into oral epithelial cells but F. nucleatum promoted the invasion of P. gingivalis. In subsequent experiments, we extracted P. gingivalis OMVs successfully and revealed that proteases in P. gingivalis OMVs inhibited the invasion of F. nucleatum into oral epithelial cells. Furthermore, P. gingivalis OMVs did not affect the morphology and proliferation of F. nucleatum, but proteases inside decreased the auto‐aggregation of F. nucleatum. Additionally, proteases in P. gingivalis OMVs reduced the expression levels of F. nucleatum surface adhesion‐related proteins FadA and FomA.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that proteases in P. gingivalis OMVs inhibited the invasion of F. nucleatum into oral epithelial cells by downregulating FadA and FomA.